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Issue No. 3010

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, October 17, 2016

PRICE

Granger’s constitutional heresy is grounds for “impeachment” – Nandlall

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Jagdeo scolds Govt for abandoning P16 OLPF ... says One Laptop Per Teacher limits ICT coverage

Page 3

AG 2015 Report

Ministry of the Presidency continues financial breaches – AG Page 7

Fire guts Sophia house

DTL not going anywhere – P9 Trotman

…says industrial unrest to be resolved

Page 11

Chinese restaurant robbery

P2 Suspect arrested, Police hunting accomplice

Snakes found inside Skeldon P12 Hospital

President David Granger, wife of Prime Minister Seeta Nagamootoo and former UWI Professor Clement Sankat at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) School’s 2016 graduation ceremony on Sunday for its CSEC and CAPE students (See story on page 2)

APNU/AFC Govt defaults on $20B debt in 2015 Page 9

…a dangerous Burnham tactic that will burden future generations – economist

P13 $50M playpark officially opened at Giftland Mall

Barama contract renewal

Govt proposes P10 draft agreement to company

2 news

monDAY, october 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

President donates $1M to Saraswati Vidya Niketan School

A

s the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) School on Sunday afternoon honoured the graduates of the institution for their outstanding performance at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), President David Granger announced that he would be donating $1 million to the school.

This, along with a gold plaque to feature the names of the school’s top student each year, beginning from 2016, was handed over by the President.

More than 80 students, along with family and relatives, attended the grand ceremony held at the school, on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) For 2016, SVN stands sec-

ond in Guyana with regard to the number of students who graduated with 11 grades one at the examinations, with 24 of the students copping eight grade ones or more.

Ramkumarie Ramdass copped the top position at the institution, attaining 19 grade ones.

She was greatly honoured

by President Granger for her outstanding performance, receiving the President’s Award, along with a cheque for $20,000 and a laptop computer. Both Ramdass and the second best graduating student, Kimberley Najab, were presented with US$500 also.

Najab was also presented with the Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence by Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, the wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The Head of State, during his remarks, underscored the

The top student of SVN Ramkumarie Ramdass receiving the President’s award from President David Granger

importance of values which are being instilled predominantly at the institution.

According to the President, education is about inculcating values, as the two go hand in hand.

“Education is never a matter of simply getting a job, its values cannot be measured in employment alone. Education

is about inculcating values,” he said.

The Head of State, while reflecting on the roots of education in Guyana said, “It is from the families and the religious organisation that our poor foreparents build their children’s education after the end of indentureship and they did this with the values

that they instilled.”

He noted that the SVN fully displayed what was learnt from our foreparents in terms of educating students.

“There is no better place than SVN to speak about those values. This very institution is a monument to our diversity. The name itself is not only indicative but also inspirational,” the President stated.

The name Saraswati Vidya Niketan is a merger of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, and Vidya Niketan which means house, thus meaning House of Knowledge.

The President then praised the school for its outstanding work, noting that it was an example to be followed.

“It is good for us to gather here at the SVN and it is an example not only to the Hindu community but to the entire Region Three and to the rest of the country.

Education enhances skills and emancipates the mind from arrogance, from anger and from hatred. Education can achieve a lot, but only if it is accompanied by certain values and this school combines the values that which

value education.”

Special invited guest speaker at the event and a former Professor of the University of the West Indies, Clement Sankat lauded the students for their accomplishments.

“I don’t know how you do it, but you students have all done such outstanding work: you are all winners,” he declared.

Sankat congratulated the school’s board for its outstanding performance over the years, noting that the SVN must be extremely proud of its achievements.

He focused his attention on the fact that SVN does not have a National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) marks limit for admittance to the school. Students who gained low marks at the Assessment, such as 320 marks, are admitted. “They did not do well at previous examinations and through this institution, they are opening doors to future careers which they could not have done otherwise,” he stated and praised the SVN. Principal Swami Aksharananda also praised the students, noting that the institution was proud of them and their accomplishments.

Chinese restaurant robbery

Suspect arrested, Police hunting accomplice

P

olice in ‘D’ Division (West Demerara) have arrested a 23-year-old suspect following an armed robbery of a Chinese restaurant in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The robbery occurred sometime around 23:30h on Saturday. According to reports, two customers, ages 48 and 46, were at the Jods Chinese Restaurant, Parfaite Harmonie, Canal No 1 Polder, WBD, on Saturday night when two unmasked suspects pounced on them.

The robbers, one of whom was armed with a handgun, pounced and relieved the customers of their valuables including a wallet and an undisclosed sum of cash. The bandits fired a shot however neither of the customers were injured.

It was reported that after the shot was fired, a scuffle ensued during which the magazine fell out from

the firearm and was retrieved by one of the victims.

At that stage, the suspect with the gun threw the weapon to his accomplice, who caught it and escaped.

The other suspect was not as lucky as he was apprehended and handed over to the Police, who arrived promptly at the scene.

The customer’s wallet was found in the possession of the 23-year-old bandit, who hails from Middle Street, La Penitence, Georgetown.

“A display of courage and bravery by two victims of an armed robbery at a Chinese Restaurant led to the apprehension of one of the suspects along with a component of their firearm and one of the victim’s wallet and cash,” the Police said in a statement on Sunday.

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to have the other suspect arrested as investigations continue.

news

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monDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 17 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, October 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 17 – 16:50h-18:20h and Tuesday, October 18 – 05:45h-07:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Cloudy skies and light rain showers will dominate today with sunshine in the late afternoon hours. Clear skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 26 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 05:04h and 17:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.92 metres and 2.98 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:54h and 23:18h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.21 metre respectively.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

04 07 10 14 17 18 27 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

01 11 16 17 25 LUCKY 3 1

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

Granger’s constitutional heresy is grounds for “impeachment”−Nandlall

T

he ‘constitutional heresy’ being practised by the Head of State, President David Granger, is grounds for his removal from Office and even more worrying, is the silence of stakeholders such as the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA).

This is the view held by former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The former legal advisor to the Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo administrations was at the time making reference to the chronology of actions taken in relation to the Executive’s handling of the affair surrounding the Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Carvil Duncan.

President Granger recently sent Duncan on leave from his constitutionally appointed post, despite the fact that he had already appointed a Tribunal to investigate whether the PSC Chairman should remain in the post or be removed.

According to Nandlall, “the President has flagrantly violated the letter, spirit and intent of some of the most sacrosanct constitutional provisions and indeed his actions strike at the very heart of our constitutional democracy… Presidents (or Prime Ministers, as the case may be) have been impeached for far less in democratic countries. In Guyana, this is barely front page news.

And life goes on. Not a murmur from the Associations representing lawyers in the country.”

Duncan charged

Duncan has been charged and placed before the courts over the alleged theft of some $20,000 per month—argued to be his fee as a Director while employed at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL)

President David Granger

Company.

Nandlall, over the weekend, added his voice to the fray, to condemn the decision made by President David Granger, calling it unlawful and ‘constitutional heresy.’

The former AG, in laying a base for his arguments, contended that Duncan is a member and the Chairman of the PSC and by virtue of provisions of the constitution, the Chairman of the PSC is, ex officio, a member of the Police and Judicial Service Commissions.

According to the former Legal Affairs Minister, the PSC “like the other service commissions, are institutions created by the Constitution and endowed with the fundamental role and function of guarding against executive abuses.”

He argues that the commissions are “a significant component of the most critical array of constitutional mechanisms created to protect the citizenry against executive and other excesses.”

According to Nandlall, it is for this very reason that “those who constitute these Commissions are themselves clothed with even greater security of tenure and institutional independence. To these persons, the Constitution accords the highest regime of protection and functional inde-

Former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall

pendence.”

According to the provisions cited by the former AG, “Save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”

Constitutional protection

Nandlall maintains that as Chairman of the PSC, Duncan enjoys all these constitutional protections.

He posits that, “Constitutional purists in Guyana and across the Region must have been deeply shocked about certain disclosures Mr Duncan made a few days ago,” when in a public statement, Duncan related that he was invited to meet with the head of the Executive, the President, and the President’s Chief Aide, Joseph Harmon, Minister of State, “where of the President requested Mr Duncan’s resignation and Mr Harmon offered him a suitable financial package for his exit.” According to Nandlall, by virtue of his actions, the President has simply shoved aside the sophisticated network of mechanisms of protection enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana.

“This constitutional heresy was compounded by ‘the blood on the carpet’ reference – whatever that means… In short, the President has flagrantly violated the letter, spirit, and intent of some of the most sacrosanct constitutional provisions, and indeed his actions strike at the very heart of our constitutional democracy,” said Nandlall.

Making his case for the impeachment of President Granger, Nandlall points to Article 94 of the Constitution of Guyana which provides that “The President may be removed from office if he or she commits any violation of this Constitution or any gross misconduct.”

Recounting the brouhaha surrounding Duncan, Nandlall observed that “While certain criminal charges are pending before a Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts against Mr Duncan, the Government decides to trigger a constitutional process to remove him from office on the ground that the pendency of those charges can interfere with the discharge of his constitutional functions.”According to Nandlall, the engagement between Duncan and the President alone “renders this constitutional process farcical.”He points out that as provided for in the Constitution, the Prime Minister has already advised the President that Duncan’s removal from office should be investigated—As a result, the President has established a tribunal which has already begun its work. Nandlall said he has since already made an application for the tribunal not to proceed with its mandate “on the ground that the tribunal itself is legally defective and that it is about to embark upon a course which is manifestly unconstitutional, unlawful and illegal.”

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guyana-times.com

monday, october 17, 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

Dim rice prospects

T

he "second", or "big crop" in the rice industry is at its harvesting peak, as users of our highways know to their cost as their vehicles are forced to a crawl behind "tractor trailers" filled with paddy on their way to rice mills. Last year, production reached an all-time high of 687,784 tonnes of rice as opposed to 635,238 tonnes in 2014, 535,555 tonnes in 2013 and, 422,000 tonnes in 2012. Guyana became one of the countries mentioned in world rice export tables after we crossed the historic 500,000 tonne line in 2014.

The sustained increase in rice production started with the Venezuelan PetroCaribe "oil-for-rice" deal struck

by President Jagdeo and his Venezuelan counterpart President Hugo Chavez in late 2009. Starting from zero, exports to that country zoomed to over 230,000 tonnes of milled rice and paddy (rough rice) by the time the agreement ended last year.

Losing almost 40 per cent of its market was an extreme shock to the industry since the Venezuelans had been paying a premium price for our rice - US$760/tonne compared to the average world market price of US$540/ tonne.

In 2015, then even though we exported some 537,334 tonnes of rice compared to 501,208 tonnes for 2014, the revenues generated were US$29M less even though more than 36,000 tonnes of rice were shipped. Millers and other exporters ended up having to accept prices as low as US$340/tonne of rice as they scrambled for new markets.

The prices paid to farmers dropped precipitously from the $3000-$3500/bag of paddy which is their breakeven level towards the end of 2015 and remained there during the "first" crop earlier this year. It was clear to everyone, excepting the government that the rice industry was now in a crisis of almost the same proportions as sugar. In the normal course of the demand/supply market paradigm, it would be "rational" for farmers to move out of rice if it is not profitable. But in Guyana, with rice being basically a peasant industry providing a subsistence living for over 70,000 rural persons, there are no alternative marketable cash crops that the farmers can quickly move into to sustain their families.

As such, this year, the total production will certainly match last years' but the prices will keep falling through the floor since overall world production continues to outpace demand and this serves to keep prices depressed. Domestically paddy prices in Region 2 and the Essequibo Islands have already plunged below $2000/bag so that farmers will not even be able to recoup their cost of production.

Over in Berbice, while the prices are somewhat higher, it is still at best breakeven. This will have a ripple effect in the economy as the farmers will have little or no discretionary income to spend and will even have to defer loan payments to banks.

Since the ending of the Venezuelan barter arrangement, there have been several suggestions to deal with the crisis in rice: Firstly farmers have to lower their costs of production and government can remove taxes on their farming inputs. Secondly, Guyana still owes at least $20B to Venezuela for petroleum shipped. Negotiations can be opened up by our government to restart the ricefor-oil arrangement. Venezuela continues to suffer from severe food shortages and it will be in their government's interest to consider our offer favourably.

Opening other markets is obviously necessary but the government has to be clear that it has a responsibility to seek those markets in conjunction with the GRDB which receives US$6/tonne for rice exported.

The Mexican market for paddy supposedly "secured"

by PM Nagamootoo last year is unlikely to materialise since the US has a large surplus and with its NAFTA tariff advantage, prices will hit rock bottom.

The most likely scenario is that less land will be planted next crop and more farmers will sink into poverty.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo attended the De Hoop Mahaica Family Fun Day on Sunday. In this photo, Jagdeo poses with a family from the area

GuySuCo says given its state, benefits for estate managers must be trimmed Dear Editor, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) wishes to respond to letters published in the Stabroek and Kaieteur newspapers dated 14 October, 2016 and written by Mr Abel Seetaram.

GuySuCo being such a significant player in Guyana’s economic and social construct; makes the Corporation a topic for constant debate and discussions, which is totally understandable.

However, as one evaluates and examines many of the published articles on GuySuCo, it gives the impression at times, that consideration is not given by the authors, that the employees of GuySuCo are equally concerned about the Corporation, and they come to work every day in the face of growing uncertainty and contribute towards finding solutions for the Corporation.

GuySuCo would be the first to admit that a lot went wrong in the Corporation and it was not managed with the business acumen that was required nor was the environment conducive for serious application of business acumen. Therefore Mr Seetaram is not unreasonable in laying blame for the state of the Corporation on the previous administration. No doubt there is an abundance of evidence that mismanagement and the absence of a business approach and foresight which would have done much needed reorganisation and investment to secure the viability and sustainability of the business.

Mr Seetaram was also correct about the hostile industrial relations climate which has contributed to the problem of the Corporation and industry. The industrial relations climate over the years and currently is not enabling the Corporation to grow as a business. The basis upon which some of the Unions exist does not create an envi-

ronment for the Corporation to successfully navigate a way out of the challenging course in which it has found itself.

For example, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is losing its relevance as a stakeholder, due to its seeming inability to change its ideology and practices to be considered a 21st Century industrial relations body and more specifically, in the case of GuySuCo; to become a stakeholder that is creative, innovative and solution-oriented; instead the Union prefers to remain as part of the problem rather than to evolve as part of the solution.

The Government of Guyana having recognised that there was urgent need to strengthen the governance and management of the Corporation, took immediate action in 2015, to appoint a new Board of Directors and an Interim Management Committee (IMC) both of which consist of highly qualified and experienced individuals. Since the installation of these two bodies, a number of strategic plans and programmes were developed on remedial measures to be undertaken and the new direction in which the Corporation should proceed.

As it relates to the implementation of these strategic plans, programmes and measures, the Board of Directors and Executive Management have been implementing them in a detail, systematic and professional manner. In many instances the Corporation tries to capture and relate the processes for which these plans and programmes are implemented but practically, it is impossible to provide the public with a ball-by-ball commentary of all of the remedial actions which are being implemented. Hence, a realistic expectation from the Governance body and Interim

Management Committee, is for them to be given the time and space to implement measures for the turn-around of the Corporation.

Nevertheless, a key approach of this new management is to create the environment for growth and learning, where employees feel respected and are treated as professionals and the Corporation expects no less from them.

For example, since the new IMC was appointed, a number of sound management approaches were implemented and practices are being observed. These approaches have paved the way for better monitoring and evaluation of performance and practices and to ensure that necessary reviews and revisions are done where and when necessary. Examples of this are the monthly Management Committee meetings which recommenced in 2015 and the daily interaction between corporate and the Estate Management.

Additionally, training programmes are being implemented to improve the capacity and capability of staff members in various departments. Several consultations are being carried out to examine current systems with an aim of closing loop holes, bridging gaps and removing hindrances which prevent the Corporation from preforming with greater efficiency. For example, on Saturday 8 October, 2016, a workshop was held with all Health and Safety Officers and other management staff from across the Corporation, to review and make recommendations to revise the Health, Safety and Environment Policy for the Corporation.

On the point Mr Seetaram made suggesting that benefits to Estate Managers should be trimmed, GuySuCo wishes to state that the Estate Managers are the real Heroes in the Corporation.

Due to the rigorous nature

of sugar production, Estate Managers are required to be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The number of employees on Estates range from 3000 plus as in the case of Albion, to over 1000 in the case of Wales. It therefore means that Estate Managers are in charge of a large workforce on all of the estates. Further, GuySuCo is a target-driven Corporation; the detail and precision required from the cultivations all the way to the production of the sugar crystals, demands proper supervision, and management.

Further, there is a science that must be applied in any of the restructuring programme for production based businesses such as GuySuCo. This entails the design of a strategy to enable the Corporation to become profitable, resilient and sustainable while at the same time increase the efficiencies in its current core business which is sugar. Going hand-in-hand with this is the introduction of new ventures of non-sugar nature to strengthen the viability of the business.

The Board of Directors and Management wishes to assure members of the public, that the Corporation has recruited some of the best minds in organisational development and in the sugar business and has no doubt that with the support from stakeholders for the corporate strategy which lays out the direction for the New GuySuCo, and if given reasonable time and space to implement this recovery programme, positive growth will be seen over time.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer Communications Unit Ogle Estate, Ogle East Coast Demerara

guyana-times.com

monday, october 17, 2016

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

Media responsibility Police ranks compromise their own professionalism

Dear Editor, Over the past months, there has been a clear trend of the Stabroek News adopting what can be termed a hostile position against the Attorney General and by extension the APNU/AFC administration.

From its refusal to carry my response to Zana Frank’s allegations in her court challenge case which it had reported extensively on, to the watering-down of my statement on the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, a clear trend can be discerned.

I am not one who criticizes the work of the media as I recognise the important role the media play as the Fourth Estate in our democracy. I also know that our Government has stood side by side with the media over the years and will continue to do so. In fact, President David Granger at a media workshop earlier this year said: “The Government of Guyana is committed to the promotion of a high degree of media professionalism.

The administration will not undermine the professionalism of state media workers by subjecting them to political direction or interference in their work.” He added: “Independent media act as watchdogs of Government.

They promote transparency by ensuring that information is provided to the public on the work of Government.

They are a source of valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the efforts of the Government. There is no good reason for the state to interfere in the work of the private media.”

However, when a newspaper of the ‘stature’ of Stabroek News could allow itself to be duped and clearly being used by persons who have ulterior motives, it is a case for much concern. The extant matter before us; the Carmichael Street lands and

the misinformation being reported to this nation by the Stabroek News cannot go unnoticed. How can a reputable newspaper (Stabroek News) as it claims it is, publishes the kinds of articles it did over the course of this week?

- relying solely on ‘sources’ as they claim and not even doing what should be routine in standard journalism - verifying the information they have received.

What further exposes this narrow and weak type of journalism being practiced by this newspaper is when instead of checking the Laws of Guyana on the issue of compulsory acquisition; what it sets out and the procedures that ought to be followed it ran along with the line of Anil Nandlall.

A newspaper that was founded by a lawyer - David DeCaires, and enjoys the company of several other members of the bar - some at the level of senior counsel ought to have known and done better. As I said in my statement on Thursday “… any lawyer worth his salt would first seek to read the relevant law on the subject and not be hysterical after leaping into darkness.” I now add, any newspaper worth its salt would first seek to read the relevant law on the subject and not be hysterical after leaping into darkness.”

There were three separate articles in the Stabroek News this week on the issue of the lands. The first one on Monday headlined” Ramotar flays move on Riehl’s land; slams AG over claims PPP/C started process.” On Wednesday the newspaper reported: “Cabinet asks AG to explain move to takeover private lands” and then on Thursday “Cabinet axes land takeover.”

The first story with former President Donald Ramotar’s reaction I believe I have dealt with it in my statement on Thursday.

However, the last two on Wednesday and Thursday expose the blatant fabrication of a national newspaper. On Wednesday Stabroek News reported “Cabinet asks AG to explain the move to take private lands’, quoting a dubious source close to Cabinet. First of all, the AG did not attend Cabinet and his colleagues informed him that there was no discussion or decision on this matter.

The State-owned Guyana Chronicle has also reported on this issue, adding that it had verified this with three other Cabinet members.

Less than 24 hours, Stabroek New reported again on the same Cabinet meeting, this time going even further to say that ‘Cabinet axes’ land takeover’. Now, isn’t this kind of reporting suspicious, confusing and fabricated. Why would the source not tell Stabroek News on Tuesday after Cabinet meeting that Cabinet axed the ‘land takeover’, when that would have been the biggest story coming out of the meeting, but rather the newspaper was told the AG was asked to prepare a report and then the next day almost as if it was an afterthought ‘Cabinet axes land takeover’ I believe it is clear for all to see the level to which some of the media houses are willing to stoop in their attempt to embarrass this administration.

The Attorney General has since contacted his lawyers and will take the appropriate legal actions to safeguard the integrity of himself, party and government.

Basil Williams Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Dear Editor, I have been criss-crossing this country over the years and have had reasons to visit several Police Stations and observe the behaviour of Police Ranks.

Very often I shake my head in despair: most of our Policemen/women are underperforming and are doing a disservice to the Force and to the citizens of this country. They place people’s matters as humbugs to their reverie.

Dale Andrews had done a thorough analysis of the Police Reform Strategy. It was the hope that Policymakers (both Politicians and the Force Administration) would have been galvanised, not only to fast-forward reforms but to put mechanisms in place to enforce the reforms. After all, the reforms are intended to change certain processes and behaviours within the Force, much of which are ugly, still prevail and are very noticeable.

While Acting Commissioner Ramnarine is taking the bull by the horns, I am hopeful that his efforts are not short-lived, because the cancer of graft is still very much alive.

As a citizen of this country, I would like to see the reintroduction and/or re-enforcement of regular drills at Stations by ranks. We have lots of Police ranks who are lazy, undisciplined

and do not fit the bill for active policing. Additionally, regular drills serve to remind the Police of the psychological face they show to the public. Further, young people are always impressed by these drills and, hopefully, would be encouraged to join the Force.

Secondly, I am seeing ranks, from Commanders down, being on duty in Civilian attire. Members of the public are unable to distinguish between who are on duty and who are not, or who is a Police rank or not.

On top of that, many ranks do not wear their regulation badges on their attire.

This contributes to the laissez-faire outlook of many members of the Force. I have spoken to many retired officers of the Force and they do not hesitate to use the expression: we have a disappointment for a Police Force.

Thirdly, Dark clothes ranks and TSU ranks stop vehicles and ask for documents in many cases which cannot be regarded as suspicious circumstances. Also, ad hoc two-man road blocks are set up and mostly young drivers are targeted. I am told that very often money ends up changing hands.

Fourthly, I am in receipt of regular reports of Police not going on the ground to investigate reports. They prefer to pull in both parties of the incident and charge

them. Or both parties “pay up”.

I can go on. But I think I have raised enough glaring lapses on the part of Police ranks to merit investigation and correction and I am requesting the Administration of the Guyana Police Force to make whistle stops at Police Stations and start taking off stripes from Ranks and “mannersing” ranks for dereliction of duty and breach of Force Orders: improper record-keeping, etc. Nothing less will help to solve the problem.

It is the popular feeling that when some ranks are disciplined they run to their “godparents” in the Force or at the political level. I am optimistic that this will be discouraged.

I am aware of the several initiatives put in place by the current Commissioner, but I am also aware that many ranks fail, even refuse, to support these initiatives.

We simply cannot continue to have a Police Force with the Motto “Serve and Protect” but what is actually seen is the total opposite.

My contribution does not gainsay some decent and professional Policemen/ women in the Force, but there are many, many rotten apples in the barrel. The barrel must be sanitised.

Yours, Taajnauth Jadunauth

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Foundation Talking to children and teens about sexual abuse continued

From Maths Negative to Maths Positive attitudes When teaching children about their behaviour towards others in your children Part 2

D

on’t miss a real prevention opportunity In more than 30 per cent of child sexual abuse cases, a child is sexually harmed by someone under 18 years old, frequently by another child or adolescent who may not fully understand the impact of their actions. Most

parents talk with their children about how to keep themselves safe from others who may sexually harm them. We also need to talk to our children about why it is so important for them not to harm others. “Just like it is not OK for you to hit and hurt other people, it is not OK for you to use

tricks or force to touch other people in a way that makes them uncomfortable.”

Learn about child development

Children are born as healthy sexual beings. Just as they are curious about bugs, airplanes and animals, they will be curious about their

bodies and other people’s bodies. As parents, it is very helpful to be knowledgeable about healthy sexual development so we are able to tell the difference between expected behaviours and behaviours that may be cause for concern.

Clarify the rules

When you find your child exploring his or her own body or playing “doctor” with another child, calmly acknowledge what you’ve seen and set clear expectations. “It looks like you and Sam are comparing your bodies. Now get dressed. And remember, even though it feels good to take our clothes off, we keep our clothes on when we’re playing.” If a child continues behaviours after you’ve set clear limits, you may want to talk with a professional. To find information, guidance and resources, visit stopitnow.org or find a professional.

Age of consent: special concerns for teens

Teens need information not only about child sexual abuse but also about the laws of consent. As our judicial system holds more teens responsible as adults, there are significant and long-lasting results for teens who engage in illegal sexual behaviours, even with other teens who are close in age. “I know you and your girlfriend love each other, but you are 19 years old and she is 15 and that makes being sexual with each other illegal. If she gets pregnant or her parents press charges, you could have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. It is important for both of you to wait until you are older.” (stopitnow.org)

– joy and enthusiasm are absolutely essential for learning to happen

By Judy Willis MD, MEd

Myth 2: “Boys are better at Maths than girls”

Dr Torkel Klingberg, researcher and professor of cognitive neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute, reported that when subjects were told that the experimental Maths test they would be taking would be used to evaluate the influence of Maths stereotypes, girls and boys scored equally. When the same test was described as an evaluation of “complex Maths skills”, girls were scored lower than their male counterparts.

This is an example of the power of girls believing in the untrue stereotype that boys have more natural brainpower in Maths. Your discussions with daughters about this myth will go far in increasing their Maths confidence and outcomes.

Myth 3: “Maths isn’t important for everyone”

“Maths is not that important in most careers”, “It’s okay to be bad at Maths because most people are”, or “Maths isn’t really used much outside of special occupations” are comments that lead children to give up more quickly, especially if Maths is a struggle without hope they can succeed.

Find opportunities to show children how Maths is used in many occupations as well as how you use Maths throughout your day at work, home, and on the go.

Motivating memories to ignite resilience

Motivating memories can switch Maths negativity to the positive zone, especially when your children are frustrated or experience setbacks. Prompt memories of challenges they’ve achieved. “Remember when you kept trying even though you felt like giving up when learning to ride a bike?” “How did you learn to play soccer so well?”

“Why don’t you fall as often now as you did when you were learning to snowboard?” “Do you remember when playing a song with two chords on your guitar was difficult? Now you have mastered more than twenty!”

Proactive interventions can prepare children for mistakes they will all make. When you model your learning from your own mistakes and remind them how they learned and improved from their mistakes (walking, talking, writing, learning songs, mastering a new video game or athletic skill) you build children’s confidence so they tolerate risking mistakes and can learn from their setbacks.

Capture their imaginations and motivation will follow

Key to building children’s Maths positivity is capturing their imaginations and interest in Maths early. The brain is most receptive to learning about a topic if there is a direct link between the knowledge and something the child values. Instead of them thinking of Maths as an isolated subject, show them the extended values of the Maths in ways they find inspiring.

Guide children to see Maths as an accessible, valuable tool that helps them understand, describe, and have more control over the world in which they live. Offer your children experiences that inspire them to want to measure, question, and analyse things around them. From these opportunities they will want to acquire the knowledge and Mathematical tools to achieve those personally valued goals.

Show children the value of the Maths applied to their lives, hobbies and interests. Everyday situations offer many opportunities to use Maths to solve problems they want to solve such as these: Encourage children to predict how long it will be until it is time for their special television show to begin if it is now 3:00 and the show starts at 5:30.

When shopping, let your child be your guide in evaluating the best value for an item he wants. Which is a better buy, in terms of cost and quantity of various beverages, such as a six-pack of 12 oz cans or a two-litre bottle.

If your child wants a specific item as a special occasion gift encourage her to compare the cost of the bicycle, toy, or tech device in ads that offer different percentage discounts and different base prices. (Excerpt from psychologytoday)

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monday, october 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

AG 2015 Report

Ministry of the Presidency continues financial breaches – AG bemoans non-implementation of prior recommendations

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reach of financial regulations, overpayments to contractors, late or non delivery of equipment and other supplies continue to plague the Ministry of the Presidency, were among some of the pertinent findings of Auditor General Deodat Sharma, during his examination of the Public Accounts of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s first year in office.

Among some of the findings in Sharma’s Report, laid in the National Assembly last Thursday by House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland, is a $155 million allotment or the procurement of office equipment, of which $144.8 million was expended, including $19.108 million which was paid to an overseas supplier in December 2015 for the supply and installation of CCTV systems at the National Intelligence Centre.

However as of September 2016, the items were still not delivered.

Meanwhile, the remaining $125.8 million was used to procure security systems, computers and laptops, office furniture, air conditioning units and office equipment for the ministry.

According to the audit report, a physical verification was carried out to de-

The Ministry of the Presidency

termine the receipt, marking and location of the items purchased and items totalling $14.905 million could not be located.

In face of this, Sharma recommended that the ministry implement measures that will ensure strict compliance with stores regulations.

Overpayments

Meanwhile, the report shows that the Ministry sole sourced a contractor to construct a perimeter fence and security lights at Building E Castellani Compound at a cost of $12 million. It said that at as December 2015, some $11.679 million was paid to the contractor, but based on a physical measurement taken on site and

calculations; there was a $2.3 million overpayment.

The Auditor General has urged the Ministry take immediate actions to recover the overpayment and ensure that construction works are done in keeping with specifications.

Under the department of Public Service, it was revealed that the department’s records show that it expended $772.1 million on training, including $271 million for payment of tuition, airfare, accommodation, stipend, allowances, etc, for students studying overseas.

“Audit examination of the Register of Students revealed that pertinent information, such as benefits and allowances payable to the

students, were not recorded.

In addition, it was also observed that all the institutions to which the Ministry pays tuition fees were not recorded in the register. In the circumstance, reliance could not be placed on the accuracy of the information in the Register,” the report stated.

The Auditor General also stated that at the time of the audit, matters involving a $120.7 million expenditure for payments of Financial Assistance for Public Service Performance Evaluation in the ten Administrative Regions were attracting attention of the Courts; whilst, the Audit Office was also conducting an investigation into a $18.9 million payment for financial assistance for students studying in Cuba.

Misuse of Lotto funds

The Auditor General also revealed that the Ministry utilised millions of dollars in revenues garnered from the Lotto Fund for the construction of the controversial D’Urban Park, Georgetown, without Parliamentary approval.

Government earns 24 per cent of the proceeds from the Guyana Lottery Company, but this money is paid into an account controlled by the Ministry of the Presidency and spent with the approval of Cabinet.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

The AG said that at the end of 2015, the deposits to the account amounted to some $1.8 billion. However, the Government transferred $1 billion of that money to the Consolidated Fund, while the Ministry of the Presidency held onto more than half a billion dollars, of which it spent some $305 million on various activities including $36.5 million on the rehabilitation of D’Urban Park; $63.7 million on Mashramani celebrations and another $51 million was utilised for ‘music’.

Other activities funded by the Ministry of the Presidency using the Lotto proceeds are related to Emancipation, Amerindian Heritage and Carifesta, among other celebrations.

Many of the issues highlighted in Sharma’s report are not new and recommen-

dations were made in the past to address these, however, it seems that very little action has been taken in this regard.

“The Audit Office continues to view the lack of action towards the implementation of prior recommendations with serious concerns and suggest stringent action be taken to address these findings, especially those related to overpayments on construction works, lack of weak internal controls, including poor record keeping and breaches of relevant Legislation,” he stated in his summary of recommendations.

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mondAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

EBD man charged with assault Eyew tness A

20-year-old of Lot 15 Rahaman Park, Georgetown, appeared before a City Magistrate on a charge of unlawful assault.

It was alleged that on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Rahaman Park, Samuel Azees unlawfully

and maliciously assaulted Errol Dualon to cause actual bodily harm.

Azees pleaded not guilty to the charge. The virtual complainant, Dualon, was a no-show at court.

Representing the defendant was attorney Dexter Todd who told the court

that his client has never had any interactions with the law. He added that his client “may have stolen a mango from somebody’s tree but nothing more”.

He further made an application for bail, stating that his client is young and engaged, while also noting

the VC’s absence.

Prosecutor Shellon Jupiter indicated to the court had no objection to the accused being granted bail.

As such, bail was granted in the sum of $15,000 and Azees will make his next court appearance on October 27, 2016.

Linden Police Sophia man charged Officers charged A

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wo Police officers of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) were jointly charged with simple larceny and made an appearance before a City Magistrate.

Troy Miller of Lot 844 South Amelias’ Ward, Linden, and Grey Simpson of Lot 27 Danjou Ville, Wismar, Linden, both pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that

on Friday 5 August 2016 at the Police Training Centre ground they stole 1 Blu cellular phone valued $19,000, property of Roger Bowen.

Police prosecutor Shellon Jupiter told the court that the cellular phone was not recovered.

The Police officers were both placed on $20,000 bail and ordered to return to court on October 27, 2016.

man of Sophia, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Faith Mcgusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with unlawful assault.

It was alleged that on Tuesday 11 October 2016 at Sophia he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Funder Luke with intent to maim, disfigure and disable.

Lennox Toppin, 49, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Toppin who was unrep-

resented, pleaded with the Magistrate for bail since he is unemployed.

The Magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of $25,000, however the defendant made it known to the Court that he is unable to pay the bail. He further requested reduced bail amount, which was denied as the Magistrate stated that bail is maintained, considering the offence.

Toppin is scheduled to make his next court appearance on 20 October 2016.

Browbeating...

P

...by Trotman

oor Chronic editor...He just can't win. Early on, he was berated for carrying a reporter's piece of how he (the reporter) was berated by PM Nagamootoo for his (the reporter's) assessment of his (Nagamootoo's) government's input on the 2015 budget ("govt blunders..."). This made his staff so terrified about their role in a "government newspaper" (Nagamoototo's words) they promptly photoshopped an Amerindian kid's face over the body of an African one, so that Pressie, who was in the shot of kids flying kites, would appear more "politically correct". And so on...

Now, continuing this government's tradition of treating the Chronic as its handmaiden (Isn't the PM's shill still cracking the whip?) up comes Minister of Natural Resource Raphael Trotman. Responding to a question about the impact the US$74 billion fine would have on Exxon for not paying its Oil royalties to Chad, he insisted on an apology because he claims he never said "ExxonMobil had any internal or external problems" as the Chronic's reporter wrote.

So what DID Trotman say? In his apology, the editor quoted him in full: "Minister Trotman said: “We saw with interest, and it reminds us that we have to be vigilant…I believe Exxon needs to find some money fast, and it will spur them to continue develop the well (here) so it can help to pay some of their fines.” Now we have a bone to pick with the editor. What the heck is this statement if not what the reporter reported??

If Exxon - one of the largest companies in the entire planet Earth (not just in oil) - "needs to find some money" quick, isn't that one heck of an "internal problem"?? And if that money needs to be paid to a foreign country, isn't that an "external problem"? What Trotman's doing is making a distinction in search of a difference - simply because he knows he can ride roughshod over the Chronic.

And the irony is, even apart from having to pay the mega fine, Exxon's facing so much "internal and external problems" from low oil prices - and no play in shale oil - that earlier this year Moody's predicted the company would lose its Triple A rating unless it can cut its operating costs and increase its reserves. In fact Moody's says this year Exxon will be hit with a US$10B cash shortfall.

The fact that Warren Buffet, the canny billionaire investor has sold off his entire portfolio of EXXON's stock doesn't suggest he thinks the company is free of "internal and external problems" - as Trotman insists they are!

What did the Opposition Leader say about Trotman's qualifications for this job? We'd better not say!

...by Attorney General

In the same Sunday's edition of the Chronic - as if throwing a one-two equal opportunity sucker punch at the media - was Attorney-General Basil Williams giving some licks to the Stabber. Williams was upset on the coverage about his objections to the appointment of the Deputy Registrar, Ms Zanna Frank, by the Judicial Services Commission. As reported by even the Chronic, Williams said the woman was "hapless" and shouldn't have been appointed by the JSC - even though they're legally authorised to do so. Williams feels the JSC shouldn't even have that authority! Seems Williams wasn't concerned so much with the coverage, but that the Stabber took his bete noir - his predecessor Anil Nandlall's "side". Nandlall had supported Frank.

The final bitching was about Williams' debacle on the expropriation order he gazetted to expropriate his Ambassador to Canada's land. Not much to say there save once again, SN's article was the occasion of Williams’ war with Nandlall - not the cause.

The cause is the inexorable descent into the old PNC authoritarianism.

...by Infrastructure Minister

Was Minister Patterson's declaration there ought to be a stepping up of government's efforts to go after "wrongdoing" by former PPP officials when he objected to that party's boycotting Prezzie's speech, purely coincidental?

Or browbeating?

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

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MONday, october 17 , 2016 | guyana-times.com

DTL not going anywhere – Trotman APNU/AFC Govt ... says industrial unrest to be resolved defaults on $20B C debt in 2015 …a dangerous Burnham tactic that will burden future generations – economist

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uyana last year defaulted on payments of in excess of $20 billion that was supposed to be utilised to pay off in part, sections of the nation’s Public Debt—a dangerous situation that has since grabbed the attention of economists.

The fact that $20 billion was not used by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government is documented in the nation’s audited accounts for 2015 undertaken by the Auditor General’s Office−the first such for the coalition government since taking Office.

In that 2015 Report, it is highlighted that Central Government’s current (recurring) expenditure was under the 2015 budget allocation by $25.8 billion.

This shortfall, according

under-paid the debt by G$20 billion… If not, who really is the Finance Minister accountable to?” Singh queries.

Dangerous Burnham tactic

According to the economist, “not paying the debt down as budgeted is a debased financial strategy especially when there is money to fund this promise.”

Calling the development dangerous and reminiscent of the practices of the Forbes Burnham Administration, Singh is adamant that “not paying one’s debt, as promised, is a bad thing since it translates to the future generation being saddled with these debts as a brought forward from the past.”

He posits, “This means more taxes for the primary and secondary school children of Guyana when they

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

to the Auditor General, was mainly due to $20.3 billion under Public Debt, for servicing of loans, which was not utilised.

The remaining amounts that were not utilised was $2 billion for the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) hosting of Local Government Elections which was not held that year; $1.2 billion which was unspent by the Finance Ministry; $280 million not used by the Ministry of the Presidency; and another $658 million allocated to the Health Ministry for activities not fully executed.

On the matter of the Finance Ministry failing to honour or pay its public debt by in excess of $20 billion, the once AFC aligned economist Sasenarine Singh has since questioned whether President David Granger is even aware of this development.

“Does President Granger know that his Minister of Finance (Winston Jordan)

grow up… Is this the legacy of the Granger administration?”

According to economist Singh, “It is the children of Guyana who will have to bear this future burden because of this misstep under the Granger administration.”

According to the economist, “This is a dangerous development and it harks one back to what happened under the Burnham administration when that government refused to pay the debt leading to the debt burden climbing to 98 cents of every dollar earned by 1990.”

Singh has since laid the proverbial gauntlet at the feet of the Fourth Estate saying, “The local media should demand an explanation from the Minister of Finance as to why he did not liquidate the promised amount of the national debt, when there was enough cash to take care of business.”

Meanwhile, as was the case with the signifi-

Economist Sasenarine Singh

cant shortfall in expenditure with regards to government’s recurrent expenditure, Singh has observed too that 2015 Auditor General’s Report highlights that Central Government failed to achieve their anticipated levels of capital expenditure activities during 2015, resulting in a shortfall of G$8.5 billion.

This shortfall was attributed primarily to delays in the implementation of key infrastructure projects.

According to Singh, the appalling performance

by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, comes as no surprise, “as I observed his performance as he struggled to compile a basic list of candidates in 2011.”

Singh also used the opportunity to take a swipe at the President’s address to Parliament on Thursday last calling it, “most uninspiring” and “illustrates he is definitely out to sea.”

Singh was also critical of the administration’s failure to garner its projected revenues for 2015 and points to the fact that even though revenue collection fell short, the administration was still on a spending spree.

Current revenue fell short in 2015 by $741 million and according to Singh, “when a nation cannot collect on its revenue but continues to spend on parades and marching parks like there is no tomorrow, then it means there will be less money for real Police services, real healthcare services, real services to the poor and the vulnerable and most importantly real educational services… Can you understand why President Granger cannot face the Teachers Union (GTU)?”

According to Singh, a government is as good as its first 100 days and “if this was President Granger’s 100 days, then God help Guyana.”

ontrary to reports in the media that Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) has been phasing out operations with the intention of ceasing operations in Guyana, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has disclosed that the company has no such plans.

In fact, he explained at a press conference on Friday that the logging company has indicated to government its intention to continue operations here.

However Trotman pointed out that because of the slowdown in the Asian markets, Demerara Timbers has scaled down operations.

“Following consultations between the ministry and the company, we have been assured that the company has every desire to continue in Guyana, but of course because of the slowdown in the Asian markets, they have slowed some operations and production but there is no intention to leave the country or to surrender their operations,” the Minister asserted, adding that a statement to this effect from the company is imminent.

DTL has attracted much criticism of recent over the sacking of 11 protesting workers, who were advocating for pay increases. It was reported that some 72 workers were on a retrenchment list, which would be effected

by December.

The company reportedly disclosed its intend-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

ed plans during a meeting held on Tuesday last with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), after it was asked to defend its decision to fire the workers who protested at DTL’s headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown, the week before.

On October 3, workers took industrial action in their quest for a pay raise.

However, the next day nine DTL employees were handed pink slips and the other two met the same fate over the next few days. A move vehemently condemned by GAWU. In fact, the union on Wednesday issued a statement pointing out that this is the first time that a private or public entity has taken such an action despite the country’s labour laws,

which prohibits workplaces from dismissing workers for taking industrial action.

GAWU had pointed out that DTL’s actions are a violation of Section Eight of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. These events raised concerns within the Natural Resources Ministry, which during the past week said that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has been mandated to investigate and provide a report on the situation with the company.

Nevertheless, Minister Trotman noted on Friday that the Social Protection Ministry is looking into the industrial unrests involving the company, its workers and the union, and is currently engaging the logging company.

“So we are thankful the Ministry of Social Protection has intervened and so we expect the matter will be resolved quickly to the best interest of both the company and the workers; and as a norm, hopefully the workers will regain their employment and not be punished,” the Natural Resources Minister posited.

Demerara Timber Limited has over 516,000 hectares in Timber Sales Agreement in areas at Mabura, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), making it one of the largest concession holders in the country.

The company is officially controlled by an investor, who is said to be from Malaysia.

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guyana-times.com

monday, october 17, 2016

News

Legal Clerk accuses Police Constable of assault

Barama contract renewal

Govt proposes draft agreement to company A

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atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has disclosed that following months of negotiations with Barama Company Limited on renewing its investment agreement, Government has submitted a draft proposal to the Malaysianowned company.

Trotman told reporters during a press conference on Friday that over the past 10 months, talks have been ongoing between the logging company and Government to renew its 25-year-old Investment Development Agreement, which expires this month; however, he noted that these talks have not yet concluded.

“We have shared with the company our latest draft and the company is to respond, but we expect, of course, that some more negotiations may come with their counterproposals, but the expectation is before the end of the year, the Government and Barama will be renewing their relationship – one with the other,” the Natural Resources Minister posited.

Barama is one of Guyana’s biggest foreign investors with operations at Buck Hall, Essequibo River, and at Land of Canaan,

Talks are still ongoing for renewal of Barama’s agreement

East Bank Demerara. Back in 1991, the company was allocated some 1.6 million hectares of State production forest, the biggest forest concession for any one company in the country.

In September last year, Minister Trotman had visited the company’s Buck Hall operations to get a first-hand look at the operations and working conditions there. He had noted that the Government would like to see more value-added production from investors in Guyana and he would ensure that this component was included in any agreement.

During that tour, the company’s General Manager Mohindra Chand had stated that the company was determined to continue its operations in Guyana, stating that while it was faced with many challenges, it never considered closing its operations here. Barama’s operations consist of forest management, timber harvesting and manufacturing of various wood-based products such as plywood, sawn timber, and flooring products.

While its plywood operations was said to be its largest, there have been reports that it scaled down that op-

eration and was moving into other areas, such as gold mining. When asked about this, the Natural Resources Minister told reporters at Friday’s press conference that he was not aware that the company was going into mining activities, but noted that within its concession miners are mining, which the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has permitted.

“Because of the slowdown in Asian markets, there has been a pulling back, but they have been doing plywood and specialised timbers for decks, decking and other applications like that. So they have been doing value added, we’d like to see them do more value added and as I said, given the slowdown in China and in Asia generally, we have seen a scale-back in some operations,” Trotman pointed out. With its $43 billion investment into local operations, the Barama Company was said to be one of Guyana’s biggest employers, employing approximately 1000 Guyanese.

The company contributes about $400 million in taxes, royalties and other fees annually, with some $1.6 billion paid out for local services and goods.

Legal Clerk on Saturday reached out to this publication alleging that he was assaulted by a Police Constable attached to the Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara.

Mike Jaundoo, 32, of 2134 Phase 2 Westminster, Parfait Harmony, West Bank Demerara related to Guyana Times a series of events that led to his claim; he has since lodged a report at the Leonora Police Station.

According to Jaundoo, on July 7 he was involved in an accident where his vehicle was badly damaged by a man identified only as Sukhoo.

A woman, Malika Ramsay, was also involved in the accident. Following the smash-up, Sukhoo, who was at fault, promised to have both Jaundoo’s and Ramsay’s vehicles repaired.

However, this promise was never fulfilled in Jaundoo’s case. As such, the man visited Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine and was sent to the now Divisional Commander of Division D (West Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) Leslie James at the La Grange Police Station.

Corporal Bridglall was given the task of looking into the matter when Jaundoo visited La Grange, however the Corporal was later

transferred to Leonora, and the matter was being dealt with there.

Jaundoo explained that Sukhoo was arrested and he was summoned to the Leonora Police Station where he was told the matter will be settled.

While there, Jaundoo said that he was approached by the Constable who “threw remarks” which he did not take seriously, as the Constable is known to him for the past 16 years.

Following an exchange of words, Jaundoo claims he was attacked and thrown to the ground and was dealt several kicks and cuffs about his body by the Constable. He was able to escape, seeking refuge in the Commander’s office.

The matter was reported and Jaundoo was sent for medical attention.

The man claims that he was attacked by the Constable because of an old grievance.

He is calling for justice as nothing has been done for him since the incident which took place in front of his nine-year-old daughter and wife.

This publication contacted the Leonora Police Station but all calls went unanswered.

Attempts were also made to contact Commander Leslie James, but this too proved futile.

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Guyana Coconut Festival days away

Lady Coco unveiled at ACCC

Fire guts Sophia house

Lady Coco, the mascot of the festival, standing tall gracing the night's sky

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he world’s first Female coconut monument was on Sunday unveiled to the public as Guyana prepares to celebrate the inaugural Coconut Festival under the theme “Awakening a Sleeping Giant”.

Lady Coco was commissioned at the entrance of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre by a small gathering.

Agro-Tourism Specialist Gemma Wenner who was tasked with providing insight into the significance of Lady Coco, stated that the first ever monument signifies “A tree of life”.

“This iconic sculpture signifies the versatility, strength and nurturing women provide in society”, she stated She noted that the monument was partially made of coconut, among other natural materials.

Wenner underscored the relevance of the coconut and its usefulness to mankind, noting that over 67 products can be made from coconut.

“We can use the oil from coconut, branches and every other part of the coconut,” said Wenner.

She pointed out that a coconut tree is “like a woman”, stating that the tree can weather any storm and still be fruitful.

Miss Universe Guyana

2016 Soyini Fraser, as the special ambassador of the Coconut Festival, paid tribute to the artist Gerry Gittens for his invaluable work.

The Beauty Queen stated that Gittens is no stranger to the arts industry, noting that he was awarded sometime back with the Icon of the Arts.

Fraser stated that Gittens did an amazing job over a short period and he should be recognised for his creativity.

Vilma Persaud, no stranger to the coconut industry, delivered the feature address and had the honour of unveiling Lady Coco.

Persaud, who owns one of the largest coconut farms in the country and supplies regional markets, delivered an inspiring story about how she was able to be successful.

“Firstly I was never a farmer; I was married to the farmer but what I realised in the community is that farmers only farmed for subsistence. I did not want that for my family so I decided to go to all of the forums and agricultural activities to gain knowledge to better my farm.”

She added that she encountered many challenges in her family life since she is a mother and a wife.

However that never stopped her and today her family is proud of what they have accomplished.

According to Guyana’s Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, Lady Coco will not be permanently located at the entrance of the Convention Centre since the coconut industry committee will be seeking a place of permanent residence, at a craft shop.

“We will be moving the monument to various locations around the country then after we will be looking to place it in a craft shop.”

Gittens, with the crafty hands behind the monument disclosed that Lady Coco is an invaluable piece of work that he and his team are extremely proud to have created. However he indicated to this publication his dissatisfaction with the allotted time to complete the work since he had to toil day and night to meet the deadline. He further signalled that had he more time there would have been more creativity.

Guyana Coconut Festival is scheduled for October 28 to 30 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The Guyana Coconut Festival was officially launched at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Thursday 21st April last.

Low-lying communities warned

High tides expected to peak today

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armers and residents residing in low-lying areas are advised to be on guard as the current spring tide period will peak today.

According to a published notice, the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Works Services Group, in a high tide alert for several low-lying areas, noted that storm surges may result in “overtopping of sea/river defence structures”.

According to the notice, Sunday’s high tide was expected to peak at 16:00h at a height of 3.34 metres, while today’s peak is expected to be 3.35 metres at 16:40h. Some of the areas warned to take precautions include: Zorg, Charity and communities along the Pomeroon River Banks; Zeelandia, Marionville, Good Success, Wakenaam;

The Georgetown Seawall on a dry sunny day

Success, Amsterdam, and Endeavour in Leguan; Lookout, Salem and Sparta along the East Bank of Essequibo; and Crane to Ruimzeigt, and Anna Catherina to Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara.

Meanwhile, Belle Vue on the West Bank of Demerara is warned, while Water Street, Kitty and areas stretching from Georgetown to Ogle are all at risk, in addition to Helena Number One and

Two, Mahaica. Apart from these locations, persons along all other low-lying coastal areas are “advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding”.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry added that the use of beaches and foreshore areas was not advised during this period. The current spring tide period will continue until Thursday, October 20.

A Sunday blaze destroyed the upper flat of an A Field, Sophia house

A

fire of unknown origin destroyed the upper flat of a two-storey house in ‘A’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Sunday, rendering the lone occupant homeless.

Based on reports reaching Guyana Times the fire started just before 12:00h and the owner of the concrete and wood house, Nandkishore Ragnauth, was not home.

According to neighbours, smoke was observed from the upper flat of the house and an alarm was raised. Neighbours immediately formed a bucket

brigade but were unable to save the house since the intense inferno quickly consumed the house.

“After we realised that we couldn’t do anything to save the house, we start soaking the neighbours’ houses,” one woman said.

Another neighbour, a male, continued that “the heat was so much that de gutter pon the neighbour house start melting out so we come together as a community and help them wet the other house them… we couldn’t save that one, so we try to at least save de rest.”

Meanwhile, the resi-

dents related that the Fire Service was summoned and upon arrival, the entire upper flat was already engulfed.

After about an hour or so of rigorously battling the inferno, the blaze was doused but only after completely destroying the upper flat of the house.

This newspaper could not verify the extent of the damage in the bottom concrete flat.

Nevertheless, investigators from the Guyana Fire Service have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the blaze.

12 news

monDay, october 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Snakes at Skeldon Hospital

Fire Prevention Week

Anna Regina Fire Station hosts community outreach

S

S

The Skeldon Hospital compound

nakes have been found inside the Skeldon Hospital and this major issue was at the centre of discussion at a recentlyheld Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

PPP Councillor Lloyd Douglas said he killed a snake while visiting the hospital.

“Skeldon Hospital, I went there and that hospital is infested with snakes.

I personally killed one; snakes inside the room. As a matter of fact, that hospital compound is a breathing ground for snakes,” Douglas declared to the RDC; he reported too that the hospital’s weeding machine is broken.

Acting Administrator for the Skeldon Hospital, Shurla Scott who is also a Regional Councillor for the coalition, was present at the meeting and confirmed that indeed the reptile was killed in the hospital. She however refuted claims of an infestation, as Douglas reported.

Scott however noted that following the incident the Regional Administration was contacted and immedi-

PPP Councillor Lloyd Douglas

ately rendered assistance.

“The Region has contracted out the slashing of the hospital compound so if we are going to make comments, we have to start from the Regional level. The contract is for one month and it is to have the compound slashed once per month, so you cannot attack the Skeldon administration,” she said in defence of the hospital’s management.

Douglas said too that apart from the snakes, there is a shortage of essential drugs. “This is putting more pressure on the poor working class people when

they have to go to the drugstore and purchase drugs,” he said, while displaying two prescriptions which he received from the Skeldon Hospital. Douglas told the gathering that under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration, such conditions did not exist.

Director of Regional Health Services Jevaughn Stephens, while acknowledging that there are concerns at the Skeldon Hospital, noted that several persons have been given contracts to weed the compound. He said despite reports, conditions at the hospital have been improving and provided data to substantiate his claim.

“We have seen in excess of 28,000 more patients for the first half of this year than for the first half of last year because Surinamese are now accessing the facility because healthcare is free over here and very expensive there. So from time to time it throws the drug forecasting out because we cannot fully forecast the numbers coming from Suriname.

However it is a work in progress,” Stephens said.

cores of persons living in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were on Friday exposed to information about fire and prevention methods, as the Anna Regina Fire Station hosted a community outreach in the vicinity of the market.

The outreach offered valuable information about fire prevention and public safety. During the exercise, officers distributed pamphlets and brochures to the public.

Three food hampers

The Anna Regina Fire Station arranged an informative display

Participants visiting the booths at the community outreach

were distributed and an interfaith service held in commemoration of the Week.

According to head of the Fire Station, Clive Mc Donald, the activity was

observed under the theme, “Fire safety: a collective responsibility for the preservation of life and property”.

Mc Donald informed that the Week is observed due to the World Worst conflagra-

tion which occurred in the United States on 9 October, 1871. During that fire, 250 persons died, 17,430 buildings destroyed and 100,000 persons were homeless.

He also noted that Fire Prevention was observed for one day in the past but was changed to one week in 1922 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Other activities planned include visits to Secondary Schools throughout the Essequibo Coast and an inter-faith community interaction with residents. The fire station will be opened to visits from schools and the general public during the week.

Linden's Deputy Mayor representing Guyana at UCLG Congress in Bogota

Deputy Mayor Arindell (red jacket) along with other representatives from the Caribbean. From left: Mayor Scean Barnswell (Jamaica), CARILED Programme Director Marion Villanueva, Alderman Anthony Roberts (Trinidad and Tobago) and Councillor Ralston Frazer (Belize)

D

eputy Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell is presently representing Guyana at this year's World Congress of the United Cities Local Government (UCLG) in Bogota, Columbia.

Arindell departed on Tuesday to participate in the World Summit being held from October 12 to 15, and continues with a study tour from October 17 to 20.

Her trip is fully sponsored by the Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) Project Guyana, an organisation funded by the Canadian Government.

The invitation for the World Congress was extended to Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland, who agreed for the

Deputy Mayor to attend.

Holland said Arindell's appointment shows the elevation of the Linden community and municipality, therefore he urged the deputy mayor to use the opportunity to make representation for the twinning of Linden with Bogota.

Speaking from the location on Friday, Deputy Mayor Arindell said she is happy to be a part of the initiative, noting that it is a great learning experience.

"The purpose of the Guyana local authority's participation is to learn from experiences and best practices from other local authorities. It is used to strengthen the capacity of other local authorities

by participating in various workshops. It helps with collaboration, because you get a chance to hear from other local authorities, how they have been functioning, their best practices, where they may have fallen short...It's an opportunity for you to share, learn.

“It's an opportunity for you to network with other mayors and municipalities and it's a wonderful experience", she added.

Held every three years, the event sees the interaction of over 3000 representatives from various towns and cities around the world.

Other representatives from the Caribbean this year include Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Lions clubs Another minibus accident on EBD leaves several injured in action A − Guyhoc, Tucville residents benefit from new walkway

T

he Lions Clubs of Ruimveldt and D’Urban Park on Sunday brought much-needed relief to hundreds of residents of Guyhoc, Tucville and North Ruimveldt in Georgetown, as they spearheaded the final phase of construction on a concrete walkway to the bridge separating Guyhoc and Tucville from North Ruimveldt.

Ruimveldt Lions Club President Quincy Thom, in an invited comment, said that the joint service project by the two clubs would be helpful mostly to the scores of schoolchildren and the elderly that traverse the area

A view of the walkway under construction

Expectant faces: Some of the schoolchildren who will benefit from the enhancement work

day and night. He noted that Tucville Primary and Nursery Schools were located some distance away and many students used the bridge to get to school faster.

Thom said too that the work being done at the walkway was made possible by corporate Guyana, and expressed gratitude to the entities for their assistance.

He also extended gratitude to the Guyana Prison Service for releasing eight prisoners to execute the job.

The project was made possible by the donation of

cement from TCL, funds from the Lions Clubs of Ruimveldt and Durban Park, the Prison Service which provided prisoners to supply the labour, as well as some members of the community.

South Ruimveldt Park Chairman Ian Thorne, who is tasked with securing the construction site, related to this publication that he welcomed the initiative and was hopeful that residents would use the walkway with care.

“This is good what the clubs are doing: it will benefit the communities very

well and my only wish is that persons treat the walkway with care, so that it can be long-lasting,” he said.

The Lions Clubs indicated that they would soon be undertaking many more projects of similar nature in a number of communities.

According to one resident of Guyhoc, the walkway was often “soppy” and when it rained a lot the walkway was unnoticeable as a result of its muddy state.

“Sometimes the walkway does be dangerous to people, especially when it rains and get soppy. It does be full with grass and it is not levelled properly, you have to be picking and choosing where to walk,” a resident stated.

The area was used as a connection point for many decades and was only accessible by large planks, which were placed across the two large trenches separating the villages until recently when the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) constructed two bridges over the trenches.

The Clubs are involved in other service projects such as their weekly feeding programme.

nother accident along the East Bank Demerara on Saturday, involving a route 42 minibus has left a number of passengers traumatised and nursing injuries after it toppled and landed on its side at the Diamond Public Road. This is the second such accident in less than a week.

According to eyewitnesses, the speeding minibus, with licence plate BTT 1309, was heading to Timehri when it hit the curb of the pavement. The vehicle spun several times before toppling onto its side.

It is reported that the injured passengers were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. There are also reports that one of the passengers may have suffered a miscarriage.

When contacted, Deputy Superintendent Ramesh Ashram could not confirm the facts of the accident.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday last, another minibus accident at Herstelling, EBD, claimed the life of its conductor.

The driver of that mini-

The minibus involved in the accident on Saturday

bus, Kevin Ferrel, was taken before the courts charged with causing death by dangerous driving and was granted bail in the sum of $1.5 million.

He was ordered to return to court on November 1, 2016.

Reports indicate that the driver of the route 42 minibus lost control, causing it to collide into a pole before toppling on its left side. The accident occurred a short distance from the Providence Police Station.

According to further reports reaching Guyana Times, the conductor’s head was pinned when the minibus toppled.

A passenger in the bus spoke to this newspaper, relating that the bus was heading to Georgetown and as it was navigating the ‘S’ turn at Herstelling, it developed some problems.

“The bus start wobbling like something wrong with the back wheel and when the bus go around the turn, it start wobbling more bad.

(The driver) couldn’t pull breaks cause if he do that, everybody in the bus woulda dead,” the man recalled.

He further added that the conductor sustained the most severe injuries as he was bleeding profusely from his nose and mouth. The conductor later succumbed.

$50M playpark officially opened at Giftland Mall

I

t was a moment of great excitement for kids and adults alike when Giftland on Friday evening launched its first universal playpark in Guyana.

In addition to the Kids Playpen, two popular attractions are the rock climbing wall and the bungee jump-

ing playpen for adults.

Before the ribbon cutting, Director of Giftland, Roy Beepat, proclaimed the event as historic: “This is really quite a momentous affair, in its simplicity, this really represents the few areas in Guyana, where you can come as a family and enjoy

with your younger ones. One of the things about the Mall is actually to create this family element so that you can come as families and enjoy all the different facets of what we are trying to establish.”

The rock climbing wall is yet to be opened and according to Beepat, this will be completed in the next few weeks and is to be one of the highlights of the playpark.

He noted that tremendous hard work went into the creation and setting up of the playpark and stressed that safety at the facility is of paramount importance.

The playpark is a first not only in Guyana but the Caribbean. It is estimated to have cost $50M.

14

guyana-times.com

MONday, october 17, 2016

Regional

Haiti: Aid trucks looted as UN Booming business chief assesses hurricane damage on Venezuela’s ‘wild’ border A D ngry Haitians looted aid trucks as the United Nations Secretary General visited parts of the country hit by Hurricane Matthew, which killed 900 people.

Ban Ki-moon said he witnessed a looting incident in Les Cayes, where he promised more aid to Haiti. He also urged countries to donate more.

Officials say more than 1.4 million people urgently need humanitarian help.

There are also fears of a cholera outbreak, with spikes in cases and deaths reported in the south west.

The waterborne disease reached the island via Nepalese UN troops after the deadly earthquake in 2010, causing the deaths of nearly 10,000 people.

Tensions have been high as help has yet to reach

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Haitians who are living in a shelter in Les Cayes

many families whose crops and water supplies have been destroyed.

Haitian Police and UN peacekeepers used tear gas to disperse a group of 100 residents who attacked humanitarian convoys in Les

5 Trinis held in Venezuela set free

T

he five Trinidad and Tobago men who were detained in Venezuela since 2014 are being released and sent home after serving time, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon confirmed Saturday.

“Justice has been done.

They are T&T nationals and they will return home,” he added.

The five – Dominic Pitilal, Wade Charles, Asim Luqman, Andre Battersby and Leslie Daisley – were detained in Venezuela since March 2014 on terrorism activity charges.

They had gone to Caracas allegedly to seek visas for Hajj. A T&T group which had likewise gone to seek visas for a pilgrimage were also detained. Under the supervision of Captain Richard Kelshall and other officials of the then PP Administration, that group – including several imams – were released soon after

and they returned home.

However, the men were detained and taken to court subsequently to face terrorism charges.

Family, friends, and legal representatives such as Attorney Nafeesa Mohammed (former deputy PNM leader) who said the men were innocent, have been lobbying ever since for their release.

Pitilal’s wife and son wrote letters to the Prime Minister appealing for assistance in the last five months.

During a May meeting in Port-of-Spain between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Government took the opportunity to ask for the matter regarding the men to be expedited. Shortly after, the charges were changed to intention to commit espionage and to commit a criminal act. (Excerpt

from Trinidad Guardian)

Cayes on Saturday.

“We understand the impatience and the anger of the population who are waiting for emergency relief. We are doing all we can to facilitate the arrival of the assistance soon as possible,” Ban

Pope Francis canonises Argentina’s “gaucho priest”

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ope Francis has canonised a “gaucho priest” from his homeland Argentina, making him the country’s first saint.

Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, often pictured in a poncho worn by cattle herders, travelled by mule to minister the poor in remote areas.

He was among seven saints declared in a Mass in St Peter’s Square in Rome, which was attended by thousands.

He is credited with at least two posthumous miracles, the minimum requirement for sainthood.

Brochero, one of Argentina’s most famous Catholics during Pope Francis’ youth, suffered leprosy that left him blind until his

R

lic by LIAT is being threatened with disruption by the pilots.

From last week, LIALPA had made it clear that it would make public a number of internal concerns with the regional carrier, since the union believed that private discussions were going nowhere.

But LIAT says the airline will not respond in the

icson has 1.4 million Venezuelan bolivars (US$140,700) stuffed under the backseat of his car.

Stacks upon stacks of cash are neatly sorted and tucked away, earned from the sales at his shop in Puerto Santander, a Colombian town on the Venezuelan border.

The 47-year-old smiles as he covers up the cash with the seat, which had been hollowed out months ago to transport the money from his shop all the way to Cucuta, another city 60km away along the border with Venezuela.

Venezuela opened its borders with Colombia over the summer to allow Venezuelans to cross and buy basic goods such as rice, flour, toilet paper and toothpaste from markets and shops in Colombia.

At home, such items are expensive and in short supply – if not entirely unavailable. The shortages and extreme inflation, largely due

Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, known as the “gaucho priest”, was honoured in St Peter’s Square

death in 1914.

He was moved closer to sainthood with his beatification in 2013. At the time, Pope Francis wrote a letter to Argentina’s bishops praising Brochero for having had the

“smell of his sheep”.

“He never stayed in the parish office. He got on his mule and went out to find people like a priest of the street, to the point of getting leprosy,” Pope Francis wrote.

to the crash in oil prices, have left Venezuelans scrambling.

They pile into buses to come to Puerto Santander, some travelling for days just to cross the border for a few hours, returning again by bus immediately after.

At the San Antonio crossing to Cucuta, for example, Venezuelans must fill out paperwork while they wait on the Simon Bolivar bridge.

Puerto Santander, however, has a wildness about it that other border crossings do not: the border is open – no paperwork, no searches and no waiting are required.

The dusty roads and oppressive heat, along with the combination of smugglers on motorcycles, regular violent incidents and crowded outdoor markets lend the place this air of “wildness” – a completely unregulated town where people get what they need and get out. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Brochero is credited with a number of miracles, including the rehabilitation of a baby whose head was crushed in a car accident.

Also canonised were French nun Elizabeth of the Trinity and martyr Salomon Leclercq; Italian priests Lodovico Pavoni and Alfonso Maria Fusco; Mexican martyr Jose Sanchez del Rio and Spanish bishop Manuel Gonzalez Garcia.

Portraits of the new saints were placed on display among the columns of Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Pope Francis, who celebrates his 80th birthday in December, is the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Holness stands firm on tax promise P

rime Minister Andrew Holness is standing firm to his commitment of increasing the income tax threshold next

LIAT advises passengers to monitor media as discussions continue with union egional air carrier LIAT is advising its passengers to monitor electronic and print media, as the company holds ongoing discussions with the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA).

LIAT says that while the company and LIALPA discuss a number of internal industrial matters, the service provided to the pub-

said.

He flew over areas hit by the hurricane alongside Prime Minister Enex JeanCharles.

“I was very, very sad when we saw the complete devastation. But people the world over stand with you,” the UN chief added.

“We are going to mobilise as many resources and as much medical support as we can to first of all, stop the cholera epidemic and second ,support the families of the victims.”

Some 120,000 homes were either damaged or destroyed when Category Four Hurricane Matthew swept through on October 4 with winds of 145mph (230km/h).

Ban visited a shelter in Les Cayes and told the displaced “kembe fem” in Creole, meaning “hang in there”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

media, regarding these matters and claims that it had taken all reasonable steps to address the concerns raised and to keep the members of LIALPA informed of progress.

Among concerns are the packed schedules – less meal breaks, unsatisfactory pay and the poor handling of breaches by pilots. (Antigua Observer)

April, and says that the funds earmarked for the tax break will not be diverted to fighting crime.

“I have already made the public commitment that there will be an increased allocation in crime fighting. You have already seen published in the Economic Growth Council a set of actions.

“Just today [Thursday] the Ministry of National Security working in tandem with the Attorney General’s Office has essentially completed a new legal framework to assist in crime fighting. So there will be an allocation, it will not necessarily interfere with programmes that are already agreed on, but there has to be an increased allocation,” Holness said.

The statement was in response to suggestions by the co-chair of the Economic Programme Oversight

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left) shakes hands with Alejandro Werner, Director of the Western Hemisphere Department of the IMF, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kingston

Committee (EPOC), Richard Byles, to “delay or stretch out” the increase in income tax threshold next April in an effort to place more resources into fighting crime across the country.

“We can’t fight crime with just sentiments and

words — we have to put our resources where the problem is,” Holness continued.

He was speaking at the joint Government of Jamaica and International Monetary Fund press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston last Thursday.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

MONday, october 17, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Syria war: Turkish-backed Trump says election rebels seize Dabiq from ISIL ‘rigged at polling places’

S

yrian Opposition fighters backed by Turkey have taken control of the northern Syrian town of Dabiq from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.

The fighters said they seized the town on Sunday following heavy shelling and months of air strikes.

Dabiq is considered a major ISIL stronghold with symbolic importance to the group, also known as ISIS. A commander of the Syrian Opposition Hamza Brigade said ISIL fighters put up “minimal” resistance, before withdrawing in the direction of the much larger ISIL-held town of al-Bab to the south.

Saif Abu Bakr told The

Turkish-backed operations will continue until the border area is fully secure

Associated Press news agency some 2000 Opposition fighters pushed into Dabiq with tank and artillery support from the Turkish army.

The commander said the ISIL fighters left the town heavily mined.

Both Turkish and international coalition warplanes conducted air strikes on Dabiq and nearby Arshak, the Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

Al Jazeera’s Mohammed

Adow, reporting from Gaziantep , a town along the Turkey-Syria border , said the rebels have not only taken control of Dabiq but also some towns nearby.

“This is huge setback for ISIL because it is not only a strategic town but it also holds a huge symbolic value for ISIL,” he said.

“About 3000 civilians have fled their homes as the rebels are now turning their attention to the town of alBab.” Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said later on Sunday that Turkish-backed operations will continue until the border area is fully secure. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Deadly bridge collapse off Indonesia’s Bali island

A

bridge connecting two small islands near the Indonesian resort island of Bali has collapsed, killing at least eight people, officials say.

People were passing over the suspension bridge for a religious ceremony when the accident occurred, a police officer told Reuters news agency.

The water was not deep, but many of the victims were crushed by debris, he said.

Thirty other people were injured. All were reported to

be local residents.

The bridge, which carries pedestrians and motorbikes, connects the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, which lie off the south-east coast of Bali.

The collapse occurred around 1830 local time (1030 GMT). The bridge was busy because people were taking part in a Hindu ceremony at a nearby temple.

“Before the bridge collapsed it was already shaking,” disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho

told AFP news agency.

“Some motorcyclists and people fell into the sea, and people in the area immediately tried to save them.”

Three children were reported to be among the dead.

Earlier reports had put the death toll at nine but this was revised.

Officials said it was not clear whether anyone was missing. A fresh search would begin at daybreak, one said.

Andrew Sutherland, a British expatriate and tour

operator in the area, told the BBC the bridge was the only one connecting the two islands.

“It’s been there for about 30 years and it is quite a rickety bridge,” he said. “It’s only used for a few people to cross at the same time, normally motorbikes, nothing more than that.

“Unfortunately today was a very large ceremony for the local population and a large amount of people were crossing the bridge when it did collapse.” (Excerpt

S

Four central provinces have been hit by flooding

passed the main Philippine island of Luzon and headed into the South China Sea. Several thousand Filipinos had evacuated

ahead of the typhoon, and property damage, downed power lines and fallen trees were reported.

Typhoon Sarika could

Nigeria: Chibok girls in tearful reunion with families

hit northern Vietnam early next week, according to the country’s weather bureau.

So far the flooding has affected tens of thousands of people across four central provinces. Images show houses with only their roofs above water.

Local media say more than 70,000 houses have flood damage in Quang Binh and almost 25,000 in Ha Tinh province.

Rice fields and other agricultural land have been inundated, local media report, and the main northsouth rail link is affected.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Shouts, kisses and cries of joy filled the room as the freed girls, who had been kidnapped along with more than 200 other pupils in the town of Chibok in April 2014, met their relatives in Abuja on Sunday

S

ome of the 21 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by the armed group Boko Haram have reunited with their families, following their release after 30 months in captivity.

Shouts, kisses and cries of joy filled the room as the freed girls, who had been kidnapped along with more than 200 other pupils in the town of Chibok in April 2014, met their relatives in Abuja on Sunday.

The girls were freed on Thursday, but it took days for most of the families to reach the capital for the reunion.

China backs BRICS despite global uncertainty

C

hina’s President has said the longterm prospects of the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – are still positive despite a precarious global economy.

President Xi Jinping said the countries were among those currently enduring slower economic growth.

But he stressed that the potential and strength of the group was “unchanged”.

China’s Xi Jinping (R) admitted economic growth in the Brics countries had slowed

It comes as leaders of the BRICS agreed in India

to forge closer business and trade ties.

said: “The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary – but also at many polling places – SAD”.

Earlier, Trump accused the press of inaccurate reporting: “Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!”

However, speaking on NBC’s Meet The Press, Pence said the American people were “tired of the obvious bias in the national media” which was “where the sense of a rigged election goes”, but said: “We will absolutely accept the results of the election.”

“Elections always get pretty rough,” he added, but said the US has a tradition of “the peaceful transfer of power”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

from BBC News)

Flooding hits central Vietnam ahead of Typhoon Sarika evere flooding in central Vietnam has left at least 21 people dead and submerged tens of thousands of homes.

Worst affected is the province of Quang Binh, where at least 11 people have been killed, crops destroyed and livestock washed away.

The floods have been caused by torrential rain, but local media say sudden discharges from hydropower reservoirs worsened the flooding.

Typhoon Sarika could bring more bad weather if it strikes Vietnam.

On Sunday, the storm

U

S Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said the election is “absolutely rigged” by the “dishonest media” and “at many polling places”.

His comments appear to contradict his running mate Mike Pence, who told NBC earlier Trump would “absolutely” accept the election result, despite media “bias”.

Trump’s adviser Rudy Giuliani has also accused Democrats of “cheating”.

Polls suggest Trump is losing ground in some of the key battleground states.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton’s running mate Tim Kaine has blasted Trump’s election-rigging claims as “scare tactics”.

Trump has questioned the legitimacy of the election process in a series of tweets, the latest of which

The grouping contains about half of the world’s population and nearly 25 per cent of world economic output.

Speaking at the BRICS summit in the Indian resort state of Goa, Xi referred to the recent slowdown in economic growth amongst the group.

But he added the position of the BRICS “is still positive long-term” due to their resources and work-

forces.

Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for world economic growth in 2016, with Brazil, South Africa and Russia receiving some of the sharpest downgrades.

The Brics economies have been hit by falling global demand and lower commodity prices, while some have faced corruption scandals. (Excerpt from BBC News)

At the meeting, the parents of one of the girls spoke of their excitement at seeing their daughter.

“When we heard they found some of the girls, and that our daughter was among them, we slept as if the day is not going to break,” Muta Abana, a father of one of the Chibok girls, told The Associated Press news agency.

“We wanted the day to break quickly, to see if the Government is going to call us, to come and see that our daughter was among them.”

Hawa Abana, the mother, said that Boko Haram abducted her daughter and hundreds of other schoolgirls, because “they did not want them to succeed in life”.

“By God’s grace she is back,” she said. “She will go back to school. Boko Haram has no power again.”

Eleanor Nwadinobi, women and girls manager at the Nigeria Stability and Recognition Programme, said the girls will now undergo treatment which must be tailored to individual needs, including trauma counselling and health and nutritional requirements.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 News

MONDay, october 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Jagdeo scolds Govt for abandoning OLPF

No significant decline in maternal mortality rates – UNICEF report

... says One Laptop Per Teacher limits ICT coverage

L

eader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has taken to task the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration over the dismantling of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative and replacing it with the One Laptop Per Teacher (OLPT) programme recently launched by President David Granger, saying that it will defeat the aim of bringing all Guyanese into the Information Communications Technology loop.

Jagdeo while responding to an address to parliamen-

in the hands of those who should not have benefitted, said that the programme would have provided a wider ICT coverage in the country.

He explained that the idea was to ensure that at least 100,000 poor families receive a computer, including families of teachers.

The former president, the brainchild behind the OLPF initiative which was launched back in 2011, said with the OLPT the access will be limited to a few households.

“If you have three teachers from a single household, you will have three computers in one household but you

President David Granger launches One Laptop Per Teacher initiative on World Teacher's Day, October 5, 2016

tarians by President Granger during Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly told a news conference on Thursday that with the new initiative that was launched on October 5, 2016 to mark World Teacher’s Day, will disenfranchise many households, while others could potentially benefit from multiple computers.

Jagdeo, while acknowledging that there were some problems with the OLPF initiative, including instances where computers ended up

would not have in another household that doesn’t have a teacher, but if every family got a computer, then every member of that family including the teacher would have had access to it,” Jagdeo explained.

The Opposition Leader also explained that the OLPF initiative also catered for at least 100 Amerindian communities having access to computers and internet service as part of bridging the digital divide between the coastland and the hinter-

Then President Bharrat Jagdeo presenting a laptop to students of the Abrams Zuil Secondary School, at the launch of the One Laptop Per Family initiative in January 2011

land, but expressed dissatisfaction that under the current dispensation this would not be possible.

“2000 of the 100,000 (laptops) should have gone to 100 Amerindian villages that we prepared already the hubs for, etc, they are not getting those anymore,” Jagdeo said.

President Granger during his address, boasted that his government’s e-governance programme will eventually network all government agencies and facilitate efficient data-sharing between government agencies, with internet connectivity of government buildings be extended.

“Every government building – including airports, hospitals, markets, police stations, post offices and schools – will have access to the internet in coming years,” Granger told Government parliamentarians after an Opposition boycott of the speech.

But Jagdeo said that Granger’s pronouncement has no newness since already the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was doing just that before it lost last year’s

national elections, pointing to a programme with a Chinese technology company which was being rolled out.

“The US$30 million project with Huawei was to do a number of things, including connecting every government office. So when he (President Granger) says this about connecting post office and schools, hospitals, etc, that was a part of our project, it’s nothing new,” Jagdeo stated.

Jagdeo said the President’s talk about ICT development in Guyana were not based on his personal knowledge but rather, he was just reading a speech given to him, totally oblivious of the fact that his socalled announcements were not new.“When he comes and talk about ICT development, he is just repeating few of the PPP plans without having the comprehensive knowledge,” the former President stated. Jagdeo also accused the coalition government of taking a PPP/C-drafted bill to liberalise the local telecommunications sector to Parliament and had it passed as though it was the work of the coalition government. considered to be immediate causes of maternal and child mortalities, these risks are caused by inadequate access to good quality health care, especially prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care,” it said, noting that the antenatal period was essential to prevent complications during pregnancy and at births, to prevent HIV transmission from the mother to the child and to monitor the health and nutritional status of the mother and the baby.

Antenatal care is available in Guyana at different levels of the healthcare system. Although differences still exist between the coastal and hinterland regions in Guyana, the national antenatal coverage rate has been above 90 per cent since the year 2000. According to the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), a little more than nine in ten mothers (91 per cent) received antenatal care more than once and a vast majority of them had at least four visits (87 per cent).

“In reality, taking con-

T

he estimated maternal mortality rate, which presently stands at 229/100,000 live births, has not shown any significant decline since the year 2000, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Situation Analysis of Children and Women in Guyana 2016 reported.

According to the recently released report, neonatal mortality continues to be the major component of underfive mortality in the country.

The report also pointed to the health of mothers – present and potential – as the most crucial area to be addressed with the Millennium Development Goals Acceleration Framework.

The most recent estimates show that maternal mortality in Guyana for 2015 was 229/100,000 live births, a number that has been showing signs of decrease in the past five years, but was still higher than the 2000 value.

Reasons

UNICEF said maternal deaths could be divided into two types based on causative groups: deaths di-

rectly related to obstetric

genital factors outside the equation, most of the deaths could have been avoided if appropriate care of pregnant women, attention at birth and/or postpartum and in the initial stages of life of the newborn were available for all pregnant women in the country,” it said.

Moreover, the fact that 59 per cent of the underfive deaths happens in the first month after delivery indicates that the poor quality of prenatal, delivery and postnatal care is also connected to high levels of neonatal mortality in the country.

Therefore, it stated that neonatal sepsis, congenital anomalies, birth asphyxia and prematurity could all be reduced with appropriate access to quality maternal health services.

Additionally, some of the causes are directly and/or indirectly associated with personal characteristics of the mother – nutritional status; health situation; quality of the environment where she lives (including access to proper

complications during pregnancy and indirect obstetric deaths. According to the report, around 73 per cent of the maternal deaths in 2012 were direct maternal deaths, ie, those resulting from obstetric difficulties of the pregnant state (pregnancy, delivery and postpartum), interventions, omissions, incorrect treatment, or a chain of events resulting from any of these.

On the other hand, indirect obstetric deaths occur as a result of either previously existing conditions or from complications arising in pregnancy, which are not related to direct obstetric causes but may be aggravated by the physiological effects of pregnancy.

These include such conditions as HIV and AIDS, malaria, anaemia and cardiovascular diseases. Indirect causes were responsible for 27 per cent of the deaths in 2012.

Better health services

The report stressed that both causes could be seen under two lenses: first in terms of services, since many deaths could be avoided if quality services for pregnant women were available.

“While obstetric risks are water and sanitation); and access to government supplies, among others.

Child mortality

As it relates to child mortality, the report stated that the same service and personal characteristic lenses that were seen related to maternal mortality also apply to child mortality. Similar socio and economic structural conditions that will negatively impact on the chances of mothers dying during delivery and postnatal periods will influence the child’s propensity of dying before the age of five. The next sub-sections explore the different causes in more detail, the report noted. “For child mortality, when looking at the direct causes of death between birth and 12 months – respiratory infections, nutrition and other factors that are independent – but maybe consequences – of the ANC [antenatal care], delivery and PNC [postnatal care ]periods start showing up as important immediate and underlying causes of child mortality,” it said.

Village Feature 17 monday, october 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Forested hills at Block 22

H

op on a boat for a few minutes and ride across the Demerara River from Mackenzie, Linden, or take a drive west across the Mackenzie-Wismar bridge and you'll be greeted by the picturesque suburb-like community of Wismar.

From sprawling hills to beautiful green valleys and blue lakes, there is something unique about Wismar and its enchanting scenery that captivates you. Just a short trip across the river from the busier side of Central Mackenzie, numerous communities come together to form Wismar – from Silvertown to Canvas City, Green and Victory Valleys, One Mile, Half Mile, Wismar Housing Scheme, Block 22, Wisroc and Blueberry Hill, just to name a few.

A closer look at the communities across Wismar would reveal that there are numerous natural, clear water springs, a unique source of potable water. Creatively enough, residents have now equipped a few of these springs with pipelines, for enhanced convenience. Then there is the scenic view of the river's wall, but the sight of the blue lakes at Wismar is perhaps one of the most captivating.

The lakes present the look of peace, calm and serenity. The Wismar area is also home to the Katapulli Creek, which runs through several communities and empties into the Demerara River. But this is not the only creek situated in the Wismar community, as there are scores of clear water creeks stretched across the community – from

“Lover's Creek” at Canvas City to the “Ice Water Creek” at Block 22, these provide an awesome way of cooling down on a hot, sunny day.

A view of the mountains from the Block 22 area provides one of the most breath-taking scenes at Wismar, Linden. Climbing to a suitable spot atop a mountain also reveals the most spectacular view of forested and populated lands, both at Wismar and Mackenzie. Wismar is also rich with history and home to the famous Waterwheel Monument, as a trip down to Christiansburg would reveal.

Whether you travel to Wismar for the scenery or the quiet relaxation away from the hustle and bustle at Mackenzie, the magnificent atmosphere is sure to captivate you.

A section of "Lover's Creek", Canvas City

A natural spring connected to a pipe at Wismar

View of the blue lake at Block 22

18

guyana-times.com

monday october 17, 2016

ARCHIE

Change can be good, but only if you bring it about for (March 21- the right reason. Don’t let anApril 19) ger or frustration drive your actions. Work through problems with grace and aplomb.

ARIES

Travelling engaging in phys-

dilbert

TAURUS ical activities and exploring new (April 20- interests are favored. Don’t rule May 20) out someone or something dif-

ferent. You’ll learn from the things you experience. Romance will brighten your day.

Keep personal matters a GEMINI secret.

Some of the informa(May 21tion you are given will be inJune 20) valid. Dig deep and get your facts straight before you share your opinion, or your credibility will be damaged.

Listen before you react.

Situations will turn sour quick(June 21- ly. Confusion and excess will July 22) lead to unwanted change. Avoid indulgence, arguments and rash decisions. Offer love and understanding, and avoid conflict.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You’ll have plenty of good ideas and the platform to implement them. Having someone influential in your corner will add to your success. Ask for or call in a favour.

If you look inward, you’ll VIRGO find answers. Taking a re(Aug. 23treat or sharing your feelSept. 22) ings with someone you care about will help improve your life and encourage good decisions.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA Don’t overspend or take on (Sept. 23- too much. Setting limits and Oct. 23) being disciplined will bring the best results. Keep things simple and strive to maintain your good reputation.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Boost your confidence with SCORPIO a challenge or novel experi(Oct. 24ence. A little physical advenNov. 22) ture will spark your imagination and give you insight into your ultimate goals.

Refrain from judging others SAGITTARIUS in order to avoid being judged (Nov. 23- yourself. Share only what you Dec. 21) feel is necessary to protect against misinterpretation. If you do your best, you will have no regrets or complaints.

Last published word

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Keep your thoughts to CAPRICORN yourself until you know (Dec. 22where everyone stands. Make Jan. 19) an effort to keep the peace and concentrate more on selfimprovements, not on trying to change others.

Refuse to let emotional isAQUARIUS sues take charge and ruin (Jan. 20your plans. Stay focused on Feb. 19) getting things done and negotiating your position in a calm, calculated and thoughtful manner.

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 Trust in your experience (Feb. 20- to help you make a good deMarch 20) cision that will influence your personal life and reputation.

Work on self-improvement instead of blaming others for your failures.

mondAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17....

Paradise tame Plaisance Panthers

19

NSC, GOA support table tennis champ Kaysan Ninvalle

– Glasgow’s hat-trick decimates Buxton Youth Developers

Part of the intense action between Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise (red top) and Plaisance Panthers at the Golden Grove Ground

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League continued on Sunday at the Golden Grove Ground in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) with a total of thirteen goals being scored in the three matches.

The first game of the day saw BV/Triumph United whipping Buxton Youth Developers 6-1 by virtue of a hat-trick from Omari Glasgow, a double from Samuel Garnett and a goal

by Dequan France.

Glasgow, who has been tremendous goal scoring from in the league opened both his and the team’s account in the 10th minute. However, neither he nor the opposition were able to score another goal in the first half.

It took just five minutes when played resumed for

Glasgow to hit the back of the net, which was followed

by France in the 60; two minutes later Glasgow had his third and BV were all over Buxton Youth Developers.

Garnett joined the goal rush when he scored in the 65th and 70th but when it seemed the game would end without the Buxton unit featuring on the score sheet, Cordel Mingo made a successful conversion in the 74th.

In the second game, Bachelor’s Adventure/ Paradise eased to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Plaisance Panthers as Paradise usual marksman Teshawn Gordon continued to be a torn in oppositions’ defence with his nimble footwork.

Though Gordon did not score he assisted F. Williams, Anton Peters and Ingram Charles, who netted in the 2nd, 13th and 40th respectively; Azandee King was

lone scorer for the opposition in the 48th.

Meanwhile, the final match of the day between Golden Stars and Mahaica Determinators failed to produce a winner, with the game ending 1-1.

Shaun Adonnis was the first to score for Golden Stars when he netted in the 21st but Julius Hamilton found the equalizer in the 28th.

Matches are slated to continue this weekend at the same venue.

Title sponsors NAMILCO, have been urging both players and persons at large to live a healthy lifestyle by indulging in the usage of its heath oriented products Maid Marian Harvest High Fibre Whole Wheat Flour, Maid Marian Wheat-Up Breakfast Porridge, and Maid Marian Multigrain Flour among many other products.

Sprinter Gay’s 15-year-old daughter shot dead

T

ributes have been paid to teenager Trinity Gay, who was fatally shot in Lexington.

American sprinter Tyson Gay’s 15-year-old daughter has died after she was shot in Kentucky on Sunday.

Trinity Gay was pronounced dead at UK Hospital following a shooting in the early hours of the morning.

The Lexington Police Department confirmed that a homicide investigation is under way after witnesses stated that shots were fired from two vehicles outside a restaurant in Lexington. A statement from Lexington Police said: “Around 4 a.m. Sunday, October 16, officers responded to the parking lot of the Cook Out restaurant located at 855 S. Broadway in reference to shots fired. Witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles, a grey Dodge Charger and

Tyson Gay and his daughter Trinity

a dark-coloured sports car with tinted windows. “A juvenile who was struck at the scene was transported to a hospital by private vehicle and then transferred to UK Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified by the Fayette County Coroner’s office as 15-year-old Trinity Gay of Lexington.

“Officers located the

Dodge Charger and detained two possible persons of interest for questioning. Police are still working to locate the other vehicle involved.”

USA Track and Field tweeted: “Sending our thoughts & prayers to @ TysonLGay & his loved ones as they mourn the tragic & senseless loss of his daughter, Trinity.” (SportsMax)

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones hands over the cheque to Ninvalle in the presence of Coach Linden Johnson (left) and GTTA President Godfrey Munroe

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) through Director of Sports and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) lend their support to recently crowned 11 years and under Caribbean table tennis cadet champion Kaysan Ninvalle in order to facilitate his participation at the World Hopes Training and selection Camp scheduled from October 17-23 in Lima, Peru Director of Sport Christopher Jones indicated that his organisation and by extension of the government of Guyana is committed to developing sports and giving its support to young athletic talents in the likes of Kaysan Ninvalle and other athletes across the different sporting disciplines where possible, in view of helping them to realise their potential ,develop their sporting and academic talents.

He indicated that upon reception of the request for support for young Ninvalle from the GTTA and being in tuned with his exploits among the many exploits of his and of other young table tennis talents have been showcasing in bringing Guyana regional honours he felt compelled and happy to have his entity support.

Director Jones extended best wishes to Ninvalle and his Coach national table tennis coach Linden Johnson in their quest to gain selection for the World Hopes selection and training camp. .

GOA Similarly, President K Juman Yassin and Treasurer of the Garfield Wiltshire handed over a cheque of significant contribution to assist Ninvalle.

Yassin indicated that he was happy to support young Ninvalle since he felt this is the direction he would love to see sports organization venturing into in view of synchronizing their programs with their international federations and putting forward programs for the developing young athletic as done by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA).

He touched on the implementation of the National Athlete Development Program-Table Tennis for Schools Project which is a collaborative project soon to be implemented and being piloted by the Association, the Government of Guyana, through its agencies, NSC, GTTA and the Guyana Teachers Union.

The GOA explained that his association has funded the equipment which is a critical project and model to creating the platform structures and programs which would aid in producing and developing a greater nucleus athletes in the respective disciplines.

The World Hopes is a new project of the ITTF Education & Training Program for young talented players in the U-11 age group that have already showcased their abilities and skills in the international arenas and are aspiring candidates in the route toward excellence.

The aim of the project is to promote and work with young talented Players for future success and growth and to bridge the gap in the ITTF Athletes Development Model for the selected age category, Once selected sand under the ITTF preview the

program offers a comprehensive and continuous pathway for players’ development from the age of 11 until they become Olympic candidates, while still U-21.

For which the featured projects and incentives for transitioning the players across the different level and pathways as they mature and develop are the following programs • Age 11-12: Hopes • Age 13-15: Rough Diamonds • Age 16-18: YOG Candidates – With the Future in Mind scholarships • Age 18-21: OG Candidates – – With the Future in Mind scholarships What this does is places Kaysan and Guyana into the spotlight and under the ITTF preview as a candidate and a country that the ITTF support in its developmental programs for the future GTTA president Godfrey Munroe thanked the Director of Sports and President of the Guyana Olympic Association for their organization consideration in responding positively to the GTTA’s request for support He will commence the training programme today, working some of the world best youth coaches and players before engaging in the selection activity Coach Johnson outlined that the team arrived safely were well taken care of

by Rafael Amendariz technical director for Peru Table Tennis Association and that he was able to get in some training with Ninvalle Peru’s national cadet team from in view of getting him acclimatized, positing that the sessions went well.

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

monday, october 17, 2016

India v New Zealand, 1st ODI, Dharamsala…

Kohli, Pandya set up India’s 6-wicket win I

ndia’s Virat Kohli continued to torment New Zealand with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 85 to secure a sixwicket victory with nearly 17 overs to spare in the first one-day international at Dharamsala on Sunday.

India’s bowlers laid the foundations for a comprehensive win when they dismissed New Zealand for a meager 190 inside 44 overs but the chase, at one stage, looked far from a cakewalk.

Ajinkya Rahane (33) and Rohit Sharma (14) put on 49 runs for the opening wicket, but New Zealand did not throw in the towel, reducing India to 102-3 in the 20th over.

SCOREBOARD New Zealand innings (50 overs maximum) M Guptill c Sharma b Pandya 79 T Latham not out KWilliamson*cMishra b Yadav 3 R Taylor c †Dhoni b Yadav 0 C Anderson c Yadav b Pandya 4 L Ronchi† c Yadav b Pandya 0 J Neesham c & b Jadhav 10 M Santner c †Dhoni b Jadhav 0 D Bracewell c Rahane b 15 Mishra T Southee c Pandey b Mishra 55 1 I Sodhi lbw b Mishra Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 8) 11 Total (all out; 43.5 overs) 190 Fall of wickets 1-14 (Guptill, 1.6 ov), 2-29 (Williamson, 4.6 ov), 3-33 (Taylor, 6.1 ov), 4-43 (Anderson, 10.4 ov), 5-48 (Ronchi, 12.1 ov), 6-65 (Neesham, 18.3 ov), 7-65 (Santner, 18.4 ov), 8-106 (Bracewell, 31.5 ov), 9-177 (Southee, 41.3 ov), 10-190 (Sodhi, 43.5 ov) Bowling: Yadav 8-0-31-2 (3w), Pandya 7-0-31-3, Bumrah

8-1-29-0 (2w), Jadhav 3-0-6-2, Patel 9-1-4-0 (3w) A Mishra 8.5-0-49-3 India innings (target: 191 runs from 50 overs) R Sharma lbw b Bracewell 14 A Rahane c†Ronchi Neesham33 V Kohli not out 85 M Pandey c Williamson b 17 Sodhi M Dhoni*† run out (Guptill/†Ronchi) 21 K Jadhav not out 10 Extras (lb 1, w 13) 14 Total (4 wickets; 33.1 overs) 194 Did not bat: HH Pandya, AR Patel, A Mishra, JJ Bumrah, UT Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-49 (Sharma, 9.2 ov), 2-62 (Rahane, 12.1 ov), 3-102 (Pandey, 19.3 ov), 4-162 (Dhoni, 28.4 ov) Bowling: Southee 9-0-57-0 (2w), Bracewell 8-2-44-1 (1w), Neesham 6-0 -40-1 (6w), Sodhi 4.1-0-34-1, Santner 6-0-18-0

Kohli, whose double century in Indore helped India complete a 3-0 whitewash in the test series against the Kiwis, then added 60 runs with ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (21) to take the game away from the tourists.

The duo went about accumulating runs with a mixture of caution and aggression.

Dhoni was run out after an almighty mix-up but Kohli stayed put, before sealing the win with a massive six off Ish Sodhi. Kohli’s 81-ball knock also included nine boundaries.

Trent Boult had a chance to catch Kohli, then on 60, off his own bowling but spilled the ball.

Earlier, Tom Latham’s unbeaten 79 and Tim Southee’s Virat Kohli punches the ball maiden half-century helped onto the off side ©BCCI New Zealand recover from 65-7 and reach 190 before the tourists were all out in the 44th over.

India had flexed their spin muscles in the preceding test series but it was their pacemen who blew away the Kiwi top order on Sunday after Dhoni elected to field.

Hardik Pandya (3-31) made an eventful start to his oneday career, conceding three boundaries in his first five deliveries before dismissing Martin Guptill (12) with the sixth.

He and Umesh Yadav (2-31) combined to reduce New Zealand to 48-5 in the 13th over before the spinners joined the party.

Off-spinner Kedar Jadhav dismissed Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner off successive deliveries and leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3-49) sent back Doug Bracewell to leave New Zealand tottering at 106-8 in the 32nd over.

Yadav dropped Southee (55) when on two, and the batsman made the most of the reprieve, smashing three sixes in his 45-ball cameo as he and Latham added an innings-high 71 runs for the ninth wicket to lend some respectability to the score.

Latham’s unbeaten knock included seven boundaries and a six.

West Indies v England women 2nd ODI, Sabina Park…

Windies level series with 42-run win

S

tafanie Taylor put in a fine all-round performance as West Indies defeated an incredibly sloppy England by 42 runs in the fourth one-day international on Sunday at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

Home captain Taylor made 85 as West Indies posted 2236, helped by four dropped catches and a missed stumping.

The tourists were well placed at 133-1 in Kingston after half-centuries from Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield.

But five run-outs and three wickets from Taylor saw England bowled out for 181 and the series levelled at 2-2.

West Indies’ win not only keeps the series alive, but also means England cannot secure World Cup qualification in the Caribbean, having lost the second of the ICC Women’s Championship fixtures.

Though the tourists were disadvantaged by losing the toss - all four matches in the series have been won by the side batting first - they were hampered by their own mistakes in the field and running between the wickets.

But that is to take nothing away from Taylor, whose 129ball knock was both imperious and chanceless.

No team had ever overhauled a score of more than 222 to win a women’s ODI in the Caribbean but, for some time, that record looked under threat.

England openers Beaumont (57) and Winfield (51) shared 95, with Beaumont in particular showing power down the ground in a 52-ball half-century.

After she was caught and bowled by Taylor, Heather Knight joined Winfield in a stand of 38 until England imploded in spectacular fashion.

Winfield was run out in a mix-up with Knight, Danni Wyatt fell in the same fashion, Georgia Elwiss was short of her ground after a poor call and Brunt was stranded in another breakdown in communication.

By the time Taylor had Knight caught and bowled for 36, England had lost four wickets for four runs and the game was as good as gone.

Fittingly it was a fifth run out that ended the match, Taylor - who took 3-22 - was involved yet again with a direct

Jamaican Stafanie Taylor starred with bat and ball on her home ground

hit that accounted for Laura Marsh.

The fifth and deciding match will be at the same Sabina Park ground on Wednesday. (BBC)

SCOREBOARD West Indies Women innings (50 overs maximum) H Matthews c Winfield b Sciver 8 S Quintyne c Wyatt b Knight 41 S Taylor* c Knight b Gunn 85 D Dottin run out (Sciver) 18 M Aguilleira† c Knight b Marsh 32 B Cooper lbw b Brunt 9 S Campbelle not out 9 S King not out 9 Extras (lb 3, w 8, nb 1) 12 Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 223 Did not bat: ASS Fletcher, A Mohammed, SS Connell Fall of wickets 1-12 (Matthews, 3.4 ov), 2-81 (Quintyne, 23.2 ov), 3-117 (Dottin, 30.1 ov), 4-162 (Aguilleira, 39.6 ov), 5-193 (Cooper, 44.6 ov), 6-209 (Taylor, 47.6 ov) Bowling: Brunt 10-0-40-1 (1nb), Sciver 4-0-14-1 (1w), Gunn 8-1-34-1 (4w), Marsh 10-1-461, Hartley 8-0-41-0 (1w), Knight 6-1-35-1, Elwiss 4 - 0 - 1 0 - 0 (1w)

England Women innings (target: 224 runs from 50 overs) L Winfield run out (Fletcher) 51 T Beaumont c & b Taylor 57 H Knight* c & b Taylor 36 N Sciver c King b Taylor 3 D Wyatt run out (Fletcher) 0 G Elwiss run out (Taylor) 9 A Jones† lbw b Matthews 0 K Brunt runout (Mohammed) 1 J Gunn cQuintyne bMatthews 0 L Marsh run out (Taylor) A Hartley not out 0 Extras (b 2, lb 2, w 7) 11 Total (all out; 44.2 overs) 181 Fall of wickets 1-95 (Beaumont, 19.1 ov), 2-133 (Winfield, 28.2 ov), 3-137 (Sciver, 29.1 ov), 4-137 (Wyatt, 29.5 ov), 5-161 (Elwiss, 36.3 ov), 6-161 (Jones, 36.6 ov), 7-164 (Brunt, 37.6 ov), 8-165 (Knight, 39.3 ov), 9-172 (Gunn, 42.1 ov), 10-181 (Marsh, 44.2 ov) Bowling : Connell 3-0-17-0 (1w), Dottin 6-0-32-0 (5w), Taylor 10-1-22-3, Matthews 7.2-1-25-2 (1w), Fletcher 7-028-0, Mohammed 5 - 0 - 2 6 - 0 , Quintyne 6-0-27-0

What criteria was used to select Hope for West Indies’ ODIs? Asks Delvon McEwan

O

f recent the West Indies selection panel has made some shocking decisions in their selection of the various West Indies squads. Well they have done so yet again in their selection of the most recent named squad.

The board recently named Delvon Mc Ewan a 15 member squad to tour Zimbabwe for a tri-nation series involving the host and Sri Lanka. Familiar faces; Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Darren Sammy, Kieron Pollard and Dinesh Ramdin have been omitted for either not meeting selection criteria or drop in form.

However, the selection team opted for Shai Hope and that decision raised eyebrows within the cricket fraternity here and should be questioned elsewhere.

The right handed batsman and part time keeper is set to make his One Day International (ODI) debut with Ramdin omitted from the team. He has returns of 186 runs from seven List A matches at an average of 26.57 per innings with a highest score of 58.

Hope has struggled to get his career going in the longest format at the international level where he averages under 16 per innings but has been prolific in first class cricket.

His selection ahead of players like Jason Mohammed, Andre McCarthy, and to a lesser extent Shane Dowrich is an injustice to their efforts.

Instead of being selected for the senior team duties, Mohammed was tasked with leading the West Indies A in their clash against Sri Lanka A in Sri Lanka for the 50 over segment of that tour. Meanwhile McCarthy will play in Sri Lanka under Mohammed’s leadership. However both of them are better players than Hope, judging from their statistics.

While Dowrich on the other hand has been encouraging to watch in Test cricket, as a batsman and as a keeper. Hope is yet to prove his weight in either aspects. Notwithstanding the fact that he is a talented player. However, he continues to be thrown into the wind at the highest level.

Hope should not have been considered for the ODIs but he was and now is a member of the squad. Unfortunately, Mohammed and McCarthy must be feeling hard-done by that selection, especially since they both have a century in this format at the Regional level and average more than 30 from more games than him (Hope).

I would like to know within what criteria Hope was selected to represent the West Indies ODI team.

Once again the selection panel has erred like they did in axing Darren Sammy from captain of the T20 squad and as a player and like they did with giving Carlos Braithwaite captain of the T20 team.

The West Indies squad reads; Jason Holder (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels.

21

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Guyana wins firstever medals in Darcy Beckles Classic

G

uyana has once again grabbed the attention of the Caribbean in another bodybuilding competition, this time in the form of the 9th edition of the Darcy Beckles Classic Open and Invitational Bodybuilding Exhibition held in the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, Saint Michael, Barbados, over the weekend and organised by the Barbados Amateur Bodybuilding Federation.

Following their best showing in the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships 2016, where Guyana registered a staggering record of five medals, the Golden Arrowhead was once more flown with pride as the team returned two medals in the form of Silver and Bronze.

This happens to be Guyana’s best showing in the event as well.

The team comprised of five bodybuilders, Yannick Grimes, Junica Pluck, Coel Marks, Careus Cipriani, Marlon Bennett and Videsh Sookram as the team manager.

In the Men’s Physique, three of Guyana’s athletes entered that category with Cipriani winning Silver and Grimes flexed his way to the bronze medal and Coel Marks missed the podium, finishing fourth. The big Barbadian, Stevenson Belle was the overall winner of that category, having had serious competition from Soepe Koese out of Suriname who seemed to be the crowd favourite.

Grimes has now moved up one place after placing fourth in the same event last year, which was at the time the best showing by a Guyanese in the event.

Pluck, participating in the Bikini Short category finished 6th out of nine competitors, while Marlon Bennett did not place in his respective category.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Sookram enthusi-

astically noted that this is the most competitive year for the event with the number of athletes moving from 52 last year to 74 this year and it is a proud moment for Guyana to have placed so well in a competition of this magnitude.

President of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation also joined in to extend his congratulations to the team as the nation continues to excel in the sport.

Careus Cipriani now holds the record for the best showing by a Guyanese in the Darcy Beckles Classic

East Coast Cricket Committee/SPR 40 Overs…

Enmore romp to title with 47-run win over Fair Field C

ricket in the country was by no means short of entertainment as spectacular Enmore defeated outstanding Fair Field by 47 runs in the finals of the East Coast Cricket Committee/SPR 40 Overs competition yesterday at the Enmore Community Development Centre Ground. The win was due to top notch batting from Vishwanauth Ramlakhan, coupled with four wicket hauls from Satesh Jainarine and C Seemangal.

In pursuit of the 223 runs target to win the game, the visitors were routed for 173 in 40 overs.

Ramnarine Chatura scored a quality 57 in most- The victorious Enmore Cricket team ly a one man show while Wasim Mustapha hit 30. The parted. two added 68 for the third wicket partnership to give the C Seemangal and Avinash Heeralall were both run out visitors some hope but after their partnership was broken attempting suicidal singles. Yet again the host were able to wickets tumbled in a hurdle. Jainarine claimed 4-37 while get another partnership going as Ramlakhan led the way Seemangal had 4-9. in a partnership worth 55 runs between him and Gavin Opting to take first strike the host (Enmore) romped to Moriah (26).

222-8 from their allotted 40 overs. Their innings was off to After the latter’s dismissal, the top scorer Ramlakhan a shaky start as they slipped to 12-2. Bhemraj Ramkelawan was joined by Navin Gobin, who smashed a cameo 28 not was first to go off the first ball of the match, lbw to Ramnarine out from 12 balls and the two took the score to 202 before Chatura. Imran Hasaan was removed by the said bowler Ramlakhan was eventually out for 88 from 93 deliveries caught at the wicket for five in the third over. with seven fours and a maximum. Satesh Jainarine 10 not Rudolph Singh and Vishwanauth Ramlakhan added 54 out and Gobin then push the host to 222 in the final overs for the third wicket to start a recovery for the home team, before the innings closed. before the former was sent packing lbw for 23 off Richard The Chatura cousins, Ramnarine and Richard were the Chatura. Batting at five, Christopher Surat scored 24 out leading bowlers for the visitors while Alex Marshal and anof a partnership worth 39 runs with Ramlakhan. However, other of the Chatura claimed a wicket apiece.

Alex Marshall got rid of Surat via the lbw route. From a The winning team went home with trophy and $100,000, position of 105-3 Enmore slumped to 105-6, compliments while runners up had trophy and $50,000. Ramlakhan was of some excellent fielding from the visitors after Surat de- adjudged man of the match.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

monday, october 17, 2016

Pakistan v West Indies, 1st Test, Dubai, 4th day…

Bishoo's 8-49 lights up day-night Test

Inter-Guiana Games 2016…

GABF names U-19 male and female squads Devendra Bishoo is all smiles after his eight-for ©AFP

–West Indies require another 251 runs with 8 wickets remaining

A

sixteen-wicket day brought the Dubai day-night Test to life as Pakistan’s 400th Test swung one way and then the other. After Yasir Shah’s three wickets which brought him a five-wicket haul and his 100th Test scalp - helped Pakistan secure a 222-run first-innings lead, Devendra Bishoo hit back with a career-best 8 for 49 to skittle Pakistan out for 123 and bring West Indies roaring back with an outside chance of victory.

West Indies lost Kraigg Brathwaite early in their chase of 346, before Leon Johnson and Darren Bravo shared a 60run stand that lifted West Indies’ hopes. But Johnson’s late dismissal and Marlon Samuels’ early struggles against the spin of Yasir served as a reminder that West Indies still had an uphill task on the final day.

Having declined to impose the follow-on, Pakistan chased quick runs and lost two early wickets before tea. Sami Aslam and Babar Azam put on 57 off 70 after the interval to steady the innings and swiftly build the lead. But Bishoo then benefitted from some loose shots, some ambitious shots and some good, spinning deliveries to rip through Pakistan with seven of West Indies’ eight wickets on either side of the dinner break.

With the score at 77 for 2 and the lead at 299, Azam played a loose cross-batted shot onto his stumps off Bishoo. Aslam

W

Leon Johnson pulls during his compact 47 ©AFP

After tea, Gabriel and Cummins subjected Aslam and Azam to the type of short-ball barrage with which Pakistan had exposed the West Indies batsmen. While Aslam held his own, Azam struggled, showing a tendency to take his eyes off the ball. A Cummins bouncer hurried Azam into a top-edged hook that went high in the air between Gabriel at long leg and Brathwaite at deep-backward square. It was probably Brathwaite’s catch, but Gabriel went for it and could not hold on after a full-length dive. Cummins bounced Azam again in the next over and the batsman half-swayed and half-ducked while leaving his bat in the air.

The ball brushed his glove on the way to the wicketkeeper, but Azam survived once again when replays revealed that the bowler had overstepped. Azam eventually got out to Bishoo, precipitating Pakistan’s collapse as the leg spinner from Guyana went on the rampage. West Indies then moved to 95 for 2 by the close.

While a wicket-filled day brought West Indies back into the match, they will require the balance to shift back in favour of the batsmen if they are to score the 251 more runs needed for victory on a fifth-day Dubai pitch. (Cricinfo)

ith the Inter-Guiana Games, renamed the Goodwill Games 2016, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has issued the approved listing of male and female under-19 players selected for encampment and preparation for the 2016 Inter-Guiana Games.

As per the rules of the competition, all participants must be 19 years old or under, as well as enlisted in an educational institution, of which all of the athletes satisfy.

The teams were selected following impressive performances at the just concluded National School’s Basketball Festival (NSBF) which was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall indicating a change from the perspective squad that was listed back on October 2.

The Young Men squad reads; Tahquille Johnson and Akinni Wilson (Linden Technical Institute), Stanton Rose, Damair Gladstone, Troy David, Dellon Wallace and Jamol Gilkes (Kwakwani Secondary) with the Georgetown players of Nathan Saul, Roger John, Malcom Powdar and Sabastian Luke (Government Technical Institute),Timothy Thompson (Bishops High), Sherland Gillis, Neil Wills, Tafawa Daly and Ramone Fagenay (New Amsterdam Multilateral) Patrice Agrippa and Akil Vaughn (St Rose’s High), Jaleel Duke (President’s College) Travis Belgrave (St Stanislaus College) and Terrence Daniels (Plaisance Secondary).

Head Coach will be Junior Hercules, who will be assisted by Naylon Loncke and Julian Haynes with Troy Greene taking care of managerial duties.

The Young Women squad reads; Janelle Belle, Makeda Rogers, Kennesha Leacock (Kwakwani Secondary), Kesann Charles and Ruth Sanmogan (Bishops High), Jada Mohan (Marian Academy), Saffiya Greene (Berbice High), Demelza Nicholas and Analisa Barclay (President’s College), Tandika Bouyea and Toshieka Arthur (New Amsterdam Multilateral) and Ashley Khan (St Roses High).

While the Head Coach is Ann Gordon, who will be ably assisted by Kirk Fraser and Dave Causway with Deborah Solomon as the manager.

Guyana will be playing against Suriname during October 21-23 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, while there will be six other disciplines as part of the Goodwill Games inclusive of Volleyball, Futsal, Track and Field, Swimming, Table Tennis and Badminton.

Misbah-ul-Haq was bowled attempting a sweep shot against Devendra Bishoo

played a late cut into the hands of Jermaine Blackwood at first slip and Misbah-ul-Haq was bowled after a slog sweep that failed to connect. The left-handed Mohammad Nawaz shouldered arms on his third ball, only to see a fizzing leg break cannon into his off stump. When Wahab Riaz miscued a slog sweep to Brathwaite at deep midwicket, Bishoo had his sixth of the innings. Jason Holder then got Yasir caught and bowled off the last ball before dinner.

Bishoo wrapped up the innings within five balls of the resumption, getting Sarfraz Ahmed stumped, before hitting Mohammad Amir’s middle stump, his fourth bowled dismissal of the innings. That capped a collapse of eight wickets for 46 runs. Bishoo’s plunder and Pakistan’s slump still left West Indies with a daunting target, but they could hardly have dreamed of a better outcome at the start of the day.

Day four had begun much as day three had done - with a wicket for Yasir. A very full leg break from Yasir pitched just in line with the stumps and spun in before hitting the batsman’s pads. Dowrich had played across the line and missed.

Bishoo and Holder then survived a stern short-ball examination from Amir and Wahab, putting on a 21-run stand that raised West Indies’ hopes extending their resistance.

That was not to be - Yasir got through Holder’s defences with a tossed up googly and then bowled Miguel Cummins with a big-spinning leg break that evaded the batsman’s wild swipe. That was Yasir’s 100th Test wicket, in his 17th match, making him the joint-second fastest bowler to the mark. Nawaz finished the job in the next over. It had taken Pakistan just 14.5 overs to take the remaining four wickets, bowling West Indies out for 357.

West Indies responded by making a couple of breakthroughs before tea. Shannon Gabriel trapped first-innings triple-centurion Azhar Ali in front for 2, a ball after Azhar had successfully reviewed a caught-behind decision. Then Asad Shafiq missed an attempted sweep off Bishoo and, while West Indies’ appeal for lbw was turned down, their review was successful.

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st innings 579/3 dec West Indies 1st innings K Brathwaite b Yasir Shah 32 L Johnson lbw b Yasir Shah 15 D Bravo c Azhar Ali b Mohammad Nawaz 87 M Samuels lbw b Sohail Khan76 J Blackwood c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 37 R Chase cBabar Azam b Wahab Riaz 6 S Dowrich† lbw b Yasir Shah 32 J Holder* b Yasir Shah 20 D Bishoo b Mohammad Nawaz 17 M Cummins b Yasir Shah 0 S Gabriel not out 9 Extras (b 9, lb 8, w 1, nb 11) 29 Total (all out; 123.5 overs) 357 Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-69, 3-182, 4-259, 5-266, , 6-300,, 7-325, 8-346 , 9-351, 10-357 Bowling: Mohammad Amir 22-6-54-0, Sohail Khan 16-2-56-1, Yasir Shah 43-15121-5, Wahab Riaz 23.3-3-65-2, Mohammad Nawaz (3) 16.5-538-2, Azhar Ali 2.3-1-6-0 Pakistan 2nd innings Sami Aslam c Blackwood b Bishoo Azhar Ali lbw b Gabriel Asad Shafiq lbw b Bishoo Babar Azam b Bishoo Misbah-ul-Haq* b Bishoo

44 2 5 21 15

Sarfraz Ahmed† st †Dowrich b Bishoo 15 Mohammad Nawaz (3) b Bishoo 0 Wahab Riaz c Brathwaite b Bishoo 5 Yasir Shah c & b Holder 2 Sohail Khan not out 1 Mohammad Amir b Bishoo 1 Extras (b 10, nb 2) 12 Total (all out; 31.5 overs) 123Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-20, 3-77, 4-93, 5-112, 6-112, 7-118, 8-121, 9-121, 10-123 Bowling : Gabriel 7-1-23-1, Cummins 7-0-29-0, Bishoo 13.5-1-49-8, Holder 4-0-12-1

West Indies 2nd innings (target: 346 runs) K Brathwaite b Mohammad Amir 6 L Johnson lbw b Mohammad Amir 47 D Bravo not out 26 M Samuels not out 4 Extras (lb 5, w 5, nb 2) 12 Total (2 wickets; 31 overs) 95 To bat: J Blackwood, RL Chase, SO Dowrich†, JO Holder*, D Bishoo, ML Cummins, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-87 Bowling: Mohammad Amir 8-1-26-2 , Sohail Khan 2-1-4-0, Yasir Shah 13-2-40-0, Mohammad Nawaz (3) 4-1-7-0, Wahab Riaz 4-0-13-0

Usain Bolt will hang up his spikes after the 2017 World Championships

W

orld’s fastest man has predicted his final race on home soil will be at the Racers Grand Prix in June of next year.

Bolt the nine-time Olympic Champion has declared that he will retire after the 2017 World Championships in London. The sprinter has now revealed that the final opportunity to see him competing on his home soil will be at the meet put on by his Racers Track Club.

“The Racers Grand Prix will be my last race in Jamaica, it will be the last time I run in Jamaica,” Bolt told local Jamaican television.

“I am definitely going to retire after the World championships in London, that will be my last one,” said Bolt.

Bolt, who also has 13 World Championships medals to his name, would not have to compete at the country’s national trials as he would receive a bye to the event by virtue of being the defending champion.

Bolt recently added to his historical achievements as a sprinter when he became the first athlete in history to claim a triple-triple, after claiming the 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles at three consecutive Olympic Games. (Sportsmax)

guyana-times.com

monday, october 17, 2016

Eastman edges Williams to win ounce of gold!

GFA/ Stag Senior League....

23

Top performers awarded – Commander Hicken advocates for more community based football

The respective winners along with sponsors pose for a photo after the eventful race

By Romario Samaroo

I

n the scorching morning sun, it was Team Cocos’ top wheelsman, Hamza Eastman who managed to hold off Continental rider, Geron Williams in the final dash to the finish line to win the ‘Ounce of Gold’ prize in the 5th annual Kadir Mohamed Memorial 80-mile road race on Sunday.

The race rode off from the usual starting point, Homestretch Avenue, with riders in the Under-45 and Open Category proceeding to Dora (Coca Cola Sign) on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and back to Homestretch Avenue for the finish line in front of the National Sports Commission.

The racers were all in close proximity of each other heading into the final stretch around the Cultural Centre turn, but the top four of Eastman, Williams, Shaquel Agard (Linden Bauxite Flyers) and Raphael Leung (WS United) quickly broke away from the pack, making it a dash to the finish line for the riders, but it boiled down to Eastman and Williams in the last 100 meters before Eastman piped Williams to stop the clock at a time of three hours, nine minutes and seventeen seconds (03H 09Min 17Sec) winning the ounce of gold, worth $257,500 on the world market. An ecstatic Eastman, speaking

with Guyana Times Sport, pointed out that it was a very challenging race for him but sticking to the plans the team would have discussed prior to the race is what led to his success, adding that he is now getting acclimatised to the conditions in Guyana after spending some time in Columbia for training, saying that “Guyana is much more hot.” Eastman said that his team knows that he is a very good sprinter and he was guided to hold back until the final stretch where he proved to be the better sprinter of the day. Eastman wished to point out that this race is a stepping stone and this form will be transferred in to the five-stage race.

Williams showed his disappointment after being needled into second as Agard finished third, while Leung raced in to finish fourth overall and become the first Junior rider to cross the line.

Stephano ‘Sunny’ Husbands (Team Cocos) rode an exceptional race to finish fifth, ahead of teammates Junior Niles (sixth) and Christopher Holder (seventh), Team Alanis’ Paul Chooweenam (eight) and Team Cocos Jamaul John (ninth), all of whom were in a late sprint to the finish.

Niles, though sixth overall, won first place in the Under-45 category, ahead of Chooweenam (second) and Ralph Williams (Carlton

Wheelers). Leung was followed by Jornell Yearwood (Linden Bauxite Flyers), Christopher Cornelius (Team Evolution) and Andrew Hicks (WS United) for 1st -4th respectively in the Juniors category.

Throughout the race there was no clear distance between the top riders but the race looked as if past winners, Raynauth Jeffrey (Team Cocos) and Michael Anthony (Team Evolution) would be looking to snatch the gold once more as Jeffrey won four primes.

In the shorter race, the riders in the Veterans Over45, Mountain Bikers and Juveniles would have turned around at Silver Hill on the Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Roraima Bikers’ Andrew Spencer was the first Veteran to return and claim the chequered flag in a time of 02H 22Min 26Sec, closely followed by Kennard Lovell and Amrit Singh finishing second and third respectively, while for the younger men in the Juvenile division, Mario Ellis rode away with first place honours as Ronaldo Narine pedalled in third. Julio Melville won the Mountain Bike category with Ozia Mcaully copping second. The event was organised by Flying Stars Cycling Club and was sponsored by Kadir Enterprise out of Bartica.

GFA President Clifton Hicken and the various awardees

T

he top performers of the recently concluded Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Stag Senior League were given their respective accolades on Friday evening at a simple presentation ceremony Police Officers Mess, Eve Leary.

Western Tigers finished the league on 33 points from 10 wins, three draws and one defeat while the youthful Santos FC unit ended second position on 26 points.

Amongst the clubs presented with accolades were Western Tigers FC, Santos FC, Riddim Squad FC, Camptown FC, Northern Rangers FC, Flamingo FC, and Beacon FC. Individual prizes were received by: Job CaesarMost promising player of Santos FC, Rommel LegalBest goal keeper of Western Tigers FC, Samuel HuntBest defender of Santos FC, Randolph Wagner- Highest goal scorer of Western Tigers FC and Philip Rousley- Most valuable player of Western Tigers FC. Speaking at the ceremony, GFA President and “A” Division commander Clifton Hicken commended all teams for their performance and asked that for the next

league, there be an improvement in the level of play.

The Commander urged that players must be ambassadors for their community and help to develop community football and by doing this, football at large will improve.

Hicken further stated, “Football is about discipline and I’m sure your goal is not only to play football at the GFA level but hopefully you can improve and your team can reach in the elite league.”

Meanwhile, Guyana Football Federation President (GFF) Wayne Forde was grateful for the support of ANSA McAL through its stag brand, in which he described the entity as “carrying the lion’s share of sponsorship during rough times the of the federation.”

Commenting on the tour-

nament, the GFF head stated, “I see challenges as opportunities and I see the league as the platform to build capacity, since from players to administrators will be fully engaged.”

He added, “football is evolving in Guyana, take my word in another three years football will look completely different in Guyana, facilities will be different”.

First GFA Vicepresident Aaron Fraser posited that “the past league was not our best effort so come the next season which we hope to start in another two weeks, it will be a lot better and we hope to see more players and more teams and we hope to play more categories.”

It was also disclosed that Stag will be on board for the association’s year end tournament.

The league saw 54 matches being played where 178 goals were scored, seven red cards and 72 yellow were issued.

Haniff wins Trophy Stall golf tournament

R

ichard Haniff, son of 2011 Guyana Open Golf Champion, Evangelist Fazil noted that “I put in much training practice before the tournament and today played the course not paying attention to any competition,” as he walked away a clear winner of the annual Trophy Stall golf tournament on Saturday.

Haniff cited that his short game was very good, giving him 2 birdies on what are considered the more difficult par 4 holes (5 and 6), and helping him to recover even after 3 double bogeys. He congratulated the Groundsmen on the

superb state of the greens.

Father Haniff was delighted that his son was able to be the champion. “I’m looking forward to the day when he does better than his father at the Guyana Open” he stated.

At the end of the day’s play winners were: Nearest to The Pin (8’) – Lakeram Ramsundar; Best Gross (79) Avinash Persaud; 1st Best Net - Richard Haniff 15/65; 2nd - Asrodeen Shaw 18/68; 3rd - Balgobin Ragnauth 27/69; 4th Fazil Haniff 14/70. Also in contention were Maurice Solomon 24/71; Mike Gayadin 14/72; and Aleem Hussain 17/72.

Vice President Patrick

(L-R) Avinash Persaud; Fazil Haniff; Lakeram Ramsundar; Asrodeen Sawh; Richard Haniff; Peyton George, standing in for Balgobin Ragnauth; Captain Chatterpaul Deo and Vice President Patrick Prashad

Prashad, speaking on behalf of the Club, expressed much appreciation for and

gratitude to Trophy Stall and Managing Director and Proprietor Ramesh Sunich,

who is currently the Vice President of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket

Association (GFSCA).

“Trophy Stall with a long association (over 17 years) has been an outstanding sponsor and supporter of golfing in that Mr Sunich has always been willing to assist the Lusignan Golf Club.

Thank you very much Trophy Stall, for you have become a household name by your involvement in all the sporting disciplines as well as in providing trophies for institutions in the Education department, and still contributing to golf,” he stated.

Sunich and Trophy Stall have been sponsoring golf tournaments for some seven years.

monday, october 17, 2016

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

Pakistan v West Indies, 1st Test, Dubai, 4th day…

Pg 22

Eastman edges Williams to win ounce of gold!

Bishoo's 8-49 lights up day-night Test

– West Indies require another 251 runs with 8 wickets remaining Devendra Bishoo collected career-best figures of 8 for 49 © AFP

Pg 23 Golden bite! Hamza Eastman tastes victory and the ounce of Gold prize for winning the 80-mile road race

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17....

Paradise tame Plaisance Panthers

Pg 19

– Glasgow’s hat-trick decimates Buxton Youth Developers

A Bachelor's Adventure/Paradise player (with ball) about engage in one of their offensive runs on the Plaisance defence

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