Guyana Times Daily

Digicel hands over Kingston Practical Instruction Centre to Education Ministry P13

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3027

guyanatimesgy.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

PRICE

Senior officer in B Division under investigation for allegedly taking bribe Battered body of Corentyne carpenter found

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Bees invade Georgetown Magistrates’ P17 Courts

Page 3

Bartica Massacre trial

Another accused pleads guilty to manslaughter

Guyanese Canadians encouraged to invest in Guyana P12

Page 10

Page 3

GDF 51st anniversary service

Army Chief warns against unprofessional behaviour

Page 2

Newly-appointed Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis (inset) addressing officers and special invitees at the institution’s 51st anniversary church service in the auditorium of Base Camp Ayanganna, on Tuesday

Top Cop calls for citizens’ cooperation Page 7

Crime not affecting tourism – GTA Director Page 9

Food and Drug Dept warns against unlabelled processed P2 foods Guyanese P13 urged to be ambassadors as Tourism Awareness Month kicks off

Cabinet engages GuySuCo on sugar industry’s P11 future

2 news

wednesDAY, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

GDF 51st anniversary service

Army Chief warns against unprofessional behaviour N

ewly-appointed Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier George Lewis on Tuesday warned officers against misrepresenting the military unit, and decried instances of undisciplined and unprofessional behaviour.

Lewis, who recently assumed the helm of the army, was addressing ranks at a church service held to kick off the institution’s 51st anniversary in the auditorium of Base Camp Ayanganna.

While he expressed gratitude for the successes achieved so far, the Chiefof-Staff was more concerned with the decorum of soldiers, especially since they have a significant role to play in society.

He urged them to examine the way in which they execute their duties, the values they upheld and customs they practised.

“It was cases of indiscipline that resulted in ranks

being charged with traffic offences. It was cases of indiscipline that caused ranks to be involved in spousal abuse, and cases of integrity that caused ranks to scale.

The fundamental ingredient of discipline is regimentation. If we fail to regiment ourselves, then by extension, we will continue to contribute to serious indiscipline in the Force,” the new Army Chief said.

Brigadier Lewis sought to enforce that each officer had a major responsibility, and implored them to recognise and apply the new standards required at the inductive training levels.

“We must look at the way we execute our duties, the values we uphold, and the customs we practice and always strive for best practice,” he said.

He continued, “I do believe that we need to continuously evaluate our mission in this changing environment, in order to continue to

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier George Lewis

provide safety and security.

Threats are evolving and we must likewise evolve. Those evolving threats may require we change our operating posture.”

The celebration on Tuesday was also to commemorate Defence Force Day. Lewis said the day was a special one in the lives of the Defence Force.

“We celebrate 52 years as a defence force and providing defence and security to Guyana, something we all should be proud of and applaud ourselves for.”

He added that the church service must be seen as a time for reflection and introspection.

“We must examine our past, deliberate on our pres-

ent and chart our course for future. We must ask ourselves, what does it mean to be 51 years old?” He said that at 51 years old, the GDF must demonstrate that it was an experienced and matured State organisation, committed to defending Guyana, “with officers, soldiers and civilian workers who are committed, dedicated and disciplined”.

“We must also commit ourselves to professionally performing our duties without fear or favour. I do also believe that after 51 years of providing public safety, that no fair-minded person would dispute the fact that the GDF has made a unique contribution to the safety and development of this nation, and that in every way we have satisfied our motto to serve throughout our existence,” the Army Chief declared.

Further, he stated that the Force must continue to provide public security in the future and must also be able to continue to trans-

form the counter changes in the contemporary operating environment and to counter new and emerging threats.

“I have every confidence that we, together as a force, would embrace the changes that are necessary for our development, that we would continually assess the environment in which we operate and modify our training and operations to meet those threats.

“I do believe that the GDF cannot stand apart from society. Our very existence requires an integrated presence with society.

Therefore, the future GDF must forge stronger ties and bonds with society, with governmental departments and with our veterans.

“Let me assure you that you have nothing to fear with the new leadership, once you do your job professionally and make positive contributions towards the achievement of our objectives. Our every act must be above reproach, as being a soldier is an honourable profession.”

Food and Drug Dept warns against unlabelled processed foods

T

he Government Analyst–Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is urging the public to be on the lookout for unlabelled processed foods.

The warning was issued to both manufacturers and consumers in a media advisory on Tuesday against unlabelled items of processed foods such as flour, milk, sauces, spices and beverages.

According to the Department, the sale of unlabelled processed foods is in contravention of the laws of Guyana, specifically the Food and Drug Act, Chapter 34:03, Part II, Section 6 (2) and the Food and Drug Regulation No 10 of 1977, Section 18 (1), which states: “Manufacturers and food processors who are involved in this prohibitive practice are guilty of an offence according to the Food and Drug Act.” In addition, the Food and Drug Department posited that these items pose a public health risk; hence, consumers are being advised not to make such purchases for various reasons, including the fact that unlabelled foods are in most cases manufactured and/or packaged under insanitary conditions by unlicensed manufacturers.

Moreover, it was outlined that unlabelled foods may be subjected to adulteration (mixing) with substandard and/or expired foods.

The Food and Drug Department explained that consumers were taking a risk when purchasing unlabelled foods that are void of information (such as name

and address of manufacturer, batch number, expiry date, list of ingredients, etc) in the event of food poisoning, complaint or the need for litigation (legal action) against manufacturers or packagers.

Furthermore, the Department posited that unlabelled packages were in some cases recycled, so the nutritional value of the food product could not be guaranteed, or instruction provided on storage or use when critical or necessary.

Additionally, consumers cannot be guaranteed of the correct weight or measure of foods that are sold in unlabelled packages.

The advisory further detailed that the Department would be left with no alternative but to enforce the laws of Guyana by seizing and confiscating unlabelled foods that were consistently being released for sale on the local market in large volumes with little or no regards to its advice.

Consumers are again being advised to desist from the purchase of unlabelled products for their own safety.

news

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wednesDAY, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, November 2, 2016 – 05:00h-06:30h Thursday, November 3, 2016 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, November 2, 2016 – 05:120h-06:50h Thursday, November 3, 2016 – 05:55h-07:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Early morning sunshine is expected to give way to light rain showers that will last until mid afternoon. Sunny weather is expected to return in the later afternoon followed by clear skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 26 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly and East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 05:38h and 17:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.68 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:24h and 23:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 2.54 metre respectively.

Senior officer in B Division under investigation for allegedly taking bribe

A

New Amsterdam, Berbice man has been arrested, while a senior rank is accused of accepting an $800,000 bribe to not lay charges against the accused in an illegal firearm case who is currently on remand.

Kevin France, 51, a self-employed man of Lot 55 Palmyra Village, Berbice, is accused of having one 9 mm pistol and 13 live rounds in a car without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine told Guyana Times that the investigation has been launched and the Police want to get to the bottom of the allegation, since a senior Police Officer has been implicated.

“The Commander drew something to my attention, but I am satisfied that the man who was found with the firearm has been charged and is before the court. I asked that an investigation be launched, because of the fact that a senior officer is involved; it could have been any officer; we need to get down to the bottom of it to find out whether it is true or

false,” Ramnarine told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview.

The investigation was launched after a phone conversation between Frances’ wife, Destiny Harris, and someone claiming to be the Senior Officer was given to the Police.

During the conversation, the $800,000 bribe was requested: VOICE OF MAN –“I can release the car this afternoon if you want.”

VOICE OF HARRIS – “Yes, I would like to have the car back this afternoon. So I give you the eight hundred today and tomorrow to the court?”

VOICE OF MAN – “Yes, you come to the court tomorrow and someone will take the money and he will be out.”

VOICE OF HARRIS – “So the whole case will be finished and there will be no story?”

VOICE OF MAN – “It could have been finished already…”

VOICE OF HARRIS – “When will this person be out?”

VOICE OF MAN – “He could have been out already. I will go over just now and call

the person and call you back and tell you what to do… Don’t tell any one that you spoke to me. Don’t tell nobody because I am assisting you. When you came to bring the cash to me, you alone. Get dressed and I will call you back just now.”

On Monday, Jason Thomas told Guyana Times that the Police had detained his car and were charging him for having a dark tint.

“The Police knew why my car got the tint and they never charge me. Look the other day I stop right in front of the station and picked up three girls … Now they want to charge me,” Thomas complained.

Harris took the recording to Attorney-at-Law Charrandass Persaud who said the Police confirmed that the voice on the recording was not that of the senior rank but that of a conman, Jason Thomas.

He said, “The voice was identified by a senior police rank and also the girl herself as that of Jason Thomas who is known to the Police for all kinds of things.”

Investigations revealed that Thomas was once a stu-

dent of Harris.

Thomas, who was arrested, was on Monday released.

He also told this publication that he had a good relationship with the Police.

When contacted, the senior rank, who was initially implicated, said senior investigators were handling the matter.

He said he was informed that Thomas was put on station bail as investigators are gathering more evidence. However, he noted that he could not comment further on the matter.

The Attorney says that Thomas could be charged for receiving money under false pretence and for impersonation the officer. “The fact is that you have to get the voice analysed by an expert.”

According to Persaud, when he was contacted, he advised Harris not to pay any more money. By this time, however, she had already handed over $800,000.

Guyana Times could not ascertain whether Harris had a confrontation with Thomas in the presence of Police.

However, Police are continuing to gather evidence.

Battered body of Corentyne carpenter found P fRIday, October 28, 2016

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olice are investigating the circumstances which led to the death of a 26-year-old carpenter of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, whose body was discovered lying on the road with marks of violence.

The dead man has been identified as Fayez Narinedat, of Number 70 Village. His body was discovered at about 03:45h at a scene which appeared to be that of a hit-andrun accident.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis told Guyana Times that the matter is being considered a homicide, and the Police have launched an investigation.

When this publication visited the scene, villagers were tight-lipped. However, one relative of the father of two told this newspaper that there is evidence to indicate that the body was placed on the road.

One street away, a muddy shirt which is said to be that of the deceased was seen on the road, while what appeared to be broken sticks were seen nearby.

Reports are that Narinedat

Fayez Narinedat was found lying shirtless on the road

was at a party hosted by an overseas-based Guyanese when a fight broke out, which reportedly led to his death.

The dead man’s uncle, Chandra Datt, said he was told that Narinedat reportedly left the party when he was attacked. There also appeared to be evidence of an encounter in a vacant plot of land a few lots away; broken sticks were seen and a section of the fence bro-

ken, suggesting that persons used that part to get out of the yard. More sticks and broken picket staves were seen on the street in front of the vacant lot.

According to Datt, evidence points to the fact that Narinedat was killed in the street and placed on the road.

There was also a laceration to the back of his head.

Residents in the area voiced their concerns whether the matter will be investigated properly, pointing to evidence which investigators left at the crime scene. Asked to comment on this, Divisional Commander Adonis said every straw will be unearthed and ordered that investigators re-

visit the scene.

Narinedat was an only child. His mother explained that her son left home at about 11:00h on Monday and returned during the evening but did not enter the house. She said he was heard on his cellular phone but it is not known who he was talking to.

Bebi Azes said her son may have been under the influence of alcohol and as a result, did not want to enter the house, thus choosing to go out again.

Narinedat leaves to mourn his mother, father, wife, two children and a grandmother.

The investigation is continuing.

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wednesday, november 2, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists

T

he United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI). The Resolution urged member states to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

The UN has revealed that over the past decade, more than 800 journalists have been killed for bringing news and information to the public. Worryingly, only one in ten cases committed against media workers over the past decade has led to a conviction.

The United Nations is of the view that this impunity emboldens the perpetrators of the crimes and at the same time, has a chilling effect on society, including journalists themselves.

Impunity breeds impunity and feeds into a vicious cycle.

The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013.

This landmark resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. It also urges member states to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

It further calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.

According to a UNESCO report, violence against the press, whether in the form of harassment, threats, kidnappings, illegal detainment, physical attacks, or murder, is an assault not only on civilians, but on the very dispersion of information and thus on liberty and democracy. Of the numerous types of aggression journalists face across the world, all can effectively stunt freedom of expression.

With the fatal assault on Charlie Hebdo at the start of 2015, and the persistent sprouting of new statistics each year, it is evident that oppressive violence against journalists is not dissipating. The UNESCO Director General’s 2014 Report records 593 killings of journalists between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013. From the limited information received from UNESCO member states about these killings, only 39 out of the 593 cases were advised as being resolved, representing less than seven per cent of total cases.

According to figures from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 1139 journalists have been killed since 1992 worldwide. The impunity associated with this epidemic of violence both perpetuates and strengthens this mode of oppression as perpetrators react to the reality that such actions will, more often than not, bring no legal consequences. Of the 1139 journalists killed since 1992, 756 were confirmed murdered. Murder here is defined as “a deliberate attack against a specific journalist in relation to the victim’s work”. The report further revealed that 660 of these cases were never investigated.

The findings of the same report found that female journalists, however, frequently face other forms of persecution, such as harassment, threats, and rape. A 2013 study of 1000 women working in media found that about 66 per cent had experienced some sort of intimidation throughout their career. The historic and current impunity results in self-censorship by journalists and media workers, and violates not just hundreds of people’s safety, but freedom of expression for everyone.

Simply put, violence against members of the press is an attack on freedom of expression, which in turn is an attack on democracy and human rights. International organisations have long recognised that an attack on the press is an assault on fundamental principles of democracy, namely “transparency, accountability, as well as the right to hold opinions and to participate in public debates”. Assaults against media workers suppress one’s right to access and attain information as well as to express and share ideas. Impunity for these crimes enhances this suppression of rights, as there is little disincentive for committing such acts and thus the violent cycle is perpetuated.

As the Inter-American Court emphasised, “Freedom of expression is a cornerstone upon which the very existence of a democratic society rests. It is indispensable for the formation of public opinion. It is also a condition sine qua non for the development of political parties, trade unions, scientific and cultural societies and, in general, those who wish to influence the public. It represents, in short, the means that enable the community, when exercising its options, to be sufficiently informed. Consequently, it can be said that a society that is not well informed is not a society that is truly free.”

Today, November 2, is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (Steve Rhodes photo)

We have inherited culture Greetings fellow readers, It is with esteem privilege that I’ve found reason to follow up with another letter of opinion, frustration or just lack thereof. Now am I to understand that the author in a letter captioned in your paper, “Quantifying the level of greening in Bartica” dated October 28, 2016, isn’t an outright defence of his worship and fellow deputies of the Bartica township. The author made reference to some political stirrings and hidden agenda; well let me say quite frankly, I can’t believe that because I had my views to share, it was deemed “some hidden political agenda”… it would leave one with the position that the current state of events shouldn’t have been highlighted since it would deem to be of “political in nature”.

Outside of Bartica, the bigger picture is Guyana and many other great places of interest. I think I’ve made mention that our plight for electricity is a well-documented one (nothing else to add to that). Irrespective of who is running the show, one just doesn’t say “they’ve inherited the problem”. It brings into the picture “GEC” days. How does that statement bring relief to the “levelled minded citizens”? You see, when we talk about concerns of this community we have to talk about the complexity of it; when

there is no electricity, there is no potable water. Many can relate to this fact, but despite some reasoning that the population has grown thus the plant doesn’t have the ability to generate the energy needed… it’s called “forward planning”.

I think this writer should discuss about how incapable the station is to deliver. If I am to quote or to say that the previous administration had indeed reflected on how the plant needs to be supplemented to offset energy needs, a new plant was indeed on the cards. Again my research has shown such, so if again it points to my hidden agenda or political stirrings, then I have none. I’m associated with none party. I’m just pointing the readers and writers what is already stated.

This “greening”, it’s a good thing the writer mentioned about the solid waste issue that we have because even that has become an eyesore, but of recent the site was graded and most refused to fill the area that was fully occupied, but what next?

Which other area has been identified to become the dump site? Because at least every day, if I’m not mistaken we have two collectors picking up refuse (one private and one from the council) and they dumping at the same site as we speak. Just a thought though, it seems

persons are getting into the idea that there have been receptacles to dispose refuse in but never used it in the later part of the said “23 years” they claimed the “garbage situation has gotten out of control”! Is it due to the fact that they now know about the “levels of greening taking place”?

Or are they showing respect to the environment that should’ve been done years now and not just because the “new dispensation” putting bins all over?

Was it a political thing or a mind thing? I’m guessing most readers would agree with the latter.

While the opposite grouping would give thanks to the new dispensation… an ideal example is our capital city… but it seems as if the deputy mayor can “walk with her high heels at the dump site”.

She’s working none the less, if you don’t believe me, anything that happens, it is related on the Facebook page.

Oops, but only some can access the Internet because while some have electricity, others are not so fortunate.

Of course “I would want to be seen on the ground when any capital project is going on, that’s one way to indicate my interest and that I’m not just waiting on pay day.”

The green spaces are good but how does it serve the Bartica population at large?

I think that should the peo-

ple of the scheme occupy the park, then I guess it serves them mostly. Nothing wrong with that cause it’s a prerogative that most housing schemes have a recreational area; outside of that aspect, they have the Mongrippo ball field, which is now being graded to my own estimation another area deem for green space.

But what of our employment rate and liveable wages?

Of recent, we’ve had another young miner being ruthlessly killed for earning an honest dollar. How do the green spaces help to combat this? I think many would agree that the funds could have been used to build or occupy several government buildings (so called white elephants) from the previous administration to have a Technical Institute.

What we have is a brain drain of young men heading into the interior for want of better pay and use of their hands on skills they learn.

Why this?

It is fact that when one leaves home to “hussle” they find it hard to return home to uplift the needs of the home and community at large, so why not bring the institution here instead of having to travel outside of Bartica to acquire such skills?

What do we do next?

Regards, Niranjan

IAC calls for restoration of ERC following swearing-in of PPC Dear Editor, The Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to congratulate and commend President Granger for swearing in the members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) which he said he would do by the end of October 2016.

The IAC also wishes to

congratulate the newly swornin members of the PPC: Ms Carol Corbin, accountant; Ms Emily Dodson, Attorney-atLaw; Mr Ivor English, engineer; Dr Nand Kishore Gopaul PhD, veteran trade unionist; and Mr Sukrishnalall Pasha, University of Guyana lecturer.

The IAC wishes them well

in their endeavours and hopes that a level playing field can be established in the field of competitive bidding for projects that are required to transform Guyana and deliver benefits to all of its citizens so that better living standards can be realised.

The IAC is encouraged by this timely action and calls

upon President Granger to restore the Ethnic Relations Commission which he said he will do during this current sitting of Parliament.

Yours sincerely, Saira Alli Secretary Indian Action Committee

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wednesday, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caricom States to address “tax haven” label

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ollowing what was deemed an “unfair and unfortunate” labelling of the Caribbean as a tax haven, a recent Conference of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has posited that such labelling is grounded more in perception than reality.

Senior representatives of international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, regulatory bodies, the European Union Commission, the OECD Global Forum,

commercial banks, central banks, governments, Caricom Secretariat and the Caribbean Development Bank met in Antigua and Barbuda last week under the Chairmanship of the country’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, to address the “tax haven” label as well as seek solutions to other troubling issues such as the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations from Caribbean respondent banks and de-risking in Region.

According to Caricom, regional jurisdictions participating in the Conference re-

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Illegal strikes

Dear Editor, I have always written on behalf of sugar workers supporting their just cause. A few days ago I wrote again calling on the Coalition Government to subsidize the sugar workers, specifically in relation to their electricity bill and water bills in light of an unconscionable wage freeze by GuySuCo and which seems to have the support of the government.

The Government so far seems to have a hands-off approach when it comes to the workers in the Sugar Industry but not so with regards to public servants whom they have offered at least a 10 per cent wage increase which can at least offset the rate on inflation. Is there a political reason for this? The public servants are no doubt poorly paid and with even that increase and should have been given more.

On the other hand, the sugar workers were promised on the campaign trail that they will be given a 20 per cent increase but unashamedly they are be-

ing given zero since the Coalition took office. Are we to believe that the coalition is unaware of what was happening then in Guysuco?

If so, then they were a very poor opposition and it seems with the present scheme of things that they are even a poorer government. They were fully aware of every negative issue affecting GuySuCo, but yet they were willing to lie and deceive in order to get the sugar workers and the public servants votes. The sugar workers are now expendables!

However, another grave concern is the calling of the recent strikes by the union even before the wage talks went underway with GuySuCo. Was this a sensible move by the Union? Was this a strategy used to force GuySuCo to capitulate to their demands? If so it will only serve to create an atmosphere of hostility prior to the negotiations. Strike actions should be the last resort since it can only further hurt an already feeble industry which has already seen its production drasti-

cally falling by 30 per cent or by 23,624 tonnes. It must be noted that the strike actions came at a time when the sugar industry was beginning to gain momentum and was producing to expectations.

Unfortunately, this momentum was lost at Albion Estate which had successfully achieved its target two weeks preceding that strike.

In those two weeks the sugar workers at Albion took home two extra days pay; something which seemed unachievable since the beginning of this crop. The workers were very ecstatic about this. But what is more unacceptable is the fact that after the strike called

by GAWU on October 17, an illegal strike was called at Albion Estate which was not sanctioned by the Union, and workers were deceived into believing that it was called by the Union. This was on Thursday, October

solved to launch a targeted and focused campaign aimed at eliminating this false characterisation. The Conference noted that the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which is the global authority on this issue, does not refer to the Caribbean as a tax haven.

“Caribbean jurisdictions participating in the Conference acknowledged that some jurisdictions have been tardy in passing legislation for the common reporting standards, and this is a key criterion used by

the Global Forum in assessing jurisdictions. They also agreed that harmonisation of legislation and regulation needs to be pursued.”

Furthermore, it was recognised that efficiencies can be gained from regional collaboration that bundle national operations.

They highlighted the fact that the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union countries have decided to consolidate their national Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) work into one regional operation under

the purview of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

20. This illegal strike made it impossible for the Estate to achieve its target for the week causing it to lose in excess of 300 tonnes of sugar for that particular day. It also caused more than 2,500 workers to lose a day’s pay, in addition to a bonus day’s pay which they would have received if the target was achieved.

According to information received, this illegal strike was called by a GAWU Representative who is also an NDC Councillor and this was not the first time that this particular individual has done this illegality. On all previous occasions and this time as well, the Estate Manager simply called this individual and warned him. This is highly ludicrous! How can GAWU tolerate this man to act in this totally irresponsible manner? How can GuySuCo tolerate this man for so long? I am calling on the CEO, Mr Hanoman, to conduct an investigation into this matter as to the reason why this man is receiving management’s favour. It

is a fact that workers have been dismissed by management for committing far lesser crimes. This man has committed a crime against his fellow workers, against GuySuCo and against his country. Such unpatriotic actions should be dealt with condignly. Illegal strikes must not be tolerated!

In conclusion, I would like GuySuCo’s management and the Union to sit at the negotiating table and sensibly work out at least a minimal differential wage increase. There are some workers who are barely taking home a wage which can take care of them and their families and these workers can be treated with some

preference. Then there are some workers, such as the cane cutters who have to toil very hard to eke out a reasonable day’s pay.

Therefore, it is time that differential wage increase takes the place of across the board increases in view of the terrible financial position of GuySuCo. Moreover, this does not hinder the Government to come forward and do its part, the bailouts do not end up in workers’ pockets and that is what their primary concern is - money in their pockets!

Lack of enforcement

However, one of the areas of concern for the international community is the Caribbean’s perceived lack of enforcement action. It was resolved that this issue must be addressed by dedicating more resources to Financial Intelligence Units and other relevant agencies including the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to perform their functions more effectively.

Turn to page 14

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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wednesday, november 2, 2016

Page

BY KORIN MILLER

T

he new recommendations for babies are important for new par-

ents.

Children should sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months and ideally stay for the first year, according to a new report from the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP).

The recommendation comes via a policy statement that says infants should sleep in the same room, but not the same bed, as their parents. Instead, a crib or bassinet is recommended to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or other forms of crib death.

Experts don’t know exactly what causes SIDS, defined by the Mayo Clinic as the “unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs.” However, experts theorise that a baby’s brain may not be able to regulate breathing in combination with environmental factors like soft furniture, which can lead to asphyxia or nasal obstruction. Per the report, parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 per cent when they share a room with their infant.

According to data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 3500 deaths from SIDS and other sudden, unexpected infant deaths in the US each year.

“These deaths occur among infants less than one-yearold and have no immediately obvious cause,” the CDC

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

states on its website.

The AAP said in a press release that the number of SIDS cases decreased in the 1990s after a national safe sleep campaign but has plateaued in recent years. The AAP also recommends that parents do the following to lower their baby’s risk of SIDS: * Place the baby on his or her back on a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet. * Avoid use of soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows and soft toys. The crib should be bare.

“Although there is no specific evidence for moving an infant to his or her own room before 1 year of age, room sharing during the first six months is especially critical because the rates of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths, particularly those occurring in bed-sharing situations, are highest during that period,” Patricia Gabbe, MD, a paediatrician at the Ohio State University Medical Centre and founder of Moms2B, tells Yahoo Beauty.

Gabbe says the new recommendation is a “good idea,” noting that it helps

of paediatrics at California’s Providence Saint John’s Health Centre, agrees but tells Yahoo Beauty that she’s unsure how she’ll guide the families of her patients through the recommendations. While she stresses that SIDS is terrible, she also points out that some babies are noisy sleepers, and that can keep worried parents awake.

While a bassinet is helpful when babies are small, when they get old enough to roll over, a crib is a better sleep space for them. “But not every parent’s room is going to allow space to have

* Avoid baby’s exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. * Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. * Do not use home monitors or commercial devices, including wedges or positioners, marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS. * Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations. * Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development.

with night time breastfeeding and avoids the temptation to let the baby fall asleep in bed with parents (since the crib is nearby). Not only is sleeping in the same room soothing for the baby, “keeping the baby in the same room is comforting for the parents also,” she says.

However, Gabbe stresses, “We must encourage room sharing, not bed sharing.

Falling asleep with the baby in bed with parents is very dangerous.”

Danelle Fisher, MD, chair

a crib,” Fisher says. “While these recommendations are excellent in what they’re trying to prevent, I do worry about the logistics.”

She suggests that parents who are unsure of how to navigate the new recommendations talk to their child’s paediatrician. As for the looser recommendation of sharing a room for up to a year, Gabbe says that the rate of SIDS decreases as a baby approaches 12 months, but “it could be a parent’s choice.” (Yahoo! News)

How will we be remembered?

I

nevitably, as my final year of high school begins, the question of what I’ll be leaving behind comes to mind.

Everyone knows the age old statement, if a tree falls and no one can hear it, does it make a sound? On face value, it appears to make no sense at all, but in Ashley Anthony fact it is quite applicable to our everyday life.

Life is about making connections. If we live our lives without making meaningful connections with others, then who will it matter to once we disappear? We shouldn’t be saying ‘I don’t matter’, but rather why should I? What have I done that makes me memorable?

It doesn’t need to be something vastly significant, one can be remembered simply because you were very polite, always smiling, or you were very dedicated to your work. But is it how you want to be remembered? For senior students now is the time to reflect upon if we are happy with what we’re leaving behind. It is important that we first admit that we are not perfect. We have all made mistakes. But it is important that we understand that these mistakes do not have to define us. We will not be remembered for the mistakes that we made, but rather how we dealt with those mistakes. Did we learn from them, or did we refuse to accept them?

There is a quote by Iain Thomas which reads, “There are a finite number of times you will be hurt in life, but an infinite number of ways in which you can react to it.” Similarly, there are a finite number of times you can make mistakes in life, but an infinite number of ways in which you can react to making these mistakes. How you react these mistakes will become more defining of your character and more characteristic of your legacy than the actual mistakes.

Taking all of this into consideration, I encourage all of you to go forth and focus on what you’re leaving behind. Is it something positive that you are proud of? Or would your children be ashamed to hear of what you’ve done? Remember it’s okay to make mistakes, but we just have to deal with them appropriately.

news

Top Cop calls for citizens’ cooperation

A

cting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine has underscored that public cooperation was critical in any investigation.

He emphasised too that lack of assistance on such front would undoubtedly impede Police work.

The acting Top Cop was at the time addressing the harsh criticisms levelled against the Police Force by a grieving mother over the perceived “slothfulness” in investigating the murder of her son.

Pinky Hutson’s 25-yearold son, Gregory Garraway was killed in a murder-robbery on Mandela Avenue in early October.

He was shot and robbed of a gold chain while in the company of his brother outside Wings and Things eatery.

Hutson said she knew who the perpetrator was and has criticised the Police for failing to keep in contact with her on the investigation.

However, Ramnarine said that the mother’s story was far from the truth, explaining that when Police attempted to reach out to her, she refused to cooperate.

Ramnarine said when he saw the press report of the mother condemning the slow pace of the investigation, the Police once again reached out to her and she again refused to cooperate.

“When I saw the press

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

report, I called the officer in charge of crime A Division…

I told him to go to this mother’s home and invite her to the Police Station, speak with her in the presence of other detectives, tell her you feel her pain and you feel her loss and have her cooperate with us… The detective officer did just that, and informed me that the madam indicated that she will come at her own time,” he related.

Ramnarine said the detectives engaged with Hutson and she agreed to cooperate, but when they reached out to her, she said she was unavailable.

“Last Friday as the detectives were setting up, the mother who promised to come to the station at 10, said she is not ready to come and that she needs another two weeks. This is the same mother who blurted out to the press that the Police are too slow in the investiga-

Dead: Gregory Garraway

tion,” he stated.

Ramnarine reiterated his call for the public’s cooperation in facilitating investigations.

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wednesday, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

18-year-old appears in court on stretcher

M

ark Anthony, 18, of Lot 182 Garnett Street, Albouystown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a hospital stretcher and the Magistrate had to step down from his bench to read the charges against him.

Anthony, who is accused of four charges, including robbery under arms and possession of firearm, pleaded not guilty to those charges, but was not allowed to plead to the other two charges as they were indictable.

It was alleged that on September 26, 2016, at Albouystown, Georgetown, Anthony discharged a loaded firearm at Rojah Pilgrim with

intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

It was also alleged that on the same day at Laing Avenue, armed with a dangerous weapon that is to say a firearm, he committed a robbery, stealing an iPhone and a BlackBerry cellular phone.

It was further alleged that on the same day he had in his possession a firearm – a .38 revolver –and three live matching rounds without being the holder of a firearm licence.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, the defendant approached the Virtual Complainant (VC) in his car and discharged his firearm in the direction of

Pilgrim, injuring the plainclothes Policeman. The prosecution added that the injured officer managed to disarm Anthony and arrested him.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s family is refuting the prosecution’s claims and is deeply concerned by Anthony’s condition. Family members stated that Anthony was currently experiencing swelling in his abdomen and legs. They also said that he is paralysed from his waist down. In addition, they are worried that the teen is being kept at the prison instead of a hospital, The defendant was placed on remand and was scheduled to make his next court appearance on November 15, 2016.

Now you see it (crime)…

H Mark Anthony on a stretcher at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

…now you don’t

ere we go again. The new Police Commish has joined his erstwhile civilian boss - Public Security Minister Ramjattan - to trot out statistics to put the minds of the citizenry to rest on the issue of crime. He insists crime is “down” and Guyanese are just being fooled by dastardly forces who insist otherwise. Presumably such as the Private Sector Commission.

Now it could be that the people of Guyana are just hallucinating. If so, your Eyewitness hopes they’ve been reassured by the statistics from the alarmists out to spoil the sterling reputation of the Police Force. But your Eyewitness does think the Commish is playing fast and loose with the facts when he compares the present crime rate with the numbers between 2002-2008 he cites.

He illustrated why folks snarl about “lies, damned lies and statistics”. Statistics are meaningless without their context. And we hope the Commissh hasn’t forgotten that in those years, the country was held hostage by five criminals holed up in Buxton, from which locale they committed murders, arson, robberies, kidnapping and general mayhem on the surrounding communities - and further afield.

And we certainly hope he hasn’t forgotten in those years, more Policemen were murdered than in all the years since the formation of the force in 1839! And they were killed because the five gunmen, who’d broken out of the Camp Street Jail, had declared war against the state as “African Resistance Fighters”.

At least 10 massacres were committed during those years by the gunmen - who were all eventually gunned down by 2008. In the meantime, according to Roger Khan, a self-confessed drug smuggler, he helped to put down the threat and worked closely with elements of the Police Force, including one of the present Commish’s predecessors.

This was all political violence and we can’t believe the Commish would be so contemptuous of the intelligence of the Guyanese people. But let’s pose some other statistics to the Commish and his civilian boss. Looking at murders alone, in the decade between 1990-1999, 1100 persons were murdered - an average of 110 annually. So can we say that’s a base figure, even though we know that in 1998-99 alone 30 businessmen had been targeted and killed by bandits.

Now in the decade within the Commish’s citation (2000-2009) 1431 murders have been committed - an average of 143 annually. So, can we call this number “extraordinary” because of all the killings committed by the Buxton gunmen, gangsters, etc?

So what does the Commish say when the total murders between 2011 to 2015 is 875 for an average of 146?

Even higher than the years of the killing fields!!

...now it’s revised

Your Eyewitness is surprised Tacuma Ogunseye defended Prezzie’s speech referring to “the troubles” but laid the killings and rapes and robberies solely at the feet of the PPP and “drug lords”. He’s reminded of the words of Bob Dylan: “How many times can a man turn his head/ and pretend that he just doesn’t see?”

Didn’t the “troubles” begin with the refusal of the PNC to concede losing the elections of 1997? Wasn’t Buxton taken over by five prison escapees after violent protests and became a haven of “political sophisticates” - as called

by Eusi Kwayana - who had to flee the village? Didn’t they call themselves “Resistance Fighters” on behalf of African Guyanese? And in retaliation for some high handed actions by the Police, declared war on that organisation and killed them like flies? Didn’t the COP “head” off his Minister from the Agricola Massacre?

“Yes, and how many deaths will it take ‘til he knows that too many people have died? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

...and now it’s revealed?

There is a God!! Right after Ogunseye’s letter, one of Fineman’s gang confessed as to their role in the Bartica Massacre.

Let’s see them lay THIS at the feet of the PPP!!

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

news

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wednesday, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Crime not affecting Pork-knocker freed of tourism – GTA Director businessman’s murder … proposal made for special J tourism Police unit G uyana remains a relatively safe tourism destination despite the perception that crime is spiralling out of control, according to Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Haralsingh said incidents of crime in the country are not directed to visitors and tourists.

“Guyana is a safe destination for visitors… We know that safety and security is paramount but I can assure you that most of the destinations are safe,” he said.

Haralsingh outlined that there are determined protocols which visitors are urged to follow to ensure their safety such as not wearing flashy jewellery and keeping certain information related to travel confidential.

However, as a precautionary measure, a proposal was made to develop a separate policing unit for the tourism sector, the Director revealed.

He explained that the proposal was made several months ago when Cathy Hughes was Tourism

Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh

Minister, recommending the establishment of a tourism policing unit.

This unit, the Director added, would develop strategies to protect and secure certain tourism hotspots so that tourists can feel safer when visiting those areas.

He said the proposal was also made to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; however, no headway has been made thus far.

Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that the proposal is still open for consideration.

In light of the perceived upsurge in crime, concerns were high that these inci-

dents would have a negative impact on the country’s tourism sector.

But Acting Top Cop David Ramnarine indicated that the perceptions are wrong when he announced on Monday that serious crimes were down by a whopping 17 per cent when compared to last year.

The decrease, the acting Top Cop said, is for the period January to October 2016 compared to the same period last year.

For the period this year, there were some 2700 reports of serious crime. For the same period last year, there were 3263 reports of serious crimes. So far for 2016, Ramnarine said, there have been 119 reports of murder against 149 for the entire 2015.

He added that there has been a 62 per cent reduction. Meanwhile, this year, there have been some 638 reports of robbery under arms, as against 670 for 2015. For robbery under arms with the use of other instruments, there have been 254 reports this year, against 310 last year.

There have also been 79 reports of robbery with violence compared to 115 for the same period last year.

ahryl Reid, 20, a porkknocker who was accused of the April 2014 murder of Mabura businessman Colin McLean, whom he admittedly bludgeoned to death after a scuffle, has been cleared of the capital offence. After the 12-member mix jury returned a not guilty verdict on Tuesday afternoon, Reid broke down in tears and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow told him that he has a second chance now that he is a free man.

After he was cleared of the murder charge, the young man ran into the arms of his relatives who embraced him tightly before he walked out of the court a free man. Siand Dhurjon served as lead prosecutor in the case while Counsel Madan Kissoon represented the defence.

Earlier in the day, Justice Barlow informed the jury of their responsibility to either convict or free the defendant, by weighing the evidence and testimonies tendered in the case.

Prosecutor Dhurjon and Defence Counsel Madan Kissoon had presented their closing arguments last Thursday. Reid entered a self defence claiming that around 04:00h that fateful

Late Mabura Colin McLean

businessman

Freed: 20-year-old Jahryl Reid

night, the late businessman had come out of the shower, disrobed and tried to “rape” him. However the prosecution contended that Reid was indeed a “storyteller” who was now trying to justify his crime.

“Mr Reid, you are a storyteller… [your] whole story is a lie,” Dhurjon had posited, to which the defendant responded in the negative.

The murder accused who took the stand last week had however explained that the late McLean, who was much bigger in stature, pinned him down and grabbed his hands but he managed “to wriggle out” of

his grip.

“Afterwards he was pushing me but I manage to get away,” the young man had noted.

According to reports that surfaced when the crime occurred two years ago, Reid and McLean had a heated exchange at Mabura, Upper Demerara River, after which the businessman was dealt several lashes across the head with a piece of wood.

McLean died after receiving treatment at the Mackenzie Hospital. A postmortem examination revealed he died as a result of blunt trauma to the head.

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wednesday, november 2, 2016

News

Bartica Massacre trial

Another accused pleads guilty to manslaughter

What militarised state?

S

Celbert Reece pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter

E

ight years after the brutal slaying, a trial will finally proceed after three accused in the Bartica massacre pleaded not guilty, while two others pled guilty on a lesser count. Celbert Reece – one of the five men charged with the February 2008 massacre which left 12 persons dead – on Tuesday pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which makes him the second person to enter a guilty plea in as many days.

This jarring revelation was made after Defence Counsel Madan Kissoon indicated that his client wished to enter the not guilty plea. The defendant who was clad in white, pleaded not guilty to the first indictment of the murders, but guilty on the lesser count for his involvement in the deaths which included three law enforcement officers. Lead Prosecutor Diana Kowlessar who read out the defendant’s statements, noted that Reece, called “Chi Chi” explained that on the day before the murderous acts were carried out, he received threats against him via a telephone

The three accused will stand trial at the High Court from this morning

call from “Fine Man” and he was later held up by fourmen armed with AK-47’s and a car driver who carried a hand gun at East La Penitence. The court heard that this car took him to the Parika bus terminal in Georgetown where he and two other men travelled by bus to Parika. The defendant further claimed that he was “forcibly contracted” to drive the gunmen by boat from Parika to Bartica and to and from a resting place on a nearby island. During the period of his many “forced” transits, he had driven the boat which had two drums of gasoline, to an old wharf in Tiger Bay where he met up with a woman before he briefly saw his family.

Reece stated that co-accused Dennis Williams called him via phone and he along with seven other men later boarded a boat once again and “Sad Man” put an AK to his back. He was not released because, according to him, he was the one to fix any problems that arose with the boat’s engine.

The court later heard that the gang bought more fuel af-

ter they returned to Tiger Bay after he bought food with a male and female.The men returned to the getaway island.

Recalling the fateful night of the massacre, the defendant said that he and seven other men left the island at 18:00h for Bartica and he docked the boat. Reece also claimed that he heard gunshots and even witnessed five of the 12 victims being shot to the head by “Fine Man”. The court heard that after Reece set the boat adrift at a camp, two safes were opened which contained gold and jewellery. The defendant added that all men were paid six ounces of gold each.

He said he later escaped from “Fine Man” and his henchmen some three months later after which he was captured by Police on May 27, 2008, when he was pointed out in a car while accompanying his friend, “Randy” who was also wanted for murder.

Reece’s not guilty plea comes just one day after coaccused Michael Caesar also pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter. Caesar on

Monday claimed that after the boat docked, he was dressed in a soldier’s uniform and carried an AK-47 and two handguns.

Justice George ordered a probation report for the two accused and they will make their next court appearance on December 16 for sentencing. Meanwhile, the three other accused, Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams and Roger Simon, all pled not guilty to 12 counts of murder and their trial will start this morning at 09:00h.

Over 30 witnesses are expected to testify in the High Court trial of the three accused.

The five, allegedly being a part of the Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins’ gang attacked the town and fatally shot 12 persons, namely Police Lance Corporal ZaheerZakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne. Additionally, Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas and Baldeo Singh were the civilians killed.

atiricus was having a drink at the Palm Cut in Georgetown. After his old drinking buddy Cappo, the cane cutter, had headed off to the States, he didn't feel like going down to the Back Street Bar in his village right now. So here he was, bellied up to the Palm Cut bar, with an old acquaintance who just happened to be a member of the Pee an See. And who knew Satiricus had a soft spot for Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat of the AFC. "Is wuh schupidness, dem PPCEE bannuhs gine aan wid?" complained Feel Licks. "Dem sayin' we militarising' de state!!"

"But Feel Licks, they have some reason for saying so, you know," said Satiricus quietly. Since Cappo had decided he couldn't make a living in Guyana anymore, Satiricus had been re-thinking his positions on his old heroes.

"Wuh reasons?" Feel Licks said brusquely. "Beca'se one ex-Police Commissioner, three ex-heads of the army and ten senior GDF officers advisin' de President?" Feel Licks stood up and saluted when he mentioned the President.

"Military people shouldn't get wuk?"

"Man Feel Licks, I'm in the news business, you know," said Satiricus, "It's not only in OP. In every Ministry, there's an army officer calling the shots. Just like how the Soviets used to have their Political Commissars!"

"Military Commissar?" demanded Feel Licks. "Name me one!"

"Hard Man!" replied Satiricus immediately. "He tells Nagga Man and Trot Man what to do!"

"OK! Bannuh! But tell me… do we put Police under Army command against civilians?" asked Feel Licks. "That would be militarisation."

"How about when the Army Chief sent an army intelligence to do undercover work, and he died in hot pursuit?" came back Satiricus.

"OK. But we ain't militarisin' de society by giving civilians military training," said Feel Licks with a smirk.

"So why the government bringing back the People's Militia, the Cadets Corps and increasing the reserves?"

Satiricus wanted to know.

"Well, I don't see it that way," said Feel Licks firmly.

"Because we military people are trained to only see things our way - the military way."

Satiricus finished his beer and left the Palm Cut.

wednesDAY, november 2, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Cabinet engages GuySuCo on sugar industry’s future There has already been an indication too that GuySuCo will be looking to Central Government for yet another bailout before the end of the year.

President David Granger along with members of the Cabinet at a meeting with GuySuCo’s Board of Directors

P

resident David Granger along with Cabinet members on Tuesday met with officials of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), on the current status of operations at the organisation, as well as its future plans.

Cabinet was treated to a full presentation by Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman, and the Board’s Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas.

At the close of the presentation, President Granger said the report will be thoroughly examined and discussed at Cabinet in an effort to make a determination on the industry, which will be beneficial to all concerned.

Just last week, the cashstrapped Corporation was asked to repay a loan of almost $4 billion which it received

from Central Government as part of its $12 billion subsidy last year.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma, during an audit of the nation’s accounts for last year, had found that Cabinet in June 2015 had agreed that the sum of $3.8 billion, which was transferred to GuySuCo be treated as a loan.

Amounts totalling $12 billion were released to GuySuCo during the period June to December 2015 and according to Auditor General Sharma, “An examination of Cabinet decision number, CP (2015) 6:3:BB dated 16 June, 2015, indicated that the sum of $3.8 billion be treated as a loan.”

Prior to that report, President David Granger during his address to Parliament had bemoaned the state of affairs with GuySuCo, pointing to its $89 billion in local and

international debt.

He said the gravest financial problem when his Administration took office in May 2015 was the bankruptcy of GuySuCo, which owed the aforementioned amount.

“Your Government was forced to divert money from economic development and social projects to rescue the ailing Corporation with an immediate injection of $12 billion. An additional $11 billion had to be provided the next year, 2016, making a total of $23 billion bailout in 18 months.”

The President noted, “These transfers exclude the servicing of GuySuCo’s debts in respect of the Skeldon Estate Modernisation Project – a monstrous and monumental US$200 million mistake and, probably, Guyana’s single most costly industrial catastrophe of all time.”

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Professor Clive Thomas is on record saying that the entity had initially requested $11 billion, but had only received $9 billion

in the 2016 Budget and, as such, would have to approach Government before the end of the year to gain another $3 billion in subsidy.

TURN TO PAGE 17

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wednesDay, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese Canadians encouraged to invest in Guyana

G

uyanese in the Canadian Diaspora have been urged to return and invest in the development of their homeland.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux, was answering questions from Guyana Times about what more could be done by his country to further strengthen ties with Guyana.

The two countries have had a longstanding relationship, he told this publication in an exclusive interview recently. He said he hopes that there could be stronger economic ties, and through that, Guyanese living in Canada can also make investments in Guyana.

“The human relation is good, we would certainly like to see more economic relations, more Canadian investments, particularly members of the Diaspora in Canada to return and make investments in Guyana.”

According to the High Commissioner, Canada as an immigration country has seen more than 200,000 Guyanese establish themselves there. This, he said, could do well for Guyana if persons could make investments here. Speaking to further investments here, the High Commissioner said there are some sectors which his country wants to improve its presence in operation, including the developing oil sector. He said both countries have similar experiences and are working together on this.

Works on Sussex-Barr Street bridge continue – $16M for repairs

Canadian High Commissioner, Pierre Giroux

He said his country has already established a sturdy relationship with Guyana and this dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries. It was Canada, he said, that imported sand from Guyana; sand which was used to build planes used in the Second World War. “The relation between Guyana and Canada are long standing. It has in fact started back in the 18th century, where from the maritime province of Canada; it exported salted-fish to what was then British Guiana.

We started with banks in the early 20th century, the Bank of Nova Scotia.”

He said the two countries also have a longstanding relation which was linked to human relation. He explained that Canadian missionaries were among the first to establish schools for the freed slaves in the 19th century.

The relation later evolved into two strands, including

economics. Canada, he said, was a country which invested in the mining sector for a long time. First it was in the bauxite area. His ALCAN Canada was in partnership with US Company ALCO of the United States in the Demerara Bauxite Company which he said produced most of the bauxite which was sent to Canada.

His country he said is also investing in gold in Guyana.

“So we have a very strong economic interest”. On the other hand, Canada is also an immigration country, receives over 230,000 immigrants a year and this has been a longstanding policy.

“This means we have a long human relation between Guyanese who establish themselves in 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s and today.

There are even thousands of Guyanese Canadians living in Guyana today. So the connections are very strong”, he told Guyana Times.

T

The current state of the Sussex-Barr Street bridge

he Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will continue rehabilitation works on the Barr and Sussex Street bridge located in the Albouystown community during the course of this week.

This was announced by Town Clerk Royston King in a statement on Tuesday.

According to King, the Sussex-Barr Street bridge has been out of operation for several months now and the Council is preparing to recommence work.

“We have organised our team. Work had started on the bridge, but had slowed.

We, however, expect rehabilitation work to recommence before the week is out,” he noted.

The Town Clerk added that the bridge was expected to cost some $16 million to repair. The works entail allied drainage work that will in-

crease the flow of water and clear the drainage system.

The Sussex Canal is the main drainage outlet for Albouystown and nearby communities.

King posited that the Council noticed that during previous clean-up campaigns that the Canal was heavily silted with a large deposit of garbage and other waste including old fridges and stoves.

The deterioration of the Barr Street bridge, he added, brought great attention to the failing outflow system.

Hence, the Council is poised to repair drainage pipes and other auxiliary features to improve the community’s drainage system.

In the meantime, the Town Clerk outlined that the Alexander and South Road bridge, which was under repair has been completed. The bridge would have cost just

under $3 million to repair.

That bridge had deteriorated significantly and was in need of immediate repairs.

Additionally, King pointed out that he has observed that several bridges in the city are in need of repairs.

“We are examining a number of bridges in the city, some of which have reached deplorable stages and urgently require work,” he stated.

He continued that many of the bridges identified are located in small communities, many in South Georgetown.

The M&CC reminds motorists and pedestrians that the Sussex-Barr Street bridge is currently impassable and encourages persons to use alternate thoroughfares. The Council also reminds citizens to observe their civic duty by paying their relevant taxes to ensure the availability of monies to properly manage and care for the city.

Police introduce Mounted Branch to Berbice

The Guyana Police Force introduced its Mounted Branch to Berbice with four trained ranks and four horses

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday introduced its Mounted Branch to Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with four trained ranks and four horses.

The branch is located at Mibicuri Black Bush Polder and will operate out of the Mibicuri Police Station with four animals; Rainbow, Touchdown, Rosie and Coleen. The four animals will remain in the Division, while the ranks will stay for six weeks.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis says Black Bush Polder is a strategic location for the Mounted Branch to be located.

He explained, “This is another step forward in the Guyana Police Force and we have recognised the need to bring the Mounted Branch here because of the depth of the backlands at Mibicuri.”

Adonis said it is another form of community relations where they will be able to respond to minor reports emanating from areas where vehicles cannot access. These areas, the Commander noted, will be accessed by using the horses.

Adonis noted that citizens recently assisted the Police with horses and they were then able to arrest a murder suspect who had been hiding out in the backlands of Mibicuri. On that

occasion, ranks on foot and horseback were able to apprehend the suspect after surrounding him.

Three days later, the suspect, Winston Benjamin, was charged with the murder of Yansen Tamika Brushe and remanded.

“So with that we decided to speed up the operation here and have our own horses.” Adonis said, while adding that the project had been in the pipeline for some time now.

In December last, the Mounted Branch was reintroduced by the GPF with the first unit being at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

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wednesday, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Digicel hands over Kingston Guyanese urged to be Practical Instruction Centre ambassadors as Tourism Awareness Month kicks off to Education Ministry

C

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, GTA Senior Product Development Officer Kamrul Baksh, and THAG President Andrea de Caires

G

uyanese are being urged to actively participate in the promotion of the nation’s local products by posting photos and videos of Guyana on social media to raise awareness of the country’s unique tourism industry in observation of Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) 2016.

A list of exciting activities aimed at showcasing and promoting Guyana’s pristine tourism sector are on the itinerary for TAM 2016 and everyone is encouraged to join the fun.

This annual hallmark event was launched on Tuesday at the Business Ministry under the theme “Tourism for All: Building Partnerships for Tourism Development”.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, in his remarks said every day should be geared towards promoting Guyana and everyone should be ambassadors of the country’s rich tourism.

“Take a picture and post it and share it. Whether it is food, an old church, a heritage building, an old property, a smile, a family, animals or plants, any attraction, an event, an activity. Post pictures and encourage oth-

ers to share them and collectively, let us all help to sell and promote destination Guyana,” he urged.

As usual, the activities in observation of this month include the Rockstone Fish Festival, Guyana Restaurant Week, the Explore Guyana Magazine launch, the South Rupununi Safari, among numerous training initiatives and talk shows aimed at promoting and celebrating Guyana.

More details on the various activities in the line-up for TAM 2016 are available in the press.

In a unique twist, Guyana Restaurant Week will be incorporated into a scavenger hunt to encourage more people to experience the fine dining lifestyle at an affordable price.

More information on this initiative can be found on guyanarestaruantweek.com.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Andrea de Caires urged all Guyanese to participate in these events as they will go a long way in helping the country’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Haralsingh explained that tourism has a tremendous impact on the economy, significantly con-

tributing roughly eight per cent to the country’s GDP. “Our tourism industry generates billions of dollars in tourism spending each year. In 2015, 219 visitors came to Guyana. Let us assume that each spent an average of US$600… that translates to about GY$25.5 billion of dollars by these visitors,” he said.

He reminded that the revenue collected through taxes on tourism products is used to build roads, bridges and other important infrastructure and provide critical services to the public.

Haralsingh also noted that tourism creates employment for thousands of Guyanese both directly and indirectly.

He disclosed that Guyana surpassed last year’s tourist arrivals by 11 per cent already and that just in May alone for the jubilee celebration, there was a 102 per cent increase in tourist arrivals.

“Our goal is to continue to increase visitor arrivals in Guyana, increase their length of stay and get them to spend more,” he said.

Additionally, Haralsingh urged to sector to make tourism accessible and affordable to everyone.

ellular service provider, Digicel Guyana on Tuesday morning made a significant financial donation towards the refurbishing of the Kingston Practical Instructional Centre (KPIC).

The instructional centre has over the years been preparing children from various schools for CXC and their tertiary education.

Digicel, as it continues on its quest to improve the lives of youths and to aid in their development, made yet another financial donation towards refurbishing the institution.

Every year at Digicel, staff members are encouraged to participate in a competition called the ‘waves’ where they submit projects they would like to see realised.

As such, two persons collaborated and submitted the Kingston refurbishing project, which won the competition.

According to Digicel’s Marketing Manager, Jacqueline James, Digicel then began work to have the Centre refurbished.

“The project in itself was to restore the classrooms on the ground floor as well as to do any minor fixing up that may be required on the upper floors. Fortunately and unfortunately for them, based on the funds that they

The Kingston Practical Instructional Centre, which has over time been refurbished by Digicel

won, it was not enough to complete the project so at Digicel, we decided that we would put some more money towards it and we put a little more and yet a little more”.

This donation however, is not the first for Digicel to the centre. The company has made many other contributions which to date, have aided in the development of the institution.

“If anyone remembers what it looked like before, but now we have a concrete based foundation, we have new classrooms for wood working mechanic, metal works, technical drawing and welding. Each of these classrooms is now separated so there isn’t one leading into the other” James explained.

This present donation was made as there is still much to be done at the cen-

tre.

The Marketing Manager said “of course as you can see, there is still a little more work left to be done but we wanted to ensure that we took care of the more essential aspects of things which is the classroom for the students so that they can continue their education”.

Digicel will overtime continue to improve the facility to restore it to better days.

“So over a period of time, we will continue to improve this facility, we will do more work as time goes on, so that we can bring it to its full capacity and its full beauty” James disclosed.

The structure which houses the centre is over 100 years old.

Digicel also expressed gratitude to the Education Ministry for their assistance.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednESday, NOVEMber 2, 2016

Regional

Health Minister discloses: Haiti election date T&T 1st microcephaly case from Zika again in doubt T

The Provisional Electoral Council

A

fter publishing a new electoral calendar fixing the date of the presidential election on November 20, which had originally been scheduled for October 9, but postponed because of the passage of Hurricane Matthew over Haiti, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) on Monday indicated that it may not in fact be able to hold the elections as rescheduled.

The reason given is the extent of damage caused by the hurricane to the electoral infrastructure (nearly 300 centres) and many ac-

cess roads, while nothing is happening on the ground at the level of shared responsibility of the government to address these issues.

In a letter dated October 27 [resembling an ultimatum] addressed to the de facto President Jocelerme Privert, Léopold Berlanger, the president of the CEP gave the government ten days to make functional the 280 damaged voting centres, make passable the access roads leading to other 161 centres, provide a voting card to voters who lost theirs during the hurricane and release 40 schools

to be used as voting centres but temporarily occupied by hurricane victims, otherwise there will be no elections on November 20, 2016, HaitiLibre reported.

According to the electoral adviser Jean Simon Saint-Hubert, if elections are not held on 20 November, the CEP will have to take a decision based on its mission, implying without saying that another failure could lead to the mass resignation of the CEP, thereby creating even more uncertainty and chaos. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Caricom States to address...

The Caribbean jurisdictions agreed that they have to prepare themselves adequately for evaluations by international agencies. This calls for them to establish Frameworks for National Risk Assessments, National Action Plans and National AML/CTF committees, as a matter of urgency to help identify the areas of weakness within their systems, including client information systems. In that regard, data systems have to be improved, and the Action Plan for Statistics approved by their Heads of Government last July should be implemented.

All these initiatives are intended to strengthen the financial reporting systems and provide greater transparency which should raise the level of comfort of correspondent banks.

The Conference agreed that Caribbean banks should also work with correspondent banks to develop pro-forma model agreements which incorporate the principles enshrined in the FATF guidance note as a basis for negotiating the provision of correspondent banking services in the future.

On the other hand, during the Conference it was outlined that the provision of correspondent banking services is a lifeline to Caribbean economies without which the Region would be excluded from the global finance and trading system with grave consequences for maintenance of financial stability, economic growth, remittance flows and poverty alleviation.

The Region would also be

prevented from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 with the result that the achievements of Caribbean countries would be reversed and future progress thwarted.

On the eve of the Conference, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) issued a document that provided guidance for Correspondent Banking Services in which it was stated that withdrawal of correspondent banking relations “is a serious concern” to them “to the extent that de-risking may drive financial transactions into non-regulated channels, reducing transparency of financial flows and creating financial exclusion, thereby increasing exposure to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.”

To this end, while the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations has grave consequences for Caribbean economies, it also poses serious threats to global financial stability and security.

The Conference welcomed the timely and valuable guidance report from the FATF and the FSB which states that “it is important for correspondent institutions to maintain an ongoing and open dialogue with the respondent institution(s), including helping them understand the correspondent’s anti-money laundering/counter financing of terrorism policy, engaging with them to improve their controls and processes.”

The guidance note argues that the process of dialogue

from page 5

and engagement “can help to avoid unnecessary restriction on or termination of a relationship without a thorough assessment of the risks associated with the specific customer.”

The Conference endorsed the FATF-FSB guidance note and welcomed it as a vital platform from which both correspondent and respondent banks can engage in constructive dialogue leading to a permanent solution. In this connection, the Conference called on international banks to continue their provision of correspondent banking relations while all parties implement the guidance of the FATF and the FSB. Moreover, the Conference called on Member States of the organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Union to align their individual transparency criteria in the framework of the Global Forum standards which are approved by 137 jurisdictions.

Additionally, Caribbean governments, regulators and banks, participating in the Conference, committed the regional jurisdictions to redouble their efforts to achieve full compliance with the international standards set by the FATF, the FSB and the OECD Global Forum. In this respect, the sum of 4.5 million euros pledged by the European Union to CARIFORUM/ CFATF was welcomed by the Conference as a means to address such deficiencies as exist. The Conference urged other countries to follow the lead of the European Union.

rinidad and Tobago (T&T) has recorded its first confirmed case of a microcephaly birth due to the Zika virus, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced on Monday and urged the public to respect the family’s need for privacy.

The infant girl, who was born on September 20, is reported to be “doing fine” and is at home with her parents. The news came some eight months after the Zika virus was first diagnosed in T&T. She was discharged one week ago from the San Fernando General Hospital where several tests and scans were done to determine if the birth defect could be as a result of the Zika virus.

The confirmation, which was made via a blood sample referred to the Caribbean Public Health

Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh at the press conference at the Health Ministry, Park Street, Port of Spain

Agency (Carpha) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), was received last Friday.

Deyalsingh said he then informed both the Prime Minister and the baby’s parents.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Health, Port of Spain, Deyalsingh said the delay in making the public announcement was due to a

desire to preserve the family’s dignity and afford them the privacy to “digest” the news.

The baby was born at the Gulf View Medical Centre and was diagnosed with microcephaly.

Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. (Excerpt

from Trinidad Guardian)

Call for clear policy to guide renewable energy sector

T

he Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) has made a call for a “clear policy” to be put in place to guide the renewable energy sector and to serve as a roadmap for sustainable energy in Barbados.

The call came from President of BREA, Aidan Rogers, as he, along with Executive Director Clyde Griffith, held a press conference at BREA’s offices to provide an update on the organisation’s upcoming regional energy conference.

The conference is scheduled for November 10 and 11 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford

Centre, under the theme “Sustainable Caribbean Energy Independence: Making It Happen”.

“Quite frankly, what we would really like to see is a policy actually in place.

What we have had really, is what you can best describe as a staccato or ad hoc approach, where we have answered certain technical questions… But to go to the next level, particularly in keeping with the new figures that the Prime Minister would have announced a month ago, that we are looking at 65 per cent renewable penetration by 2030, that penetration level can only

be founded by a clear policy,” Rogers remarked.

“BREA is currently sitting on the National Task Force for Energy, (which) had been tasked since October 2015, with responsibility for arriving at a roadmap and a National Sustainable Energy Policy, because there has only been a draft policy to date. The final policy we are hoping to have hopefully before the end of this year and that would actually create the actual contextual framework in which that 65 per cent target can really be structured,” Rogers also commented. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Hand, foot and mouth disease on the rise in Jamaica

T

he Jamaican Health Ministry on Monday expressed concerns about the increase in the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and urged school administrators to be very cautious in how they handle the outbreak to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease among the school population.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Winston De La Haye, in a release, reminded parents to keep infected children at home for at least seven days. “School administrators should regularly clean and disinfect areas, especially places where young children frequent,” he said in a release yesterday.

Administrators were also urged to report any case of HFMD to their parish health departments and to request assistance. “This comes in light of an increase in reports of cases of hand

foot and mouth disease in Kingston and St Andrew as well as St Catherine. The Ministry of Health is providing information on the disease so that parents and schools [can be] equipped to take the required actions to reduce the spread of the virus,” the ministry said.

Children can become infected with the virus from other children through close contact, such as hugging, or sharing cups and eating

utensils, contact with faeces as well as other contaminated objects and surfaces.

“There is no vaccine to prevent the disease.

However, simple steps like regular hand washing and practising good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection,” the health ministry said. HFMD is a mild virus which mainly affects children under age five, but adults can become infected as well. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

WEDNESday, November 2, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

India says it is committed to global tobacco-control treaty

I

ndia reaffirmed on Tuesday its commitment to a World Health Organisation (WHO) tobacco-control treaty, despite lobbying from its US$11 billion industry that opposes some measures in the treaty that will be discussed at a conference next week.

Delegates from about 180 countries will attend the November 7-12 conference near New Delhi on the only global anti-tobacco treaty, called the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The treaty aims to deter tobacco use that kills about 6 million people a year, including about a million in India. Reuters reported

A man lights a cigarette along a road in Mumbai, India, October 26, 2016

last week that tobacco industry groups were lobbying the government with letters and signature cam-

paigns to safeguard the interest of farmers and to ensure that no “unreasonable” proposals are adopt-

ed at the conference. The Tobacco Institute of India (TII), the cigarette industry body, said in September 28 letter to the government that “there is no obligation on any signatory to the FCTC” to comply with its provisions. The government response to those letters has not been made public but on Tuesday, the health ministry published half-page notices in several newspapers to say India would apply the treaty’s provisions. “India reiterates its commitment to the full implementation of WHO FCTC,” the ministry said in the notice that included a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mandela Foundation rebukes Zuma, joins calls for leadership change

(Excerpt from Reuters)

President Jacob Zuma speaks during his question and answer session in Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, September 13, 2016

Russia: Syria peace talks are ‘indefinitely delayed’ T

R

ussian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has accused Western countries of failing to rein in violent rebels in Syria, and said the resumption of peace talks had been indefinitely delayed.

Shoigu said on Tuesday that rebels backed by Western governments had been attacking civilians in

the government-held western Aleppo, despite a pause in Russian and Syrian air strikes. “As a result, the prospects for the start of a negotiation process and the return to peaceful life in Syria are postponed for an indefinite period,” Shoigu said. Aleppo has been hit by some of the worst violence in Syria’s long-running con-

flict, turning the once-bustling economic hub into a divided and bombed-out symbol of the brutal war.

At the moment, Aleppo’s frontline runs through the heart of the city, dividing rebels in the east from government forces in the West.

Rebels launched an offensive last week against western Aleppo, more than a

month into an operation by the army to retake the city’s rebel-held eastern districts, which it had already put under siege. Shoigu, who was addressing a meeting of Russian military officials, railed against those rebels and their backers, saying they had squandered a chance for peace talks. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Thailand’s crown prince to be confirmed king on December 1 C

rown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is to be confirmed as the new king of Thailand on December 1, a senior source has told the BBC. Once confirmed, he is expected to endorse a new, military-drafted constitution and to start appointing his own team of senior royal officials.

His father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died on October 13, aged 88.

The Government has declared a year-long official mourning period. The widely revered king had served 70 years as head of

state, and was seen as a stabilising figure, promoting economic development and social harmony in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

The BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok says there have been concerns expressed quietly over how well his son will perform the same role.

Following King Bhumibol’s death, he had delayed taking the crown in order to join the people in mourning. The crown prince, who is 64, is much less well known to Thais than his father, and does not have his widespread

T

Attempts are continuing to reach the 20 miners, who are believed to still be trapped, the news agency said. Mine accidents are common in China, despite efforts to improve safety.

In January, four miners were rescued from a collapsed gypsum mine in Shandong province after 36 days trapped underground.

he foundation set up to guard the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela on Tuesday blamed South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma for the “wheels coming off” Africa’s most industrialiSed nation and urged a change in political leadership.

Since coming to power in 2009, Zuma has survived a string of corruption scandals almost unscathed. But South Africa has had to bear the cost of his antics as investors worry about its political stability, business climate and rule of law.

The non-profit Nelson Mandela Foundation, whose board consists of 10 prominent South African academics, politicians and journalists, called on the African National Congress (ANC), the liberation movement once headed by Mandela and now led by

Zuma, to change its leadership.

“We call on the governing party to take the steps necessary to ensure that the vehicle of state be protected and placed in safe and capable hands,” it said in a rare statement entitled: “Time to account for crippling the state”.

Zuma’s spokesman did not answer a phone call seeking comment.

Several ANC members have called for the 74-yearold to quit but the ANC’s top echelons have backed him. In August municipal elections the ANC suffered its worst losses since taking power when apartheid fell in 1994.

Opposition parties and civic groups are planning to march in the capital Pretoria on Wednesday to demand, among other things, that he resign. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pope says he believes ban on female priests is forever The crown prince had delayed succession in order to join people in mourning

popularity.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha also said on Tuesday that restrictions on entertainment and television in place since the king’s death would be lifted

on November 14.

The PM also said that people should still maintain decorum throughout the mourning period and refrain from wearing “inappropriate attire”. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Chinese coal mine rescue bid after deadly blast hirteen people were killed and another 20 remain unaccounted for after an explosion in a coal mine in China, according to State media.

The gas explosion happened on Monday morning at a privately owned mine Jinshangou in the southwestern Chongqing region, Xinhua reported.

15

The mine’s owner killed himself shortly after the accident.

“We are still working all-out to search for the 20 missing miners, and will exert our utmost as long as there’s still a ray of hope,” Chongqing Deputy Mayor Ma Huaping said of the Jinshangou explosion.

Two men are reported

to have escaped unharmed.

Local authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident and ordered smaller coal mines in the region to close temporarily.

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal. The Jinshangou mine is licensed to produce 60,000 tonnes of coal a year, local media said. (BBC News)

P

ope Francis said on Tuesday he believes the Roman Catholic Church’s ban on women becoming priests is forever and will never be changed, in some of his most definitive remarks on the issue.

He was speaking aboard a plane taking him back to Rome from Sweden, in the freewheeling news conference with reporters that has become a tradition of his return flights from trips abroad.

A Swedish female reporter noted that the head of the Lutheran Church who welcomed him in Sweden was a woman, and then asked if he thought the Catholic Church could allow women to be ordained as ministers in coming decades.

“St Pope John Paul II had the last clear word on this

and it stands, this stands,” Francis said. Francis was referring to a 1994 document by Pope John Paul that closed the door on a female priesthood.

The Vatican says this teaching is an infallible part of Catholic tradition.

Francis has previously said that the door to women’s ordination is closed, but proponents of a female priesthood are hoping that a future pope might overturn the decision, particularly because of the shortage of priests around the world.

The Catholic Church teaches that women cannot be ordained priests because Jesus willingly chose only men as his apostles. Those calling for women priests say he was only following the norms of his time. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16

wednesDay, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations APNU/AFC's assault on democracy is being consolidated

M

y last two columns have served as a warning to all freedom-loving Guyanese and our international friends that Guyana's democracy is seriously sick and is in the intensive care unit.

It is under threat by a disgusting predator - creeping dictatorship. Constitutional bodies like service commissions and statutory Dr Leslie Ramsammy boards are being overturned and replaced by cabinet instructions. Independent bodies like the Auditor General are being threatened and harassed. In fact, this week the Police Service Commission's recommendations for promotions within the Police Force were discarded and replaced by arbitrary promotions directly from the Ministry of Public Security. Such frightening events are compounded by the imagery of cabinet meetings at the Military Headquarters. The unmistaken stench of dictatorship pollutes the environment and milieu of everyday life in Guyana today.

This week, I highlight the messianic zeal and errant bypass of another constitutional, independent agency. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is under aggressive assault

by APNU/AFC. They have steadfastly displayed their arrogance in bypassing and marginalising the DPP's office since May 2015 when APNU/AFC took control of the Government. Earlier this week they announced that they will move ahead with charges of various leaders and persons associated with the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for various actions during the tenure of the PPP/C in office, in spite of the forensic audits which discovered no criminal activities. Using the Police and the judiciary to intimidate political opponents is a trademark of dictators and tyrants.

These charges will be made directly by the Police without the involvement of the DPP. This is not the first time they have threatened to bypass the DPP and gradually making the DPP impotent in carrying out its independent authority. Recall that Raphael Trotman in July announced the Cabinet had instructed the Attorney General, Basil Williams, and the Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, to establish a Special Prosecutor's Unit as part of the Ministry of Public Security, an overt attempt to diminish and render the DPP as a useless body.

We may have a Parliament that functions somewhat differently from that in the United Kingdom, but we largely have a Westminster-style governance model which is underpinned by the doctrine of separation of powers between the executive, parliament and the judiciary. The DPP, as part of the judiciary, is independent and acts without fear or favour. It is not beholden to the Presidency or the Parliament. It acts based on evidence provided by the Police and other investigative agencies. There is use of Special Prosecutors in the DPP system, but that is a decision of the DPP's office, not a convenient use by a cabinet to bypass the DPP. Decisions to prosecute (or not) need to be made free of any suspicion that any decision may have been made on party political grounds. Since the APNU/AFC appears not to be able to compromise the present DPP, they have two choices - first fire the DPP and or force her to resign, or second bypass the DPP. They clearly have chosen to bypass her and carry out their lawless behaviour through direct charges by the Police or through the use of a Special Prosecutors Unit in the Ministry of Public Security. Through this mechanism, they will now embark on a political witch hunt which we, unfortunately, are no strangers to, given our experience under the People's National Congress.

The overtly lurid efforts to circumvent the DPP raise suspicions and questions about the government's motives.

Clearly, the way the APNU/AFC is acting raises suspicion that they are motivated by a desire to shackle any individual or organisation that is willing and able to challenge them by exercising a degree of independent power. When a government starts messing with the independence of the DPP, the unmistaken signs of a Police State become far too real.

Taken with the other evidence to silence the Auditor General and statutory commissions, the signs become ominous. In less than two years, the APNU/AFC has taken too many steps down a path of dictatorship.

APNU/AFC has the DNA of authoritarianism. The President served as an important player in the PNC dictatorship. The Attorney General is a disciple of Burnham, the PNC dictator.

The Minister of Public Security is a poodle of the President, too comfortable with the trappings of unbridled power.

The APNU/AFC is not timid in displaying those genes of dictatorship. The latest move to silence the DPP is nothing but dog whistle that a new era of unbridled power, dictatorship and brutal intimidation of political opponents has arrived.

Creeping dictatorship is not a hyperbole. It is very real. We already know that May 2015 was a horrible mistake. (Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

news

17

wednesday, november 2, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

invade Georgetown Agricola man Bees Magistrates’ Courts jailed for theft T

A

56-year-old man was sentenced to nine months in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing a number of hardware items before Magistrate Dylan Best at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Osman Hussain, who is a security guard, told Magistrate Dylan Best in mitigation that he stole the items for his own home since his home was short of the items.

The charge against Hussain stated that between December 2015 and September 29, 2016 he stole a number of hardware

items from a storage bond belong to Ravindranauth Ramsingh, worth a total value of $550,000.

The prosecution’s facts stated that the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured his storage bond located at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and left the defendant to provide security services; however, upon his return, he noticed that all of his items were gone. The prosecution added that the VC made a report to a Police Station and an investigation was carried out which unearthed the missing items at the defendant’s premises.

he Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was in an uproar on Tuesday morning after a swarm of bees swooped in, attacking a number of Police Officers and members of the public.

The insects which appeared to be housed in a tree behind Court One and Two – which face Brickdam – were reportedly disturbed by maintenance workers close by.

Following the bee attack, all courtrooms were closed and sessions suspended.

A man who appeared to be a vagrant walked into the area where the bees were swarming and was attacked by the insects, which

Osman Hussain

Sophia men charged in stolen camera matter

J

evon Patterson, 25, and Romel Guttery, 26, of Lot 112 South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of corrupt transaction.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on October 19, at Camp Street they corruptly obtained the sum of $50,000 from Keno George, on account of helping him

to recover his stolen camera and lens.

The court heard that the items mentioned in the charge were recovered.

On September 28, 2016 at Hadfield Street behind Durban Park, George, a photographer attached to another media house; Terrence Thompson and two models were held at gun and knife point, and relieved of their personal belongings. The belongings were estimated to be valued more than $1.1 mil-

lion. According to reports, the photographers were doing a photo-shoot with the models around 16:00h when two bandits approached the quartet and robbed them.

The court heard that George’s camera was valued at $400,000 while the camera lenses were valued at $600,000.

The two defendants were placed on $50,000 bail each, and ordered to return to court on November 10, 2016 for statements.

covered him causing him to fall to the ground. Found motionless, the injured man was later picked up

by Police Officers and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Other persons managed to escape the wrath of the bees, with just a few stings.

Members of the public

who were inside Court Two at the time of the bee attack had to be evacuated through the prisoner’s shoot so as to avoid being stung by the bees.

Normalcy was returned to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by lunch time.

Cabinet engages GuySuCo...

GuySuCo has already recorded a whopping $6 billion deficit in its accounts for the first half of 2016, but this has been masked by the $9 billion subsidy that was handed to the beleaguered entity by Government.

In fact, while the $9 billion transferred was earmarked for the Corporation to be disbursed for the entire year, all of the money has already been transferred.

Finance Minister

Winston Jordan had documented in his 2016 MidYear Report that the reason the allocation was disbursed in its entirety by the end of June 2016 was “because of a deterioration in the Corporation’s cash balances that was due to a severe shortfall in production”.

The subsidy that was transferred to GuySuCo has in fact allowed the company to record on its books an operating surplus of $2.9 bil-

FROM PAGE 11

lion, down from an operating surplus of $3 billion for the corresponding period last year.

Jordan had earlier this year also complained bitterly about the lack of alignment between production costs and market prices which has resulted in the de-stabilisation of revenues and the eventual need for Government support packages.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 2, 2016

ARCHIE

Dealing with institutions will be emotional and diffi(March 21- cult. An unexpected offer or April 19) gift will come from an unusual source. Don’t overreact, overspend or give in to indulgent tendencies.

ARIES

Be careful when dealTAURUS ing with volunteer groups or (April 20- people looking for handouts.

May 20) Your time, money and effort are best used for personal gains, not for helping others.

Do what’s best for you.

dilbert

You’ll be drawn to someGEMINI one who may take advantage (May 21of you.

Don’t let your emoJune 20) tions take charge and cost you a promotion. Don’t mix business with pleasure. Look out for your best interests.

An unusual offer will tempt you. Reach out to some(June 21- one you’ve collaborated with July 22) in the past and you will be given more options. Focus on a creative endeavor.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You need to double-check important papers and deals or your financial status. An unexpected development will lead to questions. Personal improvements will boost your ego. Romance will lead to a commitment.

Complications will surface VIRGO between you and an older or (Aug. 23Sept. 22) younger member of your family. Use your intelligence and read between the lines in order to get to the root of the problem.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA Plan a get-together with (Sept. 23- friends or someone from your Oct. 23) past whom you can’t stop thinking about. The information you receive today will have an emotional impact on you. Relax and rejuvenate.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Think outside the box and SCORPIO jump at the chance to use your (Oct. 24skills in new ways. A creative Nov. 22) approach to whatever you do will lead to recognition and rewards.

Emotional issues will make SAGITTARIUS you transparent. If there is (Nov. 23- something you want to keep Dec. 21) secret, don’t share it with anyone, including your closest confidantes. Watch your costs and mind your spending habits.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You’ll find it difficult to CAPRICORN determine what other people (Dec. 22are going to do next. Don’t Jan. 19) make assumptions when your best option is to stay focused on taking care of your responsibilities.

It’s a good day to update AQUARIUS personal papers, sign contracts (Jan. 20or hash out agreements. You Feb. 19) can gain ground as long as you stick to the basics. A physical change will lead to compliments. Romance is highlighted.

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

PISCES You’ll have trouble getting (Feb. 20- to the bottom of a personal March 20) matter. Emotional deception and ulterior motives are apparent. Ask pointed questions to avoid being misled or misinterpreted.

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19

Karunaratne ton stretches lead to 411 on rain-hit day D imuth Karunaratne struck his second fiftyplus score of the match and his first Test century in a year to bump up Sri Lanka’s lead to 411 before rain wiped out almost all of the third session. His 94-run stand for the fifth wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva, which came at 4.47 runs an over, on a surface with variable bounce, countered debutant fast bowler Carl Mumba’s strikes and helped Sri Lanka re-establish their dominance in Harare.

With a thunderstorm predicted for Wednesday, Sri Lanka might consider an overnight declaration to force a result.

In the absence of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, Karunaratne was the most experienced batsman in the side. Yet,

he was under pressure going into the Zimbabwe tour, having bagged eight singledigit scores in his last 12 innings. His slump could have been extended to 10 singledigit scores in 14 innings had Zimbabwe hung onto their chances. He, however, rode his luck, and followed his chancy 56 in the first innings with a more secure century in the second.

He was dropped on 5 by Brian Chari, diving to his left at extra cover, on the fourth morning, but other than that Karunaratne seemed in control. He had joined forces with de Silva after Mumba had struck either side of the lunch break. Kusal Mendis skied a leading edge to the right of mid-on where it was pouched, while Upul Tharanga drove away from

Dimuth Karunaratne followed up his first-innings half-century with 110

Zimbabwe’s players get together to celebrate the dismissal of Kaushal Silva

the body and nicked behind.

With Sri Lanka at 117 for 4, Zimbabwe sensed an opening, but the visitors slammed the doors on them.

De Silva was fluent from the outset, punching and flicking with typical insouciance. The shot of his knock, however, was the check-driven straight four off a Chris Mpofu offcutter in 39th over.

He further upped the scoring rate when he swatted Greme Cremer for two boundaries in the 48th over. By then the lead was 345.

De Silva brought up his fifty off 65 balls. His fluency probably rubbed off on Karunaratne, who grew comfortable in the second session, after being put through a stern examination in the channel outside off in the morning. Later when the seamers dug the ball short

and aimed to cramp him up, he did well to ride the bounce and pull behind square. He reached the three-figure mark by nudging Cremer to square leg, and it was relief rather than raucous celebration for the opener.

Karunaratne and De Silva then exited either side of tea before rain allowed only 23 balls. Karunaratne chipped an offcutter back to Mpofu, while de Silva jabbed a rising delivery to point to give Mumba his fourth wicket.

At the end of the third day’s play, Zimbabwe’s captain Cremer outlined their plan: pin down the flow of

runs with tight bowling and in-out fields. Mumba reaped the reward for relentlessly probing away on a fourthstump line - or occasionally a set of stumps outside off when Kaushal Silva played away from the body and inside-edged a drive to leg stump for 7 off 20 balls.

Kusal Perera, batting at No. 3, then creamed his second delivery to the right of extra cover for four in the 10th over, also the first boundary of the innings. Karunaratne, meanwhile, got into his groove with a brace of late-

cut fours. They put on 55 in 12.5 overs, before part-time offspinner Malcolm Waller struck in his second over to have Perera caught at slip for 17.

Waller had looped it up on the rough and got it to spin away to find the outside edge, which was snaffled by Hamilton Masakadza diving to his left.

Karunaratne and de Silva, however, foiled Cremer’s plans as the day progressed.

Considering the rain threat, Sri Lanka’s plans could be foiled too. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st Innings 537 Zimbabwe 1st innings 373 Sri Lanka 2nd innings FDM Karunaratne c & b Mpofu 110 JK Silva b Mumba 7 MDKJ Perera† c Masakadza b Waller 17 BKG Mendis c Cremer b Mumba19 WU Tharanga c †Moor b Mumba 1 DM de Silva c Waller b Mumba64 DAS Gunaratne not out 16 MDK Perera not out 1 Extras (b-6, lb-5, nb-1) 12

Total(6 wickets; 61.5 overs) 247 To bat: HMRKB Herath*, RAS Lakmal, CBRLS Kumara Fall of wickets 1-17 (Silva, 9.3 ov), 2-72 (MDKJ Perera, 22.2 ov), 3-111 (Mendis, 31.4 ov), 4-117 (Tharanga, 33.3 ov), 5-211 (Karunaratne, 54.3 ov), 6-241 (de Silva, 61.1 ov) Bowling: CB Mpofu 16-2-421, AG Cremer 14-0-67-0 (nb1), CT Mumba 11.5-2-50-4, DT Tiripano 8-0-33-0, MN Waller 5-0-17-1, SC Williams 1-0-5-0, H Masakadza 6-1-22-0 Position: Sri Lanka lead by 411 runs with 4 wickets remaining

20

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016

40 strong for GTM Health & Fitness Challenge

Exciting BM Soat Costume Steel-Challenge on stream

Clive Pellew (second left) of Banks DIH presents his company’s sponsorship package to Noshavyah King in the presence of (from left) Errol Nelson, Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves and Jamie McDonald

W

ith the second edition of the annual GTM Health and Fitness challenge billed for this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue forty individuals will match their strength and stamina to see who is the fittest.

Organizer of the event, Jordana RamsayGonsalves, speaking with Guyana Times Sport revealed the plans for the twoday long event which begins on Saturday, “we will kick off the event with a cancer awareness glow walk from 18:00h with participants assembling at the Courts Main Street branch where they would receive neon t-shirts, glow sticks and glow balloons then proceed up to Church Street, on to Vlissengen Road and then to Homestretch Avenue where the walk will finish in front of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.”

The organizer went on to add that “immediately after the walk there will be a Zumba party featuring the Zumba Queen, Noshavyah

King.” The event has received the blessings of the National Sports Commission with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones acknowledging the attraction and emphasis Guyanese have placed on fitness in recent times and commended the organizers for their contribution to the development of the well being of Guyanese across the country.

At the same time the Director of Sport made a commitment on behalf of the government of Guyana to continue to support these initiatives for the betterment of all Guyanese.

A number of sponsors have seen it fit and have endorsed the event whole heartedly. These include no strangers to sport, Banks DIH through their Powerade Energy Drink, Rainforest Water and Vita Malt Plus brands, Courts Guyana, Fitness Express among others.

On Sunday, the activities will get underway at 14:00h with a volleyball contest between Castrol Strikers and Ball Strikers Club be-

fore moving over to a Mixed Martial Arts display and hopefully some live fighting action. Next will be a basketball match between telecommunications giant, GTT and customer service powerhouse Qualfon.

Also billed for Sunday is the highly anticipated fitness challenge which will be divided into two categories, Scaled (new comers) and RX for those who are already involved in these activities.

“The fitness challenge will include all the exciting challenges including box jumpers, dead lifting challenge and others, all under an hour.” RamsayGonsalves explained.

The event will feature the likes of last year’s winners Dillon Mahadeo and Semonica Duke.

The event will attract an admission fee, Day Passes are on sale at $1,500 each while a Weekend Pass cost $2,000 and can be obtained from Fitness Express, Genesis Fitness Express, Axe Apparel, Space Gym and Top End Gym.

Guyana Jaguars 4-day warm-up match

Priya Mohamed (Manager) hands over sponsorship to GSSF Steel Challenge Chairperson Dr Pravesh Harry, in the presence of GSSF President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

F

or the second year in a row, BM Soat Auto Sales backed the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) in what has now become an annual costume Steel Challenge shooting match. The themed competition has once again been exclusively sponsored

by B.M Soat Auto Sales and is expected to be a keenly contested one. The inaugural match last year was a hit, as members turned out in their costumes, with appearances from Pocahontas, The Joker, Superman, Cowboys, Hondo and even Magic Mike. This year the match is bound to be even more exciting with more shooters taking part in the competition. Participants invited are expected to take part donning costumes of their liking, hats, wigs, paint, garb are welcome but will have to be within the safety confines of the sport.

The GSSF through regular hosting of Steel Challenge competitions and via its international affiliation to USA based Steel Challenge Shooting Association seeks to give pistol shooters an opportunity to hone their shooting skills to be able to select a team to soon represent Guyana in World Ranked international matches.

Thus in keeping with strict firearm safety rules, all other rules of competitive shooting are followed as stipulated by the SCSA. Steel Challenge is a fast paced handgun shooting sport which attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country, it is easy to follow, and enables shooters to work simultaneously on their accuracy while being tested and scored against the clock.

Your time is your score, it is as simple as that.

Three exciting stages are expected to be set up under stringent security at the GDF Timehri Range, competitors will be shooting at 5 steel targets which are arranged in preconfigured positions.

Scoring will be done using a timer which records the time taken for a shooter to complete engaging all 5 targets. The shooter’s time is their score, with time added for any targets not hit.

Scores are entered into a specialized software, and the shooter with the lowest overall time wins the match.

Participants will fall under two divisions, Limited and Wildcat as stipulated by the SCSA Rulebook.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three shooters in each division. GSSF directors met at the showroom of B.M Soat Auto Sales, located at Lot 9 Croal Street, Georgetown.

Bat continues to dominate ball at Everest Saeed Ali ― Reifer, Shiv Chanderpaul cash in

By Akeem Greene

A

ll-rounder Raymon Reifer and veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul were the standout performers on day two of the Guyana Jaguars 4-day warm-up match at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Reifer and Chanderpaul who ended the day’s play on 68 and 49 respectively have so far featured in an unbroken 127-run for the fourth wicket as Vishaul Singh’s XI reached 181-3 from 69 overs in response to Christopher Barnwell’s XI first innings 325 all out.

The left-handed Reifer stroked four fours and three maximums in his innings while the experienced Chanderpaul hit five fours and one six and both batsmen will want to continue their stance in the middle since their team still trails by 144 runs.

When Vishaul Singh’s XI began their first innings, openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Rajendra Chandrika looked in control of the early attack by seamers Keon Joseph and

Raymon Reifer

Romario Shepherd but an unfortunate incident occurred when Chandrika was hit on the knee from a return throw and the Test batsman had to retire hurt.

Out came West Indies ‘A’ team player Shimron Hetmyer, who got off the mark with a sumptuous drive through cover for four. The pugnacious left hander soon after edged Joseph behind for wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach to take a regulation catch with team total now at 27-1.

The in-form Vishaul Singh then walked out and immediately stamped his authority. The

pint size lefthander stroked two sweetly timed boundaries, signaling his intention that he was going to make a substantial score, however, the leading wicket taker of the recently concluded Jaguars Franchise League Eon Hooper sent the batsmen back in the hut when he trapped him LBW for 18.

The younger Chanderpaul who batted positively for his 27 (5x4s) fell next over and Vishaul Singh’s XI were now shakily placed at 54-3. It was here the elder Chanderpaul and Reifer ensured there were no more casualties as they took their team to 63-3 at tea.

After the interval, the duo’s partnership blossomed as they both played some extravagant shots. Reifer in particular used his feet well to the slow bowlers and took a liking to leg-spinner Steven Sankar as he dumped him for a huge six over deep midwicket.

Chanderpaul, on the other hand kept the runs flowing as he picked the gaps constantly and dispatched any loose balls to the boundary. Reifer reached his the

half-century mark with a cheeky run to mid-off but from there-on he and Chanderpaul batted with total control until play came to a close.

Earlier, Barnwell XI Resuming on 273-7, with skipper Christopher Barnwell at the crease on 40 and Seon Hetmyer on 12, saw the captain only added seven to his overnight score as he edge the left-arm seam of Reifer behind to end a vital 52-run stand for the eight wicket. Hetmyer displayed some patience as he picked the gaps, running the singles on offer but perished in the same fashion as his captain for 30; Romario Shepherd (13) came and smacked three fours as his team were bowled out in l04.5 overs before the lunch interval.

Reifer lead the way with 3-42 from 19 overs while leftarm spinner Anthony Adams had figures of 3-100 from 28 overs while Sherfene Rutherford 1-35, Clinton Pestano 1-39, and Gajanan Suknanan 1-44 were also among the wickets.

The third day’s play will begin today at 9:30h.

wins...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Nevertheless, Kingside castling do have tactical teeth which Taylor learnt the hard way. Forks was the teeth of this game and Neto was clearly two pieces up by move 20 forcing resignation.

In the seventh round, Neto played his toughest match of the tournament against inspiring Aravinda Singh. This game lasted a while right down to an impressive endgame. It was King, Rook and Pawn (h) vs.

King, Took and Two pawns (f &d).

This endgame will be published in our upcoming magazine but Neto found the right plan to place his Took more actively to defend the past h pawn and support his own. Showcasing why he earned the reserved spot of the National Team Neto made his opponent resigned.

WCM Sheriffa Ali took 3rd outplayed Nellisha Johnson in a Guicco Piano Opening in round 5. Round 6 she won by default against Joshua Gopaul. WCM Ali conquered Allijohn with the black pieces in an exchange Philidor Defense to seal 3rd place.

Taking 4th place was Singh. In round 5 he convincingly defeated Baden Taylor in another Bishop Opening. With the Black pieces he opted for the Sicilian Defense and we saw a Closed Variation against Johnson.

This was a long game as Singh took a while to convert his small advantages.

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he country’s top golfers enthusiastically turned up in great numbers on Sunday at the Lusignan Golf Course for the annual Courts Open Golf Tournament. The locals have an eye on next weekend’s Guyana Open and used this 18-hole competition as vital warm up.

However, it was old-timer, Peyton George who shrugged off ‘golf-rust’ to beat out the competitive field.

The early morning competition proved to be in favour of the veteran George, who exceeded all expectations. According to George “I have not won a tournament since the Guyana Open of 2013, when I won the Best Net in my category.

With a 2-year absence from

the game my performance dropped, and in fact I have not so far been able to use my Driver with the proficiency I had before, so I ended up playing superbly with my 3-Wood instead of my Driver for this competition.

In addition it was just my day. All my play was good.”

At the end of Sunday’s tournament played on the open Medal Play system, winners in the Best Net category were:- 1st Peyton George (62/25); 2nd - Maurice Solomon (65/25); 3rd – (teenager) Laksmana Ramroop (68/24) (playing from the Ladies Tee-boxes); and 4th - Rabindranath Persaud (70/22). Best Gross (72) was won by Avinash Persaud, and Nearest to The Pin (7’) was won by Brij Bissessar. Other golf-

ers whose net play proved noteworthy included Avinash Persaud (70/2) and Aleem Hussain (70/16) - who tied with R. Persaud for 4th but lost to him on the ‘back-9 countback’; Jaipaul Suknanan (71/8); Patrick Prashad (71/9); Mike Gayadin (71/12); and Patanjalee Persaud (71/17).

Another spectacular event of the day was a “Hole-inOne” played superbly by Troy Cadogan on Hole 8.

This tournament was shifted from Saturday to Sunday due to Diwali holiday activities in Guyana.

The golfers will now turn their attention to the Guyana Open international invitational tournament scheduled for this weekend November 4, 5 and 6 also at Lusignan.

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Courts Open winners pose with their silverware. From left: Avinash Persaud, Laksmana Ramroop, Peyton George, Rabindranath Persaud, Maurice Solomon, Brij Bissessar and President Oncar Ramroop

Saeed Ali wins National Junior Chess C/ships

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SPORTS George beats competitive field in Courts Open

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aving played undefeated in the tournament, 19 year old Saeed Ali was crowned the Sasha Cells National Junior Chess Champion when the tournament concluded on Saturday at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.

With a win needed by Robert Neto to stop Ali in his tracks, Neto could only produce a draw as Ali lead round four.

Round five saw Saints Chess player, Joshua Gopaul using a solid French Defence with black pieces against e4 but after 3.Nc3 he went for a sharp Tarrasch Variation.

After a brilliant combo Gopaul was a piece up and attacking, unfortunately for the youngster, he touched a piece and was forced to move it according to the laws of chess. Returning the minor piece, he seemed depressed and immediately played a set of weak moves that Ali pounced on and launched a successful counter attack.

Ali went up against Ghansham Allijohn, with this game seeing a solid Queens Gambit Decline,

WCM Sheriffa Ali took 3rd, outplaying Nellisha Johnson in a Guicco Piano Opening in round 5

Orthodox Variation and both players played theoretically until Allijohn lost a pawn and eventually the game on time.

Ali sealed of his championship title against Jaden Taylor of Saints as well in style. Playing the black pieces in a Bishop opening, Ali quickly equalized and got the initiative. This saw impressive tactical play from Ali forcing his opponent to resign by move 24.

Tournament favourite Roberto Neto took 2nd place easily by first defeat-

ing Allijohn with his pet, Caro Kann Defense. Neto out played his opponent in the middle game and once more under time pressure Allijohn blundered a piece and soon after resigned.

In the sixth round, Neto played against Jaden Taylor who used the aggressive Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation going after the win. Neto played the classical line of castling Kingside instead of the super aggressive Queenside castling.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016

Brathwaite’s ton puts WI on top ― Pakistan hanging on with slim lead

F

or the first time on a long, fruitless tour of the UAE, West Indies found themselves ahead in a game, after a stellar century and a spirited bowling effort on the third day in Sharjah.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s unbeaten 142 off 318 balls - he carried his bat - steered West Indies to a hard-earned lead of 56 in the first innings, before Jason Holder made three breakthroughs in a

lively spell after tea.

Pakistan lost four wickets before erasing the deficit, but Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed stabilised the innings with an unbroken 39run partnership for the fifth wicket and took Pakistan to 87 for 4 by stumps.

The inroads into Pakistan came via a shortball barrage. Holder bowled a fast bouncer to Sami Aslam that the batsman

could only top edge to fine leg. Another well-directed bouncer got big on Asad Shafiq and had him fending to Darren Bravo at gully. Then Younis Khan got a faint tickle on a leg-side delivery to give Holder his third. When Misbahul-Haq pulled offspinner Roston Chase straight to Devendra Bishoo at deep-backward

square leg, Pakistan had lost four wickets for 11 runs to slip to 48 for 4.

It could have been even better for West Indies.

With Pakistan’s score at 71, Shannon Gabriel bowled a nasty, steep bouncer at Sarfraz, batting on 9, who fended it to Bravo at slip.

But Gabriel had overstepped - for the 26th time in the

Azhar Ali and Sarfraz Ahmed have so far added 39 crucial runs for the fifth wicket to frustrate the West Indies

series by a big margin and Sarfraz survived. He moved on to 19 by stumps, while Azhar had 45. But with Pakistan’s lead still only 31, they were a fair distance from safety and heavily dependent on Azhar and Sarfraz to get them there.

West Indies, for their part, had worked their way into a good position to push for their first win in 14 Tests.

The foundation had been laid by Brathwaite, who became the fifth West Indies batsman to carry his bat. He was a paragon of patience and concentration for the majority of his marathon knock and his temperament was matched by an ability to work ones and twos to all corners of the ground.

Though all but one of his 11 fours came behind the wicket, owing to the slow outfield, he scored evenly all around the field thanks to his ability to manoeuvre the

ball into gaps.

Resuming on 95 on the third morning, Brathwaite made that 99 with the first ball of the day, helping a slightly wide delivery from Mohammad Amir between gully and point. Brathwaite worked the fifth ball for a two through midwicket to bring up his fifth Test century.

His overnight batting partner was Holder, w h o starte d

promisingly, looking solid in defence and playing a couple of sumpt u o u s drives for four.

T h e first, o f f leftarme r

Kraigg Brathwaite carried his bat for a brilliant 142 not out

Wahab Riaz, was a straight

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st Innings 281 West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite not out 142 LR Johnson lbw b Wahab Riaz 1 DM Bravo c Mohammad Amir b Zulfiqar Babar 11 MN Samuels lbw b Yasir Shah 0 J Blackwood c Asad Shafiq b Mohammad Amir 23 RL Chase c Younis Khan b Mohammad Amir 50 SO Dowrich† b Wahab Riaz 47 JO Holder* b Mohammad Amir 16 D Bishoo c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 27 AS Joseph c Yasir Shah b Wahab Riaz 6 ST Gabriel c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 0 Extras (lb-6, nb-8) 14 Total (all out; 115.4 overs) 337 (2.91 runs per over) Fall of wickets 1-6 (Johnson, 3.2 ov), 2-32 (Bravo, 11.3 ov), 3-38 (Samuels, 14.4 ov), 4-68 (Blackwood, 22.6 ov), 5-151 (Chase, 48.3 ov), 6-234 (Dowrich, 73.6 ov), 7-263 (Holder, 82.4 ov), 8-323 (Bishoo, 109.5 ov), 9-333 (Joseph, 113.3 ov), 10-337 (Gabriel, 115.4 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir

drive to a delivery angled into him from around the wicket. He kept his balance perfectly and timed the ball sweetly, beating mid-on to his left. The second, off Amir, was a gorgeous drive through the extra-cover region to a ball that was angled across him.

But Holder’s dismissal came immediately after that second boundary. Amir, also a left-armer, changed the angle by going around the wicket to attack the stumps.

Holder misjudged the line, shouldered arms and had his off stump rattled.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, introduced in the 96th over for just his fifth over of the match, created the next two chances - in the space of four balls.

First, he got Brathwaite to attempt a cut at one that was too straight.

The ball bounced more than Brathwaite had expected and he got a thin edge to wicketkeeper Sarfraz, who fumbled it onto

25-5-71-3 (nb-5), Wahab Riaz 26.4-1-88-5 (nb-3), Yasir Shah 26-2-80-1, Zulfiqar Babar 21-3-56-1, Mohammad Nawaz 11-220-0, Azhar Ali 6-0-16-0 Pakistan 2nd innings Sami Aslam c Joseph b Holder 17 Azhar Ali not out 45 Asad Shafiq c Bravo b Holder 0 Younis Khan c †Dowrich b Holder 0 Misbah-ul-Haq* c Bishoo b Chase 4 Sarfraz Ahmed† not out 19 Extras (nb-2) 2 Total (4 wickets; 39 overs) 87 To bat: Mohammad Nawaz (3), Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Zulfiqar Babar Fall of wickets 1-37 (Sami Aslam, 14.1 ov), 2-41 (Asad Shafiq, 16.6 ov), 3-41 (Younis Khan, 18.5 ov), 4-48 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 21.1 ov) Bowling: ST Gabriel 8-1-14-0 (nb-2), AS Joseph 6-1-16-0, JO Holder 9-4-10-3, KC Brathwaite 1-0-5-0, RL Chase 13-139-1, D Bishoo 2-0-3-0 Position: Pakistan lead by 31 runs with 6 wickets rem

the grille of his helmet before it fell to ground. Then, off the last ball of the over, Bishoo swept onto his pad to Azhar at short leg, but he, too, fumbled it onto the grille of his helmet before taking the catch. While Michael Gough gave it out on the field, Bishoo reviewed and third umpire Richard Illingworth spotted the infraction. By that time, West Indies had taken the lead, and Brathwaite and Bishoo continued to build an eighth-wicket partnership that steadily extended it. Bishoo was more than adequate in the pair’s 60run stand, mirroring some of the grit that Brathwaite had shown in spades. But he was the first to depart after lunch, nicking behind off Wahab. Wahab then accounted for Alzarri Joseph and Gabriel to wrap up the West Indies innings and claim his second five-wicket haul in Tests.

That still left West Indies with a handy first-innings lead, and it looked handier still after Holder’s post-tea

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

GHB/GTT Indoor Hockey Tournament 2016

GCB/National Secondary School Cricket League 2016

GCC Bounty demolish Saints

Chase Academy whip Christ Church to win Zone Championship

― Hikers veterans stun Old Fort

― Saraswat Secondary crowned West Dem champs

Devin Munroe tries to squeeze past the Old Fort defence in a thrilling veterans encounter

By Romario Samaroo

Champions! Chase Academy pose with their championship trophy at Bourda

N

ational under 15 captain Sachin Singh’s brilliant all round performance and Ashmead Nedd’s half century led defending champions Chase Academy to an easy victory over

Batting first Chase Academy piled up 230/5 in their 30 overs with Sachin Singh hitting his second century of the competition when he scored 115 off 100 balls. He stroked 15 fours and one six during his

Chase Academy celebrate another wicket in the destruction of Christ Church Secondary at Bourda

Christ Church in the North Georgetown zone final on Tuesday at the Georgetown Cricket Club

knock. Ashmead Nedd was also among the runs hitting 62 off 50 balls including 6 fours and one maxi-

took 3-38 bowling for Christ Church.

Christ Church lasted just 14.2 overs in their reply as they folded for 45.

Singh returned with the ball to bag 6-14 and Nedd had 2-16 bowling for Chase Academy.

In the West Coast Demerara zone final at Zeeburg, Saraswat Secondary prevailed over SVN College in a low scoring affair. SVN College could only manage 73 all out in 19.2 overs. Ajita Persaud was the only batsman to reach double figures scoring 14. Bowling for Saraswat, Kevin Latchoo took 4-18 and Rajesh Budhram had 2-4.

Saraswat then lost six wickets in the process of scoring the 74 runs required for victory as they got to their target in the 16th over. Kevin Latchoo made 15 not out to lead the chase. Ajita Persaud took 2-19 in a losing cause for SVN College.

T

he second day of 14th annual Guyana Hockey Board GTT Indoor Hockey Tournament went in similar fashion to the opening night at the National Gymnasium with six more exciting games.

With the ladies division not playing, the Veterans

for Old Fort in the first half.

Munroe scored in the 21st minute while team mate, Brian Asregado marked a goal three minutes later.

Dwayne Alleyne (29th) and John Abrams (30th) were the other two scorers for Old Fort.

Meanwhile, when the big guns turned out to play in the first division catego-

The Regent Road based team crushing Saints 9-2.

Kevin Spenser produced 5 goals while Mark Sargeant scored twice to conclude a thrilling match.

In the second division, Hikers demolished St. Stanislaus College 3-0 to secure their first win of the tournament. Old Fort Supersonic overcame a tal-

GCC (blue uniform) outplayed Saints in a close game for their first win of the tournament

division produced a thrilling competition between Antonio’s Hikers and Old Fort’s Lets-Get-Tropical with the experience and skill at the highest level being on display to much de-

ry, the first contest was the 2020 team known as the National Junior Men’s team going up against Old Fort Ravers.

In the end, it could be easily justified that ner-

ented Phoenix team with a 6-2 drubbing thanks to doubles from Omar Hopkinson and Orin Singh.

GCC Pitbulls also found glory, sneaking past a hyped up Saints outfit 3-2. Trevon

Newcomers 2020 (yellow & blue) came up short against Old Fort

Captain of Saraswat Secondary receives the zone champion trophy from Dhanpaul (right)

Ground, Bourda as the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) continues.

mum as he and Singh put on a 135 run partnership for the third wicket to set up the huge total. Gorrick Persaud chipped in with 22. Reynaldo Mohamed

The NSSCL continues today with the East Georgetown zone final between St Joseph’s High and Tutorial High starting 10:30h at Bourda.

light of the jovial crowd. In the end, the score line did not do much justice for the fierce competition during the 30 minutes of play with Hikers dominating 5-3.

It was Devin Munroe who starred the Hikers attack sweeping four of the five goals. In the first half of the game, the scores stood at 3-1 with the advantage with Hikers as Munroe found the net in the 5th, 9th and 15th minute. Dexter Wyles (4th min.) was the lone scorer

vousness got the better of the 2020 side as they went down 3-1 in full play. Ascofu Simon maneuvered his way through the defensive line of the 2020 team in both halves of the game while Jason DeSantos scored a penalty for the Ravers in the 23rd minute. It took the 2020 team 32 minutes before they got on the scoring table off the stick of Hilmar Chester.

The second first division fixture of the night brought together GCC and Saints.

Smith scored in the 4th and 15th minutes for the victors.

Action resumes at the same venue from 17:30h today with six more games. In Division two, Old Fort take on St. Stanislaus College and Hikers battle Saints.

For the ladies matches, Spartans and Pizza Hut GCC square up while Hikers match up with Old Fort. In the lone first division contest, Hikers face 2020 and in the Veterans’ class, GCC play Old Fort.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016

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

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brathwaite’s ton puts WI on top ― Pakistan hanging on with slim lead

Pg 22

West Indies Vice Captain Kraigg Brathwaite celebrates after completing his fifth Test ton

Jason Holder’s best bowling of the tour gives his team hope of winning the Test

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