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P17

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3153

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

PRICE

Amendment to Integrity Commission Act dangerous – Opposition Leader

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Vehicle P2 mysteriously explodes on ECD

Page 3

…says decision to remove persons from public office may soon be politically motivated

Govt recommends suspension of parking meter contract Page 15

Body on seashore identified as Perseverance man Page 2

Commonwealth Day 2017

Make subject of Commonwealth discussions relevant – panellists warn

GAWU pays homage to Rose Hall Martyrs P13

…says Estate occupies a special place in nation’s sugar industry

CJIA expansion project

Govt meets with rejected local stone suppliers P17

2012 fatal stabbing

Diamond man pleads guilty to P10 manslaughter

– sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment

Page 11 The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Guyana Branch commemorated Commonwealth Day 2017 by hosting a panel discussion at the Umana Yana on Tuesday, under the theme “A Peace-Building Commonwealth”. Members of Government and representatives of the diplomatic corps, Parliament and the University of Guyana made up the panel

ANSA McAL sole sourcing

Govt accused of bypassing tender boards over unfavourablePage 7 results

SOCU arrests

Page 14

Jagdeo calls for probe into ‘wine sipping’ celebration

Smuggled AK-47

Corporal P2 remanded for illegal firearm, ammo possession

2 news

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Smuggled AK-47

Body found on seashore Corporal remanded for illegal firearm, ammo possession identified as Perseverance man A

rank of the Guyana Police Force who had attempted to smuggle a firearm out of the Tactical Services Unit compound on February 28, 2017 was charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition when he faced the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

The charge stated that on the day in question at Kingston, Georgetown, 36-year-old Shavon Marks was in possession of one AK47 firearm and 40 live rounds of ammunition, without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones related that Police

Accused: Corporal Shavon Marks

had received reports to the effect that the accused was planning to sell a firearm,

upon which a sting operation was set up by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Marks was reportedly observed placing the weapon in the back of a motor vehicle, after which it drove away.

The vehicle was followed and subsequently intercepted by Police Officers who cautioned and arrested the driver. He was later charged with the offence.

Defence Attorney Bernard De Santos, SC, argued that the weapon was not found in his client’s possession. He slammed the investigation as being the worst of its kind, making reference to recent newspa-

per publications which announced that his client had fled the country. He added that his client was instead given two weeks’ leave and had voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities contrary to Police facts.

Bail was denied by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who failed to find special circumstances arising in the matter. The prosecution’s file was disclosed as being incomplete owing to an outstanding ballistics report and the matter was adjourned to March 22, 2017.

Marks will remain incarcerated at the Camp Street prison until the next court hearing.

Somalian fined, deported for presenting false passport

A

Somalian national was arraigned before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday morning and slapped with a $100,000 fine by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly presenting false documents to a Police Constable.

Abraham Sheik Mohammed admitted to the charge which stated that he, on

March 9, 2017 at Lethem, with intent to defraud, uttered to an Immigration Officer a forged United Kingdom of Great Britain passport in the name of Steven Rhimestone, bearing a photograph of Rhimestone.

The Magistrate fined him the sum of $100,000 and ordered that he be escorted to the nearest port of exit upon the payment of the fine, or serve an alternative of a four

months in jail.

The court heard that Mohammed entered the country by crossing the GuyanaBrazil border upon which he presented the said document to the Police rank. The passport was suspected to be stolen and the man was detained at Lethem; checks made with INTERPOL confirmed the suspicions and the foreigner was charged with the offence.

T

he body discovered on Monday morning on the Johanna Cecilia seashore, Essequibo Coast has been identified as that of Deenanauth Jagdeo, aka Navin, a guard of Perseverance village.

The body of the 40-yearold was positively identified by his father, Jagdeo Bajaimal, on Tuesday at the Suddie mortuary. The father informed the Police that his son was last seen on March 11 when he left to go guard a boat on the Cullen beach. Bajaimal was able to positively identify the body based on a birthmark on the

man’s waist; his body bore two birthmarks. The body is presently at the Suddie mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Residents reportedly spotted the naked body and immediately contacted the Police on Monday. When Police arrived at the scene, they cordoned off the area and started their investigations. Several persons in the area were questioned, but they claimed that they did not hear any unusual sound or see any unusual movement prior to the discovery of the body. Police are continuing their investigations.

Vehicle mysteriously explodes on ECD

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n what was described as “puzzling” and “peculiar” circumstances, a motor car suddenly burst into flames on the Rupert Craig Highway, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday.

Reports reaching this publication indicated that the fire occurred some time after 14:00h.

Firefighters reacted promptly and succeeded in dousing the blaze.

It is believed that a significant amount of smoke

emanated from the motor car, PLL 6429, but before anyone could react, the vehicle burst into flames and was quickly engulfed.

Guyana Times understands that no one was inside or near the car at the time of the explosion, and the vehicle was completely destroyed. The owner of the car has not yet been identified; efforts were made by this publication to gather additional information; however, the matter was not reported to the Police.

news

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

DWednesday, March 15 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, March 16 – 05:00h- 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, March 15 – 06:15h-07:45h and Thursday, March 16 – 06:40h-08:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunny weather prevailing in the later afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tides: 06:05h and 18:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.73 metres and 2.69 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 11:59h reaching a minimum height of 0.47 metre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

02 03 09

13 16 25

14 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 05 09 10 21 25 LUCKY 3

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08 10 11 12 15 19 21 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

Amendment to Integrity Commission Act dangerous – Opposition Leader

…says decision to remove persons from public office may soon be politically motivated

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unctions that reside with an independent body to remove public officials who act unprofessionally and/or unlawfully may soon lie in the hands of the Executive if Government has its way and passes its proposed amendment to the Integrity Commission Act. The proposed amendment, which was circulated by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, puts the enforcement powers in the hands of the President, David Granger where Government Ministers are in breach and in the hands of the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon in cases of other persons in public life, including elected Members of Parliament (MPs).

These observations were made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who noted that such a move would not only be dangerous but outright unconstitutional.

“So, just imagine, Harmon will now decide the fate of Members of Parliament, because persons in public life may be removed from office when s/he contravenes any of the provisions in this code,” he surmised, noting that it would be unconstitutional for a sitting minister to be empowered to remove an elected official in the National Assembly.

He argued, too, that both the President and Harmon were subject to the Integrity Commission Act and if they were responsible for enforcing provisions under it, then there would be a major conflict of interest.

“So, what they are doing now, moving it (power) from an independent body that the Executive should have no control over, because members of the Executive, including the President, have to submit their statements to this body and be overseen by this body and [it can] initiate prosecutorial actions against the President for breach. They are seeking now to amend that Act under the Code of Conduct, which is for not just Ministers but MPs and put the enforcement power, the ability to remove people from public life in the hands of the President and Minister of State,” he explained.

In this regard, Jagdeo said the parliamentary Opposition would reject the

mantle institutions that prevent corruption.

He alluded to the subversion of tender boards across the country, attempts to influence the courts by launching onslaughts on the Judiciary, among other moves.

Jagdeo also reminded that these same Ministers refused to support a motion to have all parliamentarians make certain submissions to the Integrity Commission.

He reminded too that Government has already disbanded the Commission by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

proposed amendment to the Integrity Commission Act. “We will oppose this amendment, because this amendment is another tool to seem as though they are doing something about a Code of Conduct for Ministers, to seem as though they are pursuing transparent, accountable lives, but, on the other hand, they are setting the basis for further witch-hunt and to come after PPP members,” he stated.

Jagdeo surmised that the Government Ministers only portrayed themselves as guardians of probity and paradigms of transparency and accountability while they quietly and insidiously dis-

President David Granger

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

sending home staff and taking possession of documents that belong with the constitutional body.

Furthermore, he contended that all Government Ministers should be in jail right now for numerous breaches of the Code of Conduct.

The Code stipulates that Ministers must declare all private interests relating to duties of public officials, demonstrate objectivity in executing business and make decisions based on merit and solely in the national interest without benefit or personal gain.

Jagdeo contended that the Code of Conduct was nothing but a farce as all of the Ministers were in breach of it.

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wednesDAY, march 15, 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

Investigate external interference

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n January of this year, the British Government claimed to have financed the return services of Dr Sam Sittlington to advise the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in a fiveweek stint. The Unit had already been enmeshed in a swirling controversy brought about when an operative, engaged in a cloak and dagger surveillance operation, segued into a hot pursuit that ended tragically when the operative and his wife – who was not supposed to be there – perished.

More generally, a raft of organisations and individuals expressed grave concerns about “mission creep” of the organisation that had been established in 2014 on the recommendation of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). It was specifically designated as a Police unit operating under the authority of the Police Commissioner but with a close relationship with the Financial Intelligence Unity (FIU), established under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. In the surveillance and chase operation, the subjects were not even later accused of violating those laws.

More recently, SOCU was involved in a very highly publicised operation in which former President Bharrat Jagdeo, six of his former Ministers and several other individuals who had purchased house lots at a new development at Sparendaam – dubbed “Pradoville 2” – were brought in to SOCU’s headquarters and arrested. The State-owned Chronicle blared in banner headlines, “Jagdeo hauled in” and several commentators saw the action as being politically motivated to embarrass and humiliate the Opposition Leader.

Even President Granger was forced to concede the matter could have been handled more appropriately.

But his comment precipitated concerns as to who exactly was behind the political move. When questioned, the two Police top-brass admitted they had no prior knowledge of the operation. However, the week before, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had boasted that arrests of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials in the “Pradoville” matter were imminent. Concerns were raised then about the Minister becoming involved in operational matters of the Police Force, something he is statutorily forbidden to do.

But Sittlington, putatively an “advisor” to SOCU, was also getting involved in operational matters. After his five-week stint was completed, on February 22, at a press conference at the British High Commission he commented about the domestic reaction to SOCU’s operational role: “Recently in the press we have all seen SOCU being kicked about like a political football.”

However, and possibly because no one objected to his intervention into local politics, during the last SOCU operation of interrogating and arresting Jagdeo and other Pradoville house lots purchasers two weeks later on March 7, Sillington was still very visible with the SOCU team. No one up to today has explained whether his contract was extended and who was paying for his very high priced charges.

In fact, Sittlington was more than just “visible”; he now took an overtly operational role to “explain” to reporters the reason for the Police specific action that Granger later decried: “This is a Police investigation, this is not a PPP investigation.

The Police dictate where they interview the suspects, not the individuals.” He also gave numbers of who were arrested and assured reporters there were more arrests pending.

The British High Commissioner later denied Sillington was exceeding his remit but later was caught in an unsavoury exchange when he also claimed Sittlington had not been “celebrating” with Ramjattan on the night of the publicised arrests that Ramjattan had predicted. But Ramjattan has now confessed that indeed he was and contradicted the British High Commissioner.

This newspaper believes Sam Sittlington and his British paymaster’s role in the operations of the already controversial SOCU is unacceptable; especially in light of our troubled history with external interferences into our domestic affairs, we call upon the Government to investigate this role and its cover-up. We also call upon the entire international community – the UN, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Caribbean Community, the diplomatic community to condemn this interference in our national sovereignty.

Thai mahouts take part in an elephant fighting demonstration during Thailand’s national elephant day celebration in the ancient city of Ayutthaya (Reuters)

SARU: Crossing the line between recovery and reprisal?

Dear Editor, The recent outburst of Major (Rtd) Aubrey HeathRetemeyer, CEO of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), is the latest example of the constant denouncing of groups and individuals who have expressed reservations about aspects of the SARU Bill. This behaviour reinforces an impression that the agency is not overly concerned about putting in place the impartial, broad-based national anti-corruption programme that Guyana so urgently requires.

Indeed, SARU’s constant and excessive allegations are fragmenting the broad national consensus on anti-corruption which contributed significantly to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition electoral victory. From what ought to be the easiest issue on which to generate formidable national support,

SARU has succeeded in politically polarising the society, as reflected in the heavy list of speakers that forced consideration of the SARU Bill to be postponed in the last session of Parliament.

SARU by these and related actions is succeeding in creating the impression that it seriously lacks the political judgment and skills needed to assure the success of the technical and legal aspects of its mandate.

The price of the evangelical animosity towards the major Opposition party employed by the head of SARU since its inception and taken up recently by its CEO will be counted in terms of constitutional reform, electoral issues and all matters that require cooperation of the major Opposition.

Major HeathRetemeyer’s criticism of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) in questioning “where the GHRA was when hundreds of young

men lost their lives with no steadfast commitment to pursue justice…” is a trite and quite misplaced response to the GHRA’s comments and criticisms of sections of the SARU Bill. For his information, while acknowledging the need for the nation to confront those deaths, the GHRA is at least on record at the time as having denounced them. Which prompts the question as to where the zealous Major and his military organisation were at that time. This new-found sensitivity to “the tears of parents and wives and children” stands in marked contrast to its silence when the deaths were generating the tears.

The GHRA collaborated closely in the early stages of setting up the SARU. This civil society organisation continues to fully support a vigorous anti-corruption programme, incorporating preventative measures as well as asset recovery and crimi-

nal action.

However, the anti-corruption drive is contaminated when corruption is effectively interpreted as beginning and ending with the last Administration.

Rehabilitating the impartiality of SARU will be an up-hill task, notwithstanding Major Heath-Retemeyer’s belated assurance that members of the current Administration suspected of corrupt acts would also be pursued.

There are many imaginative and indeed successful anti-corruption programmes in existence around the world. Guyana does not have to re-invent the wheel.

The common feature running through them is that while anti-corruption is a crowd-pleaser, it requires shrewd political skills to achieve.

Sincerely, Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association

White Paper or Hanoman’s scalpel?

Dear Editor, Reference is made to an article published on March 4, 2017, in another section of the media titled “Sugar’s future to be considered by National Assembly” which speaks to a “white paper” or plan for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to be presented to Parliament. Editor, this is pure political theatrics being displayed by Government because a plan for the Corporation is in implementation stage at this moment.

The plan being implemented

was formulated by GuySuCo’s CEO and fittingly nicknamed

by GuySuCo’s Chairman, the “Errol Hanoman’s scalpel”.

Essentially, it is to shrink GuySuCo to a produce of 150,000 tonnes sugar per annum, divest Skeldon and grow other crops and rear livestock at Wales, East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates. This is exactly what is being implemented at this moment and GuySuCo’s ceremonial Board of Directors is charged with monitoring the progress of the implementation of the plan.

From announcements made by GuySuCo, GAWU, Government and the Opposition, and from daily realities, it is confirmed that Hanoman’s scalpel is fully at work. His scalped has already sliced the livelihoods of 1700 employees and 850 cane farmers at Wales and is being sharpened to slit another 3500 to 4000 livelihoods at East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates. While my fellow citizens of Wales are faced with a survival crisis and a similar one looms for East Demerara

and Rose Hall, GuySuCo’s CEO pocked approximately $5.2 million per month in salary plus other benefits. In just 20 months of his management, GuySuCo’s CEO delivered to Government (1) lowest annual production in 25 years; (2) a high-cost executive team from the Jurassic era; (3) increased unemployment; (4) volatile industrial relations climate, (5) highest operational cost in recent times, and (6) an embarrassment for diversification at Wales. continues on page 5

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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

Public Health Minister National efforts needed to save the is looking for scapegoats sugar industry Dear Editor, The Government, led

by His Excellency David Granger, has a critical facilitating and enabling role to bring the relevant stakeholders together to arrive at national consensus to save the sugar industry. It requires commitment, political maturity on all sides, and leadership to forge a mutually agreed way forward. This may also be a confidence building measure for developing high political trust, which can motivate discussion on other pressing matters of concern in the national interest and contributing to national unity.

It is well-known that the sugar industry has survived and provided the livelihood, and contributed massively to the development of our country for centuries. The industry was built and cultivated by the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers, many martyrs during the degradation and inhumanity meted out to our forefathers of slavery and indentured labour. Today, it is still the largest employer of thousands of workers, and support tens of thousands of people who depend directly or indirectly on the in-

dustry for their livelihood, and supports viable communities in and around the various sugar estates, including cane farmers and suppliers of various inputs for the industry.

The contributions of the sugar industry to the national Treasury of foreign currencies over the years have been immense, and the industry is still a significant foreign currency earner. Many knowledgeable and experienced persons of the sugar industry are convinced that the industry can be saved and revived to profitability. This requires determination and the right decisions from the cultivation of sugar canes to producing sugar, and its potential for value added and other revenue earning ventures flowing from the sugar industry.

The industry has the capacity to increase its production by at least one hundred thousand tons (100,000) of sugar annually which can turn around the industry. Why has sugar production dropped to 183,491 tons of sugar in 2016 from 231,076 tons in 2015, from 216,186 tons in 2014? It is to be noted that the industry produced 332,457 in 1976, 156,690 in

White Paper...

In 2013, our Honourable Vice President and Minister of Public Security made these comments (KN, May 24, 2013) “It is time to turn the Board of GuySuCo on its head since it is clear they do not know what it takes to lead GuySuCo. The Alliance For Change demands the firing of the entire GuySuCo

Board forthwith. It is clear that the Board of Directors at GuySuCo has zero sympathy for the industry and the plight of the workers.

Among them are greedy and self-interested persons who believe that because they are friends of the People’s Progressive Party, they can live the high life off the sweat

1991; 243,010 tons in 1992, and 321,438 tons in 1999 and declining to the 2016 level. What are the critical agricultural causes for the progressive decline in sugar cane cultivation and sugar output from the factories?

The Commission of Inquiry report into the Guyana Sugar Corporation, October 2015, should be given serious consideration by the proposed national consultations on the way forward for this vital industry. Recent studies and the views and positions of various stakeholders should all be put on the table, and discussed to find a broad-based national consensus approach to restore the viability of the sugar industry.

In this centenary year of the end of indentureship, and continued existence of the sugar industry which employs thousands who continue to depend on earnings from the industry for their livelihood and that of their families and surrounding communities.

It would be a noble and prudent act to save and revitalise the sugar industry.

Yours faithfully, Samuel J Goolsarran

from page 4

of the poor man and abandon the one thing that would turnaround GuySuCo… good quality cane.” I now ask our Minister of Public Security, how does reality in 2017 aligns with his comments in 2013?

Yours truly, Sookram Persaud

Dear Editor, It is clear to everyone that this Government has officially conducted more questionable purchases of Drugs than they had accused the PPP of. For nearly two years now the MOPH has failed to build on the improvements made by the previous Government in strengthening the Supply Chain System of medicines and supplies nationwide.

What makes it more glaring, is the fact that they have established a Procurement Commission while the actions with regards to drug purchases has gotten worst. The recent so-called emergency purchase of drugs for GPHC at a whopping 605 Million, plus an additional 900 Million for other hospitals are only recent events of gross misconduct in the Procurement System.

We had the infamous bottom house bond being paid over 12 Million per month to store condoms

and a few other items. It is still unsure whether the items stored in that bond are even valued more than the rent itself. I remember clearly when Minister Lawrence took the opposition to that Sussex street bond late in the evening for inspection. This means that the Minister is acutely aware of the circumstances surrounding the corrupt behaviors but she still went ahead and approved 1.5 Billion of purchases without following the Procurement Act. Some say that Minister Lawrence is new to the role and she should be given some slack on this matter, but I say that’s a very expensive price for the tax payers. I would like to remind you that Minister Lawrence was the Chairwoman of the Public Accounts Committee for several years while the PPP was in power and she led an overly aggressive fight against the PPP led

Ministry of Health for what they called gross violations in the health procurement system. Now the violations she chastised the PPP for is nothing compare to what’s happening now.

But more interestingly, is the fact that this Minister has chosen to take lower level procurement staff and throw them to the fire that APNU started.

We must also take note of the large sums of tax payer’s money that is now being paid to foreign companies like Ansa Mcal, while Guyana is drained of foreign currencies. The people must realize sooner than later, that APNU is not a Government for the people but more a Government for foreign companies.

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins

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Foundation

The benefits of breastfeeding... for mothers …suckling heals the womb, wards off heart disease and protects against cancer

By Robert D Martin, PhD

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t is now widely accepted that breastfeeding a baby has advantages over bottle-feeding, notably for infant brain development.

Although evidence comes largely from epidemiological surveys and is hence mainly circumstantial, numerous studies have revealed small, but significant differences between breast-fed and bottle-fed babies. And there are many other advantages. But it has been far less widely reported that breast-feeding also has real health benefits for the mother. These range from more rapid recovery after birth through a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and on to a lower probability of certain cancers later in life.

Healing the womb

Breast-feeding helps to restore the mother’s general physical condition after birth, especially by ensuring faster recovery of the womb. It aids in reducing blood loss by increasing the tempo of womb contractions.

While breast-feeding an infant during the first few days after birth, women commonly experience after-pains in the womb. Starting out from this knowledge, Selina Chua and colleagues conducted tests on a small sample of eleven new mothers, who served as their own controls. Effects

of breast-feeding and nipple stimulation on womb activity were compared to baseline levels. Chua’s team found that the rate of womb contractions almost doubled during breast-feeding. The rate of contraction was also boosted to a lesser extent by nipple stimulation alone.

In developing countries, bleeding after birth is a major cause of maternal death, so this finding has important practical consequences. In fact, in a 1993 press release for World Breastfeeding Week the World Health Organisation stated that, if suitable medical supplies are lacking, breast-feeding or nipple stimulation may be safe, effective and economical means of reducing blood loss after birth.

Breast-feeding and cardiovascular disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women. It is, therefore, important that breast-feeding reportedly reduces the risk over the long term that mothers will suffer from blockages in the arteries of the heart and in the circulatory system generally (cardiovascular disease).

In 2015, a team led by Erica Gunderson reported on a similar study of breast-feeding in relation to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which is the main cause

of heart attacks, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Duration of breast-feeding was found to have an inverse relationship with carotid wall thickness that remained significant after excluding confounding effects.

Breast-feeding and cancer

Health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother extend far beyond a lower incidence of heart disease. They apparently include protection against certain cancers, notably breast cancer.

Reports from the 1920s suggested that human breasts that had never been used to feed an infant were more likely to become cancerous.

The take-home message

Let it be emphasised that the take-home message from the undeniable advantages of breast-feeding for both mothers and children is not that women should be pressurised to breastfeed at all costs.

It is that we should use the biological evidence to find practical ways of enabling women to cope with their reproductive history in ways that will maximise health benefits for

mothers and children alike.

For instance, in cases where mothers are unable to breastfeed for whatever reason, a key step is to ensure that the composition of milk formula is matched as closely as possible to the baby’s biological needs. As regards the health benefits of breast-feeding for mothers, the solution is by no means as obvious. But we should surely be conducting research to identify the mechanisms underlying those benefits and developing ways to replicate them in women who do not breastfeed. As a starting point, it is encouraging to know that long-term use of oral contraceptives certainly reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and may also lessen the risk of breast cancer. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

Let children learn to think for themselves

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very human at some point in his or her lives has loved learning. From the tender age of three or four, we go through this phase of questioning how everything is, and why things work the way they do. For example, “Why is the sky blue”, “How do cars work?” . Why is it that as we grow older, we lose this inquisitive nature?

One of the issues I faced, as a child, was that people always tried to limit how much I was allowed to learn based solely on my age. It was assumed that because Ashley Anthony I fell into a certain age group I would be unable to comprehend anything higher than the knowledge typically associated with that age range. If I questioned something, I would be met with unsatisfying answers such as, “You don’t need to know that”, or “You wouldn’t understand this”, and while, perhaps both of these may have been true, they were quite annoying to receive. I would have been much more content if someone had tried to explain to me as simply as they could the answers to my questions, or even encouraged me to do more research myself, giving me hints as to what I should look up. Yet, very few people go through the trouble of doing this.

Time after time, people accuse the school system of teaching children what to think, of producing students who can only “regurgitate”, but maybe the reason for this is that within schools (and even at home), we don’t encourage students to think about their course material any further than what is provided. It is sort of like children are told something is a fact, and not taught to question why it is a fact, because they could not possibly understand the reason it is factual. Because of this, students lose their passion for learning. They are no longer learning because they wish to understand how the world works, but because

they have to write an exam and this is what is required to do so. As a result, we get children who can tell you exactly what the textbook says, but probably not much more.

This is not necessarily bad for exam pass rates, because if students adhere strictly to syllabi and can answer the questions perfectly, they are bound to pass.

However, on the other hand, what effect does it have on the child? They no longer view learning as this amazing experience: a way to discover new things, but rather as a job, a chore, or something that they are forced to do. They don’t care about the things they are learning, and so find no enjoyment from them. One of the best things I think we can do is enable our children to think for themselves. We should encourage them to read books that might be a little difficult for a child at their age, encourage them to learn about sophisticated topics such as politics and social illnesses, so that they can begin to form their own opinions, and we should encourage them to keep asking questions by always providing them with fulfilling answers.

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

ANSA McAL sole sourcing

Govt accused of bypassing tender boards over unfavourable results

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worrying trend is developing within the coalition Administration whereby the tender boards across the country are being blatantly bypassed if desired results are not yielded, according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

“If the tenders don’t yield the results that they want, they keep annulling the tender,” Jagdeo said he has observed in a number of cases – most recently the scandal at the Georgetown Public Hospital where a multimillion-dollar contract for drug procurement was given to ANSA McAL. Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House on Tuesday, noted his concern that the Georgetown Public Hospital cancelled about four tenders within the past few months in a move, which he strongly believed was carried out to create an emergency shortage of pharmaceuticals so that a $606 million contract could be awarded to its preferred supplier, ANSA McAL. “It’s a growing pattern. We have seen it in the contract for Sheriff Street, water treatment plants, GPL meters…if that’s the case, then we should disband our tender boards,” he reasoned as he questioned why the substantive minister made no enquiries as to why these tenders were consistently cancelled.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence is also being called out to reveal the identities of the delinquent contractors she is blaming for the emergency drug shortage situation at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to Lawrence, the shortage arose at the Public Hospital because some suppliers who were awarded contracts failed in certain ways to deliver the pharmaceuticals.

Jagdeo is urging that the Government make these names available to the public, as well as outline how these individuals received the contracts in the first place.

He further presumed that if the contracts were awarded through the legitimate channels, able and equipped companies would have been given the task of supplying the

Public Hospital with drugs.

The Opposition Leader argued that many of the delinquent contractors received the contracts directly, without proper screening to determine their capability of providing the pharmaceuticals.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary also questioned why the Board of the Georgetown Hospital decided to go directly to ANSA McAL to supply the pharmaceuticals and how did they conclude that other firms were incapable of supplying same.

He even questioned if the Public Health Minister had a hand in this whole controversy by passing directions for ANSA McAL to be given the contract. Earlier this week, Lawrence confirmed that ANSA McAL was granted the $606 million contract to “fast track” the supplies of drugs to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The Minister explained that as a result of a drug shortage crisis at the Georgetown Public Hospital, she met with public health officials to ensure an adequate supply of drugs was immediately made available to address the emergency.

Minister Lawrence explained that after meeting with the officials, she sought to “fast-track” the procurement of the drugs to minimise the negative effects on pa-

contracted to procure for Georgetown Hospital during 2016.

Disciplinary actions

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

tients as a result of the shortages.

“This influenced the decision to seek the green light from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for ANSA McAL to supply drugs and pharmaceuticals to the tune of some $606 million,” she stated.

She further added that that ANSA McAL had donated four refrigerators to the Georgetown Hospital.

She also disclosed that NEW GPC, Health 2000 and Chirosyn Discovery had each received contracts to supply some of the emergency drugs.

Lawrence explained that other companies were not part of the process, because investigations were ongoing into the late/non-delivery of critical drugs which they were

Commenting on the development, President David Granger had said that the matter could be resolved at the level of the Finance and Public Health Ministries, as well as the Georgetown Hospital, so that disciplinary actions could be taken against persons at fault.

“If there is some procedural irregularity, that (situation) can be rectified; and if it is found that somebody is at fault; well, there can be disciplinary actions,” he told reporters on the televised programme “The Public Interest”, which aired last Friday.

Nevertheless, President Granger has insisted that while it was not the policy of his Government to procure drugs through sole sourcing, there was a crisis in which drugs that were supposed to be supplied since last year were delayed for whatever reason, and actions had to be taken to remedy the situation.

Prequalifications

The Government had advanced new mechanisms that changed the way drugs were procured and supplied in the country, in essence decentralising the acquisition and dis-

semination of medical equipment and drugs to the various Regions. It also dissolved the prequalification procedure to give companies that do not qualify to the international prescribed standard and consequent supply chain of prequalification an opportunity to supply drugs.

The former Administration was criticised for its position of maintaining the prequalification criteria, because critics felt favouritism was at play when some local prequalified companies received contracts in Guyana.

However, the former Administration had only put those mechanisms, which were modelled after procurement procedures for international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), etc, to ensure that quality drugs were steadily available for mass public consumption at competitive world market prices.

In the absence of such mechanisms, invariably, there would be shortages of drugs, since there were no direct established supply chains with companies that are prequalified to deliver the requisite drugs needed.

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Playing fields…

Y

…and pharma supply

our Eyewitness was intrigued by a statement attributed to a Ms Beverly Harper, head of ANSA McAL’s local operations. She was pleased as the proverbial Punch that at long last ANSA McAL is playing on a “level playing field” to supply pharmaceuticals to Guyana’s public health system. Now let’s make one thing clear – ANSA is a Trinidadian company and your Eyewitness has one question for her.

Can the several Guyanese pharma companies also operating subsidiaries in T&T bid to supply pharma to the Trinidadian medical system? While she formulates her answer – which will take some doing since she knows it won’t go down well over here – let’s spare her the trouble with the answer that’s very simple – “NO!!!” Trinidad – like most other countries – favour local companies when it comes to filling Government contracts.

America, for instance, has always done that – and today, Trump’s clamping down in so many other areas to place “America first”. So right off the bat, for Ms Beverly to boast about “a level playing field”, it means our government’s placing Trinidad first. Your Eyewitness is all for regional solidarity and all that – but doesn’t charity begin at home? Our local pharma manufacturing companies, for instance, employ a large number of locals who pay taxes and have so many other positive externalities.

ANSA doesn’t manufacture a single line of pharma – it simply imports them and slaps on a big fat mark-up and passes them on to the Government. But we know where all of this is coming from, don’t we? Let’s call a spade a spade – it’s all about cutting the NEW GPC’s nose even though it means spiting Guyana’s face. The Minister of Health admitted they “locked out” that firm so that contracts could be given to other suppliers – who couldn’t deliver!

What the Minister didn’t realise, she was revealing the bidding process had to be subverted to lock out one specific company!! So it wasn’t just a matter of cancelling bids – contracts in the previous years were also doled out to “inside pharma” companies. Was ANSA part of this cabal that profited? But the larger question that the Government is ignoring when its operatives subvert the process like this is when will they begin to do what is best for Guyana – regardless of political and personal financial concerns?

In terms of capacity building, what purpose does it serve to undermine the largest manufacturer in this critical area of pharmaceuticals when we’re boasting about being independent for 50 years?

Even a level playing field might be OK…but one where the local player could’ve saved us $300 million is snubbed?

…and Wales workers

There’s this fella who insists on writing letters in this rotund style, as soon as your Eyewitness finishes the first line, he know who’s taking up column inches. And he moves on – knowing what’ll be said underneath the ornate verbiage. But this particular headline – “Wales workers should recognise the sacrifice of taxpayers and take up positions at Uitvlugt” – made your humble servant plod through to the bitter end. Maybe your Eyewitness missed something before?

The fella, who boasts about his exploits as a Master of the Universe from Wall St – doesn’t see anything wrong with the Wales cane cutters schlepping 30 miles to Uitvlugt and back! Does he think this is a commute on the LIRR from Fort Dix? Does he know what time that cane cutters’ wives will now have to get up? What time the cane cutters have to start cutting cane with the sun overhead?

Where was he when the levy from the cane cutters’ sweat subsidised the entire budget for three decades?

Are cane cutters not also the fella’s “brother”?

…and Phagwah

So whose Phagwah was observed more widely? More enthusiastically? More inclusively? Your Eyewitness figured the Sunday one had an advantage.

They gave the participants Monday as a holiday to sport “meat day”!!

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

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Nandlall takes AG to court over nonfunctional Board of Deeds Registry

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams has been hauled to the courts over his failure to appoint a Governing Board for the Deeds and Commercial Registry.

After hearing the matter, the court ordered that Williams appoint the members of the Governing Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. The proceeding was filed by former Attorney General and now parliamentarian Anil Nandlall.

Currently, the Governing Board is non-functional, is not properly constituted and has not held a meeting for over a year.

The members of the Board whose tenure have expired, have not been replaced by the Minister, in accordance with and as mandated by, Section 6 of the Deed and Commercial Registries Authority Act. Nandlall asked the courts for “an Order Nisi of Mandamus compelling the Minister of Legal Affairs to appoint the Governing Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, a statutory body corporate, in accordance with and mandated by Section 6 of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority.”

He also asked that the courts grant “a Writ of Mandamus compelling the Minister of Legal Affairs to appoint the Governing Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, a statutory body corporate, in accordance with and mandated by Section 6 of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority.”

Nandlall outlined that the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act 2013, Act No 4 of 2013, establishes the Deeds and Commercial Registries as a corporate body, to establish and promote the efficient and orderly op-

Former Attorney General and parliamentarian Anil Nandlall

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

eration of the Deeds Registry and the Commercial Registry, to establish the conditions governing the employment of officers and employees of the Authority, to provide for funding of the operations of the Authority, and for connected matters.

He also explained that the Act establishes a Governing Board of the said Authority which shall have the function of ensuring the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the Authority.

The Governing Board shall consist of a Chairman appointed by the Minister; the Registrar of Deeds; the Registrar of the Commercial Registry; a nominee of the Finance Ministry; a nominee of the Housing and Water Ministry; a nominee of the Guyana Bar Association; a nominee of the Guyana Association of Legal Professionals; and a nominee of the Private Sector.

Nandlall argued that the tenure of the members of the Governing Board who were last appointed on or about

June, 2013, expired on or about June 2016, and they were never re-appointed by the Minister in accordance with Section 6 of the said Act. He argued that the aforesaid conduct constitutes multiple breaches of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act 2013, Act No 4 of 2013, Act and/or omission to perform duties imposed by the said Act, constitute an abuse of power and conflict with the policy of the Act and constitute misfeasance in public office.

He said as a consequence, “there is inefficiency in the services rendered at the said Registries which have an adverse impact on my practice and upon my ability to discharge my duties to my clients, competently and diligently.”

Additionally, he said the breaches to which he alluded constitute infractions of the law and amount to unlawful conduct by public officers for which, “as an Attorney-at-Law, I feel compelled to seek rectification in the courts.”

Mahdia Nursery School teacher commits suicide

A

21-year-old nursery school teacher who was employed at a school in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni) has committed suicide.

Bridgette Naraine was discovered hanging from the ceiling in her apartment by Police on Tuesday afternoon.

Naraine hails from Chateau Margot, on the East Coast of Demerara.

She was last seen on Friday afternoon at the school but one of her col-

leagues said she communicated with Naraine sometime on Saturday.

According to reports received, no one heard from the teacher on Sunday or Monday.

After she did not return to work on Tuesday, the Police was informed and subsequently visited her apartment, where her body was discovered hanging.

An investigation has been launched.

Pouderoyen man killed in apparent “hit and run”

P

olice in D Division (West Demerara) are currently probing the death of a West Bank Demerara (WBD) man, whose lifeless body was found on Monday morning on the Harlem Public Road on the West Coast of Demerara.

The dead man has been identified as Seecharran Lall of Coghlan Dam, Pouderoyen, WBD. Divisional Commander Leslie James confirmed on Tuesday that the Police were treating the matter as a hitand-run accident. However, relatives of the now dead man believe that he was murdered since apparent marks of violence were found on his body.

Lall was last seen alive on Sunday evening in Crane, WBD, where he was imbibing with relatives. He subsequently left for home and

Dead: Seecharran Lall

boarded a short-drop taxi, but never arrived at his destination.

The driver reportedly told relatives that he dropped Lall back to the spot where he picked him up, but did not offer any explanation why.

Meanwhile, no one has been arrested in connection with Lall’s death.

Nevertheless, investigations are ongoing.

10 news

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

2012 fatal stabbing

Diamond man pleads guilty to manslaughter C hristopher DaSilva, formerly of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), will spend the next six years behind bars after he changed his plea to guilty at his High Court trial for murder on Tuesday.

DaSilva pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter just days after he initially denied that he was responsible for the June 28, 2012 murder of Rayaad Khan, who was fatally stabbed to his chest with a broken glass bottle, after an altercation.

DaSilva’s Defence Attorney, Maxwell McKay

appealed for a reasonable sentence, noting that his client took up boxing in jail as a form of anger management.

State Prosecutor Siand Dhurjon, however, posited that the court should issue a prison term commensurate with DaSilva’s actions, further noting that Khan was only 17 at the time, handsome, a top student and was “full of potential”.

After DaSilva had disclosed his intentions through his Attorney, Justice Navindra Singh re-arraigned the accused.

The Judge later told him that it was unfortunate that

Christopher DaSilva was sentenced to six years for killing Rayaad Khan

the incident occurred, but noted that the court could not allow the crime to go unpunished.

As such, he directed the jury foreman to return a guilty verdict. In handing down the sentence, the presiding Judge took into consideration that the trial had already started, and the accused spent time on remand awaiting trial and showed genuine remorse. Justice Singh started the sentence at 11 years, but took off five years for time spent incarcerated, so DaSilva would serve a six-year prison term, with the possibility of parole.

Moments before the sixyear sentence was handed down, DaSilva broke down in tears when he addressed the court. He first apologised to the deceased’s father, Azeem Khan, saying that he was very sorry for what happened. He further noted that his mother was a single parent who had been finding it hard to support him while he was behind bars.

After breaking down in the courtroom, DaSilva emerged somewhat calmer into the corridors, explain-

ing that the sentence was indeed fair.

“It would be a fair sentence, because sometimes you go trial, get [found] guilty and it would just be worse than this,” DaSilva told Guyana Times, pointing out that he would continue boxing.

A post-mortem had revealed that Khan died from shock and haemorrhage owing to a single stab wound to the chest. After the sentencing, Khan’s father stated that while “the sentence was small”, he did feel sorry for DaSilva. He, however, explained that the ruling did not bring closure for him.

“There’s no way that I could get back him and I still miss him a lot, but I hope that the young man redeems himself,” the senior Khan expressed.

The man also highlighted that his only son was an ambitious and hard-working individual.

“He owned his own business even while he was going to school and many times he financed himself when he was going to travel when he was going to the States, Canada or around the Caribbean; even though I have, he told me, “Pops, I have my own money”,” the still grieving father recalled.

DaSilva was 18 years old at the time he stabbed Khan, who resided at Section C, Golden Grove, EBD at the time of his demise. The prosecution’s team, which was assisted by Tuanna Hardy, contended that the stabbing occurred about 20:00h on June 28, 2012 at 17th Avenue, Diamond New Housing Scheme. At the time of the incident, reports were the two young men argued over the attention which DaSilva’s girlfriend had paid to Khan.

Why the celebration?

S

atiricus was all fired up with excitement over the just-completed Phagwah festivities. As was their custom and practice – as Bungi would say – they’d retired to the Back Street Bar to relive their experiences. And look ahead to the next year. Phagwah was one of their favourite festivals since it gave them one more excuse to “live it up”!

“I gotta tell you fellas,” started off Satiricus enthusiastically, as he signalled for another round, “Guyana has to be the best country in the world.”

“I’m not going to fight you over that one, Sato,” said Hari. “But could you be a little more specific as to why you give us that honour?”

“Budday, we just finish Mash last month,” Satiricus smiled widely. “Which makes us the only country in the world to throw a big sport for Republic Day!” “Yuh right, yuh know, Sato,” said Bungi, nodding his head vigorously. “All dem adda country a show aff dem weapon and t’ing!”

“That’s right, Bungi!” said Satiricus, slapping the table. “Make love not war is our motto!!”

“I’m not so sure about that,” said Hari doubtfully.

“But that’s the point I’m making, Hari,” said Satiricus. “We love sport so much, we’re the only country to have two Phagwahs!”

“That’s not true, Sato,” replied Hari. “India has two Phagwahs, also.”

“Yes…but that is for different parts of the country!” said Satiricus knowledgeably. “In Guyana, the whole country gets to sport two Phagwahs!”

Bungi, who’d been listening closely to the exchange, decided to butt in. “Suh wha’ mek abee a celebrate Phagwah?”

His two friends looked at him in confusion. “You know we’re celebrating the destruction of evil,” explained Satiricus patiently. “Just like at Diwali!”

“But befo’ abee celebrate, abee na gat fuh destrai evil fuss?” Bungi asked innocently.

His friends looked at him with surprise as he continued. “An’ if abee wan’ fuh celebrate two time, da mean abee gat fuh destrai all two evil – Pee-an-See and KFC, na?!”

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Commonwealth Day 2017

Make subject of Commonwealth discussions relevant – panellists warn

T

uesday marked the launch of activities, including a panel discussion, in celebration of Commonwealth Day 2017. But while the body was lauded for the work it has done, there were firm reminders that local cases of constitutional turmoil, the rule of law and youth empowerment must be confronted by the organisation.

The panel discussion, hosted at the Umana Yana to celebrate the day, featured presentations from British High Commissioner Greg Quinn; Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux; Indian High Commissioner V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam; Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission, Tracey Haines; former Attorney General Anil Nandlall; Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson and University of Guyana student Philippe Walker.

This suggestion, how-

ever, was put forward particularly by Nandlall in a bid to warn against discussions becoming extraneous. He noted that while the Commonwealth Charter was crafted in a noble and idealistic manner, discussions should zero in on specific, worrying situations in member states like Guyana.

“When we have these discussions, we must be able to interlink what is going on in the particular society in which we are having these discussions, lest our discussion becomes sterile,” Nandlall warned.

The Member of Parliament cited cases such as the imbroglio involving President David Granger and the appointment of a chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Differences in interpretation of the Constitution have seen Granger reject every nominee proposed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

A section of the gathering with MPs, students and other officals

“Fundamental to democracy in Guyana is free and fair elections.

Fundamental to free and fair elections is the appointment of a chairman of GECOM. And we are unable to do that with the requisite speed.”

In addition, the Court of Appeal is functioning with only two Judges, one of whom – Justice of Appeal BS Roy – is approaching retirement. Nandlall has been vociferous in call-

ing on the President to act on the recommendations of the Judicial Services Commission, which he said were made since last year.

“Right next to us is the Guyana Court of Appeal. One of the fundamental tenets of this (Commonwealth) Charter is the rule of law.

Fundamental to the rule of law is a functioning and independent judiciary.”

turn PAGE 12

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Protest against VAT on education wraps up P

ublic demonstrations against “added burdens” have now emerged as a norm, and businessman Roshan Khan took to the streets to bring the curtains down on his demonstrations against the added taxation on private education.

The activist led a one-man protest on Tuesday to conclude his series of demonstrations in front of the Finance Ministry against the imposition of VAT on private education.

After several gatherings at major public offices such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); the Ministry of the Presidency and the Finance Ministry, Khan has announced that he would no longer be on the forefront of the rallies. This decision to draw the line on his protesting against VAT on education was taken just days after the President announced the implications of such calls for public demon-

Roshan Khan, the lone protester on the picket line on Tuesday

strations.

However, Khan pointed out that the masses were successful in bringing attention to the consequences of VAT on private education. He noted that the demonstrations have garnered attention from the highest offices given the many conversations and even actions taken since the commencement of the protest ac-

tion. He alluded to President David Granger’s previous move to dissolve the tax on private education as a sign of progress, but expressed disappointment given that it was yet to be reversed.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Khan explained that he was sympathetic towards those affected by the added taxes, especial-

ly the less fortunate, who are now burdened with additional expenses on their already stifling budget. Furthermore, he is particularly enraged with the Government’s decision to withdraw its announcement of the ending of this terror, pinning the blame on the school administrations for not being tax compliant.

Khan sees the action of forcing students to pay simply because of the schools’ delinquencies as an unjustified act of revenge. Moreover, he questioned why actions were not taken against the schools by the relevant authorities rather than bombarding the students with an increase in their fees.

The effects of the move to charge VAT on private education were highlighted by the concerned activist. It was indicated that students were now contemplating several escapes from the current situation which include migrating to other countries in

search of more lucrative opportunities.

“The Government needs to realise that these students will soon be voters.”

He believes he stands alone in this realisation, especially since the country still awaits movements to correct this hindrance in the accessing of education at private institutions in Guyana. Khan noted that the poor turnout to Tuesday’s protest was as a result of the recent celebrations of the national hol-

iday and the fact it was the final engagement of his campaign. Nonetheless, the lone protester took the opportunity to express appreciation to the media for the exposure which significantly contributed to the success of the public outcry. Although, he will no longer be leading protests against VAT on education, Khan is likely to support other individuals who are willing to take a stand. (Ashraf Dabie)

Make subject of Commonwealth...

“And then we live in a country where there are serious separations of power breaches. And that is a fundamental part of the Charter, (which recognises) the role of the Executive and the Legislature and the integral parts that they have to play in a fluent democracy.”

In further commenting on the issue after the panel discussion, Nandlall expressed concerns about the status of both acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice Roxane George.

According to Nandlall, neither of the women has been sworn in, despite the fact that their appointments were ‘effective’ from March 1, 2017.

Youths

Walker, a former Youth Parliamentarian and the final panellist to speak, advocated for more inclusion of youths. He noted that while there was relative peace in the Region, social issues affecting youths were all a catalyst for a disruptive society, if not addressed.

“Peace is not just the absence of war. There are so many other issues affecting our society that we need not paint a picture of (the absence of) violence and bloodshed to be a peaceful society.

There are problems affecting our youth such as unemployment, abuse, suicide and drugs.”

“So, I look forward for fruitful discussions and not just the discussions, but the after-discussions to see (results) coming out of it that we can implement.”

High Commissioner Quinn noted that the Commonwealth was more relevant than ever. Quinn noted that it was a force for good around the world in matters of democracy and

FROM PAGE 11

human development – fulfilling one of its goals.

“It is the British Government’s intentions to work with our friends and allies in the Commonwealth in the global trading environment.”

Quinn noted that the United Kingdom would be looking to build on the 24th Heads of Government meeting in Malta in 2015, in order to ensure the Commonwealth was reformed and reenergised to perform better.

“As the host of the next Heads of Government meeting in 2018, there will be an ambitious and dynamic gathering and we want to make the most of all the Commonwealth has to offer.”

Meanwhile, the Indian and Canadian High Commissioners pledged their countries’ continued support for the Commonwealth. In addition, Junior Minister Ferguson emphasised the importance of peace being maintained in the Region, for the sake of economic progress and human development.

The discussion was planned by Guyana’s National Assembly, with Speaker Dr Barton Scotland playing a key role.

Scheduled activities for Commonwealth Day celebrations included poster and essay competitions for participants between the ages of seven and 11; and poster and essay competitions for participants between the ages of 12 and 17.

Under the theme “A Peace Building Commonwealth”, Commonwealth Day was celebrated on March 13 in several parts of the world.

Fifty-two Commonwealth countries celebrate the Day, with 2017 marking 40 years since it became a global celebration.

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

GAWU pays homage to Rose Hall Martyrs

– says Estate occupies a special place in nation’s sugar industry

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has remembered the 15 sugar workers who were killed by colonial Police 104 years ago.

The longstanding sugar workers’ representative body explained that the incident was one of “the ugliest reminders of British colonialism and another manifestation of the brutal conditions our forefathers had to contend with in colonial times”.

GAWU noted that it has recognised “the struggles

in actions to defend their rights and interests against our homegrown bureaucrats and their hirelings,” GAWU disclosed.

The Union further noted the historical significance of the Estate and decried the recent revelation that the entity would discontinue its operations.

“Rose Hall Estate occupies a special place in the nation’s sugar industry. It is at this location that the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham exclaimed that the industry

The Rose Hall Martyrs Monument was erected in 2014

and sacrifices of generations of sugar workers, whose contribution have brought about many changes in workers’ living and working conditions”.

“They left a legacy which runs through the veins of the contemporary workforce of the sugar industry. This anniversary furthermore affords us the platform to remember those who also courageously fought and heroically fell in the struggles in other plantations in other parts of the country,” GAWU added in a statement.

The Union noted that colonialism and its plantocracy system must bear “full responsibility” for the deaths.

It noted too that while sugar workers have made much advancement over the past several decades, “attempts” were being made to reverse this trend.

“Increasingly, sugar workers find themselves engaged

would be owned and operated by the people of Guyana.

The Estate is also the only estate which has been bestowed with a national award in recognition of its contribution in terms of production, efficiency and, most of all, to the enterprising people of the area. It is, therefore, disheartening for us to register that this year’s observance is overshadowed, to a large extent, by a proposal by the Government to close soon Rose Hall Estate. The lives of thousands of ordinary, hardworking Guyanese stand to be affected should this unconscionable proposal be allowed to succeed,” GAWU strongly outlined.

The Union highlighted that it was informed through consultations with the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport that the Government of Guyana would

commemorate the workers’ sacrifice, noting that it welcomed being involved in the national event.

On March 13, 1913, 15 indentured labourers attached to the Rose Hall Estate were killed by Police and were buried in a mass grave for seeking a better life. The workers were Motey Khan, Bholay, Sohan, Hulas, Badri, Jugai, Sadula, Sarjoo, Lalji, Durga, Gafur, Roopan, Juggoo, Nibur and Gobindei, the lone female. In an effort to improve the conditions on the sugar plantation, the labourers had protested the retraction of a four-day holiday awarded to them for a grinding season.

Historical accounts noted that the 15 workers refused an order from Plantation Manager James Smith, to plant cane on those days.

This led to a formal complaint to the immigration officer; Smith then demanded that in exchange for the charges levied against the workers being dropped, they pay his legal costs. The labourers offered to pay in instalments, but management refused and the case went to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on February 7, 1913.

When the court date came around, hundreds of immigrant workers proceeded to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court where the labourers were found guilty of instigating resistance to work. This ruling angered workers which led to protests. Management subsequently threatened to transfer the protesting families to distant plantations and in response, the sugar workers protested even further. On March 13 of that year, colonial Police attempted to follow up on warrants, which had been issued for the leaders of the protest, but after the workers resisted, the Police opened fire, injuring 56 persons and killing 15 workers.

These workers were then remembered as the Rose Hall Martyrs.

14 News

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

SOCU arrests

Jagdeo calls for probe into ‘wine sipping’ celebration

O

ne week after Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and top officials of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) congregated at a popular city café after hauling in several prominent former Government officials for questioning, including former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the now Opposition Leader is calling for an investigation to be launched into the “celebration”.

Speaking at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) weekly press conference on Tuesday, Jagdeo questioned the motive behind the gathering, noting that “to drink wine immediately after arrests were made warrants a full-fledged investigation”.

According to the Opposition Leader, given that the coalition Government has launched several Commissions of Inquiry, President David Granger should do the same with regard to this matter since it threatened the country’s independence and dig-

in a statement on Friday, claimed that Dr Sittlington was “at SOCU in an advisory and training capacity and not in an operational role”.

According to Quinn, Dr Sittlington was merely trying to explain to reporters the legal basis and rights under which SOCU took the actions they did.

Furthermore, the British High Commissioner claimed that none of the High Commission’s staff were at the café on Wednesday evening, as believed.

However, in a rebuttual Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

British expert, Dr Sam Sittlington

Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister

nity.

“I would like to urge… that an investigation takes place at high level. If we had an independent office that deals with integrity of Ministers, then that would have been investigated already,” he asserted.

Last Wednesday, SOCU Head Sydney James; British Adviser to SOCU, Dr Sam Sittlington and Minister Ramjattan were seen clinking glasses in an extremely celebratory atmosphere in the dimly lit café.

In fact, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, in a statement on Thursday, questioned recent comments made by Dr Sittlington, including whether or not he was operating under the auspices of the British High Commission in Guyana and his role in SOCU. Nandlall said, “I note that Mr Sam Sittlington has taken the liberty of making statements which have political underpinnings, and seems to be functioning as part of the operations of SOCU.” But British High Commissioner Greg Quinn,

statement on Friday, the former Attorney General disclosed that his information revealed otherwise.

“I have consulted with my source, who was present at Oasis Café on Wednesday, 10th of March 2017, and who reiterates that, His Excellency, Mr Quinn, himself and two other staff members of the British High Commission, were present at the establishment,” Nandlall claimed.

Exceeding official remit

Moreover, he posited that based on what he was told by his clients, who were

on raids with SOCU; he has gone into the premises of nationals of Guyana as part of these raids – being part of operations themselves. So if the British High Commissioner is saying that he has no operational mandate as part of his job, then he will be open (to an investigation)… We have a foreigner here who is trespassing on the rights of Guyanese citizens, tolerated by our Government,” the Opposition Leader noted.

This ‘wine sipping’ celebration came on the heels of resounding cries that the Executive has been giving orders to SOCU to attack former Government officials as part of its witch-hunting exercise, which the Government has denied.

However, the Opposition Leader surmised that it would be easy to determine this “It is easy to find out.

If the President wants to do and from what we talked about at State House it seems as though he is inclined to go this route, it’s easy to find out where the political instructions to effect the arrests came from,” Jagdeo posited, hinting that

This was confirmed the following day by the Public Security Minister, who told Guyana Times that they went to “have a glass of wine” to celebrate Dr Sittlington’s work here in Guyana.

However, there have been concerns recently about the British expert’s role at SOCU. subjects of SOCU’s investigations, and what he personally observed on the first day of the arrests last week, it was easy to conclude that Dr Sittlington may have “exceeded his official remit and trespassed into operational matters at SOCU”.

At the PPP press conference on Tuesday, Jagdeo said he trusted the information related by Nandlall, while adding that he himself would have been told about the British expert’s involvement in the operations of SOCU. “I have information that Mr Sittlington have been

it may have been a meeting between “some ministers and some individuals in the (Guyana) Police Force.”

The Public Security Minister had explain that the ‘wine sipping’ event was a farewell for Dr Sittlington, and he would be advocating for his return.

“The fact that I had some wine with Sam on Wednesday evening at Oasis was because I wanted to thank him for the great work he did at SOCU at his farewell function. He left the next day. I certainly will plead his return to High Commissioner Mr Greg Quinn,” Ramjattan posited.

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

Govt recommends suspension Deadly floods continue of parking meter contract to devastate Peru

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fter seven straight weeks of anti-parking meter protests, the Government will finally move to recommend that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) suspend the controversial contract.

According to sources, the decision was made at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

There are also expectations that further consultations and a full review of the system and contract will be requested.

Since the Georgetown M&CC runs the municipality, it is understood that Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan would be the one to meet with the City Council to discuss the decision.

The Government has maintained a careful distance on the issue after the Finance Ministry and the Attorney General’s Chambers completed damning reviews of the original contract.

The Government has consistently said that it could not interfere as City Hall was autonomous –although that position changed in January when Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said that the State would intervene only if necessary.

And even though amendments were made by the company, Smart City Solutions Incorporated (SCSI), a vis-

Last week’s protest now takes on new significance, as protesters portrayed the death of the parking meter project— literally

ibly large proportion of the populace has rejected all but the scrapping of the contract.

Just two weeks after the introduction of parking meters in Guyana, citizens had gathered to protest the move.

The crowd had consisted of parliamentarians, business owners and members of civil society.

The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM), a lobby group, was instrumental in organising the protests. The protests also came after Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, who has been vociferous in his opposition to the project, staged a one-man protest outside Bishops’ High School, where a parking meter had been installed.

The protesters had listed several concerns with the project. Feasibility, transparency and the cost for

parking were some of the foremost concerns about the City Council’s new method of taxation.

Some had agitated for the immediate removal of the parking meters owing to the expenses and the slowdown in commerce which businesses experienced.

Others, however, had stated that they were merely requesting a reduction in the cost, as the current rates did not cater for working-class citizens and the poor.

The first protest had been greeted by pro-parking meter activists. Mayor Patricia Chase Green had also responded to the protesters, who she referred to as “high class”. She had claimed that persons failed to engage the Council on matters concerning the parking meters, and chose various forms of demonstration instead.

Supported by the Town Clerk Royston King, the duo had highlighted the advantages of the initiative, including creating more than 50 jobs. King had labelled the protesters’ actions as “backwards thinking”, stating that the meters would ensure the restoration and development of the country.

Since the implementation of the meters, however, all evidence points to the contrary. Motorists have largely boycotted the metered spaces and businesses have complained bitterly about a slump.

The Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have reported complaints of a 50 per cent drop in sales from the business community.

And protests have shown no signs of losing steam, despite several belated attempts by SCSI and the Mayor and Town Clerk to mollify those who are against the project. Large signboards have even been erected urging citizens to support a project seen by Government reviews as monopolistic and oppressive.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to expound on Cabinet’s deliberations were futile.

Cow slaughter to be punishable by life sentence in Gujarat

An Indian woman prays to a holy cow. Slaughtering the revered animals will soon be punishable by a life sentence in Gujarat

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he leader of an Indian state has announced that slaughtering cows and transporting beef will soon be punishable by a life sen-

tence, the harshest penalty yet for crimes against the revered animal in the Hindu-majority country.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani,

said his Government would introduce a bill in the next week to bolster existing laws against butchering cows and related crimes.

The current punishment is a Rs50,000 fine (£622) and up to seven years in jail.

A number of BJP-led states have extended bans or tightened punishments against cow slaughter since Modi became prime minister in 2014. The former Gujarat chief minister was elected on a platform that included a vow to outlaw it.

Killing cows or transporting beef in states such as Haryana, Jharkand or Jammu and Kashmir is

punishable by large fines and up to 10 years’ prison. Beef consumption is permitted in only eight of India’s 29 states and territories.

Most Hindus honour cows as the embodiment of the principle of non-violence and idealise the animal as a selfless, nourishing mother.

But attitudes towards beef consumption are not uniform across the country. Some southern Indian Hindus regularly eat beef, as do Muslims and members of less socially dominant castes who regard the animal as a cheap source of protein.(Excerpt from The Guardian)

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o far, 2017 has been a bad year for Peru weather-wise. Heavy rain has caused flooding in many parts of the country, while the death toll from floods and mudslides has reached 48 people, including six miners killed in a mudslide in southern Peru.

The early part of the year is when the bulk of the rain falls across the country, but there are huge variations as Peru – twice the size of France and stretching from the equator to 18 degrees South – is vast.

Large climatological and weather variations are to be expected, but topography also has a major influence.

Peru is bounded by the cool Pacific Ocean in the west and the forested lowlands of the Amazon in the east. The central portion

of the country includes the Andes, with peaks in excess of 6000 metres and plateau districts between 3000 and 4000 metres.

The flooding has generally been worse in the central and northern parts of the country, and although it is consistent with the rainy season of the central and eastern regions, the rainfall has been particularly intense. Officials have been quoted blaming the intense rain on El Nino, the warming of the surface waters in the eastern Pacific.

But this is contrary to the generally agreed idea that we are in a “neutral phase” in the Pacific, with the huge El Nino of 2015/16, giving way to the very weak La Nina for a brief period in the second half of 2016. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

World’s 1st fluorescent frog discovered in South America

In normal light the polka-dot tree frog has a dull complexion – but under UV light it glows bright green

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he world’s first fluorescent frog has been discovered in the Amazon basin in South America.

Scientists at the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum in Buenos Aires made the discovery by accident while studying the pigment of polka-dot tree frogs, a species common across the continent.

In normal light the frog appears to have a dull, mottled browny-green skin with red dots, but under UV light it glows a bright fluorescent green. Fluorescence – the ability to absorb light at short wavelengths and re-emit it at longer wavelengths – is uncommon in

creatures that live on land.

The translucent frog was found to use a combination of lymph and glandular emissions to fluoresce.

The researchers, who published their discovery on 13 March in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that the trait enhanced the brightness of the frog by 19-29% depending on the level of ambient light in its surroundings.

The compound causing the blue–green glow of the polka-dot tree frog was not previously thought to exist in vertebrates and its discovery has excited researchers. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Kenya doctors end strike Turkey’s Erdogan warns Dutch, after signing Govt deal Minister, floats economic sanctions octors in Kenya have better working conditions their best to ensure Kenyans

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agreed to end a 100day strike that has paralysed the country’s public health system. Union officials representing thousands of striking medical workers have signed an agreement with government officials in the capital, Nairobi.

The doctors are to receive increased allowances as negotiations over other issues continue. The doctors have been demanding higher wages and

and say more doctors need to be hired. About 2500 public health institutions were affected by the strike.

A number of patients are reported to have died from a lack of medical care during the walkout. “We are grateful that this dark page in the history of our country has come to an end,” Health Minister Cleopa Mailu said at the signing of the deal.

The authorities would do

“get services quickly”, he added, without giving exact dates on when public health services would be back up and running.

Dr Ouma Oluga, head of the union of medical workers (KPMDU), said: “The strike may be over but the industrial dispute is not yet”. He reiterated the union’s argument that it was impossible to separate the rights of patients from the rights of doctors. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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urkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday warned the Netherlands that he could take further steps in a deepening diplomatic row, while a Government spokesman in Ankara said economic sanctions could be coming.

Incensed by Dutch and German government bans on his ministers from speaking to rallies of overseas Turks, Erdogan also accused German Chancellor Angela Merkel of siding with the Netherlands

in the fight between the NATO allies. Turkey suspended high-level diplomatic relations with the Netherlands on Monday, banning the Dutch ambassador from the country and preventing diplomatic flights from landing in Turkey or using its airspace.

Those steps were taken after Erdogan branded the Netherlands “Nazi remnants” at the weekend for muzzling his Ministers. “The cabinet took action yesterday but

there are many other things that could be done against the Netherlands,” Erdogan said in a speech broadcast live on television.

“We will show those who think they can get away with an apology that they are making a mistake,” said Erdogan, who is campaigning for an April 16 referendum on boosting his powers and has been looking to the large number of Turks living in Europe to help secure victory. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 Ramsammy’s Ruminations news

wednesdAY, March 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The centennial of the ending of indentureship - Indo-Guyanese or just Guyanese?

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wo days ago, March 13, we celebrated the 100th anniversary (centennial) of the ending of Indian indentureship in Guyana and other countries around the world. It comes at a time in Guyana when we celebrate the life of Dr Dr Leslie Ramsammy Cheddi Jagan, a descendant of indentured labourers, a Guyanese hero and regarded by many as the Guyanese man of the 20th century. Cheddi Jagan was a fierce freedom fighter who fought against colonialism and for the freedom and dignity of all Guyanese. Yet even as we celebrate the centennial of the end of indentureship, many Indian-Guyanese are often made to believe that to be fully accepted as a Guyanese, they must disavow their Indian heritage.

In Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Mauritius, Fiji, and many other countries, People of Indian origin came as indentured labourers more than 175 years ago and stayed. Their children were born in these countries and for generations now have contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of their countries. They are equal citizens, no less than people with other ethnic origins. But people of Indian origin continue to struggle for acceptance. While full citizens by birth in these countries, there are those who still unfairly and unjustifiably question the legitimacy of Indians as full citizens; treated often as imposters and interlopers.

In fact, in countries like Guyana, some people of Indian origin go to extreme lengths to deny their Indian origins in a false narrative they will gain full acceptance. Recall less than two years ago, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stood in front of people in New York and disavowed his Indian heritage when he defiantly proclaimed he is a Guyanese and not an Indo-Guyanese. He rejected being an Indian-Guyanese when President David Granger and other Guyanese of African descent not only rightfully refused to disavow their African heritage, but celebrate their African ancestry. In the uproar that followed in Guyana, Nagamootoo stood his ground and insisted that he is a Christian Guyanese, not an Indo-Guyanese. In his eagerness for acceptance, Nagamootoo convinced himself that unless he firmly repudiates his Indian origin, he cannot fully be a Guyanese. But he saw no contradiction in being a Christian Guyanese.

I am a Madrasi Indo-Guyanese. Being a Madrasi IndoGuyanese does not make me less a Guyanese. The Madrasi culture is a rich part, an enhancing fabric of the tapestry that we all celebrate as Guyanese. I will always reject any notion which suggests that embracing my Madrasi Indoorigins with fervour and passion somehow makes me less a Guyanese. Any demand that I relinquish my origins in order to stamp my legitimacy as a Guyanese is antiquated nonsense.

We have different heritages and racial make-ups, but we are part of a rich tapestry that has become the Guyanese people. The true Guyanese spirit demands that we acknowledge and celebrate the rich diversity of our individual heritages. I can be proud of Cheddi Jagan and Walter Rodney, and the fact that Cheddi was an IndoGuyanese does not make him more or less a hero than Walter who is an Afro-Guyanese. Rohan Kanhai did not have to disavow his Indian origin to be a Guyanese hero, and similarly Clive Lloyd did not have to diminish his African origin in order to be celebrated as a Guyanese hero.

As we celebrate the centennial of the ending of indentureship in Guyana, it is disappointing that in spite of the many achievements in all walks of life in Guyana, people of Indian origin are made to feel they cannot be fully integrated Guyanese citizens while fully embracing and celebrating their Indian heritage. The centennial celebration of the ending of indentureship arrives at a time when Indo-Guyanese feel discriminated and under political assault as the foreshadow of dictatorship looms. The civil service is closed to them and sugar, rice and business where people of Indian origin have excelled face uncertain future in the hands of a government determined to restrict their growth. (Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

news

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wednesDAY, march 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

CJIA expansion project Region 10 examining investment opportunities Govt meets with rejected local stone suppliers with EU

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s officials of Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) continue their agenda to push development through local and foreign investment, the administration of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is now seeking to cash in on opportunities through the European Union (EU).

Regional Chairman Renis Morian recently explained that while the EU did not work directly through RDCs, the Union is expected to roll out a programme through NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) soon, an initiative which the Region aspired to benefit from. There is particular interest in the area of agriculture, Morian said. The Region 10 Administration has not received an agriculture budget for several years.

"What they're saying, in the area of agriculture, they're (EU) waiting on Government to share with them their priorities. So we would have to talk to our Ministers, when they're talking to the EU, that they include that Region 10 got an agriculture project that they want to do," the Regional Chairman said.

He added that letters have already been submitted to approximately five embassies, in an effort to discuss the development needs of the Region. The Regional Chairman also outlined several areas of social development which

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

the Administration wished to pursue.

"We’ve shared with the European Union, the business of a halfway house for women and a holding place for juveniles. If a juvenile commits a crime and has to be held by the Police, he is held at the (Police) Station.

While they don't fund that, they gave us some steps that we could follow to make that a reality; but they also advised us to do a brochure as it relates to investment opportunities for Region 10," Morian said.

The Regional Chairman added that the next step would be for the RDC and other local agencies such as the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC); the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) and the Linden Chamber of Commerce Industry and Development to initiate a meeting with the EU to share the Region's cause, following which a document will be drafted.

n an effort to ensure that more local businesses are involved in national projects, Government officials met with local contractors on Tuesday to facilitate a link between them and contracting company China Harbour Engineering Company, for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Modernisation Project.

Among the local suppliers at the meeting were BK International Inc, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, and Metallica Commodities Corp. These suppliers previously bid for the supply of stones for the project, but were disqualified owing to shortfalls in their submissions.

Against this backdrop, the meeting was set up to properly enlighten and engage them so that they could get a second chance to be involved in the CJIA Modernisation Project.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Project Manager Carmichael Thorne led a presentation and went through the necessary documents with the suppliers, to clear up any issues and redundancies.

The suppliers were given detailed information on the required documents and were allowed to broach their concerns and queries on the bidding process.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson noted that the meeting was facilitated to ensure that local businesses play a role in the realisation of the national project. He indicated that local suppliers should have adequate time and opportunity to supply the goods.

At the same time, however, Patterson emphasised the importance of meeting deadlines and warned

Government officials met with local suppliers on Tuesday

that any delays would lead to severe repercussions.

He further stressed that the November 30 deadline must not be jeopardised.

The local suppliers were also informed that they have to meet all specifications, including size and chemical analyses, in order to be considered. It was emphasised that they were not guaranteed the supply; rather, it was ultimately the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, which would make the decision.

However, the Public Infrastructure Minister posited that all options must be exhausted to ensure that the local suppliers were in good standing for consideration.

On the other hand, Business Minister Dominic

Gaskin outlined that the meeting was all about giving “our local suppliers every chance to be a part of this project”. However, he too posited that while it was important to have local suppliers involved, this goal should not compromise the project.

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see our local suppliers compete,” Minister Gaskin noted. He further urged the suppliers to be as competitive as possible in their pricing while keeping deadlines in mind at all times.

The local suppliers are expected to resubmit their documents in the coming week.

Also present at the meeting were Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson;

Permanent Secretary Geoffrey Vaughn; and officials from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Company, including Chairman Stephen Fraser and Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir.

Last week, the CJIA reported that the new terminal building, that was currently being constructed, was slated for a mid-year completion as the foundation works were moving apace.

The Airport said that the new building was being constructed in close vicinity to the existing terminal.

Further, the runway extension is some 56 per cent completed.

Upon completion, the runway would be extended from 2270 metres to 3360 metres to accommodate aircraft up to the size of a B747-400; aircraft would navigate on turning pads at the runway ends instead of using a parallel taxiway; a new remote apron would be constructed to accommodate aircraft up to the size of a B747-400; two boarding bridges would be installed and major renovations would be undertaken to the existing terminal building, which would be transformed into the Departures Building.

The deadline for the US$150 million project is December 31, 2017.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017

ARCHIE

What appears to be an impulsive move to some will in (March 21- truth be well planned and exeApril 19) cuted. Don’t let someone’s uncertainty cause you to doubt a personal decision. Follow through with your plans.

ARIES

Take control of situations TAURUS that concern your assets, (April 20- health or occupation. Don’t May 20) wait to see what happens, when you should step up and manipulate the situation in your best interest.

dilbert

Stay focused on buildGEMINI ing your assets. Professional (May 21changes will put you in a betJune 20) ter position to rise to the top.

Invest in what you want to pursue.

An unusual destination will prompt you to consider (June 21- options that you have neglectJuly 22) ed to explore in the past. Don’t limit what you can do just because someone opposes you.

CANCER

Peanuts

Be careful when moving LEO forward. Not everything will (July 23be known initially. Get all the Aug. 22) facts before making a commitment. Anger will take charge if you let someone get away with something.

Take the initiative to set VIRGO your plans in motion. Being (Aug. 23Sept. 22) proactive will pay off and show others that you mean business. It’s what you do, not what you say, that will count.

Calvin and Hobbes

Money matters will lead to LIBRA emotional stress and uncer(Sept. 23tainty.

Joint ventures will not Oct. 23) turn out as hoped, leaving you in a precarious position if you didn’t take precautions.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — REGATTAS

The help you offer others SAGITTARIUS will put you in a good position.

(Nov. 23- Sharing experiences with colDec. 21) leagues will ensure that you avoid facing certain problems.

Home and personal improvements are highlighted.

(REGATTAS: rih-GAHT-uz: Boat races or series of boat races.)

Average mark 33 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 45 or more words in REGATTAS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — CHEMISTS chess chest chime chit cist cite hemic hiss emit etch

ethics mesh mesic mess metis mice miss mist mite itch

item schism schist sect seism semi shies shiest shim site

smite smith stem stich sties theism them thesis this time

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

Emotional matters will SCORPIO creep up on you. Look for al(Oct. 24ternative ways to deal with Nov. 22) trouble. Explosive tactics will not bring you the satisfaction you need to move forward.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t get involved in situaCAPRICORN tions that require force or that (Dec. 22present a physical challenge.

Jan. 19) Protect against insult and injury when dealing with demanding individuals. Have your facts and documentation straight.

A

financial

opportunity

AQUARIUS looks promising. Invest in your (Jan. 20- skills, experience and drive to Feb. 19) survive. Join forces with someone you trust, not with someone putting pressure on you to do things his or her way.

PISCES Get the facts and prepare (Feb. 20- to act fast. An opportunity March 20) will not be available forever. Set boundaries and rules when dealing with partnerships. Romance will lead to a proposition.

wednesDAY, march 15, 2017

19

BCCI, CA move on GFF-Pele Alumni Frank Watson Memorial Under-15 from DRS incident “Football has certainly taken off” — GFF President Forde at launch A nil Kumble, India’s head coach, has said he is happy India and Australia have agreed to move on from the DRSrelated controversy that flared up in the aftermath of the Bengaluru Test match. He also confirmed that the two captains, Virat Kohli and Steven Smith, would meet match referee Richie Richardson before the start of the Ranchi Test.

“I think what was important was to bring the focus back on cricket and I am really glad that the BCCI took a mature

Steve Smith eventually walked in the second innings of the second Test

call along with Cricket Australia to issue a joint statement that cricket needs to move on and we have moved on from whatever happened in that background,” Kumble said on Tuesday, two days before the third Test in Ranchi.

“That’s really important because focus obviously has to be on the game, and I thought we made a fantastic comeback after losing the first Test, especially day two and day three (of the second Test); they (Australia) were ahead and to come back from there and win a Test match was rewarding.”

M Vijay missed the second Test match with a shoulder injury - it turned out that the opener had been carrying it since the first Test in Pune, but neither Kumble nor Kohli had mentioned it in the lead-up to the game when asked about the fitness of their players. Now, asked if Vijay was fit to play in Ranchi, Kumble said he was “fine”.

“Yeah, he’s fine,” Kumble said. “He is a part of the squad, so he is good.”

Ranchi will be the 12th Test of India’s home season - which began soon after a four-Test tour of the West Indies - and Kumble was pleased with the way his players had coped with the physical and mental challenges of playing so many games in a relatively short span of time.

Kumble praised his bowlers for the intensity they have shown through the season, particularly on day two in Bengaluru, which he called a “fantastic day of Test cricket”.

With Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami missing chunks of the home season with injuries, Umesh Yadav has bowled the most overs - 284.5, with Shami a distant second at 178.1 among all of India’s fast bowlers in 2016-17. Though his returns 22 wickets at 39.22 - have not been proportionate to his efforts, Kumble was pleased with Umesh’s bowling through the season.

He also hailed Ravindra Jadeja for drawing level with his spin partner R Ashwin at the top of the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings.

“We have seen certainly seen what Umesh is capable of.”

Kumble said. “Although he doesn’t have the kind of wickets that you would expect, the way he has bowled and the way he has given us those breakthroughs - he may not have a fivewicket haul but every time he has bowled, he has looked like he would pick up a five-for. And that’s the kind of maturity and improvement Umesh has shown.

“Yes, the chunk of the wickets have been to the spinners, and I am glad that Ashwin will always be spoken about, but I am really glad that Jadeja has come up and done what he is capable of. Really glad that both of them are currently on top of the ICC rankings.”When asked if the pitch in Ranchi - which has been at the centre of speculation, particularly in the Australian media would produce a contest lasting five days, Kumble said he didn’t know. “I don’t know. We only hope we will win,” he said. “How many days the Test will last I wouldn’t know. But I only hope there will be a result and it will be in our favour.”

Kumble brushed aside reports in the Indian media that suggested the BCCI was looking to appoint him director of cricket and hand over the head coach role to Rahul Dravid.

“I have also heard from the media, it is news to me, from the media,” he said. “There is nothing else, no one has spoken about it.” (ESPNcricinfo)

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-Pele Alumni Frank across the country. More so, we want to see the expansion of Watson Memorial Under-15 Intra-Association Tournament the programmes reaching the far-flung region, the hinterlands…. was officially launched Tuesday afternoon at the National The GFF, through its strategic development plan, has already Gymnasium. GFF President Wayne Forde is thankful for the demonstrated that its initiative is to reach beyond the coastal agreement between the two entities that will lands of Guyana…”

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani congratulated Forde ensure that structural football is played at one of the most critical levels in the development of any for the work he has done for football so far. “There’s a saying in life that says, ‘that someday in life there’ll be a moment you’ll have player.

The two entities signed a five-year agreement to stand up for who you are’. I think Guyana have shown that. for a tournament in honour of Pele FC’s First The GFF have shown strong leadership and CONCACAF strongly support the leadership, the administration and executives of President Frank Watson.

The purpose of this Tournament is to assist the Guyana’s football for that reason.”

In his message, he told the youth players “life simulates development of youth football in Guyana and to utilise football as a vehicle to promote education football”. Montagliani asked if “you’re down one to nothing with for youth footballers, both boys and girls. Pele one minute left, what you are going to do? Walk off the field? No, FC Alumni will contribute $4.5 million annually you don’t walk off the field”. He then asked, “If you’re down in towards the administration of the programme life, what you’re going to do? Walk off the field? No, you do not and also provide gear, balls and trophies for the walk off the field.”

“You are going to have highs and lows and you’ll have to deal Tournament.

“Football has certainly taken off and it is evident with that, but it is a privilege and I want to seize that…wherever in the daily reports that are coming out in the the journey takes you, it takes you. You might end up being a press,” boasted Forde, who was very happy about referee; you might end up being the President of CONCACAF. You don’t know where it’s going to take you or you might just enjoy it, the collaboration.

“Special thanks to the Pele Alumni Corporation but at the end of the day, you have to seize the moment.”

Forde also shed some light on future events: “In a matter for coming on board with the GFF in a long-term contractual agreement that will ensure that structural football is of weeks the GFF will be announcing a similar nationwide U-13 played at one of the most critical levels in the development of League and thereafter, a U-20 League. This is all part of a bigger any player. This is the example of players that would have gained plan; this is all part of a larger programme being implemented opportunities from football, taking a faithful leap in reinvesting by our technical development officers and more importantly, our their resources, their intellect and all to the facilities of their technical director.”

He said the academy training centre was one of the most disposals to the development to the game, they would have important components of football development in Guyana. played and certainly love,” the GFF President detailed.

The U-13, U-15, U-17 According to Forde, and U-20 Leagues will the U-15 league is feed players into the part of the GFF’s academy. “The TD is strategic plan to have very focused on the consistent football work that we need to played at every level. do from a federation The National Milling standpoint to get into Company (NAMILCO) the academy, but the paved the way and was only way we could the pioneer in the new get to that point is by structure that the GFF first identifying the is trying to develop best talent within the in football. “We now various associations have two commercial and the league provides partners that will the platform for that ensure that football is talent identification, played at the Under-15 which is one of the most and Under-17 [level] CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani speaking to the important aspects for year-round for the next gathering Tuesday at the National Gymnasium football development,” five years and I think Forde stated. this is the first of its According to the President, the GFF is already seeing results kind. I don’t recall another period in Guyana’s football history, we would have had two commercial relationships that ensure that from the work that it has been doing at the youth level. “Only structured age-specific football is played all year round in every a few weeks ago, the Guyana Golden Jaguars U-17 team did association and I think that the Pele Alumni Corporation needs to exceptionally well in a tournament in Martinique to the extent that we prevailed over the Region’s powerhouse Haiti 3-1.” be commended for that.”

He added that that was no small or simple accomplishment.

Former Pele President and Representative of the Pele Alumni Corporation, John Yates, gave a detailed history of the club, “That is huge for Guyana. I cannot recall another time in our which started July 18, 1971, when the Brazilian soccer legend history where we were able to do that, so again I want to give Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as “King Pele” credit to our technical staff.”

According to Forde, the vision of the executive committee announced his retirement from playing international soccer.

Lennox Arthur, a Guyana national soccer star, decided to honour is very simple. “The first thing we are trying to accomplish is King Pele by naming the local Albouystown YMCA team “Pele stability, which I think we already have. Secondly, we are trying FC” to memorialise the soccer legend’s role as the number one to develop and earn credibility by virtue of relationships which we have managed – true collaborations with Scotiabank and ambassador in our sport.

According to Yates, Arthur’s vision was to elevate the level NAMILCO. Thirdly, we are trying to create commercial value of soccer played in Guyana through this youth team. The dream within our products; that is a challenge in undertaking but rest became a reality with more than 50 children from Albouystown assured in that regards, we will proceed as well and finally, we YMCA focusing on the criteria of being in school with excellent are trying to create lasting structures in the development of the sport.” football skills.

He further stated that the GFF wanted to demonstrate that “In order to achieve this vision, it required Lennox to sacrifice football came first in everything that was done. “For too long his national and division one soccer career,” Yates expressed.

For the record, Pele became Georgetown champions in 1976, there was a federation that appeared to be concerned with everything else other than the game itself and the executives some short five years after the club was established.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones said it was indeed a have demonstrated over the past year and four months that our pleasure for the Government of Guyana to stand in support of the focus is on football.”

He made it clear that football was their priority and they Tournament. “As we (the GoG) mentioned earlier today in a brief conversation we had with the President of CONCACAF as well as would continue to pursue this path, because it was the only way President of GFF that the Government of Guyana is supportive to success and when the ball was being kicked on the field, every of any endeavours with GFF to see the strengthening of football conversation seemed to disappear.

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Chanderpaul fatherson duo make history W

indies Test legend and his 20-year-old son record er Chanderpaul in the secunique feat after making 50s in same first-class ond innings when he was forced match to retire hurt and seek treatShivnarine Chanderpaul made a habit of trailblazing ment in hospital after a lifter from Test paceman during a two-decade long international career and the West Jerome Taylor struck him on the left hand.

Indies legend has made history once again in a regional Shivnarine was not out on 0 at stumps on day three with Caribbean first-class match this week.

Guyana 2-79 needing a further 103 runs to win.

In a four-day game for his native Guyana against A left-hander like his father, Tagenarine captained the Jamaica, the 42-year-old brought up his 136th first-class West Indies at Under-19 level and is currently playing in half-century only hours after his 20-year-old son Tagenarine his 16th first-class match, with his 50 against Jamaica the had also reached 50 on day two of the clash at Sabina Park. third half-century of his fledgling career.

It’s the first time a Last month, father-son duo have he was selected notched half-cenin a University of turies in the same the West Indies first-class match Vice Chancellor’s since George Gunn XI to play a 50and his son George over tour match Vernon made struck against England, tons in a match for where he made Nottinghamshire in a run-a-ball 13 1931. before falling to Since making leg-spinner Adil his first-class deRashid. but in 2013 with Instances of his father’s Test fathers and sons career still in full playing alongflow, Tagenarine side one another Chanderpaul has in domestic crickplayed five matchet have been rare es alongside his dad, in recent decades, Shivnarine (left) and Tagenarine (right) share a number of notable traits (Getty/WICB Media) but it’s the first ocand it’s never casion where both have made telling contributions in the happened in international cricket. same game.

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak played with Opening the batting after Jamaica were dismissed for his father Denis in the mid-nineties as the pair helped 255, the younger Chanderpaul put on 104 for the first-wicket Matabeleland claim the 1996 Logan Cup (Zimbabwe’s firstwith Shimron Hetmyer before three quick wickets brought class competition) title. the Windies’ second all-time leading Test run-scorer to the In 1999, a 50-year-old Dennis Lillee opened the bowlcrease to join his son. ing with his son Adam in a Australian Cricket Board The elder Chanderpaul was handed an early life when Chairman’s XI tour match against a Pakistan side featurJermaine Blackwood dropped him on seven at first-slip, but ing Shoaib Akhtar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmed and after the pair put on 38 in 12 overs, Blackwood made no Mohammad Yousuf. mistake a second time around when Tagenarine edged one Both picked up three wickets while the younger Lillee to him on 58. took a superb one-handed catch at fine-leg off the ex-Test Shivnarine, who signed a one-year deal in January to quick’s bowling to remove Pakistan opener Ghulan Ali. And much further back, legendary Englishman WG play with England county outfit Lancashire as a Kolpak player this year, completed the unique double by posting a Grace played first-class matches alongside two of his chilfighting 57 to help Guyana take a slender first-innings lead. dren, Charles and WG Junior, in the early 1900s. (cricket.com.au) But a historic match took a painful shift for the young-

Kane likely to miss friendly with knee injury

Harry Kane tweeted that he would come back stronger and thanked fans for their messages of support after Spurs revealed he had suffered ligament damage

T

ottenham striker Harry Kane has suffered ligament damage to his right ankle - but it is not thought to be as severe as the injury that sidelined him for seven weeks earlier this season.

The England international was replaced after seven minutes of Sunday’s 6-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Millwall.

He was hurt when defender Jake Cooper blocked his shot close to the byeline.

Spurs said the injury is similar to the one Kane picked up against Sunderland on 18

September.

The 23-year-old missed five Premier League games and two EFL Cup matches after twisting his ankle tackling Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji.

Kane is likely to miss England’s friendly in Germany on 22 March and a home World Cup qualifier against Lithuania four days later.

It is not clear if the top flight’s joint leading scorer with 19 goals will be available for Tottenham’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on the weekend 22-23 April. (BBC)

Buveur D’Air reigns at Champion Hurdle Bengaluru pitch was ‘below average’

S

Victory was Fehily’s second in the Champion Hurdle, following a previous win in 2012

econd favourite Buveur D’Air, ridden by Noel Fehily, stormed to victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Nicky Hendersontrained six-year-old, a 5-1 shot, came home ahead of My Tent Or Yours (16-1) and Petit Mouchoir (6-1).

It was Fehily’s second Champion Hurdle victory, and owner JP McManus’ 50th winner at Cheltenham.

Yanworth - the 9-4 favourite - never settled and placed seventh.

Henderson’s sixth winner makes him the most successful trainer in the history of the race, following successes with See You Then (1985,

1986, 1987), Punjabi (2009) and Binocular (2010).

“It’s fantastic. To win one was great, to win two is special,” said Fehily, whose first Champion Hurdle win came on Rock On Ruby in 2012.

“I was very happy with him. My worry was if he would travel well enough down the hill but he travelled well and jumped well - it was a great performance.”

Petit Mouchoir, trained

by Henry De Bromhead, led with two jumps to go but was hauled back by the two Henderson horses.

The 66-year-old also trains My Tent Or Yours, who finished second for a third time, having fallen just short in

2016 and 2014.

“I just know he’s a very talented horse,” Henderson said of Buveur D’Air. “He’d won two novice chases and I just knew there was more there. You just felt there was unfinished business.

“It was very open - you could have had any sort of winner. I was happy with the ground, it hadn’t dried like people thought it would. I knew it was safe enough and I thought it would suit him.

“All records are there to be broken. It’s the horses and the people that make it. It’s rather surreal really. Of course it’s special, it’s just fun. When this thing happens it’s even better fun.”(BBC)

T

The Australian team examine the pitch on the eve of the second Test in Bengaluru

he pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which hosted the second Test between Australia and India last week, has been given a “below average” rating by the ICC match referee, Chris Broad. Earlier, Broad had rated the pitch for the Pune Test, the first of the series “poor”.

While the outfield in Bengaluru was rated as “very good”, it is understood that one of the main factors in Broad’s appraisal of the pitch was the variable bounce. In contrast to the series opener in Pune, which ended within three days, the second Test was low-scoring thriller that

went into the final session of the fourth day. India finally prevailed on fourth afternoon, and levelled the four-match series 1-1 after Australia lost their last six wickets for 11.

A below-average rating from a match referee is common and carries no penalty or fine. Of the six options available for the match referee to evaluate a pitch, a below-average rating ranks ahead of “poor” and “unfit”.

A rough patch outside the right-hand batsmen’s off stump offered turn and bounce to Nathan Lyon, who took eight wickets on the first day. Second day onwards, the fast bowlers got quite a few balls to stay low and

shoot through the ground.

Virat Kohli, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith and R Ashwin fell to grubbers.

Pune was the second Indian pitch to be rated poor in two seasons, after India beat South Africa in Nagpur in three days in 2015-16.

Since the ICC began its pitch and outfield monitoring process in 2006, four of the seven Full-Member pitches rated poor or unfit have belonged to India.

The third Test of the series will be played in Ranchi from March 16. Like Pune, Ranchi will be making its Test debut, and the pitch there has been a subject of speculation.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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By Romario Samaroo

T

he festivities for the Hindu Holiday of Phagwah allowed the Old Fort Hockey Club to host their annual fun day at the Guyana Police Force Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary where they were crowed the day’s champion on Sunday.

Joining in the celebration of the day were Saints Hockey Club, GCC Hockey Club and Hikers Hockey Club, however hockey was not the only sport the ath-

closest rivals, took second place with 85 points while GCC, who were the defending champions, secured 55 points and Saints brought up the rear with 30 points.

These points were awarded to victorious teams in events such as egg throwing with a four member team, furthest scooper, a 7 a side tire relay, 4x1 relay, mop stick race and an entertaining 11 a side relay race.

However, the featured event included a series of 10 minute hockey matches which saw competition in

In an exciting 4x1 relay, Hikers ruled the track winning both the male and the female races while securing the mop stick race which saw six members of the team running to the center of the two groups and spinning around several times with their head on the mop stick and the stick positioned to the ground before tagging in their partner after running over to them on the other end of the area.

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Hikers (green) edged GCC (blue) to win the competitive yet entertaining 4 x 100m relay at Eve Leary on Monday

letes participated in as track races and novelty events shared the limelight.

The weather was on their side on Sunday after a rainy Saturday and it was all sun and fun but when the dust was settled it was Old Fort with an unassailable lead having amassed a total of 105 points. Hikers, their

the categories of both male and female, under-17, U-20, U-30, U-45 and a general 7-a-side match.

Saints dominated the younger groupings while GCC were dominant in the older divisions but at the end of the day, all participating teams were thoroughly entertained.

bers of the club related that it was once again a successful hosting of the event which has become a tradition on the clubs yearly calendar and thanked all involved for their support and efforts while extending an invitation for future participation and support.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, march 15, 2017

Petra Futsal Championships…

Sparta Boss, Broad ess Street, Tucville gr

S

parta Boss, Broad Street and Tucville were some of the teams that have made it through to the group stages after the first round of elimination in the second Petra Organised Futsal Championships at the National Gymnasium on Monday evening.

Watched by a sizeable crowd, Sparta Boss, who have dominated the Futsal sport over the last years three years on the outside

and support from Jimmy Gravesande, Rocky Gravesande and Lennox Cort, who netted in the 8th, 10th and 23rd minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, the Tucville and Kitty Weavers encounter gripped the attendance of many as it produced 12 goals, seven of which were scored by Tucville.

A trio of braces off the feet of Dennis Edwards (2nd & 9th), Jermin Junior

o r p

Orandel Williams had equalized for Leopold Street in the 15th.

In addition, Josiah Charles’s double piloted West Back Road to 2-0 after scoring in the 6th and 22nd minute.

The elimination matches will continue on Thursday at the same venue where Hustlers tackle Tiger Bay from 19:30h followed by West Front Road

By Romario Samaroo

W

inning the second race of his senior career, PSL rider, Romello Crawford is relishing in the success of his recent wins, notably in both forms of cycling.

On Monday, Crawford rode off with the title in the 4th annual Benjamin Sports Store cycling road race in a time of one hour 54 minutes and 29 seconds with the race being hosted in his home town of Berbice. The 50-mile event pedaled off from in front of the Benjamin Sports Store at Fyrish Corentyne and proceeded to the No. 51 Police station before returning to its place of origin for the finish.

Crawford was followed by Paul Denobrega (Team Evolution) in second, Hamzah Eastman (Team Cocos) in third, Geron Williams (Continental CC) in fourth, Shaquel Agard (Linden Bauxite Flyers) in 5th, Andrew Hicks (WS United) in 6th, Jamual John (Team Cocos) in 7th, Slivio Inniss (Linden Bauxite Flyers) in 8th, Stephano ‘Sunny’ Husbands (Team Cocos) in 9th and Mark Harris (Team Cocos) in 10th.

Also, Saturday saw Crawford outsprinting Williams in the 12th Demerara Distillers Limited 35-lap featured race in the National Park to complete the feat in a time of one hour 16 minutes and 24 seconds. After these achievements, Crawford acknowledged that it was a good feeling to beat some of the seasoned riders especially in the presence of his home crowd while crediting his stringent training and familiarity to the conditions for the win.

The 18 year old who only came over to the senior class this year has immediately caught the eyes of the other riders and is now considered one of the better riders with a bright future. This is particularly interesting since the former Corentyne Comprehensive High School student only started riding competitively just under four years since he was one of the best jumpers in the ancient county, having made the inter district National Championship team in 2014 and would have made it again last year had he not been unavailable.

Crawford has also made tremendous strides on the regional scene, having been included in a team to the United Cycling International (UCI) tour of Tobago in 2015 where he was successful.

The Number One village native, like the long list of Romello Crawford family members fell in love with cycling after following in the footsteps of his cousins but intends to surpass all of their efforts by being the number one ranked cyclist at the end of the year as well as his personal goal of making the National team.

Crawford would now be tested in unfamiliar conditions when he heads over for the final leg of the 20th Cheddi B. Jagan Memorial Cycling road race in Essequibo this Sunday.

Goal! West Back Road’s Josiah Charles scores his second goal against Festival City on Monday at the National Gymnasium

courts have turned their attention to the indoor version and by all means have had a rollicking start to their title endeavors by crushing Globe Yard 6-1 via hat-tricks from Gregory Richardson and Devon Millington.

Richardson was the first to open the scoring when he netted in the 3rd, followed by conversions in the 10th and 16th minute while Millington etched his name

(5th&15th), Delon Williams (18th & 26th) and Tefon Daly (8th). For Weavers, Nigel Denny netting in the 9th minute led the charge, while an own goal in the 12th and additional conversions by Daniel Ross (23rd), Tevin Fowler (29th) and Gregory Jones (30th).

Similarly, Agricola Champion Boys edged North Ruimveldt 3-2, as the skillful Domini Garnett helped himself to a double, with

and Camp Street All-stars from 20:15h.

Albouystown will then lock horns with Campbellville from 21:45h after which Alexander Village and Sophia clash from 21:45h. Defending champions Bent Street will the take to the field against Stevedore Scheme from 22:30h followed by Back Circle and Showstoppers from 23:15h.

When the group stag-

Pakistan paceman provisionally suspended

P

Tucville’s Jermin Junior manoeuvres his way through the field against Kitty Weavers

on the score sheet 8th, 20th and 23rd minutes; Rolex Smith scored in the 9th for the wounded opposition.

Broad Street Bullies also won by an identical scoreline against Channel-9 Warriors, as after Anton Alexander netted in the 2nd minute to put the Warriors ahead and stun the boisterous Broad Street fans.

Their response was led

by Keiron Solomon hattrick (7th, 11th & 24th)

goals in the 12th and 20th, followed by Quacey Weeks in the 8th. For the North Ruimveldt outfit, the experienced Gerlad Gittens netted in just the 1st minute of the match then Andrew Gibson added the other in the 3rd.

North East La Penitence also won by a one-goal margin against Leopold Street as Romario Andrews and Kelvin Moore goals in the 9th and 25th minute respectively proved to be vital;

es begin, the top two finishers and the two best third ranked teams from the respective groups, will progress to the quarterfinal phase.

The winner of the tournament is set to pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy; while the second, third and fourthplaced finishers will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

akistan paceman Mohammad Irfan has been provisionally suspended as part of an anticorruption investigation into the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The 34-year-old has been charged with two violations of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) anti-corruption code.

The seven-foot tall bowler has 14 days to respond to the charge.

Pakistan players Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were recently suspended as part of the same investigation into the PSL, which has now concluded.

They, along with Irfan, play for Islamabad United.

“He (Irfan) has also been provisionally suspended with immediate effect from participating in all forms of cricket,” said a PCB statement.

“The PCB’s investigation will continue with regard to any questionable activity by any player and player support personnel as it carries on with its mission of eliminating the

Mohammad Irfan last appeared for Pakistan in an ODI against England at Headingley in September 2016

menace of corruption from cricket.”

Irfan, who has played Test, one-day and Twenty20 cricket for his country, last appeared for Pakistan in an ODI against England at Headingley in September 2016.

Pakistan batsman Nasir

Jamshed was one of two men arrested by the National Crime Agency in Britain in February as part of an investigation into cricket corruption.

A third suspect was also arrested in Sheffield and all three were released on bail.

(BBC Sport)

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wednesDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

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CONCACAF boss optimistic of “West Indies cricket has to be the infrastructural development No 1 priority”

By Akeem Greene

I

t has just been ninemonths in office for Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani and on his first visit to Guyana on Tuesday expressed optimism about the future of football in the South American nation.

Montagliani’s viewpoint stems from the fact that the government through the National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed a willingness to support the game especially in helping to develop facilities.

“One of the biggest issues in CONCACAF is that you have struggle with facilities and those are challenges that cannot be fixed overnight but I was pleased to see a government really supporting our sport in looking at ways to help,”

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani

the Canadian stated while speaking at press conference at the Guyana Pegasus.

He added, “With that kind of support tackling the issues of facilities will be good since at the end of the day no one entity can do it on its own; I’m very optimistic that those infrastructural challenges can be tackled.” However, though the support is welcomed by Montagliani, he felt that it must not be short-term

GHB/Outdoor League 2017

GCC THRASH

Old Fort 13-1

T

he action resumed in the Guyana Hockey Board’s Outdoor League with action in the Second Division and Under 18 categories on Sunday at the St. Stanislaus College Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The day of hockey marks the resumption after a week’s break due to the inclement weather affecting competition but saw four second division matches and two under 18 clashes being contested.

The highlight of the day came with GCC women demolishing the Old Fort ladies in a 13-1 clobbering.

GCC were on the attack when Aliyah Gordon secured the first goal shortly after the opening whistle when she sent one past the Old fort keeper in the second minute of play. Shortly after Carina Moller followed suit.

Gordon would go on to score two more goals (22nd, 26th) while Shebiki Baptiste netted a hat trick (18th, 20th, 23rd ) and Tricia Fiedkou (7th), Sandy Roopnarine (17th), Madison Fernandes (31th) and Dacia Woodroofe (40th) scored one goal apiece to complete the onslaught.

Minosoda Cullpepper was the only Old Fort player to have any success, scoring

in the 13th minute.

The GCC B men followed their female counterparts, registering a 4-0 victory over Old Fort. Damon Woodroffe scored twice (9th, 17th) with Alan Fernandes (32th) and Patrick Edgill (57th) also keeping the scorers busy.

Also, Saints handed Hikers a 7-1 upset after they were lead by Joel Hunte’s hat trick. He was supported by Taise Seepal with two goals, Hilmar Chester and Shemar Boston with one goal each.

However, the Hikers ladies exerted revenge for their male club mates’ misfortunes earlier by handing Saints a 4-0 defeat which was patterned around Kenisha Wills’ double.

Meanwhile, in the Under 19 contest, Old Fort defeated Saints 3-1 with the Hopkinson boys scoring all three goals for Old Fort (Omar 1st, 19th and Kendar 38th) The other school team, St. Joseph High suffered the same faith as Saints, going down 0-4 to GCC. Kareem McKenzie and Raheem Oliver score two goals each to seal the victory.

The league continues this weekend with more games at the same venue.

since “it has to be tackled in the right way and has to be a long term plan over the next 10 to 20 years.”

In the interim, the development of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Academy Training Centers (ATC) should remain a focus since in the President’s mind, this will be the precursor for more to be accomplished.

Montagliani contended that the relations being built is due to the body being more inclusive to territories and it will only auger well for countries like Guyana.

“I think it is important to know that CONACAF had a allot of walls around it and we have been able to break through those walls by coming together allot part of the discussion we have been around development, discussing areas where members like Guyana can take advantage,” the President stated.

D

iscarded West Indies Twenty20 skipper Darren Sammy is optimistic recent administrative changes to Cricket West Indies will help settle longstanding disputes between players and the board.

In the recent months Johnny Grave, who was previously with the Professional Cricketers’ Association in the UK, was appointed chief executive of CWI and former Windies captain Jimmy Adams given the post of director of cricket; Stuart Law a former Australia batsman took over as head coach.

With former CEO Michael Muirhead and cricket director Richard Pybus previously involved in some high profile disputes with the players, Sammy hopes the new appointments will alter the often adversarial relationship between the parties.

The former two-time T20 World Cup winner cautioned that finding a solution would require a buy-in from all parties.

“I had some conversations with Jimmy, he has some good ideas for cricket,” Sammy told Cricbuzz.

“It’s all about everyone heading in the right direction because if Jimmy and Stuart

Darren Sammy

don’t have the support to implement these ideas then it will still be a back and forth.

“Everyone has to buy in and West Indies cricket has to be the number one priority, not any personal agendas,” he added.

“I want what’s best for West Indies cricket.”

Sammy, now 33, was dropped from the West Indies T20 squad after criticizing the board in wake of the team’s T20 triumph last year. (Sportsmax)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

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

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GFF-Pele Alumni Frank Watson Memorial Under-15

“Football has certainly taken off” — GFF President Forde at launch

Pg 19

Former Pele President and representative of the Pele Alumni Corporation, John Yates (extreme left at the back) and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (second from right)

CONCACAF boss optimistic of infrastructural development

Pg 23

The members of the head table at the press conference at the Guyana Pegasus on Tuesday. From left; President of Aruba Football Federation Richard Dijkhoff, Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde, CONCACAF President Victor Montagiani, St Marteen Football Federation President Fabrice Baly and Member Associations and Legal Affairs of CONCACAF Director Marco Leal

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