Guyana Times Daily

10 new housing schemes to be developed in 2016

P12

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2728

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

PRICE

Controversial NICIL probe…

Army admits involvement in surveillance activity Page 3

– Pyle was “legitimately” supporting SOCU – GDF

No “decision” made to revoke radio licences – GNBA Head

Page 16

Father of missing British teen pleads for son’s safe return

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Man badly P17 injured in Croal Street accident

Rice farmers want plantain chip factory “up and running” ‒ to provide alternative form of income P17 Haags Bosch Landfill

Govt needs to address fire issue – Site Manager P11

Page 7

Reg 10 MP to be sworn in as Junior Minister of P16 Communities

– confirmed son cleared immigration at CJIA The father of the British teenager who went missing months ago after arriving here, Andrew Bernard as he fights back tears during a press conference on Tuesday where he appeals for the safe return of his son, Dominic

50th Independence Anniversary

Unofficial Golden Jubilee launch cost $10M – Minister Henry Page 8

Meten-MeerZorg fisherman found dead in net Page 7

Coomacka resident P13 on bail for assaulting reputed wife Attempted murder charge against couple reduced

P8

2 News

wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Major road projects to be undertaken this year

G

uyanese can expect several new road projects and the completion of ongoing projects as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Government seeks develop the country’s infrastructure this year.

At the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s year end review press conference, Chief Works Officer and Head of the Works Services Group, Geoffrey Vaughn, disclosed that there are eight major projects on stream for this year.

These include the completion of the design for the road link between Parika and Goshen; the East Coast Expansion Road Project from Better Hope to Belfield; the East Bank/East Coast bypass road from Diamond to Ogle; the Linden to Lethem road link that will connect to neighbouring Brazil, and the review of studies on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Additionally, the Ministry will also be working on completing the studies for the new Demerara River crossing; the deepwater harbour port and the completion of the urban transport studies.

The Chief Works Officer also reported on the progress on foreign funded projects.

As it relates to Guyana’s major funding agency, InterAmerica Development Bank (IDB), the projects commenced about four years ago since three sets of loans were

Chief Works Officer Geoffrey Vaughn

signed for the duration of five years.

Among the projects to benefit from this was the Sheriff-Mandela Avenue Project. While the designs for this project were completed, the new Administration has decided to review the works to be done and this currently ongoing.

East Bank Berbice Road

Moreover, there were several studies (civil works) funded as well by the IDB loans. Phase two of the feasibility study for the East Bank Berbice, Region Six, (East Berbice-Corentyne) road was completed (from Stanleytown to Everton) and Government is currently awaiting IDB’s no objection to proceed with tendering.

Another study was completed regarding the East Bank Demerara road. The report on the findings of this feasibility study is cur-

rently with the Ministry.

For the Canal Number One and Number Two, and West Bank Demerara Road, Government took a decision to terminate the feasibility studies consultancy after the work was not completed within the specified time or to specification.

Meanwhile, Government is looking to roll out the Urban Transport Studies as early as this month.

According to the Chief Works Officer, the IDB has given its approval for the project to move forward and it has already gone through the first set of processes.

“The Urban Transport Study basically would look at the transportation network and mechanism within the city and try its best to see how we can basically restrict some of the bottlenecks we have around the city in terms of parking, areas where we could have proper systems for parking and also for traffic signs,” he stated.

On the other hand, the Guyana Government has received funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the funding of Fourth Road Project, this is, the West Coast Demerara Road (WCDR) Improvement Project, which will see improvement works on sections of the roadway from Vreeden-Hoop to Hydronie.

Vaughn explained that while the project began in 2012, it is comprised of eight components including road

works; road works supervision; school road safety education programme; community and driver road safety education; road safety public relations and communications; and monitoring and evaluation consultancy. This project is scheduled to be completed within four and a

that at the end of the 2014 fiscal year, 185 miscellaneous roads, measuring a total length of 43,954 metres and 20 urban roads with a total of 22,487 metres were approved by the Finance Ministry, as multiyear projects at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion and $79 million

had been warranted to the regions for the Administration and supervision of the roads that were approved by the Finance Ministry. The total expenditure for this period includes wages and salaries; and the purchasing of asphalt, crusher run, paint, tools and supplies, etc.

The East Coast Road Expansion Project is expected to be completed this year

half years.

Local, urban roads

Meanwhile, for locally funded projects, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, through the Works Services Group (WSG), has been constructing and rehabilitating roads in from Regions One (Barima-Waini) to Six and also in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), under the Miscellaneous and Urban Roads Programme.

Vaughn disclosed that last year’s budget saw $509 million and $570 million awarded under the Miscellaneous and Urban Roads Programmes respectively. However, he noted

respectively. These projects rolled over from 2014 into 2015.

Furthermore, the Chief Works Officer outlined that the clean-up project fell under the Urban Road Programme and was executed to the tune of $22 million.

During the course of 2015, the Force Account Unit had maintained approximately 359 kilometres of roads.

Regional roads

Works were done in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (MahaicaBerbice), and Six; however, the monies for these projects

In addition, WSG’s highway lighting component saw lights being installed along the highways in Linden, Corentyne and Essequibo Coast. There was also the placement of more barriers and road signs along main access roads as well as the placing road signs around Georgetown.

In terms of aqua-panel bridges such as the Railway and Embankment on the East Coast and at Moleson Creek, Berbice, Vaughn noted that a number rehabilitation works were done on these structures. With a budget of $40.6 million, some $38.3 million was spent on these works.

news

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wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 6 – 14:00h-15:30h and Thursday, January 7 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 6 – 13:55h-15:25h and Thursday, January 7 – 14:35h-16:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with clear to cloudy skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 01:37h and 15:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.39 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:28h and 20:00h reaching minimum heights of 0.93 metre and 0.80 metre respectively.

Controversial NICIL probe…

Army admits involvement in surveillance activity Pyle was “legitimately” supporting SOCU – GDF

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

T

he Government of Guyana and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Tuesday attempted explain their involvement in what appears to be a very quasi-political operation, aimed at targeting the Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington under the guise of carrying out a Police investigation, following the completion of a forensic audit at the entity.

The Defence Force was forced to admit that one of its Sergeants, Robert Pyle, was deployed to be part of a “legitimate” operation in support of the Special Organised Crime Fighting Unit (SOCU).

Robert Pyle

He subsequently died on the spot as a result of the impact, according to reports.

In a very brief statement to the media, the

ing as part of Operation Dragnet which was an initiative announced last year

by Government to tackle the out-of-control crime situation in the country.

The GDF’s release did not clarify who made the request for assistance and whether other ranks were also deployed officially to be part of the SOCU role.

When contacted, GDF Chief-of-Staff Mark Phillips remained tightlipped and refused to cooperate with Guyana Times, pointing this newspaper to the release that was sent out earlier.

Soon after, this newspaper learnt that SOCU did not make an official request through the right channel for whatever support it felt it needed during

The wrecked car that was driven by Robert Pyle

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Plye and his wife died on December 30 while chasing a vehicle which they believed had links to Brassington.

The vehicle was being driven by a young man who was not related to Brassington. His sister was an occupant in the car. It was reportedly seen in the vicinity of Brassington’s Kingston, Georgetown home on the night Plye and special ranks were staking out the property.

After failing to block the vehicle from taking off, Plye and other special ranks in a second vehicle tailed it all the way to Carifesta Avenue where another attempt was made to block it from proceeding further.

But this time, one of the two vehicles giving chase slammed into a vehicle which was being driven by civilian Linden Eastman.

GDF, finally breaking its silence following public outrage and mounting criticisms, claimed that there was nothing sinister about its involvement in the probe being conducted by SOCU. It argued that it was “normal” for the Defence Force to offer support to other law enforcement bodies on operations of a similar nature.

The GDF then alleged that Plye who was a member of its Special Intelligence Unit was work-

the probe.

SOCU, the Guyana Police Force and the Government to a lesser extent, have remained mum on the entire incident and political undertones that are emanating as the fiasco unfolds.

Also, there have been no explanations as to why Plye’s wife was in the vehicle with him while he was on a “legitimate” operation on December 30, 2015.

No statement has been forthcoming about the

Winston Brassington

identity, status or location of the fourth accident victim, who was pulled from the car and rushed to receive medical attention.

Guyana Times learnt on Tuesday that President David Granger; Vice President with responsibility for public security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Brigadier Phillips and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud were fully briefed on the matter for days but said nothing to the media.

During the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition had downplayed public concerns over its paramilitary fetishism which saw it employing the services of scores of former military and Police officials.

The coalition soon after was accused of attempting to subvert the independence of the Guyana Defence and Police Forces with the aim of achieving influence and control over their day to day operations and decisions of a certain nature.

The APNU and AFC then denied interfering but this most recent incident is being seen as having political roots because the Government has never hesitated to brand Brassington publicly as being aligned to the Opposition.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, january 6, 2016

Views Editor(ag): Michael Younge Tel: 225-8697, 225-6695, 225-5634, 225-8696, 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

I

The rum-drinking culture

t wouldn’t take long for anyone to conclude after observing what is happening in the society, especially during the holiday season, that the issue of alcohol consumption and the lasting negative effects it has on individuals and societies in general must be kept on the national agenda as it needs urgent attention.

Not only can drinking too much alcohol cause negative short-term effects such as loss of judgment, loss of coordination, blurred vision, slurring of speech, and loss of balance etc, it can also cause negative long-term effects; these include brain damage, liver failure, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer, epilepsy, nerve damage, and heart failure.

Alcoholism contributes to a range of social problems, for example; there has been an increase in cases of domestic and other forms of violence in our society. Official statistics show that one in four Guyanese women have been physically abused in a relationship. The increase in domestic violence has been blamed on several reasons; one of which is the abuse of alcohol and drugs. In fact, quite a number of stories which were carried by the local press over the past few months pointed to the fact that the alleged abuser or killer of some of the women murdered was under the influence.

In addition, research shows that alcoholism contributes to suicide which has been, and continues to be, a major social problem, and is also considered to be a public health issue, particularly in our own country.

The negative effects of alcoholism are well known, what needs to be dealt with is how the problem could be addressed.

One thing for sure is that the issue needs to be tackled by all stakeholders in a holistic manner. Stakeholders – including the religious community, Government, political parties, NGOs, community leaders, law enforcement authorities, bar owners and parents – as a whole, need to sit at the table again and come up with a strategy that would deal effectively with the problem, since putting legislation in place alone, even though very important, will not help.

To begin with, there are countless rum shops in the country, many of which are unlicensed. The authorities need to clamp down on those that are operating illegally, and the entire process as it relates to issuing licences should be reviewed.

Added to this is the issue of minors purchasing alcohol from these shops. And the uncaring rum shop owner, in the interest of making profits, would take the chance and sell the product to juveniles. This is more so since they feel that no one will find out and even if they do, very little will be done by the authorities to prosecute those found engaging in the activity.

What is even more worrying is that in most cases it is the parents or guardians who send their children to purchase alcohol. This, therefore, means that there must be legislation in place that holds parents and guardians accountable for their children’s actions, which they themselves sometimes cause.

Further, the country is assailed by reckless music that glorifies and trivialises rum drinking and its debilitating effects. Songs such as “Rum Till I Die” and “One More Fuh De Road” that promote rum drinking could be heard in minibuses, at weddings, and even on the public airwaves. It is, therefore, no wonder so many of our young people engage in excessive drinking to the point of becoming addicts.

The authorities must, therefore, step up their education and sensitisation campaigns with the aim of discouraging the rum-drinking culture among the population. The Health Ministry may need to carry out sensitisation campaigns similar to the ones used for smoking across the country, especially in hinterland areas.

It is certainly not our intention to place the blame for all our problems on the use of alcohol, but one cannot dispute the fact it is indeed a major contributory factor to some of the social ills we face in today’s society. As we enter another year and as we engage in the process of renewal, we must redouble our efforts, both as individuals and as a nation, in dealing with the issue of alcohol abuse and its negative effects on individuals and societies.

Preparations for Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival 2016: Here a worker polishes a delicate ice sculpture (BBC)

Prisoners Amnesty Dear Editor, I have noted with great interest that His Excellency, President David Arthur Granger has granted dozens of youngsters and women, amnesty for various reasons.

I have also noted that the Food For The Poor entity for over a decade now, has been coming forward to pay fines for persons incarcerated for minor criminal offences, and are unable to pay their fines. Both initiatives are laudable, and compliments should be heaped on our President, and the Food For The Poor entity.

However, I do not think the amnesty should just be by fiat, but must come with a very serious responsibility, and also training. Please note the following recommendations: 1. No prisoner should be set free without the signing of a contract. Should they breach the terms of the contract, they could be rearrested to serve out their time, with an additional 10 per cent or 20 per cent added to it. This is to create a fear factor.

2. The released prisoner must not feel that they are fully free, and should be made to report to the Commanders, or a designated officer at Police stations in their various communities.

3. They should have certain relatives, friends or even priests, who would sign

on their behalf, and take responsibility to help in their supervision and rehabilitation. However, in fairness to the persons accepting supervision/partial supervision, at no time should these persons be held legally or financially responsible, should any released prisoner abscond or misbehave.

4. Before being released, such prisons should be made to undergo a motivational seminar created for their level of education. Their participation should be made compulsory, and their skills and knowledge must be investigated before programming for possible employment.

5. If they did not serve long enough to have mastered a trade in prison, they must sign onto the contract (see number one above), to attend a training programme at an identified facility. This facility can be a bakery, welding shop, mechanic shop, etc.

6.

The participatory professional, or service business, can be given a recognised certificate of participation, that can be displayed on their walls, to establish the fact that, they believe in good corporate citizenship, and wish to assist youthful offenders, by giving them a second chance.

Boot Camp

7. All prisoners slated for release should undergo a ‘semi-militarised boot camp’ for at least two weeks in-

volving all aspects of drills, survival techniques, athletics, debates, and even involvement in trades, in order to feel and ascertain their skills. It has been proven that this kind of ‘boot camp’, or enhancement personality training, call it as you may, works excellently in the USA, Canada, and Europe. The boot camp should be tough and powerful, to help bring out from the core of their hearts and souls: goodness, beauty and power. Of course, they should not be trained in the use of fire arms, but trained in self defence and ‘hand to hand combat’ for disciplinary purposes, which will also discipline the mind.

8. These individuals should be encouraged to teach the skills learned to fellow youths in their communities, thus, making them positive mentors and personalities in their various communities. This will give them feelings of accomplishment and contribution to society.

9. In addition to reporting to the Police, the released prisoners should have a volunteer mentor in their various communities that they should visit periodically for counselling. These mentors can be: retired teachers, headmasters/headmistresses, Justice of the Peace, retired Police Officers, retired bankers, and decent professional business and trade representatives, etc.

10. There is so much

more that I can add to the above. I leave the rest to the imagination of the authorities.

I am prepared to sit on a board, if so created, for this purpose for a very large salary of G$1 per annum.

I wish to note that in order to draw attention to the authorities that exist that technically, I am still a member of the National Commission of Law and Order, and was an active member with several other great colleagues in that Parliamentary Approved Law Commission. Much was achieved.

I wish to point out that I am also still a member of the Prison Sentence Management Board, and was very active in their functions as well. Both boards have not been summoned since the last General and Regional Election.

I encourage the Government to call both Boards into function, or appoint new ones if the new Government is so inclined. I am volunteering my services as a citizen of this great and beautiful country, to help young people who are in trouble, and my country, for which I am very possessive, and prejudiced.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan (National Chairman – Universal Peace Federation)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, january 6, 2016

Freddie is deserving of an honour Dear Editor, Reference is made to Mr Freddie Kissoon’s column in which he pilloried Professor Baytoram Ramharack for making reference to him (Freddie) as an Indian who is not proud of his Indian identity and cultural roots and who (Freddie) has refused to defend Indians against the most vile and vicious attacks. Freddie has distinguished himself in his writings and the Indian community should confer an honour onto him for his constant attack on the community and its defenders.

The record would show that Freddie himself, at various times, stated he is not “an Indian”, that he is not proud of India, and that he is ashamed of being an Indian.

In contradiction to the preceding comments, Freddie stated that his parents were proud Hindus and they raised him as a Hindu and that he gave his daughter a Hindu name (at the request of his mother) even though he is married to a Muslim.

Freddie has attacked anyone and everyone who writes from an Indian identity per-

spective. Freddie was advised by various concerned individuals to see Dr Bhiro Harry and or Dr Latchman Narain (whenever the latter visits Guyana) to help address the conflicting identity issues he faces.

In response to Dr Ramharack’s critique of Freddie’s lack of Indian cultural upbringing, Freddie stated he understands Indian values well and that he does not have to display his identity publicly. That being the case, Freddie has not explained why he does not celebrate Diwali or Phagwah or Eid or Arrival Day or other Indian festivals? In fact, he opposed all Indian celebrations. Freddie states he never listened to Indian music or read Indian writers. All of his writings quote westerners and not great Indian intellectuals.

His references to music, arts, literature, and films are from the West and not India.

If Freddie is Indian cultured, as he now claims, in contradiction to an earlier stated position, then how come he does not use

Indian kinship terms like mousie, mamoo, dada, cha cha, dulaha, patni, uncle, bhaiya, bahin. Anyone who understands Indian values or is an Indian will not call a Pandit or a mulvi by his name or “Mister” as Freddie routinely does. An Indian referring to an elderly person as “Mister” or “Miss” is most disrespectful and must be condemned.

Instead, the honorific title of Pandit, meiji, uncle, auntie would precede or follow the name. I heard several black and white priests refer to Pandits, swamis and mulvis by their honorific titles and not their plain names.

Freddie calls Swami Aksharnanda as “Mr Aksharnanda”. No self respecting person (certainly not an Indian) will refer to a Swami as “Mister”.

Even Eusi Kwayana, Bonita Harris, Nigel Hughes, David Hinds, etc, respectfully refer to Aksharnanda as Swami. Even Muslims and Christians refer to Aksharnanda as Swami.

The proper way to address him is Swami, or Swami-ji, or Swami Aksharnanda, or

Aksharnanda-ji. It should never be “Mister”. Ditto, a Muslim title like Haji or Mulvi or Maulana or Meiji or Meiah. These honours are earned and the achievers should be so addressed.

Most Indians use these titles when referring to those who have achieved them. I most certainly do in all of my encounters with them.

Contrary to what Freddie believes, Swami is an earned honorific title; it is not self imposed. It is bestowed by gurus to a student after intense training.

It is utterly disrespectful and uncultured of Freddie to call Swami Aksharnandaji “Mister”. It is equally wrong for Indians to disrespect Freddie. He deserves an honorific title in front of his name. Many Indians feel Freddie should be conferred the honorific title “Gadaha” or gadaha-ji as a mark of respect. Not many will disagree after reading Freddie's voluminous contribution to the fictional genre of literature.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

There are no clarifications in Rohee’s letter Dear Editor, I read People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee’s respond to my letter which was in itself a response to his public statement that the PPP/Civic had not been invited to participate in the reparation for, and celebration of, the 50th anniversary jubilee.

In all that he has said, it was not refuted that an invitation was sent and that there has been no response.

He seeks to claim that he never received such an invitation but I never claimed to have sent one to him. He built a straw house, demolished it then attributed its existence to me. The let-

ter was send to the Leader of the Opposition, albeit to Freedom House, where they received and signed for it.

In his press conference, his reference was not to ‘him’ not being in receipt of an invitation. It was to ‘them’, presumably the PPP/C, the Opposition, not being invited.

He failed to prove that the letter was not sent but implicitly acknowledged that there was no response.

In similarly vein, he acknowledged that the letter Re: UG Council – which was also addressed to the Leader of the Opposition and delivered to Freedom House – had been acted upon, while callously stating that “If

that decision was not communicated to the relevant authority well that’s another matter”. How competent!

In his opening salvo, Rohee talks about incompetence with a broad brush and not an iota of evidence.

That’s another example of the “politricking” that I referred to in my previous letter. In cricketing parlance, Rohee has spun, been stumped and bowled all over the place. He spun on the question of whom the letter was addressed.

He was stumped through the exposure of his spinning and he was bowling all over the place; one time it is apparently incompetent to send a letter to the Leader

of the Opposition through Freedom House but a similar letter was received and acted and a third letter which was never addressed to him has not been received by him, as if it was intended to be received by him.

There are no clarifications in Rohee’s letter but the address of the Leader of the Opposition has been noted. Rohee’s letter is an instructive lesson in Guyanese politics.

Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander Technical Facilitator to the Education Minister

5

Consultation on Coroners and Law Reform Commission Bills

Dear Editor, The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday participated in consultations at the Attorney General’s Chambers on the Coroners (Amendment) Bill and the Law Reform Commission Bill.

Participants included Christopher Ram, representing the Guyana Bar Association, among others. Discussion were centred primarily on the provisions for appointment of Commissioners and an agreement was reached with the Attorney General on how these persons would be appointed.

The PSC, being wholly cognisant of the many obsolete laws which remain in the Laws of Guyana

and the need for careful culling of contradictory laws, fully supports, with minor amendments, the Law Reform Commission Bill. With respect to the Coroners (Amendment) Bill, it was noted that the substantive Coroners Act needs to be fully reviewed.

The Commission also commends the Legal Affairs Ministry for arranging this consultation with civil society and for taking on board suggestions made by the attendees. This augurs well for future cooperation between the Government and civil society organisations.

Sincerely, The Private Sector Commission

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

A fateful first act – the action-packed days a baby spends in utero influence emotional and physical makeup for years to come

BY EMILY LABER-WARREN

Frazzled origins

The womb experience helps establish a child’s emotional resilience and susceptibility to disease, and unfortunately, that experience is not always completely under the mother’s control.

If a woman is anxious for months at a time – say she’s in a troubled marriage or is financially strapped – high levels of the stress hormone cortisol may reach her foetus.

Such a foetus doesn’t need as many brain receptors to sense the hormone’s presence, so it develops fewer. But having fewer cortisol receptors changes a person’s ability to cope in later life.

The cortisol system has its own shut-off valve; when cortisol levels in the bloodstream reach a certain point, the body stops making the hormone and everything returns to normal.

But people with fewer receptors don’t sense that it’s time to stop making cortisol until they’re practically swimming in it. Living with high levels of cortisol not only creates wear and tear on the body but also makes it tough to handle strong emotions without lashing out or withdrawing, and it may set people up for depression.

Infants whose pregnant mothers developed posttraumatic stress disorder after the September 11 attacks were found to be more easily upset by loud noises and unfamiliar people.

“Temperament is not only genetically determined,” says Catherine Monk, a Columbia University psychologist. “It is constructed throughout early development and, in part,

in utero by exposure to the mother’s mood.” In a study of thousands of women in England, those who ranked in the top 15 per cent for anxiety during pregnancy had children with double the rate of emotional

he says. Yet even this moderate amount of stress results in infant monkeys that are less able to hold up their heads or scrutinise novel objects. At three years old, their hippocampus, a brain area responsible for learning

(Part 2)

solving puzzles, stacking blocks, and manipulating small objects.

It may be that moderately emotionally “charged” women provided a more varied intrauterine environment, with stimulations that sped up brain development.

On the other hand, one of the scariest risks for stressedout pregnant women is the greater chance that their child will one day be schizophrenic.

Israeli girls who were in their second month in the womb during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war were 4.3 times more likely to become schizophrenic than girls born at other times, and boys were 1.2 times more likely to develop the disease. Another study found that children of women who experienced the death of a close relative during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to later develop schizophrenia.

Researchers speculate that the placenta is very sensitive to stress hormones coursing through a severely stressed-out mother’s body, and that those hormones cause alterations in the foetal brain that help unleash schizophrenia down the line.

The first 40 days

and behavioural problems at 10 years old.

Stress may cause long-term cognitive deficiencies, too. Coe subjects pregnant monkeys to three loud car-horn bursts at unpredictable intervals over a 10-minute period, and he does it daily for one-quarter of their pregnancy. “Certainly women living in the Congo or in Iraq have a much more stressful pregnancy than anything I ever studied,”

and memory, is 10 per cent smaller than normal, which likely translates into worse functioning.

Just as challenges can bring out the best in adults, prenatal stress seems to benefit children sometimes: Two-year-olds whose mothers were moderately anxious or depressed during pregnancy performed better than average on reasoning and coordination tasks such as

If a woman gets the flu during her first trimester, her child is seven times as likely to develop schizophrenia as a teenager or young adult.

It may not be the flu itself that causes the malfunction, but rather an immunological reaction. Cytokines – proteins the mother’s body produces in response to the flu – get transmitted to the foetus and harm its brain. (psychologytoday.com)

Daughters of unloving mothers: 7 common taking stock is often the wounds -first step in healing

BY PEG STREEP

I

n the years since I researched and wrote Mean Mothers, I’ve talked to women about our shared experiences. Every woman’s story is different, of course; perhaps the greatest commonality is the discovery that each of us is not alone, that we are not the only girls or women on the planet to have had mothers who can’t or won’t love them. The taboos about “dissing” our mothers and the myths of motherhood which portray all mothers as loving isolate unloved

daughters, and that discovery lifts part of the hurt and the burden but not at all of it. This catalogue of what can happen to a daughter who grows up without a mother’s love and support is derived from anecdote, not a scientific survey; it’s not meant to be inclusive either. And again, I write not as a psychologist or therapist, but as a fellow traveller.

Why these wounds are common is amply explained by attachment theory, first proposed

by John Bowlby and then expanded by the work of Mary Ainsworth, Mary Main and many others.

In infancy and childhood, a

daughter catches the first glimpse of herself in the mirror that is her mother’s face. If her mother is loving and attuned, the baby is securely attached; she learns both that she is loved and lovable. That sense of being lovable – worthy of affection and attention, of being seen and heard – becomes the bedrock on which her earliest sense of self is built, and provides the energy for its growth.

The daughter of an unloving mother – one who is emotionally distant, withholding, or inconsistent, or even hypercritical or cruel – learns different lessons

about the world and herself. The underlying problem, of course, is how dependent a human infant is on her mother for nurturance and survival, and the circumscribed nature of her world.

What results is insecure attachment, characterised as either “ambivalent” (the child doesn’t know whether the good mommy or the bad one will show up) or “avoidant” (the daughter wants her mother’s love but is afraid of the consequences of seeking it).

Ambivalent attachment teaches a child that the world of relationship is unreliable; avoidant attachment sets up a terrible conflict between the child’s needs both for her mother’s love and for protection against her mother’s emotional or physical abuse.

Early attachments form the internal templates or mental representations we have about how relationships work in the world.

Without therapy or intervention, these mental representations tend to be relatively stable.

The key thing here is that the daughter’s need for her mother’s love is primal and a driving force, and that need isn’t diminished by its unavailability. That need coexists with the terrible and damaging understanding that the one person who is supposed to love you without condition doesn’t. The struggle to heal and cope is a mighty one, affecting many, if not all parts, of the self, but especially in the area of relationship.

The work of Cindy Hazan and Philip Shaver (and, later, others) showed that early childhood attachments were highly predictive of adult romantic relationships, as well as friendships. It won’t surprise you that the most common wounds are those to the self and the area of emotional connection.

The point of looking at these wounds isn’t to bemoan them or throw up our hands in despair at the mother-love cards we were dealt but to become conscious and aware of them.

Consciousness is the first step in an unloved daughter’s healing. All too often, we simply accept these behaviours in ourselves without knowing their point of origin.

(psychologytoday.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

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wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Father of missing British teen Meten-Meer-Zorg fisherman pleads for son’s safe return found dead in net − confirmed son cleared immigration at CJIA

I

t has been nearly three months since British national Dominic Bernard mysteriously went missing after leaving his home country to visit a relative in Guyana, and his father is now seeking the help of the public in locating the young man.

The 18-year-old travelled to Guyana on October 14, 2015, and while records show that the young man arrived in Guyana, he has since vanished without a trace. His father, Andrew Bernard, is requesting persons with any information that would lead to his son’s whereabouts to contact him or local Police.

“My son, Dominic Bernard, is 18 years old and is missing. Dominic is a British citizen who left London to travel to Guyana on October 14, 2015. He landed at Timehri Airport at 9:50pm and has not been heard from since… I am holding this press conference because my wife and I need your help in locating Dominic,” the distraught father stated on Tuesday when he met with local reporters.

Dominic is six feet tall, medium build, and has black hair longer on top than on sides. At the time of his travel, he was wearing blue jeans, a white sweatshirt with a black leather jacket with sleeves made of fabric. He was also wearing white Nike sneakers. The young man was carrying a suitcase and one piece of hand luggage.

The teenager left London on flight BW903 at 12:50h on October 14, and arrived in Trinidad at 17:30h the same day. He then board-

Missing: 18-year-old Dominic Bernard

ed flight BW483 from Port of Spain to Georgetown, arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 21:50h.

Airport records show that the young man cleared immigration at the CJIA but unfortunately, his trail ended there.

“We know Dominic cleared customs, after that we have no information. I urge anyone who flew on those flights or who may have sat with my son or may have spoken to him to please contact me. Any bit of information, however small, will be helpful,” the man pleaded.

The worried father is also asking persons who might have seen the young man boarding a taxi or saw him anywhere else in Georgetown or Guyana to contact them immediately.

The young man was reportedly visiting his god brother, Aaron Hing, who resides in Kildonan, Corentyne, Berbice.

However, the anxious father told reporters at the press briefing that his

god father was unaware of the teenager’s visit. “It appears that Aaron was unaware that Dominic was making this trip,” Andrew stated. The man opted not to divulge much information to the media, noting that Police investigations are ongoing and he would not want to jeopordise any chance of his son returning home safely.

The further stated that there is no indication that his son would want to run away from home or not want to be found. The young man’s mysterious disappearance has raised many questions.

Guyana Times was made to understand that associates of the Bernard family had gone to review the surveillance footage at the CJIA on Monday in hopes of finding a lead. However, the airport has a rollover system of 60 days and the footage from October 14, was no longer in the system.

Local associates vented their anger at the system in place, noting that the country’s main port of entry should have a better shortage mechanism for cases such as this.

The Guyana Police Force has since been called in to investigate the teenager’s disappearance. Andrew stated that Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has immediately assigned a team to investigate the teenager’s disappearance.

If you have any information that could lead to the whereabouts of 18-year-old Dominic, please call 6959065 or email his father at andrew@andlin.co.uk

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everal persons have been arrested after a West Coast Demerara (WCD) fisherman was found dead on Monday in the Berbice River.

The dead man has been identified as 49-year-old Shahabudeen Haniff of Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD. According to initial Police investigations, the fisherman’s body was found in the net of a fishing vessel that was working in the vicinity of the Berbice River.

Further reports revealed that the Haniff was a member of the crew and they set sail on a fishing boat that left a wharf at New Hope, East Bank Demerara on December 30, 2015. They were heading to the Berbice River area.

Guyana Times was told that Haniff reportedly went missing from the boat and his body was later found by another fishing vessel in the Berbice River. This newspa-

per was made to understand that his crew members were arrested.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed to this publication that four crew members, including the Captain of the vessel, were taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation.

While he did not want to divulge much information about the investigation, the Crime Chief noted that they are awaiting the postmortem examination to determine how to proceed with the matter. The examination is expected to be conducted today.

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wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

50th Independence anniversary

Unofficial Golden Jubilee launch cost $10M – Minister Henry

Ministers of Government at the Square of the Revolution enjoying the festivities as Government launched its 50th anniversary jubilee celebrations

BY EDWARD LAYNE

T

he Old Year’s night unofficial launch of the calendar of activities to mark Guyana’s 50th year as an independent nation has cost some $10 million, Minister with the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport Nicolette Henry has confirmed.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Tuesday, Minister Henry confirmed that the event was funded from the public coffers.

She explained that the accounts department of the Ministry is still tabulating the books and as such, a comprehensive report will be available “by close of play this week.”

There are scores of activ-

ities planned in and outside of Guyana to mark the country’s 50th Independence during the course of 2016, including a number of concerts similar to the Old Year’s night launch.

However, member of the National Commemoration Committee Bobby Vieira told this publication that the bulk of the local celebrations will take place from May 1531.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has confirmed that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will participate in the observances, but added that their participation will be limited to state functions and “low cost” celebratory events.

“We will participate in activities to commemorate our 50th anniversary. What

we will do, we will participate in those State functions, not the bacchanal. We want to celebrate too, but we are not going to do this like it’s designed to rape the treasury. We have celebrated in the past without using up all the money from the treasury… We don’t want to get involved in that sort of thing that will use the resources of our treasury in an extravagant and wanton way. We will participate in State activities and tastefully low cost celebrations,” Jagdeo told a news conference last Thursday.

Transparency and accountability

Meanwhile, Jagdeo said already there is confusion over who are the organisers of the events as there are

significant questions about accountability, even before the celebrations actually begin.

“We have a total lack of transparency about spending in relation to this issue. We have advisers overseas who claim they are collecting money on behalf of the Government to celebrate 50th anniversary of our independence; you have a Minister who is involved, you have a person who claims he is involved overall, not the Minister. We are not sure about the activities, we are not sure about the legal firm they hired in New York, how much that firm is paid to celebrate our independence, why can’t they give it to the people is Brooklyn, the Queens and the Bronx if they want to do that?... we are not sure how much money will be spent on the partying here,” Jagdeo said.

Last year, Guyana celebrated its independence with a massive inauguration ceremony of President David Granger at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, which has still left a number of unanswered questions regarding the cost involved, and who actually financed the activities.

Attempted murder charge against couple reduced

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charge of attempted murder was reduced to a charge of unlawful and malicious wounding when a couple on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge against Pearl Harris, 38, of Lot 71 Block E South Sophia, Georgetown and Julius Creagan stated that on July 31, 2015 at South Sophia, Georgetown, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Shaunette Marcus with intent to maim, disfigure and cause grievous bodily harm.

Both Harris and Creagan pleaded not guilty to the charge. They were placed on $150,000 and $80,000 bail respectively.

It was also alleged that on the same day at South Sophia, Georgetown, Harris unlawfully and maliciously damaged one pipeline valued at $20,000 property of Shaunette Marcus.

She also pleaded not guilty to this offence. Both cases will continue on January 7.

Eyew tness Cops, robbers…

A

...SOCU and SARU

fter seven months of going after the “bad guys” – the People’s Progressive Party…who else? – facts are just starting to come out that there is a mindset unfortunately justifying the worst fears of those who saw a “militarised” Government taking shape after May 11.

It all had to do with the operation that played out last week in one of the old-time, premier housing areas of the country – Kingston. First we learnt that three people died – in a “Carifesta Ave smash up”. A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant and his wife were said to be overtaking another vehicle when they crashed head on into a Canter heading in the opposite direction. The driver of the Canter was also killed.

Occurring at 22:00h as the year drew to a close, most folks shook their head in sorrow as another record was broken in traffic-related carnage in our small country. Then the parent of the wife said her son-in-law, who’d been offduty in the holiday period, had been called “to report back to Camp Ayanganna”, the GDF headquarters.

Asked as to what was going on, the Head of the Army said, “no comment”. We then learnt through “sources” that the Sergeant was actually in the “intelligence section” of the GDF and he’d been assigned to keep the CEO of NICIL, Winston Brassington “under surveillance”. So folks started to scratch their heads. Since when was the GDF authorised to conduct surveillance of civilians? Army personnel are deployed in civilian operations under the most pressing circumstances – and only in conjunction with the Police. We all know who takes the lead in “joint operations”.

So out came another titbit – again from “sources” and nothing “official”. Responses to questions by the latter made clams seem positively garrulous! The GDF Sergeant was actually conducting the surveillance for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)! More scratching of heads by concerned citizens – but not by the chattering class that normally does the cheer-leading for the Government.

They also clammed up.

After all, SOCU was supposed to be tracking funds being laundered or diverted to terrorists. Was Brassington now being accused of violating the AML/CTF? Last we’d heard was that he was in the sights of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARU). Were SARU and SOCU now in bed with each other and with the GDF. This would be news to most…excepting to those who feared an Army Government.

And amidst more official stonewalling, came the coup de grace against the Government: revelations the GDF Sergeant was actually tailing the wrong person – a PPP MP, neighbour of Brassington.

And who, for the grace of God could've been killed. As could any one of us, also.

…and intelligence-led policing

The use of Army personnel to keep an eye on a civilian unfortunately echoes the incidents spelled out so graphically during the Rodney CoI. There, another GDF Sergeant – Gregory Smith – did eventually cause the death of the man he had under surveillance. And the then Army Chief also said he knew nothing about the operation. And here it is we thought “those days are over”. But as the fat lady says, “it ain't over till it's over”.

But what’s also troubling about the unfolding revelations is while the Disciplined Forces could find an intelligence officer at the drop of a hat to stake out Brassington, they’ve been unable to do the same in aid of the “intelligence led” policing we keep hearing about. And which was supposed to solve the “crime spiral” in tandem with the 2am curfew.

This is now back in force AFTER the holidays which saw four young men hack each other to death in rum-induced violence.

…and an old murder

Even in the waning days of his Mayorship, Hamilton Green insists the Monument to his (reportedly) murdered wife Shirley Field-Ridley, at Merriman Mall, be kept in decrepitude.

There’s no statute of limitations on death by poisoning, is there?

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

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wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Hinterland youths displeased at pace of HEYS Programme rollout

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oshaos of several Amerindian villages across Guyana have expressed concern over the pace in which the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme is being rolled out, saying youths yet to benefit were becoming agitated.

The HEYS Programme was first announced by President David Granger at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting of 2015, as part of a 10-point plan of action for Amerindian development.

The Programme is aimed at providing sustainable jobs for young people in hinterland regions, replacing the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprentice Programme (YEAP), which was initiated by the previous Administration in 2013, but reportedly expired in April 2015.

When the new Government took office, it dismissed almost 2000 indigenous young people, who were employed as Community Support Officers (CSOs) under YEAP. The Government had made this decision after questioning the work being done, claiming that the operations were found to be political.

HEYS was first launched in October 2015, in Paramakatoi, Region

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe along with her team and the Paramakatoi participants of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Project

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)

by Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe, who has responsibility for youth and women development. However, Toshaos have told this newspaper that they have heard no word since.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Tuesday, NTC Chairman, Mainstay Toshao Joel Fredericks recalled that Minister GarridoLowe had promised that the Programme would spread to other villages in 2016, but besides Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) villages, no village has had the opportunity to benefit. He informed that the young people of his community have resorted to endangering their own lives by working in

PSC slams GPL over new policy

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called on the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) to rethink the implementation of its recently announced plan to enforce the provisions in its amended 2010 licence.

The call was made even as both the Guyana Power and Light and the Public Utilities Commission claim that the decision by the power company to introduce the payment of a sixmonth security deposit for any postpaid disconnected customer is nothing new.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PSC said one must have a social conscience and not impose greater hardship.

When the announcement was made through advertisements in the media, it was met with fierce objection from the public, particularly members of poor households, but Chief Executive Officer of the Power Company Colin Welch said that the company is not doing anything illegal.

He said that the system has been in existence since 2010, noting that he could not see the reason for the

reaction. Welch said GPL has for over the last couple of years been publishing the same notice. He said however, that the power company has not been enforcing the policy, although it had been in existence.

The same explanation was given by the Public Utilities Commission which said that the Guyana Power and Light licence which was amended in 2010 provides for this.

The Commission’s Corporate Secretary Vidiahar Persaud said that the licence was issued by the then Government.

According to him, this is nothing new and recalled that back in September and October 2014; a similar advertisement was placed in the media.

During the latter part of December 2015, the Power Company announced, through advertisements, that should any customer’s electricity be disconnected, they will be required to pay a reconnection fee of some $3200. Added to this, they will also have to pay a security deposit which will be equivalent to six months of the average monthly bill.

the mines in an effort to sustain themselves and their families. Fredericks stated that he was hoping that the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry would see the need and pick up the pace of spreading the Programme across the regions.

Douglas Cassimero, Toshao of Aishalton Village,

Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), stated that he was still unsure of aspects of the Programme.

He only understood that this Programme replaced a previous one for young people in Amerindian villages.

Cassimero added that although consultations were not done in his communi-

ty, he is hoping that the Programme would make its way to Aishalton, as soon as possible as the young people were now idle with nothing to done. The community has received no word from the Ministry on the way forward.

Minister Garrido-Lowe had previously stated that

since the launch of the programme in Region Eight, students have been attending classes for Mathematics, English, Tourism and Hospitality. She explained that the programme was still only in the Region Eight villages of Paramakatoi, Mountain Foot and Bamboo Creek.

The Junior Minister had informed the Programme would run for one year – six months of in-house and practical training and another six months attachment to an office/ organisation relevant to the student’s area of study. The classes will be held in the mornings from Monday to Friday.

Following the one-year period, those who wish to start their own businesses will be assisted to do so. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy. com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, january 6, 2016

News

Hope murder, fire

Police arrest boyfriend of victim’s daughter − other 6 suspects remain in custody

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

P

olice have rearrested the boyfriend of the daughter of the murdered West Berbice woman, as they narrow in on bringing to justice the persons who were responsible for the murder of 49-year-old Anita Baichan.

Baichan was burnt alive in her Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice home after her home was set on fire on Sunday morning by two men, who left her inside the burning building, bound and her mouth taped shut.

Investigations revealed that two men armed with a cutlass and knives entered the home and held up Baichan and her son Moshim Khan, 28, and demanded cash and jewellery. The men used duct tape to bind the hands, feet and mouth of the victims and set the house ablaze before escaping.

The now dead woman’s daughter, Lomwattie Khan, was scheduled to return from the USA on Sunday morning.

When she did and was contacted by the Police, she pro-

Dead: Anita Baichan

vided them with the name of a boyfriend with whom she had recently severed a relationship.

The man was arrested on Sunday. However, according to a senior investigator, the daughter reported to the Fort Wellington Police Station in tears, stating that the two were still in a relationship and she had no reason to suspect that her boyfriend would want to hurt her family. Following the information provided, Police were forced to release the suspect.

On Tuesday,

Divisional Commander of B Division (Berbice), Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith said the boyfriend had been rearrested.

“We have six persons of interest in custody, and the Divisional Detective Officer is interviewing them as part of our investigations to see who the perpetrators of this heinous crime are. All of them were previously involved in criminal activity, some live in the area. The last person that we held is from Canje, he is a boyfriend of the deceased woman’s daughter. He was previously charged by the Police. We had arrested him first but he was released.”

Asked what new information had surfaced leading investigators to rearrest the suspect, the Divisional Commander said based no new information, they need to question the suspect.

Guyana Times has been informed that the rearrested suspect is a 27-year-old former Police Officer who had been previously charged with murder; however, in

Testicular perspicacity

S

Antonio Singh Balrup who was previously charged with murder

December 2014, the charges were dismissed at the Magistrate’s court.

In March 2014, former Policeman Antonio Singh Balrup, of Lot 5 Reliance Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, was charged for the murder of Patricia Samaroo, 64, of Bristol Street, Number Two Village, East Canje.

It had been reported that Balrup was the driver of the getaway car after Samaroo was shot.

Samaroo is said to have been shot by notorious criminal Deodat “Pop Corn” Seecharran who was wanted

by Police for several murders.

In April of that same year, Seecharran was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Police. In December 2014, the murder charge against Bulrup was discharged.

Meanwhile, Police continue to investigate the murder of Anita Baichan.

atiricus is a man who just loves the English language – it is so unique. Which other language would have the words “tough”, “though” and “bough” – all ending with the same letters, but pronounced differently? But with all the words available in the dictionary, there are still some individuals blessed with the power to come up with combinations that just take your breath away.

Take Rodee of the PPCEE, thought Satiricus admiringly. He’d just called on Naga Man to have the “testicular perspicacity” to follow up on his promise during the elections to cut down the powers of the Guyanese Presidency to size. Now Satiricus, as an old newshound had heard of “testicular fortitude”. This was somebody who had had the courage to “tell it as it is”.

In the vernacular, it was called having “b*lls” – meaning the fellow was “a real man” – since only real men had a pair of them. The Americans would say admiringly of such chaps if their courage was oversized,, “he has brass b*lls”. In other circumstances the appurtenances were also called “the family jewels” or “nuts”. Like when his son had recently explained why he got into a fight: “He hit me on my nose, dad, so I kicked him in the nuts!”

So Satiricus knew about the “testicular” part of what Rodee spoke about. But “perspicacity”? Jeez…

Satiricus had to go to the dictionary for THAT. “Having an insight…shrewnedness” he duly read. So was Rodee saying Naga Man should have an “insight with his nuts” to tell Pressie to reduce his powers?

Satiricus knew that Naga Man was full of himself – and a lot of other things, for that matter – but wasn't Rodee giving Naga Man too much of a Herculean task?

After all, right after the elections, hadn't Pressie cut off Naga Man’s nuts when he gave him Larwah rather than “Governance”?

What kind of “testicular perspicacity” could a neutered man muster when he is bereft of his family jewels?

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wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Haags Bosch Landfill

Govt needs to address fire issue – Site Manager

Haags Bosch Landfill Site on fire last week

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s the fire continues at the Haags Bosch Landfill Site, necessary measures are still being put in place to bring it under total control.

Speaking with this publication on Tuesday, Site Manager Lloyd Stanton said that efforts were being made “on a 24 hours basis to deal with the present situation”.

He added that “this current problem is ongoing due to the fire at the site being left unattended for approximately 16 hours, and also the Guyana Fire Service not taking advice on using the correct procedure in extinguishing it”.

The Site Manager also stated that fires of this nature were difficult to prevent owing to biodegrading of materials and bacteria, which generates fuel and also the presence of oxygen in the air.

Stanton also said, “Landfill fires can occur up to four times on a yearly basis, but in some instances, it

can occur every month based on the waste materials that are deposited.”

He added that he was appealing to the Government to make the necessary arrangements to assist in eliminating the recurring phenomena.

Over the past few weeks, this situation has become uncontrollable, resulting in garbage being directed temporarily to the Mandela dumpsite.

Residents in that community objected to this decision, and so informed Guyana Times, so Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green was forced to seek other alternatives for the disposal of garbage.

Subsequently, a decision was made by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for garbage to be dumped at the Lusignan Dumpsite.

However, the residents in that community want the practice to be discontinued, citing that they currently have their own garbage issues to deal with.

“Destination Guyana” targeting Chinese eco and adventure tourists

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uyana’s efforts to attract more tourists and to promote its adventure and eco-tourism products were boosted recently with a special marketing presentation by the Global Friendships Foundation in the city of Fuzhou in Fujian Province, China.

The event was a special forum with travel agents and tour consultants of Fuzhou City and other parts of the Fujian Province, and publicised the exceptional tourism products Guyana has to offer travellers from around the world, but more specifically, Chinese tourists who want culture, adventure, sports and eco-tourism.

Those in attendance were told of Guyana’s beauty, unique cultural heritage and natural attractions which make it an ideal destination for Chinese tourists. The agents and operators were advised that rather than the sun and sand tourism product offered by many of its Caribbean neighbours, Guyana offers vast open spaces; savannahs; virgin rainforests; mountains; huge rivers and waterfalls, the most famous of which is the majestic Kaieteur Falls, known to be the highest sin-

gle-drop waterfall in the world, five times taller than Niagara Falls. Additionally, they were shown a number of audiovisual and PowerPoint presentations on Guyana’s abundant wildlife, including numerous species of flora and fauna, particularly its spectacular birds.

Specifically as it relates to Georgetown, they were shown its picturesque, treelined avenues, bustling markets, and wooden buildings, including the renowned St George's Cathedral, reportedly the world's tallest wooden building.

During this forum, a special presentation was done on the Aruwai White H2O Resort. The $15 billion resort, situated on an island in the mighty Essequibo River opened its doors in December, and houses 50 rooms, a spa, gym and all the modern amenities for tourists and locals to enjoy a vacation surrounded by lush nature.

The travel agents and tour consultants were particularly captivated by the possibilities this new facility offered Chinese tourists such as cruises to nearby Amerindian villages and tours to nearby waterfalls and mining areas.

12 news

wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

10 new housing schemes to be developed in 2016

Aerial view of the Herstelling Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara

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he coalition Government, through its housing programme, is committed to improving the quality of life of Guyanese by establishing new, cohesive communities and consolidating existing settlements. This will be done through the promotion of integrated planning, land divestment and affordable housing.

To this end, in 2016, the Administration will be enhancing service delivery through home construction and land divestment, im-

proved infrastructure, promotion of public/private partnership, enhanced coordination with governmental and non-governmental organisations and enhanced community participation.

A total of 100 new turnkey houses will be constructed; 200 house lots distributed; and 10 new housing schemes developed in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and 10 (Upper

Demerara-Berbice). There will be infrastructural upgrades in 25 communities in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three, Four, Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 10.

In 2016, there will be an intensification of the community development programme. The results should realise the building of leadership capacity in 19 communities in Regions Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10.

There will also be the allocation of 400 regularised squatter lots, the identifica-

tion of 37 community projects for implementation and the commencement of a comprehensive squatter regularisation and relocation plan.

The resulting impact of these approaches would see not only the living conditions and quality of life improved for the beneficiary and household, but ultimately the formation of cohesive and sustainable communities in which Guyanese can secure the ‘Good Life.’

For 2015, during the seven months of the new Administration, a total of 180 house lots and 290 titles were handed out.

Meanwhile, outreaches were conducted in communities such as Parfaite Harmonie, Angoy’s Avenue, Eliza and Mary and Lethem; more than 20 community leaders were trained; three community projects were implemented; 148 lots were allocated to persons in squatting areas under regularisation; 250 titles were issued to persons in squatting areas under regularisation and a further US$3 million was promised to the Administration by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for the construction of homes in the hinterland. (GINA)

Case dismissed against Wismar man on threatening behaviour charge

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man who hails from John Alley, Wismar, Linden, walked out of the Linden Magistrate’s Court a free man on Tuesday, after two charges of threat-

ening behaviour against him were dismissed by presiding Magistrate Clive Nurse.

Lawrence John Jr had been on remand after he was accused of making use of

threatening language and threatening behaviour to his father Lawrence John Sr on Saturday, November 14, 2015. The defendant of lot 30 John Alley, pleaded not

guilty to the charges which were alleged to have occurred at the same location.

When the case was called on Tuesday, both father and son broke down in tears as John Sr told the court that the accused had threatened to cut off his head and put it in a bag on the day in question. He further related to the Magistrate Nurse that he felt disappointed after being threatened by his son. The case was dismissed based on lack of evidence provided to the court.

Simple larceny accused granted bail

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Linden man accused of simple larceny was granted bail on Tuesday by Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court. The defendant, 18-year-old Miguel Andrews pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between Wednesday, December 30 and Thursday, December 31, 2015, he stole a Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $40,000 and an amplifier valued $85,000.

The incident allegedly occurred at 139 Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden.

The items which amount to a total of $125,000 are the property of Nial Loimer.

Andrews was granted bail in the sum of $40,000 by the presiding Magistrate. The case was adjourned until January 26.

Keeping it real The Indian Mind (Part 1)

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n another daily, I recently posed a question as to “where are the Indian intellectuals?”

I raised the question not so much to “complain” or “bemoan” the absence of such a class of people within Guyana (and the broader Caribbean), but to challenge the Indian intellectuals to make their voices known by responding to the changes that were taking place or have been taking place in Guyanese society. The May 2015 national elections created a renewed opportunity to do Dr Baytoram Ramharack so, either by way of challenging, contributing or supporting current efforts towards national development.

In response, Abu Bakr, a Guyanese residing in France, interjected, arguing that Indians were playing the role of “victims”. He further argued that there is not much for Indians to complain about regarding what has been lost since they arrived in Guyana and that their efforts should not be guided by parochial issues/interests that steer away from the “Guyanese” national culture. Freddie Kissoon, in his comments, argued that the Indian intellectuals have always been there, but that they were co-opted or choose to remain silent by blindly supporting the PPP. Noam Chomsky, an American linguistic professor in his 1967 seminal essay on “The Responsibility of Intellectuals”, argued that intellectuals are generally subservient to those in power and they tend to support the dominant ruling class. An Italian Marxist, Antonio Gramsci, argued that in order to challenge the ruling class and their propaganda, oppressed groups should produce their own “organic” intellectuals. Chomsky’s and Gramsci’s conceptions allow us to distinguish between two types of intellectuals. The first type is the academic who represents the intellectual tradition by enhancing our knowledge by engaging in important research using theoretical analyses to help us understand the world in which we live. The others, fewer in number, are the intellectuals who use the established body of knowledge and theoretical analyses to engage in pragmatic field work to transform the human condition. Dr Walter Rodney, and Dr Eric Williams (Trinidad’s first Prime Minister), by far, exceeded the qualities that place them in this latter category. Their political activism was based on sound academic training and understanding of the society in which they lived, leading them to combine their knowledge with political activism for the benefit of mankind. For the record, this was the type of intellectual I was querying about, namely the leader who understands the sociological world in which we live and is engaged in community activities that are designed to change their human space in a positive way. I will argue also that, generally, such political activists initially develop credibility within their own ethnic community but they share a genuine concern for the greater good of society.

There are those who will argue that such a constricted and narrow definition of an intellectual excludes a significant number of legitimate social and political leaders, such as Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Dr Fenton Ramsahoye, Dr Clive Thomas, and many others, whose contributions cannot be ignored. While not denying that these individuals had developed instincts that made them intellectuals turn activists, there is no intention to trivialise their political contributions. However, I will argue that within the Caribbean, most of the Indian intellectuals (based on my definition) are actually academics who have been more interested in defining and analysing the society in which they live rather than applying their knowledge to transform their societies through sustained political activism. Nevertheless, one must applaud the continued historiography or body of scholarly work produced by this community, which have been growing in various fields over the last few decades.

My title seeks to examine the “Indian mind”. A large part of this examination is based on the fact that Indian intellectuals play a crucial role in helping us to understand the Indian mind in the Caribbean. Similarly, the Indian mind is shaped by the role and activities of the Indian intellectuals. There are two clear distinctions that exist within the domain in which the African and Indian intellectual operate within Caribbean societies, both of which impact the African and Indian mindset.

One, unlike Indians in the Caribbean, Africans, given the long history of brutal and dehumanising slavery and subsequent discrimination, have established a tradition of political and social activism from which to draw inspiration and seek solutions to their plight. The globalisation of African oppression and struggle has created notable cases for fraternity and support for similar causes worldwide. For example, in August 1972, while playing host to the Conference of Foreign Ministers of Non-Aligned Countries in Georgetown, Forbes Burnham used the occasion to pledge support for liberation movements in southern Africa, and he later allowed Cuban troops to use Guyana as a transit point on their way to help the Angolan liberation forces.

Two, the Indian intellectual, being a latecomer with a shorter period of oppression, whether he is the academic or the political activist, is influenced by the established worldview in which he finds himself. Such a leader fails to take into consideration the extenuating circumstances of his community, opting instead for a more universal approach to humanise his people. Cheddi Jagan represented the quintessential example of a leader who fell within this category, given his ideological commitment to Marxism-Leninism. Such an approach has its usefulness, but it can have a debilitating effect on the mindset – an issue that will be further explored.

(Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com)

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wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Citizenship Department recorded some successes in 2015

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he Department for Citizenship within the Ministry of the Presidency came into being after the May 11 General and Regional Elections. It functions principally, dealing with issues of birth certificates, issuance of passports to Guyanese locally and overseas, and processing of visas and citizenship applications.

The department also functions as the country’s gatekeepers in the sense of ensuring foreign visitors who intend on spending time in the country satisfy the immigration requirements.

This department successfully reduced the amount of time Guyanese in the Diaspora would have taken to process their passport in 2015. The waiting period for persons who reside outside of Guyana, seeking to process applications, has been reduced to one to two months; whilst those residing locally can have their documents within five working days.

Additionally, the processing time for visas whether arrival, visitors or employment, was significantly reduced which meant that applicants hadn’t to endure the long wait as had previously occurred.

In relation to birth certificates, the department maintained its decentralised method of operation, while 2016 should see the computerising of its records which eventually will see Guyanese receiving birth certificates of a higher quality. As such, the issue of identity theft will be significantly reduced.

Towards this end, bids for the computerising of the records were invited, and approximately 15 tenders were received. These were before a valuation committee after which it will be sent to the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration

spectively.

While the Administration works to ensure the necessary framework is in place for the smoother and easier provision of services by the office, the need for training of immigration officers is recognised and will be executed in a larger scale during 2016.

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix

for selection.

As the department continues its work in 2016, the populace can look forward to consistent improvement to their overall performance, more courteous immigration staff at the varying ports; along with the broadening of the decentralisation process for birth certificates and passport applications to cover more areas outside of Georgetown.

In 2016, for birth certificates, an activity to capture late registration will commence in January, as children cannot access primary health care without their birth certificates, nor can they be admitted to a school. This project ideally aims at having births that would have occurred in far flung riverine areas in hinterland communities registered. The roll-out of this programme will go hand in hand with an education programme which will sensitise young women on the importance of registering a child at birth or as soon as possible thereafter.

The coming on-stream of the e-governance project will provide the technological infrastructure needed for the department to provide an online registration and application process for both birth certificates and passports re-

Coomacka resident on bail for assaulting reputed wife

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resident of Coomacka, who allegedly handed his reputed wife 2 cuffs to the face, was granted bail on Tuesday, when he appeared inside the Linden Magistrate’s Court to answer to two charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm. The accused, 37-year-old James Torres was charged with the offence which allegedly occurred on December 19 at Coomacka Mines, Upper Demerara. The court heard that on the day in question, the accused and the Virtual Complainant (VC) Eluena Paul had a misunderstand-

ing which eventually led to an argument. According to the particulars read to the court, the defendant after becoming annoyed, punched the VC to the face which resulted in an injury. The matter was later reported to the Mackenzie Police Station, which subsequently led to the defendant being questioned and later charged.

He was not required to plea to the indictable charge and was granted bail in the sum of $25,000. The case will be called again before the presiding Magistrate on January 27.

Linden salesman fined $7500 for failing to wear safety helmet

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ailure to wear a safety helmet resulted in a $7500 fine for a 19-year-old Linden salesman who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Dakquon Rose was charged with riding motorcycle CH 2836 along the Potaro road, Mackenzie, Linden, while he was not

wearing a safety helmet, on Friday January 1. He was spotted by ranks and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station where the charge was laid out. The charge read that he failed to wear a safety helmet capable of affording protection to the head of the wearer from injury in the event of an accident.

It is believed that those who are employed by the department should be so cultured that their training enhances the department’s image and by extension the tourism sector, particularly when interfacing with tourists. In this regard extensive training in customer ser-

vice relations would be made available to immigration officers this year.

The Citizenship Department has as its overarching vision the enjoyment of a better life by all Guyanese by removing the hassle from obtaining basic documents like birth certificates and

passports, as these should not be surrounded by long lines or long waiting periods.

This means that in a phased manner, the department will rely on the use of technology and electronics to better serve their customers.

(Excerpt from GINA)

14 news

wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Serious crimes up by 16% in Berbice – Commander

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

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here has been a 16 per cent increase in serious crime in Berbice during 2015 when compared with figures for 2014.

Divisional Commander of B Division (Berbice), Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith says the statistics are not worrying. According to him, although there is that increase, the figures are not exorbitant. “Because you would find that it is just four murders above the 2014 figure but when you calculate it as per percentage, it may seem high.”

In 2015, there were 24 murders committed compared with 20 during the previous year. In reviewing the past year, Commander Griffith said in 2015, robbery was nil as compared with nine in 2014.

However, robbery under arms where firearms were used, showed a 25 per cent increase, moving from 60 in 2014 to 85 in 2015, while robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used was 27; the same as in 2014.

Robbery with violence showed a steep increase, moving from eight in 2024 to 19 last year, while robbery with aggravation declined from three to one in 2015. There were 41 reports of rape in Berbice in 2015.

This compares with 23 the previous year. Burglary had a 10 per cent increase, there being 10 last year, while larceny from the person recorded zero for the two previous years.

Divisional Commander B Division, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith

Of major concern in the division is break and enter and larceny which had a 10 per cent increase. In 2014, there were 187 reports made and in 2015, there were 206.

Despite the increase the division recorded its lowest break and enter and larceny in the month of December, unlike 2014.

Griffith said for the greater part of the year, the division was severely handicapped as a result of not having adequate patrol vehicles. There were only two patrol vehicles to serve both Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which consist of 12 Police stations.

“We have to be mobile…

We must have the patrols.

Coupled with that shortage, the Force in itself has an acute shortage of human recourses. In the latter part of the year we got additional patrol vehicles so now we

have 10.”

This, Griffith said, had a positive impact on the division’s policing capabilities.

“What we are trying to do is do intelligence-led policing.

We had arrested some men in a hotel and placed them before the court and they were remanded to prison, and since then you find that criminal activity within New Amsterdam has dropped. I don’t know if it was a gang or group that we broke up we did not have much.”

The Commanded noted that there are still experiencing armed robberies along the Corentyne and on the West Coast of Berbice. He said with the one patrol vehicle in some areas it is still insufficient.

“Some areas are very deep.

Part of the plan this year is to cultivate more informants so that more information can come in so that we could turn it into intelligence. We have our social crime prevention activates still on board and through we will try to cultivate informants in the various communities.”

During 2015, four Police Officers from the division were placed before the court. The four are all from the Whim Police Station and have been charged with accepting bribes. Three other officers were interdicted during the past year from the division. According to Griffith, they are all being investigated for corrupt practices. The Assistant Commissioner noted that one was from the Criminal Investigating Department (CID) but none from the Traffic Department.

Reg 10 MP to be sworn in as Junior Minister of Communities

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irst-time Member of Parliament (MP), Valerie SharpePatterson will be sworn in today by President David Granger as Minister within the Ministry of Communities.

Sharpe-Patterson currently sits in the National Assembly as one of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) representatives from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

She will now be replacing Junior Minister Keith Scott, who was transferred to the Ministry of Social Protection.

The new Minister within the Ministry of Communities will also be assuming responsibility for the housing sector.

Last week, President Granger announced the reshuffling of several Ministers within his Administration in an effort to develop capacity in key policy areas. However, the Head of State noted that these changes would in no way increase or affect the set-up of his current

Junior Communities Minister Valerie Sharpe-Patterson

Cabinet.

The other changes include Junior Social Protection Minister Simona Broomes being shifted to the Ministry of National Resources, which replaced the Ministry of Governance and National Patrimony.

Minister Raphael Trotman will be heading this Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has relinquished responsibility for the telecommunications sector, which now has a des-

ignated Ministry. Minister Cathy Hughes will be heading the newly-established the Ministry of Public Telecommunications while retaining responsibility for the Ministry of Tourism.

When the APNU/AFC coalition took office in May last year, President Granger renamed and merged several ministries.

These included the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, which was renamed the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, while the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development was renamed the Ministry of Communities which enveloped the Housing and Water Ministry.

The Office of the President was renamed the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Social Security was renamed the Ministry of Social Protection. The Ministry of Home Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Public Security, while the Ministry of Public Works was renamed the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

PSC, AG consult on Coroners (Amendment) and Law Reform Commission Bills

By Kristen Macklingam

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he Coroners (Amendment) and the Law Reform Commission Bills were high on the agenda on Monday when the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Attorney General and Legal Affairs Ministry Basil Williams met to have consultations on these two important pieces of legislation.

Guyana Times understands that the representatives of the PSC, inclusive of prominent Attorney Christopher Ram, noted that there needed to be minor amendments made to the Law Reform Commission Bill and a full review of the substantive Coroners Act. According to a press release from the PSC, the discussions centred primarily on the provisions for the appointment of Commissioners.

It was during this meeting that an agreement was reached between the PSC and the AG on the process through which the persons for this Commission would be selected and appointed.

This publication also understands that the PSC in being “wholly cognisant of the many obsolete laws which remain in the Laws of Guyana” and the need for careful culling of contradictory laws, fully supports – with minor amendments – the Law Reform Commission Bill.

However, with respect to the Coroners (Amendment) Bill, it was noted that there was need for the substantive Coroners Act to be fully reviewed.

The PSC commended the Legal Affairs Ministry for arranging such a consultation

Attorney General Basil Williams

with civil society and for taking on board suggestions made by the attendees.

“This augurs well for future cooperation between the Government and civil society organisations.”

Recently, the PSC and the AG had been at loggerheads with regard to the consultation process for Bills which were being presented in Parliament.

Last December, the PSC had argued that consultations should be held between Government and stakeholders for all Bills to be tabled in Parliament since such laws would affect everyone.

Former PSC Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia, during a consultation on the (then) proposed Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill 2015 stated that consultation was “not a choice” and, therefore, the Administration should not be selective about which issues warranted consultation with the business community.

However, the AG had a different view and posited that while he understood the need

for consultations, it was not feasible for such to take place on each Bill.

Gouveia had contended that consultation could occur in many forms: over the phone, through emails, teleconferences, and heads of organisations or associations, etc.

“I want to urge you AG, I mean do this in good faith, good trust, that we are on the same wavelength, which is for the development of Guyana …

I want to urge you that consultation should not be cherry-picked, it should be really widespread … But I will want to urge you not to do it in-house, in the corridors of Government,” the former PSC head maintained.

Minister Williams in declaring that his Administration was an “open government” which believed in accountability and transparency, stated that while he agreed consultations were necessary, such acts would be costly and timeconsuming.

He had urged that stakeholders understand and try to relate to what was being proposed, bearing in mind that Government was not trying to “hide anything” from citizens: “I think consultations are important also to give the population the consciousness and the understanding of why these bills, why this law, etc … the only question I was asking you was… every bill that we put out do we first have to get everybody to come and have a consultation on every bill that we put out as a government? I mean, how do we proceed in a manner like that? It leads to the question as to what form should consultations take.” (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

Ganja Bill to be tabled Thursday

No one should go to jail for taking a smoke – AFC MP

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he issue of amending the laws relating to the decriminalization of marijuana continues to engage the halls of public debate since the idea was presented

by Attorney Nigel Hughes.

The proposition had received mixed responses from Guyanese when it was announced that the government will be revising the law which punishes persons who are found in possession of small amounts of the drug for their personal usage.

Some Guyanese, such as the Rastafarians, applauded this motion while others criticized the Government for contemplating such a bill.

This new bill, called the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances Bill 2015, proposes for persons who are found with marijuana, not for the purpose of trafficking, to be sentenced to a less time in prison or to pay a fine which will be decided by the court.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian Michael Carrington in an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday was in full support of the amending of the law.

Carrington stated that after Nigel Hughes’s proposition they had reviewed the law and found it to be “too strict”.

“These laws are too strict for persons who are found with small amounts of mari-

juana. The same amount of years someone gets sentenced to for trafficking cocaine, is the same amount for when they are found with an excess of 15 grams of the drug”, Carrington pointed out.

According to him, most of the persons who are charged and sent to jail for such trivial issues are young people who should not be in jail but rather in school acquiring an education or building a productive career.

“Nobody should be sent to jail for just taking a smoke” he stated.

These young people, he explained, often end up being in cells with “hardened criminals”, and subsequent to their release, they too might end up becoming “hardened criminals”.

Carrington pointed out that jailing persons because they are found with marijuana is senseless. In his opinion, the law is just “using young people to deter others from using marijuana” which he sees as ineffective.

Questioned about whether A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) MPs were against the proposing of the bill by Alliance For Change (AFC) member Nigel Hughes, Carrington stated that he is unaware of any conflict rising out of the proposition, and that the coalition is in unison on the matter.

Should the bill become a law, he disclosed, persons

who are found in possession of the drug for personal use will be required to pay a fine of $10,000 or to perform community service for a period of time.

However, persons found with excess marijuana for the purpose of trafficking will have to face the full penalty, which is three years imprisonment minimum.

Commenting on if he thinks the Government will consider Ras Rueben’s suggestions on producing marijuana in order to boost the country’s economy, Carrington responded, “I can’t say for now. We are taking this one step at a time” Carrington clarified that he does not think that the government will be legalising marijuana, since there has been no debate or discussions thus far about doing that.

The bill is set to be debated on this Thursday in Parliament.

“We might make a decision on Thursday, or we might just continue debating on it. It all depends on the said moment” Carrington commented.

The legislation to decriminalise marijuana had gained public interest after a national football coach Vibert Butts was incarcerated for the possession of 46 grams of marijuana. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

However his sentence is being appealed.

wednesday, January 6, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

New Saudi-Iran crisis Obama thrusts gun threatens to escalate control debate into forefront of 2016 T U

he last time Saudi Arabia broke off ties with Iran, after its Embassy in Tehran was stormed by protesters in 1988, it took a swing in the regional power balance in the form of Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait to heal the rift.

It is hard to see how any lesser development could resolve the region’s most bitter rivalry, which has underpinned wars and political tussles across the Middle East as Riyadh and Tehran backed opposing sides.

Riyadh’s expulsion of Iran’s envoy after another storming of its Tehran embassy, this time in response to the Saudi execution of Shi’ite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr, raised the heat again, making the region’s

Supporters of Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr protest against the execution of Shi’ite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia, during a demonstration in Najaf, Iraq January 4, 2016

underlying conflict even harder to resolve.

At the heart of the new crisis is Saudi Arabia’s growing willingness to confront Iran and its allies mil-

itarily since King Salman took power a year ago, say diplomats, choosing with his son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to abandon years of backroom

politics.

Last year, Riyadh began a war in Yemen to stop an Iran-allied militia seizing power in its southern neighbour and boosted support to Syrian rebels against Tehran’s ally President Bashar al-Assad. Its execution of Nimr, while mainly driven by domestic politics, was also part of that open confrontation with Iran, according to political analysts.

The interventions followed years of Riyadh complaining about what it regarded as unchecked Iranian aggression in the region. It has pointed to Iran’s support for Shi’ite militias and accused the country of smuggling arms to groups in Gulf countries – which Iran denies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Earthquake rattles Trinidad A

5.0 magnitude earthquake shook Trinidad and Tobago Tuesday morning, but there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

According to the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre (SRC), it occurred at a depth of 33 kilometres, about 62km northwest of Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain; 81km northwest of Arima, Trinidad; and 103km south of St

George’s, Grenada.

It was around 10:33h that the tremor was felt across the twin-island republic.

Some people living in nearby Grenada and even St Vincent and the Grenadines also reported feeling the shaking, according to comments posted on the Centre’s Facebook Page.

This is the first earthquake recorded by the SRC for 2016. (Caribbean360)

Around 10:33h Tuesday the tremor was felt across the twin-island republic

Refugees, including children, Burundi Government says it will not join peace talks drown off coast of Turkey

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About 850,000 migrants and refugees crossed into Greece last year [AP]

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t least 34 people, including three children, have drowned off Turkey’s Aegean coast after their boat capsized in rough seas.

Twenty-four of the bodies were discovered on the shoreline in the district of Ayvalik, while 10 others were found in the district of Dikili, officials told Reuters news agency on Tuesday.

Twelve people were rescued from the sea and the rocks on the Ayvalik coastline.

A coastguard official said three boats and a helicopter were searching for any survivors.

There was no immediate information on the nationalities of the dead.

Refugees are known to set off from the resort town of Ayvalik on boats to reach the Greek island of Lesbos.

On Sunday, a two-year-old boy became the first known refugee to drown in 2016 after the dinghy he was travelling in crashed on to rocks, the Greek

coastguard said.

The other 39 passengers onboard were rescued after fishermen alerted the coastguard, but at least 10 were taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia after the boat got into trouble near the island of Agathonisi. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

urundi’s Government will not take part in peace talks with the Opposition scheduled for today, a senior official said, casting doubts on efforts to end months of violence.

“No dialogue tomorrow neither on January 16 as many may think, because there has been no consensus on that date,” Joseph Bangurambona, the Permanent Secretary in Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, told the Reuters news agency on Tuesday.

The talks in neighbouring Tanzania were announced last month as part of regional efforts to resolve a crisis

triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term in office – a move opponents described as violating the Constitution.

On Monday, explosions hit the capital Bujumbura, injuring at least two people, Police and civil society representatives said.

Two devices were thrown by people riding motorcycles, Police Spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said.

Civil society representative Vital Nshimirimana reported a total of four explosions and blasts of gunfire, saying it was not known how many people had been injured or killed. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

S President Barack Obama is making good on his pledge to politicise gun violence.

The package of guncontrol executive actions Obama formally announced on Tuesday has pushed the contentious issue to the forefront of the 2016 presidential campaign.

Public opinion polls show that Americans overwhelmingly support expanding background checks for gun purchases, but are more divided on the broader question of stricter gun laws.

Although Obama cannot unilaterally change gun legislation, he is hoping that beefing up enforcement of existing laws can prevent at least some gun deaths in a country that has witnessed more than 100,000 killings over the past 10 years.

“This is not going to solve every violent crime in this country, it’s not going to prevent every mass shooting, it’s not going to keep every gun out of the hands of a criminal – but it will potentially save lives in this country,” Obama said on Monday.

The gun-control advocacy movement has gained wealthy backers, including the former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but the National Rifle Association, which supports gun owners’ rights, remains one of the most dominant forces in American politics.

Republican contenders promise that if they get elected, they will swiftly repeal Obama’s actions, which include steps to expand background checks for gun purchases. (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Hong Kong bookseller mystery deepens after letter appears

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he wife of a Hong Kong bookseller who disappeared last week, and is believed to be in mainland China, has withdrawn her request for police to help find him saying he has been in contact.

A letter reportedly handwritten by her husband, Lee Bo, was published by Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

It says he had gone to the mainland to work with “concerned parties”.

Lee is the fifth man linked to a shop selling works critical of China’s Government to go missing since October.

One of the men is a British citizen, the UK Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday saying it was “deeply concerned”.

It did not name him – but reports have said Lee holds a British passport.

Some people believe Lee Bo was kidnapped

The disappearance of the men has raised concerns that China is undermining the territory’s legal independence.

Local legislator Albert Ho has said Lee – also known as Paul Lee – was kidnapped and taken to the mainland.

Human rights activists who have been advocating for the Lee family say they believe the letter is genuine but coerced. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuelan leader limits Congress’s power over Central Bank

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has limited the National Assembly’s powers over the Central Bank.

President Maduro approved the changes on Wednesday, but it only became public on Monday.

The President will now no longer need legislative approval to hire and fire Central Bank Directors.

The change was announced shortly before a new assembly, controlled by an Opposition coalition, is due to be sworn in later on Tuesday.

Maduro approved the change to the law governing Venezuela’s Central Bank on December 30, one day before his power to legislate by decree expired.

He was granted the power to govern by decree in March by

the National Assembly, which at the time was dominated by his supporters.

The amended law not only curtails the powers of the Assembly over Central Bank appointments, it also allows the bank to withhold data if it deems its publication a threat to national security or economic stability. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

wednesday, january 6, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

No “decision” made to revoke radio licences – GNBA Head

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ead of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leonard Craig says that no official decision has been taken to revoke radio licences which were issued by the previous Government following a recommendation from one of the entity’s subcommittees on the matter.

He also said that he could not say if the Authority would be moving to revoke the licences of radio owners now since the matter was under discussion and the body was receiving legal advice.

Back in October last year, Craig had said that the reviewing of radio licences issued by the former Government did not mean that they would be revoked.

“All licences will be reviewed, but review is not necessarily synonymous with revocation. Whatever is done here, during the review process, will be fair, transparent and above board. I am not in a position to say what form or shape it would look like, that is a decision the entire Board would have

Head of the GNBA Leonard Craig

to make,” the GNBA Head had stated.

He said he thought the move by the previous Government to issue the licences in that manner was wrong; however, there was no confirmation that those who benefited would have their licences taken away.

Craig, speaking to an online news agency, said further discussions on the issue would be had when the Board met later this month.

Among the persons who were issued licences by the

previous Government were Robert Persaud, the Little Rock Television Station (Berbice), Hits and Jams, Maxwell Thom, Dr Bobby Ramroop, Alfro Alphonso, Haslyn Graham and Anand Persaud.

But when contacted, the Sub-Committee’s Chairman, Anthony Vieira, maintained during an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday that the GNBA would be moving to revoke the licences issued to persons since it was found that they were handed down through illegal means.

His comments conflict with the position put forward by the GNBA Chairman.

The move, he said, will first have to be gazetted. He confirmed too that the body would before that meet with the holders of these licences for consultation. He said he could not give a timeframe as to when this would happen, but enforced that from the beginning of 2016, the licences were all considered invalid.

“We just have to wait and see how things unfold,” he told Guyana Times.

Speaking exclusively to another daily newspaper on Monday, Vieira said that the previous Government contradicted the law when it issued the 11 licences.

Vieira said too that the Committee considered that back in 2001, as a result of the dialogue between then President Bharrat Jagdeo and then Opposition Leader, the late Desmond Hoyte, it was agreed that no new licences for either radio or television would be issued until an impartial and autonomous Broadcast Authority was formed.

Observers are questioning Vieira’s eligibility to sit on the GNBA Board given the fact that he had operated an illegal radio station in Guyana sometime back before his equipment was seized by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).

This incident saw him taking the GNBA and NFMU to court which saw the case being prolonged for several years. Therefore, observers are questioning the wisdom of the decision to have him involved.

GWI now prequalifying contractors T he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has announced a major shift in its procurement policy by moving to prequalify contractors for several areas of service.

The water utility in an advertisement in the local

dailies on Wednesday said that it intended to prequalify contractors for related works/services to be undertaken in 2016 all across the country.

GWI is seeking to prequalify contractors in several areas, includ-

ing Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Works as well as Consultancy.

This new policy of the water utility, headed by A Partnership for national Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) supporter Dr Richard Van West Charles is

GWI CEO Dr Richard Van West Charles

a total contradiction of a position the coalition advocated against while in Opposition, arguing that prequalification was advantageous for some contractors while others were shut out of the process.

Prequalification process

The “prequalification process” for suppliers or contractors is used by Governments across the world and was introduced here by the Procurement Act of 2003.

For certain types of goods and services, the prequalified suppliers reduce the administrative burden by obviating the need for assessing tenders for each batch of goods.

The prequalification process had been re-introduced in 2011 after the Auditor General, in 2010, reacted to criticism that the selective tendering process, then in place, was not “transparent” enough. The prequalification document outlines specified criteria so that potential suppliers could understand what conditions they have to fulfil to become pre-qualified.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Ramjattan’s vendetta against Ashni Singh is bound to fail

M

r Khemraj Ramjattan’s record as Public Security Minister is perhaps the worst among the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Ministers so far. Crime is spiralling out of control, with 2015 being one of the worst years ever for murders, armed robberies, rapes and traffic accidents. His main policy decisions and implementation record were a 2am curfew on the entertainment business which did not prevent a single road accident, rape or murder and an amnesty Dr Leslie Ramsammy for illegal guns which netted a small set of old weapons, but gun crimes have increased since. In the meantime, the economy has spiralled downwards, for the first time in 20 years in the absence of any natural disaster.

Ramjattan and APNU/AFC have decided to go after a favourite target – Dr Ashni Singh, claiming Singh will be jailed for illegally diverting $4.5 billion in Government funds. As they did in Opposition, the APNU/AFC is playing Prosecutor, Judge and jury and now wasting national resources on a reckless foray. Ashni Singh did not divert Government funds to any project belonging to him or any other individual or to his personal bank account.

As the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Finance Minister, he released $4.5 billion to fund projects which were approved by the Cabinet and by Parliament.

The Auditor General has accounted for the full expenditure of the $4.5 billion for projects including the Amerindian Fund, the CJIA expansion, the UG Student Loan programme, civil aviation equipment, ambulances and medical equipment, the Low Carbon Development projects, etc. These projects were approved unanimously by Parliament and today, the APNU/AFC continues many of them as their own flagship projects.

Ramjattan and his colleagues keep misleading people; the truth is, they never rejected the projects that the $4.5 billion was spent on. They approved the projects, but cut the amount of $4.5 billion to $1. How could anyone complete projects that were budgeted to cost $4.5 billion with just a single dollar? This was not unlike the dilemma that the biblical Moses and his people faced when the Egyptian Pharaoh demanded Moses and his people built stones from straws.

The Constitution and the laws of Guyana, like in other democratic countries, including within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), envisage circumstances when an Opposition can try to sabotage Government’s efforts to implement its programmes by cutting out funds for important projects. The laws state that when the Parliament approves a project, but does not fully cater for funding the project, the Finance Minister can release funds for those approved projects and issue Statements of Excess to Parliament. This is exactly what happened when Ashni Singh released $4.5 billion to fund important projects that were already approved by Parliament. The Chief Justice issued a ruling confirming that Ashni Singh’s action was legal.

Targeting Ashni Singh, however, is a deliberate diversion away from the blatant failures of APNU/AFC. The unconscionable pay increases they gave themselves while denying public servants, sugar workers, pensioners and children benefits they got under the PPP still angers people. There are deafening charges of corruption against APNU/AFC and Ramjattan himself cannot escape the blatant corruption in which Fedders Lloyd was given a contract to build the Specialty Hospital. In the end, Ramjattan, who will never reach the political and professional heights of Ashni Singh, will be a laughing stock among the Guyanese people for trying to besmirch the good work and character of Ashni Singh.

Dr Ashni Singh is a young Guyanese scholar and a brilliant financial manager. He distinguished himself in the Auditor General’s Office and as Finance Minister. He managed Guyana’s finances expertly during a period in which Guyana recorded nine straight years of economic growth, a cycle that was broken in 2015 after the almost calamitous drop in economic growth that followed the ascent of APNU/AFC into Government in 2015. No other country in Caricom matched Guyana’s positive performance during Ashni Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister. He brought pride to our country and Guyanese can be justly proud of this young Guyanese leader. It is appalling that APNU/AFC in Opposition and now in Government is trying to discredit and demean this brilliant Guyanese son as collateral damage to divert attention away from its dismal performance in Government so far.

The $4.5 billion expenditure that they continue to misrepresent as money “stolen” by Ashni Singh and his PPP colleagues resulted when APNU/AFC in Opposition used Guyana’s Parliament as a playfield for political stunts, victimisation, blackmail and harassment. In the 10th Parliament, they tried to use the Privilege Committee of Parliament to discredit Ashni Singh, but failed even though they had majority numbers in the Committee. They will fail again if they charge Ashni Singh.

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news

wednesday, january 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Man badly injured in Croal Rice farmers want plantain chip factory “up and running” Street accident – to provide alternative source of income

By Kristen Macklingam

H

undreds of rice farmers throughout the country are still contemplating their next move, as they continue to battle with the low prices for their produce coupled with their expenses which keep piling up in the form of bills and loan repayments.

Guyana Times understands that the farmers on the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, Essequibo, are also faced with more difficulties on account of the dry weather conditions which are preventing planting for this crop.

Reports are that Leguan is presently surrounded by salt water which is having an adverse effect on the agricultural sector on that island, compounded by the lack of rainfall, and many rice farmers are at a loss as to what they can do to sustain their livelihoods.

The lack of rainfall is also having a negative impact on the rice industry in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) Vice Chairman Sheik Inshan Ayube, most of the farmers have not been paid for the last crop paddy despite the fact that they suffered major losses.

Vice Chairman of Region Three Sheik Inshan Ayube

“Hardship for the farmers is prevailing on the island. They are wondering where the next dollar will come from,” Ayube recently stated.

He referred to the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) plans to establish a plantain chip factory to negate any negative impact on the rice industry on the island.

This would have ensured that the affected rice farmers have another source of income, Ayube noted.

“It appears this project is neglected by the present Government or the Minister of Business does not have any idea how to move this project forward,” the Region Three Vice Chairman said.

Guyana Times understands that in light of the difficulties being faced

by rice farmers in both Leguan and Wakenaam, they are calling on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to get the long-awaited plantain chip factory in their area “up and running”.

In addition to this, a large number of rice farmers in the Region and other parts of the country are seeking the intervention of the Administration via the provision of some financial assistance such as grants to ensure that they and their families can survive this year.

“Since the Government distanced itself from the rice industry, the residents are calling on them to make the plantain chip factory operable as early as possible, so they can have an alternative to rice cultivation… As I speak, this is also the plight of farmers on the neighbouring island of Wakenaam,” Ayube added.

Meanwhile, many rice farmers in Region Five and Region Six are still struggling to make ends meet, with a number of them being unable to plant this crop.

Some of them have already eased their lands, since they did not receive any profit last year to continue rice cultivation this year. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

The car in the trench along Croal Street

By Kizzy Coleman

A

n unidentified pedal cyclist was on Tuesday evening rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was struck down on Croal Street, Georgetown.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, the man, who was coming from Vlissengen Road, was trying to beat the traffic light around 18:30h when the driver of motor car HC 5336, Ryan Khan, who was heading into Croal Street from Vlissengen Road struck him.

Khan in an unsuccessful quest to avoid hitting the victim sped into a trench along Croal Street.

He escaped with minor injuries.

Eyewitnesses said that at the time of the accident,

the victim was attempting to cross the street before the traffic on Vlissengen Road started to move and was unsuccessful as the light turned green, causing him to ride into the oncoming traffic.

“I saw him attempting to cross with a few ... [seconds] left on the traffic light and the driver could not have prevented hitting him as he was in the wrong. As he was riding, the traffic started to move and he was struck into the air,” one eyewitness explained.

This newspaper heard that the victim after being hit fell onto the road. He was said to be profusely bleeding from his mouth.

Public-spirited individuals rushed him to the Hospital.

Guyana Times was able to speak with the driver

of the motor car who explained what occurred.

“I saw that there was seconds left on the traffic light and when I reach near Croal Street I saw this guy on the bicycle speeding across and I mash brakes to avoid hitting him, but instead of him stopping, he still continued across the road and I struck him and end up inside of the trench,” the distraught man explained.

He added that there were also two other vehicles behind him whose drivers also had to pull brakes and the accident could have been worse.

He further added that he was told by the inspector who was on the scene that doctors and nurses were working on the victim trying to save his life.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, January 6, 2016

ARCHIE

Look over your personal papers or take action if (March 21- you have a medical concern.

April 19) Negotiate a deal or contract if you want to make headway.

Romance will improve your life.

ARIES

Keeping busy will help TAURUS you avoid an argument. Get (April 20- involved in something that May 20) will bring you greater knowledge or update your skills.

Expanding your interests is encouraged.

dilbert

You’ll be drawn to someGEMINI (May 21- one who isn’t a good influJune 20) ence. Look for red flags before you make any binding promises. Emotions will be difficult to control. Avoid indulgence.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Maintain a calm demeanor and back away from unpredictable situations. Put greater emphasis on your home and family. Work on making your residence a more relaxing place.

An opportunity will unLEO fold if you attend an indus(July 23try event, conference or trade Aug. 22) show. Love is in the stars, and including someone special in your plans or meeting someone new is encouraged.

Calvin and Hobbes

Participate in an activity VIRGO or event that forces you to be (Aug. 23energetic and pay attention.

Sept. 22) Don’t let emotional matters overwhelm you. Your focus should be on what’s to come.

Plan a trip or make arLIBRA (Sept. 23- rangements to do something Oct. 23) with a loved one, close friend or the youngsters in your life.

Avoid making unnecessary alterations at home.

SUDOKU

Don’t trust someone SCORPIO promising the impossible.

(Oct. 24You are best off taking a pass Nov. 22) and avoiding regret. Stick to your own devices and the people and pastimes that make you happy.

You’ll have trouble conSAGITTARIUS trolling the situations unfold(Nov. 23- ing around you. Stand still Dec. 21) until the dust settles and you can assess the damage. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t make any cash doCAPRICORN nations. Someone is likely to (Dec. 22- play on your emotions and Jan. 19) give you false information.

You’ll get ahead if you are energetic and use your skills diversely.

Check out a business opAQUARIUS (Jan. 20- portunity or take part in an Feb. 19) event that will help boost your reputation and set you up for future advancement.

Romance is on the rise.

Don’t do or say something PISCES (Feb. 20- you’ll regret. Stick to a plan March 20) and use your energy wisely.

Be productive instead of wasting time getting into a disagreement. Keep your emotions under control.

wednesday, january 6, 2016

19

Mumbai teenager scores record 1009* P

ranav Dhanawade, a 15-year-old cricketer from Mumbai, smashed an unbeaten 1009 not out off 327 deliveries to notch up the highest individual score in minor cricket, breaking a 117-year-old record. His team, Smt KC Gandhi School, Kalyan, declared soon after at a mammoth 1465 for 3 and then wrapped up an overwhelmingly one-sided game against Arya Gurukul - bowled out for 31 and 72 - by an innings and 1362 runs.

Dhanawade began the second day of the twoday game - part of the HT Bhandari Cup inter-school tournament - on 652*. He had already surpassed the score of 628* scored by Arthur Collins in 1899 on Monday, and had also broken the record for the highest individual score by an Indian cricketer in minor cricket, previously held by Prithvi Shaw, who scored 546 in the Harris Shield in 2013-14.

Dhanawade said that once he had crossed 500, he was confident of breaking Shaw’s record and beating Collins’ score of 628. The wicketkeeper-batsman admitted it took time for his record-breaking achievement to sink in on Monday but he

Pranav Dhanawade is hoisted by his teammates after his remarkable achievement.

began the second day with a clear goal of getting to the 1000-run mark.

“I couldn’t believe it last evening that I had scored 652 runs but when I went home, I took a bath and slept and today I set myself a target of 1000 runs,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Dhanawade had raced to 921 by lunch and went past the 1000-run mark in the second session. His knock, which spanned almost seven hours, included 129 fours and 59 sixes.

His scoring was probably helped by the size of the

ground in the northern suburb of Mumbai. Nestling between two housing complexes, the ground - with a typically muddy Mumbai pitch - is rectangular with extremely short, walled-in square boundaries. Abhishek Karane, a BCCI umpire who was at the match, said it was 110 metres in breadth and 135 metres long but the straight boundaries had been pulled in. Dhanawade targeted the shorter square boundaries, especially on legside.

Arya Gurukul’s Ayush Dubey conceded the most

runs - 350 runs in 23 overs.

Two other bowlers - Sarth Salunke and Harshal Jadhav - conceded 284 and 281 respectively. Dubey picked up two wickets but rued missing out on a chance that Dhanawade had offered during his innings. He stated that Dhanawade had struggled against off-side deliveries but as his innings grew, he was able to steer the bowlers to the smaller square boundaries, either side of the wicket.

“He was struggling to play balls on the off side but when we kept bowling off

side to him, he would get into position and hit through leg.”

Dhanawade’s temperament and fitness was lauded by officiating umpire Sunimal Sen. “I would say he was 101% fit [temperamentally], even after scoring so much he was not tired,” Sen said. “Many times we see that batsmen, after scoring a hundred, say ‘Sir we want water’, but he did not create this type of disturbance. He was very fit.”

The innings got plenty of attention on social media and was even mentioned by television commentators in the ongoing Test between South Africa and England.

Dhanawade, who idolises former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, received praise from Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane, while India’s limited-overs captain MS Dhoni had some advice for the teenager.

“Often you may find people talking about where the individual played and all.

But it is a serious business,” Dhoni said, when asked about Dhanawade’s innings at India’s pre-departure press conference in Mumbai.

“To score that kind of runs anywhere in the world, in condition is very difficult.

Not to forget the age of the individual at the same time.

It is a tremendous effort. It is just that we need to nurture it, guide him at the same time, because all of a sudden, the limelight will be on him. He will be compared with a lot of individuals who have been very successful. It is important for the individuals who are close to him, his coach, his parents to guide him to move in the right direction.

“Definitely he has got talent. What is important is to see how he keeps improving because from now on, every game, every year that passes by competing against individuals who keep getting better and better.”

Rahane urged Dhanawade to work harder on his game: “As a Mumbaikar I am really proud of it. 1009 yeh bolne ke liye itna samay lagte hain [It’s quite a mouthful to say 1009]. Two years, ago I think a school team made these many runs, but today an individual managed it.

These many runs are usually scored in a season. I hope he continues to concentrate on his game. I am sure he will work hard on his game and come and play with us. I want to wish him good luck.”

(Cricinfo)

New IAAF road map includes doubling anti-doping budget Windies should have picked Pollard over Holder – Roberts T W he governing body of world athletics has promised to double the anti-doping budget as part of a 10-point “road map” to restore trust in the sport.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) released a statement on Tuesday outlining five steps for “building trust in the governing body” and five more for “building trust in competition”.

The measures include increasing the anti-doping budget to $8 million, doubling the international testing pool of athletes to 1,000 and establishing a separate integrity unit for track and field.

The aim of the plan, according to the IAAF, is to make the governing body “an accountable, responsible and responsive organisation”.

The sport was plunged into crisis at the end of last year after an initial report by the independent com-

mission of the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) detailed systematic, statesponsored doping and relat-

Lamine Diack, who has now been succeeded by Sebastian Coe, was last month placed under formal investigation

A view shows a plaque at the IAAF (The International Association of Athletics Federations) headquarters in Monaco.

(Reuters photo)

ed corruption in Russia.

The IAAF itself has also been beset by corruption allegations regarding the taking of bribes to cover up doping.

Retired president

by French authorities on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.

Coe, who is under fire for having taken too long to act on allegations of impropriety within the governing

body, said he was under no illusions about the seriousness of the issues facing the organisation.

“I am president of an international federation which is under serious investigations and I represent a sport under intense scrutiny,” he said in the statement.

“My vision is to have a sport that attracts more young people. The average age of those watching track and field is 55 years old.

This is not sustainable.

“The key to making that vision a reality is creating a sport that people once more trust in,” added Coe. “Athletics must be a sport that athletes, fans, sponsors, media and parents alike know is safe to compete in on a level playing field and one in which clean effort is rewarded and celebrated.”

The second part of WADA’s independent commission report is due to be released on Jan. 14. (Reuters

Sport)

est Indies allrounder Andy Roberts believes big-hitting Trinidadian Kieron Pollard and not Jason Holder should have been appointed as captain of the regional team.

The 24-year-old’s stewardship of the West Indies has been called into question following a generally poor display by the team during the ongoing tour of Australia.

In addition to poor results, many have questioned the players’ attitude and body language on the field, leading to accusations that the new skipper does not have the team’s full support.

“I think they should not have given the captaincy to Jason Holder. Personally, I would have given the captaincy to Kieron Pollard,” Roberts said.

“There is talk he doesn’t play four-day cricket, but he has a better average than most of the players. I

Andy Roberts

would have given the captaincy to Kieron Pollard,” he added.

In addition to not being generally recognised as a Test player, however, the selection of Pollard would present another issue with the player as he has been consistently left out of West Indies Test teams along with former captain Dwayne Bravo, an issue generally thought to be caused by the roll the duo played in an abandoned tour of India. (Digicel Sportsmax)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 6, 2016

Australia pull out of U-19 World Cup

A

Australia merely following government’s security advice

ustralia have pulled out of the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh starting on January 27 due to security concerns. Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the decision was taken after advice from the government stated that the threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh was as high as when the senior team had pulled out of their tour in October last year.

The ICC has invited Ireland, who were runnersup in the qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur in October, to replace Australia in the tournament.

No other team is known to have similar plans. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that they would be going ahead with their tournament preparations as scheduled.

“For some time we have been working closely with ICC security advisors and monitoring the security situation in Bangladesh and have been keeping our players, officials and the players’ parents as up to date as possible,” Sutherland said. “Regrettably, the advice from our Government suggests that the security threat to Australians travelling to Bangladesh remains as high now as it was when we postponed the Test

team’s tour of that country late last year.

“Included in that is reliable information suggesting there is a high threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh and the knowledge that the Australian Government has authorised the dependents of posted diplomatic staff in Bangladesh to return home to Australia.

In the end, with all of the information and advice we have received, we feel we had no alternative other than to make this difficult decision.”

The ICC said it respected CA’s decision but was disappointed by it. “The ICC takes its responsibilities around the safety and security of ICC events extremely seriously,” its chief, David Richardson, said. “And taking into consideration the full and unequivocal support of the Bangladesh government that has been afforded to us at the highest level and through all local security agencies, the advice we have received from our own and independent security experts, and the robust security plan that has been developed, the ICC remains of the view the it is appropriate for event planning to continue as scheduled.

“Security plans associated with an event of this size and stature are always

subject to continual review to ensure that they remain appropriate and fit for purpose, and this event is no different.”

The BCB told ESPNcricinfo that it had cooperated fully with the ICC regarding security for the event, but the final decision to visit lay with individual countries. “We have given a strong security plan to the ICC and took into consideration everything it asked us to do,” Jalal Yunus, the BCB’s head of media, said.

“Whether a member nation decides on coming to Bangladesh or not, is up to them.”

Sutherland said CA had not taken the decision lightly and apologised to the ICC and BCB for inconvenience caused by the late withdrawal. “In advising the BCB, we have reaffirmed our desire to get back to Bangladesh to play cricket as soon as possible and will continue to discuss this with them in the coming months,” he said.

“We also know that this is a very disappointing outcome for our young players, who will have been looking forward to this event with great anticipation.”

Australia were in Group D of the Under-19 World Cup along with India, Nepal and New Zealand. (Cricinfo)

3rd day washed out in Sydney

A

draw in the third Test between Australia and West Indies at the SCG appears almost inevitable after the third day’s play was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Persistent rain made it impossible for the players to take the field at all, making it just the third time in the past 20 years that a full day’s play had been lost in a Test in Australia.

Only 68 balls had been bowled on the second day due to the wet weather, and rain also affected the first day’s play. The forecast for the fourth day is for a shower or two, but there is unlikely to be

enough rain to significantly affect the chances of play. West Indies will resume in their first innings

at 7 for 248, having not yet faced a full day’s allotment of overs. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite c Smith 85 b Lyon SD Hope c †Nevill b Hazlewood 9 DM Bravo c Khawaja b Pattinson 33 MN Samuels run out (Hazlewood/†Nevill) 4 J Blackwood b Lyon 10 D Ramdin† not out 30 JO Holder* c Burns b O’Keefe 1 CR Brathwaite b Pattinson 69 KAJ Roach not out 0 Extras (b 5, lb 1, nb 1) 7

Total (7 wickets; 86.2 overs) 248 (2.87 runs per over) To bat: JE Taylor, JA Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-104, 3-115, 4-131, 5-158, 6-159, 7-246 Bowling: JR Hazlewood 15.25-37-1, JL Pattinson 16-3-67-2, NM Lyon 35-12-78-2, MR Marsh 4-1-15-0, SNJ O’Keefe 16-5-45-1.

Australia team: DA Warner, JA Burns, UT Khawaja, SPD Smith*, AC Voges, MR Marsh, PM Nevill†, SNJ O’Keefe, JL Pattinson, JR Hazlewood, NM Lyon

NBA Roundup…

Cavs Rout Raptors as Irving Scores a Season-High 25

K

yrie Irving scored a season-high 25 points on Monday night, J. R. Smith had 24 on eight 3-pointers, and host Cleveland thumped Toronto, 122-100.

Irving, playing his sixth game since returning from a broken left kneecap, was 10 of 16 from the field. Irving, a three-time All-Star who was injured in Game 1 of last season’s N.B.A. finals, added eight assists and six rebounds.

LeBron James, who did not play in the fourth quarter, had 20 points and 7 assists in 31 minutes, as all five Cavaliers starters finished in double figures in scoring.

Tristan Thompson added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Kevin Love scored 14, as Cleveland improved to 15-1 at home.

Heat 103, Pacers 100

Chris Bosh scored 31 points, Dwyane Wade had 27, including a layup that beat the buzzer and forced overtime, and Miami erased an 18-point third-quarter deficit to edge visiting Indiana.

Paul George scored 32 points, shooting 12 of 29 for the Pacers, but his 3-pointer from the right corner bounced off the rim on the game’s final play.

SPURS 123, BUCKS 98 Kawhi Leonard scored 10 of his 24 points in the deci-

Kyrie Irving

sive third quarter, and San Antonio won in Milwaukee.

The Spurs improved to 30-6 and joined the defending champion Warriors as the only teams to reach 30 wins this season.

Kings 116, Thunder

104 DeMarcus Cousins had 33 points and a season-high 19 rebounds, and Sacramento took advantage of Kevin Durant being out of the lineup at Oklahoma City.

Durant missed the game with a sprained big toe. His status is day to day.

Russell Westbrook had 17 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds for the Thunder, but he made just 2 of 15 shots in the second half.

Pistons 115, Magic 89

Andre Drummond had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Detroit rolled to its most lop-

sided victory of the season, against visiting Orlando.

Detroit led, 57-47, at halftime, and although the Magic scored the first 7 points of the third quarter, a 16-4 run restored the Pistons’ comfortable advantage.

Victor Oladipo, starting in place of the injured guard Elfrid Payton, led Orlando with 18 points.

76Ers 109, Timberwolves 99

Ish Smith had 21 points and 11 assists, Richaun Holmes scored 17 points, and Philadelphia topped Minnesota at home.

Smith propelled a fourthquarter run that helped Philadelphia push the lead to double digits, even with the leading scorer Jahlil Okafor on the bench.

Shabazz Muhammad led the Timberwolves with 20 points. (New York Times)

Ethics watchdog recommends nine-year ban for FIFA’s Valcke

F

IFA’s ethics watchdog has recommended a nine-year ban for secretary-general Jerome Valcke over accusations of corruption over the sale of World Cup tickets, one of dozens of allegations involving officials at football’s crisis-plagued governing body.

Cornel Borbely, chief investigator for FIFA’s independent ethics committee, requested that Valcke be fined 100,000 Swiss francs after completing an investigation into the Frenchman’s conduct, the watchdog said in a statement.

The allegations against Valcke stem from former Israeli football player Benny Alon telling a news conference in September in Zurich that he agreed in 2013 to pay cash to Valcke to secure plum World Cup tickets in Brazil in 2014.

He said the plan was to then sell the tickets to fans at a markup and split the proceeds with Valcke. Alon said the deal fell through and he never paid the football official.

Valcke, FIFA’s second-ranking official after banned president Sepp

Jerome Valcke

Blatter, has called the allegations against him “fabricated and outrageous”.

Valcke had been suspended for 90 days on Oct. 8 - a move almost overlooked amid the then suspension of Blatter and the charging of 41 people, including top FIFA officials, by U.S. prosecutors for offences including corruption, fraud and money laundering.

He had been placed on leave by FIFA less than a month earlier.

Borbely completed his investigation on the day that Valcke’s suspension was due to expire and requested that it be extended for a further 45 days pending a final decision

in the case, the committee statement said.

His report, which alleged that Valcke had violated seven articles of the FIFA code of ethics, including ones on loyalty and conflicts of interest, has been handed to FIFA’s chief ethics judge HansJoachim Eckert, who will decide on sanctions.

Valcke has already implied that he would stand down following February’s election for Blatter’s replacement.

Valcke joined FIFA in 2003 as marketing director but was fired in December 2006 for his part in botched sponsorship negotiations with credit card firms MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc. Eight months later, he was re-hired as secretary general and oversaw the preparations for both the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini, the two most powerful men in world football, were banned for eight years in December for ethics violations. Both deny wrongdoing. (Reuters Sport)

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hris Gayle has been fined USD$7162.85 by the Melbourne Renegades for his comments during an interview with Channel Ten journalist Mel McLaughlin during Monday night’s BBL match in Hobart. The Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry announced the sanction at a press conference in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon and said that Gayle’s fine would be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

The incident was described by Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland as “borderline harassment”, but the Renegades stopped short of suspending Gayle.

Coventry said he believed the incident - in which Gayle used a mid-match interview to ask McLaughlin out and told her “don’t blush, baby” was a one-off.

“We had a look at some history and precedents established in the past, the circumstance that was in place this time, and we think that this is a one-off scenario,” Coventry said when asked how the Renegades had decided on the fine. “We looked at Chris’ attitude over the last four or five weeks in the Big Bash and we think it has been outstanding. We’ve come up with a fine scenario.”

Sutherland said that Gayle had been left in no doubt that any repeat behaviour would result in a far heavier penalty. “I reiterate my view that Chris got it badly wrong last night,” he said. “We are work-

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ing incredibly hard to ensure cricket is a sport for all Australians - men and women, boys and girls - and we just won’t tolerate behaviour that undermines that ambition.

“The public’s damning response to his comments demonstrate just what people expect of our elite cricketers. As the sanction has been imposed by his club, CA will not be laying a charge under our Code of Behaviour, but we will be formally putting Chris on notice that if anything like this happens again in the BBL, the consequences will be far more severe.”

On Tuesday, other female reporters said they had experienced similar moments with Gayle, including the Fox Sports reporter Neroli Meadows, who described Gayle as “a repeat offender”. Coventry said he was “unfamiliar with what those journalists have said and the grounds behind that and the evidence behind

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Chris Gayle

that”.

When asked if he acknowledged Gayle had had similar issues in the past, Coventry said: “Not that we’ve seen. We’ve done a fair bit of history and research today and we do think it is a one-off. As explained this morning we think it’s probably more of a cultural difference, why he said it, and it was done in jest, but it was inappropriate and we’ve taken this course of action.”

However, a similar incident had occurred during a 2014 Caribbean Premier League press conference when Gayle was asked by a female reporter how the pitch felt, to which he replied “Well I haven’t touched yours yet, so I don’t know how it feels”. He went on to tell the reporter “I like your smile, that’s nice... yeah, that’s really good.”

Following the incident with McLaughlin, Gayle made an apology of sorts at Melbourne airport on Tuesday morning, but he said he had been unable to speak to McLaughlin in person. Coventry said Gayle had “acknowledged that his comments were out of line” and that while he was surprised by the $10,000 fine, he had taken it well.

“The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin,” Coventry said. “Mel is an outstanding sports presenter. We think of her very highly, and the club and players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future.” (Cricinfo)

Australian Open: Champion Serena Williams has injury doubts

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erena Williams and Maria Sharapova have fitness concerns ahead of this month’s Australian Open after both pulled out of warmup events.

World number one Williams was troubled by a nagging knee injury and retired when trailing 7-5, 2-1 to Australia’s Jarmila Wolfe in the Hopman Cup. Five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova has withdrawn from the Brisbane International with an arm injury.

World number two Simona Halep has also pulled out with an inflamed Achilles.

The Australian Open begins on 18 January.

Williams, who will be bidding to retain her title in Melbourne, has a recurrence of a problem that sidelined her for much of the latter part of 2015.

She had earlier withdrawn from the United States’ opening Hopman Cup tie on Monday.

She trained again briefly on Tuesday and took to the court against Wolfe, but appeared very restrict-

Serena Williams

ed in her movements especially on her left side.

The 34-year-old served for the first set, but was broken by Wolfe, who then took the set 7-5.

When Wolfe broke her again for a 2-1 lead in the second set, Williams called for the trainer and after a brief discussion retired.

However, Williams played down the injury and even refused to rule herself out of Thursday’s Hopman Cup tie against the Czech Republic.

“I just have some in-

flammation that’s been going away very slowly,” she explained. “(It needs) a little rest, a little treatment.”

Russian Sharapova, world ranked four, was hoping to defend her title in Brisbane in what was her only scheduled event before the Australian Open.

She said: “I hurt my forearm in practice a couple days ago and need to precautionary withdraw with the Australian Open starting soon.” (BBC Sport)

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guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 6, 2016

Builders Lumber yard onboard “We want to bring it back with D’Andrade home to Guyana” − Crandon WICB/NAGICO Super50

Esaun Crandon

By Avenash Ramzan

would be simple, as the focus would be on implementing the plans that would be derived for specific matches.

“We’re going to take it one game at a time. We realise that we have to be smarter than the opposition this year- we were smart last year, but we want to be smarter this year and play better cricket than them obviously. We will have our plans in place, but execution is going to be important

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ince the inception of the regional 50-over competition in 1972, Guyana has won nine titles, the last of which came in the 2005-06 KFC Cup when a Sewnarine Chattergoon hundred led the home team to victory in a tense final against Barbados at Bourda.

The wait for another title has been long, and when the Guyana Jaguars lined up against the host Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in last season’s final, it seemed like the South American would finally break the jinx.

However, they ran into a destructive Sunil Narine, bowling with a suspect action, as they crumbled to a massive 135-run defeat, with the off-spinner bagging 6-9, to back up a maiden hundred from Jason Mohammed.

Guyana Jaguars Head Coach, Esaun Crandon, who has overlooked the team on a phenomenal run in the Four-day competition, winning the inaugural 201415 season and a five-match unbeaten run so far in the 2015-16 season, is looking to return home with the NAGICO Super50 title when the competition, which starts on Thursday, wraps up on January 24.

“Ten years has been a long time. We want to bring it [the title] back home to Guyana,” Crandon said upon departure for St Kitts this week.

The former national player said the approach

Leon Johnson is looking to become the first captain to win a regional 50-over title since Shivnarine Chanderpaul in 2005 in the KFC Cup

for the lads. We expect guys to play their roles, and once they understand their roles, it’s going to be easy for us,” Crandon explained.

When Guyana last won the regional 50-over title, current skipper Leon Johnson was still a teenager, and though he had already made his First-Class debut, he was yet to appear in regional 50-over match.

He now stands on the cusp of being the first captain since Shivnarine Chanderpaul to lift the 50-over title, and coach Crandon believes he has the quality of players to make that dream a reality.

“We’ve got a very good team, when compared to last year, and I think we’re thriving from some momentum from the Four-day version of the game, and we want to transfer that into the oneday version,” Crandon contended.

He added, “We know that

it’s not going to be easy, but like I said lots of hard work to be done and the guys are prepared to do that when we get overseas. It’s important that we adapt [to conditions] early in St Kitts and see what’s happening there and try and play our best cricket over there.”

Johnson himself will have to play a pivotal leadership role, as well as fill the crucial number three spot, but there is plenty of experience the out-of-favour West Indies left-hander can call on.

Chanderpaul, the Caribbean’s longest active regional cricketer, brings a wealth of experience to the squad, as well as Assad Fudadin, the in-form Vishaul Singh, and experienced allrounders Royston Crandon, Christopher Barnwell and Raymon Reifer, and newcomer Kevon Boodie in the batting department.

The bowling will hinge around the two left-arm spinners, seasoned campaigner Veerasammy Permaul and newcomer Gudakesh Motie, with off-spinners Crandon and Steven Jacobs completing the spin department.

Paul Wintz, Barnwell, Reifer and newcomer Romario Shepherd will be tasked with sharing the new ball.

The squad reads: Assad Fudadin, Kevon Boodie, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell (Vice-captain), Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Paul Wintz, Romario Shepherd and Royston Crandon.

Devendra Bishoo and Rajendra Chandrika are on duty with the West Indies team in Australia. As soon as they are available, they will replace two players.

Guyana Jaguars’ first match is against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on Thursday. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy. com)

Spinners Benn, Badree to play in Unity Cricket

Lionel D’Andrade receives his contract renewal from Builders Lumber Yard

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uilders Lumbar Yard continued their long standing support of overseas based distance athlete Lionel D’Andrade by renewing their contract with the athlete on Tuesday.

At a simple ceremony on Tuesday at the lumber yard’s main location on Lombard Street, D’Andrade

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Caribbean’s top T20 cricketers, will climax the oneday event, which is expected to be watched by a capacity crowd of over 15,000.

The 34-year-old Benn has played 26 Tests, 34 ODIs and 18 T20 Internationals, while 34-year-old Badree has participated in 22 T20s for the West Indies. The pair will join a galaxy of starts, which include overseas players Reyad Emrit, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Darren Sammy, Krishmar Santokie and Nicholas Pooran.

Former Guyana and West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan will lead one of the teams, while Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton,

Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Gudakesh Motie and Jonathon Foo, who will be eager to show why he should be in a Guyana limited-over team, are some of the local players on show. Two of the world’s top T20 players are expected to soon confirm their participation.

The organisers have also announced that ‘early bird’ tickets, which are bought before match day will cost $2,000, while fans will have to pay more for tickets purchased at the gate on match night.

Tickets, which allow entry to the Stadium for all the events, including the fun day for children, go on sale from the middle of this month.

to Guyana on Tuesday after finishing second in a 10k on in Suriname on Sunday noted that his season is just beginning and he is hoping to better his times this year.

D’Andrade will return to Trinidad and Tobago where he now resides and will participate in a 5 and 10k event in the coming weekend.

Foster, Thomas, D’Andrade star at Bigi Broki Waka Bridge 10k − Barrington wins 5k event

From left, Devaun Barrington, Cleveland Thomas, Winston Missenger and Lionel D’Andrade along with Andrea Foster pose for a picture

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− early bird tickets cost $2,000

arbados left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn and Trinidad and Tobago’s leg-spinner Samuel Badree have both confirmed their participation in the Legacy and 007 Promotions’ Unity Cricket T20 match under lights at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday, January 30.

The fun will begin at 10:00h with a family fun day on the tarmac of the Stadium, while five softball matches are set for the international venue, the first of which bowls off at 11:00h.

The 10/10 Open final will be contested under lights before the feature event, which will included most of the

received the contract for another year.

“It is great to be working with Builders again, they have always supported me and our relationship goes as far back as I can remember, I am just grateful for their continued support,” D’Andrade noted.

D’Andrade who returned

Devaun Barrington during his winning 5k performance

ndrea Foster continued her impressive form with her first win of 2016 in the Bigi Broki Waka Bridge 10k event which was held in Suriname on Sunday.

Foster clocked a fast time of 43:32s to finish ahead of her female counterparts while finishing ninth out of 175 participants.

Foster highlighted, that the race was a good one for her but also related that the bridge because of its steep climb was a tough challenge.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Thomas dominated the male version of the race winning the event in a time of 34:59s while Trinidad

based Guyanese Lionel D’Andrade fished second in a time of 35:16s. Winston Missenger grabbed the fourth position with a time of 35:57s which averted a Guyanese top three sweep.

While the 10k event saw Guyana having success, Devaun Barrington lit up the 5k circuit, winning the event in a time of 17:11s.

Barrington was pleased with his race and noted to Guyana Times Sport that hi 2016 year will bring more success.

All of the athletes except D’Andrade are expected to be a part of the Linden’s cross country event on January ninth while D’Andrade will be in Trinidad competing.

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 6, 2016

Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 cricket

Guyanese trio off to West Indies Under-19 World Cup

YWCC crowned champions after S hard-fought win O

By Akeem Greene

n a hot, but breezy day in picniclike atmosphere, the Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice, stuttered a bit before recovering to beat Canje Pathfinders in the final of the 2015 Ramnarine Appiah (Brother Appiah) Memorial T20 cricket competition at the Cumberland Cricket Club ground last Sunday.

In the third place playoff, Betsy Ground Triple Stars were too good for

2-32 off four overs.

In reply, Berbice Under-15 opener Alex Algoo looked good, hitting three classy fours before he edged to the keeper for 14. The other opener, Kevin Sinclair, was joined by former national youth player Balram Samaroo and together they put together a slow, but assured 35 for the second wicket before Sinclair went for 24.

Rudolph Baker came and went quickly for one and caused panic in the YWCC camp. However,

wickets for Betsy Ground Triple Stars.

For the win, YWCC pocketed $40,000 and a huge trophy, and Canje Pathfinders $30,000 and a trophy for their effort.

Betsy Ground Triple Stars collected $15,000 and a trophy, while Kendall’s Union A went away with $10,000.

Hubern Evans and Balram Samaroo were the best bowler and batsman for the final respectively, while Krishan Sobhai copped the Man-of-the-

23

himron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach left these shores on Tuesday for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh.

Arguably three of Guyana’s most talented youth players will be participating in the 11th edition of the 50 overs under-19 World Cup. When Guyana Times Sport spoke to the players at the Guyana Cricket Board Office (GCB), Bourda, they all expressed confidence and jubilation ahead of the trip.

Captain of the side is the Guyanese dynamic opening left handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer who is elated to have the honor of leading this prestigious Caribbean side. “I would like to thank my family for all the support and it is a real honour to be leading the team; this is the first time I’m really leading a big team so I’m really looking forward to it”, the Young Warriors Cricket Club player revealed.

Hetmyer who is no way new to the West Indies under-19 team having played numerous times before on

various tours is banking on having the support of all his players when on the field and will be looking to lead from the front with his batting. “ It’s all of the three areas of captaincy I have to work on but I expect all the guys to chip in, we have been friends for a while now; and with regards to my batting I know my game and what style I will play”, the captain said.

Top order batsman Tevin Imlach is focused ahead of his first major overseas campaign. The playing conditions of the Under-19 World Cup usually mirror those of the senior tournaments and the player is no way daunted by the task at hand. When quizzed about his game plan the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) player explained that “as a top order batsman you have to be patient and defend the good balls and score of the bad ball; as it regards the two new balls that are a part of the game right now, it is a good thing, it means the balls will remain harder late in the innings and will help me in playing through the line of the ball”.

Vice Captain of the team is Essequibo’s Keemo Paul, and the all rounder is expecting to fire on both cylinders to help his side get over

the line in tough situations. “ I just want to stick to the basics with my game, I know the role I have to play with bat and ball and will try to do my best when called upon” the player said.

He further added that it is a great honor to be named Vice captain alongside a Guyanese skipper and wishes to represent the region and country proudly.

Quizzed about the regional side’s chances, Paul said “since we started training the main goal has always been to win the world cup so will be putting our best effort in to achieve this”.

West Indies are in placed in Group C alongside England, Fiji and Zimbabwe and will play their first game on January 29 against England. They will then play Fiji on January 31 followed

by Zimbabwe on February 2.

The full squad reads: Shimron Hetmyer (Captain), Keemo Paul (Vice Captain), Kacey Carty, Shahid Crooks, Michael Frew, Jyd Goolie, Tevin Imlach, Ryan John, Alzarri Joseph, Kirstan Kallicharan, Obed McCoy, Gidron Pope, Odean Smith, Shamar Springer, Emmanuel Stewart. Dwain Gill (Team Manager), Graeme West (Head Coach).

DCC offers congrats and best wishes to players YWCC captain Hubern Evans receives the massive trophy from Mukesh Appiah, the son of Ramnarine Appiah, in whose memory the competition was played. Other family members of the Appiahs and cricketers share the moment

Kendall’s Union A, winning by 76 runs. The matches were witnessed by a large Sunday crowd and included the wife of the late Appiah, his children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

In the final, Canje Pathfinders, batting first after winning the toss, made a disappointing 115 all out in 19.5 overs, despite boasting a highly regarded batting line-up.

Their most accomplished player, Videsh Singh, and skipper S Badal opened the batting before the latter was bowled by Balram Samaroo for one at 12-1.

Singh started to look dangerous before playing a careless shot to be caught at the long-off boundary off Zaheer Moakhan for 24.

Thereafter, they lost wickets regularly with only Imran Harrinandan and Kishan Gangaram contributing 19 and 25 respectively. Veteran former national senior cricketer, Hubern Evans, spun web around the Pathfinders batsmen, who folded meekly. Evans ended with 4-15 off 3.5 overs. Former Guyana youth player Kevin Sinclair supported with

seasoned umpire and allrounder Zaheer Moakhan joined Samaroo and they slowly calmed the nerves of the Warriors players and supporters. Together they put together an unbeaten 51 for the fourth wicket.

Samaroo and Moakhan finished on unbeaten knocks of 43 and 31 respectively with their team ending on 116-3 off 17.3 overs.

In the third playoff earlier in the day, Betsy Ground Triple Stars were inserted by the skipper of Kendall’s Union A and took full advantage of excellent batting condition.

They amassed 187-7 off their allotted 20 overs.

Krishan Sobhai was in a no-nonsense mood, scoring a rapid 58. He got support from Wohmeshwar Sobhai with 22.

Bowling for Kendall’s Union A, Albert Budhoo took 3-28 and Navendra Mangra 2-45. In reply, Kendall’s Union A never threatened to hunt down the target, ending on a disappointing 111-5 off 20 overs. Tony Garnett was the only batsman to offer any resistance with 55. O. Imanudin took two

Match prize in the third place playoff.

At the post match ceremony, the grand-daughter of the late Ramnarine Appiah, in whose honour the tournament was played, spoke on behalf of the family and thanked the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for a well-organised tournament.

She made special mention of Hubern Evans and Anil Beharry for the roles they played in the success of tournament. Board representative, Vicky Bharosay, thanked the teams for participating.

He also expressed gratitude to the print and electronic media for their support.

The crowd was also commended for their turnout and behaviour. Special thanks were in order for the management of the club for the preparation of the venue, while the BCB also recognised Mukesh Appiah and the rest of the family for providing the sponsorship and for travelling from North America for the event. The BCB presented a certificate of appreciation to the sponsor.

Paul Wintz

Christopher Barnwell

he Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has offered congratulations and best wishes to several of its members, who have currently been called up for regional, national or other engagements. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the club said it was proud of the achievements of its players.

“The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) wishes to congratulate its players Keemo Paul (Vice-captain) and Tevin Imlach on their selection to the West Indies Under-19 team for the 2016 - ICC Youth World Cup,” the statement read.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016 will be played in Bangladesh from January 22 to February 14. The duo and captain Shimron Hetmyer are the three Guyanese in the team, and were all part of

the Guyana team that won the 2015 WICB Regional Under-19 tournament.

The statement continued, “The club also wishes to congratulate Christopher Barnwell (Vice-captain), Paul Wintz and Kevin Boodie on their selection to the Guyana Jaguars team to compete in the 2015 WICB/NAGICO Super 50 tournament.”

The tournament will start on Thursday in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis. Boodie, who is originally from the Essequibo Coast, is a recent addition to DCC. Young left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd, also from DCC, recently departed for New Zealand with the Trinidad and Tobago Invitational Under-17 team for a tour that runs from January 1-20.

Paul, Imlach and Nedd are among a total of 13

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players from DCC who represented Guyana in the junior WICB cricket tournaments in 2015, and are part of a vibrant and successful youth academy being run by the club and coach Garvin Nedd.

“They are encouraged to uphold the high standards and rich history of the club.

Trevon Griffith was the most recent player from DCC to play in the West Indies Under-19 team.

Paul is a fast bowling allrounder and originally from Saxacali, Essequibo River, and Wakenaam before moving to Georgetown and joining the DCC. Imlach is a wicketkeeper/ opening batsman, and a hardworking and dependable player,” the statement read.

President of DCC, Alfred Mentore, also congratulated Paul and Imlach, and urged them to use the opportunity as a stepping stone to the senior West Indies team.

Mentore would also like to implore on these players to follow in the footsteps of the fine tradition of exemplary players coming from the DCC. He expects them to be the torchbearers for the rest to follow, including young Ashmead Nedd, a promisingly young leftarm spin bowler, whom is touted to play at this level soon.

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

wednesday, January 6, 2016

Guyanese trio off to West Indies Under-19 World Cup Pg 23

From left Tevin Imlach, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer before their departure

Spinners Benn, WICB/NAGICO Super50…

Badree to play “We want to bring it back home in Unity Cricket to Guyana” – Crandon

− early bird tickets cost $2,000

Samuel Badree

Sulieman Benn

Pg 22

Pg 22

Flashback! The Guyana Jaguars finished second-best to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the NAGICO Super50 last year

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