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Suddie Public Hospital out of insulin, P2 syringe supplies

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2821

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, April 9, 2016

President says corruption claims “outrageous” ... Opposition Leader reiterates call for Int’l probe of politicians’ assets guyana-times.com

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Cevon’s in hot water with Region 10 RDC over “illegal P10 dumping”

Pages 3&7

TSU rank killed as boat capsizes in Potaro River Page 9

Haags Bosch dumpsite saga...

Kaieteur News lied about $1B Haags Bosch Landfill settlement – AG

2 nabbed with unlicensed P2 gun, ammo

Page 16 Men’s health

More screening for prostate cancer needed – public health P13 official

Surinamese Airline ‘Fly All Ways’ P2 to begin operating here soon

GTT donates $1M for Independence fashion extravaganza Page 9 Minister Cathy Hughes receives the cheque on behalf of the Tourism and Public Telecommunication Ministry from representatives of GTT

Guyanese busted with cocaine in jeans at JFK Page 9

Teenager killed in Aurora Public Road accident Page 7

Former High Commissioner sues Govt for $49.2M Page 14

... says deprived of benefits, wrongfully dismissed

Aurora P11 residents concerned over treatment of impounded animals

2 news

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Suddie Public Hospital out of insulin, syringe supplies

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cores of diabetic patients in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have been complaining of having to incur additional expenses to purchase insulin medication and also the syringes for them to receive their treatment at the Suddie Public Hospital.

The State-run medical facility is without insulin injections and syringes since late January, and although requests were made for ad-

ditional supplies, there still remains a shortage.

According to patients, they are given prescriptions to purchase the insulin and syringes and to return to have doctors administer same.

This is causing great inconvenience, as many patients cannot afford to purchase the medication.

Recently, several persons were admitted to the Hospital for hypertension and there is very little that

medical practitioners can do. Pensioners are predominately affected, since they cannot afford to purchase the medication needed.

“It seem as if we have to reserve to alternative measures of eating cucumber to lower we pressure, I have been never out of tablets or injections… it’s frustrating, I cannot afford this, my pension has to maintain me and I can’t ask my children,” a poor pensioner from Marias Lodge related.

Residents are therefore calling on Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton to immediately intervene, since the situation had become extremely burdensome.

Guyana Times was also made to understand that the Hospital is in need of additional medical supplies. A visit to the Suddie Public Hospital Pharmacy on Thursday revealed that essential medications are in short supply.

Guyana granted Islamic Development Bank membership

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uyana has received approval for membership in the Islamic Development Bank from the Board of Executive Directors.

This has been communicated by Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

The Islamic Development Bank is an entity which provides interest-free loan financing for developmental projects, mainly in the areas of basic infrastructure and agriculture. Loans are limited to US$10 million and only carry a fee to cover related administrative expenses. The repayment period is between 15-25 years

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

and includes a grace period of three to seven years depending on the recipient country’s classification.

The Bank also offers financing in projects in health, education, industry, water and sanitation, transport and energy sectors, as well as a range of services, such as technical assistance, trade financing, insurance of investment and export credits.

With the membership, Guyana will now be able to participate in the 41st Board of Governors Meeting, which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from May 17-19.

Cabinet green-lights ‘Trusted Trader’ programme

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overnment has greenlighted a proposal submitted by Business Minister Dominic Gaskin to introduce a ‘Trusted Trader’ programme to benefit legitimate businesses in Guyana.

This proposal was developed as a result of complaints received over the past 10 months that the refusal of several well-established businesses to pay inducements to public officials has resulted in them being targeted with delays in the processing of their transactions.

This has, in many cases, resulted in commodities with short shelf lives being left on the wharves to expire, while minor queries are used to delay the importation process for weeks. These actions have resulted in the loss of millions of dollars to businesses; which in turn, affects Government’s revenue collection.

The Trusted Trader status will be granted to busi-

nesses that meet certain criteria related to their history of compliance.

This status will allow for the release of consignments prior to the processing of import documents, as well as other benefits that acknowledge the high level of trustworthiness implied in the status.

Cabinet will appoint a working group with representatives from the Ministries of Business and Finance (Guyana Revenue Authority) and at least one other interested Ministry, to undertake consultation with stakeholders. The working group will be expected to submit a report with specific and detailed recommendations to Cabinet by April 29.

Surinamese Airline ‘Fly All Ways’ to begin operating here soon

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Surinamese Fly All Ways airline

he Government of Guyana has approved the application of Surinamese Airline ‘Fly All Ways N V’ to operate scheduled air services in Guyana.

This will take effect from this month and will be for an initial period of two years.

The airline will operate on two routes, both twice weekly – Paramaribo, Suriname to Georgetown, Guyana to Bridgetown, Barbados; and the Paramaribo, Suriname to Georgetown, Guyana to Boa Vista, Brazil using the Fokker 70 Aircraft.

2 nabbed with unlicensed gun, ammo

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wo men were on Thursday arrested at Turtle Creek, Middle Mazaruni with an unlicensed .9mm pistol and eight matching rounds of ammunition.

Based on reports, ranks of a Police mobile patrol conducted a search on the two men who were travelling on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) during which the gun and ammunition were dis-

covered.

The men were taken into custody and charges.

Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

news

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saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 9 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, April 10 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 9 – 05:15h-06:45h and Sunday, April 10 – 06:00h-07:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny to light rain showers can be expected throughout the better part of the day, while sunshine is expected in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:45h and 18:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.97 metres and 2.85 metres respectively.

President says corruption claims “outrageous” ...will not reveal names of campaign donors or amounts

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resident David Granger has rejected wholesale corruption claims against his Administration in light of accusations currently hurled at Minister of State Joseph Harmon and he has demanded that non-governmental organisations address their concerns internally before releasing unverified information to the public, which can leave damaging effects on innocent individuals.

Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) had explicitly accused the A Partnership

Low Tide: 11:44h reaching a minimum height of 0.23 metre.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

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for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration of being corrupt, basing its assertion on the circumstances in which Minister Harmon issued what he described as an “honorary” appointment of businessman Brian Tiwari as his “business advisor” and also in staying a GRA order to seize two vehicles from Bai Shan Lin. In breaking his silence on the issue, President Granger expressed his dissatisfaction with the way TIGI haphazardly accused his Administration of being “corrupt”, without being apprised of all the facts and without even making attempts to seek an explanation.

“When they make statements that the Government is corrupt, what does that mean? Does it mean that I am corrupt… does it mean that the Prime Minister is corrupt? It is an outrageous statement and I would ask

President David Granger

TIGI to verify its information before going to the media. It is difficult for me to accept a blanket of criticism of the entire Administration because of one incident,” he responded as he fielded questions from Guyana Times during the recent broadcast of ‘The Public Interest’.

Minister Harmon is currently subject to public opprobrium after the Business Advisor appointment document was leaked and published by the Kaieteur News which kept up a daily crescendo of criticisms on Tiwari and Harmon. The criticisms were addressed by several individuals questioning whether Tiwari was being attacked because he was a successful businessman.

Harmon was also cited for instructions to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) halting the seizure of vehicles from Chinese logging company BaiShanLin – a firm also not favoured by the Kaieteur News. The vehicles were later ostentatiously seized.

Kaieteur News Owner Glenn Lall had conspired in 2015 to defraud the state over 100M dollars in taxes but was offered a settlement as opposed to full prosecution by the laws.

But during the recent telecast, President Granger emphasised that TIGI should have addressed their concerns with the Government before making wild accusations.

“As a responsible nongovernmental organisation,

I would ask Transparency Institute to have a meeting with Mr Harmon and ask those questions before going to the press… If they have questions, put those questions to Mr Harmon and if those questions are not answered satisfactorily, then you can make a release to the press,” he stated.

He explained that it be rather counterproductive to have a meaningful discussion on the issue by shouting back and forth at each other via the media. Furthermore, Granger revealed that both

TIGI President, Reverend Compton Meerabux

of the concerns have already been dealt with.

“When the matter of Mr Tiwari came to my attention, I rescinded the appointment and I said that the Minister of Business is competent to provide advice to me on matters of business and that was the end of that matter as far as I am concerned,” the President reminded.

It was noted earlier in the week that no one could seriously belief that an appointment made by Dr. Luncheon as Cabinet Secretary would be rescinded by Presidents of that era. Also, a directive from the Cabinet Secretary to desist from a particular action by a Government Agency is not unusual and falls within the duties of the Cabinet Secretary/Minister of State.

In fact a commentator had stated that “the significant supervisory role of the Cabinet Secretary over the actions of Ministries, Government Agencies

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

and State Controlled Corporations helps to ensure proper coordination and prevent pernicious acts to the functioning of the State, the image of Guyana and relationships with donor countries, particularly countries such as USA and China.

Differences, if and when they occur should be resolved within the apparatus of the executive branch of government”.

In relation to the issue of BaiShanLin, Granger said Finance Minister Winston Jordan is dealing with the situation.

“As far as BaiShanLin is concerned, Mr Harmon said he was going to issue a statement. I’ve also had discussions with the Minister of Finance who is responsible for GRA and I believe corrective actions are being taken,” he stated.

Judgment errors

Moreover, Granger explained that errors of judgment are bound to take place, but what makes the difference in good governance is how the issue is subsequently addressed.

“From time to time, errors of judgment will be made, I am not saying there was an error of judgment here but when complaints are made, they are investigated… and I am not saying that there was no error but explanations can be given and Mr Harmon had explanations,” he stated. turn to page 7

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guyana-times.com

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Embarrassment at GPHC

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heartbreaking photograph of a mother nursing her newborn under a bed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) surfaced on the internet Thursday. It must be utterly distressing for a mother filled with joy at giving new life but then have to endure poor conditions at the very medical facility she has put the safety of herself and that of her new bundle of job in. Such poor conditions are no doubt placing mothers and babies at obvious medical risks.

On Christmas Day 2015, no other than Head of State President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger both visited the maternity ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital where the president vowed in the presence of Public Health Minister Dr George Norton to have improved conditions at the medical facility.

As a matter of fact the President on that occasion said it is part of his job as President to be at the hospital on Christmas morning, not only to bring cheer but also to have a first-hand look at the challenges patients experience.

His exact words were: “I will be working with the Minister of Health to improve the circumstances under which you work and under which mothers have to give birth. This is where life starts and if you don’t ensure you have a safe environment, that the mothers are in a comfortable environment and the staff have the resources they need to do their work, we are likely to have problems.”

The obvious question now is: “What happened, Mr President and Dr Norton?” Why are our new mothers being forced to share beds, even sleep on chairs and even more upsetting forced to sleep under a bed in the maternity ward of one of Guyana’s primary public health institutions?

GPHC is where 60 per cent of babies are born in Guyana and surely someone must be held accountable for humiliating and reducing our mothers to this extent. One would have expected that within a reasonable timeframe, the reported challenges the new administration claimed it inherited from the previous administration at the GPHC maternity ward would have been addressed.

As a matter of fact, four months in, with $89 million being awarded to the Public Health Ministry in the 2016 National Budget but yet still nothing is done. Earlier this year, the Public Health Minister himself promised 50 new beds for the facility, declaring that “sharing beds would be a thing of the past” but yet today we degrade our new mothers as the issue persists.

There is no doubt the GPHC maternity ward needs improvements and in moving forward better management is certainly needed at the facility to develop services offered.

More resources would solve to a great extent some of the problems in maternity services at GPHC. There needs to be recognition of the needs of maternity services and those needs must be given higher priority when resource allocation decisions are taken.

Learning from adverse incidents is one of the key components in moving forward and as such to improve the management and general conditions at the GPHC maternity ward feedback is needed from patients.

Mothers must be able to report unsafe situations and their treatment at the facility so that in future solid action and change for the better is instilled.

At present there is a noticeable inadequacy in management and poor staff–management relationships at GPHC and these are what leads to poor public health services as what is currently happening at the maternity ward.

Change is need at the GPHC maternity ward and this change must be rendered sooner rather than later. What has occurred to our new mothers at that medical facility is downright inhumane and more so a great embarrassment to the management of GPHC. It is time to stop the “photo-op” with new born babies and implement strategies that would improve the conditions at maternity facilities.

Spring break: These young footballers wasted no time in turning their community street in Sophia, Greater Georgetown into a ball field as they made the best of their Easter holiday from school

Is there a conspiracy against Harmon?

Dear Editor, I have seen Nigel Hinds’ letter concerning Harmon.

I dare say that everything he wrote, and more, have crossed my mind since this thing started, and I have been trying to figure out what is going on.

It just couldn’t be that appointing Tiwari as a Business Advisor, or telling the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to hold its hand on the seizure of BaiShanLin’s assets could cause so much attack on the man, for as far as I am concerned, his actions should be commended in light of what is currently happening to the business community and the economy of the country.

Many business people I know feel the same way too. Truth be told, I am of the view that Harmon has realised what it really takes to run a country, and that witchhunts, vendettas, and exclusion cannot be tenable policy positions, but instead, are sure recipes for Government failure.

Ironically however, it seems that he has now become victim of this recriminatory nastiness he is attempting to steer his Government away from. He has made mention, or implied something of a political conspiracy against him. If there is such, my interest is not only for what reason, but by whom.

In pursuit, I return to Hinds’ letter and its ques-

tions.

Seemingly thorough as it is, I believe there are a lot of missing ‘dots’ for the connection. A major one for me is the role of the Kaieteur News in all of this. The relentless daily attacks against Harmon continue unabated, and although Hinds did ask who leaked the Tiwari instrument, he surprisingly did not ask “why to Kaieteur?” and whether it was to the Publisher or to the Editor.

Similarly the case with the GRA/BaiShanLin seizure; why Kaieteur, even though the Guyana Stores taxes and re-migrant Lexus vehicles scam are still fresh GRA issues with which the Publisher of the Kaieteur News is allegedly connected?

In addition, I would ask “who are the persons in the coalition most connected to this newspaper? Who are its lawyers? If, as claimed, the Prime Minister, the Public Security Minister/Vice President and the Business Minister; all Alliance For Change (AFC) people; only knew about the matters after publication in the Kaieteur News, then who is the source? Is there someone with big ambitions and an axe to grind? Is there a link to any foreign diplomat? Has Harmon usurped the power (cravings) of anyone in the coalition?

If so, who? Has he dashed the expectations of a

Publisher wannabe PowerBroker? If so, how?

Are there any links to accountants and auditors who have commented? Is there a sequel to Nassau?

Specifically with regards to the Tiwari case, I ask a few more, as I think aloud: Was Tiwari being paid?

What harm did his appointment cause? Did he make a ‘political investment’ to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/AFC campaign? How many votes has the coalition lost (or gained) as a result? How many and who are the people he employs? Was Harmon able to get him to do works for free for Government or for any community? Was such precipitate action by the President necessary?

And in relation to the GRA: Now that the assets have been seized, what is the likely progression of the matter? Is BaiShanLin in genuine financial distress?

What is the current situation in the country as it relates to the Private Sector and business activity in general? From the duties and taxes now being collected from current business activity, does something seem wrong? If fuel prices were to rise as the usually do without warning, what will be the effect on Government business? And do we really believe that GRA can operate without any political directions? Or does anyone at

GRA owe his or her employment to political consideration/directions?

Editor, before I write to you again, it is my hope that some answers will come, directly or indirectly as we probe this conspiracy thing.

Obviously Harmon knows a lot more than us, but I think he should resist the temptation to speak now, and wait for the dots to connect and the unravelling. In any event, judging from previous times, I don’t think he will do a good job at it. And I make no apologies for saying so.

I will close now with a bit of advice for him. The everyday task of running the country must continue; that responsibility is his more than anyone else’s. Get on with it. Businesses are hurting. People are hurting. The teachers and other public servants are waiting to be paid. The ordinary people, the constituents, believe they are now worse off.

Let them be your focus even if you have to do deals with the devil, or be their ‘Robin Hood.’ Do not be deterred.

Accommodation and inclusiveness are necessary for the sake of all and country, and there is nothing wrong in talking to Luncheon. He was a master at the game.

Just don’t appoint him yet.

Yours faithfully, William Tell

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016

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

Not a new beginning, more a throwback to the past Dear Editor, Many commentators, particularly those defenders of this A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime, when referring to the APNU/ AFC government and their actions, speak about a new beginning.

However this is not a new beginning, but more of a throwback to the past. The People’s National Congress’s (PNC) old habits, when they previously ran the country like it was their personal property, is back in full force.

This regime is demonstrating a level of vindictiveness and racism; and even though it is early in the life of a new Government, has already displayed signs of rampant corruption.

The regime has already shown its racial bias in its policy of dismissals and in hiring of persons to work in Government Ministries/agencies. More than 95 per cent of those persons who were fired were of Indo-Guyanese descent and those being hired to replace them (plus more) are almost 100 per cent AfroGuyanese.

Like in the past PNC days, the ‘jobs for the boys’ syndrome has once more raised its ugly head. The number of

contract employees has been substantially increased; with a salary double that of the previous contracted workers.

The regime is clearly intent on enriching themselves at taxpayers’ expense. They have not only expanded the amount of Ministers by 50 per cent, but increased their own salaries by the same amount.

Cheddi Jagan, describing the class character of the PNC regime, said it was a “Bureaucratic Capitalist Elite.” This is where the high level personnel of the Government used the State apparatus to enrich themselves. Not classical capitalist, but a special type where they use the State as their own private property.

This practice has once again returned with a vengeance.

Contracts are being given out without tenders, new companies are being formed mainly by known members and supporters of the regime and are being awarded contracts. This raises suspensions of kickbacks. Many of these “new kids on the block” are getting contracts and sub-contracting to the established contractors.

The vindictiveness is also pronounced.

The forensic audits have not produced any evidence of substance; indeed their audits are proving that corruption was not a problem; therefore, the regime has been resorting to distortions to besmirch the characters of professionals who have made great contributions to this country, but the regime wants to fire.

Some CEOs, who are targets for dismissal, are not being interviewed by the auditors, nor are they given the audit reports to respond to.

Instead, they see leaked reports in the press where their character/s is being questioned.

This has happened in the case of Guyoil, where Badrie Persaud was never interviewed nor given a copy of the report for his response.

The same may be true of the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Energy Authority, where the CEOs are being attacked in the press. It appears the regime is preparing to fire them.

In passing, it should be noted that the preferred auditor in the cases where they are attacking the CEOs is Nigel Hinds Company. His audits seem mainly designed to besmirch the character of

professionals. That is why he is not intervening or seeking responses to his audits.

It should also be noted that the targets are IndoGuyanese managers and professionals. The idea appears to be not only to dismiss those people, but also to ensure they do not find employment in Guyana. So character assassination is the method used.

In cases where a response was requested, it was not made public and ignored by those persons leaking the contents of the reports to the media.

This is the case of Winston Brassington, whose response was not “leaked” as regards the audit report of NICIL. Brassington has since left Guyana. That is what it seems that this regime wants to do with Indo-Guyanese professionals and those nonIndians who have shown independence and professionalism and are not PNC/APNU stooges.

Clearly, this is not a new beginning. It is a throwback to the worst period in our history. A new PNC type dictatorship is looming. The contours are there for all to see.

Yours truly, Donald Ramotar

Government for the APNU+AFC Financiers Dear Editor, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, in defending the government’s action in hiring Brian Tiwari as Advisor of Business, has let the cat out of the bag in relation to which group/class this country is being governed for.

Harmon stated that he had made many appointments of persons who had helped the two parties during the 2015 elections.

But Harmon is not the only one who made such a statement.

Raphael Trotman, had earlier indicated that people who invested in the APNU+AFC were being given contracts. This is an open admission of paying back ‘supporters.’

What does this tell us?

It clearly speaks from the position that this regime is running the country in the interest/s of those who gave them cash and kind to aid their so called ‘assumption’ to office.

So now that they are in government, these ‘donors’ to the APNU+AFC can now expect to be repaid many times over on what they initially invested in the two parties.

Already, there is talk of billions of dollars in tax writeoffs for those business persons who had problems with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) when the PPP/C was in office. Generous settlements are being made and obviously

Royston King must be joking

Dear Editor, I have read a recent report in the local press captioned ‘City Hall reviews relationship with delinquent contractors’ which goes on to state that the Town Clerk Royston King is concerned about these delinquent contractors who were provided with tools and other resources and already paid by the Council, but who are callously depriving their workers of their pay.

If this report had come out a week earlier, I would have been convinced that it was a sick joke by the newspapers for April 1, All Fool’s Day. The audacity of King is unbelievable! Which contractor is he talking about? These supposed contractors are relatives and friends of some Councillors and a few are returned to this

new council, and to the senior officers including his very own pal.

Is he expecting professionalism and moral rectitude from these persons?

He is the first delinquent, in awarding these contracts, tools and equipment to these persons who he knew had no prior experience, or standards to maintain, but who were in the project for a quick ‘hustle.’

What City Hall needs to review really, is how one man, whose experience is in selling food and lending money, keeps getting all of the contracts, without even tendering for them, all of which are worth tens of millions of dollars each, a known friend to the Town Clerk.

Yours, Nadine Jerrick

there will be great kickbacks involved.

It is also being whispered that many court cases involving the government are being generously settled for huge amounts of money.

Some lawyers known to the PNC/APNU/AFC are receiving generous fees as well.

Billions are reportedly being lost to the government.

Yes. Those persons who donated to the governing parties are now reaping bountiful harvests re: generous settlements, tax write-offs, single source contracts and other myriad methods of getting rich quick.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had offered the opposition assistance in fighting the cases involving huge sums owed to the state.

That offer has so far been ig-

nored.

Indeed, it had to be so in order for settlements to be in favour of the ‘investors’ in this government.

Those persons, who in the past, spoke about corruption without real facts are now deafeningly silent.

This is clearly a government for that section of the business community who contributed to their elections fund.

Is this not corruption?

In the meantime, working people, those who voted for them because of race and those persons who were misled, particularly about the corruption claims, are now suffering and feeling the pinch.

Regards, Name and address withheld

City Hall needs to do more Dear Editor, I wish to appeal to the newly elected City Council of Georgetown to take urgent action on behalf of the physically challenged population of our capital, to reverse the callous and corrupt actions of the City Engineer’s Department.

The first thing that needs to be addressed would be the standardisation of the pavements or sidewalks in the city, particularly those on Regent, Robb, Charlotte, Camp, Wellington, King, Main/ High Streets.

These pavements have become like obstacle/challenge courses. Some are five inches, some are ten inches and some are 15 inches above the original levels. So walking along is an enormous challenge even to those that are fully capable physically, much more to those with infirmity.

This has only become possible due incompetence and fraudulence by the City Engineer’s Department, who have turned a blind eye when these pavements are being constructed.

It is incumbent upon them to establish a benchmark which they should hold all property owners to standardisation. So if the benchmark is 12 inches above the old level, then every business and property owner should be held to that, not below, not above, and all deviants should have their pavements dismantled.

Only in two such instances such action occurred recently, whilst all the rest are allowed to prevail with persons frequently falling and injuring themselves.

Secondly, laws in many

cities ensure people with mobility disabilities are able to access goods, services, programmes, and housing. Not so in Georgetown.

The premise behind these laws is that people with disabilities should be able to participate in community life just like everyone else.

Why does the City Engineer not require property owners and operators particularly those constructing new commercial buildings to provide ramps in such situations?

The main purpose of building codes are to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures and should also ensure the inclusion of special construction objects such as canopies, signs, pedestrian walkways, and parking lots.

Why are they approving the construction of five and six storied buildings in the commercial sections of the city without adequate Parking—and in some instances without parking at all?

This means that physically challenged persons have to cover considerable distances between where they are parked and where they have to do their business. Such a shame!

The City Engineer’s Department needs to be revamped from top to bottom with the current money-grubbing mercenaries removed and replaced by hard-working, honest and competent persons.

As they say ‘Money is the root of all evil’.

Sincerely, Riley Matthews

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saturDAY, april 9, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

Communication in Guide for parents of autistic children autistic disorders Autism fact sheet –

(Continued from Friday)

What are some common signs of autism?

Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and hair twirling, or in self-injurious behaviour such as biting or head-banging. They also tend to start speaking later than other children and may refer to themselves by name instead of “I” or “me.” Some speak in a sing-song voice about a narrow range of favourite topics, with little regard for the interests of the person to whom they are speaking.

People with autism often have abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation. Many show reduced sensitivity to pain. They also may be extraordinarily sensitive to other sensations. These unusual sensitivities may contribute to behavioural symptoms such as resistance to being cuddled.

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism is classified as one of the pervasive developmental disorders. Some doctors also use terms such as “emotionally disturbed” to describe people with autism.

Because it varies widely in its severity and symptoms, autism may go unrecognised, especially in mildly affected individuals or in those with multiple handicaps. Researchers and therapists have developed several sets of diagnostic criteria for autism. Some frequently used criteria include: * Absence or impairment of imaginative and social

play * Impaired ability to make friends with peers * Impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others * Stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language * Restricted patterns of interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus * Apparently inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals * Preoccupation with parts of objects Children with some symptoms of autism, but not enough to be diagnosed with the classical form of the disorder, are often diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD – NOS). The term Asperger syndrome is sometimes used to describe people with autistic behaviour but well-developed language skills. Children who appear normal in their first several years, then lose skills and begin showing autistic behaviour, may be diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD).

Girls with Rett’s syndrome, a sex-linked genetic disorder characterised by inadequate brain growth, seizures, and other neurological problems, also may show autistic behaviour. PDD – NOS, Asperger syndrome, CDD, and Rett’s syndrome are sometimes referred to as autism spectrum disorders.

Since hearing problems can be confused with autism, children with delayed speech development should always have their hearing checked. Children sometimes have impaired hearing in addition to autism.

About half of people with autism score below 50 on IQ tests, 20 per cent score between 50 and 70, and 30 per cent score higher than 70.

However, estimating IQ in young children with autism is often difficult because problems with language and behaviour can interfere with testing. A small percentage of people with

autism are sav a n t s .

These people have limited but extraordinary skills in areas like music, Mathematics, drawing, or visualisation.

What causes autism?

Autism has no single cause. Researchers believe several genes, as well as environmental factors such as viruses or chemicals, contribute to the disorder.

Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions

of the brain, including the cerebellum, amygdale, hippocampus, septum, and mamillary bodies. Neurons in these regions appear smaller than normal and have stunted nerve fibres, which may interfere with nerve signalling. These abnormalities suggest that autism results from disruption of normal brain development early in foetal development. Other studies suggest that people with autism have abnormalities of serotonin or other signalling molecules in the brain.

While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require further study. The early belief that parental practices are responsible for autism has now been disproved.

In a minority of cases, disorders such as fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, untreated phenylketonuria (PKU), and congenital rubella cause autistic behaviour. Other disorders, including Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorder, often occur with autism but do not cause it. For reasons that are still unclear, about 20 to 30 per cent of people with autism also develop epilepsy by the time they reach adulthood. While people with schizophrenia may show some autisticlike behaviour, their symptoms usually do not appear until the late teens or early adulthood. Most people with schizophrenia also have hallucinations and delusions, which are not found in autism.(childdevelopmentinfo.com)

How do speech and language normally develop?

(Continued from Friday)

For many, speech and language develop, to some degree, but not to a normal ability level. This development is usually uneven. For example, vocabulary development in areas of interest may be accelerated. Many have good memories for information just heard or seen. Some may be able to read words well before the age of five but may not be able to demonstrate understanding of what is read.

Others have musical talents or advanced ability to count and perform mathematical calculations.

Approximately 10 per cent show “savant” skills or detailed abilities in specific areas such as calendar calculation, musical ability, or Maths.

How are the speech and language problems treated?

If autism or some other developmental disability is suspected, the child’s physician will usually refer the child to a variety of specialists, including a speech-language pathologist, who performs a comprehensive evaluation of his or her ability to communicate and designs and administers treatment.

No one treatment method has been found to successfully improve communication in all individuals who have autism.

The best treatment begins early, during the preschool years, is individually tailored, targets both behaviour and communication, and involves parents or primary caregivers. The goal of therapy should be to improve useful communication. For some, verbal communication is a realistic goal. For others,

the goal may be gestured communication. Still others may have the goal of communicating by means of a symbol system such as picture boards. Treatment should include periodic indepth evaluations provided by an individual with special training in the evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, such as a speech-language pathologist.

Occupational and physical therapists may also work with the individual to reduce unwanted behaviours that may interfere with the development of communication skills.

Some individuals respond well to highly structured behaviour modification programs; others respond better to in-home therapy that uses real situations as the basis for training. Other approaches such as music therapy and sensory integration therapy, which strives to improve the child’s ability to respond to information from the senses, appear to have helped some autistic children, although research on the efficacy of these approaches is largely lacking.

Medications may improve an individual’s attention span or reduce unwanted behaviours such as hand-flapping, but long-term use of these kinds of medications is often difficult or undesirable because of their side effects. No medications have been found to specifically help communication in autistic individuals.

Mineral and vitamin supplements, special diets, and psychotherapy have also been used, but research has not documented their effectiveness.

What research is being conducted to improve the communication of individuals with autism?

In addition to ongoing research on other aspects of autism across the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) are also investigating the communication difficulties or differences of people who have autism. At the heart of the research effort is a five-year collaborative NIH effort between the NIDCD and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) which was launched in May 1997.

The effort involves more than 65 scientists at 24 universities from around the world, including the United States, Canada, Britain, France, and Germany, who are examining how autism develops. In addition, scientists are also exploring the speech and language features in autism, evaluating current treatment practices, and designing new treatments. Additional studies include investigations of brain development and functioning in autism and the use and effects of certain drugs on communication behaviour. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

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saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Teenager killed in Aurora Jagdeo reiterates call for Int’l Public Road accident Leaked ‘Panama Papers’

By: Indrawattie Natram

probe of politicians’ assets

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the press conference on Thursday

By Edward Layne

I

n light of the 11.5 million leaked documents, spanning some 40 years, from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, former President and current Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has reissued an earlier call for there to be an independent international probe of local politicians, including himself, to determine the wealth both in Guyana and overseas.

Responding to questions on the leaked ‘Panama Papers’ during a news conference Thursday, Jagdeo declared that he does not have hidden wealth in shell accounts and is willing to declare his holdings, both locally and overseas, if the Government is prepared to follow suit. “No my name ain’t in no Panama report,” Jagdeo said.

However, the former President restated an earlier call for the governing A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) to agree with his People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to have the

International Police (Interpol) or any other credible, independent international firm, investigate the local and overseas wealth of all current and former parliamentarians.

“We are prepared to do this, ask them if they are prepared to do this; to go with us jointly and make a request of anybody, if not Interpol, an investigative firm, together to look at all of the holdings of everyone. This [proposal] goes beyond my ‘no’ answer,” he added.

He however ruled out the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) which he said is loaded with “political hacks” that is surreptitiously looking to damage people’s reputations.

“Let’s do this as a motion in Parliament, so the international organisation won’t treat it as partisan, they will treat it as a national thing,” he said, adding, “Not just the status of all Presidents and ex-Presidents, all Members of Parliament, their holdings abroad,” Jagdeo, who served as President for 12 years said.

He reminded that it was

the APNU/AFC which had argued that they don’t know what people had stashed abroad.

The former Finance Minister recalled that he had discussions during a sitting of the National Assembly with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in this regard, but did not elaborate on Nagamootoo’s response.

Long before the ‘Panama Papers’ leak, Jagdeo’s PPP/C had proposed a motion to have Ministers’ tax records and statements made available to the Integrity Commission, released to the public, but that was defeated by the Government which holds a one-seat majority in the 65-member National Assembly.

He said he has already declared all his assets to the Integrity Commission, but now wants those submissions to be increased to include international possessions.

“Yeah… I will declare everything local and overseas.

The local money is in my Integrity Commission everything. Everything you have to declare there, you would have seen it there. Now that you have my answer, which is no, I hope that you will ask the same question of several people, including one newspaper owner,” the former President added. Not all the data from the Panama Papers has been released, but there is mention of Guyana with one beneficiary and one shareholder connected to Guyana (by address) among the information that has been made public. The details of this person have not been published.

Jagdeo stressed that he was not the shareholder linked to Guyana nor does he have overseas hidden accounts and is ready to prove this.

President says corruption...

Release donor names Meanwhile, TIGI had called on Government to reveal the identities of all its donors, pre- and post-elections 2015, and the amount and or value of their contributions.

This demand follows statements made by senior Government officials with the first being Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman which suggested that individuals who contributed to the coalition are now being rewarded and there was nothing odd or wrong about that.

Prompted for a respond in this regard, President Granger made it clear that he will not be releasing the names of his party’s donors since it is not a requirement of the law.

He added that the donors, for fear of victimisation, had also requested their identities not be disclosed.

“It is not dirty money but I know very well that some people can be very vindictive… certain people in political parties could be very vindictive and once they dis-

cover that corporations give money to parties, they can bring economic sanctions against those companies… and it has been requested by some people, although we are sure the money is clean, that their identities not be disclosed, simply because their businesses will be sanctioned or blackmailed or boycotted by other political parties,” he explained.

On that note, Granger reaffirmed Government’s com-

from page 3

mitment to introduce modern campaign financing laws in time for the next General and Regional Elections in 2020.

Appropriate campaign financing legislation will proscribe the acquisition of money from illegitimate sources, the spending of “dirty money” for campaign purposes, and will limit the amount of contribution that can be accumulated by parties contesting an election.

T

he Cunjah family of Pomona Housing Scheme, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), is mourning the death of their teenaged family who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident Thursday evening on the Aurora Public Road.

Dead is Major Cunjah aka Kevin. The pillion rider Warner Prashad, 22, is nursing injuries at the Suddie Public Hospital and listed as stable. The incident occurred around 17:25 hours.

Cunjah family related that Major along with his

Dead: Major Cunjah, also known as "Kevin"

cousins went for a ride to Supenaam and upon return-

ing they skidded off the road.

She said the news came as a shock to the family.

The two young adults were picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the hospital. Both Cunjah and Prashad sustained injuries to their head, feet and abdomen.

The relatives related that it was an usual thing for the two boys to go for an evening ride to Supenaam.

The deceased was described as a very loving and obedient child. He recently returned from the interior where he worked as a miner.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Enterprise youths engage in Community Service

Youths from the Enterprise Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) group on April 3 made and erected several street signs around their community in an effort to contribute towards the community’s overall development and to make it easier for persons visiting the area to understand it’s lay out

8 news

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Former GTU President freed of rape charge

F

ormer President of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) Colwyn King was on Friday freed of a rape charge. King was accused of having sexual relations with a teenage girl at a Princes Street Hotel in 2009. On October 28, 2011, he was ordered to stand trial at the High Court, after being released on $350,000 bail.

The trial which commenced on April 5, was held before Justice Priya

Sewnarine-Beharry and saw eight witnesses testifying against King.

King was found not guilty by a 12-member mixed jury on a charge of carnal knowledge of a girl.

After over two hours of deliberation by the jury, the verdict was given in a proportion of 10-2. After the verdict was delivered, Justice SewnarineBeharry told King, “You escaped from the law today but you can’t escape from God.” The State was

represented by Attorneys Narissa Leander and Tuanna Hardy while King was represented by Attorney Darren Wade.

King was forced to resign from his post of President of the GTU and Administrator of the Guyana Industrial Training Centre, when he was arrested after the teenage levied the rape allegation against him.

However, throughout his prosecution, King maintained his innocence.

Former GTU President Colwyn King was found not guilty on a charge of carnal knowledge

Mentally ill man slapped with 4 charges

A

mentally ill man on Friday appeared before Magistrate Annette Sighn in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to four charges.

He plead not guilty to all charges, which consisted of damage to property, abusive language, threatening language and larceny.

It is alleged that on January 2, at lot 88 Duncan

Street, Campbellville, Steven Jagru unlawfully damaged one wooden door and a zinc and concrete fence valued $500,000; property of Farida Khan.

Also on April 5, he made use of threatening language to Khan. And on the same day at the same location, he also made use of abusive language to Farida Khan.

Jagru who is said to be the Virtual Complainant’s

neighbor, upon observation seemed confused when he failed to respond to questions asked by the Magistrate, such as his home address and his profession.

This prompted the Magistrate to invite a relative of the man to give the information to the court on his behalf. It was then revealed to the court that he is of unsound mind.

According to the relative, Jagru is mentally ill, lives alone but is currently receiving treatment for his condition.

Magistrate Sighn then ordered a mental evaluation to be carried out on the defendant, to conclude whether or not he will be fit to stand trial.

He was remanded to prison and will appear in court on May 4.

Duo fined after Phagwah day incident

T

wo persons were on Wednesday ordered to pay a $45,000 fine altogether, after it was alleged that they unlawfully wounded and assaulted each other.

Tianna Daniels, of Lot 17 Broad and Lombard streets pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge of unlawful wounding after making her appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

It is alleged that on March 23, 2016 at Broad

and Lombard streets she unlawfully harmed Keith Mitchell.

According to the Daniels on the day in question, March 23, she was standing waiting on her boyfriend when Mitchell premeditated to throw a bucket of water on her, which provoked her and she retaliated by throwing a bottle at the Mitchell’s head.

Daniels phone (Plum) which was in her underwear was damaged as a result of the incident. She also

claimed that the phone was fairly new as it was only purchased in February of this year.

Keith Daniels, 17, of Lot 17 of the same address was also cross-charged.

It is alleged that on the same day at the same location, he unlawfully assaulted Tianna Daniels.

According to the prosecutor’s facts both Daniels and Mitchell reside in the same yard. And on the day in question Mitchell engaged in playing with water by

throwing it on Daniels, after which she picked up a bottle and threw it at his forehead, causing injuries.

The prosecutor had no objections to bail, however he asked that bail be set at a substantial amount.

Daniels was ordered by the magistrate to pay a fine of $25,000 or spend a default of 6 months in prison.

Keith Mitchell was placed on $20,000 bail as well as a bond to keep the peace. The matter was adjourned to May 16, 2016.

Eyew tness Hypocrites...

Y

...in finance

our Eyewitness just can’t get these revelations from the Panama Papers out of his mind. No...not the US$20-30 TRILLION that’s supposedly squirrelled away from the taxmen of the world. Not the shadowy law firms from London to Timbuktu that ran the scam. What gets him is the hypocrisy of the leaders of the developed world who routinely beat us Third Worlders over the head about our “greed, avarice and lack of civic pride” that supposedly keeps us underdeveloped.

Fact of the matter is that the US$25 Trillion (let’s split the guesstimate down the line, shall we?) that’s siphoned off from the world’s tax system hurts us all – including the poor of the developed country. How many times haven’t we heard the collapse of the developed western economies in 2008 precipitated our own economic slowdown? Can’t sell our primary products. Well, it’s the financialisation of those economics that put those trillions in the pockets of their one per cent.

And taken us all beyond the business downturns Marx predicted as profits are sucked out of the economy.

Those profits were supposed to be reinvested. But in the off-shore tax havens like Panama – and even our own Barbados and Cayman Islands – the SUPER-PROFITS now generated are just sucked out of the system entirely! They might’ve as well gone into a black hole to reappear in some other universe. Which is where the banks behind it all are located.

And we return to these worthies who’re greedy enough to have their own people go homeless (NINJA mortgages, anyone?) yet have the temerity to lecture us about probity and such like. And we return to David Cameron – who after being outed in the Panama Papers finally admitted he cashed in his tax-evaded loot inherited from his father. Cameron who lectured his own people about “fiscal constraints” and “need to tighten belts” as their recession kicked in. And of course announced in Jamaica that reparations are a no-go and we have to just work harder!

That the Chinese leaders are tax evading with the best in the Panama Papers shouldn’t surprise us. Along with the western businessmen establishing all those factories in China to fill the shelves of WalMart, would’ve been the lawyers to educate them on the wonders of tax evasion.

In a scene in Godfather 2, Michael Corleone is castigated by a Nevada Senator for being a “Guinea wop” involved in criminal activities. And the new Godfather simply reminds the “upstanding” WASP representative of the American establishment that the two of them aren’t really that different.

It’s just that the hypocritical establishment has the power to dub their illegal activity “legal”!!

...on political investments

It would appear that the doctrine of “political investment” – adumbrated by Raphael Trotman doesn’t apply to Joseph Harmon. The said doctrine promulgated the notion that campaign contributors to political parties view their action as “investments” which obviously must deliver a dividend to justify the outlay.

It all came about after Minister of National Security and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan bigged up his businessman friend, for funding the AFC’s headquarters – just as he’d bid for billions in Pharma supplies to the state and also was awaiting an approval for a power purchase agreement from GPL for electricity from a proposed wind farm.

While pro quid quos had long been suspected in the new coalition Government – witness the murmurs on the case of the Specialty Hospital involving the same Ramjattan and one Fedders Lloyd – it seems to be confined to the AFC wing.

As Opp. Leader Jagdeo pointed out, Harmon’s been “slaughtered” while Trotman and Ramjattan’s riding pretty!

Was this part of the Nassau Accord?

...on LG interference

With the launching of three new towns – and one aborted due to “technical difficulties” – several new ones are evidently on the cards. And Pressie’s promised “no political interference”.

Has he informed his power-drunk Minister of Communities, Bulkan?

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

news

9

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GTT donates $1M for Independence fashion extravaganza T

he Tourism and Public Communications Ministry on Friday received a cheque valued $1 million from network giant, GTT, to facilitate the activities to mark the nation’s 50th independence anniversary.

During the handing over ceremony at the headquarters for the Tourism Ministry, Minister Cathy Hughes accepted the cheque which was presented by Marketing Director of the company, Daniel Gilson.

Making her remarks, Minister Hughes underlined the significant role the company has been playing even before the celebration of this year’s anniversary.

She said the company continues to be a key sponsor in the country’s activities and this year is no exception, considering its whopping contribution.

Referencing the celebration of the anniversary as an explosion of music, art, dance and fashion, Hughes pointed out that this year will definitely be the most memorable.

GTT’s role in this will be pulling off the fashion segment of the four nights of activities to be hosted from the May 19-22.

The money received will go fully towards ensuring that the “Fashion Extravaganza” lives up to its name of being extravagant in every sense.

The fashion shows are

Minister Cathy Hughes receives the cheque on behalf of the Tourism and Public Telecommunication Ministry

set to be hosted for four nights on the lawns of the Ministry and will feature 22 local designers meeting and their fashion pieces exhibited.

Explaining the event, Minister Hughes said that this is anticipated to be largest fashion show hosted in Guyana where designers will meet on one stage to portray their originality and creativity.

This, she said, will put Guyana’s designers on the international map since there is expected to be thousands of persons from the Diaspora visiting to witness the course of the anniversary celebration.

Hughes pointed out that Guyana’s fashion industry has been thriving over the

years and this event will create a platform to speak of how the country is developing.

Designers from all genres and ages are expected to take the lawns on that night with each exhibiting 10 to15 of their pieces.

A special feature that is also set for the stage is the launching of the Fashion Week, which is a Sonia Noel’s initiative.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of GTT, Allison Parker, cited that the company over its 25 years of existence has been a consistent supporter of these kinds of events.

She pointed out that their role has been especially highlighted in celebrating the country’s anni-

Guyanese busted with cocaine in jeans at JFK

A

Guyanese man was on April 6 busted with a quantity of cocaine in a jeans pocket at the John F Kennedy International Airport. The man was identified as 29-year-old Rajendra Ramrattan.

He reportedly arrived in the United States after travelling from Trinidad aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight. He originally travelled from Guyana but made a brief stop on Trinidad.

According to information received, the young man was found with 550.7 grams of the illicit substance concealed in the pocket of a pair of jeans.

Guyana Times understands that upon his arrival in the United States, an enforcement examination was conducted by US Customs and Border Protection Officers.

He presented one unchecked grey suitcase and one brown bag. In one of those bays, the plastic with the substance was found in the pants pocket. The white substance was tested and found to be cocaine.

During interrogation, Ramrattan allegedly told drug enforcement officials that

he had purchased 500 grams of cocaine in Guyana for US$2000 and was planning to sell it in the United States. He is expected to face charges soon.

Moon sighted: RAJAB CRESCENT 1437

T

he Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) on Friday advised the Guyanese public and the Muslim community that

the crescent was NOT sighted in Guyana and the Caribbean on the evening of 7 April, 2016.

Therefore the 1st day of RAJAB 1437 A.H

will correspond with Saturday, April 9, 2016.

AL ISRAA WAL MIRAAJ will be commemorated on the evening of Wednesday 4 May 2016.

versaries and this year, as Guyana marks 50, the company is grateful to be major sponsors.

The company’s involvement in the activities will not only be limited to the fashion show but will expand to the GuyExpo and another show set to be hosted at the National Stadium.

Parker pledged the company’s future attachment to this nature of activities and urged the public domain to be supportive of the country’s development and honouring it.

The four nights of events will be hosted at the National Stadium with each night having a different focus; be it music, food, fashion, art and a wide range of other attractions.

TSU rank killed as boat capsizes in Potaro River

A

young Guyana Police Force (GPF) rank attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) is feared dead after the boat he was travelling in capsized in the Potaro River, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The incident occurred sometime around noon on Friday in the Amatuk Falls area.

The dead man has been identified as Special Constable 14536 Akeem Hyles, 22, of New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to a release from the Police, Hyles was in a boat with other Police ranks, members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and representatives of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The team was on its way to the conduct raids on illegal mining camps in the area during which the boat came into contact with the rough terrain and subsequently capsized.

Police’s Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker reported that “the body has not yet been recovered and a search is in progress”.

Whittaker went on to

Dead: Special Constable Akeem Hyles

say that Hyles had departed the Ogle Airport Friday morning along with the other members of the Joint Services, who were dispatched to assist the GGMC in dealing with illegal mining being carried out in the Kaieteur National Park area.

Guyana Times contacted F Division (Interior locations) Commander Rabindranauth Budhram, who confirmed there was an accident and that his ranks were on their way to the site at the time.

Guyana Police Force extended sincere condolences to the parents, relatives and friends of Special Constable Akeem Hyles.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, april 9, 2016

News

Street lights

Rehabilitation work commences on WCD

Another component of the project which was completed along the East Bank Highway By: Kizzy Coleman

T

he Ministry of Public Infrastructure in collaboration with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has commenced rehabilitation work countrywide on streetlights.

According to information received by Guyana Times the ministry has been working vigorously to locate those areas where there are streetlights that are nonfunctional in order for them to be rectified.

“We are doing a country-

wide survey, to determine where these non-functional lights are located, in order for them to be put in the network for rehabilitation” an official disclosed.

The ministry is also trying to locate those responsible for some of the streetlights in various communities so that they can take up their responsibilities.

Currently, the area being given priority is West Coast Demerara.

According to reports, works have commenced in

various communities and is schedule to be completely soon.

The official disclosed that focus is being given to some areas, one of which is Den Amstel.

“In Den Amstel, there were a string of lights that were out. Those were repaired and some were replaced”.

It was also revealed that in De Kinderen, there are 50 lights along the public road most of which are non-functional.

“I can tell you that in De Kinderen, most of the lights that are not working was as a result of vandalism. We have not been able to fix the lights in that area as yet but that is one area we are to focus on”.

Other areas that have been rehabilitated are La Jalousie, Vergenoegen, Parika, and Crane.

“About a month ago, we know that the communities were in a bad shape when it comes to the streetlights, I can tell you that, especially on the West Bank of Demerara and the East Coast of Berbice but we have been working hard in this regard”.

Cevon’s in hot water with Region 10 RDC over “illegal dumping”

By Utamu Belle

C

oncerns are presently being raised by the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC) over the alleged discriminate dumping of waste by Cevon’s Waste Disposal in the vicinity of the Linden Watershed situated at Wismar.

The issue formed part of a back and forth discussion at the RDC statutory meeting on Thursday, with Councillor Douglas Gittens referring to the alleged act as an “illegal operation”.

However, in 2012, a contract was signed between the previous administration of the RDC and Cevon’s for the company to conduct waste disposal operations

Waste had to go to the individual homes and get their own contract to pick up the waste from persons. The problem that came out of this is that Cevon’s is dumping within the Watershed Management”, Morian stated.

Gittens, who was also a part of the previous RDC

The meeting which was held on Thursday

in the Linden community.

While the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) was the sole entity responsible for the community’s waste management, the Council had opted not to engage in collaboration with Cevon’s.

In addressing the issue at the meeting, Regional Chairman Renis Morian resorted to informing the Council of the contract which was signed by the previous RDC. He made a promise to have the content of the contract be made available to the Council.

“It’s a strange contract.

All the then REO signed to is for Cevon’s Waste to operate in Linden. But Cevon’s

indicated that the contract was expected to be overlooked by that Council, however since it was not under its jurisdiction, Cevon’s was instructed to consult with the LM&TC. He opined that this was not done. “...I think they made a decision to send them away and let Linden people deal with the situation because we have the capacity to deal with something like this on our own. People bought trucks and are willing to provide the service. Why somebody got to come from town to do it?” Gittens exclaimed.

This was refuted by Councillor Gordon Callender who was part of the previous

LM&TC. “We had no discussions over this issue... when that document (was) signed it just appeared just so at the Town Council to say contract signed, Cevon’s in the place. We didn’t know anything about it,” he said.

This was partially refuted by Councillor Charles Sampson who was also of LM&TC at the time.

Sampson disclosed that initial discussions were conducted at the time, however the Council disagreed with the proposal made by the waste disposal entity.

“As a private company, we could not stop Cevon’s from doing business in Linden, especially if they went to individual members of the community and put forward their proposal to do business... We could not object to that... I don’t have a problem with Cevon’s doing business in Linden if they’re doing business with private individuals but we always said that the municipality had a responsibility to collect garbage in the town and that is what we stuck to...”, he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer Gavin Clarke said while the RDC may not be able to stop Cevon’s from operating, it can still hold the entity responsible for the way it does so, also to terminate its contract if the relevant specifications are not met.

America Street robbery

Accused sentenced to 5 years in prison

O

ne of the men arrested and charged for the America Street Robbery was on Friday sentenced to serve five years in prison after he was found guilty of the robbery.

Troy Abrams was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, who handed down the sentence. The second robbery accused, Anthony Primo died in prison March 3, during the Camp Street Prison unrest.

The charges for which they were on trial alleged that on November 3, 2015, at America Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, they robbed Rayburn Fraser of $520,000; US$3000, TT$2000 and $SR2000; all

Troy Abrams

to a total of $1,600,000.

Additionally, they are charged with robbing on the same day Osafo Bourne of $400,000 and $US700 – a to-

tal of $540,000. According to reports, on the day in question, at about 20:00h, the two men reportedly opened fire indiscriminately before snatching the money from the money changers.

Abrams was found not guilty on the charge which stated that he robbed Bourne.

During her ruling, the Magistrate stated that she took into account witnesses’ accounts of the lighting conditions, identification of the accused and prior knowledge of Abrams. She also related that she considered the seriousness of the offence, public safety, the manner in which the crime was executed and need to deter others from committing such crimes.

saturDay, APRIL 9, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

Small-scale miners to be “I have nothing to hide” issued with land

City Hall Forensic Audit

– new City Mayor N

ewly elected Mayor of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Patricia Chase-Green has said she welcomes with open arms any attempt by the Auditor General to carry out an audit of City Hall.

A recently elected People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Bishram Kuppen, just two days ago, joined the list of voices which previously called for an independent probe into the operations of City Hall. He said with the completion of Local Government Elections (LGE) and the appointment of a new Council, it was time that they get down with serious business of managing the affairs of the city.

Kuppen said many citizens have expressed grave concern about transparency and accountability at City Hall, especially with the election of past members of the City Council, including the Mayor-elect and Chairman of the Finance Committee and some of its members who have been part of the administration at City Hall for many years.

But even with these claims, the new Mayor said she has nothing to hide. She related that even before she became Deputy Mayor, serving under former Mayor Hamilton Greene, she had always been calling for an audit to be held.

“Before I became Mayor or Deputy Mayor, I supported audits. I had also written to the Auditor General for him to come to City Hall to carry out an audit”, she told Guyana

New City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

Times on Friday. She said back in 2012, she had written more than three letters for the then Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker for him to intervene and have the audits done, particularly because of the excessive spending and abuse of funds by then acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba. She said nothing to that effect has taken place.

“So, I will not object to an audit. The Auditor General is free to come,” she told this publication. “I have nothing to hide,” she reiterated.

The call for an audit was also made by newly elected Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan. He had said, following his swearing in last Friday, that a forensic audit is very much needed at City Hall, which has seen the presence and operation of a single Council for some 23 years.

Duncan stated that an audit should be entered into in good faith.

Following its ascension

to office in May 2015, controversy began over the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) decision to launch forensic audits into almost every State agency in the country, but failed to carry out one into the affairs of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council – an agency said to be plagued by repeated accusations of financial impropriety, which had been backed by several investigations.

The City Council for years had failed to address the many issues facing the capital city of Georgetown. While the Council continuously blamed its inability to deal with the problems confronting the capital on the lack of financial resources, then Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker contended otherwise.

Whittaker had previously declared that the Council lacked the political will under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to actually commit to responding to the changing dynamics of the city and to provide improved services to residents.

More specifically, Whittaker had pointed out that the Council has no serious debt recovery programme to capture the billions of dollars owed in taxes by businesses and residents. Instead, he explained, the Council continuously cried out that the Central Government did not provide adequate funds for it to effectively conduct its operations.

Matthews Ridge farmer charged with Police’s murder

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Matthews Ridge, North West District, man on Friday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with murder.

Dennis Marks, 38, a farmer of Matthews Ridge was arraigned for the murder of Leonard Larose, a Police officer.

It is alleged that on March, 1, 2016 at Matthews Ridge he murdered Larose.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The accused who seemed to have been in pain, due to a broken leg was transported by police officers to the courtroom, in a chair.

He was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate McLennan and will make his next court appearance on Dennis Marks May 3 at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Aurora residents concerned over treatment of impounded animals

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cores of residents in Aurora Village, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), have registered concerns over the treatment and deteriorating health of animals that get impounded at the Aurora Police Station.

Residents said the ani-

mals are kept in unkempt conditions and this was reported to the Aurora Police Station some six months ago.

To date the conditions remain the same and according to residents, the animals have been impounded for over 10

months.

Residents are concerned that the animals are rarely fed or given water for their survival. According to them, reports were also made to Prime Minister Mosses Nagamottoo who promised that the matter will be looked into.

T

he Natural Resources Ministry has announced that lands for small-scale miners will be made available shortly. This was revealed on Wednesday when the Ministry conveyed the message to the press.

According to officials from the Ministry, arrangements are currently being finalised to make more lands available for small-scale miners to improve their livelihoods.

“This is in fulfilment of a promise made

by Honourable Minister Raphael Trotman when he addressed over 300 miners at the Small Scale Miners Meetings held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in January 2016,” an official related.

During the meeting, the Minister had reiterated that small-scale miners play an important role in sustaining the mining sector and the economy, and as such, he had vowed that the Government would remain committed to creating an environment that supports them in their ventures and efforts. During the panel discussions, miners’ concerns about the unavailability of land and landlordism were raised before Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, and subsequent to those discussions, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Closed Area Committee (CAC) were charged with

Minister of Natural Resourced Raphael Trotman

the task of ensuring that the small-scale miners have land available to continue their operations.

“The finalisation of these arrangements will pave the way for genuine small-scale miners to begin applying for lands that are not only accessible but also hold encouraging prospects for gold mining. The Ministry will make announcement in the fortnight,” the release stated. The official stated that the Government remains committed to improving the conditions that miners work and operate under.

“The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, remains committed to working with all stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure that miners – small, medium and large-

scale – can operate equitably in compliance with laws and regulations while ensuring safety and promoting sustainability in the mining sector,” the release stated.

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saturDay, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Guyana-Trinidad land deal

Agriculture Ministry awaits word from new T&T Minister

W

ith a new Administration in place in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said he is yet to receive word from his counterpart Senator Clarence Rambharat, on the way forward for the GuyanaTrinidad land deal.

Back in 2013, and under previous Administration, Guyana and Trinidad signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), where Guyana committed to making available some 10,000 acres of land for farmers from the twin Island Republic for agricultural purposes.

However, that project is yet to be undertaken by Trinidad, although Guyana has maintained that it remains committed.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Friday, Minister Holder said his Ministry is still waiting to hear from the new Agriculture Minister there. Holder said he understands that the new Government may want to look over some of the projects in the pipeline, and to this he has no objection.

Asked the last time he communicated with officials there, Holder recalled that it was sometime last year.

Trinidad and Tobago’s former Finance Minister

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Larry Howai had announced back in 2013 that Guyana wouldprovide 10,000 acres of land in Berbice for immediate agricultural production and that “a further 90,000 acres of Guyana’s land would also be made available to T&T farmers. The whole idea was that investors in Port of Spain would be invited to farm the lands. Back in December 2014, investors from the twin-island republic visited and had begun screening Guyana’s landscape with particular focus on the Canje Basin and Intermediate Savannahs.

Discussions were then focused on investment incentives in Guyana, foreign agricultural investments here and the Trinidadian company Cooperative Citrus Growers, land avail-

T&T’s Agriculture and Land Resources Minister, Senator Clarence Rambharat

ability, soil types and market trade logistics.

Though no agreement was signed, the Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy had said the discussions had taken the countries one step closer to fulfilling the objective of the MoU, which was designed to facilitate T&T investment in Guyana for agricultural production.

According to him, the next step would have been the presentation of scoping proposals for potential investment even as dialogue continued between the two countries. He had also noted that while certain projects had been identified during another visit, the groups are still to submit their proposals to Guyana’s Government.

Dr Ramsammy and Trinidad’s former Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj had said the programme was developed to address the need to improve food security and reduce the high food import bill of the two countries.

Minister Holder had however said that there seems to be some reluctance on the part of Trinidad and Tobago to take up the offer.

He said Guyana has large areas of land that could be developed and could be leased to investors at a small fee for development.

As such, investors who have the financial capability can lease these large areas of available lands and create the infrastructure at their

own cost. He said an MoU would outline the respective benefits for Guyana as well as the investor.

Ramsammy had said that the investment by T&T farmers in food production in Guyana would have been “a win-win situation, not only for Trinidad and Tobago, but for Guyana and the entire Caribbean.”

He said the provision of arable lands in Guyana is consistent with the “Jagdeo Initiative” which invites Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals to invest in agriculture to ensure food security and reduce the region’s high food import bill.

T&T’s annual food import bill is pegged at US$4

billion. The areas under discussion, Ramsammy said, were for aqua-culture, and the production of rice, vegetables, and livestock.

Trinidad’s annual fish import bill, he said, is in the region of US$100 million.

Apart from the production of rice, he said that one or two T&T investors are also interested in the production of corn and soya as stock for livestock and poultry feeds.

Because the mechanisms were not in place, he said the investments are still pending. If the region can produce its own corn and soya for stock feeds, he said that the price of poultry and livestock will also reduce.

GPF, Suriname law enforcement hold successful talks in Nickerie

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delegation from the Guyana Police Force visited their law enforcement counterparts in Nickerie, Suriname, where a joint meeting was held to discuss several issues with the objective of strengthening relationships between the two countries.

The issues discussed include the sharing of information/intelligence and other assistance regarding organised crimes inclusive of drug and human trafficking, money laundering, as well as piracy.

A number of decisions were taken to enhance collaboration between the two Police organisations, including establishment of points of contact to pursue specific areas; meeting being structured would occur annually, and alternately in the two countries.

Professional exchange to also occur to enhance the relationship and understanding of the laws of the two countries and the procedures of the two organisa-

A delegation from the Guyana Police Force visited their law enforcement counterparts in Nickerie, Suriname, where a joint meeting was held to discuss several issues

tions.

One of the most important objectives achieved was the familiarisation of officers holding key positions since like Guyana, new officers would have been appointed to the Suriname Police Corps.

The Guyana Police Force’s delegation included Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Assistant Commissioner ‘Operations’, Christopher Griffith, Head Criminal

Investigations Department, Wendell Blanhum, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Dale Alves, Head Special Branch, Lindon Denny and Commander B Division Assistant Commissioner, Ian Amsterdam.

The Suriname delegation comprised Commissioner Agnes Daniels and Commander of the Nickerie District Widejai Kumar Oedit along with twelve other senior officers from the Suriname Police Corps.

News

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saturDay, APRIL 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Men’s health Linden women complain of More screening for prostate cancer alleged “Police brutality” needed – public health official Probes

Mothers Karen Crawford (left) and Deborah Graham

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number of Linden mothers are presently seeking justice for their sons who they allege have fallen victims to Police brutality.

The women have also alleged that their sons who are either behind bars or served time already are all wrongfully accused of crimes they know nothing about.

Speaking with the media on Friday, the women, including Karen Crawford, Eva Stephen, Deborah McAlmont, Kayla Mcbean, Deborah Graham and Alison Stephens all related experiences they allegedly encountered with the Police as it relates to their sons’ alleged involvement in crimes.

The issues ranged from Police not finding case jackets during trial to the callous manner they claim they were treated when they make enquiries about their incarcerated offsprings.

According to Crawford, the Police in Linden have incarcerated two of her sons over alleged cultivation of marijuana.

The woman is adamant that her son was cultivating a “food” farm and that marijuana plants obtained by Police are from another farm. She also claimed that her other son was victimised, slapped with five robbery under arm charges, taken to Camp Street prison and beaten, while also maintaining that he is innocent.

Stephen also claimed her son Devon Scott who is presently behind bars for robbery under arms was targeted by Police. While Devon remains behind bars, she said her other son who was also incarcerated for the same offence had the case against him dismissed. She also denies her sons’ involvement.

Meanwhile, McAlmont who worked as a Special Constable said she believes she was recently fired over an alleged incident involving herself, Police and her two sons at their home.

She claims that Police in plainclothes attacked her sons and beat them, while also making unannounced visits to her home and abusing the rest of her family.

She alleged being cuffed in her back by E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) Commander Calvin Brutus and her son Dexter was slapped with six charges.

However, Brutus when contacted said the alleged incident is presently being investigated. McAlmont said her service was terminated on March 26 as a result.

Graham also related that her son has been wrongfully accused of cultivating marijuana and claims he was beaten by Police who she also alleged fired gunshots over his head and submerged his head in water. The incident is alleged to have occurred at Old England.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Stephens whose son Ken Stephens was also charged in relation to the incident. He remains on remand but the woman is adamant there was no marijuana being planted in the area the men were found. Her son was placed on $400,000 bail.

“I don’t even have $400,000”, she lamented.

Speaking with this newspaper afterwards, Commander Brutus noted that a few of the alleged incidents are being investigated by the Office of the President and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Only recently, family of some incarcerated young men in the community staged a protest over alleged Police brutality and excess.

The Commander has however denied the claims, which were also brought against Inspector Singh and Corporal Kendall of the Mackenzie Police Station, noting that in many cases, the men were charged based on advice or the amount of evidence brought against them.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Prime Ministerial Representative Vladimir Glasgow said the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) fully condemns any such behaviour portrayed by Police, noting that it creates hostile tension between them and civilians.

“I had several complaints coming to my office about police brutality and the way Police conduct themselves in the Region… It’s not good for crime solving… the OPM fully condemns any such behaviour pattern by Police and we will look into the matter to make sure that some sort of change can be made to the way in which the Officers conduct their business in the Region”, he stated.

By Shemuel Fanfair

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van as the World Health Organisation has posited that cancer is one of the leading causes of death, many men often neglect the screening process for prostate cancer.

This is according to the Public Health Ministry’s Men’s Health Coordinator, Dr Dennis Bassier who at a recent health fair stated that it is important for men to undergo prostate screening.

It was explained that the Public Health Ministry recently established the Men’s Health unit in order to bring awareness to the issues which affect men so they can make choices to live healthier lives.

“Men’s health is now coming on stream, and one of the main things we face is getting men sensitised on their issues as it relates to their prostate; especially since the prostate is an organ specific to the male population,” expressed Dr Bassier at the Health Fair.

“Prostate cancer is quite prevalent but a lot of men are not getting checked on a regular basis; as you get on in age, it starts to become more important in your life,” he noted.

“Having regular prostate screenings, the rectal exam, your PSA [Prostate-specific antigen] which is a blood test that can be done to alert you whether something is going on with your prostate or not, getting into a healthcare facility and seeing your doctor with relation to your pros-

Dr Dennis Bassier

tate [are] very important,” the doctor stressed. He also explained that the screening process is simple and should not be feared.

“We go in through the rectum with a little glove and lubricated finger of course and the doctor feels your prostate to figure out if it’s enlarged, if it has any nodules, if its irregularly shaped - from that you can have an idea if something is wrong with the prostate,” he posited. It has been said that some males find the examination uneasy; however the Men’s Health coordinator emphasised that it is in the best interest of men to get screened. “That’s in your own best interest, because the blood test does not tell you if you have prostate cancer; there’s the ultra-sound that can be done but that does not tell you if you have prostate cancer; you can get to the “fine needle” which is ultimate to figure out whether your cells

are cancerous or not,” he posited.

The doctor explained that men from about 40 years old should have a prostate exam done yearly and noted that hereditary issues suggests that you start screening earlier because “you are at a greater disposition of being affected by prostate cancer”.

Dr Bassier said this test can be done at health facilities, health posts and hospitals as well. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, which can invade and spread to distant sites of the body and can have severe health consequences.

More than 30 per cent of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors. Early detection and diagnosis, and effective treatment help to increase cancer survival rates and reduce suffering.

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Protest “staged” in favour of Aunty Volda

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uring a peaceful miniprotest staged in front of Office of the President, a few women joined arms to clash with Red Thread’s calls to have Minister Lawrence demit from office.

The women indicated that their presence there was not as a group but rather as concerned citizens advocating for the government, saying they believe the minister is being wilfully targeted.

They cited that they are angered by the recent criticisms that the minister had been tormented by persons in the public domain.

Holding their placards high, the women paraded in front of the office demanding that Red Thread withdraw its accusations and allow the minister to function without interference.

One of the protestors Karen Reece told Guyana Times that in light of the allegations laid out against the minister, a few women who are pro-Lawrence had initiated the protest to voice their support.

The woman pointed out that Lawrence has been faithfully and efficiently executing her duties since taking up office; and as such they considered the actions of the social groups protesting against her as unjust.

The mini protest staged in front of the Office of the President

“They are making negative and scandalous allegations against the minister and we want them to halt this. The minister does not deserve this blasphemy.”

Making reference, she said Lawrence is generally well known to the public as one of the humanitarians who hold the best interest of children, elders, disabled and youths at heart, despite ethnicity, religion or social background.

“We love our government and appreciate the job that they do. The public should just work with them to fix this place and offer full support.” another protestor

said.

Meanwhile another protestor Roxanna Prescott, said she holds the belief the minister serves her duties excellently and should rather be lauded than criticised.

The elderly woman said the minster has succeeded in securing a raise in pensioner’s benefits and this alone proves that she ‘has a good heart’.

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence had come under the spotlight sometime last month after she was widely criticised for her comments on the Winston Harding case of alleged child molestation.

Lawrence had issued a comment stating that, “this is a family issue that has been going on and on and on and on for whatever reason, I can’t tell you because if I had a brother, even if there was an accusation, this is not how I would go about helping him.”

The minister’s comment had been on the front burner for local media after interest groups including Red Thread, women of Help and Shelter, the Grass Root Women Across Race, Guyana Trans United and other concerned individuals started to stage protests.

The groups over the weeks have been strong in their demand for the removal Lawrence from her ministerial position, indicating that they would not cease the protests unless this is done by government.

Harding who at the time was competing the Local Government Elections under the APNU/AFC had been detached from the government as they withdrew its support of his candidacy.

Nonetheless Harding had gone ahead in competing in the elections and was elected councillor of the East and West Ruimveldt districts.

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saturDay, april 9, 2016

News

Former High Commissioner Doctors, Nurses to be sues Govt for $49.2M Poor Maternity Ward accommodation conditions

disciplined – Public Health Minister

of the patients could have been transferred to other hospitals so as to ease the situation.

Measures being put in place

Mothers sharing a bed at a medical facility

By Ahreefa Bacchus

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everal doctors and nurses of the Georgetown Public Hospital will be facing disciplinary actions soon, after it was revealed that due to overcrowding in the maternity ward, mothers and pregnant women are sharing beds, while some were even forced to sleep in chairs.

This is according to Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton who revealed that hospital officials were unaware of how dire the situation had become.

The issue was once again brought to the public’s attention after a photograph of a mother and her baby sleeping under a bed in the ward was circulated on social media and online news.

As such, persons made a cry for the matter to be investigated and for attention to be placed on the institution.

A visit to the maternity ward on Thursday revealed that the allegations of vast overcrowding were true. The Georgetown Public Hospital is responsible for over 60 per cent of babies born in Guyana, yet the new mothers had no other alternative but to share beds – the result of which leads to some mothers taking to the chairs in search of better accommodation.

When Guyana Times visited the maternity ward, some mothers complained of restless nights of being unable to sleep due to the fact that it was practically impossible to have a good night’s rest when they, just out of the delivery room, have to sleep with their new-born baby. These new mothers also expressed their concerns about the manner in which the nurses carry out their duties, describing it as a “don’t care” attitude.

Additionally, mothers recalled instances where as much as three babies shared one incubator.

In a telephone interview with this publication, Minister Norton related

that there is no denying that the ward is plagued by overcrowding; however, he stated that the situation should not have been allowed to escalate so far where mothers were forced to sleep on chairs and on the floor.

As such, he stated that an investigation will be launched, and those found to be responsible will be held accountable and face disciplinary action.

“We never denied that there was overcrowding. The issue for us is why should those in charge, whether it is the doctors, whether it be the nurse, allow a mother to put a sheet under a bed, take her baby and go and lie there? Why did they allow that to happen in the first instance? That should not be. While this was going on, they never even informed the authorities.

It wasn’t until after the photo was circulated on the media that I was made aware of the situation. The CEO of the Georgetown Public Hospital did not know of this? The Head of the Department of Maternity did not know of this?” he quizzed.

He continued, “The Chief Medical Officer didn’t know of this, yet we find that the doctors from the Maternal and Child Health Unit knew of it, we found that doctors from Pediatric Unit knew of it but they didn’t say anything to us. So we’re going to investigate, we are going to find out as to why is it that they allowed this to happen.

Even the nurses that run the ward, we think, should be blamed for allowing this situation. And we will do everything possible, including disciplinary actions, to avoid this from occurring again because it is highly scandalous. Somebody had to allow this to happen and this may not have been the first time,” he stated.

The Minister stated that there were solutions to the overcrowding that would have been effective. For instance, he related that some

Norton explained that currently, measures are being put in place to increase the capacity of the maternity ward, as well as to curb overcrowding.

“When myself and Mr Granger made our Christmas visit there, Mr Granger saw the situation and we did make that promise to the staff that they would get better working conditions and that we would improve the conditions under which the mothers are giving birth.

Immediately, we looked for solutions to the problem and we looked at the short-term and the long-term necessity,” he remarked.

The Minister said in the short-term, they had decided to look around to see other health institutions that can take off some of the patients from the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He said that they found a place at the West Demerara Regional Hospital where a post natal ward was created with 15 beds, professionally pained with air conditioners, and a five unit incubator room functioning well.

“And we went further and looked at Diamond Diagnostic Centre which couldn’t really help the situation but at Leonora, we found that a maternity section was abandoned by the previous regime, and we decided to refurbish it and renovate it, and to create a 20 bed prenatal and 20 bed post-natal unit with operating facilities, birthing rooms and hematology unit. We thought that we might have been able to have that part completed by now but because of budget constraints, we still haven’t gotten that completed. We will be having that completed shortly, at least before July,” he stated.

Norton further added that the new 50 bed extension of the maternity ward at the GPHC is expected to be commissioned by early May, which is expected to improve the situation.

“On the long-term basis, we’re looking at three regional hospitals to renovate and repair, that is the Bartica Hospital, the Suddie Hospital and the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where operating facilities will be put in place, hematology units would be put in place, maternity wards will be refurbished and so on, and that we hope will solve the situation that we have at GPHC of overcrowding,” he explained.

... says deprived of benefits, wrongfully dismissed

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ormer Guyana High Commissioner to Canada, Harry Narine Nawbatt, has filed a lawsuit against the Guyana Government seeking damages in excess of $50 million over the premature termination of his one-year contract.

The legal action was filed Friday by Attorney Anil Nandlall on behalf of Nawbatt the plaintiff. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams is named the defendant in the proceedings.

According to the court documents, Nawbatt is claiming from the defendant “damages in excess of $25,000,000 for breach of contract of employment; special damages in the sum of $24,295,100 interest; costs; (and) such further or other reliefs as the Court may deem just”.

Nawbatt pointed out that in February last year, he was “engaged” by Government and signed a contract of employment to perform the duties and functions of High Commissioner of the Republic of Guyana to Canada effective from February 10, 2015 to February 9, 2016. He said the contact included a monthly salary of $773,801 “subject to certain terms and conditions set out in a Schedule attached to the said agreement and which formed part of the said agreement”.

The 17-point “terms and conditions” were outlined in the legal documents. They speak to the station allowances, accommodation, return

Former Guyanese High Commissioner to Canada Harry Narine Nawbatt

air-passages, leave and allowances, gratuity and termination clauses.

According to the former High Commissioner, on June 8, 2015, he received a letter from Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell, in which she “wrongfully and in repudiatory breach of the said agreement purported to terminate the Plaintiff’s employment and wrongfully dismissed the Plaintiff”.

In the letter, which was attached, Waddell said “I have been directed to inform you that your appointment as High Commissioner of Guyana to Canada will end on August 31, 2015 at which time you will be reposted to Guyana. Accordingly you are hereby asked to finalize all the necessary arrangements relating to the conclusion of your post and departure.

Please note that all benefits accruable at post will end on August 31, 2015.”

The Direct General had also asked Nawbatt to submit invoices/estimates, so that the necessary funds could be remitted to facilitate your departure, with respect to: a one-way Business Class airfare from post to Georgetown for yourself, wife and children; excess baggage not exceeding 30 kilos for yourself and each accompanying family member; and packing, crating, shipping and insurance costs for personal and household effects to the volume of one 20 foot container and two motor cars.

As such, the former Guyanese High Commissioner to Canada explained in the court documents that he suffered losses and damages totalling $24,295,104.

According to the detailed breakdown of the “losses” incurred: $4,306,202 was for salary; $5,971,808 for gratuity; $4,062,455 for 158 days leave; station allowance of $4,889,250; businessclass return air-passages for three persons amounting to $1,046,976; and personal effects of $13,735 among a few others listed.

The document also states that Nawbatt made numerous demands from Government for payment but they were all futile. Former High Commissioner Nawbatt has since been replaced by the Coalition-led Government with former Deputy Speaker Clarissa Riehl.

West Berbice villagers allegedly blocking farmer from accessing land

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Angry villagers blocking the entrance to the farm lands at Ithaca

West Berbice farmer is accusing members of Ithaca Village of not only destroying her farm, but not allowing her access to the farm and machinery on it.

She is also accusing the Police of not investigating her claims of damage to property.

Ruth Semple, who cultivates close to 500 acres of cash crops, says on April 1, a group of villagers went to her farm and destroyed the fence before cutting down most of the plants, some of which were bearing.

When the Police visited the scene, Semple alleged that they were threatened by some of the villagers who claim that the land on which Semple is planting is ancestral land.

Semple does not disagree but says her husband’s grandparents once planted the land.

The angry villagers, some

armed with sticks and cutlasses, assembled at the entrance to the farm, saying they were not allowing access to Semple.

The Police had initially said that since the land was disputed and no party had presented documents to claim ownership, they were not getting involved.

However, last Saturday, when threats were being made, the Police were informed and went to the area to engage the residents.

One of the villagers is claiming that they had coconut trees planted on the land and one year ago when Semple took possession she destroyed all of the coconut trees. A source close to the Police says that allegation was never reported. The villagers say none of Semple’s foreparents planted the land

and rice was never planted on the land as claimed by the farmer.

According to Semple, the Police have refused to assist her to be able to get to the farm so that she can assess her damages and are also not treating her claims of damage to property with any seriousness.

Commander of B Division (Berbice) Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam says the land dispute issue is already engaging the attention of the courts and as a result, the Police does not want to be viewed as taking sides.

The villagers say all they want is for Semple to remove from the disputed land. They say they will continue to refuse to allow her to go to the farm. Semple has two tractors left at the farm and other equipment.

saturDAY, april 9, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

Paris attacks: Key suspect Caricom concerned about haven” label in wake Abrini arrested in Brussels “tax of Panama Papers leak

T

he key remaining suspect in November’s Paris terror attacks, Mohamed Abrini, has been arrested in Belgium, prosecutors have confirmed.

Belgian media say Abrini is also likely to be the “man in the hat” seen on CCTV before bomb blasts in the Brussels airport departure hall on March 22.

Five arrests were made on Friday. One suspect, Osama K, will be investigated over the bomb attack on the metro that followed the airport bombing.

The two attacks left 32 people dead. The gun and bomb attacks in Paris on 13 November killed 130

Abrini was captured on CCTV (R) at a service station at Ressons in northern France while driving a car with Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam

people. Amateur footage said to be of Abrini’s arrest shows a man being bundled into a car in Place Albert in the Anderlecht district of

Brussels.

Abrini had not been directly linked to the Brussels attacks until today.

Belgian investigators con-

firmed at a press conference that Abrini was among those detained. Two more suspects were arrested with him.

They said the fourth arrested man, named as Osama K, was being investigated for helping suicide bomber Khalid el-Bakraoui at the Maelbeek metro station.

The prosecutor’s office said he had been filmed in Brussels buying sports bags used to hide the airport and metro station bombs. The authorities had on Thursday released new video footage of the so-called “man in the hat”, appealing for the public’s help in finding him.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

‘Sludge’ can help China curb emissions and power cities, says think tank

C

hina can cut its greenhouse gas emissions and generate electricity by treating the 30 million tonnes of sludge its wastewater plants produce each year, the think tank World Resources Institute (WRI) said.

If just 10 per cent of the sludge was treated in bioenergy plants instead of being trucked to landfills, China’s carbon emissions would

be reduced by 380 million tonnes per year, roughly the equivalent Ukraine’s emissions, WRI experts said.

Bioenergy – or sludge-topower – plants convert organic matter left over from treated sewage into electricity by heating the solid waste and using microbes to digest it.

This process produces methane which then can be burnt to generate pow-

Italy recalls ambassador from Egypt for talks about death of student

I

taly has recalled its Ambassador to Cairo in protest at the lack of progress in the investigation by Egyptian authorities into the torture and murder of Giulio Regeni, an Italian student whose highprofile case has raised diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, ordered Maurizio Massari to return to Italy, following two days of talks in Rome between Egyptian investigators and their Italian counterparts.

“Urgent decisions are needed on the most proper actions,” said a statement issued by the Ministry on Friday. Massari will return

to Rome for consultation and to discuss the way forward “to ascertain the truth about the barbaric murder of Giulio Regeni”, the statement said.

Regeni’s body was found on a Cairo roadside on February 3. A PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge, Regeni, 28, was working on labour unions when he disappeared on the January 25 anniversary of the Egyptian uprising.

Egyptian officials initially said he may have been killed in a traffic accident but autopsies carried out in Cairo and Rome showed Regeni had suffered extensive and prolonged torture before his death. (Excerpt from The

Guardian)

er, while sterilised leftover solid waste can be used as fertiliser or to grow potted trees to restore landscapes and improve air quality.

“You can treat it as normal waste (or) can use technology to produce methane.

Once you capture methane, you reduce emissions released into the air,” Lijin Zhong, senior associate and water lead at WRI China office, told the Thomson

Reuters Foundation.

“At the same time you still have the extra bio gas which you can use for vehicles, heating systems or power generation,” she said by phone from Beijing on Friday.

China formally committed to halting the rise in its greenhouse gas emissions within the next 15 years in June 2015, saying they would peak by around 2030.

T

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) has expressed concern that the “tax havens” label is again being attached to the financial services centres in member states, following the leak of the so-called Panama Papers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Caricom said the loose use of the designation ignores the reality that the regulation of this sector in the Region is fully compliant with international standards.

It stressed that all Caricom Member States and Associate Members are committed to, and are in compliance with, the international certification process of the IMF/World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP), the Global Forum of the Organisation for

Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Financial Action Task Force and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

“Bilateral commitments have also been made under the United States implementation regime for the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA),” it added.

The Panama Papers are a leaked set of 11.5 million confidential documents that provide detailed information about more than 214,000 offshore companies across the world, including in the Caribbean, listed by Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.

The documents show how some wealthy individuals, including public officials, have hidden their money to avoid paying taxes. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

India Shani temple to allow women worshippers

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Race for run-off spot heats up ahead of Peru election

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he race for second place in the first round of Peru’s presidential election on Sunday was still wide open on Friday, with polls split over who would earn the chance to face long-time front-runner Keiko Fujimori in an expected run-off.

A survey by GfK, presented to foreign journalists, showed Wall Street favourite Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in second place with 20.8 per cent of valid votes, ahead of leftist Veronika Mendoza who had 16.5 per cent, spurring a slight recovery in markets.

The pollster said the survey had a margin of error of 2.3 percentage points up or down, meaning the runner-

up position is still locked in a technical tie.

Kuczynski, a 77-yearold son of European immigrants who had struggled to gain traction with poor rural voters in the last election, closed his campaign in the Andean city of Cuzco on Thursday night, fighting the cold with a hat sporting the rainbow colours of the Incan empire.

Fujimori, the daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori, had 40.7 per cent of votes in the GfK poll, still short of the 50 per cent she needs to ensure an outright victory. Her support has slipped since tens of thousands protested against her earlier this week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The Shani Singhnapur temple has barred women from the inner sanctum for centuries

A

uthorities of a Hindu shrine in India’s western Maharashtra state have decided to allow female worshippers enter the inner sanctum, reports say.

This followed weeks of protests by women’s activists demanding entry to the Shani Shingnapur temple.

The temple has for centuries been open only to men, one of the few in India to preserve the tradition. Last month the Bombay High court affirmed the right of women to enter and pray in-

side all temples.

The NDTV news channel reported that officials of the temple said that women would now “neither be encouraged nor stopped” from entering, effectively lifting the ban.

Several temples in India preserve the tradition of barring entry to women.

However, the Bombay high court ruled that women have a fundamental right to enter temples, and said those trying to prevent them would be handed a sixmonth jail term.(BBC News)

NASA: Global warming is now changing how Earth wobbles

G

lobal warming is shifting the way the Earth wobbles on its polar axis, a new NASA study finds.

Melting ice sheets – especially in Greenland – are changing the distribution of weight on Earth. And that has caused both the North Pole and the wobble, which is called polar motion, to change course, according to a study pub-

lished Friday in the journal Science Advances.

Scientists and navigators have been accurately measuring the true pole and polar motion since 1899 and for almost the entire 20th century they migrated a bit toward Canada. But that has changed with this century and now it’s moving toward England, said study lead author Surendra

Adhikari at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. Since 2003, Greenland has lost on average more than 600 trillion pounds of ice a year and that affects the way the Earth wobbles in a manner similar to a figure skater lifting one leg while spinning, said NASA scientist Eirk Ivins, the study’s co-author.

Ivins said he likes to think of it as a billion

trucks each year dumping ice out of Greenland.

On top of that, West Antarctica loses 275 trillion pounds of ice and East Antarctica gains about 165 trillion pounds of ice yearly, helping tilt the wobble further, Ivins said.

They all combine to pull polar motion toward the east, Adhikari said.

While scientists say the shift is harmless, it is meaningful

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

16 NEWS

saturDAY, april 9, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Kaieteur News lied about GPHC receives 5 new patient monitors $1B Haags Bosch landfill settlement – AG

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin shaking hands with Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings after handing over the five patient monitors Basil Williams

Brian Tiwarie

Norman Whittaker

he Attorney General Chambers on Thursday denied reports that it has hammered out a $1 billion settlement with construction conglomerate BK International and the Guyana Government after the Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang reversed a decision to terminate his contract to manage the Haag Bosch Landfill Site, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Local tabloid Kaieteur News in its Thursday, April 8, 2016 edition carried an article captioned; “Haags Bosch dumpsite controversy,

at a standstill, and, the stench and smoke from fires on the dumpsite were affecting the surrounding communities,” the statement explained.

It added that in the course of talks permission was sought from Cabinet and granted to negotiate a settlement with a view to ending the contractual relationship with Brian Tiwarie, and having his company exit the dumpsite.

“Negotiations have commenced and are not yet complete. Moreover, any proposed settlement would have to return to Cabinet for approval,” it stated.

The AG Chambers said based on these facts, it is evident the said articles are “erroneous, malicious and vexatious and designed to sully the good name of the Attorney-General, his officers, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Government of Guyana.

The AG Chambers wants the tabloid to apologise.

Meanwhile, when contacted by Guyana Times on Friday, Tiwarie confirmed the negotiations, but said he has not received any documentations regarding a settlement thus far.

Back in 2009 the Government of Guyana entered a contractual agreement to design, execute, complete, operate and maintain the Haags Bosch Landfill at a cost of some US$7,729,822.50.

However, because the

project was being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the international funding Agency had some requirements that needed to be filled, but was not seeing this in the work executed by the company.

It is reported that the sanitary landfill which was initially designed to facilitate 6000 tonnes of solid waste per month was processing in excess of 10,000 tonnes per month, while its construction was still a work in progress.

Intended to last for 26 years, the rate of usage at the facility had projected a significantly reduced lifespan.

The landfill is expected to facilitate garbage disposal from Georgetown and some 15 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

T

BK gets $1 billion settlement with Govt

However, in a statement, the AG Cambers dismissed the report as “erroneous, malicious and vexatious” and is demanding an apology from the news outfit.

It said after then Justice Chang ruled that the February 27, 2015 termination of the contract was not correctly done, the APNU/AFC government on December 30, 2015, caused a Notice of Appeal and an Application for a Stay to be filed against the said decision.

“Talks were entered into with the Hon Minister of Communities and his team, Brian Tiwarie and his team and the Hon AttorneyGeneral and his team, with a view to resolving this matter since the work on the Haags Bosch Dumpsite was

Lindener pleads guilty to possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition

J

unior Melville, 29, of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden, was remanded to prison on Wednesday by Magistrate Clive Nurse after pleading guilty to having unlicensed firearms and ammunition in his possession.

The court heard that Melville was intercepted at a Police road block on August 1, 2015 at Old England (Upper DemeraraBerbice), where it was dis-

covered that he had a quantity of cash and 2 unlicensed firearms, a .38 and a .32 revolver and ammunition.

He was subsequently arrested after being told of the offences.

Melville who had initially pleaded not guilty, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to all three charges and was remanded to prison.

The matter was adjourned to April 19.

By: Kizzy Coleman

T

he Republic of China in an effort to strengthen its relationship with Guyana on Friday donated five patient monitors to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

At the handing over ceremony saw attendance of the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings, acting CEO of GPHC Alan Johnson, Shen Zi Yung Conciliate of the Chinese Embassy and Dr Wang Yongxiang head of the Chinese Medical Team in Guyana.

The monitors valued $3,450,000 each are geared towards enhancing services provided at the hospital.

They are to be used in the Intensive Care Unit as well as Recovery Room of the main Operation Theatre.

This donation is just

one of the many donations made by China since the start of the Government to Government collaboration with Guyana.

Speaking at the ceremony, Johnson thanked the Chinese Government for the ‘gifts’ which he noted has been ongoing since the arrival of the Chinese Medical Team.

He noted that it is a requirement for each patient to have a patient monitor at their bedside but added ‘in a poor developing country this is not the case.’

He expressed appreciation on behalf of all the patients that will benefit from the new donation.

“It is not the money value of the monitors that is special but it’s what they will achieve in terms of letting patients know what is really happening in their bodies”.

In delivering remarks, the Chinese Ambassador underscored all that China has already done for Guyana

highlighting that there are more to come.

Thus far, 11 teams of medical professionals have been sent to Guyana from China, more than ten Chinese Government scholarships to study medicine have been awarded and 17 Guyanese students are currently studying medicine in China.

Dr Cummings stated that the donations add further to the many years of invaluable assistance China has been providing Guyana: “Guyanese have received from china scholarships for local doctors, regular dispatching of medical brigades comprising of highly skilled specialists in various fields of medicine, thus far 11 groups of medical teams have been dispatched to Guyana and the medical brigade continues to provide quality service to Guyanese.”

She explained that the presence of the Chinese in Guyana have significantly helped the country to cope with the growing demand for specialists and medical services which we did not have.

“The medical experts imparted to the young Guyanese doctors and their continuous capacity building of the local medical professionals has been invaluable”.

She concluded: “The Guyana Government is eternally grateful for all of your support and we at the Ministry of Public Health are very enthusiastic about this donation which will no doubt improve the services at GPHC.”

Chopping to death of Mahaica farmer ... defendant to know fate on Monday

D

hanpaul Singh of Helena Number Two, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, also called “Tailor Man”, who is currently on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed 12-member jury for allegedly murdering a Mahaica farmer, is scheduled to know his fate on Monday when the jury will deliver their verdict.

The trial commenced on Wednesday and both the prosecution and defence closed their cases on Friday.

The murder charge for which Singh is on trial reads that on September 2, 2014, at Helena Number Two, he murdered Balkissoon, also known as “Balkay”. The defendant is being represented by Attorney Madan Kissoon while the State is being represented by Attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Shawnette Austin.

During the Preliminary Inquiry at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, it was revealed that Singh, a known drug addict, reportedly confessed to chopping the 52-year-old farmer of Lot 107 Helena Number Two to his neck.

The man succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident.

Investigators thought that it was premeditated murder, since earlier in the day, the farmer warned the suspect to leave his premises. Singh reportedly left but staked out the man’s farm.

Balkissoon later reportedly left for lunch and it was while he was on his way back to the farm, he was attacked and killed. Moments before the

Murdered: Balkissoon, also known as “Balkay”

chopping incident, the suspect was also chased from another farm. On Thursday, two Police witnesses gave their testimonies at the High Court, but it was on Thursday that the key witness testified to seeing the entire ordeal.

Satesh Ramdhani, a friend of the victim’s son, related that on the day of the incident, he was on the farm where the chopping incident took place. He gave a detailed account of

what transpired. Additionally, the dead man’s sons, Ravi and Hemchand Balkissoon gave testimony along with three Police Witnesses.

On Thursday, the defence presented and closed their case. The defendant, in his statement said “He fire a chop on me and I fire one back on he,” while maintain that it was done in self defence. Attorney Madan Kissoon, in his closing address to the jury pointed out several inconsistencies in witnesses’ testimonies. He suggested that the dead man’s sons and the eyewitness corroborated their stories so as to exact revenge on the defendant.

He also stated that his client acted in self defence after he was attacked by Balkissoon.

However, Prosecutor Dhurjon refuted this, saying that the Defence Counsel was pointing out these alleged inconsistencies to distract the jury from the heart of the matter; that is, Singh brutally murdered Balkissoon.

He reflected to the defendant’s statement where he said he and Balkissoon never had any disputes or altercation, but that on that day he was acting in self defence after the now dead man attacked him. He urged the Jury to analyse the case as well as the evidence properly before coming to a conclusion.

The matter will be summed up on Monday morning, and the verdict is expected to be delivered.

news

17

saturDay, april 9, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Parliament to become more effective – as CPA trains clerks, committee chairs, parliamentarians

P

arliamentarians, Committee chairpersons and clerks at the Parliament office of Guyana are now equipped to make the operations of the Parliament more effective after a just concluded threeday extensive training conducted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

The workshop covered the functions of committees, policy-making, development of legislation and overall international best practices guiding the operations of Parliaments.

Chairperson of the CPA, Yasmin Ratansi told the Government Information Agency, (GINA) that the exchange of ideas was to chart the way forward for Guyana’s Parliament.

“We would like to ensure that as we exchange ideas, the good points are brought together,” she said. In so doing, Parliamentarians’ responsibility to their constituency is strengthened, Ratansi added.

The CPA Chairperson believes that Guyanese Parliamentarians are capable of addressing the issues affecting the country’s peoples. This, she said,

Members of Parliament in chambers

impressed her team.

“The Guyanese people have a lot of experience, a lot of intelligence and they can find solutions to all the problems… they gave us the solutions and what we can do is give you additional tools for best practices and together, because Parliament is such an evolving process, we hope we can work and

build a better future for everyone.”

The CPA will continue to give guidance to the process. The association and the Parliament of Guyana have over the years conducted several training programmes with parliamentarians and staff of the parliament office to build capacity in keeping with international best practices.

4G expected before May 26 – Minister Hughes

T

he Ministry of Telecommunications and the Guyana Telephone and telegraph (GTT) have struck a deal which could see Guyanese enjoy Fourth Generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile telecommunications technology as well as more mobile hotspots in the capital, Georgetown, in time for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence This announcement was made by Minister of Communications, Catherine Hughes on Friday when she noted that the Government and GTT partnered to ensure that the plans are rolled out in time for the Jubilee, even as the administration hastens plans to table and have passed in the National Assembly, the long overdue Telecommunications Bill in the National Assembly, which will pave the way for the 4G. “In my discussions with

The bill was before a Parliamentary Special Select Committee during the Tenth Parliament up until its prorogation back in 2014.

Hughes said she is now hopeful that the bill can be tabled in the National Assembly soon as is and be passed so that the decade old monopoly in the sector can be broken.

Meanwhile, the Telecoms Minister also hailed the long-standing relationship between GTT and the government in advancing the local telecommunications landscape.

“GTT has been a very strong supporter and partner in the development in our telecommunications industry and therefore we are committed to ensuring that the negotiations that we hope to enter into soon with GTT proceeds in a manner that is beneficial to both parties,” She stated.

4G is the shortened name

NAREI to push restoration of natural coastline barrier

S

everal projects will be undertaken by the National Research Agricultural and Extension Institute (NAREI), this year that will boost infrastructure to prevent flooding.

The institute’s Mangrove Restoration Project received a $25M boost from the government in the 2016 National Budget. This money will be expended on the restoration and management of natural coastline barriers.

NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Oudho Homenauth, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that this money will fund the construction of a sea defence structure at Lusignan, East

Coast Demerara along with the expansion of the existing structure at Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast by an additional 100 metres.

He added that NAREI has also received money from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that will be used “to do some work on the East Coast of Demerara coastlines, along with the planting of mangrove trees to strengthen sea defence.”

The tenders for these projects will soon be advertised, and works will commence shortly thereafter.

The Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project is funded through a partnership between the Government and the European Union (EU). The project which commenced in February

2010 is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through NAREI. The project not only focuses on the planting of mangrove trees, but seeks the commitment of citizens towards the protection and development of sustainable mangrove forests. This has seen the establishment of various flood risk prevention infrastructure.

NAREI’s CEO explained that, “we would have established different types of groynes, you have the geotextile tubes, you have the rubble mount at Mon Repos and Cane Garden, we have brush wood dams…at Buxton and Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast.”

Areas including Chateau Margot, Victoria, Buxton,

and Hope on the East Coast Demerara, along with Number 47 village, West Berbice, and Leguan, and several villages along the Essequibo Coast have benefited from improved sea defence under this project.

“Before in these villages, you would have seen them without mangroves, now people are telling me we have planted too many mangroves,” Dr. Homenauth noted.

The project has contributed significantly to flood risk management along the country’s coastland, by targeting areas for administrative and capacity development, research, community development, mangrove restoration, monitoring and awareness and education.

New Amsterdam man slapped with 2 charges

A

New Amsterdam man, who has been convicted of breaking into homes on several previous occasions, was on Friday granted bail in the sum of $200,000 when he appeared on two charges. The accused has accused police of beating him.

Jamal Monroe, 24, of Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Friday to answer two charges and was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 on each charge.

It is alleged that on March 21 at Nicolay Street, NA, while being in the company on another, he robbed Lloyd Butchnie of one gold chain valued $14,000, one Samsung cellular phone valued $45,000 and $12,000 cash.

It is also alleged that on March 31 he broke and entered the dwelling home

The accused Jamal Monroe being led away from court

of Errica Hope. According to the police, on that evening the accused broke into Hope’s home and stole two lap top computers valued $220,000, one DVD player valued $11,000 and two cellular phones valued $64,000.

Monroe told the court that he was at Nicolay Street when Butchnie came up to him and told him that he was robbed. He said a police officer later arrived on the scene and told him that he was

close by so it could have been him who committed the robbery.

He said the following day officers visited his home and told his mother that he was wanted for robbery.

He said on Tuesday a police officer saw him on the road and arrested him and he was beaten by four police officers when taken to the station.

Monroe showed the court a bandage on one finger,

marks on his buttocks and back and what appeared to be an old wound on his head, saying these were as a result of the beating.

The Magistrate said she had received several reports of a similar nature and granted Monroe bail but said she will not ask him to report to the police station.

Monroe also has two other matters pending before the same magistrate.

He was also slapped with a charge for the use of threatening language. On February 24, he used threatening language to Lancelot Bennett.

Monroe pleaded guilty to the charge and told the court he had an explanation.

However Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus said he will be allowed to give his explanation when he returns to court.

He was placed on $5000 bail on that charge.

He will have to return to court on April 13.

Minister of Communications, Catherine Hughes

the telephone companies, we are looking at other avenues where we want to ensure that we create easier access through at least hotspots at key areas. So I know they are looking at creating easier and faster internet access in the environment of the stadium,” Hughes told journalists.

Hughes said that she was disappointed when she assumed office, Guyana was still operating on a 2G platform.

She said that discussion are ongoing with both GTT and Digicel to ensure highspeed mobile connectivity for the Jubilee celebrations.

“I am in contact on a weekly basis with management of both Digicel and GTT and I am hoping that we can “turn it up” before the celebration but at this point and time as you can imagine it is a detailed and extensive process,” the Telecoms Minister stated.

Telecommunications Bill

Minister Hughes reiterated her government’s position to have the National Assembly pass the Telecommunications Bill, which is expected to break the monopoly enjoyed by GTT in the local telecommunications sector.

given to the fourth generation of mobile networks, just as the previous generation is called 3G. 4G LTE aims to offer users faster, more reliable mobile broadband internet for devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops.

A 4G network theoretically will have a higher data transfer rate. With the appropriate amount of spectrum and good network engineering, a LTE-based network has the potential to reach 100 Mbps, while a WiMAX network can top out at 70 Mbps.

The 4G wireless network is said to be a pure data connection; that is, it is an endto-end Internet Protocol connection. This provides some real advantages, but also some disadvantages. On the one hand, a smartphone simply becomes another data device whose native mode is as an Internet-enabled terminal and that can be managed as such.

On the other hand, services such as voice require some additional machinations to support effectively.

Since voice is not intrinsically data-centric and must be converted to data before it can be transferred, voicecapable LTE handsets have been slow in coming.

18

guyana-timesgy.com

saturday, April 8, 2016

ARCHIE

Plan a vacation, spiritual journey or educational pur(March 21- suit. The information you April 19) gather will give you the incentive you need to tidy up any loose ends. Romance will lead to an interesting discussion.

ARIES

Keep your thoughts to TAURUS yourself. It’s important to size (April 20- up situations before you make May 20) a commitment. Being a good listener will give you an advantage when dealing with others.

dilbert

Take on a new hobby, GEMINI (May 21- friendship or project. Your inJune 20) put at group meetings will be your best calling card when you are looking for support, advancement or an influential connection.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Not everyone will be as accommodating as you. Don’t let the actions of others influence your train of thought or the plans you’ve made. Make positive changes at home.

You’ll thrive on change, LEO excitement and adventure.

(July 23Your fun-loving attitude will Aug. 22) attract someone equally playful, but could cause concern for someone more reserved with jealous tendencies.

Explore new interests and VIRGO get involved in discussions (Aug. 23that will add to your knowlSept. 22) edge and insight. Express your thoughts and make new connections. A short trip will prove entertaining.

Calvin and Hobbes

Relationships must be LIBRA (Sept. 23- handled with care. Listen Oct. 23) to what others have to say.

Making assumptions will leave you in a vulnerable position. Don’t let love cloud your vision.

SUDOKU

Make a point to do someSAGITTARIUS thing that lifts your spirits (Nov. 23- or makes you feel healthy, Dec. 21) strong and confident that you look your best. Romance will brighten your day and improve your personal life.

TODAY’S WORD – PEONIES (PEONIES: PEE-uh-nees: A variety of plants with large, variously coloured flowers.)

Average mark 16 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 23 or more words in PEONIES? The list will be published tomorrow.

THURSDAY’S WORD – SIGNAL

sail sang sign sing slag slain

slang sling snag snail gain nail

align anil lain lasing ling

Use your imagination SCORPIO when dealing with domestic (Oct. 24concerns or changes. Sticking Nov. 22) to a budget will be easy if you put your knowledge, skills and innovative ideas to the test.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Taking a risk is a bad CAPRICORN idea. You are best off stick(Dec. 22- ing close to home, nurturing Jan. 19) important relationships and improving your surroundings. Avoid unpredictable situations and people trying to pressure you.

Consider what you have AQUARIUS done in the past that has (Jan. 20worked, and revise your stratFeb. 19) egy to fit your current situation. You are overdue for a change. Make romance a priority.

Stick to your plan and look PISCES (Feb. 20- for an opportunity to join forcMarch 20) es with someone who shares your sentiments. A concerted effort will lead to a relationship with plenty of potential to achieve prosperity.

saturDAY, aPRIL 9, 2016

McIlroy makes 2nd round charge at Masters

M

Rory McIlroy

asters champion Jordan Spieth was again threatening to run away with the Green Jacket on Friday until Rory McIlroy mounted a rousing second-round charge after the turn at a gusty Augusta National.

With a win and a runnerup finish in two Masters, Spieth’s name has become an almost permanent fixture atop the Augusta leaderboard and that trend continued as the 22-year-old refused to be blown from his perch by baffling winds as he wobbled through the turn with a two-shot lead.

But Spieth, who at one point on his outward nine led by five, was looking over his shoulder at the hard-charging McIlroy, who had three birdies on his final six holes for a one-under 71 to put his bid for a career grand slam back on track.

Spieth had slept on a two-shot overnight cushion and by the time he stepped onto the first tee to start his second round had seen his advantage grow to three with none of the early starters able to mount a serious challenge on another sunny, gusty day.

The world number two went quickly to work, drawing a huge roar from the large gallery tracking him when he rolled in a 14-foot birdie putt at the first to get to seven-under and put even more pressure on the chasing pack.

Spieth continued to pull away with an easy birdie at the third after a pinpoint approach left him a two-footer to get to eight-under.

But danger lurks everywhere at Augusta National, and Spieth found it at the par-four fifth where he ran up a double bogey that slashed his advantage to three.

Spieth hit back with

a birdie at the eighth but stumbled through the turn with bogeys at nine and 10 and suddenly MclIroy, boosted by his blazing finish, was nipping at his heels.

McIlroy started the day four strokes behind the American front-runner and appeared to be heading in the wrong direction as he covered the front nine in one-over.

But the former world number one caught fire late in the round with birdies at 13, 15 and 16 and a clutch par save at the last to reach the midway point of the year’s first major championship at three-under 141.

New Zealand’s Danny Lee was among the early starters and tried to mount a charge with a birdie on the second moving him within one of the lead but he endured an up-and-down afternoon to card a 74 to finish three off the pace with American Scott Piercy (72).

World number one Jason Day’s struggles continued as he battled his way to a one-over 73, leaving the Australian six strokes behind the pace-setting Spieth.

It was another frustrating day for twice Masters champion Bubba Watson, who opened with a bogey at the first and then went into a tailspin, dropping shots at four, five and six on the way to a three-over 75 and in danger of missing the cut for the first time in eight visits to Augusta.

Watson could be joined at the exit by world number five Rickie Fowler, one of the pre-Masters favourites, 2011 champion South African Charl Schwartzel and four-time major winner Ernie Els, who put himself in a deep hole with a nine on his first round opening hole on Thursday and could never climb out. (Reuters Sport)

19

Political angles swirl over Pacquiao-Bradley rubber match M

anny Pacquiao returns to the ring nearly a year after his mega-fight loss to Floyd Mayweather for a rubber-match clash with Tim Bradley in Las Vegas on Saturday against a swirling backdrop of politics and legacy.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao, who has said this will be his final fight, lost a controversial split-decision to Bradley in 2012 and two years later won a decisive unanimous decision against the American to level the score.

This will be Pacquiao’s first fight since having surgery on his right shoulder to repair a long-term rotator cuff problem, an injury he said robbed him of his power in a lacklustre showing against Mayweather in boxing’s richest ever contest.

“I have been working on my right hand and my right hook which is very good,” said Pacquiao, who has not had a knockout since 2009.

“My right shoulder is healed and that is good, because I can use it with real power.”

While his legion of fans would love to see the Filipino deliver a vintage performance, there may be even more on the line than the boxing records of Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley will square off for a third time

(57-6-2) and Bradley (33-11).

Pacquiao, one of the most charismatic and accomplished boxers of his generation, is looking ahead to focussing full attention on his family and Filipino politics.

Already serving as a congressman in the Philippines, Pacquiao is in the midst of a campaign for the senate, a bid that would benefit greatly from a crowning victory in the welterweight showdown.

“It is very important to get the win for my country and the people in the Philippines, but the most

important thing is a win for my country and a win for my legacy in boxing,” he said, acknowledging that a victory would help him in the election.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has been catching fire during his training in Los Angeles for the Bradley bout over a remark he made in an interview on Philippine TV when the devout Christian was asked his view on samesex marriage.

Became villain

The former eight-division champion became a vil-

lain to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community for saying their behaviour was “worse than animals”.

The Filipino southpaw later apologised on Twitter.

“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt.

God Bless!” Pacquiao wrote.

The popular pugilist lost a Nike sponsorship over the controversy and his retinue fended off a potential assault attempt outside a Los Angeles restaurant from someone enraged by his remark.

The promotion, spearheaded by Bob Arum and Top Rank, stirred some U.S. political passions by heralding the other bouts on Saturday at the MGM Grand as the ‘NoTrump Undercard’.

Giving that label to the undercard, which features a bevy of top Hispanic boxers, is a poke at billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump, who is running to become the Republican Party’s U.S. presidential candidate.

Trump has advocated building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants. (Reuters Sport)

IAAF rejects former Kenya chief Mwangi’s ban appeal T

he IAAF’s Ethics Committee has rejected former Athletics Kenya (AK) chief executive Isaac Kamande Mwangi’s appeal against his provisional six-month ban for violating anti-doping controls.

The punishment was handed out by the International Association of Athletics Federations, the sport’s governing body, in February after Mwangi was accused of seeking bribes to reduce the doping bans of two athletes.

His provisional suspension came after former AK president Isaiah Kiplagat, ex-deputy David Okeyo and former treasurer Joseph Kinyua were banned by the Ethics Committee on charges of mis-using funds from a sponsorship by U.S. sports manufacturer Nike.

Isaac Kamande Mwangi

All the officials deny any wrong-doing.

Joy Sakari and Francisca Koki Manunga said Mwangi asked each of them for $24,000 to reduce four-year bans.

Sharad Rao, Kenya’s

barrister appointed by the IAAF, said on Friday that he would complete his probe into the affair by mid-May. “I am aware of the IAAF Ethics Committee declining his appeal so I am formally taking over investigations,”

Rao added.

Mwangi told Reuters that he wanted any hearing to be held in public.

“My legal team appealed against the six-month suspension because we thought it was too long and punitive given that I was an employee and not an elected member of the board like the others,” said Mwangi.

“Now that our appeal is not successful we are looking forward to a fair and open hearing. I maintain my innocence, hence we want the hearing conducted in public because I want to face our accusers.”

Kenya is a global leader in endurance running on the track and in city marathons but more than 40 of their athletes have been banned for doping in the past three years. (Reuters Sport)

20 Jones agrees with Caricom on WICB

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016

New York Business Group 2-innings U-19 competition…

Port Mourant Cricket Club defeat Whim by 1-innings and 205 runs

Director of Sport Christopher Jones

D

irector of Sport Christopher Jones is in firm belief that the ideologies of Caricom with regards to WICB should be taken into strong consideration.

The Director of Sport revealed his thoughts at a recently held press conference where he noted that the Caribbean’s cricketing structure needs change.

“It time the Caribbean heads fix the problem at the WICB because it’s a rip-

ple effect we’re seeing at our level at the GCB, Jones highlighted.

Further with the comments of West Indies Captain Darren Sammy going viral about the lack of support by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Jones who was privy to thinking of some Caricom heads with the way forward for the sport indicated that he is supportive of their ideologies, “I have had the opportu-

nity to speak with Caricom heads via a teleconference at the secretariat and of course the views by Keith Mitchell and Ralph Gonzalves, I equally support. I can’t say at this time but it time to fix the problems,” Jones quipped.

Jones is the latest Government official to give his take on the WICB for which most persons stakeholders are calling for a change in culture.

WICB VP stands by criticism of Sammy V

ice President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Emmanuel Nanthan, is standing by his criticism of Darren Sammy’s post game speech in which he disparaged the organisation, accusing them of disrespecting the players.

Nanthan said his defense of the WICB is rooted in facts and accused Sammy of reducing the significance of the team’s triumph over England in the finals of the ICC World Twenty20.

“Facts are facts and facts sometimes are stubborn things, so I just put things in place as they were. I said, basically, the question of uniforms were really a nonissue because they were ordered by the board to be delivered at a certain time which the company did because they met the contractual arrangements. They did not put the numbers on the uniform because we didn’t know which players were going to play,” he said.

“This is a time for Caribbean people to celebrate and we shouldn’t be ding dong and washing our linen in front of the whole world. And besides, it’s an ICC event and at a time when our sponsors are getting maximum benefit for their sponsorship, we shouldn’t be dirtying it in anyway,” he added.

In his speech, Sammy said that his team felt ‘disrespected by our board’, referring to the lengthy pay dispute that had put their participation in the tourna-

Emmanuel Nanthan

ment in jeopardy.

Cameron had already appeared to take offence at Sammy’s remarks by Tweeting: “When is the last time a critic paid one of your bills? Always remember that when you start to give them your energy.”

According to Nanthan, however, his issue with Sammy is not of a personal nature.

“Darren Sammy, to me, we’ve always had a father and son relationship. I met Darren Sammy when he was a reserve, at 15 years old, for the Windwards youth team. He wasn’t on the team and I, as manager, insisted that he should be on the team and as a matter of a fact, 15 years ago or maybe a little more, I went against the selectors and the president of the Windward board and said, ‘I am the manager here and

Darren Sammy is the man we should bring on board’,” the WICB vice president said.

“We have had a very close relationship so I wasn’t criticising Darren Sammy. I was trying to put some facts straight so we could move forward. I am not vexed with Sammy or the players at all.”

West Indies players will share the entire $1.6 million prize money for winning the men’s World Twenty20 title as well as a portion of sponsorship revenue, the head of the region’s cricket board told Reuters on Sunday.

But WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead said his organisation should take some of the credit for the West Indies’ success in India, with the nation’s women’s side also beating Australia in their World T20 final. (Windies Cricket)

A

brilliant unbeaten Century from Port Mourant Cricket Club's Ezekiel Kempadoo paved the way for their victory over Whim National in the BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 two innings competition held at the Whim Ground on March 30.

Winning the toss, and batting first, Port Mourant set a massive total of 270/7 declared in 45 overs with young Kempadoo hitting an unbeaten 102 ( 5 fours, 2 sixes). Veramootoo Senwasane supported with a well composed 44 while Vivekanand Jagjit and Jamar Lancaster were aggressive and added

29 and 31 respectively.

Bowling for Whim National, Mahindra Charran took three wickets while R. Appadu and D. Davis took one each.

In Whim's reply to the target set by the PMCC, no momentum was gained and their batsmen did not stand up to the impact of the PMCC's bowling. Whim fell for a paltry 65 runs all out.

N. Deonarine had 23 runs while M. Charran top scored with 25, the other batsmen failed to make it past five runs.

Bowling for the Port Mourant Cricket Club, Kevin Latiff proved him-

self detrimental to the batsmen as he picked up 3-14 runs in 4.2 overs. Pacers Cheddi Budhoo and Jamar Lancaster took one wicket each while all-rounder Emmanuel Seecharran took 2-24 runs in three overs.

The Whim National Team was hesitant to engage in the 2nd innings of the match, and indicated that they accepted defeat and an outright went to the Port Mourant Cricket Club.

Port Mourant takes on Guysuco Training Centre at the Port Mourant Ground on April 10 with action set for a 09:30h start.

Greene warns against disbanding WICB A ntigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Sports EP Chet Greene believes that disbanding the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will not solve the issues plaguing the game in the region.

His sentiments echo that of the country’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne who, in a statement following the team’s triumph over England in the ICC World Twenty20 finals on Sunday, credited the WICB with being on the right path.

Greene said the hardcore approach could have far reaching implications for all involved.

“We see no value in disbanding the board; it would only lead to chaos. If the Caribbean governments were to ban the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), it means that Caribbean cricket and all the glory we are now enjoying could suffer.

The cricketers who ply their trade in India, with a world ban on West Indies cricket will not have that opportunity to ply their trade and so therefore my call and the prime minister’s call has always been for sober, rational, sensible discussions,” he said.

“I am not saying the governments should take over or disband the West Indies Cricket Board, but what is required is for the model to be re-looked, where the

Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Sports EP Chet Greene

stakeholder group called government has a little more say in the organisation and operation of cricket,” he added.

There have been several calls for the Dave Cameronled board to step down, following post-game remarks

by T20 captain Darren Sammy who, while dedicating the ICC World Twenty20 triumph to their fans, accused the WICB of disrespecting the players.

Greene believes Sammy spoke out of turn.

“You don’t spoil an occasion with the politics of the situation. Darren Sammy’s comments may very well be legitimate and may very well have a place in the discourse. I don’t want to pretend that all is well and so

while his comments may be rooted in truism and give rise to the need to continue the reflective and engaging practices, I think what was done on the morning when the world was watching the region, kind of took away from, and blunted the moment,” he said.

The minister, also president of the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), has however warned against any sort of sanctions being taken against the player for the remarks.

“I hope that the talk of some form of sanction that those be entertained, that they not be encouraged but rather that, now that the game is over and the celebration is somewhat waning that those in authority would find time to get back to the table,” Greene said.

“What is required here is for there to be sober, sensible, civil discussions about cricket. The fact that the game brought back pride and nostalgia last Sunday means that Caribbean people are looking for more of this,” he added.

West Indies had won the tournament, defeating hosts Sri Lanka in the final in 2012 with their players being amongst the most sought after by T20 clubs around the world. (Windies Cricket)

21

sports

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1st batch of CPL tickets on sale now for 2016 season

T

he HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are delighted to announce that the initial batch of tickets for the forthcoming season, which will be staged this year from 29 June – 7 August, are on sale now.

In excess of 300,000 fans attended the biggest party in sport last year and tournament organisers are confident that even more will sign up across the seven territories, which will this year include the staging of six matches in the Central Broward Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Ticket prices in Central Broward Stadium will start in the region of (US Dollar) $23 for a single match, while tickets for one of the weekend double-headers are priced from in the region of $43. Ticket prices have been approved by each of the six

franchises and will vary from country to country.

With the matches in Fort Lauderdale and St Kitts & Nevis now confirmed, further fixture announcements for the other franchises are expected over the coming fortnight. Tickets for these CPL matches are on sale from www.cplt20.com.

CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe explained: “We are really excited about the forthcoming CPL season and look forward to welcoming even more supporters to our matches for the season ahead. We at CPL are acutely aware of our responsibilities to promote West Indies cricket and the tickets are competitively priced for single tickets and families across the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale.

“As we now all know, the

West Indies is the home of the ICC World T20 champions, and with a number of hugely talented emerging local players from the Under-19 squad and regionally, as well as our most talented roster to date of international talent, we’re shaping up for our most successful season yet.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes alongside our local partners to deliver an outstanding event and help showcase all this is good about cricket in the Caribbean. This year we will also be playing six matches in Fort Lauderdale which is a new and exciting departure for CPL, and I would urge all supporters to book their tickets early because we’re expecting huge numbers to attend again this year. Don’t miss out!” (CPL Media

Release)

Badree dedicates title to former greats

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Samuel Badree

ricket Council (ICC) number one ranked Twenty20 bowler, Samuel Badree, personally dedicated the historic men’s West Indies World T20 victory to the ‘older generation’ of cricketers who bravely set the foundation for success over the past two decades of global representation.

Badree respectfully paid these tribute remarks at last night’s celebratory cocktail reception for both the male and female returning T20 victors in his comprehensive address at the Hyatt Regency, Portof- Spain.

“For me personally, and I can’t speak for anybody else, I would like to dedicate this victory for the older generation,” said the ace leg-spinner. “For the people who would have seen the West Indies during their time of dominance and gone through the tumultuous last

two decades of consistent failures.

At least there is something that you guys can be happy about once more and smile about. Be rest assured that there is growth in West Indies cricket and there is something positive that West Indies cricket can give to you once more.” Badree’s remarks were well received by the attentive audience as they erupted in applause at such an honourable mention to those who witnessed the regional team in their hey day.

Also expressing her gratitude was female winner, Britney Cooper, who again pleaded for continuous support for women in cricket.

She credited the coaches and all administrative staff who made immense contributions towards their ultimate success.

Also being celebrated

last night were wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin, tournament debutant Evin Lewis, physiotherapist Ronald Rogers, world leading T20 wicket-taker Anisa Mohammed, former regional skipper Merissa Aguilleira, Stacy-Ann King, Ann Brown John (women’s manager), Donald La Guerre (mental conditioning coach) and Oba Gulston (physiotherapist).

Also in attendance were Minister of Sport Darryl Smith, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Board Jocelyn Francois Opadeyi, chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon among several executive members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago along with family members of the celebrated cricketers. (Windies Cricket)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016

Sell-out is priority in Florida games — CPL chief 0

Caribbean Premier League Chief Executive Damien O'Donohoe has said filling up the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, with 10,000 fans on four consecutive match days in July, will be the primary factor in determining if the league returns to Florida.

O'Donohoe said a World T20 victory for West Indies will hopefully have spurred greater interest in the first CPL matches being played in the USA, from July 28 to 31 in Lauderhill.

"Looking at American sports and looking at foreign sports coming in, what has always been a success is when the best players in the world are there," O'Donohoe told ESPNcricinfo. "You look at the All Blacks, rugby is relatively unknown and yet they filled Soldier Field.

Cricket is largely unknown but coming in with the world champions gives us a real leg up and I think it's going to really turn the heads first of the Caribbean people and people of cricket nations but also hopefully it's going to turn the heads of some US

baseball fans to come."

The CPL's arrival in Florida will be the second high-profile expedition in the US market in the last year, following the Cricket All-Stars tour in November 2015. High ticket prices ranging from $50 to $325 in Los Angeles - meant that only the first game at New York's Citi Field had more than 50% of seats filled.

Sales in Houston and Los Angeles hovered at around 10,000 - in stadiums with capacity of 41,500 and 56,000 respectively - until 48 hours before each game, when organisers slashed prices for their remaining inventory by 50% and also gave away thousands of free tickets to help build up crowds.

O'Donohoe said he observed the strategy used in the All-Stars tour and hoped the CPL experience would be better for fans, with twothirds of tickets priced at $30 or less. Tickets for the Florida games went on sale on Thursday, almost four months ahead of the July slate - compared to the fiveweek period before the AllStars tour.

"I think with the Cricket All-Stars, you looked at New York and that's always a market that can take a very high ticket price but with the other two venues it didn't exactly work," O'Donohoe said. "We've always been of the opinion, with the CPL, that we want to make it accessible to everybody and we don't want to price anyone out because CPL can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

That's why we've gone with a very low entry price ticket for the US so that all cricket fans can be there."

O'Donohoe is also planning for players, including the six USA and Canada players who received CPL contracts this year, to visit local schools for cricket clinics and is also targeting cross-promotional opportunities with other local sports teams - such as having Chris Gayle and Andre Russell participate in a batting practice session with the baseball team Miami Marlins.

"As part of our sanctioning fee, which we had to pay the ICC to play the games, every penny of that is go-

Caribbean Premier League Chief Executive Damien O'Donohoe

ing into local initiatives to promote cricket locally in the Broward County area," O'Donohoe said. "Also, we do school visits as part of CPL, which has been a really successful initiative.

"I think no matter what

you do, if the stadium is not full, then you haven't really done your job. We're really putting our neck out there in terms of bringing these games to the US. It's a huge investment from our side.

We're the first profession-

al league to go in and we're doing everything we can to make people aware that these games are happening.

I really hope that we get the people to turn out and support what's going to be a historic couple of days." (Cricinfo)

Ashwin brushes off World T20 criticism

I

ndia offspinner R Ashwin has sought to put in perspective his performance in the World T20 semi-final against West Indies in Mumbai, and even made a thinly-veiled observation that he didn't get the chance to bowl more despite creating wicket-taking opportunities.

When a journalist remarked that Ashwin had "struggled" with the dew in the semi-final, he quickly interjected to ask, "You mean with the ball?" After the journalist replied in the affirmative, Ashwin said he wasn't well placed to answer the question as he hadn't

bowled when the dew had set in.

"It's better you ask someone who actually bowled [when there was dew].

To be very honest, I don't know how it felt," Ashwin said on the eve of the opening match of IPL 2016 between his team, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Mumbai Indians. "It's very amusing because for the first 12 balls I bowled I created a wicket-opportunity as well.

It's quite surprising the way you phrase your question."

When it was offered that MS Dhoni, the captain, had said Ashwin had struggled with the dew, he flatly responded:

"I don't know what he said."

India were defending a total of 192 that night.

Ashwin was introduced in the seventh over of the chase and he began by conceding only seven runs.

However, his figures suffered when Johnson Charles mowed him across the line for a four and six in his next over. Ashwin finished with 2-0-20-0, but he could well have picked up a wicket off his fifth delivery. Lendl Simmons, when on 18, sliced a thick edge to short third man where Jasprit Bumrah took a fine catch, but replays later indicated Ashwin had overstepped. Dhoni later

When it was offered that MS Dhoni, the India Captain, had said R Ashwin had struggled with the dew, the offspinner flatly responded: "I don't know what he said." (Getty Images)

blamed the two no balls Hardik Pandya bowled the other one, which Simmons had hit straight down midoff's throat- and the dew for India's defeat.

When asked if he had gotten over the disappointment, Ashwin gave a convoluted reply to suggest that it's relatively less significant in the larger scheme of things.

"The day I went back home my dog had a heat stroke. He had fits. It just showed me what's more important and what is very, very important in life," he said. "I didn't turn a piece of paper for the next three days. So I haven't real-

ly read about what people have said. There have been good enough journalists, and knowledgeable people who called me and said I haven't' bowled a no-ball in ages, and to have bowled one no-ball I don't become the villain. If that's the perception, I don't know how to counter that," he said with a smile.

On the subject of physical and mental fatigue in the IPL, which begins in less than a week after the World T20, Ashwin admitted it was going to be taxing.

"It's going to be difficult. There is no hiding from that," he said. "It's going to be little taxing mentally and

physically. The thing about IPL is that it's pretty fastpaced. If you get in and try to beat your own odds, look for improvements during this time, it's going to help you as a cricketer and hold you in good stead through the year.

"As far as I am concerned, IPL is a place and avenue to improve your cricket.

You have lots of down time to work on your game, the practice facilities are international standard. These are the things you look forward to. On top of it, it's one of the best T20 leagues going around. You improve and try and see what you can offer the team." (Cricinfo)

guyana-times.com

saturday, APRIL 9, 2016

23

Nedd's 38-ball West Indian cricketers hundred storms honoured by Govt DCC to title and Digicel N S ational youth player Ashmead Nedd entertained the small gathering of spectators at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), in a pugnacious 38-ball 100 hundred as the home team romped to a comprehensive 185 runs win over St. Stanislaus College in the final of the Guyana Diabetic Association/PAHO & Ministry of Health Under-17 T20 Competition on Thursday.

Nedd's heroics powered DCC to a challenging total of 217-6 when their overs expired.

The left-handed Nedd, who opened the batting smashed eleven sixes and six fours in his enterprising innings.

After the first wicket of Robin Williams fell with the score on 05, Nedd and Garrick Persaud (24) put on 145 for the second wicket in 13 overs when Nedd fell.

Bagnarine Singh who made 30 (2x4s;3x6s) off 12 balls was the next best scorer, as St. Stanislaus gave

away 40 runs in extras; Ezekiel Jones was the most successive bowler with 2-55.

In response to the daunt-

his four overs. Left-arm seamer Dequan Bamfield chipped in with 2-6 as to bundle out the school boys

By Treiston Joseph

hemaine Campbelle and Tremayne Smartt of the winning female West Indies T20 World Cup squad along with their male under-19 World Cup winning counterparts were ceremoniously honoured on Friday by the Government

cause we have a lot to be thankful for… on behalf of the Government of Guyana and people of Guyana take this time to recognise you as World Champions,” Henry stated.

Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes shared that the Government is definitely proud of the exploits

tinue you to support you because you have not only become great role models but also great ambassadors and I hope that you encourage persons to work hard to achieve success as well,” James stated.

President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur revealed that

Ashmead Nedd (left) and Bajnarine Singh

ing target set by DCC, Saints were blown away by some accurate fast bowling

by Singh, who returned with the ball to snared 6-2 from

for 32 in 10.3 overs.

Jones batting at number ten, was the top scorer with 11 as the next best score was Shamar Ryan with five.

Boyce/Jefford launch relay festival

From left: Keemo Paul, Tevin Imlach and Shimron Hetmyer stare gleefully at the plaque from the NSC

of Guyana, Digicel Guyana along with other stakeholders at the 704 Sports Bar and Lounge.

At the press conference, Minister with responsibility for sport within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry called the occasion inspiring.

“First of all I have never been among five champions before, it is humbling for me to be and to speak to you and I believe your achievements are very inspiring.

“We are celebration 50 years of Independence and this could not have happened at a better time be-

of the cricketers.

“We see you as making each and every Guyanese proud and we recognise that you are great ambassadors of our country,” Hughes noted.

Marketing Manager of Digicel Guyana, Jacqueline James who implored the under-19 males in Tevin Imlach, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer along with the female to continue pursuing excellence, noted that Digicel will continue lend a helping hand every step of the way.

“It’s always great to see Digicel across the chest of the shirts and we will con-

the organisation plans on honouring the West Indian cricketers along with the male Guyanese four-day squad that won back-toback four day title recently.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Ivan Persaud along Director of Sport Christopher Jones congratulated the squad as well on their performances.

The crackers received various tokens and gifts from the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Sport, 704 Sports Bar and Lounge and Sanjay’s Jewelry.

From left: Clayton Mckenzie, Seon Erskine, Boyce/Jefford Committee member Cheryl Sam, Colin Boyce and Technical Director of the Committee Mark Scott at the launching

T

he Boyce and Jefford track and field committee launched their inaugural relay festival that will bring another layer to Guyana’s athletics to the forefront.

Some of the best clubs and athletes will look to etch their name on the first Boyce and Jefford relay festival when the event is held on April 24.

Director of the Committee, Colin Boyce highlighted what is expected at the event at a press conference on Friday at the 704 Sports Bar and Lounge.

“There will be about 10

relay events, two cricket matches and 5-a-side football and we expect keen competition on a day where families can come out bring the kids and have fun,” Boyce noted.

Malta Supreme Brand manager, Clayton McKenzie highlighted why Banks DIH partnered with the event, “Malta Supreme has Vitamin B and is perfect for revitalizing the athletes and we at Banks DIH is pleased to be onboard.”

National Sports Commission (NSC) representative Seon Erskine noted the NSC’s stamp of

approval, “hats off to the organisers you have the full support from the NSC and we welcome all types of physical activity of this nature and we are sure that it will be well received by the Guyanese public,” Erskine noted.

The event will have 10 relay events with all events expected to have cash incentives as the organisers hope to turn the event into a mini penn relays in years to come.

Admission for adults will be 500 dollars while kids will have to pay 200 dollars.

Action begins from 10:00h.

Digicel’s Jacqueline James (centre) in the company of Tremayne Smartt (left) and Shemaine Campbelle

saturDAY, APRIL 9, 2016

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

Pg 23

West Indian cricketers honoured by Govt and Digicel The West Indian cricketers along with Government officials and sponsors pose for a photo

1st batch of CPL tickets on sale now for 2016 season

Sell-out is priority in Florida games – CPL chief

Pg 22

Pg 21 Guyanese fans have always filled the National Stadium, at Providence

Central Broward Regional Park will host six CPL games, including two matches under lights (Peter Della Penna photo)

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