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More PTAs, secretariat, to be set up Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2963

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

PRICE

Tucville ‘wrong turn’ shooting

Businessman slapped with murder, attempted murder charges Page 7

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

DredgeP11 owner slapped with TIP charges Dismembered body of farmer found on Linden Highway P7

5 hospitalised after Essequibo Coast collision P12

Businessman Robert Benn being escorted to court on Monday to answer to murder and attempted murder charges. Benn opened fire on miner Colin Perreira (inset) and his friend Gail Ann Chacon while they were turning on his Tucville, Georgetown bridge

Police, bandits “Meat for the exchange fire after boys, bone for Enmore robbery the workers” – 1 nabbed – Rohee 10% proposed salary increase

Page 3

Crossdressers P2 rob Kitty apartment building Blueberry Hill residents slam RDC for deplorable drainage P9 – decry poor treatment

Page 2

Ramjattan’s comments about PAC distasteful, disrespectful – Ali Page 3

…says he had opportunities to suggest changes

Old cable, poor distribution system blamed for frequent blackouts P12

2

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

10% proposed salary increase

“Meat for the boys, bone for the workers” – Rohee D espite being equally guilty of offering insignificant salary increases to public servants, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has expressed disappointment in the 10 per cent ‘final offer’ proposed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee noted that the 10 per cent increase was a betrayal of the Public Service and was not reflective of the 20 per cent increases promised by the coalition members on the campaign trail.

He also reasoned that in comparison to the exorbitant 50 per cent increase Government awarded itself shortly after assumption to office, the 10 per cent increase was unacceptable.

Rohee also justified the previous Administration offering small increases, noting that there were other benefits available to the public service which compensated for the minor raises.

During a news conference on Monday, the PPP General Secretary said the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) would most likely accept the final offer of 10 per cent and this would be “tantamount to another betrayal of the workers’ interest”.

He demanded to know the total cost of the one to 10 per cent increase having regard to the public boast

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who, at the 2016 May Day Rally, declared that Government had set aside $43.8 billion and $6.63 billion for increased benefits and allowances in

PPP General Clement Rohee

Secretary

the 2016 Budget, for public servants.

Additionally, Rohee believes that the entire salary increase negotiation between the Government and the GPSU was a sordid situation and he called on the latter to

come clean.

“The GPSU must come clean and in the interest of transparency and accountability, explain to its members, the true state of affairs in respect to the outcome of the negotiations and how the “final offer” was arrived at,” he expressed.

Moreover, Rohee reminded that Nagamootoo had also promised in his 2016 May Day address to workers, incentives, scholarships, land, housing and recreation for public servants, who, he said, “must be treated as human beings”. Rohee noted that “observers have queried whether the one to ten per cent increase is adequate for a human being in the Public Service”.

When prompted, Rohee justified the smaller increases which the PPP administration offered during its tenure.

“You must recall (that) the increases offered by the PPP Administration (were) together with a whole host of other concessions that were granted: duty-free concessions for motor vehicles, land, house lots and things like that, easy loans, the Because We Care programme. In other words, there were a whole set of other concessions that were granted to workers in order to cushion whatever (they) would get,” he explained.

According to Rohee, the entire undertaking of wage and salary negotiations under the current Administration is “clearly another manifestation of meat for the boys, bones for the workers”.

The GPSU has agreed to consider the Government’s final offer of a 10 per cent increase for persons earning below $99,000 per month,

with the rate incrementally decreasing to a one per cent increase for those earning in excess of $1 million.

The initial proposal of the GPSU was for a 40 per cent across-the-board increase for public servants but this was subsequently adjusted to 25 per cent. The Union had also demanded that allowances be included in the negotiations.

Government responded by proposing that persons earning less than $100,000 be paid a 5.5 per cent increase, while persons earning above $1 million would only get a one per cent increase.

The proposed 5.5 per cent offer was later increased to six per cent by Government, but this too was rejected by the Union.

Then, Government reconsidered its position and the final offer was presented.

(Devina Samaroo)

everal armed men dressed in female attire executed a brazen robbery on an apartment building at Pere Street, Georgetown in the wee hours of Sunday.

Based on reports gathered, two persons walked into the apartment complex about 00:15h and indicated their interest in renting a room. But as the employ-

ee on duty tended to them, one of the men whipped out a gun and demanded that he lay on the ground.

The men tied and gagged the employee and made their way into several rooms in the lower flat of the building. They were later joined by three other men who were all masked. The men relieved the employee of an undisclosed sum of cash,

two mobile phones and other items, including a flatscreen television set and a quantity of cold beverages.

The men then made good their escape. The employee managed to untie himself and raised an alarm. The Police are in possession of the surveillance footage and they have launched an investigation.

Trial date set for ‘death threats’ barber Cross-dressers rob Kitty apartment building A S trial date has been set for the West Bank Demerara barber who is accused of issuing death threats to one of his neighbours. On Monday, Magistrate Clive Nurse set November 11, 2016 as the date for the trial of the defendant, Dereck Hunte, 22, who is charged with threatening Petal Odie of Lot 385 Onderneeming, WBD on August 11, 2016. The prosecution’s case detailed that the barber would constantly threaten to kill Odie, and on

Dereck Hunte (centre) before his arraignment on August 16

the day in question, Odie was at home when the defendant approached her and an argument ensued. Hunte was said to have uttered a series of ex-

pletives, and later stated: “I’m gonna kill her!”The defendant is currently on a bond to keep the peace for the duration of the court case.

news

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TUESDAY, august 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 30 – 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, August 31 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 30 – 15:25h-16:55h and Wednesday, August 31 – 16:05h-17:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light to heavy rain showers sometimes accompanied by thunder can be expected throughout the day, while lightly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.46 metres.

Low Tide: 08:55h and 21:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.71 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.

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Police, bandits exchange fire after Enmore robbery − 1 nabbed

M

oments after committing a robbery on the R Ramlogan General Store, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, on Monday one man was apprehended while five others are on the run. The robbery reportedly occurred at about 17:00h by a group of men who were all armed with handguns.

Reports are after committing the robbery the armed men boarded a pink Toyota Raum bearing registration PNN 334 and left the scene.

However, as the vehicle drove off, the Police gave chase but came under fire.

In retaliation, the Police discharge several rounds at vehicle, one of which shattered the back windscreen.

The shootout reportedly started at Enmore and ended in Bare Root Village, ECD, which led to the arrest of one of the bandits.

The others reportedly abandoned the car and ran into the bushy area in the back-

The car used by the men to commit the robbery

dam.

An unlicensed firearm was reportedly found in the possession of the man apprehended. He was taken into custody and is being grilled about the names of his accomplices. The car was impounded at the Cove and John Police Station.

Acting Crime Chief, Hugh Jessemy when contacted told Guyana Times

Saturday, august 27, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS

…says he had opportunities to suggest changes

Commission (PPC).

Ramjattan is quoted in another section of the media as saying that he was praying for the quick establishment of the PPC so that “Cabinet no longer makes decisions on contracts”. In the very article, he also lamented the absence of “great peo-

Bonus Ball

Monday, August 29, 2016

Daily Millions

04 10 12 21

01

8

8

7

Afternoon Draw

1

7

Evening Draw

Draw De Line 01

05 06 13 14

ple like chartered accountants Chris Ram and Anand Goolsarran who did not make it to become Commissioners”.

He said while the names were submitted, the Opposition did not want scrutiny. “They didn’t want them,” he is quoted as saying.

TURN TO PAGE 17

LUCKY 3 2

Meanwhile Guyana Times understands that this is not the first time the store has been robbed by armed men. One resident disclosed that only a few months ago gunmen stormed the establishment and carted off an undisclosed sum of money and other items. Police in C Division have launched a manhunt for the escaped bandits.

Ramjattan’s comments about PAC distasteful, disrespectful – Ali

02 04 08 13 14 15 19

FREE TICKET

that the men had committed a robbery in the area and with quick response by the Police one was arrested.

While he did not have much information about the robbery, he noted that a team of investigators were up to late Monday evening at the store taking statements from the victims.

Attempts to contact the Ramlogams proved futile.

15 17

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

P

ublic Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Irfaan Ali has described as “distasteful and disrespectful” the recent utterances of Public Security Minister Khemraj

Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister

Ramjattan over the non-appointment of Attorney-atLaw Christopher Ram and Auditor General Anand Goolsarran as members of the Public Procurement

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guyana-times.com

tuesday, august 30, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Vigilante vs Vigilance

T

here seems to be a growing and worrisome perception amidst the populace that Guyana’s law enforcement agencies are failing in their attempt to maintain law and order and more importantly in their ability to protect.

Stemming from this perceived failure we are witnessing increased instances of vigilante justice, and sadly, several cases have even resulted in the deaths of the alleged perpetrators and innocent individuals. Leaders from both sides of the political spectrum have been outspoken in their condemnation of such acts and have announced ‘zero tolerance’ of vigilante justice.

Given this situation, it becomes imperative that we reflect upon the existing conditions in our society giving rise to the levels of frustration, and indeed anger, which permit vigilantism to flourish, which sees ordinary folk taking the law into their own hands.

Members of the public have become concerned and frightened for their lives and safety; we cannot hide from the fact that there are increasing reports of violent crimes and robberies.

One only has to read the daily newspapers or tune in to the television stations to get a better handle of the situation facing citizens and entire communities on a daily basis.

We are also facing the real danger that individuals are feeling justified in using self-help to protect their rights.

Amidst all of this, the Guyana Police Force has announced new anticrime measures and has assured that they now possess “unparalleled” capacity and capability in the Criminal Investigations Department. The statistics support this claim.

But these pronouncements might have done little to assuage the public’s growing concern since these assurances might fail to give comfort to that family who recently suffered at the hands of the criminals or to the family of the alleged criminal who suffered at the hands of outraged residents.

In the wake of the most recent public announcement by the Minister of Public Security that there is to be a periodic review of firearm licences, many have expressed concern that the ability of licensed firearm holders to protect their families and properties may now be under threat. There have however been assurances that this step is to ensure that persons “undeserving” of firearm licences will not have access to same and will therefore be prevented from becoming perpetrators of gun crimes.

Only recently, a United States Report on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance in Guyana revealed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is the least trusted institution in Guyana. The report recommended that efforts be made to strengthen the Force’s investigation and prosecution capacity since it currently records a dismal 90 per cent failure rate.

These are but some of the bleak findings of the Report produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)–one of this nation’s longstanding donor partners. The US-based report went on to outline that Guyana currently faces a number of social problems, including high levels of crime and violence; high levels of domestic violence; incidents of violence against transgender individuals; high incidents of trafficking in persons (TIP); and the increasing use of guns, particularly for criminal purposes.

These findings were highly publicised and prominently displayed in print and social media, providing further fuel for an already smouldering issue. The reality is that communities across the country feel unsafe.

It is not to say that efforts aren’t being made to address the issues, the USAID report did indicate that government has been actively combating this negative image. The GPF has been actively cooperating with the US Government. The Police have also received training, equipment and other support from the US in the fight against drug trafficking and gold smuggling.

The Force has made their plans and results of their efforts publicly known. While our politicians and the Police Force are working assiduously to address the escalating problem of crime, we as citizens cannot allow ourselves to descend into the realms of a lawless society, whatever the circumstances. We cannot take the law into our own hands. Else we run the risk of becoming no better that the criminals.

We must above all else remain law abiding citizens.

As we continue to address this issue, it is clear that there needs to be strengthened communication between the Force and communities, which will eventually lead to increased trust. There also needs to be collective cooperation from citizens across Guyana.

Only through a collective effort can we tackle this problem.

We need to once again become “our brothers’ keepers” and remain vigilant of the threats that loom rather than becoming vigilantes.

Members of the Honour Guard and the central military band of the Mongolian armed forces perform during the International Military Music Festival “Spasskaya Tower” media preview in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, August 26, 2016 (Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin)

Independence celebrations in India and Guyana Dear Editor, India celebrated her 69th Independence anniversary on August 15 in ceremonies held around the country. I was fortunate to observe the ceremonies in New Delhi this year, as indeed I had on several other Independence anniversaries while visiting India. And when not in Delhi for the occasion, I was often invited by Indian Embassy officials (in my capacity as a news reporter or Indian diaspora specialist or Indologist) for independence celebrations in New York or Guyana or Trinidad or wherever I find myself around that time of the year.

India’s Independence celebrations were quite a contrast from that held in Guyana to mark our country’s fiftieth anniversary. As in Guyana, there were very tight security arrangements for the grand celebrations in Delhi and indeed in every state capital. But unlike in Guyana, there was no exclusion from the mammoth ceremonies or festivities in India on account of party politics; every political party and foe were a part of the celebrations in India where there was so much zeal for freedom. There was so much nationalism on display in India, all regardless of ethnicity or party.

Unlike, say in Guyana, where there was so much partisanship, hate and spite during the Golden Jubilee celebrations last May, in India one can feel the patriotism, unity, harmony, and zeal in celebrating India’s Independence –virtually everyone supports the country’s independence and

display pride in her achievements.

This was unlike in Guyana where people were excluded from independence celebrations on account of political affiliation or race, as was reported or commented in the media.

New Delhi’s Independence celebrations were indeed quite impressive, commemorating the birth of a free, secular and democratic India from British rule and where everyone was invited for participation, unlike in Guyana where there was selective participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the ramparts of Red Fort, once the bastion of power by the British Raj. There was a 21 gun salute. The national anthem was sung and one can feel goose bumps and emotions listening to the music; tears flowed.

The Independence Day celebrations transcended caste, tribe and religion with citizens united in singing patriotic songs, remembering freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s independence that in turn set the stage for African and Caribbean countries including our own Guyana. No one was excluded and leaders of all parties came together in India for ceremonies quite unlike in Guyana where the opposition was excluded. The President of India also hosted a reception for all, unlike say in Guyana where only a selected few political leaders were treated with dignity and partook in the official banquet.

Modi-ji performed the ceremonial salute at Red Fort for the third time and delivered his address to the nation –the state of the nation, its achievements under the ruling coalition’s tenure, and the plan for the next year; the PM reiterated the government’s stand against violence and terrorism. The address was carried live on national TV and radio. I was at the Red Fort for the PM’s first address in 2014 and the reception later in the evening at the President’s home.

Unlike in Guyana, PM Modi had asked the nation for suggestions for themes and issues he needs to address in his freedom speech.

And he used those ideas to speak to the nation. Modi announced a 20% increase in the pension of freedom fighters, and he also stated that the government will provide about US $1500 (one lakh rupees) for medical costs for poor families. Modi also stressed the need for good governance. The latter concept has been missing in Guyana since independence, where corruption rues the day except during the tenure of Jagan.

As reported in the media, Chief Ministers of each of the 29 states, as well as the seven union territories across India, took the stage in their states and spoke to the people on aspirations, reforms, developmental goals, education, job creation, agriculture, flooding, infrastructure, good governance, and more. Some of the Chief Ministers announced awards for their citizens.

India devolves power to the

people and to the states. The parties in Guyana are opposed to people power and so celebrations are not decentralised like in India.

Patriotism was on display everywhere in India unlike in Guyana. There were marches of people that formed the beautiful tricolours of the Indian flag.

One can feel love, amity and pride among Indians on this day for their 70th independence celebration; the same was not observed in Guyana were racial division runs deep. It was a day Indians revelled in glory. People took to various kinds of social activities with kite flying being the most popular one.

Hundreds of thousands were seen at various parks in the capital. There was so much patriotism on display even at social events; tri-coloured kites, tri-coloured clothes, “Love India” slogans, flags of various sizes, jerseys, handkerchiefs, wrist bands, badges, stick bands, badges with the flag or India written on it, etc. Cars and other vehicles were also seen sporting miniatures of the national flag. In the mood of festivity, there were tri-coloured cakes and various mithais, including the popular burfi that is loved by Guyanese.

Every effort should be made to bring people together in Guyana in national festivals as is displayed in India. Politicians must bury their differences during national events and ceremonies. The President and PM must rise above partisanship.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyana-times.com

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

Double standards M&CC hiding from forensic audit of Hamilton Green

Dear Editor, The double standard of Hamilton Green seems to have no boundaries. It never ceases to astound and mystify me as to why this gentleman feels compelled to continuously write in the letter columns of our dailies long winded, illusory and hypocritical epistles.

Could you imagine Mr Green, whose entire family (and I mean absolutely all of his relatives) has chosen to defect from Guyana , and with he himself opting to spend the majority of his time travelling all over the world; penning a letter captioned “Fruit which we once grew is now imported?”

Why is he advocating for the right to choose to be taken away again from Guyanese, when his family has chosen to live overseas, to consume foreign foods and other products, to obtain their education at foreign intuitions of learning, to work for foreign companies and organisations, or to obtain health care from foreign medical institutions? They have exercised their ability to choose and so should we.

In this twisted lecture to the Guyanese consumer, he hypothesises that Guyanese, since the colonial days, were made to believe that all good things came from abroad; and after 50 years of Independence this thinking still lingers, which he describes as a sad political saga of 3 odd generations. He seems to want to remove himself and his family from such depraved and disloyal thinking.

He goes on to state that had his hero, Linden F S Burnham, not passed away just as the Cold War was thawing, Guyana would not be importing food and fruits that can be produced locally; clearly in what would have been an autocratic and unpopular situation, he then rambles on about his refusal to purchase a mango because it was imported. When travelling around the world does he, Hamilton Green, dabble in fine dining, with meals that showcase his destinations iconic dishes or does he refuse these gourmet chef’s specialties, opting to instead take a “Buxton Spice” mango out of his pocket and consume it?

Mr Green, the problem

is not with the message, but with the integrity (or lack of) of the messenger. Just the same way persons burlesqued the ‘Moral and Spiritual Revival’ message coming from you. Implicit in his letter was that it was Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, who started the campaign to persuade Guyanese to buy locally produced products. This is not so, in fact in the first national development plan coined in 1953 under Premier Cheddi Jagan, it was Dr Jagan who first advocated strongly for a “Buy Local” agenda. Prime Minister Burnham followed in 1969 with such a campaign, so it was both leaders, in their own time, that appealed to the people’s patriotic pride to drive the local economy, rather than depend on unnecessary imports.

But Mr Green must explain why he, upon the death of Mr Burnham when he became the Prime Minister of Guyana, did not ensure the continuation of the “be local, buy local” campaign that was advocated by his mentor, but rather joined those opposed to the policy of import restrictions, championing instead the development of a free market based economic system. So why is he complaining now that the market is free and open to import whatever we like?

Hardly anyone could dispute that the idea behind the “buy local” programme, was and is more so now fundamentally sound, and that our local farmers and food producers need to be encouraged and facilitated, but, Mr Green, there can be no banning; de-facto or otherwise; of any items as was done in the past.

Instead the local products need to prove themselves as good as, if not better than, the items now being imported as our citizens have become even more accustomed to the high quality of the foreign producers, including their superior packaging and therefore our producers have to rise to the occasion.

Mr Green, your lecture to the Guyanese public is more like “do as I say and not as my family and I do.”

Sincerely, Imari Khamisi

Dear Editor, The refusal by the Town Clerk of Georgetown to accept and place on the agenda of Council for its statutory Meeting, a motion to be discussed regarding the holding of a forensic audit of the Georgetown Municipality, is just simply shocking, shameful and dictatorial.

There could be no valid excuse for this autocratic action, other than it being a self-serving act to prevent the discovery of something that a forensic audit would reveal to the public.

The excuse given that the motion was not properly prepared and therefore could not be tabled, is sim-

ply outrageous.

One should remember once, when the Council wanted to get rid of a previous Town Clerk, a Councillor and former Mayor merely scribbled a handwritten motion on a flimsy half sheet of paper and submitted it at the meeting which was accepted, tabled, moved and seconded, in spite of syntactic and grammatical errors, and in fact resulted in the removal of this officer.

The Town Clerk is no legal expert, and the motion was examined by qualified attorneys at law before being submitted and was found to be in order. In any case, it is the duty of the Mayor who

is the Chairperson of the Meetings, and of the Council and the Town Clerk who is the Secretary of the Council and the Meetings, to upon receiving a motion that they believe to be improper to sit with that Councillor who submitted the motion that is purportedly incorrect, and show him or her the defects and have them expeditiously corrected and placed on the agenda.

Instead, what they are doing is ducking from the motion fortnight after fortnight with the excuse that it is faulty merely as an excuse to delay its placement on the order paper, whilst maybe they are scurrying to

get their financial records in order.

This is just disgraceful!

The Minister of Communities should have all of their financial records seized and handed over to competent auditors, or the Auditor General of Guyana should confiscate their records and order an audit, whilst sending the culpable officers on administrative leave to prevent continued interference.

The citizens of Georgetown must no longer be held ransom by Georgetown Municipality.

Sincerely, James Mc Onnell

Wake up, Georgetown Dear Editor, In what has to be the most cheeky and disrespectful act for decades, we see in the local press recently the contentious parking meter contractor, Kamau Cush, flaunting the fact that he has begun recruiting staff.

This in spite of the fact that the City Councillors have only now been given an opportunity to examine and decide on what to do about the damning findings by two Government ministries about the contract.

For the last few weeks, citizens from all walks of life in our capital and beyond have expressed uneasiness, mistrust and distress at the disgusting parking meter deal, which was proposed to be deployed as soon as September 1. But Kush is clearly telling all of them to

go take a hike.

His arrogant position is of course being facilitated by the “Fantastic Four” from City Hall, who are bent on rolling out this dastardly proposal pretty soon, in spite of the reservations expressed by two Government ministries, by several prominent citizens, including auditors, accountants, attorneys, private sector leaders, non-governmental organisations, etc.

The time has come for the citizens of Georgetown, and for persons in authority at the governmental level, including officials from the Ministry of Communities and from the Audit Office of Guyana, to wake up and say enough is enough. The lawlessness and the bullyism at City Hall must stop, and it must stop now!

It is one thing for our national leaders to indicate a disposition opposed to interfering at the local level which has some autonomy; it is another thing to ignore the anarchy, the corruption, and maladministration at the Georgetown Municipality.

It is important to note that this is not some little town we are talking about, this is our capital city. This is where our seat of Government is located, where our major seaport is, where our legislative and judicial arms carry out their responsibilities, where all of the foreign missions and international organisations operate from, this is where most of our businesses are headquartered and this is where most persons visiting Guyana pass through.

It cannot be left to be destroyed by a few inept and unethical persons.

The installation and activation of these parking meters will definitely drive (no pun intended) businesses out of Georgetown.

It is no longer just necessary for a thorough forensic audit to be held of the Council’s financial systems, including the four secret bank accounts, the illegal granting of tax waivers and the breaches of tender procedures, but there is also now a need for the hosting of a Commission of Inquiry by a panel of persons who could look into the nepotism, cronyism and other transgressions ongoing at City Hall.

Best regards, Deodarie Putulall

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

Yes, overprotective parenting harms children 5 ways stress

is good for you

— if healthy and happy is the goal, there is such a thing as too much safety

By Nathan H. Lents, PhD

A

s recently reported on Vox, the “cult of kiddie danger” has so completely consumed some parents and government officials that even swings – yes, SWINGS – are now considered too dangerous for some playgrounds. Despite the patent absurdity of such a belief, most of us respond with a sigh and a roll of our eyes, because we’ve seen this coming.

If you were to tell a parent in the 1970s or even 1980s that swings were too dangerous for children , they’d probably look at you like you have two heads. Nowadays, the removal of swings from playgrounds has an air of inevitability to it.

We know it’s stupid, but we recognise that it is the next logical step in this mindless march toward... wait, where are we marching again? And why?

On the other hand, what is wrong with being cautious? If children can be hurt, doesn’t it make sense to err on the side of safety? Sure, swings are fun, but it’s not like taking them down will actually hurt anyone, right?

Shouldn’t safety concerns trump fun and games?

After all, the main job of parents and school is to keep their children safe, right?

Maybe not.

There are two types of stress. Short-term/acute stress, and sustained/ chronic stress. Everyone agrees that chronic stress is very bad. In children, chronic stress comes from things like abuse, neglect,

sensory deprivation, excessive worry, regular exposure to violence, and so forth. A great deal of research confirms that a chronically stressful childhood often lead to an adult with anxiety, depression, and other mood and adjustment disorders. Or worse. Everyone agrees that children should be protected from chronic stress.

Acute stress, on the other hand, is the response to a frightening, competitive, or dangerous stimulus that is completely resolved within

ral stem cells, and connections in their hippocampus, the brain area noted for its role in converting short-term memory to long-term memory.

(The hippocampus is usually the first casualty of Alzheimer’s disease.)

In another study, rats that were denied the ability to engage in the normal rough and tumble play-fighting as juveniles showed serious social problems as adults. These stress-deprived rats grew up to be hyper-aggressive and even anti-social.

Further, rats that are

seconds or minutes. It’s a short burst of stress, then it’s done. Many forms of play, especially physical play, involve some level of acute stress. Sports, video games, and other competitions and contests are strong inducers of acute stress. That’s part of why we enjoy them. Evidence is mounting that acute stress is not just fun, but beneficial, even necessary for childhood development.

Scientists have recently found that episodes of acute (brief) stress had positive effects on brain development in rats.

Rats regularly subjected to acute minor stress had more neurons, neu-

deprived of playful stress grow into adults that completely freeze when faced with stressful situations.

Rats conditioned for stress during childhood, on the other hand, gain the ability to navigate stressful situations without locking up.

Light acute stress even helps rats learn proper fear responses as adults.

These studies do not stand alone. Stress has been studied in a variety of animals and the general conclusion is that acute mild stress is beneficial for brain development, social skills and behaviours, and even intelligence. It has even been shown that acute stress, unlike chron-

ic stress, is good for the immune system!

The bottom line is that research is showing that safe, controlled amounts of acute stress may actually be good for us, especially as children. Safe stress is a way to relieving a “stress valve” that actually lowers levels of chronic stress over the long term.

The expression “blowing off steam” is apropos.

Helicopter parents that seek to shield their children from all forms of adversity are not doing them any favours. Physical exertion, confrontations on the playground, competitions with real winners and real losers, getting minor bumps and bruises, and even periodically experiencing fear are all inducers of acute stress.

Falling off of a swing, for example, teaches a kid a variety of lessons that just can’t be learned any other way. If children are protected from all possible risks when the stakes are low, how will they navigate risk-taking when they are older and the stakes are much higher?

While we should all strive to protect children from chronic stress, depriving them of healthy forms of safe stress may leave them unable to deal with stress as adults.

What about the obsessive hand-washing and germophobia among today’s parents? That might be bad, too.

A growing body of research under the banner of the hygiene hypothesis points to the conclusion that exposing children to “safe germs” early and often actually strengthens their immune systems

in the long term. It also makes them less likely to develop allergies and auto-immune diseases. This makes perfect sense because our immune systems are poorly developed at birth. Our immunity is like everything else we do: to get good at it, we have to practice.

One particularly gross but revealing study showed that the more often children are exposed to animal faeces before their second birthday, the lower the chance that they acquire an inflammatory disease as adults.

Remember that the kinds of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that live in the soil (and even on most animals and plants) are not the ones that make us sick. We catch pathogenic viruses and bacteria from sick people, not from dirt. By being exposed to the wealth of harmless bacteria and viruses found in nature, our immune systems learn to tell the difference between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes.

Of course, door handles and subway seats are a different story.

Obviously, we should all wash our hands when exchanging germs with other people, especially children and especially during cold and flu season. But when it comes to general outside germs, maybe it’s not so bad if our children roll around in the grass, play in the dirt, kiss their dogs, and bury themselves in the sand.

The politics of child safety are complicated by legal, financial, and sociological factors that often defy logic and common sense. Making matters worse, our species has a strong tendency toward irrational hysteria, fuelled by sensationalist media coverage.

However, don’t biology and psychology also deserve a place at the table when it comes to making public policy regarding child safety?Let’s stay out of the helicopters and leave the swings where they are.

The good that they do for our children’s development far outweighs the occasional bruise and scrape.

Truth be told, the bruises might be good for them, too. (psychologytoday.com)

By Amanda MacMillan

H

ere, then, are five reasons you should rest easier when it comes to everyday stress—and how a little short-term anxiety can actually benefit your brain and body.

It helps boost brainpower:

Low-level stressors stimulate the production of brain chemicals called neurotrophins, and strengthen the connections between neurons in the brain. In fact, this may be the primary mechanism by which exercise (a physical stressor) helps boost productivity and concentration, Dr Shelton says. Shortterm psychological stressors, he adds, can have a similar effect, as well. Plus, animal studies have suggested that the body’s response to stress can temporarily boost memory and learning scores.

It can increase immunity – in the short term:

“When the body responds to stress, it prepares itself for the possibility of injury or infection,” says Dr Shelton. “One way it does this is by producing extra interleukins – chemicals that help regulate the immune system – providing at least a temporary defensive boost.”

It can make you more resilient:

Learning to deal with stressful situations can make future ones easier to manage, according to a large body of research on the science of resilience. It’s the idea behind Navy SEAL training, Dr Shelton says –although you can certainly benefit from less extreme experiences, as well.

This idea may even hold true at a cellular level: A 2013 University of California San Francisco study found that while chronic stress promotes oxidative damage to our DNA and RNA, moderate levels of perceived daily stress actually seem to protect against it and enhance “psychobiological resilience”.

It motivates you to succeed:

Good stress, also known in the scientific community as eustress, can help you enter a state of “flow,” a heightened sense of awareness and complete absorption into an activity, according to research from psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow can be achieved in the workplace, in sports, or in a creative endeavour (such as playing a musical instrument), and Csikszentmihalyi argues that it’s driven largely by pressure to succeed.

It can enhance child development:

Moms-to-be often worry that their own anxiety will negatively affect their unborn babies—and it can, when it’s unrelenting.

But a 2006 Johns Hopkins study found that most children of women who reported mild to moderate stress levels during pregnancy actually showed greater motor and developmental skills by age 2 than those of unstressed mothers. The one exception: the children of women who viewed their pregnancy as more negative than positive had slightly lower attention capacity. (news.health.com)

news

7

tuesday, august 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Dismembered body of farmer found on Linden Highway P olice in ‘E’ Division (Linden-Kwakwani) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a farmer of Adventure Village, LindenSoesdyke Highway, whose dismembered body was discovered in the wee hours of Monday along the highway in the vicinity of Adventure.

Dead is Phillip

Viveirous, 41.

While information surrounding the death is sketchy, Police suspect that he may have been run over by several vehicles.

The discovery was made at approximately 05:20hr by a passer-by and an unidentified caller alerted the Police of the discovery.

Tax-free overtime

All Private Sector workers should benefit – Rohee

I

n light of Government’s move to grant taxfree overtime to bauxite workers, calls are being made for this concession to be implemented across the board so that other Private Sector employees can benefit.

During a news conference on Monday, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Clement Rohee supported the move by the Government to approve the tax exempted overtime, but he noted that it should not be discriminatory.

In this regard, Rohee called for other Private Sector workers, particularly those in the sugar industry, to also be granted tax-free overtime.

“The PPP is of the view that tax-free overtime should be granted across the board without discrimination and sugar workers should be no exception,” he

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

said.

“The Party calls on the Granger Administration to extend a similar concession to all workers in order to bring some relief to their sufferings, which has become increasingly unbearable ever since the assumption to office by the APNU/AFC [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change]

coalition Administration,” he stated.

According to Rohee, the move will definitely enhance the economic and financial well-being of the working people of Guyana.

Tax-exempted overtime for workers from the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) was announced by the Social Protection Ministry recently.

The decision followed a meeting with Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle and BCGI officials on Thursday last at the Ministry’s Brickdam office.

The meeting was a response to concerns raised by stakeholders when Ministers Lawrence and Scott visited the company to inspect the conditions under which the workers were employed. (Devina Samaroo)

The body of the deceased, which was later identified by his mother, is at the Wismar mortuary at Linden, awaiting post-mortem examination, which is expected to be done on Thursday.

The mother of the deceased reportedly told investigators that her son

left his home at about 02:00h on Monday for his farm at Adventure, and had been consuming alcohol before he left.

Investigators suspect that he might have fallen asleep along the roadway and was ran over.

Investigations are ongoing.

Charlotte Street man wanted for TIP, forgery

T

he Guyana Police Force on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Kirk Errol Paton, 39, of Lot 203 Charlotte Street, Georgetown, for questioning in relation to trafficking in persons and forgery.

The Police stated that the offence was committed on November 6, 2014 at the Central Immigration and Passport Office, Camp Street, Georgetown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Paton is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 229-2289, 229-2569, 227-2128, 225-6411, 225-2227, 225-8196, 2271149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Kirk Errol Paton

8 news

tuesDAY, august 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Policeman pleads not guilty to causing death charge

R

avinand Bissessar, 26, a Police Constable and resident of Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD), entered a not guilty plea as he faced the charge of causing the death of 10-year-old Davin Sealey.

On Monday, the Policeman entered the plea after making his second appearance at the Wales Magistrate’s Court. The charge stated that on May 15, 2016 at Sisters Village, WBD, while driving car PLL 222, he struck Sealey, who was riding a bicycle

Dead: Davin Sealey

along the roadway, resulting in the child’s death.

According to Police reports, on the day in question, Bissessar, who was stationed at the Wales Police Station, was attempting to negotiate a turn at Sisters Village when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a parked car before hitting the lad.

The Policeman‘s car came to halt when it crashed into a utility pole.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Sealey died of multiple injuries.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the defendant af-

ter the accident revealed that he had .66 micrograms of alcohol in his system.

At his arraignment in May, his driver’s licence was suspended for the duration of the trial and he was placed on $600,000.

Bissessar had also answered to Driving under the Influence (DUI) charges.

The parents of the victim, Deon Sealey and Tulise Thomas were present at Monday’s court proceedings.

The case will continue before Magistrate Clive Nurse on September 9.

Nismes altercation

Duo on $10,000 bail for threatening behaviour

N

a n d k i s h o r e Niapaul, 41, of Lot 153 Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and Michael Diadeen, 31, of Lot 120 Nismes Old Road were

both placed on $10,000 bail after pleading not guilty to allegations of threatening behaviour.

The two petrol station attendants on Monday made an appearance at the

Wales Magistrate’s Court where they answered to the charge which stated that on August 18, they made use of threatening behaviour to Denzil Spencer.

The defendants are

set to return to court on September 16, while an arrest warrant has been issued for Spencer, who was also cited for the altercation but failed to attend the hearing.

Eyew tness Returning to roots...

A

...in the PNC

nd just when your Eyewitness thought it was safe to re-enter the (ideological) waters because neoliberalism had washed away all its competitors, up comes Prezzie informing us that the ideology of his party is – and has always been – not just "socialism" but the socialism of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, the "Founder Leader"!! You could've knocked your Eyewitness over with a feather!!

Interestingly enough, the neo-liberal ideology was unfurled in Latin America in the early 1980s and in Guyana in 1989, because of the failure of various economic models based on ideologies ranging from populism to socialism – of various stripes. Ours, of course, being the "cooperative" version of Forbes Burnham – which Prezzie spoke about. So what's this? We've come a full circle?

Why? Why go back to a failed ideology and model of development? Did something change since 1989? Well, to be honest a whole lotta things changed – with the failure of neo-liberal market fundamentalism being right up there. It not only failed here in our region, but also in the developed countries that foisted the model on us in the first place – the US, Britain and the EU! So, we all agree that we gotta do something different if we're not to end up very developed – but with the "1%" owning 90% of the wealth.

Some people mightn't mind that fate – after all we're still migrating up north in droves to sample that outcome!

But since, as Prezzie reminded us, egalitarianism's still our guiding mantra as it was with Burnham, let's accept that we must change. But socialism? The sad fact is that the rest of Latin America, having experienced neo-liberalism before we did, experienced its failure before us – and several governments tried various types of socialism.

While Brazil's version was very mild – and its economy is still tanking – Venezuela was the one that most closely resembled Burnham's version. But unlike Burnham's Guyana, Venezuela had the largest deposits of oil in the world and pumped out US$1 trillion of the black gold since Socialist visionary Hugo Chávez took over in 1999.

But yet with all that money, Venezuela still managed to end up in the same circumstances Guyana found itself in 1989: Shortages of basic foodstuff, toilet paper, foreign currency, massive inflation, rising crime etc, etc. This should sound familiar to the oldsters in our midst.

Now your Eyewitness will bet they'll be the old faithful who'll swear Chávez didn't try the "real" socialism of Burnham. No "co-ops"!!

So we're gonna roll the dice on this million-to-one shot, with our oil about to gush?

...and rewarding the faithful

Back in the days of the socialist revolution led by Burnham, in addition to the ideology, there was the concomitant methodology for implementing the ideas.

But since all things have to (unfortunately?) work itself though PEOPLE, there was always the need to ensure only folks imbued with the ideology were in positions of power.

Loyalty to the ideals of the party thus trumped all and this loyalty was proven by a party card. Breaking up meetings of the Opposition helped, but wasn't ABSOLUTELY necessary. And it is against this background we must evaluate the retention of George Norton in his post as Minister of Public Health even though the entire country's baying for his blood in the wake of "Bondgate".

As Norton explained – after he was re-elected to the highest echelon of the PNC – he'd always been a loyal PNC foot soldier.

And that's what counts in the new "socialist" dispensation!

...but not in cricket

Khemraj Ramjattan offered a cricketing analogy to justify why Norton shouldn't resign (or be forced to resign) for lying to Parliament.

Your Eyewitness wonders which "cricket" is he talking about. Certainly NOT West Indies cricket!! When Kallicharan of old or Lara of recent nicked the ball without even the umpire picking it up, they walked.

It's called "honour".

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

news

9

tuesday, august 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Tucville ‘wrong turn’ shooting

Businessman slapped with murder, attempted murder charges

T

Colin Perreira

he businessman who indiscriminately opened fire on a car that turned onto his bridge leaving a miner dead and his friend hospitalised, was on Monday slapped with murder and attempted murder charges.

Robert Benn of Lot 10 Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The first charge stated that on August 23, 2016 at Perry Street, he murdered Colin Perreira, 24, called Malcolm of Lot 213 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Additionally, he was charged with attempted murder of Gail Ann Chacon, 20, of Port Kaituma, North

West District.

He was remanded to prison and will next appear before Chief Magistrate Ann

McLennan on September 16.

Reports are that on the night of the shooting, Chacon who was driving Toyota Allion PRR 4393, attempted to turn around the vehicle using the businessman’s bridge.

However, as she turned onto the bridge, the businessman opened fire, killing Perreira and injuring Chacon.

Perreira was shot multiple times about his body.

The defendant reportedly told Police that he felt threatened and thought that bandits were in the vehicle.

The Police instituted the charges after recommendations from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Chacon is still a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital and is said to be in a critical state.

Businessman Robert Benn who reportedly opened fire on a car, killing Colin Perreira

Blueberry Hill residents slam RDC for deplorable drainage — decry poor treatment

R

A drain in the community filled with sand

esidents of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, who recently protested against substandard work on one of the community’s main thoroughfares, have also slammed the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the deplorable condition of several drains.

In many instances, this newspaper observed that the drains, which residents claimed were not properly constructed, contained stagnant water or overgrown vegetation. According to community members, the drains have been in a terrible state for years without any intervention from local authorities.

While some have pointed to the failure on the part of contractors to carry out such projects effectively, others believe the onus is on the RDC to ensure they are done according to specifications. Speaking on one of the faulty drains, resident Lisa

James said those living in the area were now suffering as a result of the defects.

“They do a bundle of stupidness. Now the residents living with that drain that they put deh. A set of mosquitoes living in the water.

Now you know what they does say? Is we the residents sit down and accept it. Now they got to give we what we need,” she said.

Flooding

Several other residents complained of flooding in their homes and yards during inclement weather, and blamed the poorly constructed drains coupled with the topographic nature of the Blueberry Hill area.

According to them, if there are consultations with residents before such projects are carried out, there might be better outcomes. A resident said she was happy recently to see a drain being constructed in her street, but it only made mat-

ters worse as her home continued to be flooded, despite the drains being cleared.

“If the relevant people can come and meet with the people in the community, that is what we want, because we are affected and only we can say what goes on. If anyone come, we would be able to say well this is what affecting we. If you come and sit with the people, discuss how we’re being affected or tell us what you plan to do, we could probably say to you what could work. They never come and sit with the people. They just coming and do as they feel,” a resident noted.

Just last week, residents took to the streets in protest and blocked one of the main thoroughfares on account of what they described as substandard work by contractors. They said they were “fed up of being treated poorly” in terms of community infrastructure. (Utamu Belle)

10

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

US$6M Smart Health Facility project launched T

he Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) with funding from the UK Government, on Monday launched the Hospital Safety Index and Green Checklist training course.

This initiative is aimed at equipping participants with skills to ensure that health facilities remain safe and can provide healthcare even after natural disasters.

The 25 participants, who include Engineers, Analysts, Information Technologist, Health Economists, and Quality Controllers, will undergo four days of training.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn told the gathering at Cara Lodge that the launch of the initia-

at large: “This support is designed to ensure that health facilities are able to cope with disasters and climate risks.”

The programme is part of a wider US$53 million project on strengthening Caribbean Health Facilities, which was announced by former British Prime Minister David Cameron, during his visit to the region last September.

“It is a solid commitment to the Guyana Government by the British Government,” he asserted.

Quinn noted that while health facilities provide essential services for daily life, it is vital that they remain in operation after extreme events.

This, he said, is what the overall programme of assistance is designed to do.

be able to assess facilities on the basis of safety and greening.

“It is the first time in Guyana such an evaluation would have taken place on this scale. Those assessments produced would allow us to decide which of the facilities we would retrofit to improve their resilience to natural disasters.

The knowledge gained in this training could also be relevant to other sectors.

Assessment of resilience should not only be limited to those related to health.

They will be better placed to identify future risks and needs, improving essential service delivery at all times,” Quinn said.

Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Karen Cummings, said the phase two project is a time-

Participants and other invitees at the opening of the training at Cara Lodge on Monday

tive is part of the wider programme of Her Majesty’s Government/Pan American Health Organisation (HMG/PAHO) geared at strengthening health facilities within the Caribbean.

He used the opportunity to reaffirm the UK’s support to the health sector in Guyana and the Caribbean

The High Commissioner related that the support announced by the former Prime Minister is set to significantly improve resilience across the health sector in seven Caribbean countries, including Guyana.

He said those who benefit from the training will

ly initiative as the Ministry of Health continues to seek to deliver Universal Health Care in every region across Guyana. She said government has been seeking to narrow the inequalities between the Coastland and the Hinterland.

“The initiative seeks to improve the infrastructure

I British High Commissioner to Guyana Gregory Quinn

of healthcare facilities to make them infrastructurally sound, energy efficient and to have a comfortable work environment for persons to work and seek care.

The low cost adaptive measure will also make the facilities disaster-ready,” she said.

Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry Trevor Thomas said Guyana is a very big country relative to its population and noted that the majority of persons are living on the coastlands, “yet we have a responsibility of providing adequate healthcare to the remotest areas and we should ensure that our facilities have the capacity to deliver healthcare.”

He said in an environment where there is no access to a power grid, to areas where electricity is not provided economically, such facilities should be made available.

Meanwhile, PAHO/ WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow said while the organisation is only retrofitting some health agencies, the government should follow suit and do the same, it should retrofit all health institutions and have the new ones built as smart health institutions.

RDC 10 to host Youth Business Forum

T

he Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) is presently working on an initiative to host a Youth Business Forum in Linden, as a means of assisting young people from the community in creating jobs for themselves. The forum is expected to be held over a two-day period sometime in November and is set to include interactive sessions with business entities.

This will be the second such initiative that the Council has collaborated on in recent months, as a means of equipping youths with skills necessary in order to earn a living.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian said he realised that there are a number of people in the community who have completed various levels of education who find it difficult to secure jobs, hence the need to conduct such an initiative.

"We've recognised that (there are) a number of young people coming out of University looking for jobs, and if those people understand the opportu-

Regional Chairman Renis Morian

nities that they have with doing their own job...at this forum too, we would

Ethno-local identity – Part 2

want to have banks represented, NIS, GRA, so you could help young people...say look, 'you want to start a business?' Here is the opportunity, this is what you have to do,” he said.

While unemployed youths are targeted, Morian said those who wish to attend must possess a certain level of academic qualification. The forum will be a collaborative effort between the RDC and civil society. The Region is said to be one with a high level of unemployment, prevalent more so among youths.

Just recently, the RDC collaborated with civil society to launch a youth Work Readiness programme which saw numerous youths being attached to various entities to acquire work readiness skills.

Speaking on the issue of unemployment recently, Regional Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira said that while youth unemployment is not a new phenomenon under the present Government, the challenges have been recognised and steps are being taken to remedy the situation.

n my first part of analysing ethno-local identity, I argued that historical isolation on the plantations, the nationalisation of culture based on all of us are one, and the dictatorial policies of the then PNC have led to the creation and persistence of Indian ethno-local identity in Guyana.

I will add that the policies of the PPP have also led to ethnolocal identity. The PPP has done very little with regards to moving Indians from their insular rural domain into the public and private sector.

In this column, I will examine the positives and negatives of ethno-local identity. To many rural Indians, an ethno-Indian local identity is based on an elastic form of Hinduism which they consider to be sacred and pure. This identity does not only maintain certain aspects of custom and culture, Holi and Diwali, for example, but also provide strong personal and communal support to deal with Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine human social ills like alcoholism, suicide, domestic aggression and abuse, particularly since these communities are generally without sound supporting networks and plagued by poverty and other forms of dissonance.

Rural Indian communities have developed impressive survival mechanisms by themselves for themselves. Instead of going to a modern medical doctor, for example, for certain illnesses, they choose the nontraditional medical practice of the “massage man” in their community to treat nara, belly pain.

The flipside of the above positives, however, is that ethnolocal identity also reflects a sense of parochialism and insularity, which has given rise to internal and external problems. Internally, traditional roles within the family and community are questioned.

Sons challenge the authority of fathers while daughters-in-law question their subservient roles in the family.

Subsequently, effective social integration from the inside is not always well as family, community, society are torn apart by the struggle for power and equality. It is not uncommon to see family members not speaking to each other for long periods, and in some cases, a lifetime, because of an argument.

Indians themselves are separated and even torn apart by their different identifications. Some urban Indians simply despise ethno-local Indian identity and see it as backward and barnacled to old customs that are inconsistent with the more influential Creole identity.

To illustrate, consider the following, which might be difficult for some to digest. After the post-2015 general election in Guyana in which the predominant Indian PPP lost to the APNU/ AFC coalition, local Indians who retained their loyalty to the PPP were referred to as: “dem coolie stupid,” “dem coolie na want change,” “dem coolie think dem a live in India.” What these remarks highlight is an internal ethnic identity difference within Indians in Guyana.

While urban Indians have identified mainly with the national identity of their country, rural Indians with local identity see such aspirations as straying from one’s roots. Rural Indians see themselves as proud icons of Indian cultural resilience in a foreign land, particularly with regard to rejecting Westernisation and Creolisation.

To be sure, however, some urban Indians as well as rural Indians embrace a hybrid identity that combines elements of both identities. It is not surprising to find an urban Hindu magistrate upholding Western law in courts or a rural Indian exposing his children to Western mannerisms and education.

Externally, Indian local identity is perceived by the Creole society as unsupportive of the national culture or national consciousness, which is based on nationality rather than ethnicity.

As a result, ethno-local identity can be marginalised from the national consciousness but at the local level share an interlocking interdependence with communities different from the Indians’ own. For instance, local Indians tend to seek out Westernised Indians as well as Africans for help in matters relating to Western institutions such school and court proceedings. In some ways, and even though, local Indian identity is insular, it is not always isolated.

By and large, identity by its very nature is consensual, conflictual, and relational. If ethno-local Indians do not have any meaningful relationship with other ethnic groups, it is implicitly relational since there is no relation.

Philosophy aside, what is more at stake is what will become of ethno-local identity in the future. Predicting the future is always a risky endeavour but we can say if inequities in the global system as well as political, economic, and social instabilities and tensions within the nation-state of Guyana continue, which arguably will, then ethno-local identity may disappear altogether like other localised culture in the global south.

Equally worrying is that unlike ethno-national identity, ethnolocal identity has never been at the forefront of plans, policies and programmes of the nation-state of Guyana. (send comments to: lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

tuesDAY, august 30, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

FIU Director, deputy Dredge owner slapped to begin work soon with TIP charges T

he new Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Matthew Langevine and his deputy Abiose Thomas will assume duties

by September 19, as they have both entered into separate contracts with the Finance Secretary, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs said.

At its last sitting before the August 8 recess, the National Assembly had unanimously appointed Langevine to the post of FIU director and Thomas as deputy director.

Recommendations for the appointment were made by an Appointments Committee of the National Assembly.

Langevine and Thomas’ appointments follow a recommendation of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2015, Act No. 1 of 2015 to select and endorse persons for the appointment as director, deputy director, attorney and accountant to FIU. The FIU functions in collaboration with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)

FIU Director Matthew Langevine

and the Ministry of Finance in identifying and tracking persons fingered in financial illegalities.

The Parliamentary Committee consists of government ministers, Chairperson George Norton, David Patterson, Amna Ally, Annette Ferguson, Cathy Hughes, and PPP Members of Parliament Gail Teixeira, Dr Clive Jagan, Ganga Persaud, Bishop Juan Edghill.

According to the Committee Report, Langevine was shortlisted from a list of 17 candidates who applied for the posi-

tion. The initial list of 17 candidates was shortlisted to three. It was decided that he was the most suitable for the position. His selection is subsequent to several rounds of due diligence exercises and interviews.

The committee, which was also mandated to select a suitable candidate for the post of deputy director, decided on the current legal adviser Abiose Thomas.

Langevine has worked in the local banking industry for several years.

The last functional head of FIU was Paul Ghir.

The Financial Intelligence Unit of Guyana is an autonomous body responsible for requesting, receiving, analysing and dissemination of suspicious transaction reports and other information relating to money laundering, terrorist financing or the proceeds of crime. It was established and operates within the ambit of the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (AMLCFTA) 2009 and its Regulations.

A

dredge owner and an alleged accomplice were on Monday slapped with Trafficking in Persons (TIP) charges when they appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Mario Figueira and Joaquin (only name), a Brazilian national, both pleaded not guilty to the nine charges of TIP. The charges alleged that between August 18 and 24, 2016, at Providence, Georgetown, they engaged in TIP, that is to say, they recruited, transported and harboured nine women for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Their Attorney told the Court that the men were not

The TIP accused being escorted through the courthouse

arrested, but reported to the Police Station of their own accord.

He explained that the women were not being held by the men, noting that they were all seen at a popular Main Street night spot in the city last week.

The prosecution, however, objected to bail, noting

that the defendants posed a flight risk, and the women reported that they were all threatened by one of the defendants who pointed a gun at them.

The men were placed on $120,000 bail each. The case will continue on September 14.

to Flamboyant Taxi Service, in Eccles, EBD, called him at approximately 07:00h on Monday to inform him that the vehicle had “disappeared”.

Ali reported to Balram that he arrived home at 17:00h on Sunday afternoon and parked the car outside of the yard. He said that he did not return outside until 07:00h on Monday, when he made the discovery.

Several residents of the

home in which Ali resides reported seeing the vehicle outside the premises at midnight on Sunday.

A report was lodged at the Providence Police Station.

Anyone with information regarding the Toyota Spacio holding chassis number, NZE121-3070535, is asked to contact 592-6713200 or the nearest Police station.

Toyota Spacio stolen T o add to the recent spate of crime along the East Bank Demerara (EBD), a white Toyota Spacio, bearing registration HC 4174, was on Monday stolen from the driver’s residence in Old Road, Providence, EBD, between the hours of midnight and 07:00h.

Kubair Balram owner of the missing vehicle, explained that the driver, Zaman Ali, who is attached

12 News

tuesDay, august 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Education CoI Chairman Old cable, poor distribution system urges citizen participation blamed for frequent blackouts

T

he Commissioners of Inquiry into the state of the education system wants the public to know that the process is still on-going and the inputs of all are welcome.

“You still have many, many opportunities to ensure that your voice is heard.

We are going into every community,” the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Chairman Ed Caesar said during a presentation at the recently held National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting.

Caesar explained that the CoI commissioners have already been in contact with the Regional Executive Officers of the 10 Administrative Regions: “We have presented them with a programme of visits to the regions, and we have asked that they communicate with the several communities to ensure that the people’s voices are heard.”

As the CoI goes into the regions and communities, the chairman urged: “Please ensure that your voices are heard. Let us hear from you.

We cannot make decisions

Chairman of the Education Commission of Inquiry, Ed Caesar

by guess. We need you to say that this is happening in my region, my community.

These are the peculiarities, help us to resolve them, and help to solve them.”

But even as the chairman advised that the residents come out in their numbers and raise all their concerns, he recommended that they not only seek to highlight the negatives.

“Do not think only of bad things. There must be good things happening in your areas, that too must

be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Education and the CoI, so that we would know what the good things that should be enhanced are. Good things must continue to happen and continue to happen in a better way,” Caesar said.

The CoI head said the commission has thus far held 13 consultations, during which representations were made from Indigenous peoples.

“Last week from Region Nine we had two representatives who came to speak in Wapishana and who impressed upon us the need to have certain languages, native to the Indigenous people, in the schools,” Caesar advised.

The CoI is expected to establish a baseline analysis of the sector, as well as recommend broad strategic guidelines for its enhancement, including addressing issues of the low and declining examination scores, and the challenges of human resource development with regards to enrolment and curriculum delivery.

T

he old submarine cable for the Vreed-enHoop Power Station is responsible for the recent blackouts, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson has said.

The minister said that the submarine cable for the Vreed-en-Hoop station in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is damaged, and that normally when the power outage occurs, it would be reconnected immediately since there is in excess of 16 megawatts of power.

However, “If the light trips again, it blocks the entire area, so the lights would have to be reconnected in sections, which is the cause of the problem.

“As we find them (problems) we reconnect, but unfortunately it disconnects before you can identify where to fix because it’s a very old system,” the minister told the Government Information Agency (GINA)

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

on Monday.

The minister explained that he recently met with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) board to improve response time to at least 15 minutes.

However efforts are underway to repair the cable, but the operation is specialised and so quotations are out and work would commence shortly.

“In Demerara, it’s not a

question of generators, since all the generators are working, but it is a question of the distribution system,” Minister Patterson pointed out.

The aged system is ineffective and results in frequent blackouts in the East Bank, West Bank and East Coast Demerara areas.

“The system trips, and when it trips we have to close the circuit immediately, and that is the primary cause of the blackouts,” the minister said.

The Infrastructure Minister explained that efforts are being made to implement a programme to upgrade the distribution system, and the contract will be awarded shortly. Priority will be on fixing the old distribution system to make it more effective.

On Sunday evening, sections of the East Bank Demerara were without electricity for more than nine hours.

5 hospitalised after Essequibo Coast collision

F PPC nominees sent to President for appointment Public Procurement Commission

T

he Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is expected to be put in place shortly with appointment of its members by President David Granger.

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs disclosed that the names of the PPC members have been sent to the President for appointment. These names are Emily Dodson, Carol Corbin, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Ivor English and Nanda Gopaul.

These persons were nominated by the Appointments

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs

Committee and were approved by two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly on August 8.

Under provisions of the Constitution, the President could only appoint members of the PPC after their nomination has been approved in the House by a two-thirds majority.

The PPC has been a contributing factor that predated the holding of the General and Regional elections in May 2015.

ive persons are currently hospitalised at the Suddie Public Hospital, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) after the vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a trench at La Union.

Eyewitnesses report that three adults including the driver, and two children sustained injuries.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the car was travelling south when the driver lost control and ended up in the trench.

The incident reportedly occurred around 16:00h on Monday.

On hearing the loud impact, several persons living in La Union converged on the scene and rescued the persons who were then

The car involved in the accident ended in a trench at La Union

rushed to the hospital by Police.

One resident alleges that the driver was speeding.

“All I saw a black vehicle speeding then suddenly ended up in the trench, the chil-

dren were then pulled out and sent to the hospital”, another eyewitness revealed.

Police were informed and immediately responded.

Investigations into the accident are ongoing.

NEWS

GPF honours NGSA students

13

tuesday, august 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GFC seeking GRIF funding to promote value-added products

T

Iwokrama Sawmill

Part of the gathering at the Guyana Police Force’s Bursary Award ceremony

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday hosted its annual Bursary Awards ceremony for children of its members who have excelled at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Attending the ceremony were representatives from the Ministry of Education, the GPF, beneficiaries and their families.

In his address, Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine underscored the need for children to practise reading, noting that, “there is a significant distinction between education and qualification.”

“Today, I want to tell you to fall into the habit of doing serious reading because reading will play the most

important role in your personality development, hereafter,” he stated.

Ramnarine encouraged the students to continue to read in an effort to understand and acquire knowledge that will make them more informed and better individuals.

On this note, he advised the students to remain grateful to their parents for the sacrifices made to allow them the opportunity to have an education.

Former Deputy Registrar of the University of Guyana, Vincent Alexander, congratulated the GPF on behalf of the Ministry of Education, and encouraged it to continue hosting the annual event.

“That the Guyana Police Force has embraced Bursaries for children who

are going on to secondary education, and that those bursaries will be disbursed throughout a five year period, is an indication of the Force’s appreciation and recognition for education,” he said.

Alexander reiterated that education was not determined by the acquisition of certificates: “Education is that which equips a human being to deal not only with a job, but all of the challenges presented to us in life and the world.”

Alexander also posited that acquisition of education would lead to the reduction in crime: “Education can reduce abuse, because education is supposed to induce reasoning and a rational approach to life.”

he Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is exploring skills training and capacity building in sawmilling to help encourage value added production of forest products.

GFC Commissioner James Singh told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the Commission was collaborating with the Private Sector in preparing a proposal to seek funding from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). Focus will be on the establishment of a training school to provide, among other things, practical, marketing and entrepreneurial skills.

“The GFC is coordinating a multi-pronged approach to encourage added value to forest products,” Singh said.

The Commissioner explained that an enabling environment was being actively pursued.

“Ensuring that there is sufficient raw material for manufacturers of added value products is also a critical element,” Singh pointed out.

The GFC continues to

engage Private Sector bodies and companies to determine the products that the local and overseas markets require which can be supplied

by Guyana.

To this end, the GFC has created a draft log export policy. “This policy is for feedback from the public and essentially is aimed at restricting log exports, especially logs from those species that are, or potentially, in demand by added value forest produce manufacturers,” the Commissioner explained.

The final policy is expected to be completed shortly, he added.

Last year, the Natural Resources Ministry placed restrictions on the export of lotus logs following complaints by furniture manufacturers about shortages on the local market.

Guyana relies heavily on the export of raw logs. There are sawmills, kiln ovens and one plywood manufacturing factory that add value to forest products.

Additionally, the GFC head said the Commission would approach GRIF to

fund other initiatives “to add impetus to the movement to add value”. One such initiative is a revolving fund to provide support to stakeholders to retool or invest in the appropriate equipment to facilitate added value. Another initiative being explored is a log consolidation yard.

Currently, the GFC facilitates training of stakeholders in key aspects of value added manufacturing. “It’s recognised that despite the current challenges…many local companies are still persevering and producing highquality added value forest products at competitive prices,” he said.

Adding value to products from the sector is challenged by financing, poor access roads, high energy costs, low skills level and shipping constraints among others.

However, the 2016 mid-year report projected a rise in production of value-added products in the sector as a result of increased production, combined with a larger market for value-added forestry products.

14

guyana-times.com

tuesday, AUGUSt 30, 2016

Regional

Brazil’s Dilma Rousseff defends New Cuba tourism seen slow to take off despite US flights record at impeachment trial

Brazil's suspended President, Dilma Rousseff

B

razil’s suspended President Dilma Rousseff has defended her record during her impeachment trial in the Senate.

She is accused of illegally manipulating the budget to hide a growing deficit.

Rousseff said her conscience was “absolutely clean” and that she had not committed any crime.

Senators are cross-ex-

amining her. They are due to vote later this week on whether to remove her from office for good or whether to reinstate her.

Rousseff is accused of moving funds between Government budgets, which is illegal under Brazilian law.

Her critics say she was trying to plug deficit holes in popular social programmes to boost her chances of being

re-elected for a second term in October 2014.

Rousseff began her defence by reminding senators that she had been re-elected by more than 54 million voters.

She said she had always honoured and upheld the Constitution.

She also reminded Senators of her past as a resistance fighter who opposed military rule.

She said that even when she was tortured she continued to fight.

Her fight, she said, had been for a more equal society and that the achievements of her Government in that field were now “at risk”.

She added that she was determined to continue her fight against the attacks against her, which she said amounted to a “coup”.

Rousseff said she had been “unjustly accused” of crimes she said she had not committed. “I can’t help but taste the bitterness of injustice,” she said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Murder-suicide rocks Trincity

T

he worst fears of Rosemarie Blackburn’s two adult children were realised Sunday when they heard a single gunshot in their home and within seconds discovered their mother dead lying on the bathroom floor of their Trincity, Trinidad home.

As they attempted to get help from nearby neighbours, they saw their father run out of the house, get into his vehicle and speed off.

Minutes after, Police Officers from the Northern

Division Task Force (NDTF) received information that the black Tucson SUV PBZ 6505 was spotted in a parked position at Osprey Drive, Millennium Park, Trincity.

As the officers approached the vehicle with guns at the ready, a gunshot rang off. Businessman Edrick Blackburn, 55, had shot himself in the head while in the driver’s seat.

Investigating officers told the T&T Guardian that around 09:45h Blackburn got into an argument at his home with his wife,

Rosemarie, known as Rosie.

It was during the heated argument that Blackburn took his licensed firearm and shot 55-year-old Rosemarie twice in the chest. She collapsed and died in the bathroom of the flat concrete house.

The T&T Guardian was told that both Blackburn and his wife often accused each other of being unfaithful in their marriage. Even earlier last week, a big argument broke out between the two, according to Police Officers. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Mexican superstar Juan Gabriel dies at 66 of heart attack

A

n expected explosion in US tourism to Cuba will likely take years to materialise even after US airlines resume commercial flights to the Caribbean island this week for the first time since 1961, industry officials said.

JetBlue Airways Corp will pilot its historic flight from Florida to the Cuban city of Santa Clara on Wednesday, the latest step in normalising relations that earlier this year included a visit by US President Barack Obama and the first US cruise to the island in decades.

The planes may some day be filled with US beach-goers, looking for an economical Caribbean break at resorts favoured by Canadians and Europeans on the sandy keys north of Santa Clara.

But for now, US law and constraints on Cuba’s tourism infrastructure will act as brakes on increasing demand, experts said.

Congress has yet to lift a trade embargo that prohibits US citizens from visiting Cuba as tourists. The Obama Administration has approved 12 categories of exceptions to the ban ranging from cultural, religious and

educational travel to business and visiting family.

That means JetBlue’s initial flights will mainly carry Cuban-Americans visiting relatives or other US citizens interested in seeing the Che Guevara Mausoleum and other cultural sites.

Eventually, up to 25 flights a day by various carriers will connect the United States and the Cuban provinces, with another 20 to Havana, under an agreement reached by the two Cold War foes as part of a gradual détente begun in December 2014. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaican woman decries shoddy treatment by Barbadian officials at airport

T

here is yet another negative report pointed at Barbados’ immigration officers at the Grantley Adams International Airport.

Sonya King recounted what she describes as a horrific ordeal endured by herself and her 14-month-old son Kaleb Joseph Saturday night leading into early Sunday morning, when they sought entry into the country.

When King, a Jamaican, contacted the Jamaica Observer she explained that she has lived in Trinidad and Tobago for the past four years, but decided that she wanted to visit Barbados along with her son, for the experience. “…The very moment the immigration officer heard my accent and viewed my passport, my situation changed for the worst,” she said.

“The officer stamped ‘denied entry’ in my book and he went further by saying that I’m going back on a Caribbean Airlines plane as

Sonya King and her 14-month-old son, Kaleb Joseph

soon as one is available and they will also call the authorities in Trinidad to deport me to Jamaica. When I asked what was the issue they said I should not have come there, I should have returned to Jamaica first.

They asked for my marriage certificate, I showed them and they asked to see a return ticket and my sister sent it through WhatsApp

and I showed them,” King went on.

But, according to King the real nightmare began when she was refused water to make tea for her baby and her suitcases were taken from her and her son and herself were “forced to sleep on the ground on a dirty mattress and sheet which was covered in hair. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

Venezuela kicks out Ecuadorian lawmakers

A L

Mexican superstar Juan Gabriel

egendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel has died aged 66 of a heart attack in California, days after performing to 17,000 fans at the Los Angeles Forum.

Born into poverty, Alberto Aguilera Valadez, his real name, rose to sell more than 100 million albums and had his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In his glittering mariachi outfits, he won hearts with hits like “Amor Eterno”.

Latin American leaders rushed to pay tribute to a singer sometimes likened to Elvis Presley.

“His music was his legacy for the world,” Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Twitter. “He left us too soon.”

Some of his fans gathered in Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City, lighting candles and laying flowers for their hero.

“It truly is a sad loss for the Mexican people,” one man said. “One of the mu-

sical icons that had great relevancy for our country, especially because his music and his songs identified greatly with the Mexican people.”

“I mourn Juan Gabriel because he was a great artist and he was my age,” another fan said. “And that makes me even sadder because he was young.”

He wrote his first song at the age of 13 and went on to compose more than 1500, often love ballads. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

gainst the backdrop of rising political tension over a campaign to oust socialist President Nicolás Maduro, Caracas expelled a delegation of Ecuadorian lawmakers.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry confirmed the expulsion of a group of Ecuadorian lawmakers who had met with Opposition Leaders in Caracas. The Ecuadorians were accused of “destabilising” activities.

The group was reportedly intercepted on Friday

by Government intelligence personnel outside a military prison where Venezuelan Opposition Leader Leopoldo Lopez is jailed.

“What we have lived through in #Venezuela was

terrifying. We are now in #Ecuador,” Cynthia Viteri, a member of the Ecuadoran Congress, said on her Twitter account.

Viteri, who arrived in Venezuela on Thursday, had met with Opposition Leaders in the National Assembly and members of the main Opposition coalition.

She and her group were waiting outside the Ramo Verde military prison to meet with Lopez’s wife, Lilian Tintori, when they were picked up, she said.

The agents took their passports and told them they were being “expelled”, she said.

Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry said it was “con-

cerned” about the incident and has asked Caracas for an explanation.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry charged that Viteri’s group had “flagrantly” interfered in the country’s internal affairs.

The Ecuadorians “engaged in proselytising and destabilising activities in a sovereign country, (which is) expressly prohibited

by Venezuelan migratory norms”, it said in a statement.

The incident come amid escalating political tensions as the Venezuelan leader wards off pressure to hold a recall vote this year that could remove him from office. (Excerpted from Caribbean360)

tuesday, august 30, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Indian Minister advises Turkish forces deepen push into Syria, draw US tourists to “not wear skirts” rebuke over their target A

A wall along the border between Turkey and Syria is pictured near the south-eastern town of Deliosman in Kilis province, Turkey, August 29, 2016

T

urkish-backed forces pushed deeper into northern Syria on Monday and drew a rebuke from NATO ally the United States, which said it was concerned the battle for territory had shifted away from targeting Islamic State.

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter called on Turkey to stay focused on fighting Islamic State militants and not to target Kurdish elements of Syrian rebel forces,

which Washington backs.

The White House said a continued Turkish push would complicate the fight against Islamic State.

At the start of Turkey’s now almost week-long crossborder offensive, Turkish tanks, artillery and warplanes provided Syrian rebel allies with the firepower to capture swiftly the Syrian frontier town of Jarablus from Islamic State militants.

Since then, Turkish forces have mainly pushed into areas controlled by fighters aligned to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition that encompasses the Kurdish YPG militia and which has been backed

by Washington to fight the jihadists.

“Turkey is determined to take steps to guarantee its citizens’ security at home and in neighbouring countries,” President Tayyip Erdogan said in a message on the eve of Tuesday’s national Victory Day holiday.

Operations would continue until all threats, including from the YPG, were removed, he said.

A group monitoring the tangled, five-year-old conflict in Syria said 41 people were killed by Turkish air strikes as Turkish forces pushed south on Sunday.

Turkey denied there were civilian deaths, saying 25 Kurdish militants had been killed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US has accepted 10,000 Syrian refugees, White House says

T

he United States was scheduled to accept the 10,000th refugee from Syria on Monday as part of President Barack Obama’s policy to vastly increase the number of humanitarian admissions from the war-torn country, the White House said. And officials suggested that the ceiling for next year could be even higher.

The milestone comes more than a month ahead of schedule, and despite congressional concerns that the

Administration does not have the capacity to vet the influx of refugees.

The White House has said it has instituted stringent controls in selecting refugee referrals from the United Nations refugee agency.

“The President is gratified that we have succeeded in meeting this goal,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Monday. And Earnest suggested that Obama would like to do even more in the next fiscal

year, which begins October 1. “I think the President would like to see the United States continue to increase our ambition in responding to this global calamity,” he said. Under the Refugee Act of 1980, the President has the authority to set refugee limits after consulting Congress. Those consultations have already begun, Earnest said.

The United States accepted fewer than 1700 Syrian refugees in fiscal year 2015. (Excerpted from USA Today)

Pretoria Girls High racism protest backed by SA Minister

A

South African Minister has thrown his support behind protesting female students, who accuse their high school of operating a racist hair policy.

Black pupils at the private Pretoria Girls High say they have often been told to straighten their hair.

“Schools should not be used as a platform to discourage students from embracing their African identity,” Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa tweeted in support. The school has not yet commented.

The school’s code of conduct has a detailed list of rules about hair, but does not specifically mention the afro hairstyle, which some pupils say they are banned from having. The Minister also criticised the school over student complaints that they had been warned not to speak to each other in their own languages.

“It is unacceptable to ban

Protesters of all ages have been gathering outside the school gates this morning in solidarity

students from speaking their African languages at school”, he wrote on Twitter.

“This is about our identity as black people. We’re tired of being told to be less than what we are so we can fit in,” one of the protesters told me.The reports of alleged racism at the school have resonated across the country.

South Africans, particularly young black South Africans, have been using social media in recent months

to raise questions about beauty, cultural tolerance and racism here. They have been challenging what they describe as colonial standards that should have been dismantled years ago.At the heart of these protests are the high school’s black students who feel like their identity, which is wrapped up in the curly strands of their hair, is deemed as inferior. They have had enough. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

fter drawing widespread criticism, India’s Tourism and Culture Minister has backtracked after suggesting that female foreign tourists should not wear skirts in the country.

Talking to Journalists in the north Indian city of Agra on Sunday, Mahesh Sharma said tourists would be handed a “a list of dos and don’ts” at airports that would advise them “not to wear skirts” or “venture out alone at night in small cities”.

“For their own safe-

ty, women foreign tourists should not wear short dresses and skirts,” he said.

“Indian culture is different from the Western.”

Sharma, whose comments came under fire in India and abroad, clarified on Monday that he was referring only to religious places, and that he “spoke out of concern”.

“I was speaking about religious places, like temples.

I did not comment on what women should wear or not. I am the father of two daughters, I cannot put a ban on

what women wear,” Sharma said. “Such a ban is unimaginable, but it is not a crime to be cautious,” he added.

“Different countries issue advisories from time to time, but I never said change anyone’s way of dressing.”

Despite the Minister’s rebuttal, many Indians criticised him online.

“Mahesh Sharma go home & make a sandwich.

Don’t dictate terms to women under garb of Indian culture,” one Twitter user using the screen name “SheSays” tweeted. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Willy Wonka star Gene Wilder dies

U

S actor Gene Wilder, remembered by many for his lead role in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, has died at the age of 83, his family confirmed.

The comic actor also starred in classic films such as “The Producers”, “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein”.

Wilder frequently collaborated with writer and director Mel Brooks as well as stand-up comedian Richard Pryor.

The two-time Oscarnominated actor was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1989.

Wilder’s nephew con-

Gene Wilder

firmed the actor died on Sunday in Stamford, Connecticut, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

The star first made waves on Broadway before transitioning to the silver screen for a brief role as a kidnapped undertaker in Bonnie and Clyde (1967).

Tributes from the comedy world came within minutes of the news emerging.

Brooks tweeted: “One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship.”

Like many others, comedian Ricky Gervais picked up on one of Wilder’s famous lines as Wonka, and said, simply: “Good Day Sir! RIP Gene Wilder” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Chinese “Jack the Ripper” serial killer caught

A

n alleged serial killer, who is accused of raping and murdering 11 female victims in northern China over more than a decade, has been captured by Police, say local reports.

Gao Chengyong, called China’s “Jack the Ripper”, was detained at a grocery store he runs with his wife.

He admitted to the killings, which took place between 1988 and 2002, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Police say Gao targeted young women dressed in red and followed them home, where he would rape and kill them, often cutting their throat and mutilating their

Gao Chengyong has been dubbed China’s “Jack the Ripper” for the string of gruesome murders he committed over 14 years

bodies.

His youngest alleged victim was eight years old.

In 2004, Police had said

the suspect they were looking for “has a sexual perversion and hates women”.

However, no leads were found until China’s Criminal Investigation Bureau earlier this year re-launched an investigation into the case, using new technology to re-examine DNA. Gao was tracked down after his uncle was arrested for a minor crime, according to news outlet China Daily. He gave a DNA sample which Police then linked to the crimes, determining they must have been committed by a relative.

Gao’s first alleged killing took place in May 1988, the year his son was born. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

A decade on, vaccine has halved cervical cancer rate

T

he world’s first cancer vaccine was administered in Australia exactly 10 years ago.

Since then, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has been rolled out across 130 countries and halved the number of new cervical cancers.

The HPV vaccine also protects against cancers in the throat and mouth in both men and women.

“It helps not only control cervical cancer but also the

oropharyngeal cancer – the cancers inside the mouth that are caused by these viruses,” Prof Frazer, chief executive of the Translational Research Institute, said.

HPV is a very common virus that lives on our skin and other areas of the body, including the mouth, genital areas and anus. It can be passed through skin-to-skin contact and genital contact.

The virus is most often passed during vaginal and anal sex, but can also

be transmitted through oral sex.

“The papilloma viruses that cause cancer are very common indeed,” Prof Frazer said. Professor f Frazer, the late molecular virologist Dr Jian Zhou and a research team used genetic engineering to build a virus replica to create the vaccine. With millions of doses of the vaccine administered worldwide, the number of new cases of cervical cancer has reportedly halved. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 NEWS busted with Berbice Police awarded Prisoner ganja in NA prison I A

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

n an effort to motivate ranks who play an integral role in crime fighting, 65 ranks from ‘B’ Division were awarded on Saturday.

The ranks were awarded for their prompt, intelligent and good Police work in capturing wanted persons and criminals and also in the recovery of firearms and detection of illegal drugs.

The award ceremony was held at the St Francis Community Developers auditorium in Rose H a l l Town.

Also receiving awards were 17 w o r k study students, 13 members of the business community and four individuals for their selfless service and commitment to social activities that aided crime prevention and traffic improvement, while eight media operatives were awarded for their continuous support to the Division.

Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam noted

that the media have been highlighting the good work being done by t h e po-

lice.

“I comm e n d those media houses that have things like court round-up and they show where persons who are prosecuted in the magistrates’ courts or in the High Court; when criminals see that it is used as a deterrent. So the perception is that if you do crime

and are caught you will go to jail.”

Speaking about the Police’s performance, Amsterdam said many ranks have been dedicated and were not awarded during the Force award ceremony July in observance if its 177th anniversary: “We want to do this as part of our contribution to our ranks and all those who would have supported us thus far during the year.”

H e pointed o u t that several ranks w e r e awarded during the 177th anniversary in July, however, there are others who were unable to receive awards despite the exceptional work they did. This was due to a lack of funds.

According to Amsterdam, more that $14 million in incentives were given out to ranks but some $20 million more was needed.

(Andrew Carmichael)

prisoner at the New Amsterdam Prison was busted with 7 grams of cannabis and has implicated a female prison officer, saying that she sold it to him.

The illegal drug was found on Sunday when the inmate was seen acting in a suspicious manner. A search was conducted and the illegal substance found in a bag he was carrying.

Reports are the Police were called in and the prisoner told ranks that a female prison officer (name withheld) took the drug into the prison and placed in a bucket by a sink for him to uplift.

Police are investigating

Duo charged for illegal gun A

17-year- old and a 29-year-old were on Monday jointly charged with possession of a firearm when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Deon Chand and Shamar Charles of Agricola, Georgetown, both pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them by Magistrate Leron Daly.

The charge alleged that on August 26, 2016 at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) while being in the company of others, they were in possession of a shot gun without being the holder of a gun licence.

The Prosecution contended that Police searched a vehicle that the defendants were in and discovered the gun in the trunk of the car.

The other occupants managed to escape.

However,

Charles’

at-

Deon Chand

Shamar Charles

torney in a bail application told the court that he was hired to take several persons to Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

He said when his client reached the destination, the passengers disembarked but requested that he wait until they completed a business transaction.

While waiting, Police officers arrested him and

searched the car and the shotgun was found in the trunk.

The passengers upon return recognised what was occurring and escaped.

However, the teen was caught by Police.

Chand was granted $250,000 and Charles $150,000. Both men will next appear in court on September 9.

17

News

tuesday, AUGUST 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

More PTAs, secretariat Women urged to leave to be set up abusive relationships

T

he Education Ministry is moving to resuscitate Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) across the nation and increase the number of student councils.

Augmenting the number of these Associations and student councils will allow for parents and other stakeholders to share in the process of diagnosing and taking actions to address issues affecting schools and children’s performance, Chief Planning Officer in the Ministry, Evelyn Hamilton said.

Engaging indigenous leaders at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference recently, Hamilton explained, “What the Ministry wants to do in a sense, is to have our stakeholders – parents, Toshaos, other community leaders being able to look at the school and to be able to say to the Ministry what might be going wrong, with the physical facilities, what might be going wrong with teachers’ attendance, with children’s attendance… and to suggest ways in which for each individual school there could be an improvement in performance.”

There are also plans to have a new PTA Secretariat.

This will ensure a line of communication through which the concerns of the

B

Chief Planning Officer Evelyn Hamilton

PTAs can be channelled to the Ministry for action, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said.

“I believe that for us to move this whole education train along, we must get the active collaboration of teachers and parents. Teachers have the children in school for a few hours; the parents have them the rest of the time. We cannot have teachers doing one thing in the classroom, and when they get home, parents doing another,” the Minister is quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency at the recently-concluded NTC.

“We need to ensure that the collaboration between our teachers and our parents is very strong. To that end, we are planning to establish at the Ministry of Education a national PTA secretariat, where we are going to monitor much more carefully than we were able to do the state, the conditions of the PTAs across the country,” he explained.

The Ministry has already engaged a PTA coordinator to assist with improving the capacity and capability of the bodies and student councils countrywide. The Ministry has also employed the PTA Secretariat Head.

Harris Paints continues to champion building career pathways with Youth Employment Programme

H

arris Paints, the Caribbean Champions of Colour, once again launched its annual Internship and Summer Employment Programme, showing its continued investment in the future workforce across the Caribbean.

According to a release from the company, over 40 interns from Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, and Guyana, in addition to others from as far as Canada, were selected to participate in the 2016 programme which began in May and runs until August 31.

With studies varying from Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Business Management and Finance, to Tourism & Hospitality, Marketing and Aviation Management, the students were challenged to use their skills and training to add value to the workplace while advancing their career goals.

Marguerite Desir, senior VP for Human Resources and head of Harris Paints Guyana, St Lucia and Dominica, said, “Our goal is to offer opportunities to these students who have clearly expressed a desire to work and showcase a level of proactivity and creative out-the-box thinking that belies their age. In doing so, Harris is helping young adults take the next step in their career path and our region as a whole take the next

step in developing our future workforce.”

One intern, Abigail Welch from Guyana, who is studying in Canada and majoring in Economics and Finance said: “It was certainly a privilege to work at the Caribbean’s leader in the paint industry. My experience working in the finance department alongside the Senior VP Finance was rewarding. I learnt so many things that will better equip me as a new grad entering the corporate world. I thoroughly enjoyed the internship programme as it has been a transformative experience and allowed me to demonstrate my true potential.”

This year Harris Paints also collaborated with the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) which offers an annual Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE). SPISE is an intense four-week enrichment residential summer programme for the most gifted Caribbean high-school students, 16-17 years of age, who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. Several SPISE graduates are currently attending MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia and University College London as freshmen or sophomores.

The long-term goals of the programme are, to help

address the low numbers of Caribbean students pursuing advanced degrees in science engineering, to groom the next generation of science, engineering technology and business leaders in the Caribbean, and to help diversify the economies of the Caribbean by stimulating more technologybased entrepreneurship, the release added. About Harris Paints: Harris Paints celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012, having started as a small manufacturing operation in Barbados. Still owned and managed locally, it is now a regional paint manufacturer promoting quality objectives built on the five core values of the Harris Group of Companies, inclusive of: High Ethical Standards; Excellent Customer Service and Quality; Development of People and Team Work; Excellent Business Efficiency; and the highest regard for Safety, Health and the Environment. Harris Paints operates in five countries across the region -Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica, trading there as B-H Paints and employs over 200 staff region-wide. Harris Paints’ premium quality painting and decorating solutions can be found at over 1400 dealers (with 70+ Harris/BH Paints Colour centres) spread across 15 countries throughout the Caribbean.

e proactive and not reactive were words of advice to women in abusive relationships and homes by Madinah House President, Lydia Choate.

Over the past 16 years, she said Madinah House has provided shelter to more than 1000 women and children and has even housed women who were victims of human trafficking.

Choate said the nonprofit organisation is more than a shelter. “More than just a shelter” is the organisation’s motto.

She encouraged women in abusive relationships and homes to develop a safety plan: “Do not wait to be maimed or killed. Be proactive and not reactive.”

She also called on affected women to have a support group of trustworthy people who they can rely on when faced with a crisis.

“Let us use words that would help, uplift and heal; not bring down the other person. Let us learn to manage conflict and un-

General Manager of The Rape Crisis Society of T&T, Natalie O’Brady (left) chats with psychologist Dr Eugenia Springer

derstand our triggers that lead us to be angry,” she said.

The organisation hosted its 17th annual fundraising luncheon yesterday at the Imani Hall, Cipero Street in San Fernando, Trinidad.

Madinah House also partners with the Ministry of National Security to temporarily house women who have been lured into T&T by men who promised them a brighter future, Choate said.

Madinah House was established by ‘MusServ’ through guidance officer, Gayaz Rajab, now deceased. In 1999, Madinah House entered a lease agreement for a property to house the women’s shelter.

Guest speaker, general manager of The Rape Crisis Society of T&T, Natalie O’Brady, said greater investment in family was needed. Her address focused on family life and raising healthy families. (T&T Newsday)

Ramjattan’s comments about...

FROM PAGE 3

But Ali, an Opposition MP, took Ramjattan to task, responding that he was only seeking to confuse the public and achieve selfish motives.

“The comments by Ramjattan are distasteful and disrespectful to the Chairman and members of the PAC. If Ramjattan has to apologise for any comments or commitment he has to give to anyone to be part of the Public Procurement Commission, he should not use the PAC to achieve his objective,” Ali told Guyana Times on Monday.

He said it was public knowledge that when the motion was taken to the National Assembly, every member of the PPC was selected unanimously.

“It was grossly disrespectful and improper and unethical for Ramjattan to suggest otherwise. The committee worked tirelessly through many Parliament sessions to come with a consensus position on this matter. It was the exceptional work of the PAC that allowed us to bring a unanimous decision on this matter to the National Assembly,” Ali told this publication.

Further, Ali said, if Ramjattan had any objection at the time the motion was taken to the National Assembly, he had adequate opportunities to stand and suggest changes or amendments he wanted to make.

“But he stood and applauded the consensus. So to try to confuse the public using the name of the PAC, speaks vol-

ume of his character and the level to which he would go to achieve selfish motives,” Ali said.

Meanwhile, commenting on Ramjattan’s statement too, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall said the comments illustrated very vividly that the Minister was yet to realise that he was in the Government, or he was powerless in the Government, or maybe both.

“It is the APNU/AFC that promised the establishment of the Procurement Commission within 100 days of taking office. Over 450 days after, there is no Procurement Commission in place, although they enjoy a majority in both the National Assembly and in the Public Accounts Committee. Therefore, who is Mr Ramjattan “urging”? He is in Government. Is he urging himself? Or is it internally, his voice has no weight?” he asked.

He said Ramjattan’s blaming the Opposition for the non-appointment of “great people” like Ram and Goolsarran was equally preposterous.

“The Government controls the majority in the Public Accounts Committee. The Government has the power to appoint three persons to the Commission and the Opposition the power to appoint two. Therefore, if the Government really wanted to appoint those two “great people”, there is nothing that the Opposition could have done to stymie these appoint-

ments. It is Mr Ramjattan’s own Government that rejected them. Again, I have to wonder whether anyone takes Ramjattan seriously in APNU. If these were his candidates, why were they both rejected?”

He said the truth of the matter was that even without the Procurement Commission, Cabinet could, if it wanted to, voluntarily give up its role in relation to no-objections to contracts.

“Additionally, this Government has persistently refused to comply with the Procurement Act and has been gifting hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to friends and cronies; for example, the Specialty Hospital, D’Urban Park and hundreds of millions worth of contracts for the cleaning of Georgetown

by Central Government.

None of these contracts were granted with any regard to the Procurement Act,” the former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister said.

Nandlall said this had nothing to do with the PPC, but was all about “a Government steeped in unaccountability, lack of transparency and corruption”.

“So Mr Ramjattan can stop “hoping and praying” and start convincing his Government to comply with the Procurement Act and stop gifting contracts to its friends.

If not, the Procurement Commission would become another bureaucratic burden upon the backs of Guyanese taxpayers,” he declared.

18

guyana-times.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

ARCHIE

Slow down or you’ll miss a good deal. A chance to turn an (March 21- idea into a moneymaking venApril 19) ture looks awesome. An update to your appearance will boost your morale.

ARIES

Don’t let your personal life

DILBERT

TAURUS interfere with your work. Focus (April 20- on what needs to be done if you May 20) want to get ahead. Think big and go after your goals.

A challenge will turn out GEMINI to be greater than anticipat(May 21ed.

Think twice before you June 20) take on something you will not be able to finish. Look out for your best interests.

If you compromise a little, CANCER you will get a whole lot in re(June 21- turn. Use your imagination to July 22) come up with solutions that will appease others and suit your needs. Think big

PEANUTS

Make plans to do things LEO with the older or younger peo(July 23ple in your life. A fun-filled Aug. 22) event you can share with loved ones will bring you closer together.

Arguing is a waste of time.

VIRGO If something isn’t working for (Aug. 23Sept. 22) you, you need to change it. Do what’s best for you and don’t look back. Forward motion will lead to your success.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

You need to take control of LIBRA your life. Diplomacy coupled (Sept. 23with a stern demeanor will Oct. 23) capture attention and help you get what you want. An opportunity will come via a former colleague.

Participate in events that SCORPIO will encourage you to dis(Oct. 24- play what you have to offer.

Nov. 22) Collaborating with an interesting person will help you bypass someone else trying to outdo you.

SAGITTARIUS You need a change. A (Nov. 23- short trip that could enlightDec. 21) en you regarding personal or professional situations is encouraged. Don’t give in to temptation.

Take care of matters perCAPRICORN sonally. No one else will do (Dec. 22- the job the way you want it Jan. 19) done. A short trip will expand your professional options as well as your knowledge.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE You can make favourAQUARIUS able changes in your relation(Jan. 20ships if you go the extra mile.

Feb. 19) Romantic plans will give you something to look forward to.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Don’t feel that you have to (Feb. 20- travel when you can get evMarch 20) erything you need from the comfort of your home. You’ll avoid frustration, delays and unsavoury encounters by staying put.

tuesDAY, august 30, 2016

US Open 2016

Nadal, Kerber advance

A determined Angelique Kerber presses forward after a clinical performance in the 1st round

S

pain’s Rafael Nadal and Germany’s Angelique Kerber were among the leading names to make early progress on day one of the US Open in New York.

Kerber, seeded second in the women’s draw, led Polona Hercog 6-0 1-0 when the Slovenian succumbed to leg cramps.

Nadal, the men’s fourth seed and a two-time former champion, swept past Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin 6-1 6-4 6-2.

World number one Novak

Djokovic plays Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz in the first night-session match at 00:00 BST. Nadal, who missed the French Open and Wimbledon with a wrist injury, said: “The most important thing is that I am here in New York. Injuries are part of the career. I had a hard time this year.”

There was an early shock in the men’s draw as Britain’s Kyle Edmund upset French 13th seed Richard Gasquet 6-2 6-2 6-3.

John Isner, the 20th

seed, almost followed Gasquet out of the tournament but the American came back from two sets down to beat 18-year-old compatriot Frances Tiafoe 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 7-6 (7-3).

“It hurts, it hurts a lot,” said Tiafoe, who served for the match in the fifth set.

“Especially not getting over the line.”

Women’s third seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain avoided an upset as she fought back to beat Belgian Elise Mertens 2-6 6-0 6-3.

Isner was two points from defeat against teenager Tiafoe Kerber resumes bid to be number one Australian Open champion Kerber made it through to round two without dropping a game, as she looks to land a second major title and end Serena Williams’ 185-week run at the top of the rankings.

Kerber, 28, came within one match win of toppling the American eight days ago in Cincinnati, and Muguruza and Agnieszka Radwanska also have a chance to do so in New York.

“To be one day number one, I think this is a goal from everybody, especially also for me,” said Kerber.

“But I will not put too much pressure on myself because I know that when I put the pressure on, I’m not playing my tennis then.”(BBC)

19

Aguero out of Argentina, Man City qualifiers

M

Sergio Aguero was subbed in the 88th minute of Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham

anchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of Argentina’s World Cup 2018 qualifiers with a calf injury.

The Argentina Football Association confirmed the 28-year-old picked up the injury during City’s 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham on Sunday.

No timescale has been given for his return, with Aguero potentially facing FA charges for elbowing

Hammers defender Winston Reid.

Argentina play Uruguay on Friday, before facing Venezuela on 7 September.

Lionel Messi has also been training with Argentina after reversing his retirement decision, which was made at the start of August.

Argentina are currently third in the qualifying table after winning three of their six games. (BBC)

Vuelta a Espana

Chris Froome 3rd as Nairo Quintana wins stage 10

C

hris Froome moved back into third in the Vuelta as Nairo Quintana won stage 10 to regain the overall lead.

Colombian Quintana attacked early on Monday’s long final climb and regularly shed competitors to win by 24 seconds.

Froome was dropped from the leading group by the initial attack, but set his own pace up the mountain and relentlessly reeled in all bar two of the other riders to finish third.

Team Sky rider Froome, 31, is 58 seconds behind Quintana overall.

The Colombian’s teammate Alejandro Valverde lies a second ahead of the

Chris Froome fought all the way up the final climb on stage 10 and is now 58 seconds behind overall leader Nairo Quintana

Briton in second place in the overall standings, while overnight leader David de la Cruz fell back to seventh overall.

Froome is aiming to become the first man in 38 years to win the Vuelta and Tour de France in the same season. (BBC)

Winning run ahead of Manchester Doctor puts Fraser-Pryce’s foot derby important for United ― Rooney

in protective boot, mulls surgery

M

anchester United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League has helped the club build momentum before the derby clash against Manchester City, striker Wayne Rooney has said.

Marcus Rashford slotted in a winner in stoppage time against Hull City last weekend to ensure that Jose Mourinho’s side were tied at the top of the Premier League on nine points after three league games.

However, Rooney, who scored in United’s 3-1 victory against Bournemouth in their opening league game, urged his team not to take their foot of the pedal against City, who also remain unbeaten this season.

“It’s early but you want to try to build momentum and especially going into the international break,” Rooney told British media.

S

Wayne Rooney

“To go there with three wins is important and with the next game being Man City it was a big win for us, even though it’s so early in the season.

“We know whatever happens against City isn’t going to define the season but it’s always nice to go into that break with the three wins.”

Mourinho and City manager Pep Guardiola will renew their rivalry when the

two Manchester clubs meet on Sept. 10 at Old Trafford, and Rooney said there was an air of excitement ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash. “It’s a game players, staff, media, fans, everyone will be looking forward to,” he added. “It’s a Manchester derby but also with Jose and Pep Guardiola at Man City.

“It’s exciting for everyone and exciting to play in.”

(Reuters)

helly Ann FraserPryce is to see a doctor in Miami in about two weeks at which time a decision could be made as to whether or not she undergoes surgery on a troublesome big toe.

The 2016 Olympic 100-metre bronze medalist had been bothered by the injured toe for almost a year.

It hampered her preparation for the Olympic Games where she was attempting to become the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic 100-metre titles.

She aggravated the injury while winning her 100m semi-final heat but was able to mine a bronze medal in the final won by her compatriot Elaine Thompson.

According to the athlete’s publicist, Sherie Ranston, Fraser-Pryce visited her doctor in Miami on her way home from Brazil. He had

Jamaica’s top female sprinter, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce has been bothered by the injured toe for almost a year

her wear a protective boot which she will keep on for the next two weeks when he is to examine the toe again.

The specific nature of the injury remains a mystery, SportsMax.tv understands.

Initial reports said she was suffering from a fracture but later reports suggested it was not.

Ranston said the athlete

is reluctant to speak on the nature of the injury until there is certainty as to what it actually is.

In addition to her two Olympic 100-metre titles, Fraser-Pryce has also won four individual World Championship gold medals including three 100-metre titles in 2009, 2013, and 2015. (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

tuesDAY, august 30, 2016

South Africa v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Centurion…

South Africa 372 ahead after 13-wicket day to glove a catch to gully. By then, though, South Africa were 349 ahead.

It looked like Temba Bavuma and Stiaan van Zyl would play out the overs remaining till stumps, but just when they seemed set to achieve that objective, Wagner produced a lovely delivery in the channel outside off to have van Zyl caught behind.

In the morning, Williamson displayed exemplary technique - head over the ball, soft hands at point of contact and bat near pad - to quell Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander, all of whom got

stump, forcing the quicks straighter and then picking them off through midwicket his modus operandi for most of his innings. He scored 77, his first Test fifty in South Africa.

At the other end, South Africa peppered Henry Nicholls with short balls.

Despite looking awkward while fending or avoiding the bouncers, Nicholls seemed largely untroubled against the ensuing full deliveries until he missed a drive off Rabada. Umpire Paul Reiffel adjudged Nicholls to be not out but on review, Hawkeye indicated that the ball had pitched in line and would

Vernon Philander exults after dismissing Mitchell Santner © AFP

S

outh Africa gained control of the second Test at Centurion after their seamers made light work of New Zealand's middle and lower order to bowl them out for 214. On a 13-wicket third day at Super Sport Park, South Africa's lead ballooned to 372 despite New Zealand's quicks scything through their top order to leave them 105 for 6 at stumps.

Kane Williamson's diligent work ethic helped weather a testing period in the morning, but regular breakthroughs meant South Africa ripped through New Zealand's largely untested middle order, and took a first-innings lead of 267.

Having chosen not to enforce the follow-on, South Africa began their second innings in sprightly fashion after an early tea,

with Quinton de Kock hitting five fours and a six off the first 11 balls he faced.

But Trent Boult and Tim Southee utilised appreciable lateral movement to nip out three wickets in two overs: Stephen Cook lbw after being pinned in the crease to a Boult inswinger from Boult, Hashim Amla caught at second slip off Southee, and JP Duminy playing around his front pad. After five overs, South Africa were 32 for 3.

Just like in the first innings, New Zealand persisted by bowling short at de Kock, but he didn't shy away from pulling. He made use of any width on offer and brought up his second fifty of the Test, off 42 balls. But an unplayable bouncer from Doug Bracewell, jagging into the left-hander from around the wicket and rearing towards his head, caused him

short leg in place. Williamson and BJ Watling, two of New Zealand's better-equipped batsmen to tackle the bouncer, ducked or swayed out of the line.

Steyn persevered and reaped reward when he had Watling fending off his ribs, the ball grazing his glove on the way to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. A thin spike on the Snickometer resulted in South Africa's second wicket of the day, via their second successful review. With Mitchell Santner inside-edging Philander onto his stumps shortly before lunch, and Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee falling within six overs of each other after the break, New Zealand were 169 for 8.

Rabada, regularly clocking 150 kph, discomfited Wagner with a series of bouncers, one of which took the edge of his bat and lobbed to second slip via his shoulder. However, replays indicated Rabada had overstepped. Thereafter, Wagner changed tack from wearing blows to all-out attack, and heaved three fours and a six in the space of five Steyn deliveries to hurry New Zealand past 200.

He kept playing the pull, and eventually, one took his leading edge on the way to de Kock and Steyn duly directed Wagner back to the dressing room. Williamson was last man out in the next over, top-edging a pull just as Wagner had done. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kane Williamson's 77 was his first half-century in South Africa © AFP

the ball to move both ways through the day. Williamson repeatedly left deliveries on a testing line outside off

have hit middle stump.

The short-pitched plans continued after Nicholls' dismissal with a leg gully and

New Zealand 1st innings M Guptill c van Zyl b Philander 8 T Latham c †de Kock b Steyn 4 K Williamson* c †de Kock b Rabada 77 R Taylor run out (Bavuma) 1 H Nicholls lbw b Rabada 36 B Watling† c †de Kock b Steyn 8 0 M Santner b Philander D Bracewell lbw b Rabada 18 T Southee c †de Kock b Piedt N Wagner c †de Kock b Steyn 31 T Boult not out 0 Extras (b 5, lb 2, w 15, nb 1) 23 Total (all out; 58.3 overs) 214 Fall of wickets 1-13 (Guptill, 3.3 ov), 2-13 (Latham, 4.3 ov), 3-26 (Taylor, 9.2 ov), 4-86 (Nicholls, 30.5 ov), 5-106 (Watling, 37.3 ov), 6-111 (Santner, 38.4 ov), 7-144 (Bracewell, 46.5 ov), 8-169 (Southee, 51.5 ov), 9-214 (Wagner, 57.5 ov), 10214 (Williamson, 58.3 ov) Bowling: Steyn 20-3-663, Philander 15-1-43-2,

Rabada, Piedt 7-0-36-1 South Africa 2nd innings S Cook lbw b Boult 4 Q de Kock† c Williamson b Bracewell 50 H Amla c Guptill b Southee 1 JP Duminy lbw b Southee 0 F du Plessis* c Taylor b Boult 6 T Bavuma not out 25 S van Zyl c †Watling b Wagner 5 V Philander not out 3 Extras (b 4, w 6, nb 1) 11 Total (6 wickets; 34 overs) 105 To bat: K Rabada, DW Steyn, DL Piedt Fall of wickets 1-31 (Cook, 3.2 ov), 2-32 (Amla, 4.2 ov), 3-32 (Duminy, 4.5 ov), 4-47 (du Plessis, 11.2 ov), 5-82 (de Kock, 19.1 ov), 6-98 (van Zyl, 28.5 ov) Bowling: Southee 10-5-272, Boult 8-0-38-2, Bracewell 7-2-19-1, Wagner 9-1-17-1

Dilshan opens up on lack of support during captaincy tenure T

ilakaratne Dilshan cast aspersions on the conduct of former and present team-mates -particularly Angelo Mathews - soon after his final ODI, against Australia on Sunday. Prompted to speak on the challenges faced in his 10-month stint as Sri Lanka captain between April 2011 and January 2012, Dilshan suggested he did not have the support of some team-mates. He also said he had been hurt by his sudden removal as captain, following the year-end tour of South Africa, in which Sri Lanka lost both series, but won a Test in South Africa for the first time.

Dilshan had been named captain after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had both resigned from that post. It was Jayawardene who eventually replaced him after the South Africa tour.

"I didn't actually plan to take the captaincy, but the SLC president asked me to take over for six months until we find someone else," Dilshan said.

"Unfortunately, we had also lost two bowlers. Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan] had retired. Nuwan Kulasekara was injured.

Ajantha Mendis was injured. I didn't have great resources.

"Angelo Mathews had a calf injury for a year that stopped him from bowling.

That must be because of my misfortune, because after I had stepped down, we went to Australia after a week. In that week, Mathews started bowling. That must be because of Mahela's good fortune."

Mathews did bowl during Dilshan's captaincy, but had a reduced workload.

He did not bowl in nine of the 20 ODIs under Dilshan, and never delivered more than five overs in a match.

This workload did see a substantial increase when Jayawardene resumed captaincy.

In Tests, Mathews did not bowl in 12 of the 16 innings under Dilshan, though at the time, he was not an integral part of the Test attack.

However, Mathews had suffered leg injuries even prior

Tillakaratne Dilshan

to Dilshan's captaincy, most notably when he missed the 2011 World Cup final due to a quad strain.

Though Dilshan said the manner of his ousting did cause hurt, he insisted he did not let "personal issues" affect his cricket. Sri Lanka's first assignment after the South Africa tour was the 2012 tri-series in Australia.

Dilshan topscored in that tournament, hitting 513 runs at an average of 51.30.

"At the end of that South Africa series, I put everything aside. I went to

Australia, scored 500 runs, and became Man of the Series. It didn't matter to me who was captain. I wasn't concerned about who ousted me as captain. I always play for my country. I didn't worry about those personal things, but I was hurt."

Dilshan's own first assignment as captain had been Sri Lanka's tour of England, but broke his finger during his 193 at Lord’s in the second Test. He suggested it had been with some reluctance that Sangakkara took on the captaincy for one Test, after that injury ruled

Dilshan out for the game at Southampton.

"There actually wasn't anyone who was willing to be captain. Everyone resigned after the 2011 World Cup. In England a ball hit my hand and I broke my finger, and the former captains were asked to lead, and they said no. After that only when it was talked about that someone like Sanath Jayasuriya or Thilina Kandamby be made captain that someone presented himself to be captain. But I guess there's no point talking about those past things anymore.

"But I am proud that it is players that I brought into the team at the time who are winning matches now.

About six or seven of the players today are cricketers who I'd given a chance to. At the time it was a problem for me, because people asked me why I was giving young players so many opportunities. But today, we should look at players like Dinesh Chandimal."

Dilshan still has two more T20 matches to play before he becomes an ex-

cricketer across formats. He said the decision to retire had been spontaneous.

"I hadn't planned to retire, before the series," he said. "Whether someone tells me to keep playing or stop playing, that's not what's important. What is important is what I feel.

I started the series thinking that I'll play for another year - at least in T20 cricket.

But when I woke up on the 25th I felt that it was time to go.

"To be honest I could easily play for another year or two. But we have to look to the future. If I play for another two years and leave, there's only 18 months before the next World Cup and that's unfair to the team.

A young player could be blooded in that time. Since I started opening six years ago, we haven't found a permanent partner for me. I've opened with about 10 people - so that's a problematic area for us. If I keep playing we won't be able to get two batsmen settled in that place. I'll be able to get some rest." (Cricinfo)

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Bumrah breaks Nannes’ T20 record I n-form Indian speedster takes two wickets in rained-out affair against West Indies to set new mark Boom India youngster Jasprit Bumrah has added his name to the record books after capturing the most T20 International wickets in a calendar year.

Bumrah, who only made his T20I debut in January against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, has taken 28 wickets for India in the game’s shortest format from 21 matches.

Against West Indies on Sunday night, he took 2-26 before the match was washed out, adding to the 2-47 he claimed in the series opener that West Indies claimed 1-0.

Former Australia quick Dirk Nannes was the previous record holder, having taken 27 wickets in 14 matches in 2010.

Bumrah, 22, also took 15 wickets for Mumbai Indians in this year’s Indian Premier League to finish equal eighth on the wicket-takers list.

In the process, he earned the plaudits of Mumbai coach and Australian legend Ricky Ponting.

“If you look at the skills Bumrah has and the way he has come through over the last two years, then he is ready to play Test cricket,”

Jasprit Bumrah picked up 2-47 including Marlon Samuels during the second T20I in Florida

Ponting said in May. “He’s got everything. He’s got an unusual action, got good pace and with the brand new ball can get some good movement in the air.

“If India are looking for someone to come in and play Test cricket then I am sure Bumrah’s name will be in the selectors’ mind.

“Over the last three months, starting with the Australia tour and then the World T20, he has been a stand-out performer and he has been a stand-out bowler in IPL as well.

“A lot of times, he has bowled the tougher overs, an

over in Power Play and then generally two in death.

“His skills with the slower ball, yorkers and bouncers are exactly where we wanted him to be.”

Ravi Ashwin meanwhile, also took two wickets on Sunday against the Windies to move to 23 for 2016 (the fourth-most in a calendar year) and 52 overall, the most by any Indian bowler.

Pakistan dominate the T20I top wicket-takers list since the inaugural match in 2005, with Shahid Afridi (97), Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal (85 each) occupying the top three places.(Reuters)

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Green out-peddled Andrew Hicks in a close finish to win the race. Sponsor of the event UK based Guianese businessman and member of the Flying Ace cycle Club, Franco Crawford rode in third in the race

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which commenced at the Number 51 Police Station on the Corentyne and finished at Main and Alexander Streets in New Amsterdam.

Brian Harris in a return to competitive cycling finished fourth ahead of Syborne Fernandez and Curtis Dey in that order after finished fourth in was third after.

Green grabbed four of the ten sprint point prizes available, Hicks three,

Ralph Seenarine two and Rokeel Gorden one.

Eleven riders completed the race.

Shivnarine Bhowandin was the only BXM rider to participate in the day’s activity.

Winners received cash incentives along with cycle spare parts as incentives while everyone who completed the race received a complete cycling outfit.

Rockers take care of Hardliners 79-41

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mithfield Rockers reordered their first win in the tournament when they beat underdogs Ithaca Hardliners 79-41 at the Ithaca Court on Sunday when action in the A. Ally and Sons Basketball Tournament continued.

Led by a game-high 23 points from Jamal Felix, the visitors led from the

start of the game and never relinquished the lead.

At the end of the first quarter the scoreboard read 37-23 and when the half time whistle came they had extended the lead to 37-23.

The lead was extended further at in the third quarter which finished 5033.

Felix received good sup-

port from Kester Sinclair (11), Royan Solomon (7) and Elroy Amsterdam (6).

For the losers, Gladwin Cort led the way with 27 and Tyrone Day 14 points.

The competition continues on Sunday when New Amsterdam Warriors take on Guyana Human Development Centre (GHDC) at their Port Mourant court.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

tuesday, august 30, 2016

Guyana defend Benjamin’s hat-trick drag racing title powers Santos to title in Suriname D Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic...

ynamic forward Kelsy Benjamin netted a superb hat-trick to power Santos Football Club to the under-17 title of the third annual Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic on Monday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground after defeating Eastveldt 4-1.

Benjamin, who looked to be a step above his players on the field, created havoc on his favoured left wing, netting in the 16th, 47th and 62nd minutes while Ryan Hackett score in the 58th; Mosses Gritten netted a penalty in the 12th for the losers.

In the under-15s, Trinidadian side Gairy John Academy won the title

Kelsey Benjamin who was voted Most Valuable Player and highest goal scorer collects his prize from Minster within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry

after defeating Barbadian side Paradise 2-1 Minster within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry speaking at the closing ceremony

said that the government would like young people to be fit and healthy and events such as this help promote that consciousness.

Henry added, “Success in

The winning Under-15 team, Trinidad’s Gairy John Academy

sport has been far too focused on participants and medals but now it will be used as a force for development as it helps transcend cultural values”. The other teams which participated in the under-15 were: Gall Hall, Waterford, Paradise, Empire (Barbados) Morvant Academy, Elcock Academy (Trinidad) and Guyana’s Wales, Den Amstel and Victoria Kings Camptown, RP warriors and Grove HiTech.

At the U-17 level, Fruta Conquerors, Grove HiTech, Alpha and Santos, East Veldt and Pele sides are Guyana’s representatives, Cosmos, Gall Hall, Paradise (Barbados) and Creek, Morvant Academy and Black Waters of Trinidad.

The next edition of the championship will be held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines next year.

The Nissan GT-R (left) and Chevy Nova were the main attractions once again at the Drag Meet (GMR&SC photo)

T

he Guyanese drag racers were successful in defending their title of best man and machine on a sunny weekend in Suriname. Team Guyana was well represented by Sanjay Persaud with the Toyota Wagon and Peter Daby in the swept the finals in their respective class.

Sanjay Persaud, in piloting the Toyota Wagon won the 11 second class, Peter Daby in the Mazda RX-7 won the 10 second class and the big “Godzilla” of all, the Nissan GT-R, presumable the fastest car in the Caribbean won the outlaw class.

The GT-R’s win was not straight forward, as the Surinamese Nova and

the GT-R ended up in the finals but the Nova false started and the GT-R was officially the winner but the score had to be settled even if it means in the dark night.

The monsters turned up to the line for a grudge run in the dark, the Nova willied off the line when the lights turn green and was leading the race but not for long as the “Godzilla” of Azurdeen Mohamed, sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise, whizzed pass to a close finish.

The next stop is South Dakota on October 2nd for Drag Wars II, sponsored

by GTT, Fly Jamaica and Ansa Mcal. Admission includes $500 for children and $1000 for adults.

Police race to 3rd Boyce and Jefford Classic title

T

he Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) handcuffed a hat trick of titles yesterday, prevailing over rivals Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when the curtains came down on the seventh annual Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic.

Wins for Olympian, Winston George and his teammate, Alita Moore, who the Police used as their trump cards in the sprint events as they made a clean sweep of the Men’s and Women’s 100m, 200m and 400m sprints, respectively, helping the PPYC retain their title at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden.

Entering the second day of competition with a marginal lead ahead of GDF, Police tightened their grip throughout the day amassing 395 points to win. GDF was second with 329 points while Linden was third with 189 points. Mercury Fast Laners rounded out the top four with 92 points.

Police ran away with the $1 million first place club prize, becoming the first club to take three consecutive titles at the event in its

seven-year history. GDF will take home $500, 000, Linden $300,000 and Mercury Fast Laners (MFL) $200, 000.

collected 35 points to finish in the cellar position.

George was crowned Male Champion Athlete af-

competition first began, returned to stamp his authority on the men’s 100m finals in a record time of 10.3 sec-

based Kevin Bayley retained the 800m title, relegating rival, Trinidadian Ashton Gill to third place in the race.

Kevin Bayley talks to the media after defending his 800m title

Digicel’s Sponsorship and Events Executive Louanna Abrams, along with Ulex Smith, hands over the Championships Trophy to Police Games Officer Tiffany Williams in the company of the PPYC Team and Coordinators Colin Boyce (left) and Edison Jefford (right)

Trophies were also handed out along with those cash prizes.

Of the remaining teams, the overseas team finished fifth with 49 points, while Super Upcoming Runners

ter racking up 30 points from his sprint sweep while Moore followed suite with the Female Champion Athlete award.

George, who had won the 200m on Saturday when the

onds, erasing Rupert Perry’s 10.4 seconds record back in 2011.

Linden’s Compton Ceasar clocked 10.6s, while Police’s Kevin Abbensetts clinched third place with 10.7s. US

George, the national men’s 400m record holder, almost seamed in for another easy win in the 400m, until Winston Dummett challenged him on the final straight for a close finish with George prevailing in the in 49.2s, while Dummett ran 49.6s.

Moore clocked 12.02s in the 100m and 59.1s in the 400m. In the 100m, Linden’s Onasha Rogers was second (12.03s) and MFL’s Cassie

Small took third (12.05s).

Earlier, the day started with the International Women’s 1500m where Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal dominated in a time of 5 minutes 03 seconds, while second place was picked up

by Police’s Joanna Archer in a time of 5 minutes 12 seconds and Trinidad’s Joanna Rogers came in third.

Cleveland Forde then claimed the men’s 1500m in a time of 4 minutes 10 seconds. GDF also ended third in the race after Odwin Tudor clocked 4 minutes 14 seconds, second place went to Police’s Quacy Morian (4 minutes 13 seconds).

Forde and Tudor also contributed to GDF’s win of the men’s sprint medley relay. GDF also won the women’s sprint medley.

In the Women’s triple jump, GDF’s Natrena Hooper defeated Linden’s double CARIFTA Games silver medallist, Chantoba Bright after she leaped to 11.85m. Bright, who broke the long jump record on day one with a 5.72m leap (and not 5.27m as was previously reported) was second with 11.53m.

guyana-times.com

tuesday, august 30, 2016

23

Local boxers oppose “neglect of sport” C

oming off of the energy from the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) ‘Bad Intentions’ event last weekend, a number of local boxers have spoken out against the environment in which they have to work.

Guyanese boxer, Mark Austin, who suffered a second round knock out at the hands of Jamaican, Richard Holmes spoke to Guyana Times Sport, citing a number of reasons why he was outmatched in the fight.

The talented fighter said, “This fight was my first fight of the year and I just didn’t have enough time to train.”

He added that he was informed that he would be fighting a different boxer but was short noticed on the change in his opponent.

Holmes on the other hand, fought as recently as in July.

Austin added that the sport does not offer much financially and he has to work three jobs just to maintain his family, after which

Vice President of NexGen Global, Aleem Hussain

he has to train. However, Austin is not the only fighter who spoke out against the lack of fights being made available in Guyana.

James Walcott, who not only boxes, but is a trainer at the Harpy Eagles Gym, indicated that it is the lack of exposure and fighting that undermines the sport.

“Just imagine Guyana’s only Olympic medal came from boxing and we have guys here who have the potential but are not fighting as much as these other coun-

tries,” Walcott said.

Former Fecarbox title holder, Dexter ‘Cobra’ Gonsalves pointed out that he has only been in three fights in the past three years and it was because he had not fought in a lengthy time that he was forced to surrender his title.

Guyana Times Sport visited the ‘Forgotten Youths’ boxing gym, located in the heart of Albouystown, where Gonsalves trains and the conditions were grossly unacceptable.

With nearly 100 talented under 18 prospects training out of the facility, it is a shame that there is no proper equipment available for these youths. A shortage of gloves is one issue, but the one of the major obstacle is the unavailability of a proper ring.It was revealed that the GBBC was informed of the situation, heading into the build-up of the fight but were reluctant to give the fighters a proper canvas to train on. The canvas would

Mark Austin

not only have bettered Gonsalves’ chances, but better the chances of several other fighters on that night.

It is for these reasons that a number of young boxers have chosen to sign under the management of NexGen Global Promotions.

Of the five fights that were carded for ‘Bad Intentions’, five of the fighters were signed under NexGen Global Promotions, including main event fighter, Gonsalves.

Vice-President of NexGen Global Promotions,

Aleem Hussain, speaking on the state of Boxing in Guyana, highlighted his vision for the sport.

Hussain said that under his wings, if given the support by the GBBC, he will transform Guyana into the Las Vegas of the Caribbean, citing the success of NexGen’s Caribbean Knockdown boxing card.

Hussain added, “I am looking to have at least two boxing cards every month and offer these boxers an attractive purse, as well as a pension plan.”

“The pension plan”, Hussain said, “is the first of its kind for the sport in Guyana, taking a portion of the boxer’s purse and putting it in a plan so he can benefit from it in the future.”

The Vice-President also highlighted that Gonsalves benefitted from brand new sets of boxing equipment imported by NexGen Global Promotions, as well as employing a doctor and dietitian for the boxer. Additionally,

NexGen Global’s vision for the sport in Guyana was aiming to build every local fighter by introducing a system where fighters would not fight their countryman.

Hussain said, when he had proposed the plan to the GBBC, it was well supported but he is still puzzled as to why the GBBC has not yet granted the company its licence to go ahead with the plans, having already proven his track record.

‘Bad Intentions’ was a five card event which saw Dexter Gonsalves being edged on points by USA fighter, DeMarcus Corley for the Fecarbox title in the main event.

In the other fights, Anthony Narine registered a win on debut as Keeve Alicock was disqualified. Mark Austin suffered a second round knock out to Richard Holmes, Imran Khan lost to Quincy Gomes and Barbadian powerhouse, Charwin Estwick defeated Guyanese Kelsey George.

Caribbean Pre-cadet Championships

Guyana performed credibly –Munroe P

resident of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe, at a press conference on Monday said that Guyana’s precadet team which participated at the Caribbean Championships in Jamaica over the last week preformed credibly, since they secured seven silver and one gold.

Munroe said “we did not win all the golds but we think we have the potential to reach those goals and we need to work harder in the future.”

Coach Linden Johnson expressed similar senti-

Under-11 Team Boys: 1. T&T; 2. Jamaica ‘A’; 3. Guyana Girls: 1. T&T; 2. Jamaica ‘A’; 3. Jamaica ‘B’ Mixed Doubles 1. Nicholas O’Young/ Priyanka Khellawan (T&T) 2. Jalen Kerr/Brianna Solomon (T&T) 3.

Dujaun Jackson/ Liana Campbell (Jam) & Joel Butler/Kelsey Davidson(Jam) Girls Doubles 1. Liana Campbell/Kelsey Davidson (Jam) 2. Priyanka Khellawan/ Rebekah Sterling (T&T) 3. Selena Khwalsingh/ Olivia Peterkin (Jam) & Rohanna Anderson/Jhanelle Blake (Jam) Boys Doubles 1. Nicholas O’Young/ Jalen Kerr (T&T) 2. Dejaun Jackson/Joel Butler (Jam) 3. Jamali Mauge/Vheer

Guyana’s pre-cadet team pose with their respective accolades along with President of the GTTA Godfrey Munroe (far left), Coach Linden Johnson (second from right back row) and Manager Daniel Thomas (back row)

Table TennisTable

Samnarine (T&T) & Jelani Barnaby/Demar Williams (Jam) Girls Singles 1. Priyanka Khellawan (T&T); 2. Kelsey Davidson (Jam); 3. Liana Campbell (Jam) & Thuraia Thomas (Guy) Boys Singles 1. Kaysan Ninvalle (Guy); 2. Jalen Kerr (T&T); 3. Jamali Mauge (T&T) & Nicholas O’Young (T&T) Under-13 Medal winners Team competition Boys: 1. T&T; 2. Guyana; 3. Jamaica Girls: 1. T&T; 2. Guyana 3. Jamaica Mixed Doubles 1.

Derron Douglas/ Shreya Maharaj (T&T) 2.

Kaysan Ninvalle/ Abigale Martin (Guy) 3.

Messiah Walcott/ Rayanna Boodhan (T&T) & Derick Francis/Alicia Pearman (Jam)

Girls Doubles 1.

Shrey Maharaj/ Rayanna Boodhan (T&T) 2. Nevaeh Clarkston/ Abigale Martin (Guy) 3. Soleisha Young/Tavera Prendergast (Jam) & Fiona Li/Alicia Pearman (Jam) Boys Doubles: 1.

Derron Douglas/ Messiah Walcott (T&T) 2. Nran Bissu/Kaysan Ninvalle (Guy) 3. Derick Francis/Jordan Campbell (Jam) & Ronico Sealy/Emmanuel Gibbs (B’dos) Singles: Girls: 1. Shreya Maharaj (T&T); 2. Nevaeh Clarkston (Guy); 3. Shurja Welch (T&T) & Rayanna Boodhan (T&T) Boys: 1. Derron Douglas (T&T); 2. Isaiah Layne (Guy); 3. Nicolas Lee (T&T) & Messiah Walcott (T&T)

ments as the President, and explained that regular training will now be implemented for the team.

Johnson posited, “If you look at the performance, they played well, they have some areas they can improve on so we will be putting a structured system for training”.

The major highlight of the tour was when Kaysan Ninvalle wrote his name in the Caribbean history book when he won the boys’ 11-years and under singles title.

Ninvalle won this country’s only gold medal of the championships but had to dig deep to outlast Trinidad and Tobago’s Jalen Kerr in a tough match. Ninvalle prevailed in the thrilling five setter 3-2 over Kerr, winning 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7.

Young Ninvale, in speaking of his experience, says it feels good to be the champion and it was a lot of work, noting that the experience was great.

Other finalists were Neveah Clarkston and Isaiah Layne but they both

Kaysan Ninvalle trophies

with

his

lost in the finals of the U13

girls’ and boys’ divisions respectively.

Clarkston settled for silver losing to Trinidad’s Shreya Maragh, the division’s top seed who was also forced to dig deep to prevail against Clarkston (3-2) in sets 11-8, 8-11, 116, 6-11, 11-9.

In the boys’ U13 final, Trinidad’s Derron Douglas, the top seed defeated Layne 11-8, 12-10, 11-3.

The next attention for the GTTA will be an attempt to send the senior team to champions which will be head in the Dominican Republic.

GPHC wins Foreign Affairs Domino Competition

I

Action from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Domino Competition

n commemoration of the 4th anniversary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Sports Promotion Department, Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) walked away winners of the Speaker of the National Assembly’s Domino Competition.

In the finals, the GPHC battled the Guyana Oil

Company (GUYOIL) and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to emerge the victors. GPHC won 72 games while GUYOIL won 67 and GNBS finished third with 66 wins. Kester Williams of GPHC was one of the top player registering 18 wins, while E Gittens of team GUYOIL also walked away with 18 games.

tuesday, august 30, 2016

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

Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic...

Pg 22

Benjamin’s hat-trick powers Santos to title The victorious Santos FC team receiving their championship trophy from Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry, in the presence of Director of Sport Christopher Jones

Pg 23

Local boxers oppose “neglect of sport”

Dexter Gonsalves trained in the neglected Forgotten Youths Gym to match USA’s DeMarcus Corley punch for punch over 12 rounds, knocking him to the mat twice in the first three rounds

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