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Youth programme for Amerindian villages in 2016
friday, november 13, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, November 13 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, November 14 – 05:30h-07:00h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Govt volte-face on Speciality Hospital
...PPP/C’s position “vindicated” – Teixeira
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) feels vindicated by the announcement that Government will be moving ahead with the construction of the multibillion dollar Specialty Hospital.
This is according to the party’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira who on Thursday said the party is patiently awaiting a response from the David Grangerled APNU+AFC about its moves to go ahead with the construction of the facility, which was over the last three years shot down in the 10th Parliament.
She said while the move is laudable, the Administration must give its reason for shutting down the project in the first place.
Government, through Public Health Minister Dr George Norton has announced its intention to continue the construction of the Hospital, albeit, through another line of credit from the Indian Exim Bank.
Speaking to the media Thursday, Teixeira said time has been wasted on the project which could have been well underway by now.
“The issue is that we have lost precious time where patients’ lives could have been saved, where they could have been made to live a more comfortable life and now the APNU+AFC must answer what was the tactic behind the obstruction of the specialty hospital and I remember the accusation for corruption, so I assume that they will make public the plans for the hospital”, the Chief Whip said.
She noted that the project, which has tremendous benefit for both the people of Guyana and economy, was deliberately obstructed by the APNU+AFC Administration, while it was in the opposition.
“I think because of the APNU+AFC carrying an
attack, an onslaught on the proposal of the specialty hospital for three years straight, they now need to say to the Guyanese public why they have made the about-turn. What is the reason for them waking up and smelling the roses.”
She maintains the hos-
be channelled towards the upgrade of three Regional hospitals, Government will have to provide a new proposal to the Indian government for funding of the Specialty Hospital.
But despite Norton’s explanation, the then opposition was severely criticised
pital is important, since not only will Guyanese benefit, but patients coming from abroad can also seek the services offered by such a health facility.
Health Minister Dr George Norton had told Guyana Times on Wednesday that neither he nor the administration was ever against the specialty hospital. What was troubling for them while in Opposition was the unavailability of relevant information.
According to him, the administration was not “properly informed” about the project particularly on details including whether or not Guyanese were going to be employed at the hospital, whether Guyanese have to pay to receive treatment at the hospital, what types of treatment will be offered, and whether Guyanese students would be taught there.
Dr Norton said while the remaining $14 million from the earlier project will
for stymieing such developments. During the 2014 budget, where the allocated $910 million was slashed from the project, then President Donald Ramotar commenting on the draconian cut to the Health Sector had said he was baffled at the fact that they had cut important health projects particularly the Specialty Hospital. He said the Opposition in its quest to deny all Guyanese the opportunity to access modernised and specialised health care through the hospital, have not even taken into consideration that in cutting the funding for this much needed hospital from the 2014 budget, they have heartlessly denied the provision of Regional and Clinical health services.
The PPP/C had also stated that the Specialty
Hospital was intended to provide specialised modern health services which not only those who are financially endowed can readily afford.
The construction of the hospital was part of an agreement between the Governments of Guyana and India for Guyana to use US$18 million through a line of credit to build the hospital which was aimed at catering for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations, organ transplants to cosmetic surgeries.
The idea had come in for heavy criticism by the current Administration which was on the Opposition side of the House during the 10th Parliament.
The coalition had cut the $1.25 billion that had been budgeted for the hospital in 2013. The previous administration was only given $34.4 million as supplementary funding for the hospital in the 10th Parliament only by the absence of the coalition’s Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence when a vote had been taken on the funding.
The previous administration was hoping that the hospital would be used to bring tourists and overseas-based Guyanese back to Guyana, as a means of “health tourism”.
Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira
Editor(ag): Michael Younge
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
The nation was greeted with extremely good news earlier this week when Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton disclosed Guyana will be proceeding with the construction of the all important Specialty Hospital. Many were shocked by this disclosure considering the position the APNU and AFC parties took while they were in Opposition as every effort was made to cripple the project.
It could be recalled the previous PPP/C Administration fought very hard for this project to become a reality, because they understood that while improving primary health care was necessary, at the same time, working towards advancing specialty care was very important, too. And the Administration at the time was very instrumental in getting the Indian Government to commit funding towards the project.
The construction of the Specialty Hospital was part of an agreement between the Governments of Guyana and India for Guyana to use US$18 million through a line of credit to build the hospital aimed at catering for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations, organ transplants to cosmetic surgeries. However, the then Opposition (APNU/AFC) did everything they could to bring the project to a halt, citing all manner of frivolous excuses as to why they could not offer their support.
Taking a cue from the Kaieteur News, the APNU/AFC started to raise a number of questions regarding the awarding of the contracts, costs, beneficiaries, etc. This was quite understandable as it is the duty of the Opposition to ensure tax payers’ money, whether it is from local or overseas sources, is spent with the strictest accountability and transparency. However, what we could not understand was why they took such a drastic step to completely cripple the project.
The subject minister at the time, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had gone at length to provide the necessary clarifications to questions raised during the budget debates. But APNU and AFC MPs were still not satisfied. Whatever the case was, most of us were convinced the APNU/AFC’s non-support of the project was based on pure politics and not a “lack of information” as is now being claimed by the Minister of Health.
The bottom line is that the project, because of its national importance and what it means for ordinary citizens, should not have been stopped in the first place. In reality the project would have been far advanced by now.
That said, we are very pleased the project will come to fruition.
According to a report in another section of the media, Government will be proceeding with the construction of the Specialty Hospital under a new agreement with India. The new arrangement would see unused funds from the original deal being channelled towards the upgrade of three of the country’s regional hospitals, while a new pact will be negotiated for the completion of the Specialty Hospital.
This newspaper has always been in support of a Specialty Hospital being constructed here to serve the needs of citizens who in the normal circumstances would not be able to afford going abroad for special care. In fact many patients end up dying as a result of them not being able to access such treatment because of the lack of facility and the fact that they cannot afford to pay for such treatment at private institutions. Also, we had mentioned before that Guyana could generate much needed revenue from such a venture if persons abroad come here to access such treatment.
In every part of the world, the right to proper, competent and modern medical care is regarded as a basic human right. Therefore, stakeholders ought to encourage, support, and even pressure the authorities to ensure such facilities are available in the country at an affordable cost. We are confident that once the Specialty Hospital becomes a reality, every single Guyanese who, at some point of time in their life, would require the type of medical procedure and attention that such hospital is intended to provide.
The Administration should therefore move with haste and conclude the necessary negotiations with the Indian Government so that works could commence soon.
Social Cohesion in Guyana?
Dear Editor,
On Thursday 29 October last, I attended the 19th Awards ceremony for the top students at the 2015 CAPE and CSEC examinations at the National Cultural Centre. Begun under the previous administration, I was happy to see its continuation. It is indeed a worthwhile way to give national prominence to our students who have excelled and to recognise the work of their teachers.
Two important policy speeches were delivered, first by the Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and, secondly and more importantly, by President David Granger himself. It is not my purpose here to compare the presentations suffice to say that one was broad, philosophical, and somewhat airy-fairy, where the speaker appeared to be in a cloud talking down to the mortals.
The other was clear, specific, detailed and studied. Honing on four or five tangible points, one got the impression that the speaker was clear in his thinking as to the course we should be chartering in education. Being a practical man myself this approach suits my own temperament. What also caught my attention was the emphasis on meritocracy.
Were there things to disagree with? Sure. There was the repetition of the charge made a few years ago that the education system in Guyana was an apartheid system, though some pain was taken to explain that apartheid simply meant “separateness.” Well we know that apartheid as it applied to South Africa was never ever simply “separateness.” Apartheid is a systematic form of oppression based on racial superiority.
What is of greater impor-
tance to us is that both presentations made reference to “social cohesion,” that most elusive, if not contentious, concept after which an entire ministry has been created with the arrival of the new government, as something urgently required for Guyana.
The idea has been borrowed from the European experience where it has been coined and promoted as a panacea in dealing with Europe’s diversities as Europeans began contemplating their union. Now it has gathered a new dimension insofar as Europe’s new ethnic and religious minorities are concerned, the Muslim population. But social cohesion in Europe continues to be elusive if not hotly contested, particularly, among others, by Muslim scholars themselves. After all, Islam too has its paradigm for social structure and on how minorities are to be dealt with.
What is clear is that Europe has abandoned all previous policies that were put forward as solutions to social “differences.” Thus integration, assimilation, melting pot (more American, where it is essentially the same in spite of all the fancy jargon),multi-culturalism, and pluralism have all seen their day, have all been tried, and have all failed. One remembers the British Prime Minister David Cameron and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel both famously trashing “multi-culturalism” as having failed in Europe. What should social cohesion mean in the Guyanese context? In his remarks at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in September last, President Granger made use of the OECD’s definition according to which, “A cohesive
society works towards the well-being of all its members, fights exclusion and marginalisation, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers its members the opportunity of upward mobility.”
The president then made reference to the, “evidence of a divide in Guyana,” and went on to address a host of dimensions usually associated with the concept: inclusive political processes, values, beliefs and practices, promoting trust, eliminating equality, eradication of extreme poverty, improving access to education, and so on.
In all of this, what strikes one is what the president did not say. How could one speak about what divides us as a society and not touch the ethnic question, that most divisive and pervasive of divides? Apparently, this was left to his Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally.
In her remarks however, one can discern that the idea of social cohesion needs to be carefully studied and researched so that, at least, one fundamental contradiction can be addressed, if not resolved. While, on the one hand, the minister uses all the politically correct language in speaking about the diversities in our society such as, “people are not the same in terms of race and ethnicity…. political persuasion, religious beliefs or economic status,” and “respecting differences,” on the other hand, she is adamant in her view that race, religion, etc, are barriers, obviously to social cohesion.
Speaking to Berbice residents and recommending that social cohesion be brought even into nursery schools, Minister Ally noted: “We must be able to eradicate these barriers; race, religion,
sex, social origin, they must have no part, we must have no barriers going forward ….”
The question is, are we to respect differences or eradicate them?
Coming back to the Awards ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, where a powerful statement could have been made in favour of social cohesion, if we were to accept Sir Shridat Ramphal’s view that, “Differences should be taught and seen as enriching rather than as divisive.” Instead, what we saw in all the artistic presentations on the stage was a clear exclusion of anything Indian. This happened in a national programme organized by the Ministry of Education and broadcast all over the country. One wonders what is the ministry’s understanding of social cohesion?
In fact, the minister himself was quite effusive in his desire to “flood the schools in Guyana with steel bands.” Alas, only a shortage of funds prevented him from doing this. By this statement what message did the minister intend to convey to the young people in the audience? Whose cultural values were affirmed and represented, and whose were ignored?
Anyone with even a smattering of knowledge can tell us how deeply statements of this nature can wound children’s sense of identity, and how they can be brought up to be ashamed of themselves and their cultural values. This is exactly the kind of subtle indoctrination that made generations of Black children in America choose white dolls over black ones. But in the end they won the battle for their souls. Is ours now beginning?
Swami Aksharananda
“The Alive Painting” body art work by Russian artist Maria Gasanova during the Art Krasnoyarsk annual festival in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia (Reuters)
You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com
Specialty Hospital back –APNU/AFC flip flops again
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Chronicle of November 11, 2015 bares a screaming headline: “Specialty Hospital back On.” This is what the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was saying all along. We need to provide more health services at affordable costs.
The PPP/C Government saw this as a ‘win win’ situation since it was expanding health services to our people and at the same time could open up for us a new sector in our economy – that of health tourism.
While in Opposition, both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) were very hostile towards this project. The APNU was very strong in their position that our country did not need this hospital. The AFC appears to have opposed it because a particular company did not get the contract to build the hospital.
The Opposition threw all kinds of negative slangs on this very important project. When they came into office, they shut the project down.
It was, therefore, a great surprise to read in the newspaper that Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton is reported to have said
that the APNU/AFC Government was never opposed to having such a modern facility built here in Guyana.
This is another indication of the character of the persons we are dealing with. These people did everything to damage the welfare of the nation. They were so intent on gaining power that they did not care if the Guyanese people were hurt in the process.
It was the same behaviour that they displayed in relation to the AntiMoney Laundering Bill. They opposed this rigorously even though officials from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force came to Guyana and explained to them to disastrous consequences of such actions.
Now that they are in Government, they seem incapable of fixing the problem. Guyana is still on the grey list and doing business here takes considerably longer than it should.
They also did considerable damage to the country’s economy when they opposed the Amaila Falls Hydro project. This project has the potential of turning our country into an industrial state, a major contributor to job creation.
Their opposition to the project can cost the country some US$80
million, which is money we earned from Norway.
Clearly, this group is only interested in being in Government to abuse power and for self aggrandisement,
This was seen in the dismissal of hundreds of Indo-Guyanese workers from the public service and the huge pay hike Government officials have given themselves.
They have also given to their political friends millions to carry out audits. Jobs for the boys, waste and squander mania are now the order of the day.
For this regime, the most important thing is not the welfare of our people. That is incidental. Power to lord it over people, to create fear and intimidate people is more important to them.
The fact that they are changing their tune on the issue of the Specialty Hospital was due to the great opposition by the people to their decision to shut the project down. They were in fact forced to continue to the project.
We must continue to press them on the continuance of the other projects as well!
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
Getting rid of red tape only to be wrapped in other colour tapes
Dear Editor, It is always interesting when government announces it is getting rid of red tape, only to be tied up with other colour tapes.
Ridding the bureaucratic machine of red tape is completely opposite of ridding it of bureaucrats. A recent announcement by the Honourable Minister of Business of getting rid of red tape with regard to operating a business in Guyana sounds like twice fried chicken fried rice. This cliché has been used over and over by politicians. The other colour tapes manifest themselves when the remaining bureaucrats or public servants maliciously
slowdown the process because of insecurity either of job or influence.
Another tape is those business owners that use their political connections to protect their market share by creating barriers to entry. Then there is the various unions that want to protect inefficiencies and job for life.
Other tapes are in the form of acquisition of land and property owned by government. As a test case, how fast could the Honourable Minister get approval for private investors to take over Stabroek and Bourda markets or privatize the water authority? Perhaps the City Constabulary?
What tape if the doctors at the public hospital want to form a physicians group to provide services to both public and private institutions? Or nurses because they are frustrated with unions and government; therefore they would like to enter the free market. Would these healthcare workers be granted the necessary licences in an expedited manner?
Honourable Minister of Business cut all tapes! Start with the ability to fire public servants that maliciously slowdown the process.
Keith Bernard
Empty Treasury
Dear Editor, This coalition Government loves to ‘cry wolf’ when it suits them and with the same breath, claims the achievements of the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government as their own.
I will examine a few of these.
Firstly, this coalition Government is claiming that they inherited an empty Treasury and a bankrupt economy.
It is an indisputable fact that this A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government inherited, on May 11, a thriving economy with an average growth of five per cent, but with five months have managed to achieve an economic growth of less than one per cent! A pertinent question here is: What will happen in five years?
This coalition Government inherited a Treasury with $850 million US dollars yet they are claiming that it was empty. Why not produce a Bank of Guyana Report to substantiate such claims? The Kaieteur News had produced ‘evidence’ to support its allegations that billions of dollars were ‘hidden’ in account belonging to several Ministries! Moreover, the coalition Government was able to produce the largest Budget ever – 221 billion dollars! This is in addition to lavish spending on multiple inaugurations, globetrotting, a ‘perverse’ increase in Ministers, ‘technocrat’ Ministers, Junior Ministers, countless ‘officials’ that you can literally step on them, and humongous salary increases for ‘the boys’.
Secondly, the coalition Government took over a rice industry that was producing in excess of 600,000 tonnes of paddy and has deftly managed to bring it to its knees. They are now blaming the former PPP/C Government for this failure. This coalition Government has not only wrecked the lucrative market Venezuelan market but has failed to assist the rice farmers by way of subsidies to lower their costs of production in face of drastically falling paddy prices! Yet President Granger, Prime Minister Nagamootoo, Trotman and Harmon have justified their huge salary increases.
Now let us look at the flip side of this argument! The coalition Government wants this nation to believe that the achievement of
the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) weekly targets and the eventual yearly target is as a direct result of good governance on their part.
If they have failed to achieve such a meagre economic growth, and if they have failed to stem the spiralling crimes how can they claim the success of GuySuCo? The Commission of Inquiry’s (CoI) recommendations are still not out after spending in excess of $75 million, so how come GuySuCo is achieving its targets when no recommendations from the CoI are implemented? How come the ‘white elephant’ (dubbed by APNU and AFC) Skeldon Estate is now producing sugar efficiently and is achieving its targets?
As a former Agriculture Auditor of the Berbice Estates, I was part of a team which conducted various audits on the reasons why the targets were not achieved and we made several recommendations to the Board of Directors and the CEO. These recommendations were implemented by the management of the various estates who conducted many training sessions with staff. This has greatly improved the efficiency of the estates. In addition, a Quality Control Officer went to the various estates and ensure that agricultural guidelines were followed. This was done throughout the sugar industry! At this time, GuySuCo is also benefiting from excellent weather conditions and good labour turn-out which can be directly attributed to a Private Sector contraction-jobs in the Privates Sector are scarce due to a contraction in investments!
Therefore, this coalition Government cannot do ‘cherry picking’— they cannot blame the PPP/C Government for the failure of the rice Industry and then ‘hog’ the accolades for the sugar industry. They have done nothing so far for the sugar industry and they cannot view wage freeze as the only cost cutting option!
The coalition Government is stuck in ‘election campaign mode’ and should stop spinning lies to the people in order to camouflage their incompetence and lack of sound social and economic policies. Their 10year ‘road map’ is another ‘strategic plan’ which is so distant that the objectives will be lost along the way.
Yours sincerely,
Haseef Yusuf
Page Foundation
Are gender neutral toys really better for children? 8 reasons being the middle child rules
BY MELISSA WILLETS
If you’ve shopped in a Target store since this summer – and what parent hasn’t!? – you may have noticed something a little different in the toy section. The company recently decided to remove gender-based labels on toys, saying the decision is a response to concerns from parents who found signage like “boys’ blocks” unnecessary. Instead, Target has begun organising its toys by categories, like dolls and building sets, to create a gender neutral shopping experience for children. But is blurring the lines between pink and blue really better for our children?
“Pink and blue aren’t the problem, it’s the meaning people attach to those colours that become problematic,” Katie Hurley, LCSW, a child and adolescent Psychotherapist, parenting expert, and author of the new book, The Happy Kid Handbook told Parenting.com. Parents, not children, are the ones who think things like, “Barbies are for girls, and Hot Wheels are for boys.” Children just love to play. Period. “Play is both the business of childhood and
child explore his or her own interests: “To direct a child to play a certain way based on gender is to send a very negative message to that child.”
Instead, she suggests, try to understand the individual needs of your son or daughter: “Some children prefer quiet play; some have specific preferences, like space or safari animals; some like things that make noise; and some mix everything together. Giving children the freedom to play without judgment is more important than dissecting what they choose to play. Step back, make room for play and avoid judging your child. Try not to overthink it. Children like to try on new roles. Let them. It’s how they learn.”
So, if your daughter shows an interest in Star Wars action figures, you needn’t discourage her, and likewise if your son is drawn to My Little Pony figures. Besides, children’ interests can quickly shift, so overanalysing their preferences for play is hardly a worthwhile venture.
Hurley recommends simply providing toys and time: “You want your children to get lost in their imaginations and think creatively.”
In her experience, the best toys are indeed gender neutral wooden blocks, animals, people and vehicles. Leave the rest up to the children, who can do amazing things with just a few supplies. “We can’t teach children to embrace differences if we stick them in a box and tell them what to play,” says Hurley. “Target sent a clear message to consumers: make your own choices; be you. That’s a solid message for little children.”
BY JANIE PORTER
Sure, we’ve all heard of “middlechild syndrome” and how hard it can be for middle children to find their niche in the family when they’re sandwiched between the over-achieving first born and the over-babied baby. But it’s Middle Child Day, and even though middle children do have it rough, we’re celebrating some of the perks that come with the middle child territory (the frosting between the Oreo cookies of siblings, if you will):
1. You are born into an all- children world When your oldest sibling was born, he lived in an adult-furnished house with adult talk and adult dinner parties. There was glassware, china and wine still living in cabinets less than three feet off the floor. Middle child, you didn’t have to deal with any of that crap. By the time you came out, the kitchen was all brightly coloured plastic ware; the wine cabinets had already been converted to toddler shoe cubbies; and the TV was already comfortable in its constant stream of “Bubble Guppies.”
“This is a child’s house!” your older sibling proclaimed until your parents finally got the point. Yes, it is. And now every square inch is covered in toys, and you go to children’s birthday parties every weekend – as it should be.
2. Your parents made all their mistakes on the first child
Seriously. You don’t have to worry about your mom trying the cry-it-out method...then caving...then co-sleeping, until you kick her out of her own bed and take over said comfy California king for all of eternity. No, middle child, all of that’s already been established before you. You get the spoils, and you didn’t have to go into battle. Get it? Yes, it’s awesome.
3. You don’t have to care
No one cares about your opinion, and that’s awesome. When the grandparents come to visit, they’re there to see all of you (you and the other siblings). And, unlike first child’s babyhood, you will never have to deal with four adults staring at you, making goo-goo eyes and asking what you want for lunch. Nope, you’ll be totally content to wipe stray applesauce dollops from younger sibling’s tray before moving on to scavenge for peanut butter and jelly leftovers on older sibling’s plate. You told the adults earlier that you wanted turkey and cheese for lunch, but nobody heard you. And you don’t even care.
4. You are always part of a group Yep, you’re always surrounded by others. It really comes in handy when you did something naughty, because chances are, mom will never be able to figure out whose little paws decided to finger-paint the bathtub with her hot pink nail polish or unload that brandnew, family-size bag of Cheerios on the kitchen floor. You and your siblings are a gang that can’t be separated, like a pride of lions or a pack of wild hyenas, depending on the situation.
5. You never have to wear stiff clothes See, here’s the thing. When mom had older sibling, he had to wear uncomfortable linen outfits to church – every single week – outfits that were monogrammed and had to be ironed. (I know, you don’t know what that is.) By the time mom had you, she didn’t care how wrinkled your Sunday best was, as long as you were wearing clothes and a clean diaper when the family left the house at 11:25h for the 11:00h service. Don’t feel like wearing shoes today? Not a problem. You, my friend, are living the dream. Because for the remainder of your childhood, you will get to swim in super-stretched-out cotton handme-downs that have been washed a minimum of 1000 times each.
6. There’s no pressure to perform
Sure, when older sibling was younger, everyone was all, “When’s he gonna walk?” and “Can he talk in sentences yet?” By the time you’re of age to turn baby-and-young-toddler-tricks, no one will care, and that’s just fine. The irony is you’ll be far advanced in development compared to older sibling, but again, no one has the time to notice.
7. You can enjoy having a younger sibling Since you’ve grown up sharing the spotlight, it (usually) ain’t no thang when little sibling comes along. Unlike older sibling, who may or may not have had a Daffy-Duck-level power trip when you entered the picture, chances are your toddler ego won’t upset the power balance of the entire universe when the new lil’ one comes along. After all, this means you finally have another little person to love – and play with.
8. There’s a model for potty training I mean, what child intuitively understands how to go from wearing diapers to sitting atop a high, ceramic pot in which you are expected to do your business? Enter older sibling. Because of him, you now know the treat glory that comes with potty training territory, and you will do whatever it takes to win those jelly beans and suckers your mom stole from the bank lobby. And hey, who doesn’t love the promise of some likenew Spiderman cotton underwear to go with the fanfare? At least you know they’ll be nice and worn in. (parenting.com)
Gecom bent backwards to accommodate PPP/C – Surujbally
– says Rohee out to
Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) Dr Steve Surujbally on Thursday repeatedly insisted the elections body has been “bending over backwards” to accommodate to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and therefore could not comprehend the attacks recently unleashed at the level of the General Secretary Clement Rohee.
In fact, Dr Surujbally blasted the General Secretary over a number of issues, including that of fuelling ethnic division during a recent meeting between the two entities.
These proclamations were made during a media conference held to update the media on Gecom’s preparations for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).
Rohee, during his Party’s media conference on Monday, expressed complete dissatisfaction with the outcome of the said meeting, noting that Gecom was indifferent, defensive and evasive with respect to the questions and clarifications sought by the PPP/C delegation.
When prompted by media operatives for a re-
embarrass Commission
sponse, Gecom’s Chairman said he strongly believes the PPP/C General Secretary is out to “embarrass” Gecom for reasons which he would not “speculate”.
He clarified that contrary to what was reported by Rohee, Gecom provided answers to the questions posed by the PPP/C delegation to the best of its ability.
“The bending over backwards is so blatant in our responses that it was very difficult to understand why these attacks were made,” Dr Surujbally stated.
Relating the events that transpired on the day of the meeting, Dr Surujbally said
the meeting ensued as a last-minute request by the Opposition.
“Bending over backwards, we were asked for the meeting on the day of the meeting… That meeting took place with a fully constituted commission,” Dr Surujbally stated.
Taking over from his colleague, Gecom Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield disclosed the respective answers Gecom provided to the questions which were posed by the PPP/C during the meeting.
The first question was in relation to the qualifying
date of February 29 for persons to register. The PPP/C did not expand on their concern on this matter however; the Gecom CEO explained that the date was set to ensure that every person who will turn 18-years-old to ensure that as many 18-yearsolds as possible become eligible to vote for the LGE. He noted too that he could not understand PPP/C’s concerns.
The second question was in relation to the 9th Cycle of Registration versus the period of Claims and Objections. Lowenfield said the Commission has the authority to determine the duration of the aforementioned periods and based on their experience, the periods set were adequate. He noted too that the period of Claims and Objections far exceeds the previous periods. He explained also that there is no need for another cycle of registration because LGE structure does not cater for every elector across the spectrum but electors only in local authority areas.
The third question was about non-availability of lists for each constituency for use during the Claims and Objections period. However, this was the
Gunman robs NA
discharges shots in bid to escape
Police in Berbice are looking for a lone gunman who robbed a New Amsterdam Market stall owner at gunpoint on Thursday morning during a daring robbery.
Reports are that the lone gunman entered the market at about 08:00h, went into Hack's Variety Stall and held an employee at gunpoint before demanding cash. After leaving, the bandit also took another employee hostage, discharging shots in the air as he made good his escape.
An eyewitness told Guyana Times that the employee was released when the gunman cleared the way for his escape. The eyewitness further related that the gunman fired shots in the air, sending other stallholders scampering for cover.
Having left the market, the bandit ran towards his
only question which Rohee said the Party was given a satisfactory answer. Gecom had provided the Party with both a softcopy and a hardcopy of the list.
The other question was about the effectiveness of the communication strategy relative to LGE, considering that the environment will be crowded with other preparatory activities for the 50th anniversary celebrations. In response, Lowenfield said Gecom is charged with the conduct of elections and cannot get involved with the other activities. He noted that Gecom still has elections to prepare for and the works of other entities are not its concerns.
The next question was in relation to status of preparation of NDCs for local government elections. Lowenfield said Gecom is not responsible to report on the preparations of the NDCs for the LGE.
Moreover, Gecom’s CEO insisted that the other concerns which were raised by the PPP/C were genuinely addressed to the best of the Commission’s knowledge.
Ethnic imbalance
Meanwhile, it revealed that Rohee raised concerns about the ethnic imbal-
ance of persons employed by Gecom to work at the upcoming LGE polls.
Gecom Chairman Dr Surujbally explained that the Commission has a procedure which it follows when hiring to ensure the process is fair and transparent.
“If you want to change the procedure and say we must have “x” amount of this race and “y” amount of that then, Gecom will have to be under another Chairman…”
While on the topic, Dr Surujbally urged that political parties stop using the race card.
Claims and Objections
Meanwhile, the Claims and Objections period commenced on November 9 and will end on December 13.
During this period, persons can register for their identification cards, request a change of address and/or request corrections be made.
Persons are urged to check the various lists posted in the respective local authority areas to ensure their names appear on the list. There have already been 558 applications for new registration, 103 for transfers and 192 for change/corrections.
Market vendor
accomplice who was waiting on a motorcycle a short distance away.
Speaking with Guyana Times, the stall owner, Rashid Hack said that the
staff reported to him that the gunman escaped with two bags of money which were in the stall.
“I got a call just after 08:30h and the boy tell me
that he just get rob. He said that a man came into the store and pushed a gun in his face and told him to give him all of the money.”
Gecom Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally
PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee
Hack's Variety Stall NA Market
friday, november 13, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Demerara Harbour Bridge fatal accident
Husband charged for causing death – released on $1M bail
The husband of Gangadai Persaud who died after the Canter truck in which they were travelling plunged off the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), was on Thursday placed on $1 million bail after he was charged for causing her death by dangerous driving.
Danram Ramlall, 26, of Lot 4210 Tuschen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
It is alleged that on November 8 on the DHB, he drove Canter GEE 4540 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of his wife, Gangadai Persaud. He pleaded not guilty.
Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels told the court that at about 04:45h on the day in question the accused was driving at a fast rate when he lost control of the vehicle at the retractor span causing the vehicle to plummet overboard. He said the deceased was seated in the front passenger seat. According to the Prosecutor, it took divers a few hours before they retrieved the vehicle and the woman’s body.
Both man and wife went overboard with the Canter. However, the husband managed to free himself before the truck went too deep underwater, but his wife got
pinned inr the vehicle. Guyana Times understands that the couple was transporting goods and vegetables to Georgetown and Plaisance, where they normally conducted business at the two markets.
In his bail application, Defence Attorney Sandil Kissoon told the court the man’s wife was being laid to rest on Thursday (yesterday) and as such requested that his client be granted bail to pay his final respects.
Magistrate Latchman granted bail in the sum of $1 million.
The case will continue on November 30.
Eyew tness
Spinning….
...wheels in diplomacy
This Eyewitness still believes, by and large, men are rational beings. By and large. They do things… they have reasons for doing so, right? We mightn't know the reason… but reasons they have. So yours truly would dearly like to know what were the reasons for the President leading his delegation – in which his Foreign Minister was already a member – to a summit that was going to focus on oil prices and the Middle East imbroglios?
Our Pressie was only the third Head of State from South America - even though the meet’s supposed to bring together all the South American nations (UNASUR) with the Middle East’s. The other two were soulmates Maduro and Correia (Ecuador) who DO produce oil and showed up to ask that the Arabs cut production to force prices upwards. Low oil prices are literally killing their economies.
Well, we could understand THEIR reason. So what was ours? Could it be that Granger hoped to meet Maduro on the sidelines to ask him what's going on with his rice supplies? And that if he could buy rice from the Yanks (still reeking of sulphur?) why not Guyana? Well, that at least was what your Eyewitness hoped was going to happen.
But lo and behold (as they used to say in that part of the world) the meetings opened and closed and while there were “sideline” meetings all over the place, Pressie maintained his UN posture towards Maduro: the Venezuelan President didn't exist. The Saudis got what they wanted – ritual denunciation of the “Palestinian problem” - and the new one, the refugees flowing into Europe.
And while we know that “the world is one” (all raise your hands; …wave and sway, now) how high are those issues on our radar? Even though Maduro supports the Saudi’s arch-enemy regime of Assad in Syria (where it supports the ISIS fighters) he was given top billing because of him controlling the biggest reserves of oil in the world.
What was our claim to fame, that we “reiterated” the commitment to “non-interference” in other nation’s affairs - as if that would change anything? Weren't the Saudi hosts, funding “interference” in the entire Middle East through the aforementioned “ISIS”? We heard about “deepening economic ties”. What economic ties?
And for this we postpone a sitting of parliament to discuss salary-increases? What was Greenidge actually doing, apart from fetching drinks for Pressie.
Let's wait for the spin on spinning diplomatic wheels!
…wheels in the sky
The goings on over at Ogle are getting more interesting every day. Is it a case of “fallout among patriots”? Well, up to now the same bunch that's formed their new association had been extolling the virtues of “the private sector” running the airport. What went wrong? Was it just the draconian new rule by one of their own fat cats – albeit the fattest of the fat cats – that everyone had to hand over everything including their firstborn, in case of default?
Or was it perchance how the spoils were being distributed, now that real money’s coming down the pike? Well, we’ll know soon enough. What this Eyewitness would like to know is: what were the terms of the Private Public Partnership (PPP) that governed the facility.
This Eyewitness learnt more than he ever wanted to know about Px3’s on the Berbice Bridge – dividends, payoff of principal, subordinated debt and such like.
But as a good taxpayer, he wants to know how much the government’s been raking in while the private companies had the fatted calf.
…vs revolution
As “one last gasp”, one of the big experts in the “Diwali date fight”, weighed in about the “rotation” of the moon contributing to its movement as it relative to the sun.
Just showed what HE’s been talking through. It's the “revolution” not “rotation” of the moon that leads to the relative movement.
He should tell rice farmers if the rains will continue…
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
Danram Ramlall
Bandits rob, shoot at La Penitence Market vendors
Two armed men on Thursday carried out a brazen daylight robbery on a vendor at La Penitence Market, carting away an undisclosed sum of cash and other valuables.
According to reports, one of the men armed with a handgun held up businessman Mohabir Thunnilal while his accomplice went into the stall and removed two boxes containing money. At the time of the robbery, no one was in the market.
This newspaper was told the businessman’s wife upon noticing the man
in the stall held onto the bandit but his accomplice discharged a round in her direction, which hit the wall.
Reports are that following the robbery, the two men fled the market and joined an awaiting car on Sussex Street, Charlestown, which sped away.
This newspaper understands the two bandits were described as teenagers. Both were wearing black jerseys and hats.
Speaking with Guyana Times, a still shaken Thunnilal explained he was standing in front of
Bagotstown shooting
his stall when the bandits pounced on him.
He said one of the bandits placed a gun to his head and ordered him not to move while the other entered the stall and collected the two boxes with money. “One of the box had change and the other box had $1000 and $5000 notes,” the stall owner said.
Thunnilal stated that his wife realised what was happening and held onto the man who was carrying the boxes.
“The other one see she hold onto he and he fired a round but it hit the wall
and left a hole.” The man stated that he has been operating his business since 1987 and has never been robbed.
He believes the two men had been monitoring the market before they carried out the robbery.
“It didn’t had much people in the market at the time… people does hardly come shop at that time, so the men think was a good time to make them move,” the businessman surmised.
The police have since retrieved the spent shell as investigations continue.
Suspect still on the run
Police are on the hunt for Trevor Anthony Amsterdam wanted in connection with the murder of Jermaine Simon also called Jermaine Roberts. Speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said police are exploring all
avenues that would lead to the arrest of the shooter. He also stated that police are continuing their investigations into the alleged arson of the dwelling house of the suspected shooter. It is reported the house belongs to Odessa Phillips, her two young children and husband.
The suspect was reportedly renting an apartment in the lower flat of the building.
On Tuesday, Simon, said to be wanted in connection with a Providence murder, was reportedly gunned down by Amsterdam. He was shot to his head while riding in Bagotstown. After being shot, he was rushed to
the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
Reports reaching this newspaper stated the deceased and suspect were arguing over a drug related matter on Monday. Investigations are continuing.
friday, november 13, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Fisherman on $40,000 bail for unlawful possession
Afisherman was on Wednesday placed on $40,000 bail for possession of a utensil used in connection with cocaine usage.
Suraj Moneer, 23, called Anil of Better Success, Essequibo Coast, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce charged with possession of the utensil.
It is alleged that on November 7 at Better Success, Essequibo Coast he had a utensil used to sniff cocaine that is, an improvised aluminium pipe. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The case will continue on December 7 at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.
Essequibo carpenter on cocaine possession charge
Acarpenter on Wednesday was granted bail when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce charged with smoking cocaine.
Muneshwar Singh, 23, called Ricky pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on November 8 at Paradise Village, Essequibo Coast he was reportedly caught smoking cocaine.He was placed on $60,000 bail. The case will continue on December 7.
Vendor remanded on drug charge
Avendor of New Road Village, Essequibo Coast was on Wednesday remanded to prison for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Roxanne Lawrie, 34, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate Court.
The woman pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 7, 2015 at Charity, Essequibo
Coast she had in her possession 10 grams of cannabis.
Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue objected to bail on the grounds that Lawrie has pending matters of similar nature. He also informed the court that Lawrie was convicted twice for narcotics possession.
The magistrate remanded Lawrie and set the case to continue on December 7.
Democracy under threat
Speaker refuses request to convene Parliament – Teixeira
“Government wants to muzzle opposition”
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s request for there to be a sitting of the National Assembly in November has been denied by House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said the party views this move by the Speaker as deliberately aimed at “killing” an opposition motion calling for the annulment of the recent pay increases for Government Ministers and Members of Parliament.
According to Teixeira, parliamentary democracy is further placed under threat by the APNU/AFC administration, which is now attempting to “muzzle” the opposition from representing the interest of Guyanese.
The PPP/C motion on the salary increases was to be debated at this sitting of the National Assembly.
In the Official Gazette of September 25, it was revealed a Cabinet Minister would be given a hefty sum of $10,439,124 annually. It is further detailed that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo would be benefiting from in excess of $20 million per an-
the Standing Orders of the National Assembly and the interpretation of the general clauses in law.
now taking home $2.4 million annually.
The opposition MPs have since refused to accept the pay increase.
Teixeira explained that when the order was made and gazetted it became law, however under the same Act, it requires that it goes through a parliamentary process and if there is a negative resolution, the order will be reversed.
She said the process to reverse the order is laid out in
The opposition Chief Whip said when the order was laid in Parliament on October 22,, 2015 the PPP/C moved the very next day and submitted a motion, calling for its annulment, even though there is a 21-day grace period for such a motion.
The motion was scheduled for debate on Thursday 12 November 2015. However on November 5 leader of government’s business in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo
wrote to Speaker Dr Scotland requesting postponement of the sitting, on the grounds that during this period several other key government functionaries, Members of Parliament and Clerks of the Assembly are likely to travel overseas to attend important conferences and training courses.
He had singled out President David Granger and Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge’s attendance at the Fourth Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) which was held in Saudi Arabia and ended Wednesday.
Earlier Nagamootoo had requested the sitting be brought forward to Monday 9 November but had to withdraw that request since it did not satisfy the requirement of six days’ notice for a change of date.
However Teixeira is contending that the “orchestrated” postponement was aimed at “killing” the motion, by moving the sitting outside the stipulated time for debate.
“The standing order is required, as does the interpretation of the general clauses in the rules, that we have 40 days from the time it is laid in the house… Basically, they are killing the motion of the opposition, to call for an annulment of the order of the Salary increase. This is de-
liberate, conscious, planned, orchestrated, engineered, you pick the adjective, to ensure that the opposition in this parliament is muzzled,” Teixeira declared.
Extraordinary sitting
Teixeira said that from all indications the postponed sitting will not be held during November.
In this regard, on Monday the Opposition Chief whip dispatched a letter on behalf of Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo and all PPP/C MPs to Dr Scotland, under the requisite Standing Orders, to convene an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly soonest on the public interest, to debate the matters pending on the National Assembly agenda, including opposition matters.
The letter Teixeira said, clearly outlined the opposition’s willingness to meet any day in November (excepting Saturdays and Sundays), in order to deal with these issues.
It is important to note that there are standing orders of Parliament which allow the speaker and/or the government to convene a sitting in the public interest on any matter that is of public interest.
Teixeira said that on Thursday she received a response from the speaker stating that the request by
the opposition to convene an extraordinary sitting of the national assembly to enable debate on opposition matters pending under private members business is not in order and would not be entertained.
It is important to note Teixeria stated, that the issue of Ministers and MPs salary increase is one of significant national debate and as such, it can qualify as a matter of “urgent public importance”, which in effect could see the convening of an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly.
Teixeira further explained that the speaker’s ruling is essentially saying the motion has to await the 4th sitting for the opposition for debate.
She however explained that the issue of when the 4th Sitting will be scheduled for is “a whole different debate”.
The government has been under tremendous pressure from Guyanese, including its own supporters for a reversal of the hefty salary increases it approved from its ministers and MPs. However, it is not budging and a number of its ministers came out in defence of the pay hike.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said: “I am not going to say that I make any apologies whatsoever for Ministers getting increase in salaries, they deserve it.”
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in an attempt to quell the public outcry had said: “This was not done because Ministers feel we are entitled to super salaries, it was an adjustment for a handful of persons that the State could have afforded at this point in time rather than engaging the larger issue of public service that would have involved another type of calculations and affordability in terms of the quantum.”
Gunman robs NA market...
Hack explained that he was out of the country for the past four weeks and returned on Tuesday but did not get a chance to balance the account books with his employees, and as such, all the money was at the establishment.
Hack noted that the bag containing money is normally stored at a secure location in the stall, which is only known to him and the employees.
“After he had the gun in the boy face and threatened
to shoot him, he had to take out the money and give to him and then he asked for the rest on money, so he took out the bag with the money that I left with him and gave it to the bandit,” the store owner related.
After the robbery, one person gave chase on foot but had to abandon the chase after the robber jumped onto a motorbike which was waiting at Strand and New Streets, New Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, Hack told
from page 7
this newspaper that this is the fifth time that his stall was targeted by bandits.
Following the robbery, stallholders expressed their disapproval with the NA Municipality, since the entity does not want to permit private security personnel in the market after it is closed.
The victim claims stallholders are willing to hire their own security since the market is being broken into too frequently.
num, while the other Vice Presidents would each receive $11,135,064. Members of Parliament were also handed pay increases which see them
Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira
House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland
Spike in crime worries Region Five administration
The Region Five (Demerara/Mahaica) administration is extremely worried over the crime upsurge and the calamitous impact it is having on inhabitants, and the economic climate of the region.
Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal expressed grave concerns about the situation, particularly the devastating effect it is having in the Bath Settlement Community where most of the transgressions occur.
Ramphal’s unease came in light of the early morning armed robbery which rocked the quiet village on Tuesday morning.
During a media conference recently hosted at Freedom House in Bath Settlement, the Regional leader reported that by the end of 2014 there were 121 serious crimes committed in the region. In contrast, at the end of October 2015, that number was already 117.
“This is clearly indicating that there is an increase of criminal and other illegal activities in the Region,” he declared.
Street lights removal
In addition, the administration is contending that the removal of street lights in Bath Settlement will only heighten the already worrying crime spree in the area.
Speaking to the media during the media conference, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall highlighted that the removal of the street lights is an issue of major concern which government seems demonstrate no interest in.
“When the street lights were installed within the community there was a spirit of freedom and we had no crime but as soon as the streets light have
been removed from Bath Settlement, we noticed an upsurge in criminal activity; bicycle bandits moving around the community. There are strange people in the community; they are armed with guns… It came about since the government changed. I don’t want to sound as though I am pandering to politics but President Granger when he released sixty criminals from prison and you couple it with the down turn in the economy and the issue with the street lights, it is obvious…,” Dharamlall stated.
The PPP/C MP noted too that the government appears to be paying little attention to the need for community policing programmes. As a result, he is urging residents to take matters into their own hands and resuscitate similar groups.
He also took the opportunity to call on the Police Force to provide greater assistance to Guyanese.
“We find that the residents of Region Five stretching from the Mahaica River way down to Ithaca are being affected. We find it very difficult to live in such fear. We need the police to pro-
vide greater assistance to our residents,” he said.
Dharamlall is also calling on Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to pay closer attention to the current crime situation in Region Five, and by extension, the entire country.
“We feel that if the Minister of Public Security cannot implement a strategy to address the current crime situation which is probative across Guyana, then I would like to call on His Excellency the President Mr Granger to review his cabinet and have the Honourable Minister of Public Security removed from office for incompetence and his inability to motivate the police to arrest the crime situation.”
Meanwhile on Tuesday last Miriam Hoosain, a mother of two was attacked and beaten at her home shortly before 6:00h by two men carrying firearms.
She told Guyana Times it was already day clean and she was sweeping her yard at Masjid Street, Bath Settlement when two men approached her gate. “They call fo me; they say ‘Antie you get eschalot and celery’, so me tell dem no that me na get.”
She said they then asked for her husband and she told them he was not at home but they seemingly did not hear her answer and repeated the question. “So me say alright look he dea over deh, an going an call he and same time I walking to go an close the gate… the Indian one push the gate and he start cuss me and with that the Black one he leff the bicycle and he come towards me and he give me one slap in meh face and say take off that xxxxing thing.”
She said she was relieved of a pair of bangles and airings.
Essequibo woman brutally raped
BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM
An Essequibo woman was on Friday last brutally raped at Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
Guyana Times understands that victim was approached by two men, who reportedly knocked her unconscious before raping her.
According to reports reaching this newspaper, the woman related to Police that during the ordeal, she was in and out of consciousness. This publication also understands that the men violated the woman sexually with foreign objects during the or-
deal.
Following the incident, a report was made to the Anna Regina Police Station and a medical examination was conducted on the woman.
Guyana Times was told by Police sources that the men reportedly videoed the rape and allegedly circulated the video. The Police have since intercepted a copy of the video and two persons have been arrested.
On Thursday, the two suspects were charged and placed before the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.
Zocan Albert, 36; and 21-year-old-year Recardo Force, both of Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast were charged for the rape. The men were not required
to plea to the charge when they appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. It is alleged that on November 6 at Henrietta, they had sexual intercourse with the victim (name withheld) without her consent. Albert is a salesman, while Forde is self-employed.
Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue told the court that the men had brutally raped the woman, and as such, they should be remanded to prison. He added that in addition to committing the heinous act, they filmed the act and circulated it. As such, the men were remanded to prison. The case will continue on December 9.
GPL still facing challenges with reading meters
The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is complaining about its inability to read meters and is urging consumers countrywide to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate the monthly reading of meters.
On Thursday, the power company in a statement said that over the past few months, its billing system has been plagued with excessive numbers of estimated consumption. “Our Billing Department noted a significant number of its total post paid customers’ bills are estimated as a result of the inability of the company’s meter readers to gain access to the meters for the purpose of obtaining readings. This is primarily due to locked gates, refusal of entry, attacks by ferocious dogs and incorrectly positioned meters,” GPL stated.
It also noted that an analysis of the com-
pany’s records have revealed that the highest incidence of locked gates occurs in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) resulting in the highest level of estimated bills.
GPL is reminding customers that the contract for provision of service requires the company to have unimpeded access to the meters, as meters are instruments of the company.
Further, the right to access GPL’s meters for the primary purpose of reading is provided for by law under the Electricity Sector Reform Act 1999 with amendment in 2010. The law also empowers GPL to disconnect the service if it is unable to read the meter. GPL therefore wishes to inform customers that, “failure to have your meters read for two consecutive months would result
in the disconnection of service”.
The company noted that in cases where the customer is not at home or the meter is not visible to the meter reader, customers should make special provisions to have their meters read.
Customers are also urged to ensure a valid GPL’s Employee Identification Card (ID) is presented at all times by GPL Meter Readers. The front side of GPL’s employee’s ID should bear a visible photograph of the person, the name and designation and on the reverse side should indicate the Company’s Deputy Human Resources Manager’s signature and date of employment.
GPL encourages customers to visit its website www.gplinc.com for information on the positioning/ relocating of meters to facilitate readings.
Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal
friday, november 13, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Attempted suicides at Bartica
Student swallowed shards of broken plate
– “no suicide pact” existed, separate incidents of suicide attempts – Health Minister
Afemale student residing at one of the dormitories of a Bartica Secondary School recently attempted to end her life by swallowing sharp fragments of a broken enamel plate, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton confirmed.
Similar situations have occurred in the recent past where students of the same age group and who reside in the Bartica dormitories, attempted to end their lives.
Offering clarification on the issue of suicide in Bartica, Dr Norton said there is “no suicide pact” but rather there were separate incidents of suicide attempts by students.
The Minister explained that over the years, numerous incidents have emerged where students living in the dormitories (at Seventh Avenue Secondary School and at the Three Miles Secondary School) have manifested certain behavioural tendencies to inflict self-harm, some with the intention of committing suicide.
Observing this trend, the new administration of the Bartica Public Hospital took up the responsibility to further investigate the situation. It was then a decision
Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton
was taken to contact the Public Health Ministry for immediate intervention.
“The health officials wrote a letter to the Ministry of Public Health informing us of these incidents over a period of time. As a result, we took it upon ourselves that this situation can be considered serious and we immediately came to Bartica with a team to investigate. We have psychiatrist and psychologists, social workers and physicians here to investigate the matter,” Dr Norton said.
The Minister and his team of experts arrived in Bartica on Thursday morn-
ing. Describing the situation as “highly sensitive and very complex”, the Minister explained that most of the students experienced some form of a drastic cultural and environmental change which greatly affected their lifestyle, causing them to attempt suicide.
During the visit, the medical team engaged teachers of the schools along with the students and it was discovered that the young adults were significantly uncomfortable and unaccustomed to the living conditions they are exposed to at the dormitories.
“We are now in a position to analyze the situation much better and we would be in a position to make an informed decision as regards to these behavioural pattern… Our students are brought from an entirely different cultural and environmental background and as a result when they are placed in these dorms for a prolonged period of time when they have never left their homes before,” he stated.
Describing the two distinct environments, Dr Norton said the students are accustomed to living in a free-society where they can “roam their lands, fish
and move from one family friend to another” while the new environment is one with strict rules and regulations; and where they are confined to one room with a mere bed and no recreational facilities.
“Students for instance in the Three Miles Secondary are saying that they don’t even have a television,” Dr Norton exclaimed.
Another reason behind the attempts, Dr Norton said, is the type of food they are now being forced to consume.
“The type of food they eat is different, they don’t like garlic, they never ate onions, they don’t like curry, they don’t like the way the chicken is prepared and as a result of that you have different reactions to these conditions,” he stated.
As a result of these new circumstances, he said different students will react in different ways.
Meanwhile the Minister said the Health Ministry will be working in close collaboration with other entities where they will implement various measures in an attempt to address the situation and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
No dividends for GAWU Credit Union members – audits suspended indefinitely
Thousands of members, including sugar workers, of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Cooperative Credit Union Society Limited would be unable to receive their dividends and interest rebate because of indefinite suspension of necessary audits into the Society’s accounts.
In a letter addressed to the Society on September 22, Assistant Chief Cooperatives Development Office (ACCDO) J Panchu informed the Society that it was unable to audit the accounts.
In the letter, the Body stated: “Please be informed
that the auditing of all Credit Unions has been placed on hold indefinitely. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” No reason was given for this suspension.
In fact, the Society highlighted that the letter which informed them of the suspension was a response to a letter the Society had dispatched informing the body that it was ready to have its accounts audited. Nonetheless, the Society responded to ACCDO’s letter on October 5, insisting that the accounts be audited.
The Cooperatives Societies Act Law of Guyana Chapter 88:01 Section
35(1) mandates that the Commissioner shall audit or cause to be audited by some person authorized by him by general or special order in writing the accounts of every registered society once at least in every year.
However on Thursday, GAWU in a statement said it has insisted the Commissioner in keeping with the law audit the accounts
“With respect to the Society’s accounts of year 2014, the Society must hold its AGM before the end of this year (2015), not only in keeping with the Society’s rules, but also the expectation of the membership. We hope that there will be no
further delay on the audit in order that our Society’s AGM is convened no later than the end of the third week of November 2015. We look forward to have our accounts audited in keeping with the law, without delay,” GAWU said.
The Society noted there has not been any response since the letter was dispatched.
The Society also noted that the audit of the accounts for year 2014 ought to take place for the Society to hold its Annual General Meeting before the end of this year and to allow for the aforementioned payments to the Society’s members.
Region 10 contractors concerned about late payments
Several contractors in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) have raised concerns over the late issuing of payments through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
The issue was recently raised by councillor Stanley Collins of the RDC.
The councillor said contractors have complained bitterly about the late payments they receive upon completion of works in the Region.
“They are claiming that
when they apply for payment, it takes about 3-4 weeks before any sign of payment could be made”, he noted.
Collins also said that based on the Procurement Act, it should take no more than 72 hours after successful completion of the work for payment to be made.
“I am wondering that when contractors take so long to get paid, there may be no good work attitude. I’m speaking about contractors with good work at-
titude, the ones who deliver, not the ones who don’t deliver. I feel that something should be done about the payment of contractors and I hope that through the (Regional) Clerk of Council and the Administration staff, they would look into it”, he added.
However speaking on the issue, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said while the Procurement Act may stipulate payment within 72 hours upon completion of work, there are contra-
dictions as it relates to the Finance Act.
“Because while the Procurement Act might say 72 hours, but when I look at the Terms of the Finance Act, in terms of how it functions, it don’t give way to 72 hours but I know it (situation) could be improved”, he said.
Morian further implored the region to make improvements regarding the matter so that the system of payments could be improved.
Going forward on Diwali
Imust confess this was one of the most unsatisfying Divalis I ever spent: and this includes my student days during New York winters when the best I could do was light a wick in a saucer. The source of my discontent, of course, was the uncertainty on the date of the “real” Divali. Meeting friends and acquaintances during the last few days, rather than getting a hearty and heartfelt “Happy Divali”, the question was invariably posed as to which day I and my family were going by.
That question could only be answered by my wife, the Lakshmi of my home, and the answer was: both days. She figured since the festival extended over five days, she couldn’t go wrong if she did two pujas and arrayed the diyas over two days. Interestingly, on the night of the 10th, the wind was so strong that none of the diyas would stay lit outside the home. Sadly, we had not mastered the new art of using paper bags and truncated soda bottles to save the flickering lights.
But in our hearts, we confessed that the “old time Divali feeling” just wasn’t there. As children Divali had been special because the focus was on the preparation in which everyone was involved. While mothers and sisters cleaned the house, we boys willingly embraced our chore to source clay to make diyas. It was the one day we could literally get down and dirty and get compliments for doing so.
The diyas were all handmade and dried in the sun. When fired clay diyas entered the community, that was seen as “cheating” – on par with preparing the curry with “curry powder” and not the separate spices pounded and ground on the “seel” with the “Lorha”. Best of all, not surprisingly, the cornucopia of sweets made by each household - no matter how poor - and shared with each home on the street was the highlight to the children. This year, when my wife shared her culinary efforts with my cousin down the street on “Divali 1” night, she said she would be reciprocating on “Divali 2”.
No. Divali 2015 was not the same.
It is my hope that the leaders of the Hindu community will get together and “get their act together” on the date of next year’s Divali. They actually have to do this immediately since the calendars for next year, which are customarily shared out at the end of December, will be printed in the coming weeks. I understand that there is a government office that the printers consult for the dates of the Public Holidays. It was because of this circumstance Divali 2015 had already been scheduled for Nov 11 and Minister Ramjattan’s late edict was actually a “change” of date. It was heartening for President Granger to aver that next year, his government will be “avoiding such controversies and disputes”.
But the blame lies squarely with Hindu leaders who could not reach consensus on a matter which was not even doctrinal. As for instance the perennial dispute as to whether caste is “by birth” or “qualities and actions”. This disagreement over which was “the darkest/Amaavas night” was based on astronomical charts that can be correlated with modern astronomical observations that plot the movement of the moon and it’s conjunction with the sun with the highest degree of certitude. The resort to a political appointee to make a decision that has religious import was a sign of failure of Hindu leadership.
As has been suggested, the matter could have been resolved if all of the disputants were in the same room with agreed referees. We have the example of Adi Shankarachayra debating Madan Misra, with the latter’s wife as referee on whether the path of action is better than knowledge for liberation. After the arguments o ver doctrine with Misra were settled, the celibate Shankarachayra, had to debate the wife in the art of lovemaking! And even this was settled.
Why can’t we in Guyana do the same with objective data?
First Lady meets with Health and Educational Relief Organisation
First Lady Sandra Granger on Thursday met with executive member of Health and Educational Relief Organisation (HERO), Dr Mallika Mootoo and the organisation’s vice president, Dr Andrea Lambert.
Mrs Granger has been working to build partnerships with groups and organisations that are focused on reaching the most vulnerable in society.
This recent meeting is part of that partnership building effort and allowed for the First Lady to be briefed on the services offered by HERO and how collaborative efforts may benefit target groups.
HERO is a non-profit organisation registered in the United States and has been providing healthcare and other services to Guyana and other developing countries since 2000.
Youth programme for Amerindian villages in 2016
The Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Programme officially launched in October is still in its beginning stages and has a long way to go.
This is according to Minister within the Amerindian People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridaLowe.
In a telephone interview with Guyana Times for an update HEYS, Minister Garrida-Lowe explained that the ministry will begin visiting Amerindian communities in early 2016 to engage youths on the programme.
Since the launch of the programme in Region 8 only, students have been attending classes in a concentrated learning environment, where they are learning Mathematics and English, and about Tourism and Hospitality. She explained that the programme is still only based in Region 8, in only three villages: Paramakatoi, Mountain Foot and Bamboo Creek.
According to the Minister, the programme
which replaces the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) will run for one year, with six months of inhouse and practical training along with 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 in doing so.
The HEYS Programme was created after Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock terminated the YEAP which left close to 2000 young Amerindians jobless.
The public had erupted into much hue and cry following the termination of the 1920 Caribbean Support Officers (CSO), with Amerindian leaders strongly condemning the Government over the decision. Amid public pressure, Government announced its replacement programme which technically did not differ from the original programme.
YEAP was aimed at professionalising young people, while promoting personal and educational development and creating employment opportunities, regardless of the political persuasion of CSOs. Through the provision of stipends to the CSOs, the local village economies kept growing.
Exciting Argentine video competition launched
The Embassy of the Argentine Republic invites the academic community to participate in an exciting video competition entitled “MALVINAS: A REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CAUSE” to commemorate the strong support of the Latin American and Caribbean countries 50 years after the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2065 (XX).
The video must not be more than 60 seconds and can be in the language of the candidate’s choice. Under the title: “MALVINAS: A REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CAUSE”, where participants express themselves on the topic.
The video does not have to contain any particular formalities or specific academic message. It can be brief, simple, informal, informative and experiential. It can also be recorded in any format and through any device, including mobile phones, as long as the message is clear and express favourable support for Argentina. The video can be submitted using one of the following host sites: YouTube, Facebook, Dropbox, Google drive, WeTransfer.
Candidates must submit the link to the Embassy of Argentina in Guyana at eguya@mrecic.gov.ar, along with personal details including name, date of birth, identification number, nationality, country of residence, address and educational institution.
Candidates must be 18 years of age and a Guyanese national, with a valid passport and can include students, professors, alumni and researchers.
Registration will close on November 23, 2015. Any submission not in compliance with all the requirements will be disregarded.
The Embassy will be at the disposal of the candidates to answer questions
they may have during the process prior to the submission of the video.
The selection process will commence on November 24 and close on December 3, 2015. The Embassy of Argentina in Guyana will select two finalists premised on the following criteria: degree of creativity to support the Argentine position on the Malvinas Question, and reflect the solidarity of the Latin American and Caribbean countries in favour of that position.
The two winners will be selected from the list of finalists. The results will be announced on December 16 by the Malvinas Secretariat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the Resolution 2065 (XX) by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 16.
This information will be channelled to the Embassy in Georgetown.
All expenses will be covered including air ticket, per diem and travel insurance.
Winners will be responsible for all visa requirements.
For further information, persons can visit the Embassy of Argentina’s website eguya.cancilleria. gov.ar
Together with Member States of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Argentina commemorates, on December 16, 2015, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 2065 (XX) of the United Nations General Assembly referred to as the Question of the Malvinas Islands.
This historic resolution, renewed to this day by the UN General Assembly and its Special Committee on Decolonization, acknowledges the existence of a sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom, and urges the two parties to resume negotiations, as soon as possible, with a view to finding a peaceful and definitive solution to this sovereignty dispute.
Two winners will attend the session of the Special Committee on Decolonization in June 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, to observe the support on the Malvinas Question at the United Nations.
(From left) Dr Mallika Mootoo, Executive member of HERO, First Lady Sandra Granger and Dr Andrea Lambert, Vice President of HERO, following their meeting at the Office of the First Lady
Minister within the Amerindian People's Affairs Ministry Valerie Garrida-Lowe
Trinidadian wins prestigious Canadian literature prize
rinidadian-born
TAndré Alexis has been named the winner of this year’s Cdn$100,000 (US$75,155) Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novel Fifteen Dogs. The announcement was made at a blacktie dinner and award ceremony earlier this week, attended by nearly 500 members of the publishing, media and arts communities.
Alexis’ book was among five shortlisted in October. The five-member jury panel was made up of Irish author
John Boyne (Jury Chair), Canadian writers Cecil Foster, Alexander MacLeod and Alison Pick, and British author Helen Oyeyemi.
This year was the 22nd anniversary of the Scotiabank Giller Prize which strives to highlight the very best in Canadian fiction year after year.
Winning is nothing new for Alexis, however. The Trinidadian who grew up in Canada won the Books in Canada First Novel Award, the Trillium Book Award, and was shortlist-
ed for the Giller Prize and the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize for his debut novel, Childhood.
His other previous books include Asylum, Beauty and Sadness; Ingrid and the Wolfand; most recently, Pastoral, which was also nominated for the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize and was named a Globe and Mail Top 100 book of 2014.
In addition to the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Fifteen Dogs has also been awarded the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)
5 confirmed cases of Zika virus in Caribbean
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on Thursday confirmed that presence of five cases of the mosquito borne Zika virus in a territory of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
This is the first time Zika has been detected in the region.
“Zika virus has been detected in Brazil and it was expected that it was just a matter of time before it arrived in the Caribbean
Community. This is because we have abundant travel in and out of the region and we also expect that it is going to spread,” said CARPHA’s executive director, Dr James Hospedales.
He added that the basic conditions have not changed – “Mosquitoes breeding in and around houses and we have a susceptible population. This is a virus like chikungunya that the population has not met before so there is wide spread suscep-
tibility and lack of resistance so we expect it to spread.”
While not naming the country with the five cases, Hospedales urged the public to inspect their homes and yards weekly, and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites indoors and outdoors by keeping water drums and barrels tightly covered, and throwing out stagnant water from flower vases, old tyres, and other containers that might act as breeding sites. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Nephews of Venezuela first lady arrested in Haiti for drug smuggling
Two nephews of Venezuela’s first lady, Cilia Flores, were expected to be arraigned on Thursday in US district court in New York after being arrested on Tuesday in Haiti on charges of conspiring to smuggle 800 kilograms of cocaine into the US, the London Guardian reported.
The two arrested men, identified as Efraín Campos and Francisco Flores, were detained on Tuesday night when they arrived on a private plane in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, said Michael
Vale
and
Vigil, the former head of international operations at the Drug Enforcement Administration, who was briefed by US authorities about the lengthy undercover operation that led to their capture.
The men were immediately extradited to the US to face charges.
Vigil said negotiations between the two arrested men and an undercover agent focused on getting a plane and pilot to fly the drugs to Honduras, a popular smuggling destination for cartels operating in
BHP
Venezuela, for their eventual transport to the US. Vigil said Campos claimed to law enforcement that he is the son of Flores and stepson of Maduro. Both Campos and Flores were traveling on diplomatic passports but do not have diplomatic immunity, Vigil said.
Venezuela’s communications ministry and foreign ministry declined to comment about the reported arrests, saying they had no information about the incident. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)
fined for
deadly Brazilian dam burst
Authorities have confirmed that eight people died and 19 people are still
being tested for potential toxins from the mine
The Brazilian Government is fining the mining giants Vale and BHP Billiton for a dam burst at their jointly owned mine. The companies face preliminary fines of 250 million Brazilian reais (£43.6 million; $66.3 million).
President Dilma Rousseff said the country was “committed in the first place to blame those who are responsible.” On November 5, two dams at the Samarco iron ore mine in southern Brazil rup-
tured setting off a deadly mudslide.
Authorities have confirmed that eight people died and 19 people are still missing. The mud is also being tested for potential toxins from the mine.
The companies could face even higher fines from environmental regulators for water pollution and damage to local areas.
State prosecutors are also considering whether to pursue criminal charges. At a press conference
on Wednesday chief executive of BHP Andrew Mackenzie apologised for the incident. The head of the Anglo-Australian company said: “We are 100 per cent committed to do everything we can do to support Samarco and make this right.”
The cause of the dam breach has not yet been determined, but one of the structures was being extended as part of an expansion project at the time.
André Alexis with his prize
missing. The mud is also
Around the world
Beirut attacks: Suicide bombers kill dozens in Shia suburb
At least 37 people have been killed and 181 wounded in two suicide bomb attacks in a residential area of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, officials say.
The bombers blew themselves up in a busy street in the southern suburb of Burj al-Barajneh, a stronghold of the Shia Islamist Hezbollah movement.
The Sunni jihadist group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility, but there has been no independent confirmation.
It is the deadliest bombing in Beirut since the civil war ended 25 years ago.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam condemned the attacks as “unjustifiable” and called on Lebanon’s rival factions to unite against “plans to create strife”.
Two bombers blew themselves up a short distance from each other in a street in Burj al-Barajneh at around 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
One security source told the Associated Press that the first bomber detonated his explosive vest outside a Shia mosque, while the second blew himself up inside a nearby bakery.
The body of a third suicide bomber was found nearby. He was apparently killed by the second blast before he could detonate his own explosive vest. IS subsequently issued a statement saying that it was behind the bombings. It identified the three attack-
Europe fund to tackle African migration ‘not enough’
The US$1.9 billion (£1.2bn) European fund to tackle African migration is not sufficient, several African leaders have said after crisis talks with their European counterparts. It was one of several measures European and African leaders agreed to reduce the flow of people into Europe. The leaders said their aim was to “address the root causes of migration”.
The Europe-Africa meeting was planned af-
ter around 800 migrants died when their boat sank off Libya in April. Senegal’s President Macky Sall, who currently heads the West African regional group Ecowas, told journalists on the sidelines of the summit that the money pledged was “not enough for the whole of Africa”.
Later, at the closing press conference, he said he was pleased with the trust fund, but said he would like to see it “more generously financed”. Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou
echoed the Senegalese President’s sentiments and added that “reform of global governance” was also needed, to make world trade fairer, Reuters news agency reports.
While Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashidali Sharmatke told the BBC: “What Africa needs today is not charity, but investment.” EU Council
President Donald Tusk said the summit had agreed “a long list of very concrete actions to be implemented by the end of 2016”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi gets assurance of peaceful transition
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has received more congratulations and pledges of support from Myanmar’s military rulers as well as world leaders, as her Opposition party awaited official results on Thursday confirming an expected landslide win in historic elections.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) has captured nearly 90 per cent of the seats announced for both houses of Parliament, and is only 38 seats away from an outright majority Government.
“We would like to congratulate the National League for Democracy because it is leading in the election results,” Army Commander Min Aung Hlaing said in a statement.
The Army chief added the military – which has run
Nicknamed ‘The Lady’, Aung San Suu Kyi awaits official results announcing her party’s landslide election victory
the Southeast Asian nation for more than five decades, at times with an iron fist – would work closely with whatever party wins.
While a decisive victory appears imminent, celebrations so far have been muted. Suu Kyi has asked supporters not to take to the
streets or wear NLD T-shirts to keep the peace. Obama, as well as Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, also reportedly called Suu Kyi to offer their congratulations and support, according to an Opposition party spokesman, Win Thein.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
UK: Modi arrives for business deals
After being banned from entering for 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Kingdom on Thursday with critics denouncing moves against freedom of speech in India since his government took power a year ago.
Trade and defence deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be signed during Modi’s maiden visit. “Economic and security concerns will be on the agenda. Multibillion defence deals are
likely to be inked during the trip,” Nalin Kohli, national spokesman of the BJP, told Al Jazeera.
Modi had been denied a visa for more than a decade by the UK Government over his alleged involvement in 2002 religious violence, in which more than 1000 people –mostly Muslims – were killed.
Critics accuse Modi of doing nothing to stop the bloodshed when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat state. He has denied any involvement or wrongdoing.
Modi will meet business leaders during his visit as his government has pushed for foreign direct investment with the goal of making India a manufacturing hub. Just before leaving India, Modi tweeted, “hopefully this visit will strengthen economic ties between India and UK and bring more investment to India”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
ers as two Palestinians and a Syrian. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Both bombings were suicide attacks, and the body of a third would-be bomber was found nearby
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi
friday, November 13, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com
Despite increase in rice exports, low prices still mar industry
Following the loss of Guyana’s most lucrative rice market
Guyana has agreed to sell its white rice for US$335 to US$400 per tonne having previously receiving US$780 from Venezuela.
In highlighting the challenges faced by rice farmers, acting general manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan explained that many millers had purchased paddy with the expectation of receiving higher prices than they are currently receiving.
Hassan stated that when Guyana was exporting to Venezuela it was receiving US$780 per tonne for white rice.
“The price previously offered by Venezuela is almost double that of the world market price which averages at US$390 per tonne. Presently Guyana has agreed to sell its white rice between US$335 to US$400 per tonne while parboiled rice sells for US$600 per tonne. “
When Guyana lost its Venezuelan market,
Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had stated that such a move taken by Venezuela is more feasible for that country due to the plummeting fuel prices globally.
Through PetroCaribe with Guyana and Venezuela, Guyana had received fuel at reasonable prices in exchange for rice. This ensured that Guyana received very high prices for its rice being exported, while receiving reasonable prices for fuel from
Venezuela.
Venezuela has been by far the major market for Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for around 60 per cent of total exports in 2010. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for approximately 38 per cent of total exports although the overall tonnage exported (150,000 tonnes of rice and 50,000 tonnes of paddy) far exceeded the 2013 export levels.
Despite this however, GRDB’s Hassan is confident that 2015 will be another successful year for the industry. The GRDB said that to date there has been a 6 per cent increase in rice exports in comparison to the same time period last year.
Statistics for 2015 show 437,448 tonnes of rice exported in comparison to 412,220 tonnes for the same period last year.
Hassan stated he is very confident the exports of rice and rice products will pass 2014’s fare.
Further the GRDB is assuring rice farmers that their paddy will be sold and that measures will be
put in place to ensure they are paid in a timely manner. Hassan added that GRDB has a responsibility to ensure, support and encourage millers to pay farmers, but added it is largely a private arrangement.
In July this year, GRDB officials visited and it was discovered that there were 876 containers (two shipments) of Guyana’s rice that had not been removed from the wharf. The backlog of Guyana’s rice on Venezuela’s wharf was only cleared four months after.
Currently the rice industry continues to crumble and rice farmers are frustrated and aggravated with the losses they are suffering.
The price for a bag of paddy is less than what it costs to produce and if they were to supply the Mexican market then they most likely will have to sell their paddy to millers at an even cheaper price than it is being sold for now.
(jpinder@guyanatimesgy.com)
Larceny offences continue to rock Wismar
As police in Linden, Region 10, work to curb the occurrence of a number of break and enter and larceny cases, there are presently complaints from more residents regarding stolen motorcycles.
One of the most recent cases involved the theft of a white Honda XR150L, valued $425,000 which was stolen from outside a home at Tank Street, Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar.
According to the owner of the motorcycle who spoke to this newspaper on
the condition of anonymity, the motorcycle was removed from underneath the home sometime between 23:00h on Tuesday to 05:00h on Wednesday. He further related that he locked his motorcycle by way of securing it with the key and left it underneath the home at approximately 22:45h on Tuesday. Upon making checks the following morning the motorcycle was missing.
A report was made to the Wisroc Police Outpost and subsequently to the Wismar Police Station, where an in-
vestigation was launched.
When contacted by this newspaper on the issue of motorcycle thefts in the Linden community, E Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander Calvin Brutus confirmed two other cases which occurred in recent months at Wismar.
Residents have also voiced concerns over the issue, noting there are several cases of attempted theft and “stripping” of motorcycles that may have eventually gone unreported. Additionally, this newspa-
per learnt that a bicycle and other items were also stolen from outside a home at Half Mile, Wismar between the same period as the XL150L.
Only recently Commander Brutus had disclosed there was a trend in the number of break and enter and larceny cases at Wismar and named the Wisroc ‘New Scheme’ as one of the affected areas.
He also urged residents to be “vigilant” and to report any suspected cases, stating that reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Guyana Foundation receives largest donation
The Guyana Foundation has announced that it has received a container of clothing and hospital scrubs for its charitable programmes in the hinterland regions of Guyana, a donation the group claims to be its largest to date.
These items were donated by John and Leticia Homlish, the owners of one of the largest garment manufacturing establishments in the Americas, through the charitable arm of their business - the Maria Milagrosa Foundation.
In a release, the Guyana Foundation noted that the items received will be distributed shortly to needy
remote communities by the Foundation teams. The group said they also welcome hearing from persons with in-depth knowledge of remote hinterland locations and logistical knowledge of reaching these communities to join in their initiative, and included that they will be handing over scrubs to the Ministry of Health for distribution to remote Medex centres.
Earlier this year, the Foundation, through its founder Supriya SinghBodden, CCH, had arranged a courtesy visit for the Homlishs to visit Guyana. They were able to meet President David Granger and Minister of
Education Dr Roopert Roopnaraine.
According to SinghBodden: “The Guyana Foundation team is extremely grateful to John and Leticia Homlish for their generosity in making what is the largest material donation to date that the Foundation has received. These items will be greatly appreciated by the remote communities, as many families are still hand-stitching clothing in these villages where funds are hard to come by. Clothing is oftentimes unaffordable and rations to feed their families take precedence.”
The Foundation also expressed its appreciation to
Diwali
On the 5th day of Divali
By Hindus for selfless service (Hss)
As Divali was celebrated in Guyana, we all know it to be a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Hindus all over the world. The uniqueness of this festival is celebrated five days, with each day having a special ideal. Unfortunately, this year, there was a dispute about the third day in Guyana and this took away from the happiness of most devotees.
BHAI TEEKA
The fifth day of Diwali is called Bhai Teeka. This is normally the day after the Goverdhan pooja is performed and normally two days after Divali day. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj; the
lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a vardhan (a boon) that whoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final liberation.
From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire about their welfare.
GOVERDAN PUJA
Govardhan Puja forms an important part of the celebrations of Divali. According to the texts, Lord Krishna taught people to worship the Supreme Controller of nature, God, specifically Govardhan, as Govardhan is a manifestation
Minister of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority for granting its request for an exemption on duty and VAT on this donation, and for their continued support of the charitable work of the organization. The group also thanked the rice farmers from West Coast who assisted them with trucks and sorting of the donation.
The Guyana Foundation said they remain committed to serving as a conduit for donations from individuals and charitable entities around the world, and to facilitate the distribution in an accountable manner to underprivileged individuals and families.
of Krishna, and to stop worshiping the God of Rains, Lord Indra.
For Annakut a mountain of food is decorated symbolising Govardhan Mountain said to be lifted by Lord Krishna to save the people from the wrath of Lord Indra, the demigod in charge of rain. This pooja is performed with great zeal and enthusiasm and in the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Har yana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar In Rajasthan and Har yana, there is a tradition of building cow dung hillocks, which symbolise the Mount Govardhan, the mountain which was once lifted by Lord Krishna. After making such hillocks, people decorate them with flowers and then worship them. They move in a circle all around the cow dung hillocks and offer prayers to Lord Govardhan.
GRDB Acting GM, Nizam Hassan
In a matter of two short days one of nine beautiful young ladies will wear the crown and sash of Miss Guyana Universe 2016 as the pageant is set for Sunday, November 15 at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The delegates are ready and eager to
Shauna Ramdyhan
25-year-old Shauna Ramdyhan is the holder of a bachelor degree in Economics and is a Foreign Service Officer with the Foreign Affairs Ministry. She speaks fluent Mandarin which she learnt while studying in China. She grew up at Crane, West Coast Demerara and Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. She strongly believes that an open mind and a positive outlook on life can expand ones horizon beyond infinity.
Babita Devi Seelall
18-year-old Babita Devi Seelall studied in St Kitts and Nevis where she acquired her accounting and Spanish awards. She was born in Canje, Berbice, and loves to sing and dance Indian music. She is passionate about modelling and hopes one day to open her own model agency. Her personal motto is: “Never give up, be motivated, be inspired.”
compete in the segments including swim wear, evening gown, intelligence, and the final question. Actually, the intelligence segment was aired on National Communications Network (NCN) last evening.
The winner will be representing Guyana in the international competition
Dianna Ahmad
23-year-old Diana Ahmad is a banker by profession and is attached to Demerara Bank. She is also final year marketing student at the University of Guyana. She holds diplomas in business management and project management. She is a spontaneous, creative and fun person who believes in hard work and determination to achieve her goals. Her motto that she lives by is: “As a modern day woman, always remembers to keep your head, heels and standards high”.
Zena Althea Bland
24-year-old Zena Althea Bland is presently a journalist student at Middlesex University in London. Although a Briton by birth, she grew up in Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara. In her spare time, she helps to feed and teach the less fortunate children at the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre. Her aspiration is to become a teacher so she can continue to be a positive impact to children... since they are the future.
Malika Russell
18-year-old Malika Russell is an aspiring plant scientist. She was born in Linden and grew up in the beautiful sunshine community of Kwakwani. She is currently pursuing a diploma at the Guyana School of Agriculture and thinks the sky is not the limit. She sees herself one day as the Agriculture Minister in this beautiful land. She enjoys reading, dramatizing and writing stories and thinks the land is our greatest gift, and urges everyone to preserve and utilize it in the most sustainable way.
Kiswana Abimola Jefford
slated for later this year
25-year-old Kiswana Abimola Jefford is employed at the law firm of Hughes, Fields and Stoby as an Intellectual Property Administrative Assistant. She is also pursuing a degree in international relations at the University of Guyana. After graduating, she hopes to further her studies which would lead to her fulfilling her dream of becoming an attorney. She is a simple woman who likes to have fun and enjoy nature. Her favourite quote is: “Change will not come if we wait for it, we are the change we see, we are the ones we have been waiting for”.
Najuma Nelson 24-year-old Najuma Nelson is a chemist at the Demerara Distillers Limited. She was born in the small community of Watooka in the mining town of Linden. She has always been fascinated with science and as such is a bit protective of the environment. She believes that as an avid reader and a passionate football fan balances her introverted and extroverted natures. She lives by the quote: “A mind that is stretched by new experiences will never go back to old dimensions”.
Tricia Marie Quail
18-year-old Tricia Marie Quail loves to dream big. She grew up in Santa Rosa, Moruca, and enjoys swimming, reading and spending time with love ones. She volunteers with the Guyana Red Cross as a peer educator and taught Sunday school in her community. These interactions have impacted on her career choice which is to become a paediatrician.
Meleisa Celeine De Freitas
19-year-old Meleisa Celeine De Freitas is a vibrant and fashionable woman. She is a marketing executive at National Communications Network and pursuing a degree in Business management at the University of Guyana. She was born in Linden, grew up in Falls Top, Cuyuni Mazaruni Area and is residing on West Coast Demerara. She enjoys swimming, cooking and reading. It is her objective to establish a home for less fortunate children.
in La Vegas. Those vying for the local leg of the competition are Shauna Ramdyhan, Babita Devi Seelall, Dianna Ahmad, Tricia Marie Quail, Malika Russell, Najuma Nelson, Kiswana Abimola Jefford, Meleisa Celeine De Freitas and Zena Althea Bland.
The absence of Edward B Beharry and Sons at this year’s Diwali Motorcade has undoubtedly made the Dharmic Naujwaan the happiest crew.
Over the past six years, the Edward B Beharry and Son’s float has left Guyanese who flocked the streets, seawalls and the La Bonne Intention Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara mesmerized, with its excellent creations done by Andrew Arts.
This year, the Dharmic Naujwaan took home the first prize in the large category. Coming in second
was the East Coast Praant Naujawaan while the third spot went to the Success Mandir. The Better Hope Mandir came in fourth and Roshini Boodhoo’s Jewan ka Nritya was awarded fifth. Finally in sixth position was the Balessar family. In the small category, the Bath Shri Krishna Mandir was adjudged the winners, with the De Edward Mandir coming in second, Palmyra Prem Bhakti Mandir coming in third, the Woodley Park Vishnu Mandir securing the fourth position, and the fifth ans sixth positions were awarded to the Rosignol Sanatan Mandir
and Windsor Forest Radha Krishna Mandir respectively.
The Andrew Arts Trophy for overall best designed float went to Success Mandir. The prizes for the most creative floats in the large category were awarded to Dharmic Naujawaan and the Roshini Boodhoo’s Jewan ka Nritya.
The prizes for the most creative floats in the small category were Bath Shree Krishna Mandir and the Rosignol Sanatan Mandir. The prize for the most promising mandir was given to the Dharmic Amrit Sagar Mandir.
The annual production put on by the Ishara Dance Group is finally upon us and come this Saturday evening, the dance company will be hosting this year’s production on Saturday at the Theatre Guild. The dance production is titled “Ishara 3 – Choice vs Destiny” and is expected to be grand and undoubtedly leave patrons wanting more.
Tickets are going like hotcakes for the event that will see several dance routines that will take your breath away. The costumes, backdrops and decors will also add to the exciting event.
This exciting masterpiece will take the audience
Latchman, as they explore the world of dance and drama.
Their decision to widen the horizon of dancing created the avenue for versatile and complex personalities to join their troupe.
The story continues with Asha’s best friend “Pooja” played by Malisha Bharat who migrated but unexpectedly return only to face her destiny. The production will take a story line that will showcase the versatility of the members.
A portion of the funds
raised at this event will go towards the feeding and clothing of some of less fortunate children in Guyana. The project is slated for December as the group continues to spread cheer on a yearly basis, especially at Christmas time.
Tickets for the dance production cost $1500 and $1000 and are available at Sankars Auto Works, Lot 1 Campbellville, Georgetown, or interested persons can contact the Director of the dance group on telephone number 6220601.
On Monday, November
9, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted a special dinner and concert at the Marriott Hotel to launch the expansion project of its Dharmic Rama Krishna Schools. The Dharmic Rama Krishna Schools, covering education at the playgroup, and nursery levels was established in 1995, while the introduction of the primary level was done in 1998. Since then, the school has recorded excellent results in the academic, cultural and religious spheres.
In addition, to the national curriculum, students are exposed to Hindu religious and cultural education and have participated in activities such as Ramayan Chanting and Kirtan at Kala Utsav (Dharmic Sabha’s Festival of Arts), Saraswati Puja and Diwali and Phagwah Concerts.
In addition, music, singing, yoga, and Hindi are part of the curriculum. The nursery and primary school level is currently located in Barr Street,
Kitty, Georgetown, while the playgroup section of the school is located in Campbellville, Georgetown.
In an effort to expand on what is offered, the Sabha will be constructing a new facility at Pattensen, East Coast Demerara. The new complex will include a fully equipped secondary school, auditorium, library, cafeteria, space for indoor and outdoor sports and additional primary facilities.
The design for the new complex and building plans, which were done by Kalyan Tewari of Kalitech Inc were revealed by Chairman of the School Board and Sabha Executive member Bhashkaranand Singh. Singh, in his presentation, reminisced on the various achievements of the school over the years and urged those in attendance to support this new project which is an important part of the Sabha’s education plan.
He stressed the need for
additional primary facilities since the current school is filled and underscored the role the new secondary school would play in providing high quality education and good moral values to Guyana’s children.
Those in attendance were treated to singing and music by Zee TV Saregamapa finalists Bishakh Jyoti and Shreyasi Bhattacharjee.
Their repertoire of songs included the golden hits of yesteryear as well as today’s chartbusters. The audience’s enjoyment was evident through their repeated applause and spontaneous sing-a-longs.
The proceedings were chaired by President of the Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud. She thanked those in attendance for supporting this very important project and indicated that, as was done with BalNivas, the Sabha would be undertaking various fundraising activities over the coming months to make this project a reality.
Balessar Family
Saregamapa finalist Shreyasi Bhattacharjee performing at the event
Ronald Hollingsworth’s “Diplomatic Blow”
will be defending for H&T Theatre Arts Group at this year’s National Drama Festival, when it opens the competition at the National Cultural Centre on November 20, at 19:00h.
The hilarious comedy/ drama is co-directed by accomplished Dramatist/ Director/Producer Sheron Cadogan-Taylor.
Playing the role of a US Diplomat (Diane) is Leslyn Bobb Semple, a seasoned award winning actress and dancer with the Classique Dance Company.
She was a perfect pick for the role of “Diane” as she brings, not only maturity, but style and poise which are quite fitting for such a role, says Director Cadogan-Taylor.
The dynamic cast also includes Mark Kazim, Sean Thompson, Clemencio Goddette, Nirmala Narine, Leza Singh, Paul Budnah and Alana Craigen. Rehearsals are currently underway at the National Cultural Centre.
Guyana’s representative at the Miss World Pageant Lisa Punch has departed Guyana to participate in the highly anticipated Miss World Pageant slated for December 19 in China. The songstress left on Wednesday and will be spending some time in New York before she heads to China. She is expected to arrive in China on November 19. According to reports, the beauty ambassador is excited to be representing Guyana on an international
pageant stage. However, with little or no experience in pageantry, she hopes to do Guyana proud. She is hoping to follow the footsteps of Rafieya Hussain and hopes to be placed in the top 10.
Her gowns for competition night are being designed by Guyanese designer, Michelle Cole who now resides in the USA while her national costume is being done by another Guyanese designer Roger Gary. The reigning queen will be competing in several
segments including talent, swimwear, sports, multimedia and more importantly, beauty with a purpose project.
Punch will be focusing on the scourge of suicide among teenagers and possible prevention. During her stint in Guyana, the former Rising Star contestant held several lectures on the topic is several schools and clubs around the country.
She will be competing with at least 84 other contestants and her aim is to bring the title home.
Nineteen-year-old Calvin Stanley Ming, also called “Stan”, was born in Guyana to Michele and Stanley Ming and is the only son in the family. His three sisters are Stacy, Siobhan and Serena Ming.
This talented young man grew up in Georgetown. He attended the American School in
Forms One and Two and completed his secondary education at School of the Nations. He is currently attending Florida International University, (FIU) pursing studies in Civil Engineering.
He got involved in motor racing at a tender age, all because of his father. He grew up watching his dad drive shifter karts at the South Dakota circuit and always looked up to him.
At the age of six, his father presented him with his own kart which he started to drive up and down the cul-de-sac outside their home in Blygezigt Gardens, around plastic pylons.
After a few months, his father took him to the National Park, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club kart track at Cosmos, then the South Dakota Circuit where he practiced. At the age of 13, the young man was in full competition mode at the South Dakota circuit, at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
This was just the beginning, soon after which he branched off and was competing in the Caribbean and the USA. Obviously, in those regions were completely different cultures and climate to which he had to adjust.
While racing, he has had to face new challenges such as new tracks, making new friends, new experiences and was always in learning mode. More so, he had to go up against the odds, the people who disliked him but at the same time, he felt anxious, excited, happy and nervous whenever he had to be racing on different turfs.
At 19, he has his eyes set on Formula One racing, one that is completely different from the races we witness at the South Dakota Circuit. As he embarks on this journey which he admitted will be challenging. He sees being a Formula One racer as one that requires him to be disciplined.
“Racing at the higher levels does not begin the weekend of the race but at least a month before.
Studying track notes and watching video data on each track is essential. Hours of practice and seat time is needs to be put in every week to stay conditioned, and simulators are also used. There is a lot of mechanical information that has to be learnt in order to feedback data to the mechanics on paper. There are forms to be filled out after each session, and a lot of time is spent studying data and video footage after each race”, he told the Guyana Times Entertainment
He added that the Formula cars are different because the wings provide down-force which enables them to travel much faster around corners than any other type of cars. Also, the cars he noted, are light compared to others and you are able to brake much later. Different muscles need to be trained to withstand the G-forces.
“I do not see myself becoming Lewis Hamilton in the future. If I make it in Formula car racing, I plan to make it as Calvin Ming and have my own driving style. I don’t want to copy anyone. I don’t want to become the next Lewis Hamilton, but better”, he posited. The young race car driver recently participated in the High altitude motor race in Mexico City. It was all different since he was faced with new competition, working with a new team, and leaning the new track and getting the right set-up was a challenge. In fact, for the New Mexico City track, he bought the Formula One video game and assimilated over 250 laps on the track. However, during the qualifying stage, his car suffered a break failure due to overheating. Nevertheless, he finished fourth in that race. As a young driver, he sees Ayrton Senna and Sebastian Vettel as his role models.
The young Ming was Guyana’s Junior Chess Champion and he would have also won Guyana’s annual Egbert Martin Poetry Prize for the poem, “Our Forest”. In addition, he won the Guyana Annual Short Story Prize for the story, “Crab Catching”.
His advice to young people who would want to take up motor racing as a career is never to give up or doubt yourself. “There will be hard times where you will want to give up but just keep pushing and eventually you will do great things. Even if the odds are against you or even the people closest [to you] don’t believe in you. Believe in yourself and you will grow stronger and stronger”.
He also urged them to be dedicated while noting that education will always be important. Apart from motor racing, he loves to hang out with my friends, play lawn tennis, table tennis, squash, and play the piano. He is also involved in organisations at his university that help plan events. He is a family oriented person and spends a lot of time with his sisters.
His favourite colour is blue while his favourite food is curry and Chipotle – a dish severed in a Mexican restaurant in the USA.
Miss World Guyana 2015 Lisa Punch
Miss World Guyana 2014 Rafieya Hussain
Clemencio
Mark
Leslyn
GFF Congress 2015...
Team Integrity makes final appeal to MA’s
Presidential candidate of Team Integrity, Wayne Forde, is confident he has the right combination of persons on his slate to become the new ExCo of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) when Congress is convened on Saturday.
Forde’s group of aspiring GFF administrators will face off with the Nigel Hughes-led Team Unity in what is arguably the most significant election in the country’s football history.
It was revealed earlier this week that 21 of the 22 GFF Member Associations have been confirmed to participate in the Congress, and Forde’s message to them on Thursday afternoon was quite simple, as he seeks to win their votes on Saturday.
“I would say to them, who do you trust to be hon-
est, fair, reliable, open and disciplined in the management of Guyana’s football?” Forde asked.
The Fruta Conquerors FC President was adamant he was able to secure the expertise of some of the best minds in football administration, and persons who are in line with the theme of Integrity.
“We have presented the best managers and the most credible individuals to the fraternity, and we believe that they will snatch this opportunity to make their mark in history by electing the best team ever assembled in Guyana’s football history,” Forde reasoned.
Quizzed on what makes his team and plans better than the other contesting side, Forde said, “Not only are our plans deeper and more realistic, we are
all experienced managers and will do a better job at implementing those plans, but more importantly, we will involve all stakeholders, including the members of Team Unity.”
Forde aside, Team Integrity comprises Colonel Bruce Lovell, Rawlston Adams, Thandi McAllister, Dion Inniss, Magazine Stewart, Rayan Farrias and Keith O’Jeer.
Team Unity candidates are Nigel Hughes, Odinga Lumumba, Mark Waldron, Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, Troy Cadogan, Javid Ali, Robbie Rambarran, Carmel Williams and Faizal Khan.
The Congress is billed for the Marriott Hotel, starting at 11:00h sharp.
Officials of FIFA, CFU, CONCACAF and the GFF’s Normalisation Committee will observe the process.
UCCA sponsor 4R T20 billed for Sunday
After weeks of intense battle, the top two teams, No 70 ‘A’ and No 69 Vikings will clash in the organised Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) sponsor 4R Bearings T20 final billed for Sunday at the Crabwood Creek Sports Complex.
The action will start with a rival encounter between Crabwood Creek Sports Club and No 48 Challengers in a 15-over aside game from 09:30h follow by the final from 13:00h.
The winning team will collect the 4R trophy and
$100,000. The runner-up will receive $25,000 and a trophy, while the Man-ofthe-Match in the final and Most Valuable Player of the competition will also receive trophies and cash incentives.
Admission is $200, while children Under-12 will be admitted free.
Meanwhile, 50 lucky patrons will receive gate prizes as an added incentive.
No 70 ‘A’ Team: Omes h Khemraj (Captain), Na eem Yacoob, Rayan Yacco b, Tameshwar Ramoutar , Chris Bollers, Omesh Kumar, Thameshwar Kumar,
Kumar Mathura, Devendra Jaggernauth, Alim Haniff, Naresh Prashad, Akash Per saud and Kameshwar Ram jit. The Manager is Niran Yacoob.
No 69 Vikings Team: Sachin Ramrattan (Cap tain), Viendra Gooniah, W adikar Ramrattan, Totara m Persaud, Latchman Roo pchan, Imran Khan, Suren dra Rajaram, Vishwanauth Lalbeharry, Deon Bramdit, Yaad Prahalad, Trishan Narinedat, Cha ndrakant Narsingh and Viv endra Gooniah. The manager is B Nandalall.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Lumumba rescinds 1st VP position in Team Unity’s slate
Dear Editor, Today I’m here because it is my opinion that at the end of the day, football must be the victor. For the past three weeks, attempts have been made by members of the Integrity Group, in particular Mr Forde, Mr Adams and Mr Lovell to drag my name, character and contribution to football into the mud.
These misguided individuals have gone so far as to suggest that the honourable Counsel, Mr Nigel Hughes and fellow respected Counsel Mark Waldron were hired by me to secure a victory in the upcoming GFF elections, and then after elections, they would ride away into the sunset. Not only do I find this position ridiculous, it also shows the level of unscrupulous behaviour that is presented by members of Team Integrity.
This group has decided that in order to win, it must say degrading things about two young Attorneys, by stripping them of their integrity and accusing them of taking bribes. In any other society they would have been brought
before the courts or at the least, the ethics council of the governing body for the sport.
The records will show that in past seven years I have been able to turn around Alpha United from Guyana’s whipping boys to the present point where it is one of the top teams in the Caribbean.
The records would also show that my benevolence has been felt by over 100 footballers and by extension, their families. Alpha United club is the first sport team in Guyana outside of boxing that has guaranteed their players financial incentive for their hard labour.
In addition, Alpha has uplifted the standard of Football in Guyana by importing players from Panama, Brazil, St Vincent, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and recently we have signed a Nigerian player who is listed in the top 200 in his own country.
I wish to point out to members of Team Integrity that my desire is not to seek power in GFF but to take local football to a lev -
el that will set the course for better players so that Guyana as a country could become competitive and one day compete at the world cup.
While enduring the personal attacks, I want to assure the Football Federation and the public at large that Lumumba doesn’t have any interest in the presidency and will never attempt to undermine Mr Hughes for him to leave.
To concretise this position, I have submitted a letter to the Chairman of the NC requesting an adjustment of Team Unity’s slate which would reflect that I am no longer running for the position of First Vice President. This letter would take effect prior to the election on Saturday, November 14, and will be the mandate of the NC or new General Counsel. I do this with a heavy heart but my interest is to put football first always for the good of the game.
Yours respectfully, Odinga Lumumba
Banks DIH launch Georgetown leg
B y T reis T on J oseph
Banks DIH will officially kick off their Guinness Greatest of the Streets season this evening at the National Cultural Centre tarmac after the tournament was launched on Thursday at Banks DIH’s headquarters, Thirst Park, Georgetown.
The season of small goal football is here once again and promises to be better than last year’s edition.
With 62 teams registering compared to last year’s 53, added elimination games will be played before the start of the tournament this evening.
Director of the Petra Organistion Troy Mendonca who is coordinator of the event, thanked Banks DIH for their continued support as well as noting the importance of the communitybased event.
“Sports can play an integral part in our communities and in dealing with some of our societal issues and we at Petra are happy to be partnering with Banks DIH to be a part of such a venture yet again through this tournament,” Mendonca noted.
Brand Manager of Guinness Lee Baptiste highlighted Banks DIH’s continued commitment to
Unchanged Guyana Jaguars...
They could be one change to the Jaguars final XI, with bowling all-rounder Christopher Barnwell making way for West Indies Under-19 opener, Shemron Hetymer.
The home team will again depend heavily on first round centurion, Rajendra Chandrika, who will play his final game before leaving for Australia to join the rest of West Indies players for the three-match Test series there.
Captain Leon Johnson, opener Assad Fudadin, veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Vishual Singh will definitely want to make meaningful contributions.
Off-spinner Steven Jacobs and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who made his senior debut in the opening round, will again work in tandem, while the pace department will be taken care of rightarm bowlers Ronsford
Beaton and left-armer Raymond Reifer.
In an invited comment on Thursday, Assistant Coach and Manager Rayon Griffith, said while the defending champions were off to a great start, there is need for his players, especially the batsmen to display better application and more patience.
The 36-year-old former Guyana fast bowler said in order for another win, they would need to stick to game
plan and execute it clinically. “Once we stick to our game plans and execute them the way we should, then I am positive of another victory,” Griffith disclosed.
“We will be looking to exploit the home conditions again to our advantage, something which we did perfectly in the first round,” Griffith said.
On the other hand, the Hurricanes – under new management – will be hop -
ing to rebound from their first round defeat, but playing the Jaguars in their own back-yard will not be an easy task. The game starts at 09:30h and admission is free.
The Guyana Jaguars squad (from): Leon Johnson (Captain), Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Shemron Hetymer, Steven Jacobs,
the event that has become a household name.
“With the overwhelming support that we have received, [it] has motivated us to continue with the development of communities through the Guinness Greatest of the Streets tournament,” Baptiste stated.
The tournament is a 32-team tournament, with the winning squad carting off $500,000 while second will receive $200,000, third and fourth place will walk away with $100,000 each.
Eight matches are scheduled for tonight’s opening night that will kick off from 19:00h.
Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer and Vishual Singh. Leeward Islands Hurricanes (from): Steve Liburd (Captain), Nelson Boland, Nkrumah Bonner, Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daron Cruickshank, Alzarri Joseph, Shane Jeffers, Jaison Peters, Orlando Peters, Sherwin Peters, Jacques Taylor and, Gavin Tonge. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)
Naeem Yacoob Latchman Roopchand
Totaram Persaud
YELLOW PAGES
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Course Clerk gives green light ahead of Sunday’s race meet
Clerk of the Course for the upcoming 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships at the South Dakota Circuit, John Chin, has revealed that in terms of logistics, all systems are in check.
When Guyana Times Sport spoke to Chin, he also underscored the importance of safety and that all personnel, whether it is members of the media, support staff or spectators follow the various safety rules that will be in place.
“We would not like to have any incidents, as such, we are asking everyone to come on board by following all safety protocols in place,” Chin said.
Motor racing can be considered one of the most dangerous sports and the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club is certainly putting systems in place to minimise any unfortunate incident.
When asked how the track preparations have been going, the Clerk of the Course mentioned that this was mainly a job handled by the Club Executives but assured that over the past weeks, much work has been ongoing and high standards should be expected.
Chin who is mainly in charge of all track officials alluded to crucial point,
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stating that “People will make assumptions how profitable the club considering the magnitude of the race meets but each race meet incurs some serious expenses, and it has a lot of volunteering”.
The race meet attract drivers from various Caribbean countries and based on public interaction, this year’s meet at the South Dakota Circuit
is creating a massive stiff. Both bikers and drivers are applying their various finishing touches as they all vie for individual championship honour but most importantly bring home the prize tile of Champion country for Guyana. Spectators are urged to be mindful of the various safety regulations at the meet come this Sunday.
District 10 the biggest threat to District 11’s chances of a repeat
By TreisTon Joseph
Acommon rivalry will unfold in the coming weeks, one that has been familiar for 54 years and with the National School’s Championship soon approaching, the clash between Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10) and North Georgetown (District 11) will unfold for the 55th time.
The battle grounds will be at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, and the National Aquatic Centre, Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown, where the two titans will clash from November 23-27.
Familiar foes in a familiar battle for one title.
North Georgetown are the current champs and only in 2013 broke the deadlock for the most titles in the championships’ history; now with 14 while having a chance of increasing to 15 this year after 2014’s edition was rained out.
However, District 10, better known as the Mining town of Linden will aim to draw level again with their arch nemesis.
In reality though while there are 14 other districts in this battle District 10 poses the biggest threat to North Georgetown’s title hopes.
Known for their ability to produce athletes year after year, the expectations for District 10 remains the same – win.
The team, always gifted with great sprinters will have their crowned jewel Compton Caesar to lead the charge.
Shantobo Bright is also expected to make a great impact on the field events with both the long and triple jumps while Michael Anthony is expected to dominate in the cycling events.
While they lack top competitors in the swimming championships, District 10’s placing in the Teacher’s championship which is usually might prove to be the deciding factor in the fight for supremacy between the two powerhouse squads.
With Cassey George away on a scholarship her training partner Cassie Kirton will have to take over the mantle in that department.
Nevertheless, the Region 10 squad will make life difficult for North Georgetown due to their natural ability to generate quality athletes.
The National Schools’ Championship will definitely be a two-man race come November and District 10 just might be the team to lift championship this time around.
The Swimming Championships will be held on Monday, November
23 at the National Aquatics Centre at Liliendaal.
In addition to the swimming competition, two field events, Long Jump and Shot Putt along with the 10km Road Race, 40km and 25km Cycle Road Race will also take place on Monday, November 23.
The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue, in Georgetown. Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary Schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana that will compete at the Championships.
The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue with Districts submitting their entries. The Opening Ceremony for the Championship is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23 at 10:30h.
Action in previous years at the South Dakota Circuit
Some of the Linden athletes light the games torch at the opening event
Flex Night billed for December 6
–
US-based Guyanese Timeon Peters to make special appearance
The annual Flex Night International event is billed for December 6 at the National Cultural Centre. This year’s Flex Night
event is expected to renew the traditional and friendly rivalry between male and female bodybuilders from Guyana and Suriname.
Suriname is expected to send a larger contingent, since both the Gym Expo held in October and the Mr Suriname competition scheduled for November 21, will have pre-selected male and female athletes for participation in the Flex Night event.
Making a special appearance at this year’s Flex Night event will be Guyana-born, US-based Timeon Peters. Peters is coming with one aim – to take the Mr Flex Night title back with him to the United States.
Meanwhile, athletes and coaches from gyms in Demerara and Berbice are invited to an important briefing on Saturday from 14:00h at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters on High Street, Kingston.
Mixed fortunes for Guyanese trio
After a great team tournament where Guyana is now ranked 39th in the world, the players continued their good performance in the Individual World Juniors Badminton Championships currently playing in Lima, Peru.
The three players; Sun Burst Champion Narayan Ramdhani, Copa Airlines Champions Priyanna Ramdhani and Ronald Chang Yuen, participated in the Singles, Doubles and Mix Doubles among 128 top world ranked players.
The Ramdhani siblings reached the second round in Mix Doubles after defeating the top pair of the Peru Jose Guevara and Ines Castillo: 21-19, 21-17 in straight sets. All three players will get higher world ranking points and this will be released at the end of the month.
Results of the other matches player were:
Ladies Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Tiffany Ho of Austrilla: 21-8, 21-13.
Men Singles: Ronald Chang Yuen lost to Martin Cerkovnik of Slovenia: 216, 21-9. Narayan Ramdhani lost to Umana Ruiz Mario of Guatamala: 21-12, 21-19.
Mix Doubles Round Two: Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Francisco
Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani after they were defeated in the Mix Doubles
Rafael Trevino Buenrostro and Anahi Paola De La Torre Martinez of Mexico: 21-14, 21-15.
Men Doubles Round Two: Narayan Ramdhani and Ronals Chang Yuen lost to No. 3 seeded players
Kenya Mitsuhashi and Yuta
“Silver Fox” in Guyana
On Thursday, top Japanese-born Korean martial arts actor Hwang Jang Lee, more commonly known as “Sliver Fox” arrived in Guyana and quickly paid a courtesy call on Minister within the Education Ministry Nicolette Henry.
The meeting which was held at the Minister’s office saw other dignitaries in the field of martial arts in attendance. Organisers had previously mentioned that the martial arts expert would be
in Guyana for two days.
During the meeting, Minister Henry spoke of her excitement in meeting the renowned actor and welcomed his presence in Guyana. This is the actor’s first visit to Guyana and was pleased to be in the country and hopes to have a productive seminar.
Lee, who is most recognisable with the white hair, beard and moustache, is in Guyana as part of a training seminar and workshop organised by the Academy
of Contemporary Martial Arts (Trinidad) and the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy (Guyana), in association with Maximum Sports Combat and Strength which is being held tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 16:00h.
While the Japanese-born actor will showcase some of his most memorable skills, the main aim of his visit is to guide youths to channel their energies into the discipline of martial arts.
Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 cricket competition...
Young Warriors Cricket Club through to semi final
Consistent batting by Alex Algoo, led Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) to consecutive wins over the weekend, and in the process qualified for a semi final spot in the Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 cricket competition for second division teams in the East Canje/ Lower East Coast, Berbice area.
Both matches were played at the Cumberland Ground, and below are the summarised scores:
In game one, Young Warriors Cricket Club won the toss against Seawell and took first strike. They made 142-6 off 20 overs. Kevin Sinclair top scored with 52, while Alex Algoo supported with 31. Seawell replied with 129-5 when their overs expired. A Ramroop made a fighting 75 and N Singh supported with 23. Bowling for YWCC, Sinclair returned to take 2-16 and all-rounder Aaron Beharry 2-26.
In game number two,
Number 7 won the toss and batted first. They made 97-6 off their reduced quota of 15 overs. L Chaitram with 26 offered the only resistance. Zaheer Moakhan took 2-14 and Balram Samaroo 2-17. The home team won comfortably, reaching 97-2 off 11.2 overs. Alex Algoo was again among the run scorers, scoring an unbeaten 45 and Mortimer Fraser returned to form with 41. Left-arm spinner Raymond Mohamed took 2-25.
National School Championships…
Over at Goed Bananen Land, Canefield Sports Club batting first against Betsy ground, scored a challenging 156-6 off their allotted 20 overs.
Leon Sunthgolam made 68. Krishan Doerga took 3-12 and Davendra Ramoutar 2-22. In reply, Betsy Ground Triple Star raced to 157-2 off 14.2 overs. Rommel Bassant plundered the bowling attack scoring an unbeaten 84. R Jugisteer supported with 24.
District One aiming to lift standards ahead of Nationals
By TreisTon Joseph
orth West/District
NOne is aiming to improve their standings in the pecking order of the National Schools’ Championships when it begins on November 23.
Always finishing in cellar at the event, Sports Representative of District One, Laurence Emmanuel has a realistic goal for his squad; to finish higher than second to last.
“We are always second to last and we want to finish better this year,” Emmanuel mentioned.
Watanabe of Japan: 21-9, 21-11.
Ladies Doubles Round Two: Priyanna Ramdhani and Monserrat Soto of Mexico Erena CalderHawkins and Deborah Yin of New Zealand: 21-14, 2116.
So what are some of the preparation for the squad that will feature 102 persons for the first time, “we are bringing a full contingent so we are confident, it is the first time that we have a full contingent along with
a full teachers’ squad… we want to participate in every event in order to gain points so we expect to do better this year,” Emmanuel revealed.
In terms of preparation, Emmanuel stressed that the squad is ready to compete,” preparations, are going smooth we are 100 per cent prepared and everything is set… we are on track to achieve our goals,” he noted.
Another first for the squad is that the team has been provided with 60 pairs of track shoes that Emmanuel hopes motivates the squad to perform at its optimum.
The team will be leaving the North West on November 22 and is expected to arrive on the same day.
The Swimming Championships will be held on Monday, November 23 at the National Aquatic Centre
at Liliendaal. In addition to the swimming competition, two field events, Long Jump and Shot Putt, along with the 10km road race, 40km and 25km cycle road race will also take place on November 23.
The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue, in Georgetown, with Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary Schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana that will compete at the Championships.
The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries. The Opening Ceremony for the championship is scheduled for November 24 at 10:30h.
Mr Flex Night 2014, Godfrey Stoby
Rommel Bassant Alex Algoo
GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy
Progression One Cricket continues across the country
The GCB/Scotiabank
Kiddy Progression
One Cricket continues across the country as Aurora, Riverstown and Fisher Primary schools won in the Essequibo Coast zone, and New Diamond, St Stephen’s and Bel Air Primary schools won in the East Bank Zone.
At Hiberna ground, Good Hope Primary won the toss and chose to bat. They posted 139-1 in 14 overs as Joshua Hackett made a commanding 55. He was well supported by Narindra Dusraj, who scored 31. Guri Seeraj took the only wicket to fall. In reply, Aurora Primary completed their chase with a six after needed two runs off the last ball. Leading the run chase was Ramesh Seeram, who struck a polished 45, while Sherwin Davson made 28. Aurora Primary won by nine wickets.
Over at Ponoma ground, Riverstown won the toss and elected to bat – they scored 164-2 off 14 overs, thanks to some worthwhile extras from the Huist Dieren bowlers. Russhella Beveney scored 22. In reply, Huist Dieren could only manage 108-7 off their 14 overs. Only Gaurav Sahadeo managed to reach double figures with 15. Aliya Persaud had figures of 2-3 bowling for Riverstown.
Meanwhile, at National Opportunity Corps ground, Suddie Primary batted first and made 87-5. Mahendra Singh was the only batsman to get to double figures. He made 16. Bowling for Fisher Primary, Movin Persaud had 2-2. In their chase,
Fisher Primary raced to 89-4 in 13.1 overs, a total, which was aided by extras, as only Devaster Fall reached double figures with 10. Bowling for Suddie Primary, Devanand Bernaud had 1-1.
At the Racquet Centre in Georgetown, New Diamond Secondary defeated Grove Primary by two wickets. Batting first, Grove Primary limped to 72-4 off 14 overs despite the effort of Jagro, who top scored with 31, which included one 4 and four massive sixes. Bowling
for New Diamond Primary, Tahir Rambharose took two wickets. In reply, New Diamond Primary squeezed past the 73 required for victory for the loss of six wickets in 12 overs. Mark Smith, Rajin Danraj and Meride Pryce had 2 wickets each for Grove Primary.
In the other game played at the Racquet Centre, St Stephen’s Primary dispatched Ketley Primary by 32 runs. St Stephen’s won the toss and elected to bat first scoring competitive 132 in 14 overs. Leading the way with the bat was Jequan Cole, who scored 36 which was decorated with four boundaries and two maximums. Ketley Primary could only manage 100-2 when their allotted overs expired.
Meanwhile, Bel Air Primary sneaked past Comenius Primary in a thriller thanks to Shania Smith’s last over heroics. Asked to bowl the final over with Comenius Primary needing just six runs for victory, Smith displayed great composure and accuracy and collected three wickets. Despite being denied the hat trick as a simple catch was put down, she held her nerve and allowed one run in the over.
Earlier, Bel Air Primary was held to 96-5. Dequan Welcome top scored with 16. However, as it turned out 96 runs were just enough to secure victory as all of Comenius Primary’s hopes of advancing to the next round were dismissed by Smith.
Matches continued on Thursday.
goodluck gunning for championship honours
Former national champion Ransford Goodluck will be hunting championship honours on Sunday when the curtains come down on the National Rifle Shooting championships at the Timehri rifle ranges.
The veteran marksman holds a three-point lead over defending champion Lennox Braithwaite going into the final day of competition.
Goodluck has so far recorded 248 points with 19 V-bulls to lead Braithwaite, who has recorded 245 points with 20 V-bulls, while national Vice Captain Dylan Fields is currently in third with a grand total 242 with 13 V-bulls.
Sunday’s second day action saw Goodluck amassing 114 points with eight Vs following shooting at the 500, 600 and 1000 yards ranges. He shot 33.1 at 500, a possible 35.2 at 600 and 48.4 at
1000 yards range. Fields came in second on day two with 115 points and 7 Vs with possible at 500 and 600 yards (35.1, 35.4) and 45.2 at 1000 yards. Peter Persaud had scores
GTT National Indoor Hockey...
Old Fort, Pepsi Hikers, GCC cruise to victory
The three leading Men’s first division sides, Old Fort, Pepsi Hikers and GCC, all cruised to easy victories on the third evening of the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships at the National Gymnasium at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
While the Hikers amassed the highest margin of victory with an 11-0 hammering of Saints Hockey Club, Old Fort’s 5-0 victory over Phoenix puts them comfortably at the top of the table mid-way through the pool rounds.
With the noticeable absenteeism of Saints number one goalkeeper Azad De Abreu, and inspirational leader Robert Fernandes, the Hikers men had a field day against a much weaker opponent on the night.
GCC had to come from behind against a defiant Pumas side which scored in the opening minute through an Aroydy Branford conversion.
Youthful national prodigy Branford, however, would find it difficult to exact his usual control of the match as GCC’s Dwayne Scott and Orland Semple applied a high press which proved successful in creating several turnovers deep in the Pumas half of the pitch.
in inches of scoring on a few occasions, but it was not their lucky evening and Old Fort grew in confidence as the match progressed.
John Abrahams top scored with two goals, while the Simon brothers, Ascofu and Aderemi added one each.
of 30.0, 31-2 and 45.2 for a day’s tally of 106.4 and a grand aggregate of 227.8 while Lieutenant Colonel Ret’d Terrance Stuart recorded 87.1 with scores of 28.0, 21,0 and 38.1 for an overall aggregate of 210 points with six Vs.
Ryan Sampson, who did not compete on day two, remains on 124 points with eight Vs.
Goodluck was also at the top of the leader board on the opening day and held a slim one point lead over Braithwaite, while Fields was placed in the third position.
Robert Tewari and Gordon Richards, who are competing in the Tryo Class (Beginners), shot only two ranges. Tewari recorded 70 points with two Vs, while Richards secured 64 with 1 V. The championships will continue on Sunday, starting at 10:00h.
National midfielder Jamarj Assanah led the score table with three goals; Shane Samuels, Orlando Guirola and Randy Hope each scored doubles, while Sheldon Corlette and Robert France tucked in one each to round out the 11 unanswered goals for the Hikers.
Semple would open his team’s account in the seventh minute and would later return to complete a hat-trick before his team’s 7-2 victory at full time. Eric Hing would add two goals for GCC with Kevin Spencer and Dwayne Scott scoring one each, while the single additional goal for Pumas came off the stick of Shaquille Leung.
The highly anticipated duel between Old Fort and Phoenix sadly resulted in a one-sided affair as Old Fort stamped their dominance on the match from the beginning en route to their 5-0 victory.
Phoenix came with-
Meanwhile, the GCC Tigers and Panthers remain the only remaining unbeaten sides in the Women’s competition and sit at the top of the ladies pool with six points each. The two sides were hardly troubled on the evening as the Panthers defeated the Under-21 side 4-0 and the GCC Tigers knocked off the Hikers 3-1.
In the Men’s second division competition, Old Fort’s 3-0 victory over Saint Stanislaus College has put them in the lead of the competition with nine points. The Hikers meanwhile, have managed to draw even with GCC for second after a 3-1 win over Saints.
Matches will continue throughout the week with the four finals set for Sunday from 17:00h.
Shania Smith of Bel Air Primary
Ransford Goodluck
Pumas’ Aroydy Branford being challenged by GCC’s Dwayne Scott
Old Fort’s goalkeeper Andy Sampson gets to the ball before Phoenix’s striker Stephon Sprosta
Unchanged Guyana Jaguars aim for consistency
Chanderpaul
he Guyana Jaguars will look ahead to yet another inspiring show, when they face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the second round of the 2015/2016 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day Tournament from today at the National Stadium, Providences, East Bank Demerara.
with Barbados Pride and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force tied on 17 points each, Windward Islands Volcanoes 3, Leeward Islands Hurricane 2 and Jamaica Scorpions 1.
The Guyana Jaguars are on top of the points table with 18 points,
Banks DIH launch Georgetown leg
The Jaguars started the season brightly, when they humbled the visit -
ing Volcanoes by a 104 runs, with a session and half remaining in the first round.
The Leeward Islands Hurricane on the other hand, suffered an embarrassing innings and 23 runs defeat over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. However, the Jaguars squad remains unchanged, and will start as firm favourites, as they aim to extend their lead.
The Jaguars are boasting a full contingent of players, including four players with Test experience.
