Guyana Times Daily - October 9, 2015

Salary increases “too early” – Dr David Hinds

woman

Ministers

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings along, with CEO of GPHC, Allan Johnson (left) interacting with a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown

Friday, october 9, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

friday, october 9, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, October 9 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, October 10 – 14:30h-16:00h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, October 9 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, October 10 – 15:10h-16:40h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected throughout the day and early afternoon, while heavy rain showers can be expected in the late afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening. Temperatures can range between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.12 and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:01h and 14:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.36 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:58h and 20:20h reaching a minimum height of 0.87 metre and 0.84 metres respectively.

Salary increases “too early” – Dr David Hinds

… says Govt “misread” even supporters’ feelings

By Michael younge

Political scientist Dr David Hinds said the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government’s decision to increase the salaries of its Ministers and all parliamentarians came too early in its tenure as he criticised the manner in which it was done.

Dr Hinds, an outspoken supporter of the Government, speaking with the Guyana Times during an interview on Thursday, said that the new Government must have known that the subject matter of increasing the salaries of Ministers and executives is always unpopular.

“Coming so soon after the election when memories are still fresh, it is bound to excite negative responses. The increases should not have been pursued this early,” he said.

Hinds argued that the new Government appeared to be misreading the mood of the Guyanese people and their intolerance for continued injustice.

“So, I am not surprised that the Government has come under fire for this move. For me, the issue is not whether the salaries should be increased or not, or the fact that the rate of increase is higher than that of public servants; I suppose one can make a case for both. But I am concerned about the optics of it. Often, it is not just what Government does, but the manner in which things are done. My test is not the protest of the

Opposition party: that protest is mostly grounded in the need to embarrass the Government for doing what the now Opposition did when in Government just a few months ago,” he insisted.

He said his test was the protest of Government supporters or those not deemed to be hostile to the Government, as he argued that many of them were not happy about this move and were voicing their disapproval.

“Others, I am sure, are shaking their heads in dismay. That should send a message to the Government to “watch what you doing”. Governments should always tread carefully on sensitive matters. And this is a sensitive matter. The issue of Government as a source of enrichment for Ministers was a very big reason for the widespread discontent with the previous Government. The then Opposition benefited from this sentiment. Although the salary in-

crease is not a form of enrichment, it should not be surprising that many see it in that light,” Dr Hinds explained.

He said if it was the case that the new Government had to do it, it should have done so in small increments.

“I think the Government has misread the feelings of its own supporters on this score. I have said before that one of the weaknesses of this government is its inability to ground more with the masses. If it were doing this, it would have known that this move would not find favour with them,” he posited.

Asked whether the move to increase the salaries of the Ministers would impact the support that the new Government enjoyed, considering how Guyanese have rejected similar acts of the PPP while in office, Dr Hinds, who is also an Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Party, maintained that this may not necessarily be the case.

Questioned whether he was disappointed that much of the focus of the new Government has been on salaries, vehicles, renovating the Prime Minister (PM) offices and residences as opposed to other important matters, Dr Hinds said any new government coming into office after the previous Government has been in office for so long has to by necessity deal with the issues the Government has been paying attention to.

“It is not a case of picking and choosing what to deal with – all matters that have

to do with the process of governance are important. But yes, moving the country beyond where you met it – economically, politically – should be paramount. But this should not be at the expense of unearthing and correcting the wrongs of the past,” he related.

Like Dr Hinds, many stakeholders in society have expressed outrage at the Government’s decision to hike the pay of Ministers who have been in office for just four months.

Several entities including the Guyana Teachers Union, have criticised the move but the core union, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) remains mum and totally silent on the matter even though its public servants, many of whom are poor, have only been given a five per cent increase.

GPSU President Patrick Yarde, known for his boisterous positions on these matters, could not be reached for a comment despite the fact that this newspaper tried for hours to reach him on Thursday.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has already called on the Government to retract its position while upbraiding Minister of State Joseph Harmon who said that the move was justified and the new Ministers deserved the pay hike despite the fact that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and President David Granger have always spoken out about leading a Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy.

Dr David Hinds

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

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Editorial

Super salaries

It comes as no surprise the APNU/AFC has deviated from their elections campaign rhetoric of projecting themselves to be a coalition of simplicity and humbleness that had the country’s interest entrenched in their hearts.

During its campaign leading up to the May 11 Elections, the coalition vowed that once elected into office they would be the protectors of the government’s treasury and pledged to rid society of governmental ‘super salaries’. However, what has unfolded over the past few days speaks to the contrary. On September 25, however, the Government surreptitiously gazetted increases that made the previously criticised salaries pale by comparison. More insidiously they did so without informing the public either about the decision or the process by which that decision was made. Even more alarming was the fact that Minister of State Joseph Harmon in defending these massive increases, declared that it was “justified” and had “no apologies” for such a decision. To say that government has “no apologies” for ministers receiving an increase in salaries while denying the “significant” increase they promised to ordinary government workers is not only arrogant but downright disrespectful to the taxpayers of Guyana.

It has long been the oratory by the APNU/AFC that PPP/C ministers were bleeding the nation’s coffers with their “Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey-cart economy”. As a matter of fact it was Prime Minister Mosses Nagamootoo who coined the term ‘fat cats’, while making reference to persons in the past Administration who were being paid what he had described as “super” salaries. Ironically, only just under five months of being in office, the new Administration believes they deserve a pay hike. Could they explain to the nation exactly what were their accomplishments which justified taxpayers’ money be spent for their salary increases? Well they don’t think such an explanation is necessary since the pay hike published in the Official Gazette makes it a fait accompli. How can one justify this outrage? Well, if we were to take Joseph Harmon’s word for it, then it is already “justified” because they say so.

Under this “new dispensation” and a putative “good life” for all Guyanese, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who was chief among those who criticised the previous Administration for their “super salaries” will now receive an increased salary of over $20 million annually. In addition, the three Vice Presidents, Khemraj Ramjattan, Carl Greenidge and Sydney Allicock, will now received over $11 million annually. Together these four men’s salaries alone will cost the treasury in excess of $33 million each year. In addition to their huge salaries they each will be receiving a duty-free allowance, an entertainment allowance, chauffeur allowance and vacation allowance. The duty deferred on Nagamootoo's SUV is "according to income tax sources, $63,109,000".

It was this very Administration that earlier in the year denied having premeditated intent of implementing significant increases in the salaries of its ministers and toned down the public outcry by saying such a move was merely being “considered”. The reality of such “consideration” hit the Nation clandestinely but thanks to the watchful eyes of Guyana Times, the public heard and there is now an outcry. It is no wonder the farmers and teachers union have already expressed their disappointment at the clandestine move by the Government to pad their payroll. But to woo and make complicit the Opposition into accepting the covert increases, the Government slyly included an additional increase in salaries for all Members of Parliament.

It is commendable that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has already indicated that the People’s Progress Party Members of Parliament will not be accepting these increases and will be bringing a Motion to the National Assembly to challenge the increases. It is urged that this be done urgently as taxpayers have been duped into yet another huge expense on the nation’s coffers.

This huge increase comes at a time when Guyana’s sugar and rice industries are facing major issues and if not properly handled will lead to catastrophic consequences for the agricultural sector. Our teachers and nurses are working tirelessly; they too deserve a larger increase. Public servants in general deserve more than 5 per cent increase for half the year when our leaders are taking 50 per cent increases for themselves.

The Government must certainly reconsider and rescind its decision to place an additional burden on taxpayers for selfish gains.

Govt cannot be serious about pay hikes

Dear Editor, The government’s position that it comprises “quality people” smacks of the self same arrogance of the colonial masters who brought African slaves and Indian and Chinese labourers to these shores. Whereas Burnham liked that everyone be addressed as “comrade” thus giving the appearance, at least, that the republic was a great leveller of people, the new PNC-led Government has established that they see themselves as being

above the common fray of the hoi polloi such as us. Like the colonials it would appear they might prefer to be addressed as “massa” to distinguish their “quality” selves from us common folks.

So it was, Massa Joe Harmon’s statement took me back immediately to my reading of “Animal Farm”. When the pigs rose up to rule they walked about on their hind legs from which higher position they, too, surveyed their lesser subjects.

And it is from such arrogance, according to George Orwell, that dictators and dictatorships are born.

Massa Joe’s intimation that the higher salaries for Government’s “quality people” will stop them from stealing, does also suggest that Government is aware that its ministers are all potential thieves and that high salaries will be a deterrent against their thievery.

After all, they cannot be expected to scrounge along like the rest of us in a fast failing economy.

I hope that Massa Joe and his neo-colonial quality Government will be more amenable to our demands for reparations than the British Government when the time comes.

Shanie Jagessar

The “quality people’s” salaries will undoubtedly have to keep up with inflation or else any stealing will be justifiable. That means regular salary hikes.

Neglect of the rice industry

Dear Editor,

From all indications it seems the recovery of Guyana’s rice industry will be stifled. Rice, which is one of the economic cornerstones of Guyana, directly employing thousands of people, in 2014 rice exports totalled US$249,512,110. Rice, one of the sectors of real GDP was attributed to in 2014. This same industry Kaieteur News captioned as a ‘thriving’ industry in its March 17, 2015 article but later on July 14, the newspaper changed its story line to “diversification needed in the rice industry.”

The current crisis rice farmers are facing is a combination of factors. Farmers are still to receive full payment for paddy sold for the first crop of

2015. Meanwhile they had to endure difficulty preparing and harvesting their second crop with inadequate funds to properly cater for the inputs of that crop. Difficulty would extend to low disposable income earners with all the associated problems. Also it affects other persons and their families employed in the sector and by and large the local economy. With the second crop of 2015 being harvested albeit the foregoing challenges, a larger problem now arises: the price of paddy. A bag of paddy costs about $2300-$2700 to produce. This figure varies according to location; the additional expenses bourn by farmers in terms of irrigation, etc. At the time

of writing, a bag of paddy is being purchased for about $1800. Loss of the Venezuelan rice market has exacerbated the problem. What all this translates into is a damaged industry.

Farmers are giving second thoughts to replanting the next crop and even contemplating their other options, but as a Stabroek News writer accurately puts it: “If there is some evidence of alternative farming pursuits these do not come even remotely close to matching the size of the pursuits in rice.” Definitely it is not the case where thousands of people can join the public service and receive a stable monthly income, can they?

In light of the prevail-

ing challenges there has been no intervention by the Government, and the President has taken a position that rice is a private enterprise. If the recovery of this crucial sector is to happen and farmers are to go back to the fields, a number of measures must be taken by the Government: Granting of subsides for pesticides, fertilizers and fuel, which are some of the main inputs of rice production, should be given; engaging the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant institutions in securing profitable markets should be paramount. Or other means of income support must be considered.

S Mohamed

A smooth ride down the Essequibo River (Marceano Narine photo)

Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Natural Resources Department recruitment policy biased We

Dear Editor,

Kindly publish this letter in the Guyana Times.

I refer to a letter in Guyana Times by John Williams (Thursday, September 24, 2015) titled “Minister Trotman should set the example of good governance”.

John Williams in his letter said that Minister Trotman paid a visit to the Barama Company’s Buckhall location with a team of officials who were new recruits in his Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, and that these recruits were all APNU/AFC hacks.

Williams wanted to know, and he is not wrong, why with the reduced production in the gold and forest sectors there are new recruits in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, if it is only to be seat-warmers.

Williams also wanted Minister Trotman to indicate to the general public through the media the transparent process used to employ these people. None was given so far. Was there a selection process? None was given. Was a list of the new recruits and their photo -

graphs from June 2015 provided to the media?

None was given.

The fact that Minister Trotman failed to answer the questions raised in Williams’ letter, shows clearly he is being guilty of nepotism, cronyism and a waste of taxpayers money in the recruitment of APNU/AFC hacks in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.

But the Minister of Governance speaks a lot about transparency in the business of Government.

The Minister is not wrong. But is he transparent in the recruitment of party hacks into his department? The Minister needs to be careful he doesn’t become opaque. Can the Minister with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment provide to the general public the role of his adviser and why such an adviser is needed? This definitely is a waste of taxpayers money.

The Commission of Enquiry (CoI) into the public service should also quickly turn their attention to the public service’s recruitment process from June 15, 2015 if they are serious about

professionalism in the public service.

The CoI into the public service should also deal with the recruitment process of all those Regional Executive Officers (REOs) who are deemed political appointees. The CoI should start from Regions 6 & 9. Failure to do so, the CoI into the public service is a mere rubber stamp and a waste of time.

Yours sincerely, Patrick

Gomes

should keep our city clean

Dear Editor, South Bend is a little town on the North-Western border of Indiana, just about 10 minutes drive from Michigan. It is very clean and immaculately wellkept. My family and I moved there while I was pursuing my Master of Divinity at the Andrews University, in Michigan.

South Bend (the name is derived from the bend of the river that runs through the City), is kept clean by some very simple laws enforced by the City Administrators.

Here’s a few of those laws: your grass cannot be more than one foot high (30 centimetres); you cannot leave a disabled vehicle on the road-way for more than four weeks; your garbage for collection must be placed in a garbage bag and then in a bin with a lid.

There are paid Code Enforcement Officers who traverse the City to monitor these things. However, if they miss anything any citizen can call and give the address of the code violators.

The violators are served with citations for immediate correction of the problem/s. Failing that, the City comes in and corrects the problem (weed the grass, remove the trash, tow the vehicle, etc), then sends a bill to the owners of the property. The City charges significantly more for the work than would be charged by an average hire.

Additionally, a substantial interest is incurred on the unpaid balance.

When the unpaid amount reaches a certain figure (I don’t quite remember the amount), the property is gazetted for sale and placed on the market at pub-

lic auction. The bidding for the respective properties begins at the amount owed to the City.

One could well imaging the kind of effort put forward by property owners to keep their surroundings clean and their broken vehicles off the public roadways.

As the local M&CC moves ahead with the restoration and beautification of Georgetown, maybe some semblance of those South Bend code enforcement laws could be copied.

Pastor WP Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries

I end with this quote: “If you believe you can, you will. If you believe you can’t, you’re right”. WP

Govt should rotate the Deputy REOs

Dear Editor,

All the Deputy Regional Executive Officers have been in office in the different the Regions for over three years. The former Administration had a policy of rotation of all Deputy Regional Executive Officers in other Regions every two years.

The APNU/AFC Government should really look at the issue and rotate all Deputy Regional Executive Officers’. Eriksson & Ortega (2004, p 1) tested two theories of why organisations introduce job rotation, “employee learning, employ -

er learning, and employee motivation.” With employee learning, the theory is that, “employees who rotate accumulate more human capital because they are exposed to a wider range of experiences. The more an employee moves the more he learns” (Eriksson & Ortega, 2004, p 2). The employee motivation theory states, job rotation “motivates employees who would otherwise become bored and tired of always performing the same tasks”.

I urge the Ministry of Communities to make their recommendations to the Public Service

Commission to do the necessary rotations. Steve Johnson

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets,

Page Foundation

BY PAT WILLIAMS

4. Teach young people to take satisfaction rather than pride in their accomplishments. When children perform well or achieve a goal, it’s good for them to feel that warm glow of joy that comes from a job well done. But let them know that arrogant or disrespectful behaviour is not permitted.

When children excel in academics, sports, music, or some other endeavour, monitor their attitude and behaviour. Be alert to signals that they feel superior or look down upon their peers. Encourage good sportsmanship. Help them understand that people of great character acknowledge the achievements of others; only small-minded people engage in smack talk and putdowns.

Encourage your children to use their abilities to serve God and help others. Teach them to enjoy the feeling of a job well done and to thank God for His gifts of talent, strength, and health which make it possible for us to achieve our goals. Everything we have is a gift. We can’t take credit for a gift; we can only be grateful to the Giver.

5. Set a zero-tolerance policy toward disrespectful attitudes and talk. Children should never be permitted to behave rudely or use profane language. Train them to speak and behave respectfully from an early age. Make it clear that you will listen to your children and consider any complaint or object they may have – as long

as it is stated respectfully.

Peter Roby, Director of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, told me a story from his boyhood. “My father will always be my hero and role model,” he said. “He demanded that I show respect on the field or court towards the officials, opponents, and fans. When I was about 10 and playing Little League baseball, I got visibly upset with an umpire’s call on some of my pitches. When I came in after the inning, my father said, ‘If you ever act disrespectfully to an umpire again, I’ll come out on the field and drag you off the mound.’ He expected me to respect everyone. I did from then on.”

Here are some suggestions for dealing with children who show disrespect: If a child becomes disrespectful during an argument or disagreement, stop the conversation and remind the child that you will only listen to his or her opinions if they are stated courteously. You might interrupt and say, “Would you like to restate that in a respectful tone?”

When children correct their tone and show they can discuss disagreements in a respectful way, affirm their maturity and character. Let them know that you notice their character growth, and you are proud of the way they conducted themselves, despite the disagreement. If your children persist in being disrespectful, impose consequences that are ageappropriate and consistent. Don’t discipline out of anger, simply because your children pushed your buttons. Discipline

out of love, because you want to shape their character.

Thomas M Doran, a partner with Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc, recalls, “In my youth, I was prone to biting and indiscriminate criticism. My dad’s best friend was my godfather, and one time he was visiting from Chicago. He was a big-hearted, cheerful

man to man. It wasn’t pleasant being talked to that way, but even then, I realised that this man wasn’t threatening me. He was doing what a godparent is supposed to do. He was instilling moral character in me. I had shown disrespect, and he was letting me know that disrespect for parents is a blot on my character.

(Continued from thursday)

always grow and improve.

Since 1968, I have worked alongside some of the legendary coaches of the NBA – Jack Ramsay, Dick Motta, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Gene Shue, Billy Cunningham, Matt Guokas, Chuck Daly, Doc Rivers, Brian Hill, and more. When it’s time for the NBA draft in the spring, when all the

man and an ex-Marine like my dad. The three of us got into a political discussion and I made a disparaging remark about my dad, but he ignored it. Later, after my dad left the room, my godfather took me aside and said, ‘Your dad is my friend, and I won’t tolerate my friend being insulted – not even by his own son.’

“That was the first time my godfather ever spoke to me

“My godfather never mentioned that incident again, and we had a great relationship until the day he died. He was a man of character, and he cared enough about me to take me aside and strengthen my character.”

6. Encourage children to be teachable and coachable. Our children need to be willing learners. No matter how much they think they know, they can

information has been gathered about the top college players, there is always one question that every one of these coaches has asked without fail: “Can I coach this child? Will he listen to me?”

If being coachable is so important in pro basketball, how much more important is it that our own young people be teachable and coachable?

Here are some suggestions for

raising coachable children:

First, when you teach or coach your children, be positive. Children respond to positive coaching, but they resent yelling, shaming, and belittling. If they come to know you as a positive and encouraging parent-coach, they will be more likely to listen and follow your instruction. We sometimes forget how children view the world. If we expect too much of them or treat them harshly, we’ll shame them and undermine their confidence.

Second, be a good role model. Your children are watching every move you make. If they detect hypocrisy in your life, they’ll use it as an excuse to disregard what you say. As someone has said, our children will become what we are – so we’d better start becoming what we want them to be.

Third, praise effort, not results. If a child is only affirmed when he succeeds, he’ll become fearful of failure. When a child feels affirmed even when he tries and fails, he has more confidence to take risks and go out on a limb for you. So when your child fails, don’t let your disappointment show. Always say, “Great effort! Way to hustle! I’m proud of you!”

Fourth, treat your child as a unique personality. Every child is an individual, and the kind of coaching that works with one child may not work with another. Train each child according to his or her unique needs.

7. Be a role model of humility. Let your children see you serving others. Let them see you asking for directions and not having all the answers. Let them see you reading, listening, and seeking knowledge and wisdom. When you get cut off on the freeway, let them see you responding gently – no honking or obscene gestures. Let your children see how teachable and coachable you are. Ask them to teach you something they know and you don’t.

Cal Ripken, Jr, is a former shortstop and third baseman who played his entire career for the Baltimore Orioles from 1981 to 2001, and is famed for his 2632-game “Iron Man” streak. A few years ago, he wanted to take a laptop computer on the road with him to keep in touch with his family via email – but he had a problem.

“I’m a little intimidated by the technology,” he said, “but my daughter Rachel is at the age where she can teach me. She’s seven years old.” Ever coachable and teachable, Cal Ripken was not ashamed to seek technical advice from his little daughter. Humility is an attractive trait. When your children see humility in you, they will want to be humble like you are. (www.crosswalk.com)

Guyanese entertainer wanted in Canada for gun, cocaine smuggling

AGuyanese entertainer was among 13 persons charged following an investigation into the shipment of a quantity of guns and cocaine between Canada and South America.

The Guyanese DJ was identified as Dwidth Ferguson, 32, who is affiliated to a popular entertainment group. Guyana Times understands that the young man has disappeared off the radar since the interception of the 12 other men who were slapped with 46 charges in total.

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, when contacted, told Guyana Times that the Canadian authorities have been in contact with

local law enforcement officers who were providing assistance. He added that the investigation was an active one at this point and he could not divulge any other information.

News out of Canada revealed that 12 people were arrested across the Greater Toronto Area in connection with a year-long investigation that saw cocaine, prescription pills and handguns being smuggled into Ontario from the United States and the Caribbean.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chief Superintendent Rick Barnum said that since 2014, drugs would arrive at Pearson International Airport in luggage and oth-

er containers aboard planes arriving from California, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and Guyana.

Most of the drugs were to be sold in the Greater Toronto Area, but some were shipped onwards to Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the same period of time, handguns traced back to Florida were brought into Canada, also via Pearson International Airport, Barnum said.

A number of searches were conducted earlier in the week in and around the Greater Toronto Area, leading to the seizure of 22 firearms, Cdn$146,000 in cash, four cars and a total of 123 kilograms of cocaine.

The Police Chief revealed that additional investigation by the team led to other arrests in the United States and Newfoundland.

He added that the 100 or more officers tasked with conducting the investigation succeeded by “being there when (the accused) let their guard down”.

“This industry of dealing drugs and firearms is really based on greed. Sometimes these folks are so greedy and think they’re so good at their game, but we’ll be there when they’re not,” he said.

The investigation, dubbed “Project Monto”, involved the OPP, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and various law enforcement agencies from the United States.

Hopetown woman murdered – man arrested as Police probe death

Government

Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh has confirmed that the woman who was found in her Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice did not die of hypertension but was murdered.

The body of Vaulda Britton, 78, also called “Auntie Vaulda” was discovered in her home on Sunday and initially relatives believed she died as a result of her struggle with hypertension.

However, on Thursday a post mortem examination revealed she died from asphyxiation due to manual strangulation.

Relatives told this newspaper the elderly woman lives alone but her great nephew stayed with her for a few nights prior to her death.

According to the dead woman’s son, Randolph Britton, a Rural Constable, he received information of his mother’s demise on Sunday morning and travelled to Berbice and soon discovered the matter needed to be investigated. Britton said when he arrived at his mother’s home he was told the Police had not visited the house.

“I requested to go with a Police to see the body. So when we reach the mortuary and they open up the body I see a bruise on her nose and her cheek and her

temple black and blue. So I show the Police it and told him that somebody can’t fall down and get all these marks. Then I see he take out his phone and start take some pictures,” the grieving son said.

The dead woman’s son told this newspaper that on Saturday his mother’s nephew related that he did not like how his aunty was looking and he would go spend the night with her.

An eight-year-old granddaughter of the dead woman accompanied the nephew to spend the night at Britton’s house.

This newspaper was told that sometime during the night the eight-year-old woke up and did not see her grandmother lying next to her. The child reportedly told family that after she did not see her grandmoth-

er, she started to cry and her grandmother’s nephew came into the room where she was and scolded her for crying. She also related to family that her grandmother’s nephew was naked when he entered the room, but no one took her seriously.

According to reports, on Sunday morning the dead woman’s nephew told relatives to check on her since she was motionless. Relatives subsequently discovered the woman’s body, but thought she had died from hypertension.

However, on Monday, the very nephew grabbed his grandmother and threatened to rape her if she did not give him $10,000. This was reported to the Police and he was arrested. It was not until his arrest that relatives begun suspecting that he may have had a hand in his aunt’s death. It was then that the Police questioned the eight-year-old granddaughter and she related what occurred at her grandmother’s house on Saturday night.

Police have since confirmed that the woman’s nephew known as “Two Kick” will be charged for murder. He was recently released from prison having served a four-year sentence for larceny. Britton leaves to mourn eight children.

A number of searches in and around the Greater Toronto Area led to the seizure of 22 firearms, Cdn$146,000, four cars and a total of 123 kilograms of cocaine

Vaulda Britton

friday, october 9, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Alleged

rape at GPHC Taxi driver remanded

Ataxi driver who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor in the Female Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) was on Thursday remanded.

Anand Singh of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on October 4, Singh, 46, assaulted the underaged teen while she was a patient at the GPH.

While the prosecution did not divulge many details, it is alleged the incident took place around 01:15h. According to the case, the driver entered the ward after he was reportedly granted access by a se-

curity guard. However, an alarm was raised by other patients, who noticed the man was on the young lady’s bed in the ward. The accused was arrested but denied the allegation.

Magistrate McLennan refused bail and the case will continue on October 23.

A senior staffer of the facility told this newspaper the matter was brought

to the attention of Chief Executive Officer Allan Johnson, and an investigation has been launched.

The official said several critical security issues will be examined to determine how a breach occurred. If anyone is found culpable of neglecting their post, serious disciplinary actions will be taken, the official said.

Linden couple remanded on trafficking in narcotics charge

Acouple were on Thursday remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for trafficking in narcotics.

Jermaine Alexander, 39, of Lot 2119 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, and Jewel Pollmore,46, of Lot 218 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, both pleaded not

guilty to the charge, which stated that on October 7 at Mackenzie Market, Linden, they had in their possession 64 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones revealed that on the day in question, the two defendants were in a stall at the Mackenzie Market, when Police swooped down on

them and conducted a search. The Prosecutor revealed that during the search, a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were discovered concealed in a cigarette packet. The two were then told of the offence and arrested.

Alexander and Pollmore were represented by Attorney-at-Law Eucie Anderson who in a bail application told the

court that the couple were in a common-law relationship. He further revealed that Alexander was the father of 14 children ranging from ages 2 to 27. The Magistrate denied the bail application and the duo was remanded to prison.

The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for November 10.

Public Service Ministry fraud case further adjourned

Lawyers representing former Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford and Chief Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings on Thursday requested a further adjournment of the court proceedings into the multimillion dollar fraud discovered at the Public Service Ministry over two months ago.

Westford, 54, of Lot 55 AA Victoria Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara was placed on $200,000 bail on each of the four charges she faces, and Cummings, 36, of Lot 709 Section ‘A’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was placed on $300,000 bail on each of the four charges she faces when they first appeared in court.

Westford, and both made their appearance before City Magistrate Ann

McLennan and separately denied the charges laid against them on the first court hearing.

Dr Westford and Ms Cummings were both represented by attorneys-atlaw Bibi Shadick, Keisha Chase, Dexter Todd, Husi Anderson and Neil Boston.

Attorney at Law Neil Boston informed Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan that he had another matter at the High Court which required him to address a jury and therefore requested the adjournment of the matter.

He also informed the Magistrate that the defence applied for the matters to be stayed indefinitely for abuse of process.

The case was adjourned, and both defendants are expected to make their next court appearance on November 12.

Eyew tness

...and temptation

An interesting rationale was added to the previous one proffered by Pressie (“rationalising pay scales”) for the Executive pay hike that has scandalised the nation. This rationale actually exculpates officials of the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration for any dipping of hands into the till they might’ve engaged in. With a straight face, the Minister of State claimed that the increase was to remove the temptation to steal.

The theory, we suspect, is that these fellas who swore up and down the country they just wanted to serve the nation, might be less inclined to succumb to the wiles of filthy lucre if they’re getting a steady stream of the stuff. But if what the PPP fellas (and felines) were getting paid led them into temptation and it needed to be bumped up by 50 per cent to stop this lot from “thiefing”, then the Government owes the PPP an abject apology.

The Government after all, is now admitting that while the spirit of their Executive Ministers, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers and MP’s may be willing (their promises on the hustings) their flesh is weak. If the Government doesn’t raise their salaries then these poor slobs may also go the way of all flesh. But there a fly in the ointment with this explanation... and it has to do with “how much is enough”? What all studies have shown is that when it comes to money, the old folk wisdom holds like an iron law: “De more yuh get; de more yuh want!” Especially when it’s free!

Who’s to say these worthies won’t want more? So is the Government going to raise salaries every four months? But what about the poor public servants who couldn’t get their “significant” raises – either for themselves or their “significant others”? Don’t they face temptation every day? So they walk out of the workplace with toilet paper and pens, without compunction. Worse still, they either don’t do their jobs or do it so sullenly that as soon as you come into their orbit, you end up doing a slow burn. Isn’t that a form of thiefing?

So shouldn’t the working stiffs be also “led out of temptation”? After all, what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, no? And there is a whole lotta sauce being shared out right now that ordinary folks would like to sample. This Eyewitness has no problem with the thesis that Ministers (especially PRIME Ministers) must be paid well. But everything has a context, no?

And the context of this pay raise is a country being told to hunker down and ride out a storm – while the leaders are feathering their nests.

...but

none for jobs

In news that’s certainly going to be of great comfort to all Guyanese, Minister of Governance Raphael Troman jetted off to Switzerland to assure the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) “Government has made every effort to address challenges such as violent crime, high rates of unemployment, prolonged ethnic divisions and corruption.”

Now last time this Eyewitness looked (at the newspapers) the Police had announced that “violent crimes” had risen ever month since May 11. He hadn’t realised the 2am curfew on bars and the “gun amnesty” (which resulted in mostly hunting shotguns turned in by hinterland dwellers) had killed crime. High rates of unemployment? Well there was that firing of 1972 Amerindians, presumably based on the theory that things have to get worse before they get better?

The “prolonged ethnic divisions” must’ve been resolved with the corralling of the 11 per cent Man, Nagamootoo.

And finally, corruption (at least at the governmental level – see above) is now a thing of the past with the salary hike. Happy days are here again!

...and how it feels

The old folks from the Palms were taken to Parliament and allowed to sit in the Government MP’s seats. So they could “feel” what it’s like to be filthy rich! Couldn’t they have at least shared one of those sumptuous Parliamentary meals?

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

Former Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford

friday, october 9, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Vilvooden roadside residents complain of dust pollution

Residents living on the western side of the Vilvooden Public Road, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are calling for immediate action from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Communities to deal with the increasing dust pollution affecting their community.

C-Rice and is causing serious health problems within the area.

According to affected residents, the dust emanates from the rice mill

Speaking on behalf of the community, Akbar Ali Khan said despite several complaints to relevant authorities nothing has been done.

Region 2 Tender Board yet to be constituted – contractors complaining

Contractors in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are bitterly complaining about not being able to bid for contracts from to the Region Two Administration and 2015 is almost nearing to an end. To date no contract or beneficial projects have been awarded, due to the Regional Tender Board within the Region not being constituted.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government is still to appoint members to serve on the board. This newspaper was reliably informed that the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP\C) had already submitted names of their appointee.

Due to the APNU/AFC Government not submitting names for the committee, millions of dollars in projects are being held up. The slothful process is delaying the execution of Capital Works Projects, hence hampering progress within the Region.

According to one contractor, he had to send home 16 workers because he is not able to bid for any project.

“Why keep the staff when the money not coming in and the projects not even being awarded. This is not progress; we need projects so we can survive and sus-

tain we family” the contractor complained.

The contractor pointed out that financial year 2015 will soon come to an end and no contract has been awarded from the Region Two Administration.

Many other contractors are affected because they too have families to maintain. Many persons have also questioned the quality of work that will be done whenever the works are awarded, given the short period left of the financial year.

Residents over the past days have called for the renovation of streets, access dams, construction of new school, among other beneficial projects.

Khan said the dust is from the mill and the trucks driving on the dry access dam leading to the mill. He described the situation as very annoying and explained that residents cannot risk opening their windows.

“Dust in my house day and night; the dust gets in the water; the situation is very overbearing; housetop has a lot of pickle; the mill creating pollution.” Khan related.

He said he made a report to the Good Hope/Pomona Neighbourhood Democratic

Council (NDC) and officers had visited the mill. The resident said the miller was advised by the NDC to wet the road but they only did so for two mornings. The resident further explained that the floors in his house are covered with dust on a daily basis.

The dust is having a negative effect on residents, and babies in the areas are developing asthmatic reactions. Persons are questioning why a mill was allowed to be established in a residential area when it is creating hazard. Residents are

calling for the closure of the mill due to the pollution. An officer from the mill related that they have received complaints from residents and they (the mill) are trying to render relief. The officer said the loam road if not wet gives off dust, however the mill has budgeted to have the road pitched as soon as the rice crop comes to an end.

Asked why the road is not being wet daily the officer related it all depends on the supply of water from the Guyana Water Incorporated.

The community's dusty access dam

The affected area

Opposition Leader’s Office standoff...

PPP still barred from uplifting assets

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is peeved that they were only able to recover a minuscule portion of the assets that belonged to the Office of the Opposition Leader after they were blocked by the Government despite Minister of State Joseph Harmon assuring that the assets were available to be uplifted by the Opposition.

The PPP/C said the actions of the Government were “unacceptable” and “disrespectful”.

Earlier this week, the PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who was appointed to receive the assets, had accused Government of stymieing the work of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo with its inability to hand over State assets to furnish the new Office of the Opposition Leader, which is located on Church Street, Georgetown.

In response, Minister Joseph Harmon had denied the claim, saying that

the assets are available for pick up at any given time. “They could have it now, they could have had it last week,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

However, when the Opposition Chief Whip along with two other PPP Parliamentarians showed up at the Hadfield Street Office on Thursday morning to uplift the items, they were told that they

can only remove some of the furniture but no other electronic equipment, with the exception of a photocopier.

“So we are back to square one again… there are pieces of furniture up there that are part of the Office of the Leader of Opposition, they said we can’t have access to those today and they will let us know when they will be

available for us to come and collect it,” Teixeira told media operatives as they were moving the few items they were permitted to remove from the premises.

A subsequent statement from the Party later that day detailed that they were only allowed to move a few desks and chairs, a photocopier, two filing cabinets, a partition and a water dispenser.

Furthermore, the Opposition Party disclosed it was indicated to them that the remaining items which are located in the upper flat of the building could not be handed over since Advisers from the

Ministry of the Presidency were still using them.

Additionally, Teixeira explained to reporters that there were several items on the ground floor, which had the Office of the Leader of the Opposition tags but were not allowed to be moved.

Teixeira pointed out this is unacceptable since they will now have to return another day to uplift the remaining assets. She pointed out that this will cost the Opposition more expenses as they will have to rehire moving vehicles and labour to remove the remaining items.

“This is really disrespectful! And it will mean that we will have to wait again as if we are children… the office of the Opposition Leader, which is constitutionally provided for, and the Leader of the Opposition is not being treated with respect by this Government,” she stated.

Moreover, the PPP Opposition Party outlined that Minister Harmon’s statement on Tuesday with respect to the transfer of the assets for Leader of the Opposition’s office is “dishonest and conflicting”.

The party noted that the Chief Whip has been

in constant contact with the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, to facilitate the handover. However, she indicated the Party’s intention of moving the assets on Monday last but was advised on Saturday evening that the transfer could not be done on Monday since the Minister of State had indicated that “they are not ready as yet,” hence the handover was postponed to Thursday.

“The Ministry of the Presidency has no role in the transfer of the assets from the Parliament Office to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. This intrusion by the Ministry of the Presidency is a deliberate attempt to stymie the work of the Leader of the Opposition,” the PPP posited.

Furthermore, the Opposition Chief Whip highlighted that the new Leader of the Opposition Office, located on Church Street, formerly housed the Surinamese embassy. Teixeira explained that PPP used the exact template that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had used to rent their office while in Opposition and is also paying the same rent of $400,000.

Cathy Hughes skins up Ramjattan over Jaguar skin

ourism Minister

TCathy Hughes has asked Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to remove the skin of a Jaguar, Guyana’s national animal, from his office wall.

The skin of the endangered species was used to decorate the Minister’s wall. Controversy was sparked after a picture of Ramjattan posing with a foreign diplomat with the skin visible on the wall surfaced on the Internet.

On Thursday, the Minister said that she has since dispatched an email to her colleague urging him to remove the Jaguar’s skin from the wall, citing its inappropriateness.

During a press conference on Thursday, the Tourism Minister expressed her disgust, adding that in an era of ‘conserving...and sustainable preservation’, such was “totally inappropriate.”

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira watches on as they take possession of a few items belonging to the Office of the Opposition Leader

The photo that sparked the controversy

COTED agriculture Ministers meet, discuss regional development

Agriculture Ministers from across the Caribbean are engaged in discussions on the development of the Region’s agricultural sector at the 59th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Agriculture.

The meeting is being held at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat, Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown.

On the agenda are a wide range of pressing matters relating to agriculture such as Regional Trade and Climate Change.

Caricom’s Assistant

Secretary-General with responsibility for Trade and Economic Integration Josepha Cox, in delivering remarks on behalf of Ambassador Irwin LaRocque explained that one of the major challenges in the

Region 5 rice farmers take Govt to court

... claim cancellation of leases “unlawful”

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) Government has once again been hauled before the High Court, this time by disgruntled rice farmers from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) over their claims that Government’s move to cancel their leases was unlawful.

During the latter part of 2014, former President Donald Ramotar had issued a number of leases to rice farmers in the region. The farmers began utilising the respective acres, planting rice. However, following the change of Government, farmers complained that they were being forced off their lands. They are crying foul over the situation, which they say, paints a very dim picture for their future.

The farmers are adamant that the move by Government to take away their lands is inhumane, particularly, because they learnt of the revocation through an advertisement in a local newspaper.

The farmers, failing to get any clarification on the issue, moved to the High Court through former Attorney General Anil Nandlall. The decision made by the Chief Justice on Thursday quashed the cancellation of the leases on the ground that the decision is unlawful.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Thursday, Attorney Nandlall said that a number of known APNU activists have been going to the lands and causing a lot of mischief.

“The farmers are on these lands. They have crops on these lands. Other persons in the area are going on these lands and dismantling”, he told this publication.

According to Nandlall, “this is another case of political witchhunting, where private property in this case is being expropriated”. He said if persons thought that only politicians are affected, “the ordinary farmers are having their lands taken away”.

The area under contention on Monday was Seafield in Region Five.

Speaking with Guyana

Times, Phillip Johnson who was given a 50-year lease said he was made aware of the overturn in the newspaper.

“So I decided to contact Mr Nandall to see what he can do for us”. Johnson said farmers under that system in his community are very fearful about the prospects, nothing that they need protection.

Another farmer, Rupert Blackman, said he is unable to reap his first crop from the 10 acres of land that were leased to him. He said he is constantly being terrorised and is being forced to pay the co-op thousands of dollars if he attempts to cut his rice.

“So I am wondering what the Government is doing for people like me, poor people like me who struggling for a daily bread. They are taking the land and giving it to members of the co-op, who can’t even pay for the land and who don’t even plant rice”, he said in frustration.

The order by the Chief Justice addressed to the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority, prohibits it from issuing or causing to be issued any Provisional Lease, permission to occupy, Licence or Lease to any person, entity or body in respect to the land which was the subject of a Lease of State Land for Agricultural Purpose issued under Section 3(b) of the State Lands Act, Chapter 62:01, and in accordance with the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority Act No. 27 of 1977.

It is further ordered that the Applicant be at liberty to issue and serve on the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority, a sealed and certified copy of the Notice of Motion with the Affidavit in Support of Motion, filed on the 8th day of October, 2015, together with a sealed and certified copy of this Nisi Order and it is further ordered this matter do stand adjourned to the 20th day of October, 2015, at 13:30h, before the Honourable Chief Justice in Chambers.

Region’s agricultural sector is the accomplishment of meaningful, structural transformation and dynamic competitiveness that will enhance its ability to compete globally.

“We therefore need to ensure that our agriculture development strategies facilitate an environment that fosters increased production and access to global and regional markets,” Cox said, adding “in that light we must be clinical in our assessments and pragmatic in our search for solutions while ensuring that said solutions are congruent with a changing economic environment.”

Cox went on to point out that the success as a Region cannot be measured in terms of the quantum of strategies developed but in terms of their efficiency. On this note, he urged that the Region say “goodbye” to the days of best endeavours and usher in, instead, “a new day” of actual achievement.

He added that for agriculture to become dynamic and competitive, as a Region, countries need to employ strategies, at both the macro and micro levels, through partnership among the public sector, private sector and trades

union movement. “We have to come to the realisation that no single group can go it alone, and that collaboration is not a choice but an imperative”.

Moreover, the Assistant Secretary-General outlined several objectives that will achieve “a new day”. These include: achievement of food selfsufficiency; promotion of agroallied industries; promotion of large aggregators; establishment of a transparent and harmonised agricultural incentive mechanism, and renewed efforts at treating with issues of land titling.

According to Cox, these can be achieved by: creating a conducive macroeconomic environment to facilitate private sector investment; establishment of a mechanism for meaningful dialogue among private and public sector and trades unions; development of financing framework for agriculture; as well as rectification of import duty on agricultural products, among several others.

Meanwhile, Agriculture

Minister Noel Holder represented Guyana at the meeting and in giving brief remarks said the Government will ensure the vibrancy of the country’s agricultural sector be restored.

“Our Government, of course, intends to restore agriculture to its former vibrant self and re-energise the integration process of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME),” he noted.

The COTED meeting was chaired by St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Agriculture Eugene Hamilton, who in the opening ceremony urged the Regional representatives to address issues and make decisions that will develop the Caribbean’s agriculture sector.

“I trust that the meeting will produce some important decisions upon which our individual countries can act for the benefit of the people we serve,” he stated, while calling on members to voice whatever concern or ideas they may have.

A section of the Regional delegation at the 59th COTED meeting on Agriculture

friday, october 9, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Suspected bandit shot during shootout with Police

– unknowingly trailed car with Policeman from airport

One man is now nursing a gunshot wound after he along with two others had a confrontation with police officers at Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, on Wednesday evening.

According to Police reports, the officer sought help from his counterparts at about 23:00h after he suspected he was being trailed after leaving the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The Policeman had gone to collect relatives who were visiting from overseas.

A release from the Police Public Relations Office on Thursday said police ranks came under fire from the occupants of the motor vehicle and returned fire wounding Shawn Thom of National Avenue, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown.

The 37-year-old man was shot in his left foot.

According to the statement, investigators have recovered an unlicensed .38 re-

volver along with three live rounds and two spent shells from the scene. The vehicle used by the suspect, a yellow Toyota IST bearing registration number HC 2303, has been seized by Police. It is reportedly owned by Thom.

Guyana Times was reliably informed that an off-duty policeman and his brother had travelled to the Airport to receive some relatives and on their way back to Barr Street, they observed they were being trailed. As such the rank contacted some of his colleagues and arranged for them to meet him at a strategic point.

While at the corners of Barr Street and Stanley Place, the rank being trailed along with his colleagues who were waiting there, confronted the men. The three male occupants of the trailing car exited and opened fire on the officers.

The injured man was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital GPH), where he

Injured bandit Shawn Thom

was and is currently a patient under guard. However, his two other accomplices managed to escape in the direction of Shell Road, Kitty, but according to Head of Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Wendell Blanhum, “they will not be free for much longer.”

The Crime Chief told Guyana Times investigators are currently pursuing the

two suspects, both of whom he believes might have also sustained gunshot injuries since several pieces of bloodstained clothing were found in the area.

“We are working on having the two other accomplices apprehended and I have asked investigators to alert all the hospitals to be on the lookout for them,” he stated. Blanhum added that Thom is a known character to the Police.

It is believed Thom and his two accomplices from Wednesday’s incident are serial “airport robbers” as they have been fingered in several cases where persons were trailed from the Airport to their homes and robbed.

This newspaper was told the vehicle was positively identified by Rowena Bowen, who along with her 13-yearold son was robbed at gunpoint in front of their Lot 2 Shell Road, Kitty, home. They had just returned home on September 14, from vaca-

tioning in the United States. The bandits made off with a bag containing a laptop, passports and about US$750 in a “small yellow car” that was parked on Stanley Place.

Additionally, the men are believed to be behind a similar robbery against a Diamond, East Bank Demerara, resident who was also followed from the CJIA to home and robbed by armed men. They are also fingered in another recent robbery of a Queenstown resident, who had travelled from CJIA.

According to Crime Chief Blanhum, they have only received two reports impli-

Challenge

cating the suspects from Wednesday’s incident, however he noted they will be calling in other victims of similar crimes to see if they can positive identify the vehicle along with the suspects as their attackers.

Thom was indicted with the 2010 murder of an East Coast Demerara man but was acquitted during the trial at High Court after the judge upheld a no-case submission presented on his behalf. Thom along with another had fatally shot Lakhram Bishundial during a robbery bid at Hope, ECD, on August 20, 2010.

MPs Govt expects decision in its favour – AG

Government is confident that the High Court will rule in its favour when a decision is reached on the challenge against the presence of two technocrat members in Parliament.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Wednesday said that challenged by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) over the presence of Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and Minister within the Ministry of Communities Keith Scott in the 11th Parliament will not see fruit since it has a ‘very weak’ case.

Both Government and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) are currently before Chief Justice Ian Chang in the High Court over claims by the PPP/C that the two Ministers are functioning illegally in the National Assembly.

But the Attorney General said the PPP/C does not stand a chance because of its insufficient evidence.

In the legal proceedings filed, the PPP/C is claiming that Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and Minister within the Ministry of Communities Keith Scott are illegally present in the National Assembly, since they are technocrats. The motion states, “Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott are not lawful members of and cannot sit in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana”.

When the case came up before the Chief Justice late last month, Justice Chang

informed the court that he believed the matter of jurisdiction was interlinked with the substantive case. As such, “out of an abundance of caution”, he would proceed with the challenge and will make a final ruling on the entire matter after hearing arguments on all sides.

Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Attorney Nandlall said he was confident that the court would uphold his position on the matter and rule that the appointment of the Ministers as Technocrat Members of Parliament is unconstitutional. “This case is very important because it concerns the unlawful seating of two Members of Parliament –the highest law-making decision institution in the land – and if the highest law making institution is violating the law and is violating the Constitution, then that is a sufficiently serious matter to be heard and determine as early as possible,” he posited. Nandlall further outlined that he was ready to proceed with the next stage of the matter, which was to relay arguments. However, he noted that the AG seemed to be unprepared and was “deliberately” delaying the case.

“I tried to persuade the Judge for an early date but Mr Williams is stalling as usual and he is not prepared to have the case heard and determined early. I am prepared to continue my case as early as Friday but he has raised objections and has asked for October 14,” the PPP/C Attorney stated.

of technocrat

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams Attorney Anil Nandlall

PPP/C members reach out to Region 2 residents

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) executives on Wednesday and Thursday reached out to scores of residents in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The outreach was extended to Pomeroon River and along the Essequibo Coast.

The delegation included former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, Members of Parliament Nigel Dharamalall and Patrick Findlay and Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt.

During the interactive process, rice farmers vented their frustration over the current situation in the rice industry.

Scores of rice farmers who flocked the Golden Fleece Rice Investment (GFRI) told the team that they were clueless as to how they would repay loans

owed to banks. Rice farmers have called for a “rice support price system” in an effort to ensure that millers do not rip farmers off. They are of the view that while the engagement between the millers and farmers is a private one, Government should have some input.

According to one rice farmer, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the May 11 election campaign promised rice farmers at least $6000 per bag of Grade A paddy. Farmers related that they were frustrated and disappointed over the low prices and lack of markets and no one seemed to care. They explained that the prices offered could not compensate them nor allow them to return to the fields.

Another farmer, Bisram (only name given) said that the situation was very frustrating and all sectors depended on the sale of paddy. Bisram, who was quite vocal, said he was one of the leaders of the rice farmers protest during the PPP/C tenure and was terribly disappointed.

Murdered fisherman PME set for today

Apost-mortem exam-

ination of the body of murdered fisherman Ronald Emanuel Reid will be conducted today by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reid, called “Manny”, 27, of Lot 25 Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was reportedly stabbed in his back during a confrontation with one of his crewmates. The incident occurred about 14:00h onboard a fishing boat off the Lichfield Foreshore, West Coast Berbice.

“Investigations have revealed that Ronald Emanuel Reid was involved in an argument during which he was fatally stabbed to his back. Two men have been arrested and are in Police custody assisting with the investigations,” the Police disclosed in a release.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Thursday told Guyana Times that investigations into the incident were ongoing. He disclosed that with the assistance of the Coast Guard, investigators went out to sea on Thursday along with three of the crew members onboard the vessel that Reid was killed on.

“The crew members indicated to the investigators where the incident occurred out at sea,” the Crime Chief stated. Blanhum went on to say that he was hoping that investigators wrap up the probe and complete the

file by today so that it can be taken to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice on the way forward.

The two persons who were arrested in relation to the murder remain in custody.

Speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday, Reid’s cousin, Sonia Persaud related that they received a phone call about Reid’s death sometime around 19:00h on Tuesday. She noted that her cousin was killed since around 14:00hrs. Persaud said that Reid spoke with his girlfriend earlier on Tuesday and told her that he had a misunderstanding with the captain of the boat.

“He spoke to his girlfriend around 10:00h and told her he is trying to get a boat to come in from sea because he got in lil’ problems with some guy on the boat… He didn’t say what was the problem,” Persaud related.

“Nagamootoo said he will give us $6000, we picket during PPP/C time and we get better prices. Up to today no one visit us, when PPP/C went in Government – even if the price was low, we could have afford to go back, now we can’t even go back, we have to pay loan, where are the Government officials? Rice is failing and no one seem to care,” Bisram declared.

At Adventure and Airy Hall, rice farmers expressed similar concerns over the industry and called for the Government to assist in whatever way.

During the interaction in the Pomeroon River, cash crop farmers called for an immediate intervention from the Agriculture Ministry to help combat the red palm mite that is affecting their coconut trees. They also

called for the continuation of the empoldering of drainage and irrigation structures particularly in the Lower Pomeroon. Carambola mites are also an issue affecting the farmers.

Lumber dealers have also complained to the PPP/C delegation over the slow economy, stating that there was a lack of markets for lumber in the Pomeroon River.

Economic spin-off

Meanwhile, vendors also complained that their vegetables and groceries were not selling on a daily basis and making $1000 is very hard, pointing to an economic slowdown.

“Everything in Region Two depend on rice: rice down everything else suffer. People don’t have money to spend and lack of jobs also ...we can see

there are less buyers,” a vendor related.

In responding to the rice farmers, MP Benn said the situation was very troubling and assured farmers that the PPP/C would ensure that necessary representation was made. He called on rice farmers to exercise faith and not give up, noting that the Party even in Opposition will work in the best interest of rice farmers as in the past.

Region Two Chairman Ramdatt also assured residents, rice farmers and market vendors that he would do everything at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) level to assist in easing some of the burden faced. Ramdatt said he was also worried over the rice situation and urged rice farmers to be positive and optimistic during the difficult period.

Former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

Dead: Ronald Emanuel Reid

Guatemala landslide death toll tops 220; another 350 missing

At least 220 bodies have been recovered after a massive landslide buried part of a town in Guatemala last week while about 350 people are missing, national disaster agency Conred said on Thursday.

Loosened by heavy rains, a hillside collapsed onto Santa Catarina Pinula on the southeastern flank of Guatemala City on October 1, burying more than a hundred homes under tons of earth, rock and trees, and sparking a huge rescue effort.

Conred said 386 people were evacuated after the tragedy, one of the worst in years to strike Central America, a region long been prone to devastating floods. Entire families were buried alive and hundreds of rescue workers have spent the past week trying to dig out bodies.

Guatemalan authorities initially said up to 600 people were accounted for in the disaster. Since then, it has given various estimates on the number missing.

Prosecutors in Guatemala said they are looking at whether there was any criminal misconduct at the site after Conred had warned of the risks of building homes in the neighborhood, which lies at the bottom of a deep ravine.

Meanwhile, Guatemalan President Alejandro Maldonado has announced that his Government will build homes for the survivors of a landslide

which buried some 125 houses last week. President Maldonado said his Government would be “directly in control” of building the homes and would not sub-contract the work.

It is not yet clear where the new houses will be built, as the area where the mudslide hit has been declared uninhabitable. “The whole Government is committed to getting this done as soon as possible,” President Maldonado said of the efforts to provide the more than 350 people still living in shelters with new homes.

Guatemala’s Congress has approved US$2.6 million (£1.7 million) in funds to help the victims. Education Minister Ruben Alfonso Ramirez Enriquez said classes were still suspended in the local school as pupils had been affected “emotionally and psychologically” by the disaster.

The school building is currently being used as a shelter for those left homeless. (Excerpt from Reuters and BBC News)

US rejects Haiti Opposition call for new elections

The US Government rejected on Tuesday demands by Opposition parties in Haiti to invalidate the results of recent legislative elections, and to set up a transitional Government that would have led the impoverished Caribbean country to general elections in a so far undetermined future.

During a brief visit to the Haitian capital on Tuesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry, said the holding of elections was the only way to have a change of Government, as to challenge those who wish to foil the ongoing electoral process to

favour the departure of the current Administration and the installation of an transitional Government, which

would not be the results of a popular vote.

“Let me be very clear! The only way to have a change of Government is through the election process,” Kerry told reporters during a joint news conference with Haitian President Michel Martelly at the presidential palace on Tuesday.

“And that is the way to have a legal and legitimate transition that attracts the support of the international community and there will automatically be a transition because President Martelly is not running again,” Kerry said.

Haiti held legislative elections on August 9, but the ballot was considered by a number of political and other sectors as fraudulent. The runoff is set to take place on October 25, at the same time as presidential and local elections. (Excerpt

St Kitts on path to zero mother-to-child HIV transmission

By the end of this year, St Kitts and Nevis is expected to be among a few countries recording no transmission of HIV from mother to child.

That’s according to Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris who said the accomplishment would be “significant” and “momentous”.

He made the comments as he addressed the issue of the support systems provided for mothers in St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly free anti-retroviral medications.

“That support has had the desired impact and we would want to continue these and to ensure that the treatment and the medicines for those who are victims of HIV/ AIDS continue to be made available, at affordable prices, so that more people can

use them and therefore can sustain their life,” he said. Harris, who is also the Caribbean Community (Caricom) lead spokesperson on health and human resource and HIV/ AIDS, said that he had been able to appeal to the global community to support the work of the Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), as well as the health institutions in the region. He noted that these agencies had made significant advancement toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Region.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Indian doctors a blessing to Caribbean, says Dominican envoy

Having spent nine years in New Delhi, India; The Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to India has endorsed the expertise of Indian medical practitioners who are dispensing high quality medical care and saving lives in the Caribbean and around the globe.

Ambassador Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, Dean of Diplomatic Corps in the Indian capital, asserted the Caribbean is well-placed to benefit from the talented nurses, doctors, administrators and medical teams who are sharing their expertise across the Region. While most are in private practice or in hospitals and clinics, many are caring for patients at Health City Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman, one of only two Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals in the Caribbean.

“JCI is one of the world’s most demanding medical standards, and Health City Cayman Islands earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval after being open for just one year. That speaks volumes in terms of the quality and efficiency of the facility, as well as of the skills of the doctors, most of whom were trained in distinguished Indian medical universities,” stated Castellanos.

“Some of the best doctors in the world were trained right here in India,” said the Ambassador, speaking from his New Delhi office and adding, “If you want to see their value in the West, just look at all the Indian names listed in the prestigious practices and top hospitals in London, Paris, Berlin and New York. Even CNN’s award-winning chief medical correspondent is of Indian origin.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Former Prime Minister to issue statement on arrest of former Antiguan diplomat

Former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said Wednesday he intends to make a formal statement today regarding the arrest in the United States of former Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United Nations, John Ashe on bribery charges.

Spencer told the Caribbean Media

Corporation (CMC) that he is now studying the court documents and considering his options. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has already said that the arrest of Ashe on Tuesday has “serious implications” for the island and that the United States can be assured of his Administration’s support.

Court records state

that a complaint had been brought by the United States attorney for the Southern District, charging the former diplomat, who once served as President of the United Nations General Assembly and five others, including a billionaire developer from the Chinese territory of Macau. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

A rescue team member searches for bodies at a mudslide-affected area, in Santa Catarina Pinula, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, October 7

US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) with Haitian President Michel Martelly at a joint news conference

Around the world

Spain dismisses Rwanda war crimes case against 40 officials

Spain’s Supreme Court has dismissed a case against 40 Rwandan officials accused of revenge killings following the 1994 genocide.

its universal jurisdiction laws, which enable it to pursue human rights cases globally.

Rwanda’s Justice

“This particular investigation started by listing almost the entire leadership of the Rwanda Defence Forces on a charge sheet

The ruling revokes arrest warrants against the group, but 29 could still be prosecuted if they enter Spanish territory.

Last year, Spain curbed

Minister said the case had lacked evidence.

“We have always said that such a case requires proper and credible investigation,” Johnston Busingye said.

and then worked backwards to find offences with which to charge them.”

But Jordi Palou, who represents Spanish, Rwandan and Congolese victims, called it “a very

sad day for victims and for justice in general”, Digital Journal reported.

He denied lack of evidence was behind the dismissal, but would not say whether he would appeal.

The case was launched in 2008, when a Spanish Judge issued international arrest warrants against Rwandan officials, accusing them of crimes against humanity, genocide and terrorism.

During a 100-day period in 1994, an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were killed, mainly ethnic Tutsis at the hands of radical Hutus.

It was brought to a halt by a rebel army led by Paul Kagame, who is now President. But the Judge alleged his army later carried out atrocities against civilians in Rwanda and neighbouring Congo. Nine Spaniards were also killed.

Among those indicted was Jacques Nziza, who analysts say is the country’s second most powerful person, behind President Kagame. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China monitoring US moves on South China Sea issue

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing on Thursday that China was paying attention to reports of impending US naval action, and that it and the United States have maintained “extremely thorough communication” on the South China Sea issue.

“We hope the US side can objectively and fairly view the current situation in the South China Sea, and with China, genuinely play a con-

structive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said last month, in reference to China’s South China Sea claims, that the United States would “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as US forces do all over the world.”

The Financial Times newspaper cited a senior US official as saying US ships would sail within 12-nautical-mile zones that China claims as territory around

islands it has built in the Spratly chain, within the next two weeks.

US President Barack Obama said he told Chinese President Xi Jinping he had “significant concerns” about the islands when Xi made his first state visit to Washington late in September.

Xi said at the time China had no intention to militarise the islands, but Washington analysts and US officials say China has already begun creating military facilities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Belarussian Alexievich wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Belarussian author Svetlana Alexievich has won the Nobel Prize for Literature for her portrayal of the harshness of life in the Soviet Union.

In her first public response on Thursday, the author denounced Russia’s intervention in Ukraine as an “invasion”.

The Swedish Academy said Alexievich’s work, which chronicles the lives of Soviet women during World War Two as well as the consequences of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Chernobyl and the Soviet military adventure in Afghanistan, was “a monument to suffering and courage in our time”.

Alexievich collected hundreds of interviews from people whose lives were af-

Svetlana Alexievich won the prize for her portrayal of the harshness of life in the Soviet era [Reuters]

fected by these tumultuous events, putting them together in works that were like a “musical composition”, the academy said in awarding

the US$972,000 prize.

“By means of her extraordinary method, a carefully composed collage of human voices, Alexievich deepens our comprehension of an entire era,” the academy said.

Born in Ukraine in 1948, Alexievich lived in exile for many years because of her criticism of the Belarussian Government and after returning home four years ago has kept a low profile, staying out of politics.

But after the prize was announced on Thursday, she obliquely criticised Belarus’s hardline leader Alexander Lukashenko and denounced Russian forces for their involvement in the separatist conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israeli forces kill Palestinian youth in Jerusalem

APalestinian youth has been shot dead by Israeli forces during a protest in Jerusalem, Palestinian medical sources said.

Ahmad Bitawi, the Director of Ramallah hospital in the West Bank, said Wissam Jamal arrived at the hospital with a bullet wound to the chest after Thursday’s clashes at Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem.

Israeli Police

Spokeswoman Luba Samri says Israeli troops had gone to search the home of a Palestinian involved in an earlier attack. She said they were confronted by thousands of rioters who hurled stones and firebombs at them.

Jamal’s death came as the United Nations human rights chief, Zeid Raad alHussein, called for calm in the West Bank after a week of violence in the occupied territory, as well as occupied-East Jerusalem, and inside Israel.

Hussein warned that

“more bloodshed will only lead to more hatred on both sides”, and he was deeply concerned about the increasing number of attacks by both settlers and Palestinians.

The UN official voiced concern about the number of Palestinians injured by live ammunition, which stands at 134, and the hundreds more injured by rubber bullets and tear gas.

“The high number of casualties, in particular those resulting from the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces, raise concerns of excessive use of force,” Hussein said, according to the Associated Press news agency.

Speaking on Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was facing a “wave of terror” that was mostly unorganised, pledging action against those inciting violence, including Israel’s Islamic movement. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The case accused Rwandan officials of atrocities after the 1994 genocide, in which 800,000 people died

Govt Ministers should reveal income filed with GRA

... to buttress claim they took salary cut to serve – Ramotar

Former President Donald Ramotar has called on the newly appointed Ministers of Government to declare their previous earnings to the public in light of statements from State Minister Joseph Harmon that many of them have had to forego substantial amounts of earnings to be part of the Executive.

Harmon, when questioned on the Government’s recent decision to increase the pay of its Ministers by 50 per cent on Wednesday, said the move was justified as they “deserved” the pay hike while arguing it would remove the temptation of them being engaged in corruption and stealing from the public purse.

The State Minister even argued he could not work for the salary that was paid to cabinet Ministers under the previous People’s Progressive Party Civic as it mirrored what he paid to his other partners while in practice.

Many of the Ministers have also make this argument when they are greeted by criticisms and ridicule on the part of the public who have expressed concern over the decision.

But former President Ramotar said the move to

jack up the salaries of the new Ministers is “immoral and greedy” as it discloses the “self-serving dishonesty” of the new Government.

Ramotar insisted the display of largesse with oneself at the expense of the public purse is nothing short of a “scandalous outrage and a slap in the faces of the working people of Guyana” who were told by the same APNU/AFC Minister of Finance that he cannot afford to pay them more than 5 per cent — and with effect from July instead of January as is customary.

“If he and his colleagues claim to have been earning so much more in their previous private occupations, would they be so kind as to disclose exactly what in-

come they reported to the Guyana Revenue Authority and how much taxes they paid to that Authority over the past five years prior to entering the Cabinet. I rather suspect that the answer to that question would be interesting”, he explained in a statement to the media on Thursday.

Ramotar opined too that Ministers Harmon, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, Jordan, Sharma and their other ministerial colleagues, being the new champions of accountable government that they are, should have no difficulty telling the Nation what they reported as their incomes and how much taxes they paid to the GRA over the past five years.

“And, surely, that would be the most reliable measure of the incomes they have had to forego in order to enter the Cabinet, not that even that would justify them fattening themselves whilst starving the hard working people of Guyana”, he maintained.

He insisted that political service is supposed to be self-sacrificing in its very essence as those holding political offices in most democratic countries of the world do so at a loss of personal income.

Tourism Ministry’s capacity to market Guyana boosted – new Director General appointed

Donald Sinclair has assumed duties as Director General of the Tourism Ministry with effect from October 1, 2015. Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes on Thursday made this disclosure to members of the media during a press conference at the Ministry, Colgrain House, Camp Street.

Health Ministers join in World Sight Day celebrations

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton and Minister in the Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings on Thursday visited several institutions and interacted with individuals who are afflicted with various visual problems as they joined in observing World Sight Day 2015.

Minister Norton paid a visit to Qualfon’s main

branch, in Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, as the Centre hosted an eye screening exercise for its employees. The Minister interacted with the staff and doctors there.

He highlighted to the media that the event was an exemplary undertaking, and he was pleased to see that employees’ health is a key priority for the company.

The Minister said

Qualfon should be used as an example for all other entities across the country, and even internationally, since it continues to place emphasis on employees’ well- being.

Minister Norton also urged citizens to lead a healthy lifestyle and pay great attention to their eyesight.

He later visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he reiterated his message to patients and staff.

Meanwhile, Minister Cummings visited the Low Vision Institution at the GPHC where she did a walkthrough of the facility, and interacted with staff and patients. She also took time out for those at the National Geriatric Home (the Palms), on Brickdam, where she interacted with staff and inmates.

World Sight Day is a global annual day of awareness, held on the second Thursday of October; it focuses and places attention on blindness and vision impairment.

Govt to examine long-term solutions to minimise Region 9 drought woes

Minister of State Joseph Harmon has committed the Government’s support to Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) to ensure the impact of the dry season is vastly minimised and longterm solutions are found.

there is a problem that affects you or any other person in this country, it is our responsibility to respond to it and we will do so diligently,” he said. The visit was spearheaded by the CDC Disaster Management team, along with support from the Ministries of Communities and the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

The NRDDB representative said Central Government’s help and support is immediately needed.

Minister Hughes expressed confidence in Sinclair, stating that he was capable of carrying out his duties effectively, as she spoke about his wealth of knowledge in the tourism field. “I am really excited to introduce him to you and to be able to say that he has joined our team,” said the Minister.

lated senior positions, both locally and internationally.

Sinclair is ‘well-seasoned’ having held a number of re-

Prior to his appointment, he served in Suriname as Director at the Suriname College of Hospitality and Tourism. In addition, he had previously served as Special Assistant at the Tourism Ministry, and also Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Police Officer charged for stealing phone

APolice Officer was released on his own recognisance on Thursday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with larceny.

Mc’Curdy Simpson of Railway Line, West Coast Berbice is accused of stealing a BlackBerry smartphone valued $11,000, property of Ruel Cornelius, the Virtual

Complainant.

It is alleged that on September 18 at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU), Eve Leary, Kingston the 21-year-old reportedly stole the phone. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones made no objections to bail and the defendant was granted self-bail. The case will continue on October 22.

Mother remanded on abuse charge

Amother was on Thursday remanded to prison after she appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with physically assaulting her sixyear-old son.

This commitment was given to Regional officials and residents on Wednesday, when the Minister of State visited to hear first-hand, how residents are being impacted during this season. Residents were also invited to provide their recommendations and offer possible solutions, which can be implemented by Government to ensure in the long run, the Region does not become severely affected during the dry months.

Even as long-term solutions were discussed, the Minister committed immediate support through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to ensure the provision of water purification tablets, watertanks and other related materials to combat the effects of the season, while the building of a warehouse in Lethem for the storage of food and other needed items is actively being pursued.

Among the delegation was CDC Director General, Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, Sherie Samantha Fedee Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Marlon Daniels, Ministry of Communities, Major Sean Welcome, Operations and Training Officer at the CDC and Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Bess, Staff Officer in the Defence Secretariat, Ministry of the Presidency.

Stopping first at Bina Hill in North Rupununi, Minister Harmon met with officials from the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Surama, Aranaputa, Kwatamang and Rupertee, where he listened to the issues currently being faced by that district with regard to the dry season.

“Each year, there is a shortage of water during this season and we cannot allow it to persist as it is. We need deeper wells. Each community must have to get deeper wells. The wells we currently have are too shallow and not all communities have them so we really need to look at this. The residents are willing to dig deeper wells but we need support from the Government,” Gilbert said.

Over at Lethem and Sand Creek, Minister Harmon met with Regional Vice Chairman Carl Singh, representatives of the community, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and other Ggovernment agencies, where similar sentiments were expressed.

The teachers at the child’s school observed bruise marks on his neck and about his body. Further checks revealed the child’s back, stomach, arms and legs were stripped with se-

Althea Messiah pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that she unlawfully assaulted her minor son causing him bodily harm.

vere welts and cuts, which were as a result of a beating. Reports stated that the teachers then notified the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) who took custody of the minor. An investigation was launched and the mother was on Thursday charged. The case will continue on October 22.

Minster Harmon assured residents the new administration will not neglect the communities, but will work assiduously to bring relief where needed.

“As your Government, we are your servants. We are here today to ensure that the service, which we provide to you, is a service that is of high quality. I came here because I am your servant. If

Randy Gilbert, Vice Chairman of the NRDDB told Minister Harmon the villages and entire Region, are battling during these months to ensure there is enough water for basic needs such as cooking, washing and bathing. To this end, Gilbert said cattle and farms are often neglected and heavy losses are incurred, since the water supply is not sufficient to sustain farming activities.

The call was reiterated for deeper wells so that a larger volume of water can be stored to sustain the needs of communities during this period of the year. It was also expressed that there is a need for the provision of watertanks and other large storage apparatuses so that water can be conserved and managed during the dry season.

Residents also suggested that ‘Water Committees’ be set up in communities so as to ensure the valuable resource is carefully managed. They also called for the provision of dry season cassava sticks to protect the livelihood of farmers.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton greeting Qualfon staff

Former President, Donald Ramotar

The grand coronation of the Miss and Mr Guyana Talented Teen is set for November 1 and will take the form of a breakfast which commences at 09:00h at the patio of the St Joseph High School.

The six young ladies will clash head-on for the coveted title as they have already participated in the cotillion and had an opportunity to display their skills in table etiquette, ballroom dancing and public speaking.

On the morning of the show,

the contestants will be competing in the National Pride Costume segment, swimwear, talent, evening wear and intelligence segment. The delegates are Bethany Garraway, Candacee Nelson, Gabriella Whittington, Keisha Hunter,

Kimberly Henry and Tamara Angela Tucker.

With respect to the male competition, Curtis Doris and Ezekiel Morris will compete in several segments on the morning of the coronation.

Tickets for the event cost

$2500, and are at Simpli Royal Office and from delegates. This is the 15th Edition of the Miss Guyana Talent Teen pageant, which is organised by Simpli Royal and managed by Pamela Dillon.

Number 63 Beach will come alive on Sunday, October 11 when the fifth annual Digicel Duck Curry Competition is held, which will see winners walking away with over $700,000 in cash and other prizes.

The winners will walk away with $275,000 while the second place winner will pocket $175,000 and third place winners will collect $125,000. The fourth place winners will receive $100,000.

The defending champions, Bombay Masala will be coming full force to retain the title. A total of 20 groups have registered to be a part of the competition. These include entries from Berbice and Demerara.

Persons wishing to participate in the competition must bring a minimum of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of duck meat. All participants are allowed to clean and cut their ducks at home, but the meat must be marinated and cooked at the venue.

Participants must also bring their cooking utensils and ingredients. A ready-to-use stove will be provided by the promoters. The competition starts at 11:00h and the judging will take place at 16:00h.

As the sun sets, the stage show commences with some of the best in chutney music. These include Trinidad’s singing sensations Sally Sagram and Omardath Maharaj. Several local artistes are also expected to perform. They will be backed by Crown Vibes Sounds out of Berbice.

Make sure to come and be ready to party to the vibes and have an entire day filled with fun and laughter. There will also be a number of games and activities for children, including bouncy castle, trampoline, merry-go-round and face painting. There will also be several novelty events where patrons can win lots of prizes.

Music will be provided by Crown Vibes International. Admission is absolutely free.

Bethany Garraway

Candacee Nelson

Gabriella Whittington

Keisha Hunter

Kimberly Henry

Tamara Angela Tucker

Curtis Doris

Ezekiel Morris

All roads will lead to the Hits and Jams Water World on Saturday, October 24 when ANSA McAL under the Carib Beer Brand hosts “Chutney on the Beach”. The event will add to the list of entertainment activities that have been hosted at the new and exciting space. Patrons can expect performances from a line of energetic artistes who will undoubtedly “mash up” the place. These include former international chutney monarch Kris Persad, also called “KI”, Chutney singing sensation

Sally Sagram; the versatile Rick Ramotar; the lead singer for the Beemerz Band, Anil Bheem and Guyana’s own Romeo Nermal, also known as “Mystic”.

In addition, the chutney beach party will feature several deejays that will add their flavour to the event. These include Deejays Chyle, Blingerz and others. This is the first of its kind at the HJ Water World.

Gates to the event open at 10:00h but the action actually commences at 12:00h with access to all the Water activities and the best in drinks and food. The actual performances start as the sun sets. Tickets for the event cost $2000.

Tickets will be released on Friday next at Nigel’s Supermarket, M&M (Harbour Bridge), Hits and Jams office and at the venue. This is definitely one you do not want to miss.

Westsiderz Entertainment is once again creating some buzz on the West side as plans are moving apace for the hosting of the Goed Fortuin Village Day and Vehicle Sound Off. The showdown is set for October 24 at the Goed Fortuin Centre dround, West Bank Demerara.

However, one of the main features of the evening will be the vehicle sound off where prizes will be awarded for several categories.

These include loudest mini xtreme car, loudest xtreme car, loudest mini xtreme

minivan/suv, loudest xtreme minivan/suv, loudest mini xtreme bus, loudest xtreme bus, best looking vehicle, biggest vehicle crew and most hyped vehicle. The rules for the mini xtreme vehicle competition stipulates that all speakers must be packed inside of vehicle. With respect to the xtreme vehicle competition, speakers can be packed inside and outside of vehicle; speakers can be attached at the top or even the side of vehicle.

The best looking vehicle will be adjudged on the entire look of the vehicle in-

cluding engine, interior etc. The sound off begin at 23:00h. Entry for the competition is absolutely free. Apart from the special features, there will be activities for the entire family.

Patrons can rock the night away with the sounds of Ramping Vybz and Big Life Sound. All will be admitted to the event free before 20:00h after which patrons will pay $500. Goed Fortuin Village Day is powered by Stag Beer, West Siderz Electronics, Amrol and Sons, Sign Tech, N&J Taxi Service and Car Rental.

Hotspotgy, Guyana’s premier entertainment website is pleased to announce the launching of a Food and Restaurant page on the Hotspotgy website.

The first of its kind, Hotspot aims to revolutionise the way Guyanese look at and consume food.

The Food and Restaurant Page will feature classic recipes and new twists on old favourites from local foodies and bloggers, menus from local restaurants and will highlight different ingredients and their uses.

and menu additions in Guyana.

The new Hotspot Food and Restaurant page will also feature interviews with businesses and reviews of local restaurants, along with keeping readers abreast of the hottest culinary events

In addition, the Hotspotgy fans will love the Hotspotgy Video section, and the website will be rolling out food related videos in the coming months.

Hotspot will be looking for local chefs or home cooks who are interested in being featured in our video series,

participating in a competition, or sharing their family recipes. They can be contacted at info@hotspotgy.com, or via its Facebook page. Hotspotgy looks forward to continuing our tradition of providing the readers and fans with the latest and best news on Guyanese food, events, and people worldwide.

The Miss Crane 2015 beauty pageant and Unity Street Jam is set for this Saturday evening at 3322 Crane Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara and will see five young ladies vying to the title. The event is promoted by Deejay Garwin, Ashley and Fresh Money. On pageant night, the delegates will compete in the talent, evening gown, cultural wear and intelligence segments. Each of the delegates will also be judged on their presentation based on their platform. The young ladies are presently being

Delegate number one

Name: Jessica Bacchus Age: 17

Platform: Teenage pregnancy Sponsor: Riddim Flo Entertainment

Delegate number four

Name: Angel Boyce Age: 15

Platform: The social issues of street children Sponsor: Westsiderz Entertainment

trained by Bidyawattie Dindyal to meet pageant standards and are expected to rock the stage on pageant night.

Apart from the pageant, there will be other attractions including free style dance competitions and a clash of vocals among talented

singers in Crane Village. Music for the evening will be provided by Slingerz Family.

Admission to the event is easy and it is being sponsored by Comfort Zone Sports Pub, Good Times Bar, Monster Jam and Tina’s Variety.

Delegate number three

Name: Latifa Warde Age: 16

Platform: Domestic violence Sponsor: Chill Out Snackette

Delegate number two

Name: Ianta Dos Santos Age: 21

Platform: The importance of technology in Guyana’s society Sponsor: Ghost Rider Entertainment

Seventeen-year-old Carlus Jermain Persaud, also referred to as “Xclusive”, “Tuts” and “Kidd Flex” was born at the Georgetown Public Hospital to Adelia Manduke and Ramnarine Persaud and is the second of five siblings. He grew up in Charlestown, Georgetown, with his mom but during his early secondary school years, he stayed with his grandmother in East La Penitence. He currently resides with his mom.

Growing up was quite challenging since the area he grew up in was often referred to as the “ghetto” but in actuality, Persaud said it was nothing of the sort. Growing up with his mom as single parent, he assisted in raising his other siblings.

Life for Carlus at that time was rough and still is today but with God’s grace and by his ability to learn thing quickly, he learnt to adapt to certain situations and learnt to be responsible with everything he does. As a matter of fact, with such a challenging upbringing, he was motivated and was successful at the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

Delegate number five

Name: Jamela Holder Age: 16

Platform: Child abuse Sponsor: Gulf Monitor Oil Establishment

Come this Saturday evening, there will be an explosion of drums as the first ever Tassa Clash is held at the Buddy’s Night Club, Sheriff Street, Georgetown. The competition will see four teams squaring off to capture the title of best tassa group in town. These are the Ritz Tassa Group, Dubraj Tassa Group, Dynamic Tassa Group and the Unified Tassa Group. Members of the four teams are all hyped and ready for the clash which is expected to be very competitive. It is the first time such an event is being held to cater to the art form. All the groups are well known for their variation and are talented enough to win the title. In addition to the tassa drum-

ming, there will be live performances by Guyana’s chutney singer, Aamir Khan. Also adding some spice to the event will be the ‘Party Boss’ himself WR Reaz and Selector Andy. They are bound to lure patons on the dance floor. Tickets for the event cost $1500 and are available at the venue on the night of the competition.

He attended Ketley Primary School after which he was awarded a place at the Bishop’s High School where he continued to excel in his studies. He is now pursuing his studies in the 6th form of the said educational institution. He is a member of the Euphoria Dance Crew also known as “EDC Movement” and is fond of hip hop styles but also performs other dance styles.

He started to dance five years ago when he entered high school. Dancing came alive for him around the same time the legend of pop music, Michael Jackson passed away.

As he entered high school, he was also going through the phase in life where things become a little more clear and one understands concepts better. During his early life in school, he was willing to try many different things but sport and activities that involved lots of energy also caught his attention. Eventually, he was invited by a friend to be a part of an audience to watch a dance production titled “Capoeira.” From then on, his dancing career took off.

He loves the fact that the dance pieces took a lot energy and dance techniques including agility, flexibility, timings, rhythm and creativity. He got enrolled at the Capoeira Group at the age of 12.

Capoeira is what made him understand and learn rhythm, strength, stamina, energy and flexibility, which made dancing simpler for him to learn. He also learnt many flips and kicks which later became useful in his dancing style.

After sometime, he came across Jemal Ellis while he was performing at the “Feel the Beat” competition. He has since inspired and motivated him to keep dancing.

However, in five year’s time Persaud sees himself either attending the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago or at the University of Guyana pursuing a degree in civil engineering.

His greatest role model would definitely be Chris Brown but his mother is his inspiration who has struggled to raise and mould him and his siblings into well rounded individuals.

“She will always be my inspiration because no matter how many nights she cried and the trials she faced... my mother never gave up... and that’s a mother’s love... it can never be compared to anything else nor can it be replaced”, the lad stated.

His advice to young people would want to become a professional dancer is to be prepared for disappointments. “Be prepared to fail… be prepared to be mistreated and misunderstood...”. He also urged them to be determined, humble and dedicated.

Apart from dancing, he attends school but he loves to swim and play football. He is also involved in martial arts.

“Elite Under-17” secure 2 wins in Essequibo cricket

Playing for the Takur Persaud Trophy, the Elite Under-17 team defeated the Under-19s in the final match by three wickets on Saturday at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) Ground in Essequibo.

Batting first, the Under19s made 69 from 15 overs. Jonathan Fernandes top scored with 34. Bowling for the Under-17s, Jim Lee Hendricks took 3-12 and

Bomeswhar Rambodin 3-17.

When the Under-17 squad took strike, 71-7 from 14.5 overs was the final score, with 15 extras topping the score and Orlando Jailall chipped in with 12.

Early in the day, a sparkling century by Joshua Jones, who made 103 not out with 7 sixes and 5 fours, helped the Under-17 side defeat the Under-15s by 41 runs. Jones’ century helped

the Under-17 side reach 156-5 in 20 overs. Bowling for the Under-15s, Sheldon Charles had 2-29 from 3 overs. When the Under-15s took strike, they made 115-8 off 20 overs. Silvan Williams and Lance Roberts made 36 and 20 respectively. The Under-17s’ bowling was led by Hendricks who took 3-15.

(akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

Wet outfield ruins Eden Gardens T20I

Awaterlogged outfield forced the third T20 between South Africa and India to be abandoned without a toss or a ball bowled at Eden Gardens. The no-result gives South Africa a 2-0 series win and deprived India of a shot at redemption.

India captain MS Dhoni revealed at the presentation ceremony that they had planned on three changes to their starting XI: Ajinkya Rahane to open the batting, Amit Mishra to reinforce the spin department and Stuart Binny as the allrounder even as they targeted a consolation victory. Instead, they have slipped two places to

sixth on the ICC T20 rankings, which is where South Africa sat before this series. The visitors have now moved up to fifth.

South Africa did not reveal if they were going to give an opportunity to Eddie Leie or Khaya Zondo, but captain Faf du Plessis admitted to being disappointed at not being able to complete a whitewash. The showers that fell on Thursday had ceased at least an hour before play was due to begin and three supersoppers were in operation from then on, but the outfield remained soggy.

Three inspections were conducted at hourly intervals, the first being 30 min -

utes after the scheduled start of play at 7pm and the last at 9:30pm, two-and-ahalf hours after the game was due to begin. The latest the match could have begun was 45 minutes after that, at 10:15pm, when there would have only been time for between five and seven overs a side.

Eden Gardens is due to host the World T20 final and there will be concerns over the drainage although India’s captain MS Dhoni said he did not expect the outfield to dry without any sun and given the amount of rain that fell and the exposed areas of the field.

(Cricinfo)

Blatter, Platini’s suspension rocks world soccer

World soccer chief Sepp Blatter and European boss

Michel Platini were suspended on Thursday, engulfed by a deepening corruption scandal as their sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States.

Blatter, the Swiss who has been president of world governing body FIFA since 1998, was already due to stand down after an election to replace him in February.

Platini, head of European body UEFA, was a frontrunner to replace him. His shrinking election hopes now depend on whether he can overturn the 90-day ban imposed by FIFA’s Ethics Committee through an appeal process.

Despite their denials of wrongdoing, both men have gradually been submerged by the scandal that has rocked the world’s most popular sport, beginning with dawn raids and a series of arrests at a Swiss luxury hotel in May.

“During this time, the above individuals are banned from all football activities on a national and international level,” the ethics committee said.

FIFA said in a statement: “Joseph S. Blatter, for the duration of the 90day ban, is not allowed to represent FIFA in any capacity, act on the organisation’s behalf or communicate to media or other

stakeholders as a FIFA representative.”

It said his acting replacement was Issa Hayatou of Cameroon, the head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA’s most senior vice president.

In 2011, Hayatou, 69, was reprimanded by the

didate for FIFA president in February and had taken on the role “only on an interim basis”.

International Olympics Committee’s ethics commission after he confirmed to them that he was paid by FIFA’s former marketing agency International Sport and Leisure in 1995.

The IOC said such an action constituted a conflict of interest. Hayatou denied any personal gain or wrongdoing.

In a statement on Thursday, the Cameroonian said he would not be a can -

However, UEFA took a different and defiant stance, saying they supported Platini, still referring to him as the organisation’s president and saying they would not replace him while he appeals.

“The UEFA Executive Committee expressed its full confidence in UEFA President Michel Platini and stands fully behind him,” they said in a statement.

Platini issued a personal statement, through UEFA’s media department, saying he was motivated by a “profound feeling of staunch defiance”. (Reuters Sport)

Bolt begins road to Rio now

After narrowly avoiding tragedy over 100 metres at the IAAF World Championships of Athletics in Beijing China two months ago, Usain Bolt is taking no chances with the upcoming Olympics in Rio Brazil.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist, on the popular Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier today, said he would begin training for the Rio Olympics on Monday.

Bolt featured as part of a classic showdown at the World Championships after an injury-riddled two years saw him fall way behind major rival Justin Gatlin.

His form begged the question of whether he could maintain his winning legacy and beat a man

that had not been beaten in 27 outings on the track. Bolt won by one hundredth of a second, with

many suggesting that pressure, rather than Bolt, beat Gatlin.

Despite the differing views, however, Bolt’s legend only got bigger, the athlete going on to claim two more gold medals at the Championships in the 200 and 4x100 metres.

Avoiding the near calamitous result is foremost on Bolt’s mind, with the Rio Olympics, again confirmed to be his last.

Bolt also fielded questions about life after the track and suggested he wanted to remain in sports but really had no idea what was next for him.

“Some people said I should try acting but I dunno, I think I’ll try to figure out some way to stay in sports,” said Bolt.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Takur Persaud handing over the trophy to a member of the winning Under-17 team

UEFA President Michel Platini (R) congratulates FIFA President Sepp Blatter after he was re-elected at the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland. (Reuters photo)

Happy campers: South Africa’s players are all smiles after winning the T20I series 2-0. (AFP photo)

Usain Bolt

PAGES

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Samuels eager to do well against Sri Lanka

Next Wednesday cannot come soon enough for West Indies middle-order batsman, Marlon Samuels.

On that day the first ball of a two-Test series between the West Indies and Sri Lanka will be bowled, and Samuels wants to stamp his class as one of the most senior members of a West Indies team in transition.

Samuels says he has been preparing for the two Tests but that training and playing the game on the day are always different.

“I have been in the nets but you know how it goes. Batting in the nets for me is just about hitting balls and keeping my form steady. Going out in the middle and getting the job done that’s where it matters the most,” said Samuels.

The batsman, who in the last few years has regained his place as a mainstay in the West Indies side after patches of brilliance interspersed with less-than-average output, is confident he can do well against a Sri Lanka side that can also be said to be in transition.

“So the form has been good. I am going into this series not really over confident but confident and look-

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ing forward to playing a major role to help the team as much as possible,” said the Jamaican.

The West Indies were to have started a three-day practice match against a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI today. That

going good. Rain here and there. But this is Sri Lanka you can’t do anything about that, but preparation has been wonderful,” he said. What the senior batsman does hope though, is that the three-day match can help to put the players in the right

game is now scheduled to begin tomorrow as sporadic rains have made play impossible.

Samuels, however, still believes, that though rain in Colombo has forced the West Indies indoors for the most part, that the team is preparing well.

“The warm up has been

frame of mind for playing matches.

“We are looking forward to getting some match time in this three day game and hopefully some of the guys can get some runs and get some wickets and bring their lovely form into the real thing.” (Digicel Sporstmax)

liverpool appoint charismatic Klopp as manager

Liverpool named former Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp as manager on Thursday with the club posting photos of him signing his contract on their official Twitter account.

It was widely reported earlier that he had agreed terms with the club’s American owners Fenway Sports Group on a contract to take over at Anfield.

The length of the deal was not disclosed but British media said Klopp had signed a three-year contract to help breathe life into a team that has struggled for consistency.

After several days of speculation, the charismatic 48-year-old has finally been confirmed as the replacement for Brendan Rodgers, who was sacked on Sunday after 3-1/2 years in charge.

“Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce Juergen Klopp has been appointed as the club’s new manager, said a statement on their official website (www.liverpoolfc.com).

“The German coach has signed a deal to take the helm at the Reds and will be presented at a press conference at Anfield on Friday morning.”

Klopp has been out of work since May when he finished a seven-year reign at Dortmund to take a sabbatical. He is expected to bring with him Zeljko Buvac and

Peter Krawietz, who were his former assistants at the Bundesliga club.

Klopp, who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final, is credited with reviving ‘Die Schwarzgelben’ and moulding them into one of the most exciting brands in world football during his seven years in

‘booooom!’ I like fighting football, not serenity football. What we call in German ‘English’. Rainy day, heavy pitch, everybody dirty in the face and goes home and can’t play football for the next four weeks.”

Liverpool’s season started serenely enough with opening wins against Stoke City

Westphalia.

In general, his widely expected arrival as the Liverpool boss has been welcomed, with Dortmund defender Mats Hummels remarking: “He eats, lives, breathes and thinks football day after day. He’s a fantastic coach.”

Fighting football

Klopp has long praised the English game which he has compared to heavy metal music, saying: “I always want it loud!

“I want to have this

and Bournemouth but they have largely been hitting the wrong notes since then with only one win in 90 minutes in their last nine matches.

Rodgers was sacked after the 1-1 Merseyside draw at Everton, but his fate was sealed before Sunday after a shattering 3-0 home defeat by West Ham United, a 3-1 loss at Manchester United and an embarrassing League Cup penalty shootout win after failing to beat fourthtier Carlisle United in extra time. (Reuters Sport)

BaBy serVICes

Marlon Samuels

Juergen Klopp

Enterprise Legend SC to host T20 tournament this weekend

The Enterprise Community Centre Ground and the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground will be the venues for this weekend’s T20 tournament, organised by the Enterprise Legend Sport Club.

The four-team tournament will see local teams Enterprise Busta Sport Club, Floodlights and Enterprise Legend Sport Club doing battle with the Amar Shanti Sport Club of Paramaribo, Suriname.

Three games are scheduled for the two-day tournament.

On Saturday, the visiting team will clash with Enterprise Busta Sport Club, at the Enterprise Community Centre Ground from 13:00h.

At the conclusion of that game, the visitors will then travel to the capital

city where they will play Floodlights from 19:00h at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground.

On Sunday, the tourists will engage the Enterprise Legend Sport Club from 12:00h at the Enterprise Community Centre Ground.

Meanwhile, the organisers have released the names of the three local teams’ squads:

Enterprise Busta Sport Club squad: Arif Habib (Captain); Kavita Yadram; Amenda Persaud; Pradesh Balkishun; Bashkar Deodat; Hansraj Sookdeo; Danesh Ally; Satanand Ramkumar; Devendra Persaud; Terrence Dindyal; Bhaskar Yadram; Richard Deokissoon; Pradesh Kissure; Amar Kissure and Shrichan Gangaram. Floodlights squad: Ricky Deonarain (Captain);

Wayne Jones; Uniss Yusuf; Reaz Hussein; Surendra Nauth; Khalid Baksh; Dharam Persaud; Richard Persaud; Romeo Deonarain; Lalta Gainda; Lloyd Rooplall; Anil Beharry; Rakesh Goverdan Arjune and Nafjohn Samlall. The Manager is Jailall Deodat.

Enterprise Legend Sport Club squad: Seemangal Yadram (Captain); Latchman Yadram; Vishwanauth Gobin; Jitlall Jowahirlall; Nandalall Seebarran; Chatterpaul Singh; Narine Roopdeo; Rohan Mangal; Shilander Mohabir; Rajesh Balram; Khaleel Mohamed; Dhanpaul Hemraj; Latchman Dindyal; Ravi Ali and Stanley Mohabir. The Manager is Jai Persaud. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy. com)

Mike’s Pharmacy provides assistance to YWCC

The Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) out of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice received a boost in the form of 20 pieces of coloured clothing from Mike’s Pharmacy.

At a simple handing-over ceremony held recently, Marcia Shanks, a representative of Mike’s Pharmacy said that the company was pleased to be associated with the YWCC.

She said that the business entity was pleased with the work of the Club over the years as they continue to produce cricketers at all levels.

Shanks noted that the company has a very long history with Berbice cricket, in particular softball.

YWCC Secretary/ Treasurer Anil Beharry thanked the Managing Director of Mike’s Pharmacy, Lakeram Singh for his kind gesture.

Beharry added that the Club was very thankful for the uniforms and urged the players to care for them.

He called on the Berbice

community to purchase products from drug stores, pharmacies and stores that are retailers of the business entity, which has a distribution network in the county.

Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 cricket competition set for Sunday

The Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 cricket competition for Second-Division teams from Betsy Ground, East Canje to Number 19/Warren on the Lower East Coast of Berbice is set to commence on Sunday.

Nine teams are regis-

tered to take part, and will be divided into two Zones.

The winner of Zone A will clash with the runner-up of Zone B in the first semi-final, while the winner of Zone B and runner-up of Zone A will play the other semi-final.

The two winners will clash in the final, with the

losers playing the thirdplace playoffs. Incentives, cash and trophies, totalling over $100,000 will be up for grabs.

First-round fixtures are as follows:

In Zone A at the Rose Hall Estate Ground, Rose Hall CC will clash with Betsy Ground Triple Star from 09:30h, while Goed Bananen Land will play Canefield Sports Club at 13:30h. Young Warriors drew the bye. In Zone B at Kendall’s Union, Kendall’s Union Big Team will clash with Buski XI from 13:30h, the lone game in that Zone for Sunday.

Teams are asked to submit the scores within 48 hours for the media. No First-Division players will be allowed unless the player is 40 years and over. This competition is sponsored by Mukesh Appiah and family and is in memory of his dad, Ramnarine Appiah, who passed last year.

Track and field might have disappeared without Bolt – Thompson

Double Olympic champion Daley Thompson has joined those that hail the impact of track and field superstar Usain Bolt in keeping the sport in the spotlight.

Thompson, the former decathlon champion, believes that in a sport riddled with doping controversy over the past couple of years, the impact of Bolt, who has never failed a drugs test, has not only been phenomenal, but crucial.

“Single-handedly he has held the sport above water,

because there have been so many drug scandals and the like that I think without him it would be down there with tractor pulling and mud wrestling,” Thompson said on Thursday’s Collin Murray show.

“He has been the life support machine for the sport.”

Since bursting on to the world stage in 2008, Bolt has indisputably been not only athletics’, but one of sports biggest stars.

Following his latest triumph at the World Championships in Beijing some have compared the

exploits of the double world record holder to boxing great Mohammad Ali, in terms of impact on the sport.

“Usain Bolt is up there with the greatest athletes of all-time,” he said. “What he’s done within the sport in the last 10 or 12 years has been unbelievable.

Other sports, particularly football, have got so big and hoover up so much television money and sponsorship and attract kids coming into sport, that I think without him, athletics would have disappeared without trace.”

Ricky Deonarine Kavita Yadram Seemangal Yadram

Mike’s Pharmacy representative Marcia Shanks (right) hands over one set of the uniforms to YWCC Secretary/Treasurer Anil Beharry

The tournament was launched earlier in the year

GTT signs 3-year $13M MoU with GRFU

By TreisTon Joseph

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company made a big splash in the world of sport on Thursday by becoming the major sponsor of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU).

The telecommunications giant displayed its commitment to sport by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GRFU that will last three years at $4.5 million a year, a total of $13 million.

GTT decided to make the long-term commitment to rugby not just because of what the sport has accomplished in recent years, but because of the potential the sport has to develop and grow, according to GTT Senior Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett.

“Our support is to aim and foster the development of the sport at the national level; we believe that our

support of the next three years will help develop the sport and the athletes… we extend best wishes to GRFU for the upcoming season,” Hackett noted.

GRFU President Peter Green expressed his gratitude to GTT, “This sponsorship is in essence the lifesaving support that we have been asking for. Because we were cash- strapped, the local programme, in many instances, has suffered.

“GT&T has given us breathing space with this young executive…the time for talk is over and it is up to us to produce the goods and I must once again thank GT&T for this support,” Green stated.

Green also pinpointed that with this sponsorship, the sport of rugby is aiming to expand. “The biggest challenge was also for us to go into the regions, but we hope to have tournaments to showcase our talents at all

Winfer Gardens top NG’s Inter-Schools field events

Winfer Gardens Primary School won the overall field events title of the North Georgetown (District 11) Inter-Schools Championships that concluded on Thursday at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Ground.

Winfer Gardens amassed 147 points to claim the title, finishing ahead of St Angela’s Primary on 124 points. St Margaret’s Primary School was third on 115 points, while St Agnes Primary was fourth on 74 points. Ermsbille Primary School rounded out the top five with 67 points.

Althea Hinkson was one

of the outstanding athletes in the Under-8 category winning the long jump and cricket ball throw. In the Under-10 category, Zakiya Pindar was the standout athlete with wins in the long jump and cricket ball throw as well. Wesley Tindle displayed his dominance in the Under-12 category by winning the long jump and discus events. With the field events action over, attention will turn to the track today when the primary schools meet in heated competition at the Police Sports Club Ground Eve Leary from 10:00h. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Stag Elite League Richardson receives Courts Player-ofthe-Month prize

By TreisTon Joseph

Pele FC’s top striker, Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson received his shopping voucher of $25,000 on Thursday after being named the Courts Player of the Month for the Stag Elite League.

to support football.

“Courts Guyana is pleased to be associated with this event and we will continue to support the League and the players. Richardson has scored critical goals and I think he deserves this award,” Cummings noted.

the first game 2 -1 over the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) with Richardson playing an instrumental part in both goals.

levels especially in schools and by 2016 year-end we hope to accomplish this.

“We have to expand to move forward, I am excited and I know our executive is excited too,” Green noted.

The GFRU with this sponsorship will get its rugby sevens season underway from Sunday at the University of Guyana rugby field. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

At the simple presentation ceremony at Courts Main Street branch, Richardson was awarded the voucher with which he would be able to purchase any item in Courts valued at that amount or use as a down-payment on any item in the leading furniture store.

“Thanks to Courts and thanks to the League and thanks to everyone that voted for me,” Richardson stated.

Courts Guyana Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings highlighted that the company would continue

Richardson was unanimously selected by media representatives throughout Guyana at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) head office on Tuesday.

With four goals from four matches played in the League thus far, thanks to Richardson’s heroics, Pele FC is second on the points table behind Alpha United. Both teams have eight points, but Alpha United leads on superior goal difference (+4), ahead of Pele (+3).

The Stag Elite League kicked off on September 18 at the Leonora Track & Field and Football Facility and Pele won

In the team’s second game, Richardson netted both goals, carrying Pele to an entertaining 2-2 draw against Alpha United.

Against Buxton United, Richardson opened Pele’s account seven minutes into the game which ended 3-1 as his club continued its winning ways.

In the Slingerz-Pele game, Richardson scored another classic in injury time (90+2 minutes) to secure a 1-1 draw.

Up next for Richardson and Pele FC is their first meeting with Fruta Conquerors tonight at the Tucville Ground from 20:30h. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

GTT Senior Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett signs the MoU on Thursday

B y T reis T on J oseph A new National Sports Commission (NSC) Board has been named with the tenure of all 11 members lasting for two years. Their tenure will be from September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017. Ivan Persaud, who is also the President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming

Association (GASA), has been named the Chairman of the Board. While details are a bit sketchy, Guyana Times Sport has confirmed the names of all 11 members of the Board; they range from administrators and former athletes to journalists and lawyers. Some of Guyana’s former top athletes who should have good sports acumen

have been named to the Board.

The Board members are: Persaud, Dr Karen Pilgrim, Edison Jefford, Lavern Fraser, Nigel Hinds, Seon Erskine, Igna Henry, James Bond, Aliann Pompey, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Christopher Jones (Director of the Commission).. (josepht@ guyanatimesgy.com)

GTT Senior Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett (fourth from right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GRFU President Peter Green in the presence of other members of the GRFU’s executive as well as GTT PRO Nadia DeAbreu (Treiston Joseph photo)

Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson (left) receives his voucher from Courts Guyana Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings (Treiston Joseph photo)

Ramnaresh Sarwan