Saturday, December 24, 2016

Massy Industries spreads Christmas cheer in Berbice

P16 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3079

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Widespread flooding in Guyana ...caused by heavy rains, broken pumps, clogged drains, silted outfalls, lack of fuel

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fireman homeless P3 for Christmas

…as fire destroy house

Police finds gun, ammo in Houston

In this composite photo: Vehicles manoeuvring floodwaters overflowing from the South Road canal, in the vicinity of the South Road Nursery School on Friday. Also Lima, Region Two rice fields were inundated with water. Bottom: New Amsterdam shopping area drowns in floodwaters; Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo walks through flooded streets in Georgetown

P3

Wales closure

Rice already planted, first crop in March P2

See stories on pages 10, 11 & 16

…Govt distributes free sand bags; says measures taken to ensure minimum damage/losses

Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy

ICJ is final P7 arbitrator – former Foreign Minister

…commends Guyana’s position with UN decision

…Opposition Leader visits flooded areas

Region 2 engineer, P16 ranger lands in court for DUI

2 news

saturDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wales closure

Rice already planted, first crop in March A

griculture Minister Noel Holder on Friday stated that the first crop of rice at the Wales Sugar Estate is expected by March 2017 as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) continues with plans to diversify the sugar industry.

Holder said rice cultivation has already started and it is hoped that management would reap the first crop in a few months. Meanwhile, he stated that other crops are expected to be planted soon on the cane lands.

“I want to make this clear… we haven’t closed Wales Estate. It is the factory that has been closed because according to the CoI there aren’t any recommendations for the closure of any estate,” he said, when contacted for a comment on the issue.

The Minister stated that some 700 workers opted for their severance packages rather than be transferred to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate.

According to the minister, those who chose severance rather than transfer were paid their benefits on October 10, 2016. The remainder of

explanation on the future of many of the workers.

The Union also registered concern over the affected families of over a thousand workers.

The closure of the estate by yearend has affected some 1700 workers directly and thousands of persons in Wales and surrounding communities indirectly.

The decision to close the entity was confirmed

by Government in January 2016 after Guyana Times had broke the news earlier that month.

Wales Sugar Estate

the sugar workers accepted the offer and will be working at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate.

It was stated previously that a total of $18 million was paid to the workers.

The sugar workers had been given a three-day ultimatum to sign indicating whether they opted for severance the package from Government or be transferred to Uitvlugt Sugar Estate on February 9, 2016.

These discussions did not include the participation of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National

Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and resulted in an injunction preventing the payment of severance and months-long High Court battle which was recently settled, thus paving the way for workers to receive their benefits after discussions with workers were held with union consultations.

In February, the Minister had told the National Assembly that the sugar factory would be converted into a business establishment that will see the rearing of poultry and other livestock.

GAWU has long stated it was left out of the consultation on cultivating rice on the Wales Sugar Estate lands, however Holder had fired back that GuySuCo does not need the Union’s opinion on any of its financial ventures.

GAWU had said this “shunning” of the workers and the Union represents another blunder of management of the sugar entity and their advisors. GAWU continues to maintain that over the last 11 months it has been in the dark over the Wales conversion plans, noting that GuySuCo has offered little

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Alleged umbrella thief before court

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young man was released on $60,000 bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts charged for stealing an umbrella and other items.

Julia James pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 20, 2016, he stole one Blackberry cellphone valued $30,000, $20,000 in cash,

and one umbrella valued $1000, property of Bomita Lashly.

Additionally, James is accused of using personal violence on Lashly during the robbery.

In court on Friday, the Prosecution had no objections to bail and as such the defendant was released on $60,000. The case will continue on January 9, 2017.

news

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saturDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, December 24 – 14:30h-16:00h, with a night retraction at 01:30h (Sunday morning) and Sunday, December 25 – 14:30h-16:00h, with a night retraction at 02:30h (Monday morning).

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 24 – 13:30h-15:00h and Sunday, December 25 – 14:10h-15:40h.

Firefighter homeless for Christmas …as early morning fire strikes

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while light rain showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

Troyden Williamson

High Tides: 00:45h and 13:10h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.29 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 06:39h and 19:12h reaching minimum heights of 0.99 metre and 0.92 metre respectively.

The house completely engulfed in flames early Friday morning

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fireman, Troyden Williamson, attached to the New Amsterdam Fire Service is now homeless and counting his losses after his home was engulfed in flames early Friday morning.

The fire, said to have been caused by a lit kerosene lamp, completely destroyed the two-storey, three-bedroom house located at Cuffy Drive, Tucber Park, Berbice.

Williamson told Guyana Times that he was asleep

when the fire started. He heard a loud explosion and upon checking noticed huge flames in the kitchen.

He explained that he returned home at about 20:00h on Thursday and did some cleaning before lighting a lamp and retiring to bed. At about 02:00h Friday he was awakened by the sound of an explosion.

“The room that I was in did not have any fire so I broke the window and called my neighbour who helped to

Police unearth gun, ammo in Houston

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tip-off from a civilian led the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to the discovery of a firearm and matching ammunition in Houston, Greater Georgetown.

According to information provided by Police Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan, the find was made some time around 07:05h on Friday at Houston Public Road.

It was reported that acting on information from a concerned citizen, the Police went to a location on the Houston Public Road, where they found a .32 pistol along

The gun and ammunition which were recovered

with three matching rounds.

The weapon was taken into Police possession and is expected to undergo ballistics testing to ascertain if it was used in the commission of any crimes. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing.

get me out through the window.”

Williamson said as he moved away and looked back he noticed that the entire wood-and-concrete building was engulfed in flames.

Not wanting to comment on the Fire Service’s response because of his attachment to the service, Williamson said the building is owned by an overseas-based Guyanese.

“Everything went up in flames, I know the fire ser-

vice will do whatever they can but I have lost all that I had,” he told Guyana Times.

The young man said he lost everything, however, he is not distressed by the loss of his home just two days before Christmas.

“I don’ think it will affect my Christmas because Jesus is the reason for my season. Despite what happened I still put my trust in God. I believe that all things worketh for good, so I put it in the hands of God.” The firefighter said he is not sure where he will be living, but is asking for assistance from the public.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 24, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Govt ministers on State scholarships

G

uyanese citizens were only made aware recently that two Government ministers are presently benefiting from full scholarships being paid for by the State. The beneficiaries - Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry and Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson are pursuing their studies in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively. This newspaper was told that Henry is doing her PHD in Public Health to the tune of $3.36 million, while Ferguson is benefiting from a $3.38 million scholarship in Public Policy Management.

This information came to light while the 2017 Budget estimates were being considered after a member of the Opposition began to ask questions in relation to the beneficiaries of Government scholarships. This revelation of course did not come as a surprise to many as it has now become a norm for the Administration to disclose critical information to the public only when it is under pressure.

Any Government who wants to be viewed as transparent and accountable must know that it is in their own interest to be as forthcoming as much as possible with such information. This Administration has received its fair share of criticisms regarding its style of governance, most notably the manner in which Government largesse is being distributed. Over the past few months the Granger Administration has become engulfed in one scandal after the other and the powers that be have done, and are doing very little, to assuage the concerns of the populace.

It is also quite ironic that the then APNU/AFC parties; while in Opposition, had accused the PPP Government of some of the same wrongdoings. On the campaign trail they promised a lean and clean Government and a break away from the past. The Coalition used this popular line of argument and they were able to make inroads.

While we would not rush to cast judgement as it relates to culpability, what we have seen thus far is far from what was promised. For many, this latest action by the government in providing two sitting Ministers with millions of tax payers’ money to fund their studies is nothing but abhorrent. To begin with, when ministers take the oath of office they are expected to dedicate their time and energies towards serving the people; and while there is nothing barring any of them from engaging in furthering their studies, one would think that Government officials would be sensible enough to appreciate and understand their obligation to people they serve.

Ministers ought to focus on their job 100 per cent.

Setting Governmental policies and ensuring they are effectively implemented is not a part time job. Poor people lives are depending on their performance. These Ministers are being paid $18 million each in wages and benefits to supervise several Government departments and they must be continuously engaged in making peoples’ lives better.

The excuse that this is fine because the PPP had done the same is unacceptable. As stated by one letter writer, it was wrong under the PPP and it is wrong today under the present Government.

Further, it is no surprise now that questions are being raised regarding the process used to select the beneficiaries of the programme and why Government did not, in the interest of transparency, disclose that it is funding the studies of two of its ministers. For example, were the scholarships advertised? Who were the applicants? Who were shortlisted and on what basis were these beneficiaries selected? Such information is needed especially considering the fact that there are numerous persons, some of whom are national top students, who are eager to access opportunities to study abroad.

The Administration must be well aware of the wave of criticisms it has received over the past few days over its handling of this most recent case. The Government must not only talk about being transparent, its actions should also prove that it is committed towards ensuring everyone in the society has an equal chance of benefiting from the opportunities this country offers. In the meantime, we hope that the Opposition and other civil society groups will continue to pressure the government to come clean on these and other acts.

Choristers rehearse at the Westminster Abbey, London, England before Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (The Telegraph)

Parking meters a tool of oppression Dear Editor, Walking along the pavement on Regent Street a few days ago, I observed the Town Clerk of Georgetown and a Gentleman standing next to one of the notorious parking meters that seemed to be gift wrapped and tied with a ribbon and large bow.

I heard someone hail-

ing out to them from the roadway enquiring whether this was the City’s present to the citizens for the Christmas.

I chuckled to myself, but then I thought seriously that I was witnessing these gentlemen nonchalantly inaugurating a tool of oppression against the hapless citizens and visitors to

Georgetown. How sad.

And then as a candy coating I learnt a little later that they were giving us this huge concession of not charging us until next year!

Now, really? Do they really take us for fools?

They are now rolling out the system, which will not be completed until next year, so they are not doing

us any favours, it is just not practical to begin charging as yet until everything is set up, tested and in place.

What other draconian initiatives could we look forward to from City Hall next year?

Sincerely, Deodarie Putulal

11 investments in Guyanese youth Dear Editor, I grew up on the adage ‘youths are the future’; I say youths are the now. It’s a great time to be young, and especially in Guyana as opportunities abound.

And as my mother says, ‘The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.’

President David Granger rightly said also, that, “Youth development must equip young people with the right education, the right attitudes and the right values if they are to go out into the world and become productive and useful citizens.

Youth development must overcome the challenge of unemployment. Youth development, also, must give birth to a new generation of Guyanese entrepreneurs; of leaders; of pioneers, young people who are prepared to explore new avenues and opportunities in our economy.”

There is no excuse for someone who escaped the formal education system as there are enough opportunities to bring one’s self on par with those who have been exposed to formal

schooling. Locally, I have identified eleven significant investments government is making in our youth; literally millions of dollars is being invested or is ready to be channelled toward our youth.

The suite of programmes include the Small Business Bureau (SBB); Sustainable Livelihood & Entrepreneurial Development (SLED); Local Areas Economic Profile (LAEP); Local Economic Development Strategic Plans (LSPs); Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP); Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP); Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project; Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme; Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS); Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) platform; Youth Innovation Fund (YIF).

Allow me to elaborate on just a few: The Small Business Bureau was established to promote policies and programmes which foster small business devel-

opment. The Minister of Business recently lamented that the SBB’s targets are not being met. One publication noted, “Though it has been implementing the programme for three years the bureau is still to disburse more than 80% of a targeted 800 loans under the programme, it has only disbursed 233 of a targeted 300 grants and has created and sustained only 735 jobs under both programmes. It was expected to have created and sustained 2,200 jobs.” Why aren’t our youths taking full advantage of this opportunity?

I was privileged have launched in my Constituency (14) the Ministry of Public Security’s Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (Component 1: Community Crime and Violence). The specific objective of this component is to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in target communities which will contribute to the overall aim of the programme: contribute to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana especially in the targeted communities and

among youths through skills training.

300 youths will benefit from entrepreneurial training initially, training to approximately 4,000 at-risk youth over the next four years. Students will be supported with small grants to facilitate small business start ups. Each youth will be given approximately 70 US per month to cover transportation to and from school, meals and other expenses. Teenage mothers and fathers will be provided with additional resources to cover day care support. This is a five million US investment overall.

In 2017 Government aims to focus, “on the empowerment of individuals and the facilitation of small and micro-enterprise, expanding existing programmes aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship. The Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project will continue with its financing and training and development activities, targeting prospective and established entrepreneurs and small businesses. continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 24, 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

Sale of meat in markets A dark Christmas for also unwholesome Wales Sugar workers

Dear Editor, Recently an announcement was made by the Georgetown City Council that a decision was made to stop the sale of meat on the city streets, due to the health risks and violations of the public health laws that prohibit the open sale of meat, a practice which is particularly prevalent in the vicinity of Bourda and La Penitence Markets.

And in theory and on the surface this sounds quite logical. However in the Georgetown situation it is not!

In the Markets where the Council would like meat to be exclusively sold, conditions are atrocious. In Bourda the drains in this market always overflow when it rains and the roof also leaks. The gutters smell like a septic tank and it is just not healthy.

This market has got a lot of giant rats. These harbingers of disease scuttle in swarms around our markets partic-

ularly under cover of darkness, and that is why people prefer to shop in the supermarkets or outside the markets, a much healthier option.

The La Penitence Market is no better, with hardly any running water inside the market, forcing vendors to pay Junkies to fetch in water by the bucket to sanitise the place.

Before making such a rash decision, the Council should have the markets properly cleaned, all the rodents flushed out, proper security put in place for patrons shopping in the markets and install proper lighting.

But what about the persons who sell cooked food on the pavements both by day and by night? And those who cook on spot like the King Fish caravan located at the corners of King and Regent Streets? Should they not all be removed as well?

The myth that foods are

more wholesome if they are sold in covered and enclosed places in Guyana can be easily debunked with the example of the butchery near to the Bourda Market that had to be closed for a while by the National Police when it was discovered that meat that was being sold in this enclosed building was not examined or certified by the City’s Public Health Department, was acquired by dubious means, was being delivered to the butchery in the middle of the night under the cover of darkness and the fact that most of it was rotting.

This very City Council that is seeking to deprive these small meat retailers of an honest livelihood, did nothing about this meat shop that is well known for unhygienic and insanitary practices for years. How unfair!

Sincerely, James Mc Onnell

11 investments in...

continued from page 4

To this end, a total of 660 clients are targeted for training and business support.

Additionally, a total of 600 micro-enterprises will be visited to review their business plans and the results of training facilitated by the Project”.

It is my sincere wish that our young people would grab hold of these opportunities.

In his 2017 Budget presentation the Honorable Minister of Finance Winston Jordan introduced the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF). “This Fund will provide a financing platform to launch exceptionally innovative ideas,

harnessing the energetic and creative minds of our young people.

The criteria for accessing this programme are still being finalised, but will include level of originality, viability, applicability beyond demonstration, and maintaining zero net impact on the environment. This Fund, which will be overseen by a multi-stakeholder steering committee, will be endowed, initially, with a sum of $50 million with the intention of supporting successful startup applicants.”

Editor, as 2017 beckons

it is my fervent wish that our young people take to action what is embodied in the phrase, ‘carpe diem’, seize the day; remembering in their pursuit of all things what Dr Steven Covey suggests, “The single most powerful investment we can make in life is investment in ourselves.”

Kudos to the Government for providing the opportunities.

Sherod Avery Duncan, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

Dear Editor, As the wonderful time of the year approaches, a time that’s supposed to be joyful; it’s a bitter one in the lives of the many sugar workers that will be out of a job this December-end. While some are celebrating some are trying to ponder what will happen to their life as the estate is to close.

This is indeed a dark Christmas that will live in the memory of many.

Wishes are been crumble, families are troubled about their future; it seems there is no hope.

As a Pandit in this community for years, I have seen how Wales have become a village of broken hearts and promises; persons are been laid off because of no jobs; small shops are threatened because of the economic turn for the worst, and yet this is not all happening: many people are afraid to walk

the roadways because of the many robberies.

The closing of the Estate will have an impact on the lives of many, this will be a Christmas to remember, to see tears on the eyes of many workers, to see their families in tears, bring so much trouble to my mind.

Goodbye to the Wales Estate, your memories will be with us forever!

Pt Surendra Tiwari

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Foundation

Community service

(Continued from friday)

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hoose to help an organisation or group that fits with your family’s values and the things you believe in.

Just a few ways you can help out in your community and beyond: * Sponsor another family in need or purchase some presents for less fortunate children through a holiday donation programme. Let your children pick out and wrap the gifts themselves. * If your children love animals, talk to your local animal shelter. Many distribute staples like pet food to lowincome pet owners over the holidays and need volunteers to help. * Give back to the elderly in your area. Help out at a nursing home; visit with older people who could use a little extra joy and company around the holidays; bring gifts or meals to those who are homebound; or lend a hand to elderly neighbours with decorating, cooking, or wrapping presents. * Volunteer your family’s time by helping out at a children’s hospital or homeless shelter or building or refurbishing housing for people in need.

Community service can teach children that giving comes in many forms, not just as presents. Emphasise that giving of their time, effort, and caring can mean so much more – and last longer – than any gift that money can buy.

Give gifts with meaning

Of course, gift giving will always be a large part of the holiday season. And with good reason – it can teach children to really consider what might make others happy and what’s important to people they care about. Watching loved ones’ faces as they open presents that your children put a lot of heart and thought into can make the holidays more worthwhile

for your children.

But presents don’t always have to be purchased in a store. Teach your children how to put some real meaning and feelings into their gifts this year and beyond.

Making their own presents can help show just how much children care and can make the experience of giving more rewarding for both children and their gift recipients.

Here are some ideas to get your family started: * ***Make homemade gifts together***.

Create

photo albums that family members can carry around with them. Not only does this capture precious memories and show just how much they mean, making photo album gifts also shows loved ones that a lot of thought and time was put into their presents.

Print and frame favourite digital photos of friends and loved ones.

Create customised stationery for people on your family’s list using your home computer and printer.

Have your children create their own customized artwork – collages, paintings, drawings, etc – and put them in fun frames.

They can even decorate the frames.

Create a customised family tree for family members (something grandparents would especially appreciate).

Make your own batches of presents, like potpourri or ornaments, or wrapping paper and customised home decorations like wreaths.

Create personalised family videos for long-distance friends and loved ones.

Give philanthropic gifts.

Many communities hold fairs where you can buy gifts by making a donation to causes your family and friends care about.

Others offer actual gifts made by people with special needs. Check out charity organisations’ websites for information on donating money on behalf of others and about gifts whose proceeds go to the charity itself.

Instead of giving gifts of things, teach children to consider giving gifts of time. For example, their grandmother may welcome their help in learning how to use a computer program. Or their little sister may want to learn how to knit. Have family members create special gift certificates (eg, “two free car washes,” “five free specially prepared meals,” “10 free loads of laundry,” etc). These days, when everyone’s so stretched, a gift of time can be more meaningful than one that costs big bucks.

Be a good holiday role model

Show your children that the holidays can be joyous and fulfilling, not just a stress-ridden time that revolves around marathon shopping trips. Emphasise early on that it’s not about tons of presents, but giving and receiving a few heartfelt gifts.

By starting early with traditions that emphasise the true meaning of the holidays and the caring thoughts behind gift giving, you can help to mould your children’s perspectives on the holiday season and what it means to both give and receive all year long. (Kids Health)

I

t’s easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, children, and activity after activity. But some simple things can bring a family closer – playing a game, going for a hike, or cooking a meal together.

One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for community service projects. Volunteerism also sets a good example for your children and helps the community.

Reasons to get involved

Why should your family lend a helping hand?

It feels good. The satisfaction and pride that come from helping others are important reasons to volunteer. When you commit your time and effort to an organisation or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfilment can be endless.

It strengthens your community. Organisations and agencies that use volunteers are providing important services at low or no cost to those who need them. When a community is doing well as a whole, its individuals are better off, too.

It can strengthen your family. Volunteerism is a great way for families to have fun and feel closer. But many people say they don’t have the time to volunteer after fulfilling work and family commitments. If that’s the case, try rethinking some of your free time as a family. You could select just one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition (for example, making and donating gift baskets to care facilities for the elderly around the holidays).

What children can learn from volunteering

If volunteering begins at an early age, it can become part of children’ lives – something they might just expect and want to do.

It can teach them: A sense of responsibility. By volunteering, children and teens learn what it means to make and keep a commitment.

They learn how to be on time for a job, do their best, and be proud of the results. But they also learn that, ultimately, we’re all responsible for the well-being of our communities.

That one person can make a difference. A wonderful,

empowering message for children is that they’re important enough to have an impact on someone or something else.

The benefit of sacrifice. By giving up a toy to a less fortunate child, a child learns that sometimes it’s good to sacrifice.

Cutting back on recreation time to help clean up a beach tells children that there are important things besides ourselves and our immediate needs.

Tolerance. Working in community service can bring children and teens in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels.

They’ll learn that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values.

Job skills. Community service can help young people decide on their future careers. Are they interested in the medical field?

Hospitals and clinics often have teenage volunteer programs. Do they love politics? Children can work on the real campaigns of local political candidates. Learning to work as a team member, taking on leadership roles, setting project goals – these are all skills that can be gained by volunteering and will serve children well in any future career.

How to fill idle time wisely. If children aren’t involved in traditional after-school activities, community service can be a wonderful alternative. (Kids Health) TO BE CONTINUED

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saturDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Small-scale miners barred ICJ is final arbitrator – from mining in Marudi former Foreign Minister …commends Guyana’s position with UN decision

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ormer Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson has lent his voice to the recent pronouncement by Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-moon on the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy, saying Guyana needs to stay the course and see what fruitful resolution will be had.

Jackson, who served as Permanent Representative of Guyana at the United Nations back in 1982, said while Guyana wanted the matter to go directly to the ICJ, it still respects the ruling of the UN, since there is need for a swift resolution.

Jackson stressed the point by the UN, which stated that if the Officer Process does not work within one year, the matter will be taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“The court is the final arbitrator. If there is no solution for the year, let’s go to the court. I think we should work with that,” he told Guyana Times in an invited comment.

The Good Officer Process was initiated in 1989 following the expiration of the Protocol of Port of Spain in 1982. That Protocol had provided an initial period of 12 years during which Venezuela had undertook not to assert any claim to sovereignty over the Essequibo Region and for Guyana to assert no claim to Venezuelan territory.

Guyana has consistently maintained that the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award represented a full and final settlement of the land boundary with Venezuela.

The border issue was reopened in 1949 when an American jurist presented to Venezuela a memorandum written in 1944 by the Official Secretary of the US/Venezuela delegation in the Tribunal of Arbitration,

Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s annual dinner and Christmas party, the President said that this is a moment of relief for all the people who have been working hard to ensure an end to the claim on Guyana’s territory.

“Last Friday we heard a very important announcement, which is perhaps one of the brightest parts in our 50year history of Independence, that the matter of the territorial controversy will be taken to the court…I think it is a moment of joy, not of boastFormer Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson ing, but a moment of relief to the people, who have worked Severo Mallet-Prevost that so hard,” he said.

Meanwhile, Foreign surmised a political deal beMinister, Carl tween Russia and Britain Affairs based on the private behav- Greenidge, at the Ministry’s Christmas party delivered iour of the judges.

Meanwhile, President awards to six staff members David Granger on Thursday for long and dedicated serevening, praised the work of vice to the Ministry, includthe Foreign Service Officers ing Deputy Chief of Protocol, and other support staff as Marion Herbert, who has an “outstanding aspect of served within the ministry Guyana’s public service” and for 27 years, Bibi Bacchus, lauded their role in secur- a Personnel staff who has ing a decision by the outgo- served for 32 years, from acing UN Secretary-General to counts Hollie Munroe, who send the issue of the Guyana/ has been with the Ministry 44 years, Michael Venezuela border controversy for to the ICJ at the end of 2017 Brotherson and James Lewis if the Good Offices Process do from Registry for 27 years of not yield results by that time. service.

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group of small-scale miners in Marudi Mountains, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are complaining that they are being barred from mining in the area by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and are faced with mistreatment from a foreign mining company.

According to a resident/ miner in the region, Robert Murray, the situation continues to deteriorate daily as the Government remains silent on the matter.

He stated that Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had held a meeting in the village and had promised that the miners would be able to mine, however Trotman failed to attend another meeting with miners to decide the way forward: “He did not come to the meeting but sent Mr Joe Singh who put forward a document and asked the miners delegates to sign it and they refused, asking for time to consult with the rest of the miners.”

The miner is alleging that they were told that if they do not sign the document, soldiers and Police will be deployed to remove

A section of the miners who had previously met with Minister Raphael Trotman in Lethem, Region Nine

the miners from Marudi.

Guyana Times made several attempts to contact Minister Trotman on the issue but they proved futile.

Meanwhile, Murray stated the miners became afraid and signed the document.

Since then the GGMC has been preventing them from mining.

He stated further that a large mining company in the area is also preventing small-scale miners from conducting any work in the area.

“On December 12, the GGMC came and stopped the crushers and miners from working… what will happen to them now that Marudi is closed down and at this time of the year?” he asked, noting that the com-

pany says if they choose not to work with the company then they cannot work at all.

He stated that the Minister has said again and again that mining should go on in the area but the company, along with the mine officers is stopping them from working.

He added that since Lethem has been made a town then Government should place Marudi under Lethem’s care and let the Council make the decisions for the village.

Earlier in the year, the Natural Resources Ministry brokered an agreement through mediation between the mining company and small miners over a dispute regarding mining claims.

8

News

SATURDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Alleged fraudster on $150,000 bail

N

kail Langarne, 33, who allegedly forged his father’s car registration and sold it, found himself before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts slapped with a fraud charge.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on February 2, 2016 at Georgetown and with

intent to defraud, he conspired with othe r s to commit a felony and forged the registration PJJ 9720 of a car, purporting h i m self to be the regis-

tered owner of the vehicle.

However, t h e Prosecution is contending that the vehicle belongs to

Langarne’s father.

The court heard that on the day in question, the defendant was left to care for the vehicle but fraudulently changed its licence plate and claimed to be the rightful owner of the said vehicle. The Prosecution had no objections to bail so he was released on $150,000.

The case will continue on January 10.

Possession of gun and narco lands man back in jail

A

ndre McCulman, 25, of Berbice, Region 6 (East BerbiceCorentyne) found himself before the court on Friday charged with illegal possession of gun and trafficking in narcotics.

He pleaded not guilty

to the charge when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

According to the prosecution, on December 21 at Arama River, Berbice, he had in his possession 2000 grams of cannabis for

the purpose of trafficking and, on the same day at the same location he was found to be in possession of a .32 Tarus revolver without being the legal holder of a firearm licence.

McCulmans attorney requested reasonable bail

on his behalf, however the Police prosecutor successfully objected. As such he will be spending Christmas in prison on remand.

The case will continue on January 3, 2017, at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Impotent…

K

…Unions? eith Scott, leader of the National Front Alliance (NFA) – one of the five(?) parties in the APNU coalition - is a man of substance. The PNC, consistently clocking up 42 per cent of the votes in the country (when they bothered to count with observers!) – wouldn’t team up with any oneman show, would they? Anyhow, as a full-fledged coalition partner, he’s a Minister whose talent has been recognised as a “go-to” guy.

In the one and only Cabinet “shakeup” of the David Granger presidency, when Simona “I is” Broomes ruffled some business feathers as the Minister within the Ministry of Social protection with responsibility for Labour, guess who Prezzie turned to? Of course! Keith Scott! He’s the man!! And he became the man for the labour portfolio.

Which is not to be confused as being “for labour” as the Trade Union movement seems to believe. Au contraire!

Recently in Parliament, when they were going through the final motions (literally and figuratively!) on the Budget, (did ANYONE think ANYTHING was going to be changed?)

Keith Scott set the union leaders straight. Queried as to why the Co-Op Union body received more funding than the “big ones” in the TUC and FITUG – Scott gave it to them straight from the shoulder. They were “impotent!!”

Now by your Eyewitness’ dictionary, being “impotent” just means a person is unable or incapable of performing one of his functions. Now could the labour movement in Guyana look at anyone in the eye and say they’ve been representing workers the way they were supposed to? Hey! The trade unions are supposed to be FIGHTING for workers’ rights. Nothing has been achieved for the poor and the powerless without a struggle, has it? Do these Trade Unionists remember it was in the West Indies – including Guyana – that (in the language of Marx) the “contradictions of labour” reached its most explosive and exploitative point in slavery and indentureship? Schuups!

Anyhow, they obviously interpreted the word in the area it’s quite commonly used – ability to perform sexually – and threw a real hissy fit! But then, these are Caribbean men – and they’re all men - how dare Scott tell them they’re incapable of being studs any longer!! They demanded an “apology” from Scott. They didn’t threaten “or else”…since that would mean they’d have to be marching in front of Scott’s office in the monsoon rains that’s arrived!

However, Scott just got the last laugh: He apologised but said his accusation was a “Freudian slip”. The Trade Unionists big wigs accepted the “apology” and said they were “vindicated”.

What they didn’t realise is this: a “Freudian slip” is when your “inadvertent” words reveal your real thoughts!!

Impotent!!! …on Wales There could be no greater demonstration of “impotence” than when an entire sugar plantation’s being shut down.

Removing the direct employment of 1700 persons as well as putting the entire West Bank community of 60,000 persons without their major source of funds? And the thing is, the trade unions have evidently bought the ridiculous tales the Government peddles -meant to “soften” the body blows.

Why else they wouldn’t be taking radical action? Have they forgotten the examples of Cuffy and the Indentured strikers?

What’s this about “only” the factory being closed?

Wales has the most successful experiment to move cane farming into private hands. If these canes will be processed at Uitvlugt from the next crop, where’s the road to move those canes - as was promised? Where and with what are they going to mill the paddy they say they’re diversifying the sugar lands into?

Are they really so ignorant of agriculture they think cane cutters can suddenly become rice farmers? Impotent wankers!! …of business nous The economy’s barely limping along. The Finance Minister refused to give it a stimulus. Now up comes Ramjattan and declares TWO Tuesdays as holidays!

It’s a cruel, impotent gesture. He fools workers about “days off” but kicks the economy that’s already down and out.

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

news

9

SATURDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM nominees

President’s CV request fair – Nandlall

F

ormer Attorney General and People's Progressive Party (PPP/C) member Anil Nandlall has stated that the request by President David Granger for the Curriculum Vitae (CVs) of the persons nominated by Leader of the Opposition for the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a fair one.

He stated that he is of this opinion although he is aware that some have argued that the qualifications of the persons nominated are well-known locally. “…one was the President’s boss in the army for over a decade; one lectured to him at university, and another

of State will move ahead with the selection process.

Dr Surujbally last month indicated his intention to demit office before the end of the year.

“The important characteristic of the constitutional mechanism for the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM is that it strives to

Ramesh Dookhoo

Rhyaan Shaw

Christopher Ram

President David Granger

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday submitted names of nominees for the post of

from the list proposed by civil society, he said.

The list was released by Opposition Leader Bharrat

son of GECOM.” Last month, the Government announced that it would soon begin the consideration of a new Chairman.

The PPP/Civic has repeatedly called for the resignation of Surujbally in wake of their strong belief that he supervised a rigged electoral process in the 2015 Regional and General Elections.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said President Granger has already received notices from the parliamentary Opposition that it was ready to commence the consideration and selection of a new Chairman of the election body.

Once there is no objection to the names, the Head

PNC Opposition Leader was found acceptable by a PPP/C President who chose one nominee from that first list submitted.

“It is expected that this tradition will continue. If, however, the President rejects this first list, then as Mr Joseph Harmon indicated in the press, another list will have to be submitted until consensus is reached,” he said, noting that this is what he understands the formula was designed to achieve.

Surujbally has already written the Government informing them of his desire to resign and had recommended a raft of measures of reform. He had previously stated that he had the desire to demit office since 2006.

He has been the head of

Lawrence Latchmansingh

Norman Mc Lean

Professor James Rose

sits on a committee to advise his Government on taxation and is one of its several forensic auditors,” he highlighted, adding that in his view all of the nominees satisfy the Constitutionally laid out requirements.

According to Nandlall, by requesting the CVs the President, he supposes, wants to make a fully informed decision.

chairman, which will be left vacant following the retirement of Dr Steve Surujbally at the end of the year.

The nominees are: Lawrence Latchmansingh, Ramesh Dookhoo, Norman Mc Lean, Christopher Ram, Rhyaan Shaw and Professor James Rose. A significant number of the nominees were taken

Jagdeo, who stated that the names of the six nominees were submitted to President David Granger after consultations with a wide cross-section of civil society organisations, religious organisations, Private Sector and labour unions: “We believe that all these people have the requisite quality to be a good chairper-

PPP/C MP Anil Nandlall

achieve a consensual candidate. That was its intention when it was originally formulated by President Jimmy Carter for the 1992 elections.

It was this formula which was later constitutionalised,” Nandlall said on Friday, adding that from 1992 onwards, it achieved this consensual objective since every list of nominees submitted by a

10

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saturday, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Opposition Leader visits flooded areas …urges Govt to monitor rising water levels at EDWC

These men brave the flood waters on Main Street, New Amsterdam

Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) David Armogan visiting residents of his Region affected by floods

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday visited Central Georgetown after the City was hard-hit by high levels of floodwaters caused by torrential rain.

Jagdeo walked through the City and empathised with vendors and business persons who complained bitterly about the drainage system.

Given the proximity of Christmas and the sloth of the economy, the business community was up in arms about the lack of preparedness for the rainy season, pointing out that already minimum sales will come to a halt. Some persons lamented to the Opposition Leader the fact that there was enough time for City Hall and Government to prepare for the eventuality of flooding.

Meanwhile on Friday evening, the Opposition Leader’s Office said that

reports from an initial “on the ground” assessment on the effects of heavy rain that occurred over a 12hour period on Friday, has been made available to the Opposition Leader.

There has been flooding in residential and agricultural areas of Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Jagdeo also expressed concern over the widespread flooding in Georgetown, with many homes and businesses severely affected.

Coastal villages such as Lima, sections of Henrietta and Hampton Court, Capoey, Land of Plenty in Region Two; Canals Polder, Region Three; and residential and agricultural areas of Anns Grove/Two Friends, Cane Grove, Good Hope,

Vice Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Inshaan Ayude visiting residents of his Region affected by floods

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo chats with a shopper during a walk through of Georgetown

Mon Repos, Lusignan and Foulis within Region Four are also affected by flood waters.

Giving an assessment from reports out of the regions, the Opposition Leader stated that in

Region Five, several communities are severely affected and some farmers in have reported damage to cash crops and livestock.

The affected areas include: Blairmont; Rosignal; Bel Air and Woodlands

Farm; Number Seven Back Street; Bath Woodley Park; Bush Lot; Number 28 and Number 29 Villages; Hopetown, Seafield/ Tempie; and Profit/Rising Sun. In Region 6: New Amsterdam; Number 52 to 74 residential villages; Rose Hall; and several villages along Central Corentyne are affected.

Jagdeo is calling on Government to implement every measure necessary to bring immediate relief to those affected, by ensuring that steps are taken to minimize damages and losses to property, livestock and agricultural crops.

He is also urging the Government to pay special attention to the rising water levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), which is reported to be above 57 GD level, as well as the Boerasirie Conservancy.

He said that the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, Pomeroon River and other inland areas, should also receive attention, since backwater flows can result in downstream flooding, which is the predominant trend in riverine areas.

The Opposition Leader noted that the defective sluices and silted outfall channels in drainage polders such as Capoey, Coizer, Three Friends, Letter Kenny and Borlam must be urgently addressed and operationalized, as well as those on East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, and other areas, as necessary.

Meanwhile, the City was at a standstill as persons were seen taking shelter in buildings, while some stores had to be closed because of the climbing floodwaters.

news

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saturDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Widespread flooding in Guyana ...caused by heavy rains, broken pumps, clogged drains, silted outfalls, lack of fuel

…Govt distributes free sand bags; says measures taken to ensure minimum damage/losses

By Vanhu Manikchand

R

esidents throughout the country woke up to floodwaters in their homes and businesses following several hours of persistent heavy rainfall on Friday morning.

This comes mere months after Government boasted about no flooding in the city and other parts of the country after a massive wave cleanup exercises countrywide.

Following the much touted “Green Initiative” cleanup in the city, Government had said that the days of flooding in Georgetown were a thing of the past but an early Friday morning visit to in the city’s commercial hub saw business owners rushing to their premises to assess their losses while saving whatever items they could from the flood waters. Along the main commercial streets - Regent, Robb, Water and Charlotte -water filled onto the road and pavements.

This was the situation after following hours of persistent heavy rainfall in other zones in the city including residential areas. The floodwaters did not deter the usual season’s shopping craze in Georgetown ahead of the Christmas weekend.

The city was a “wet mess” as persons braved the rains to get in on their last minute

Public Infrustrure David Patterson

Minister

ing, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson disclosed that the Lamaha Street and River View pumps were down. These two pumps are among five that are under the control of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Minister Patterson explained that this was discovered by a team, which had been dispatched to conduct on-the-ground assessments early Friday morning.

Nevertheless, the Minister noted that efforts are being undertaken to alleviate the flooding in the city.

To this end, Patterson noted that the Ministry will be mobilising additional pumps to assist the M&CC’s pumps.

Two pumps were installed on Friday evening at locations at Muneshwer and Sussex

large among of rainfall, we should be perfect by Christmas Day,” he noted.

Additionally, excavators have been deployed to the Cummings Street, Cowan Street and the Downer Street canals. Minister Patterson explained that this was done since during floods, a lot of debris from the environs enters into the drainage systems and restricted the flow of the water.

“The idea is to get water off as fast as possible to if anything restricts that, it has a multiplying effect onto the areas that are further away from the outfalls,” he said.

He added too that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is also in Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, and West Ruimveldt where emergency relief works are ongoing.

Moreover, the Kitty pump station is also working normally despite the recent collapse.

Vendors packing up and calling it a day after heavy downpour

More rains

Additionally, several communities in outer Georgetown as well as the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara along

and excavators have been deployed countrywide.

In fact, NDIA Fredrick Flatts pointed out that 93 and 94 per cent of pumps and excavators respectively are operable and have been deployed to assist in drainage needs.

“Of the 58 pumps, 54 are working and have been deployed at critical locations to ensure water which has been accumulated recedes off the land within 24 hours,” he stated.

while Georgetown and other parts of the country are currently experiencing flooding due to excessive rainfall coupled with the spring tide, the Government is taking every step to ensure that there is minimum loss or damage to property and expects the water to begin to recede once the tide changes, during the latter half of the day.

While in Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition had

Flatts was expected to meet the City Engineer to see what assistance can be given where necessary, since the Hydromet Department has advised that rainfall is expected to continue today, and as much as 45mm is expected which is above the established drainage capacity within the city.

blasted the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) over the continuous flooding in the country particularly in Georgetown.

Upon entering into office last year, the coalition Government launched a massive clean-up campaign within the city, as well as several projects undertaken by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. It boosted that these efforts will prevent the usual flooding in the city.

In fact, back in March this year, Minister Patterson was

Lower Regent Street, Georgetown

Region Three Vice Chairman Inshaan Ayube meets with residents

Christmas shopping, while the roads were packed with vehicles stalled in traffic.

Everyone was out with their rain boots and raincoats.

Broken pumps

Government had disclosed that two pumps in the Georgetown area were inoperable while noting that the Public Infrastructure Ministry is looking at alternative methods to drain the water. The Ministry stocked up on sand bags and was distrusting same to affected businesses and residents in the city.

Meanwhile, during a live programme on the State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) to update the public on efforts to minimise the adverse effects of the flood-

Streets while two smaller pumps will be deployed within Georgetown, including in the Queenstown area. These pumps, he said, will operate to help pump the water into the main canals faster while works are carried out to the inoperable pumps.

On this note, the Minister explained that the Lamaha Street pump is expected to be back in operation by Friday evening while the Riverview pump will be up and running sometime today.

According to Minister Patterson, with these additionally pumps when the city sluices open around 04:00h this morning, there should be at least seven pumps working throughout the city to drain whatever flood water is lodging.

“Hopefully, without a

with some on the West Bank of Demerara were also inundated. Many of the drains and trenches overflowed.

In an early morning release, the Hydromet Department on Friday reported overcast skies throughout Guyana with moderate to heavy continuous rain. These conditions, it said, were expected to continue for six hours with intermittent rain and isolated thundershowers.

According to the Met Office, Guyanese should anticipate some 12 hours rainfall accumulation between 25.0 mm and 100.0 mm; however, some areas in Regions Two, Three and Four may likely exceed this total.

With the expected adverse weather conditions, residents of riverain, coastal and low lying areas are advised to exercise precautionary measures against possible flooding due to prevailing weather conditions.

On the other hand, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) said it is fully prepared to respond to any eventuality which may arise as a result of the rainy season, as pumps

Govt position

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Friday evening, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that

confident during an interview with a local newspaper, that the ongoing drainage works in the city and around the country will be enough to fend off any flooding arising from the traditional rainy seasons.

He had even pointed to an example of the city’s preparedness for flooding, when there was some heavy rainfall late last year but little flooding resulted.

On the other hand, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder also went into the field on Friday, visiting pump stations along the East Coast of Demerara to ensure sluice attendants were vigilant and that the pumps are being operated to full capacity.

Visits were made to pump stations and sluices located at Kitty, Liliendaal, Montrose, Lusignan and Buxton.

During the visit it was evident that all pumps were operable and water is receding as expected.

“It has been an ongoing effort by our Government but as we make progress in this regard, there will be difficulties and there will be new challenges… throughout our country, we will continue to deal with the erratic weather that is taking place. But we also have to look to working with farmers; look at how we can make our farming activities, climate resilient,” Minister Holder stated.

In addition, visits were also made to affected communities along the coast where the Minister and his team interacted with residents, while updating them on Government’s plans to improve drainage and irrigation (D&I) along the coast.

A woman falls on the roadway while crossing in the midst of the traffic build up in the city

12 Flooding in the Capital city

saturDAY, december 24, 2016 | gu

ber 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

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14 Flooding in the Capital city

saturday, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 24, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

St Lucian-born trio indicted Israeli settlements: UN Security in death of Brooklyn slumlord Council calls for an end

A

St Lucian man, his brother and their cousin are facing fresh charges arising out of the murder of a slumlord in Brooklyn, New York almost three years ago.

Erskin Felix, the reported ringleader in the killing of Menachem Stark, whose body was found dumped and burned in January 2014, was on Wednesday arraigned on second-degree murder, and first- and second-degree kidnapping and conspiracy charges. The 38-year-old’s cousin, Kendel Felix, has already been convicted of firstdegree kidnapping and second-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing, following his trial in September.

Erskin’s 28-year-old brother, Kendall, and another cousin, Irvine Henry, 35, were also arraigned yesterday on an indictment in which they are charged with second- and fourth- degree conspiracy, tampering with

T

From left: Erskin Felix, Irvine Henry, and Kendall Felix were all indicted

physical evidence, attempted tampering with physical evidence and first-degree hindering prosecution.

“This indictment is the latest step in our journey toward justice for Menachem Stark, his seven children and the rest of the family his killers took him from,” said Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

According to the investigation, Erskin – who was in the construction trade with

Kendel and Henry – had done work for Stark, and had allegedly planned to extort money from him. He enlisted Kendel to help kidnap him, forming a conspiracy which also involved Kendall and Henry.

At some point, apparently while being restrained, Stark died of asphyxia by compression of the neck and chest. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

6 killed in Haiti as bus crashes into ravine

A

t least six people were killed and three others injured when a bus plunged into a river near the intersection leading to Anse-à-Pitres, in the Ganthier/Fonds-Verrettes, area the Police confirmed Friday.

Media reports had said that the accident occurred on Wednesday when the unidentified driver of the bus, in attempting to avoid a parked vehicle, lost control of the vehicle that plunged into the ravine where it crashed before catching fire.

The Police confirmed the

The bus at the bottom of the ravine

accident, saying that six people had died, two were seriously wounded and the other suffered slight injury.

They said the driver, who survived, was also injured.

(Jamaica Observer)

Trini doctor gives gift of improved sight for cataract patients

Y

ou can call him Dr Santa Claus!

Trinidadian ophthalmologist, Dr Ronnie Bhola is not bearing gifts from the North Pole, but in Port of Spain he’s delivering the gift of improved sight for cataract patients for the fourth straight year.

“December is the month of Christmas, a time of giving and perpetual hope. It is the perfect time to start thinking about helping those persons in need,” the 48-year-old doctor and UWI lecturer who specialises in vitreous and retina surgery told the Trinidad Guardian.

On Thursday, he and his team conducted the free surgeries valued at US$250,000 at the Caribbean Vitreous & Retina Surgery Limited.

He said “compassion and empathy” drives the initiative called the Gift of Sight

Trinidadian Ophthalmologist, Dr Ronnie Bhola is delivering the gift of improved sight for cataract patients

every year, while expressing concern that too many patients could not access costly eye treatment.

The patients who were carefully selected after being referred by an ophthalmologist for surgery, included those who had cataracts in both eyes, who could not afford the procedure and had been on a hospital wait-

ing list for long time.

Dr Bhola said the results surpassed the substantial money normally paid for such procedures: “When a patient who previously needed support to walk into the office has had surgery and can now be independent – that is a feeling like no other, tremendously rewarding.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

he United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution urging an end to illegal Israeli settlements after the US refused to veto it. The Egyptian-drafted resolution had been withdrawn after Israel asked Donald Trump to intervene but it was proposed again

by Malaysia, New Zealand, Senegal and Venezuela.

The issue of Jewish settlements is one of the most contentious between Israel and the Palestinians, who see them as an obstacle to peace.

About 500,000 Jews live in about 140 settlements built since Israel’s 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, said the resolution reflected the “facts on the ground” that settlement growth had been accelerating.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said after the vote: “It was to be expected that Israel’s greatest ally would act in accordance with the values that we share and that they would have vetoed this disgraceful resolution.

“I have no doubt that the new US administration and the incoming UN Secretary-General

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks past buildings under construction in the Israeli settlement of Beitar Ilit, in the occupied West Bank December 22, 2016 (Reuters)

will usher in a new era in terms of the UN’s relation-

ship with Israel.”

BBC News)

(Excerpt from

16 news

saturDAY, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Great agricultural prospects Late fuel supply contributes to in lower Pomeroon villages Essequibo flooding − Adels Resort leading way

S

Lima areas flooded

S

cores of houses in the Lima area in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) as well as rice fields are currently under water as residents blame this as negligence of the Region Two Administration.

However the Lima pump station has since been put into operation.

According to residents of Lima Sideline Dam, the issue of flooding could have been avoided months ago if the administration had acted promptly on reports when they were made. They related that even before the commencement of the rainy season, several residents met with the REO, making recommendations for drainage and irrigation in their area. They also related that Sunday was the latest they made a report about the expected flooding but nothing was done.

"We keep going in to the Administration making requests numerous times, to

date nothing doing, every day is the same thing; we are poor people and we have to survive. Who will give us assistance now? We warned them about this," a resident related.

Many livelihoods have since been affected with kitchen gardens, poultry pens and rice fields submerged with knee-high water.

On Tuesday Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt along with sub- ordinate Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah visited the flooded areas and met with scores of residents who vented their frustrations.

During the interactions Ramdatt promised to make necessary representations at the RDC level in bringing relief to residents.

During the visit at the Lima pump station, he observed that a carpenter continues to operate the pump even though the RDC made numerous recommendations

for the timely filling of vacancies for pump operators.

Ramdatt said that he has also observed there is delay in the delivery of fuel to the Lima pump station.

This he said is contributing to less hours of pumping.

Ramdatt however said he has mandated the Regional Vice Chairperson to visit all pumps and sluices and make reports on their conditions and progress. He said Coonjah was tasked with the responsibilities to ensure that the region's engineer conduct proper monitoring and evaluation.

When asked if the Lima pump was under repairs Ramdatt said yes, in the month of December. He however contended that due to the late supply of fuel it has resulted in the pump operating less hours hence contributing to flooding and blocked outfalls.

All pumps are said to be in operation along the Coast.

(Indrawattie Natram)

Massy Industries spreads Christmas cheer in Berbice

Massy Industries Berbice collaborated with several organisations to host the concert outside of the company’s Water and King Streets office in New Amsterdam

C

hildren in New Amsterdam were treated to caroling and gifts as Massy Industries Berbice held its second annual Christmas gift donation and carolling exercise.

Massy collaborated with several organisations to host the concert outside of the company’s Water and King Streets office in New Amsterdam.

Berbice Branch Manager,

Mark Roopnarine, speaking with this publication about the event, stated that this is the second year the company has hosted the activity: “This is the season of giving so we at Massy want to be in that spirit of giving, so we have invited the children; we have gifts for them and of course the season is all about carolling.”

Roopnarine said too that the event in Berbice was similar to the one the

Company’s head-office hosted in Georgetown, where a huge children party was held.

In order for all the children who were invited to be able to attend, the company arranged two parties in Georgetown.

Roopnarine explained that it is a way of giving back to the community, and also brightening the lives of children at this time of the year.

ustainable farming using the ‘shade house’ technique is gaining popularity, and youths participating in the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme are encouraged to invest in this type of farming. This was evident during a recent visit to indigenous villages in the Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Manager of Adels Resort Jessica Hadfield, the tourist getaway located at the mouth of the Akawini Creek, is playing an integral role in educating youth about this type of farming since, historically, hundreds of acres of farm lands in the riverine communities are affected during the spring tide season. Thousands of dollars’ worth in produce is destroyed during this time.

With this in mind, coupled with the effectiveness of this type of farming, Hadfield has set the pace and has erected a three-section 20’x20’ shade house equipped with large boxes filled with soil.

According to her, the soil was collected from Akawini, Wakapoa and Kabakaburi and plants are thriving in the various soil types under those conditions. Tomatoes, peppers, white radish, eggplant, eschelotte, basil, squash and bora are thriving.

She explained that because of the unavoidable climatic conditions ‘shade house’ farming will prove to be very effective in that region.

She said “it’s a great place to work and not like standing in a field because here I got all my planting trays, they can either do it themselves or buy planting cups (the normal sanitary cups) like I did for the shade house so there is no excuse for not planting because this is the enabler, you are not gonna flood because what you have here is perfect optimum conditions all year round.”

Hadfield added that she sees great prospects in Wakapoa and is keen on setting up a shade house in that

A variety of plants farmed within the shade house

village since the prospects are great. She said based on the village’s population of approximately 3000 and on statistics, more than 70 per cent of the population has to travel to Charity to purchase fresh vegetables.

“Nobody grows, so the fact is you can have every one of those students cluster together four in each group and build a rain shade house.

Scattered around the place they can supply that lot… and so on and everything I use they can find them in their communities; I use no fancy things, there is no reason they cannot get together and make a profitable business by either selling the seedlings, fruits or vegetables,” she pointed out.

What Hadfield stated must be noted, is that work can be done under any circumstance. To this end, she has offered her expertise to the Indigenous People’s Ministry through the HEYS programme pro bono and is hopeful that the youth and village councils can buy into this proven method of farming.

Asked whether she considers herself a ‘shade house’ expert, with a loud laugh Hadfield in her deep British accent said, “Definitely… because this to me is the solution, because they are going to make some money, they can build together a place where they can work.”

As a result of her contribution to the initiative, a carpenter from Wakapoa, who was hired by Hadfield to construct her ‘shade house’ and who was also motivated to construct one of his own, has pledged to

give his time and energy towards building ‘shade houses’ for any village associated with the HEYS programme.

Villages are being challenged to pursue this opportunity.

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry Valerie GarridoLowe, in commending the interest shown by Hadfield, remarked: “This is what HEYS is all about; it cannot stand by itself and that is why when HEYS was being conceptualised we sought to get the community buy-in, the buy-in of the councillors… so Adel’s (Jessica) here is in the right place at the right time and she has an enthusiasm for the programme, I have to say.”

According to GarridoLowe, Hadfield’s interests lie beyond agriculture development since she has also shown keen interest in the development of youths in the area of Eco-Tourism.

“I also spoke to her about Eco-Tourism and Hospitality, where they can go and train in the whole hospitality programme, it’s not just having a hotel or having an eco-lodge, but the service, that food that you serve all those things, so Jessica is a perfect example of what mentorship is all about and how the businesses can start mentoring these youth to become successful entrepreneurs,” the Minister acknowledged.

The Minister is encouraging other interested persons and businesses that are located in villages participating in the HEYS Programme, to support the youth so they can realise their dreams.

Region Two engineer, ranger in court for DUI P

armendra Mohabeer and Kenrick Marlowe, two staffers attached to the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) administration, landed themselves in court for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. They were charged separately and were fined $7500 each after they pleaded guilty. The charge was read to them by Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate's Court.

Parmendra Mohabeer, the land ranger, admitted that on December 20, 2016, he drove motorcycle CH 4942 under the influence on

the La Union Public Road.

The prosecution contended that he was stopped by traffic officers and a breathalyser test was conducted which revealed that he was above the legal limit.

On a separate charge, Marlowe admitted that on December 20, he drove motor vehicle PSS 1955 under the influence of alcohol. A breathalyser test was also conducted on the Regional Engineer by traffic officers and he too was above the prescribed limit.

In addition to Marlowe and Mohabeer, several other drivers appeared be-

fore Magistrate Scare charged with DUIs. Those drivers are Ravindra Kissoonlall, Mohamed Yussuff, Mehendra Persaud, Shivnarine Sookram, Chuman Lall and Rasheed Mohammed. They were all fined $7500 and warned not to commit the act again or else their licences would be suspended for 12 months.

Chuman Lall’s licence, however, was suspended for 12 months. They were caught by traffic officers on December 20, at various locations driving under the influence.

17

news

saturday, december 24, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Amerindian customary lands overlapped by mining concessions – APA report

M

ost Amerindian villages are finding that their untitled customary lands are being overlapped by logging and mining concessions, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) said in a report.

The report stated that most villages and communities visited for assessment by the association complained that mineral properties, exploratory mining permits, logging concessions, state forest permits or agricultural leases cover part or all of their untitled customary land.

It highlighted that none of the 29 titled villages− which accounts for 31 per cent−have their land titles overlapped by mining permits, concessions and/or mineral properties.

These include: Barima Koriabo, Waikrebi, Chinese Landing, Manawarin, Yarakita, Eclipse Falls, Baramita, Kariako, St Monica.

Twenty-five communities have mining concessions on their untitled customary lands−Sebai , Yarakita, Hobodia, Hotoquai, Powaikoru, Four Miles, Oronoque, Big Creek, Chinese Landing,

Citrus Grove, Canal Bank, Arakaka, Kabakaburi, Kokerite, Barima Koriabo, Waikrebi, Assakata, Warapoka, Kaniballi, Santa Rosa, Kwebanna, Manawarin, Kariako, Baramita, Bethany, it stated, adding that timber or palm heart concessions affect titled lands of 10 villages.

It noted that many villages suffer land and resource conflicts, mainly with loggers and miners. The report expounded that 83 per cent of the villages and communities included in this study report past and present conflicts over land and resources.

“Two thirds of the conflicts are disputes with miners and loggers on both titled and untitled lands. There

Essequibian fined for escaping from custody

T

revor Benn, 22, from Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast was fined $50,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce charged with escaping from lawful custody.

Benn admitted that he was initially arrested on October 24, 2016 for being an unlicensed driver. He also admitted that he was stopped by a traffic officer and asked to produce his documents for the motorcycle he was riding but did not comply. He was arrested and taken to the Anna Regina Police Station from where he escaped.

In plea of mitigation, Benn told the court that

he was unaware of the consequences and begged for a non-custodial sentence.

Also in mitigation, his lawyer Latchmi Dindyal told the court that his client was unaware that once he was under arrest for a traffic offence he could not leave the Police Station and as such apologised on his client’s behalf.

In response magistrate Scarce told Benn it’s against the law to leave custody while under arrest.

He also told Benn the offence has up to 5 years imprisonment and cautioned him.

He was fined $50,000 with an alternative of six weeks imprisonment.

are also a few unresolved disputes about Church claims to land plots within the title area of Amerindian Villages,” it stated, adding that in other cases, the village council has rejected outsiders’ claims to land within a village title.

Although the Guyana Forestry Commission has resolved a few disputes with loggers, the report stated that it has not found any

case where GGMC has successfully resolved land and mineral disputes.

The conflicts between villages and miners or loggers are not helped by the fact that different Government agencies appear to have different maps with contradictory information on Amerindian village title boundaries and mining and forestry concessions, eg Baramita, Kwebanna, Kabakaburi, the report also noted, adding that the Geonode database has similar problems, where digital information on concessions and Village boundaries do not always match the printed maps held by GFC, MIPA and GGMC. “There are no official rules and clear processes to deal with outsiders occupying Amerindian titled lands and/or extension areas,” it added.

Lindener fined for breaking 2am curfew

B

rian Durga of Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden, was fined $15,000 for disturbing the peace, when he pleaded guilty to playing loud music past the 02:00h curfew. Durga appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The court was told that on December 10, Durga played his music in a loud

manner after the 02:00h curfew thereby disturbing the peace. This resulted in his equipment being seized.

In plea of mitigation Durga told the magistrate that at the time he was playing music it was not yet 02:00h. He said after the Police were summoned he nevertheless cooperated with them. As such he was fined.

18

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SATURday, december 24, 2016

ARCHIE

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Reconnect with someone (Feb. 20- from your past or visit someMarch 20) one you haven’t seen in a while and share an engaging conversation that will help you jump-start your plans for the future.

saturday, DECember 24, 2016

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19

Debutant Short the force in Hurricanes' win highest score ever by a T20 debutant in the Big Bash League, breaking a record that had stood for all of three days - Sydney Thunder's Ryan Gibson had made 53 in his first T20 match, also against the Sixers, in this year's season opener. For good measure, Short later added a wicket with his left-arm spin, in his first over as a T20 bowler.

Chasing 201 was always D’Arcy Short blasted 61 and then, for good measure, took a wicket with his left-arm spin in his first over © Cricket Australia/Getty Images going to be a tall order for the Sixers: only twice in BBL hishe Hobart Hurricanes cruised to victory in their tory had teams chased down 200-plus targets to win. But first match of the BBL campaign, set up by contrasta 20-run opening over gave the Sixers hope, as Jason Roy ing half-centuries from their openers. T20 debutant plundered three fours and a six off Shaun Tait. However, D'Arcy Short smashed 61 off 29 deliveries, while his captain the run-rate tightened up over the next two overs as Clive and opening partner Tim Paine made a relatively more seRose went for five and Stuart Broad, in his first BBL apdate 63 from 45 balls as the Hurricanes raced to 6 for 200 pearance, conceded only four. from their 20 overs.

The pressure had built, and Rose capitalised in the In reply, the Sydney Sixers struggled to gain any sigfourth over of the chase. From its first ball, he had Jordan nificant momentum in their chase, an innings of 40 from 22 Silk caught by a backpedalling Broad at short third man, balls from opener Jason Roy their only real bright spot. The and from its fourth delivery he took a magnificent return Sixers lost wickets throughout and were dismissed for 140 catch to send Moises Henriques on his way for a golden in the 17th over, and the 60-run loss was their second-heaviduck. The Sixers had stumbled from 0 for 29 to 2 for 34. est defeat by runs in BBL history.

When Roy later fell to another spinner - stumped for 40 off Born in the Northern Territory, Short plays his longer22 while dancing down to Cameron Boyce - the result was form cricket for Western Australia and in this match made almost a formality. his Twenty20 debut for the Hurricanes. Short was handed Twenty runs off his first over was hardly the start Tait the responsibility of opening with Paine and made a fast was after, but he finished in fine style. The 15th over of impression, racing to a half-century from 21 deliveries. He the chase brought Tait three wickets as he trapped Steve pummeled 18 runs from the second over of the game, bowled O'Keefe lbw at 147kph and then had Sean Abbott caught

by Ben Dwarshuis, and another 20 from the next at the behind and then bowled Sam Billings with a yorker so damsame end, bowled by Joe Mennie. aging that technicians had to come out onto the ground to Short finished with 61 off 29 deliveries, which was the fix the stumps that contained the camera and sound equip-

T

ment. It meant Tait finished with 3.2-0-32-3 - a great recovery after that first over. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Hobart Hurricanes innings (20 overs maximum) TD Paine*† c Roy b Abbott 63 DJM Short c Roy b Bollinger61 KC Sangakkara c Mennie b O’Ke efe 16 GJ Bailey c Billings b Botha 14 DT Christian b Abbott 20 DP Michael b Dwarshuis 0 HP Kingston not out 2 CJ Boyce not out 5 Extras (b-1, lb-5, w-3) 9 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 200 Did not bat; CA Rose, SCJ Broad, SW Tait Fall of wickets 1-81 (Short, 8.1 ov), 2-120 (Sangakkara, 11.6 ov), 3-143 (Bailey, 14.3 ov), 4-167 (Paine, 16.6 ov), 5-182 (Michael, 17.6 ov), 6-182 (Christian, 18.1 ov) Bowling; J Botha 4-0-21-1, BJ 3-0-44-1 Dwarshuis (w-1), JM Mennie 1-0-20-0, SA Abbott 4-0-41-2, SNJ O’Keefe 4-0-31-1 (w-1), DE Bollinger 4-037-1 (w-1)

Sydney Sixers innings (target: 201 runs from 20 overs) JJ Royst †Paine b Boyce 40 JC Silkc Broad b Rose 7 MC Henriques*c & b Rose 0 BJ Haddin†c Rose b Kingston 10 SW Billingsb Tait 42 14 J Botha c & b Short SNJ O’Keefelbw b Tait 13 SA Abbott c †Paine b Tait 0 BJ Dwarshuisb Kingston 3 JM Mennienot out3 DE Bollingerrun out (Bailey)1 Extras (lb-1, w-6)7 Total (all out; 16.2 overs) 140 Fall of wickets 1-29 (Silk, 3.1 ov), 2-34 (Henriques, 3.4 ov), 3-59 (Haddin, 5.1 ov), 4-65 (Roy, 6.4 ov), 5-104 (Botha, 11.4 ov), 6-131 (O’Keefe, 14.2 ov), 7-131 (Abbott, 14.4 ov), 8-133 (Billings, 14.6 ov), 9-135 (Dwarshuis, 15.3 ov), 10-140 (Bollinger, 16.2 ov) Bowling; SW Tait 3.2-0-32-3 (w4), CA Rose 2-0-14-2, SCJ Broad 3-0-35-0 (w-2), HP Kingston 3-020-2, CJ Boyce 4-0-32-1, DJM Short 1-0-6-1

Giovinazzi to Kvitova reveals movement following surgery on knife wound be team’s third driver in 2017 P

etra Kvitova described being able to move the fingers on her left hand again as "the greatest Christmas present I could have wished for".

The Czech, 26, was stabbed at her home by an intruder on Tuesday and needed four hours of surgery on her hand.

"While what happened to me was very scary, I do not see myself as a victim, I do not feel sorry for myself and I will not look backwards," said Kvitova.

"I will do everything to return to the sport I love as soon as possible."

Kvitova, who won the Wimbledon singles title in 2011 and 2014, is expected to be unable to compete for at least six months.

The world number 11 wore a substantial bandage when she spoke to the media for the first time since the attack, and revealed movement had returned to her fingers during a session with her doctor on Thursday morning.

Tendons in all four of her fingers and her thumb were damaged, as well as two nerves.

"I'm happy to tell you I'm feeling well," she added. "The medical staff, the police, my family and my team have all provided me with amazing support in this difficult situation.

"I want to thank each and every one of them for the important part they have played in the past four days.

"I have been overwhelmed by the flood of messages and love I have received from the tennis family, fans and the public - thank you."

Kvitova's attacker gained access to her apartment block in Prostejov by posing as a utilities man before pulling out a

Giovinazzi was runner-up in the GP2 feeder series in 2016

I Kvitova revealed she could move her hand during a session with a doctor on Thursday

knife and putting it to her throat, and she sustained injuries while pulling the knife away.

Police released an identikit image of the attacker on Thursday.

talian Antonio Giovinazzi will be Ferrari's third driver in 2017.

The 22-year-old will be back up to race drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen but will not necessarily drive if one of them is injured.

Giovinazzi, runner-up in the GP2 feeder series in 2016, will start work in the simulator in January and will do some track running during the year.

President Sergio Marchionne said: "We took him because he is a great driver. I'm pleased also that he's an Italian."

Ferrari will run their new car for the first time at their Fiorano test track on 24 February - three days before the start of pre-season testing in Barcelona. (BBCSport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturday, DECember 24, 2016

Starc excited for maiden Boxing Day Test F

our years ago this week, Mitchell Starc received cricket’s equivalent of a lump of coal for Christmas. He was rested for the Boxing Day Test. Not dropped. Rested.

Starc was 22 at the time, and was entering what team management called a “danger period” due to his heavy workload. “We don’t want a high-risk strategy,” chairman of selectors John Inverarity said at the time. Australia’s then coach, Mickey Arthur, said Starc “took it very well”.

Perhaps Starc was just a good actor, because that decision still irks him. Four years on, Starc is the leader of Australia’s attack, the No.6-ranked Test bowler in the world, and the owner of 136 Test wickets. And he is still waiting for his first Boxing Day Test. He enters this year’s Melbourne Test having sent down 56 overs in Australia’s win over Pakistan at the Gabba - his highest workload in any first-class game - but don’t expect Starc to rest this time.

“It’s happened before.

He’s in the other camp now, I think,” Starc said in Melbourne on Friday, referring to Arthur, now the coach of Pakistan.

It is perhaps surprising that Starc has not played a Boxing Day Test, for it feels that he has been a fixture in the side for many years. But in 2012 he was rested; in 2013 he missed the whole home Ashes due to a stress fracture of the back; in 2014 he was dropped from the XI that beat India in Brisbane to accommodate Ryan Harris, who was returning from injury; and in 2015, Starc missed the second half of the summer due to an ankle injury.

“There’s a few of us in the rooms that are yet to play one,” Starc said.

“Personally, as a kid growing up watching the Boxing Day Test, it’s always been a dream of mine to play in front of a full house at the MCG on Boxing Day. If I get the chance this week I’ll tick that one off and it’ll be a fantastic experience to walk out and sing that anthem. To play a Boxing Day Test will be pretty special.”

The heavy workload of Starc and Josh Hazlewood in Brisbane - Hazlewood also bowled 56 overs, his highest tally in a first-class match - has led Australia’s selectors to include uncapped allrounder Hilton Cartwright in the squad.

There is a chance they could bring Cartwright in at the expense of No.6 Nic Maddinson to ease the burden on the fast men, although Starc said he felt fine after the Gabba Test.

“Whether we’ve got three quicks and a spinner or

Mitchell Starc

three quicks, an allrounder and a spinner, there’s going to be times when we have high workloads and times when we dont” he said. “So I guess it comes back to us and making sure we can take ten wickets quicker than 130 overs, and then no one’s asking that question.

Whichever way they go this week, we’ll prepare t o

bowl a lot of overs if we need, and if not, perfect. “ T h e last ball I bowled in that Test match, w h i c h was in my 56th over, was 149 clicks, so no issues on my end. I can only speak for myself. You’d have to ask the other quicks if they’re any different. A Boxing Day Test just gets everyone up and ready to go.”

Should the selectors decide not to change their winning XI, it will mean another chance for Nic Maddinson, who has made 0, 1 and 4 in the three innings of his fledgling Test career. Starc knows all too well how difficult it can be to gain traction as a Test cricketer without being given a decent run in the side - for the first few years of his career he was often in one Test and out the next - and he hopes Maddinson is given another chance.

“I guess I’ve been in a similar position in a way, where I’ve been in and out

quite often through the start of my career,” Starc said.

“There were some times when I was back more and given more of a chance and a longer run of cricket, where my performances started to pick up and I got that consistency in my game.

“I definitely think ‘Maddo’ should get another chance. In the end it’s up to the selectors, but continued cricket at this level can only help him. It would be a great opportunity for him on Boxing Day after we’ve had a couple of wins together as a unit, so it would be nice to stick together.”

It would also give Maddinson a chance to prove his credentials against the red ball, for so far he has played only pink-ball Test cricket, against South Africa in Adelaide and then against Pakistan in Brisbane. Starc is pleased to be returning to the red-ball game, with the pink Kookaburra having proven hard work for the fast bowlers at the Gabba.

“We won’t have to worry about a pink one for the rest of the summer, thankfully,” Starc said. “I think they’ve come a long way with the pink ball where it’s improved a lot since they first introduced it, but it still doesn’t wear like a red ball. It’s a ball that’s really hard to get to go reverse because the leather is different. When it wears it sort of cracks and splinters off, whereas the red one scratches and creates a rough side where you can reverse it.

“I still think there’s a way to go where they’re very similar. But look, Kookaburra are working really hard and I’m sure they’ll get there eventually. And the product is a fantastic thing, when you see the numbers and the spectacle that is day-night cricket. It’s definitely here to stay. The ball’s just got to catch up.” (ESPNcricinfo)

Thunder coach backs struggling Russell to improve

S

ydney Thunder coach Paddy Upton has backed out of form West Indies star Andre Russell to regain his footing as the Australia Big Bash League season unfolds.

The all-rounder has failed to spark in two lopsided losses for the Thunder so far this season. In the team’s opener against Sydney Sixers Russell had a knock of nine and figures of 1-29 in a season-opening nine-wicket loss.

Russell followed his debut by taking two wickets against the Melbourne Renegades, but was expensive (2-42) in the 48-run loss and failed with the bat, making two runs from seven balls.

“It’s early on, I’m really not concerned,” Thunder coach Paddy Upton said of the out-of-form all-rounder.

“A guy with his ability in all three departments ... when he does click he’s really going to hurt people,” he added.

Russell had a stellar 2015-2016 season where he was at the centre of several successful T20 teams, including the T20 World Cup. The all-rounder has faced issues several since, however, including a pending ruling from his country’s Anti-doping organization regarding missed doping tests.

Russell had a stellar 2015-2016 season where he was at the centre of several successful T20 teams, including the T20 World Cup

“The reality is with the amount of T20 cricket that he plays around the world, everybody will expect him to arrive from game one and click and fire for the whole tournament.

“But the reality is that doesn’t happen.

“As long as he’s settling, he’s finding his rhythm and

he’s finding his role within our unit ... I’m very comfortable that over the course of eight games he’s going to deliver, he’s going to come good.

“So I’m not concerned.

Yes, he hasn’t arrived and set the world on fire, but it seldom happens that way.”(Sportsmax)

Athletic defender Yeray diagnosed with testicular cancer

A

Yeray Alvarez

thletic Bilbao’s 21-year-old defender Yeray Alvarez will undergo surgery next week after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, the club have confirmed.

The 21-year-old, who made his LaLiga debut last year, is due to undergo surgery next Tuesday.

Athletic president Josu Urrutia and club medical

chief Jotxean Lekue held a news conference on Friday, at the behest of the player, in which they confirmed the diagnosis and expressed their admiration for the player’s positive approach.

“During the day [on Thursday] Yeray had medical tests which detected a tumour in one of his testicles,” Lekue said.

“It requires an operation which will take place next week.

“The player is okay,

strong, calm. He’s showing maturity, not only on the pitch, but also off it. He’s optimistic. We’re all with him, too.”

Messages of support have been sent to Athletic and Yeray since the announcement, including from LaLiga rivals Villarreal and Osasuna and team-mate Mikel San Jose.

“You have all of us by your side!” he tweeted.

(Sportsmax)

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Crafton likely to replace Allen as Volcanoes Head Coach

N

ext month will mark the first time since 2005 that the Windward Islands Volcanoes won’t be coached

by Ian Allen, whose contract comes to an end December 31.

The side will now have to seek a new leader ahead of next month’s Regional Super50.

Allen, who was a bowler for the Windwards and the West Indies, spoke to his squad, informing them of the change at the end of their drawn fifth-round Digicel Regional 4-Day game against the Barbados

Ian Allen

Pride at Windsor Park.

Three years ago the Windwards claimed the Regional Super50 title and have become more compet-

223-7230-1 (Ext: 35) NOW!

itive in the 4-Day tournament.

It is likely that Allen will be replaced by Alton Crafton.

Crafton, former Windward Islands batsman, hails from St Lucia and holds a WICB Level III qualification.

If the job does, indeed, go to Crafton, his first job will be to help the Windwards negotiate the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Kent and the West Indies Under-19s in Group A of the Super50 tournament. (Sportsmax)

IOC begins proceedings against 28 Sochi 2014 competitors

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21

sports

Russia President Vladimir Putin has called on Wada to be more transparent

T

wenty eight Russian competitors face disciplinary proceedings after their urine samples from the 2014 Winter Olympics were allegedly manipulated.

The s a m p l e s were highlighted in the McLaren report, which outlined a statesponsored doping programme in Russia between 2011 and 2015.

Now the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reanalysing the samples, which it warns could lead to sanctions.

The Russian city of Sochi hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics.

According to McLaren’s report - which was commissioned by the World AntiDoping Agency (Wada) - salt and coffee were used to ma-

nipulate Russian samples and there were also cases of female ice hockey players having male urine samples.

“This is the immediate follow-up to Professor McLaren’s re-

port,” said IOC president Thomas Bach.

“The IOC will go beyond the findings of the report by reanalysing all the samples of all the Russian athletes who participated in the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, as well as all those who participated in the Olympic Games London 2012.”

Samples from the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver

will also be retested in the wake of the McLaren report, which stated over 1,000 Russian athletes - including medallists - had benefited from the doping programme.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticised Grigory Rodchenkov, one of the whistleblowers whose information led to the report.

Rodchenkov used to head Russia’s anti-doping laboratory and has admitted to doping athletes.

Putin said: “Do you know where he worked before that? In Canada. And then what did he do? He came to Russia and... kept bringing in all sorts of filth.”

The 64-year-old admitted Russia “does have problems with doping” but called on Wada to be “more transparent”, insisting his country “never created the problem of doping”.

Russia won 72 medals at the London Games, 21 of which were gold, and 33 medals at Sochi, 13 of which were gold.

On Thursday, it lost hosting rights to a World Cup biathlon meeting set to be held in March and was stripped of a speed skating meet for the same month.

McLaren’s report, published on 9 December, was a follow-up to an interim report he wrote in June, which led to some Russian athletes not being allowed to compete at the 2016 Olympics and a complete ban on the country from the subsequent Paralympics. (BBCSport)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

SATURday, december 24, 2016

Former British middleweight champion Blackwell out of coma after sparring injuries

Nick Blackwell lost the British middleweight title fight to Chris Eubank Jr by stoppage in the 10th round

W

Sir Vivian Richards

est Indies batting legend Sir Viv Richards has called for a return of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise to Antigua and Barbuda.

The country was home to the Hawksbills for the first two editions of the tournament. The team finished fifth and last in the first two years of the six team tournament before withdrawing from the competition in 2015 after being blighted by financial struggles.

Despite the lack of interest in hosting a franchise shown by the Antigua and Barbuda government Richards has batter for its return, hail-

ing

it as an opportunity to develop the country’s local talent.

“The last couple of games we had here I think we had something that was spectacular enough that, in my opin-

ion, could be classified and classed with any that was held in the region. So yeah there is a purpose for that,” he said.

“With all the other huge tournaments around the world, our guys can be showcased where they are in a reasonable enough position for them to highlight their skills and maybe draw attention to other franchises around the world because that I think is a huge outlet,” he added. West Indies batting legend Sir Viv Richards has called for a return of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise to Antigua and Barbuda.

(Sportsmax)

Amla has chance to banish bad memories

R

emember the time Sri Lanka beat South Africa in a Test at home ? Of the current home squad only Hashim Amla really does.

Amla is the only surviving member from the XI who were defeated in Durban five years ago, a time when his reputation was already established. But he is also the only South African batsmen who did not score a half-century on their most recent assignment in Australia.

How times have changed.

For Sri Lanka too. They have only brought three of the victors from that series. One of them, Angelo Matthews, is now the captain; another Dinesh Chandimal, who debuted at Kingsmead with twin fifties, has added 30 Test caps to his name and averages almost 45.

The third, Rangana Herath, is their constant.Like their hosts, Sri Lanka have gone through a transition and are still trying to find solid ground as they move on from the retirements of some of their greats. A tour of South Africa - where that Durban Test provided their only win in 10 attempts - may not be the best place to find it. Conversely, for South Africa, it is exactly the

series to stabilise.

To call South Africa an evolving team has become as hackneyed as calling Pakistan mercurial or West Indies in decline. Every team has stalwarts; every team goes through change. Perhaps not every team lingers on it for as long as South Africa have done.

Their high-profile retirements, Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith, came three summers ago but it barely seems that long. The uncertainty in the leadership role may have had an unsettling effect, but now that they have settled on a leader in Faf du Plessis, South Africa can properly confront the present a present that has forced them to contemplate life without another set of superstars.

With AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel all injured, South Africa have seen the future. They will see it again in this series, starting at St George’s Park - the ground that connects them more to their past than any other - on Monday.

The home of the first Test played in South Africa is also the place where de Villiers and Steyn debuted 12 years ago. The last

time it hosted a Test, de Villiers and Steyn were celebrating a decade as international cricketers. This time, they won’t be here at all.

Instead, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma, who also made their first Test appearances in Port Elizabeth, make up the middle-order and Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott, neither of whom have played a Test at St George’s, lead the attack. The quartet are proof of how much South Africa have progressed. Although de Kock

E

x-British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell has woken from a coma after being injured in a sparring session.

Blackwell had surgery to reduce swelling on his brain after returning to sparring in November.

The 26-year-old Englishman retired earlier this year after being placed in an induced coma following a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. A British Boxing Board of Control hearing into the unsanctioned sparring session will be held in January.

“This is the start of a long old process. It is going to be a long road to recovery,” Gary Lockett, Blackwell’s former trainer, told BBC Wales Sport.

Blackwell woke from his coma on Friday, 16 December. He will now undergo a period of physiotherapy and will require an operation in 2017.

“We’ve been hoping he would get to this stage but

didn’t think it would be for another few months yet,” Blackwell’s father, John, told the Wiltshire Times.

“There’s still a long road ahead, though, and he’ll need another operation sometime next year to replace the part of his skull which is missing, but we’re just so happy to see him smiling again.”

An initial BBBofC investigation found Blackwell was involved in a gym sparring session with a licensed boxer on 22 November.

The boxer who sparred with Blackwell, Hasan Karkardi, and the trainer who oversaw the session, Liam Wilkins, have been suspended for their roles in the incident.

His former promoter, Frank Warren, described the circumstances that led to Blackwell’s injuries as “total madness”, and called for all those involved to have their licences revoked.

In a post on Facebook, the girlfriend of Blackwell’s brother, Chantelle Spong, said his family had been told at one point that the boxer “would be paralysed or he would never wake up”.

She wrote: “A few days ago we had the Christmas miracle we’ve been wanting so badly to happen...We walked into the hospital expecting to see Nick staring blankly at us, but instead he was watching telly and really trying to get words out to talk to people.”

On his decision to take part in the sparring session, she said: “We don’t know what was going through Nick’s mind at the time but we do know boxing was Nick’s life and full time job for 10 years, it was all he ever knew and it got ripped away from him.

“If Nick thought for one second that he didn’t feel 100% we know in our hearts he would have never stepped foot in that ring to spar.

“His family and friends are his world and we know he never wanted us to go through this again, but he genuinely thought he was at full health.”

“Merry Christmas to the Blackwell family who have been truly amazing these past few weeks. I couldn’t think of a family more deserving to be happy than you lot.”

and Bavuma are still considered junior members of the side, they are the second and third leading run-scorers for South Africa in Test cricket this year while Rabada leads their wickettally.

The future has taken the focus off the familiar faces but that’s not to say it will stay that way. Vernon Philander and JP Duminy enjoyed second comings in Australia and both will be keen to continue that.

For Philander, consistency is especially important ahead of

away tours to New Zealand and England; for Duminy, consistency is crucial. He has been spoken of as the batsmen most under pressure for his place when de Villiers returns but there will be more than that on his mind.

Duminy has been given the additional responsibility of batting at No. 4 and with that, a real chance to show that he can turn his talent into long-term success. Flashes of brilliance are not going to cut it in this new South African side, even though it took just that for them to win in Australia.

There, the same batsman did not score a century twice.

They crossed the 500 mark once and totalled more than 300 once but it was the bowlers who won the games. Perhaps it always is, but this is the series for the batsmen to have more of a say.

“If we are perfectly honest, we’ve been good as a batting unit but we probably still haven’t fired,” Abbott said. “If we are really critical, we haven’t put on that 500, 550 score that we are looking to do. It is encouraging with each guy chipping in, crucial

hundreds when we needed it. If we can get that all to click here at home, we will put some good runs on the board.”

The openers, who have set to settle in a rhythm that suggests permanency, will be key in setting things up but if South Africa want to impose themselves with the bat, it will also take someone else. The same someone with the only first-hand memories of what it is like to lose to Sri Lanka at home: Hashim Amla.

With not even a halfcentury to show from Australia and an average of 25.29 in his last four away tours, Amla’s aura is no longer all-powerful.

To some, like batting coach Neil McKenzie, the slump is temporary. McKenzie went as far as to warn Sri Lanka’s bowlers to expect punishment and he has evidence in his favour. In the same time that Amla has struggled away, since he was made captain in July 2014, he has prospered at home and averages 71.07.

Remember the time Hashim Amla went into a series with a point to prove? By the end of January, Sri Lanka might.

“But at this point I think we are winning. It is more than we hoped for.”

(ESPNcricinfo)

saturday, december 24, 2016

KMTC Boxing Day race gets Stag beer injection W

ith the Kennard’s Memorial Boxing Day horse race

Turf Club annual meet fast approaching, Stag Beer has been added to the sponsorship cart for the eight-race programme.

With over 70 horses anticipating a win in the one-day event, Justice Cecil Kennard, President of KMTC extends his appreciation to Ansa McAl, through their Stag Beer brand for coming on board.”

The retired justice indicated that this was the third year Stag has been on board with the club in just as much events for the year. This, he indicated was an integral part to the continued upward mobility of the sport which helps to realistically help to fan out the future of the 44 year-old event.

Ansa McAl’s Beverage Marketing Manager, Robert Hiscock, also expressed his excitement about the club’s upcoming meet stating that “We at Ansa McAl see sport as crucial to developing our local communities. Horseracing is no different, and it is because of that, that we are happy to be on board with Stag as a sponsor of this event. We anticipate a great turnout as horseracing is incredibly popular in this part of Guyana.”

The day’s event is being run under the rules of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club and if for any reason there are less than five horses entered for an event, the club reserves the right to not run the race.

According to the organizers, five horses have to run for there to be a third place prize, while seven are needed for a fourth place prize. If only four horses run, then the winning prizes will be reduced by 25% while if there are only three starters then the reduction will be 40%.

CP Got Even, Score’s Even, Kings Knight, Just Call Me Boss, Princess She Not, Golden Blue Echo, Spit Fire, Plum Plum, Goodwill Boy, Lady Budapest, Climate Change,

Ansa McAl’s Robert Hiscock presents the sponsorship cheque to Justice Cecil Kennard

Blame the Jockey, Jack in My Style, Because I Say So, Bridal Stone Corner Super Cat, Royal Jet, Perfect Gold, King Stanley, Awesome Cash and Flash Again are some of the horses expected to take to the track from the Chris Jagdeo, Jumbo Jet, Dennis De Roop, Nand Persaud, Elcock and Poonai stables.

Justice Kennard also mentioned that spectators could look forward to a fun filled day of racing which will include musical entertainment.

The Kennard’s Memorial Club, Xmas Race Meeting, is slated to take place at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice from 13:00h.

Tucker pleased with achievements in Body Building in 2016

President of Guyana Amateur Weightlifting

23 Benjamin concerned by form of Joseph L guyanatimesgy.com

eeward Islands Hurricanes coach Reginald Benjamin has expressed concerns regarding a recent dip in form for speedster Alzarri Joseph.

Joseph had shown plenty of promise in recent months as a part of the West Indies team that defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the third Test match in which Pakistan won 2-1.

Following a return to regional action for the Leewards, however, Joseph has failed to hit previous heights bagging only one wicket against Jamaica Scorpions and three against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

“He is also concerned about not coming and hitting the lengths and lines efficiently, and we didn’t want at the beginning of the season, to be depending on [Rahkeem “Jimbo” Cornwall) only.

As you can see, Gavin Tonge and other players have stepped up, and with Alzarri coming back we were sure that we would have a better bowling attack, but thus far it hasn’t paid off,” he said.

Benjamin is, however, confident that Joseph will get back to top form following a break from the game for family reasons. The Hurricanes have lost back-to-back matches in the Regional 4 Day competition, slipping to fifth in the six-team standings with 39.4 points.(Cricinfo)

Chelsea confirm Oscar move to China

― Knowledge, training and dedication are pillars of development

P

resident of the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA) and Guyana’s only International Federation of Body Building and Fitness (IFBB) International accredited judge Frank Tucker, stated that he is pleased with the way body building is in Guyana and the way it is moving heading into 2017.

“I think body building is going in the right way in Guyana, you have lots of people involved and following up the sport and I think if all goes well for the future we can make a huge impact.” Tucker said.

While he believes the administration of the sport is in good hands, the athletes themselves are putting in the hard work and dedication that make the sport gather returns as it did over the 2016 season, medaling their highest in the Darcy Beckles Classic, compiling their best showing at the Caribbean and Central American Championships (CAC) and successfully hosting the Stage of Champions.

Tucker ventured on to state that he sees “a lot of promising body builders, you have Kerwin Clarke who won the last senior nationals and Gold at CAC, there are lots of other body builders with lots of talent and I look forward to these body builders come up and step up to the plate and be successful.”

Looking to the future Tucker noted that he has seen the potential in 2016 and is high in confidence that come 2017 and the following years that we can produce body builders from Guyana who can go further into the world and accomplish the best for Guyana.

On the flip side, like any other sport, more can be done to better the production we get and Tucker is of the belief that in order to grow more there must me more dedication.

He urged the athletes to “dedicate themselves to learning the art of the sport; learning the art of administration, posing, all they need to know about the sport as well as read magazines, get ideas and put them into Kerwin Clarke practice. If these are there then they could make the highest level.”

The former President of the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation is of the opinion that if this is done then we can do very well.

He gave the example of Emmerson Campbell who is learning the art of mastering the men’s physique and to his mind, Campbell “has a long way to go.”

Emmerson Campbell

Oscar has played more than 200 games for Chelsea since joining in 2012

C

helsea and Shanghai SIPG have agreed terms for midfielder Oscar's estimated £60m move to the Chinese Super League club in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old Brazil international said earlier this month the transfer was "90% certain".

Oscar joined Chelsea from Internacional for £25m in 2012 and has scored 38 times in 203 appearances for the club.

He will complete his move "at the beginning of the January transfer window", the club said in a statement.

Oscar, who has struggled to get into Antonio Conte's Chelsea side since October, will join former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas in Shanghai.

The Chinese side confirmed Oscar "will arrive in Shanghai in the coming days to officially join SIPG".

The player, who has won the Premier League, Europa League and League Cup during his fourand-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge, will earn a reported £400,000 a week and the transfer fee will rank as the seventh-highest of all time.

Conte last week said the huge money being spent on players by Chinese clubs was a "danger for all teams in the world".

Oscar's move comes as former Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez is reportedly on the verge of becoming the world's highest-paid footballer by moving from Boca Juniors to Shanghai Shenhua, where he will earn £615,000 a week.

The transfer window opens on 1 January and closes at 23:00 GMT on 31 January.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

HERO Caribbean Premier League 2017 Pg 22

Richards wants CPL team for Antigua and Barbuda Johnson Charles, Rakheem Cornwall, Ricky Ponting and Marlon Samuels were part of the Hawksbill Franchise which was based in Antigua

Pg 23

KMTC Boxing Day race gets Stag beer injection

All roads lead to the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club on Monday for the Boxing Day eight-race card

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