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

Issue No. 3102

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, January 22, 2017

PRICE

PNC General Council Meeting

Granger assures commitment to coalition Govt

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P12 US Ambassador to Guyana remains on job …not affected by President Trump’s envoy recall

Page 5

… as senior public servants express displeasure at being requested to attend

Tatoo artist stabbed to death

Berbice acid attack

Jealous lover nabbed after motorcycle accident Page 16

…minibus conductor arrested

Page 12

Bridge causes massive flooding on highway farms

AFC justifies breaching its own P3 constitution Region 2 flooding

Farmers protest nonsupport by P18 Govt – demand proper representation, compensation

… farmers call for Govt intervention Page 16

600% land rent increases not exorbitant P10 – Govt ... claims previous fees too meagre

Skeldon Estate takeover

Secret deal inked with T&T car dealer reeks of dishonesty Page 11

…will lead to more being placed on the breadline – economic activist

Berbice P8 records 4 rapes in 1 week

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 22 – 13:30h-15:00h and Monday, January 23 – a night retraction at 02:00h and regular retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

AFC justifies breaching its own constitution

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 22 – 12:40h-14:10h and Monday, January 23 – 13:35h-15:05h

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

WEATHER TODAY Thunderstorms with light cloud cover can be expected in the morning while heavy rain shows can be expected in the afternoon. Light cloud cover is expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 23 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius.

AFC two-term Leader and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

F

Winds: North-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 12:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.20 metres.

Low Tide: 05:45h and 18:25h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 1.01 metres respectively.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

05

09 13

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10 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 08 12 16 19

22

LUCKY 3 3 6 3

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Afternoon Draw

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

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ollowing heavy criticisms over its incumbent leader Khemraj Ramjattan’s intention to serve another term as leader, the Alliance For Change (AFC) party has come out justifying a blatant breach of its own constitution.

Just over a week ago, Ramjattan revealed to a news conference that he will run again for the position at the helm of the party at the upcoming National Conference scheduled for January 28; a move which is against the AFC’s constitutional limit on persons serving in the leadership position of the party.

This has caused mounting criticisms against the incumbent party leader.

However, the AFC in a statement on Saturday sought to defend Ramjattan’s re-election quest and breach, saying that it is both enthused and heartened over the discussions on the matter, while adding this is clearly indicative of the party’s continued growth, impact and influence in the grassroots, regional and national politics of Guyana.

Nevertheless, the AFC pointed out that there is a mistaken impression that the party’s constitution excludes a leader or member from being re-elected after two terms under Article 19 (1).

Article 19 (1) of the AFC’s constitution states, “The various senior positions of the AFC, including those in the National Executive, regions and groups ought to be rotated as far as is pos-

sible so that no member is allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, so as to ensure a broader activism in leadership positions by the membership.”

According to the party, the constitutional provision was not exclusionary and that the interpretation of the AFC constitution is for AFC members who will freely elect and re-elect leaders.

“The constitution does not make it mandatory for such rotation and leaves room for the membership to nominate or elect leaders to continue in a post for a longer period. The larger membership may want this recognition of the experience and expertise of certain leaders, and in the interest of the unity of the party’s leadership,” the statement from the AFC outlined.

However, political activist, Dr David Hinds commenting on the matter opined that if the AFC membership did indeed want its leaders to run again, it would be advisable to amend their constitution beforehand.

But such a move, he highlighted, will inevitably lead to criticism of the AFC’s previous stance on issues like a possible third term for former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

“The one big problem for the AFC leaders is that they would be open to criticism that they opposed a third term for Jagdeo, while they went against their own constitution in wanting third terms for themselves.

There is some inconsistency there,” Dr Hinds stated.

Moreover, Dr Hind posited that there is the letter of the constitution and then there is the spirit of the constitution and sometimes the two are at odds. Dr Hinds observed that in the case of the AFC constitution, the spirit seems to be against more than two terms, while the letter is vague.

Ramjattan was elected as AFC Leader in 2012, his term lasting for four years, or the equivalent of two terms. According to Article 7 of the party’s constitution,

AFC General Secretary and Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

“A national convention shall be held every two years at a place and time decided by the National Executive Committee.”

Though Ramjattan will be looking to be re-elected to serve in the leadership capacity, he is expected to face stiff competition for the post at the upcoming elections, which will be held at the party’s National Executive Conference (NEC) later this month.

In addition to Ramjattan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes are seen as contenders for the post.

The AFC’s NEC will be held on Saturday at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) – the party’s first NEC outside of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The NEC will include elections for the positions of the party Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary and 12 National Executive Members.

The AFC was formed by Ramjattan, current Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and the late Sheila Holder, in 2005. Trotman became the leader, but a power sharing agreement was enacted that would see the leadership being rotated.

It was with this formula, and the constitution it enacted, that the AFC contested subsequent elections.

It has since been subsumed by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, a step taken in order to contest the 2015 General Elections.

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guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, january 22, 2017

Views Self-Reliance!

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Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

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Editorial

The Trump Citizens Bank opens $2.6B headquarters Doctrine

D

onald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States last Friday, in the bitter chill of winter, and unlike most of his predecessors’, his words matched the weather. Taking the road never travelled, he eschewed the usual soaring rhetoric and words of reconciliation to his just defeated opponents.

Instead, he emphasised the central theme of his campaign: he was going to rebuild an America from the “carnage” wrought by his predecessors and the establishment that stood with him on the stage.

He emphasised his presidency would be different in form and substance. On the foreign policy front he explicitly disavowed a role for the US to be the “world’s Policeman” and reiterated the isolationist line from his campaign: “From this day forward, it’s going to be only America first. America first,” Trump said. “For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry; subsidised the armies of other countries, while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military; we’ve defended other nation’s borders, while refusing to defend our own; and spent trillions of dollars overseas, while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. We will follow two simple rules: Buy American, and hire American.”

This position is consistent with that taken during the campaign - where he was even more explicit in naming several European countries - and will have certainly caused some head-scratching across the Atlantic with the US NATO allies. Most likely alluding to Russia, Trump said his administration will abandon the imposition of US values on other nations - presumably including those promoted by the LEAD programme here: “We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world. But we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example. We will shine for everyone to follow.”

But the implied laissez faire on ideology does not extend to Islam: “We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones. And unite the civiliS ed world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the earth.” The word “eradicate” is very strong and implies a total war that will take this battle even into the home - both within and without America.

Abandoning the commitment to free trade that his predecessors had placed at the centre of their foreign policy programme, Trump insisted: “Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families.

We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs.” Relations with China will definitely be re-evaluated to prevent these “ravages”.

Even though he might not have come out of the traditional US conservative movement, on the domestic front he embraced their central value of a smaller and less intrusive government, but with a populist focus: “…we are transferring power from Washington, DC, and giving it back to you, the people. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs. And while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes starting right here and right now. Because this moment is your moment.

It belongs to you.”

But Trump was not speaking to all who were watching: his constant reiteration to “Americans”, “the American people” and “citizens” were code words to invoke the nativist fears he had exploited during the campaign on immigrants, legal and illegal. He also invoked the premises of American exceptionalism: “No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.”

We live in interesting times.

Thirty-seven women from 19 villages in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) completed training under the First Lady’s Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, which was held in Region Three’s Regional Office boardroom, in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara during the past week. In photo, participants proudly display their certificates after the closing ceremony of the Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, along with officials who facilitated the programme and First Lady Sandra Granger

Immediate inspections needed in business districts

Dear Editor, A fire on Robb Street, Georgetown this past week has really brought home a number of many important and dangerous issues which need to be addressed immediately by the authorities.

I have operated a business in Regent Street, Georgetown for the past 15 years and I could recall that there were three frightening major fires within the last few years in the area between Camp and Alexander Streets, with all of them being in relatively close proximity to each other: the former Kissoon facility at Camp and Robb Streets; the Chinese store on Regent Street where four or five buildings were destroyed; and now the four-storey building on Robb Street.

One would wonder if the relevant authorities make periodic inspections at these business places to ensure that fire prevention rules, electrical regulations, business licences and other required compliance issues are in order, since the overwhelming public perception is that many of the business owners try to do "their own

thing" regardless of what the law specifies.

Fires are terrifying for residents and businesses where the loss of property, businesses and lives are always of major concern, and citizens must voice those concerns to get authorities to take remedial actions.

The Guyana Fire Service seems to be in need of an overhaul, which must include training and testing for rapid deployment and suppression of fires.

As a business owner with friends who have suffered losses due to fire, I feel that the authorities are not doing their jobs to prevent fires.

Case in point is a busy welding shop located under an old, dilapidated and unpainted wooden house, located behind an old and unpainted wooden building in Robb Street, a few doors from the last fire. The welding shop uses welding torches with open flames and other tools that generate sparks. There are many other welding shops, cook shops, mechanic shops and other such businesses that use open flames

which are not licenced for those activities, nor were they ever inspected by the Fire Service or other Government agencies. Why should others have to suffer because of these illegal businesses and the failure of the Fire Service and other Government Officers to inspect them?

Where any business operation, legal or illegal, has the potential to cause destruction to property and lives, they must be regulated as permissible by law or shutdown forthwith, if they are not in compliance with the law and pose a threat to the community. The seat-warmers at the Fire Service and other Government Offices need to walk around the city and locate all such businesses and ensure they are complying with the laws before we have another spreading fire in the city.

With so many highrise buildings in the city today, authorities should plan for emergencies, especially in the event of a fire.

The Fire Service and the Police should have coordinated training activities to

deal with high-rise building emergencies. Tow trucks should be on hand to tow away any vehicles blocking the deployment of the Fire Trucks.

The Guyana Police Force should be commended for their control of the area around the Robb Street fire which prevented a repeat of the mass looting that occurred at the Regent and Camp Streets fire. It was a welcoming sight to see Police reinforcements arrive, but while the situation was already under control on the street, more work still needs to be done in crime prevention at building fires. While citizens should be thankful for the services offered by the Fire and Police Services, we know that they can do a much better job with more training and practice of their skills.

I am hoping that the authorities will take immediate action to inspect all businesses to ensure they are in compliance with fire and other regulations.

Yours faithfully, Clayton R Harris

Former AG never contracted me on any civil case Dear Editor, I observed a letter to the Editor appearing in another section of the media on January 21, 2017, under the caption, "The double standard of Anil Nandlall" purportedly written by Carl Witherspoon.

In the letter afore-

said, the writer inquired thus: "What about Manoj Narayan and Sase Gunraj who work in Mr Nandlall’s Chambers and who were contracted for many of the civil cases for the State?"

I wish to state categorically that I have never been contracted by Mr Nandlall in his capacity as

Attorney General, or the Government of Guyana to appear in any civil case for the State.

In the circumstances, I hereby challenge Carl Witherspoon, if he does exist, to provide evidence of any single civil matter in which I appeared for the State, while Mr Nandlall

held the office of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister.

Upon his inability to do so, I expect an unqualified apology from him.

Yours faithfully, Sase R Gunraj Attorney-at-Law

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, january 22, 2017

5

News

PNC General Council Meeting

Granger assures commitment to coalition Govt … as senior public servants express displeasure at being requested to attend

From left: Members of the head table, Ronald Bulkan; Dr George Norton; Volda Lawrence; Amna Ally; party leader, President David Granger and General Secretary Oscar Clarke

T

he People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Saturday held its first General Council Meeting for the year 2017 at the Party’s Headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia.

Notably however, this newspaper understands that the event themed “PNCR - Vanguard of a Green Economy,” was reminiscent to the 1970’s as senior public servants were insisted upon to attend the event. According an upset senior Government official, the event was déjà vu to the Forbs Burnham era where public servants, despite displeasure, were forced to attend the PNC’s general council meetings.

Meanwhile, at the event at President David Granger, assured the Council the PNC is committed to the coalition Government.

“The PNCR is committed to coalition politics; we are better to together.”

Focusing attention on the family, the President said that that society was founded on the family, that the family was sacrosanct and urged Party members to protect and preserve the family.

He noted also that regions must focus on education and it was imperative that employment be found for the young people of Guyana.

“Despite the challenges, we have to find employment for the young people of Guyana.

We have to develop the village economies; we have to start producing things at the village level.” The Leader asked village leaders to take rebuilding the village economy seriously and pledged government support for such initiatives.

The PNCR Leader speaking to the Diaspora, he said that “the Diaspora is vital to the PNC; it is a vital component. I trust the Diaspora and I believe in the Diaspora.”

Following the formal opening, plenary ses-

sions examined the Party Leader’s address, the General Secretary’s Report and plans for the Party’s 60th anniversary. A Motion giving full support to the Government in the action that was taken to retake the Red House, a National Heritage building was presented to General Council by the Vice Chairperson of the National Congress of Women, (NCW), Carol Smith-Joseph.

General Council is the second highest decision making forum of the PNCR.

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017

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Foundation

Cervical Cancer E

Anu Dev

ncouragement to all women is - let us try to offer help before we have to offer therapy. That is to say, let's see if we can't prevent being ill by trying to offer a love of prevention before illness."

-Maya Angelou January is “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month", and I was very pleased when my mom told me there were several activities and media releases in Guyana to sensitise women about this scourge.

In my gynaecology rotation, one of the questions we got asked by different doctors was, "What's one of the most preventable types of cancer?" And the answer was always the same, "cervical cancer". Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.

That's because there is both a sensitive test for detecting pre-cancerous lesions - the Pap smear - and there's an effective method of dealing

guyanatimesgy.com

with HPV, one of the most prominent risk factors for the disease.

But before I go into that, perhaps an anatomy refresher might be necessary.

Where exactly is the cervix?

Well it's actually the lower part of the uterus (womb) and it connects the cavity of the uterus to the vagina. In non-pregnant women, it's about one inch long and roughly cylindrical. And during labour, it dilates to allow the baby to pass through - it's the body part that people are usually dramatically shouting about in movies when they're yelling, "She's 10 centimetre’s dilated! She's gonna have this baby right now, on the subway!" Or you know, wherever the plot needs the woman to give birth.

In all types of cancer, the problem is when cells deviate from their fixed growth patterns and their appointed job descriptions, and they start growing uncontrollably - this can happen in the lungs, in the colon and in the cervix.

In cervical cancer, the cells don't suddenly make the switch from normal to

cancerous growth - there's a stage in between. This in-between stage can be picked up on a Pap smear and intervention can be made before the cells have a change to progress to the cancerous stage.

We're all well aware about the link between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer, but what factors can increase your risk of cervical cancer?

Well, for starters, cigarette smoking also increases your risk of getting cervical cancer - it's a twofold risk increase compared with non-smokers, actually. As an aside, smoking also increases your risk of developing bladder, stomach, mouth, throat and a whole host of other cancers. Yeah, as far as vices go, that's a pretty bad one to have.

The other risk factor I'd like to mention is HPV infection. Certain strains of the HPV virus, HPV 16 and

H P V 18, are associated with the development of cervical cancer. In fact, it is believed that a woman must be infected with HPV in order to develop cervical cancer.

There are currently vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix that are available to prevent infection by HPV, and by extension, prevent cervical cancer. Current recommendations for screening for cervical cancer via Pap smear are for women's aged 21 to 65 to be tested every three years. So if you're due for a Pap smear, make sure you get one. The Guyana Cancer Foundation has announced that its offering free Pap smears for 100 underprivileged and under-insured women. If you're not vaccinated against HPV, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. This is one type of cancer where we have the tools and the know-how to try to prevent it before it even gets a foot in the door.

Want to change your child?

Start by regulating your emotions

BY LAURA MARKHAM, PHD

B

efore I even notice, I’m already 10 steps into reacting with whatever issue is at hand with my children. When I can remain calm, it certainly helps the situation as opposed to when I get heated up, which only makes things worse. It makes me sad to know that until now, I have not been a good example of emotional regulation at all. And it's so disheartening to see my children doing things that I know they saw us do... throw something, slam a door...."

Sounds familiar, right?

Regulating our emotions is at the heart of our ability to parent the way we’d like. In fact, it’s at the heart of most of the ways we trip ourselves up, from over-eating to procrastinating to fighting with our partner. It's just so easy to get hijacked by our emotions and find ourselves already ten steps down the low road.

We often hear that good parents love their children unconditionally, but we all know that no parent always feels loving. So we’re left on our own to figure out how we can restore ourselves to a state of love during the inevitable ups and downs of daily parenting.

This very challenging task – regulating our own emotions so that we can guide our child lovingly rather than indulging in our own tantrum – is fundamental to good parenting. But it's not just good for our children. This inner work also helps us to grow into happier people.

Is it hard? Yes. I think it's the hardest work any of us will ever do. But it's completely possible. Here's the secret.

When you let yourself experience your emotions, they begin to evaporate. So by simply sitting with your upsets – breathing and feeling BUT resisting the urge to act, holding yourself with com-

passion – you clear out your own unfinished business, whether fear, hurt or grief.

Love rushes in.

What about anger?

That's just a defensive reaction to fear, pain and grief.

Once you let yourself feel the more vulnerable emotions under your anger, they'll evaporate – and so will your anger.

You might even say this process transmutes fear, pain and grief into love, because we're opening to love where there wasn’t love before. Our hearts stretch, and we grow as people, as well as parents.

But what about when your child is misbehaving?

Are you supposed to just ignore his bad behavior and go meditate? No, of course not! Children need parental guidance. But when you give that guidance from your own upset, your child won't follow your lead.

Besides, you can't control or change another person. You can only change yourself, which changes how the other person responds to you. So as you change, your child changes. As we heal ourselves so we can self-regulate, we become more effective in guiding our child so that he WANTS to cooperate. That isn't just a fancy way of saying that we become willing to tolerate something that we may have yelled about before, although that will sometimes be true. For instance, we may realize that it's okay for our child to feel angry, and stop reprimanding him for that, even as we teach respectful interaction. Or we may realize that her jacket on the floor isn't nearly as important as how she treats her sister. Or we may begin to see our child's strong will as a positive trait, and find better ways to partner with her. None of these positive responses is possible if we don't start by managing our own emotions.

(Psychology Today) TO BE CONTINUED

news

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sunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Illegal plane

“We were not prepared for Yupukari incident” – Granger

C

iting challenges preventing the effective policing of the country’s hinterland regions, President David Granger admitted that the relevant law enforcement agencies were unprepared for the September 2016 incident, where a Colombianregistered aircraft was found hidden just off the Yupukari Airstrip in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We realised there are problems, for example the Yupukari incident last September. We were quite, I would say, unprepared for an incident of that nature,” the Head of State asserted, while speaking to reporters on his weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’ which aired on Friday.

Nevertheless, President Granger posited that Government has recognised, following that incident that it needs to amplify efforts to better Police its borders and hinterland.

“It was a good lesson for us, it was teaching us to pay attention to the hinterland and rural areas and border areas,” he acknowledged.

However, the President pointed out that this is particularly challenging because of the differentiability of the country’s borders, which are porous.

Nevertheless, he outlined that over recent months, there has been a quicker response time to crimes in the hinterland. He mentioned the removal of the F Division (Interior Locations) Commander from Eve Leary

to Bartica in order to better manage the Division.

The Head of State said too that Government is currently examining the means of ensuring that the various regions in the hinterland – Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and

gations and were able to determine that the registration number was “bogus”.

Moreover, investigators had discovered during interviews with nearby residents that the abandoned aircraft had been sighted circling the area on numerous occasions in the past. Additionally,

The partially hidden illegal aircraft found at Yupukari, Region Nine

Nine particularly – have their own commanders, rather than being under the same Divisional Commander in efforts to better monitor these locations.

On September 13, 2016, after receiving reports from residents, a Joint Service patrol discovered the illegal twin-engine Cessna aircraft hidden just off of the Yupukari Airstrip, with United States registration number N-767-Z. Subsequently, a team of investigators from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority was deployed from Georgetown to the area to conduct investi-

a number of the residents shared information they deemed as “suspicious activity”, including the presence of motorcycles or ATVs frequently at midnight in the area.

Guyana Times was told by sources on site that a leak was discovered in the fuel tank. This, investigators believe, may have caused the aircraft to land in Guyana. Nevertheless, the aircraft was repaired and flown to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Investigations had determined the plane to be registered in Colombia.

It was reported too that one of the local law enforcement agencies was aware of the aircraft at least three

weeks before the disclosure was made. It was reported that the security officials were monitoring the aircraft to see if anyone would return to salvage it.

To this end, President David Granger had established a one-man Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe the discovery of the illegal aircraft and appointed retired Brigadier Edward Collins to investigate, examine, advise and report on all the circumstances under which the foreign aircraft had entered the country.

Following the probe, it

was reported that two GDF officers were fingered in the report, which found that one of the officers had abandoned his post when he was asked to stake out the area where the plane was found and was also accused of tampering with the scene of the investigation, as well as physically assaulting civilians at the scene who wanted to report the aircraft’s discovery.

However, the Army immediately rejected the reports saying, “The Force therefore takes this opportunity to caution that newspapers exercise due diligence and social

responsibility when crafting headlines of this nature.

These misleading headlines tend to give the impression of ranks being directly involved in illegal activities.”

Meanwhile, the Police had also denied any of its officers had any connections with the illegal aircraft.

“The report did recommend that a Police Officer be disciplined for use of excessive force on a civilian during the course of the inquiry and not for any act prior to the discovery of the aircraft,” the Police had clarified. (Vahnu Manikchand)

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news

SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Convicted cocaine mule nabbed for Toronto consignment

A

63-year-old convicted cocaine mule from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who was recently release from prison for drug trafficking, was nabbed by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) for allegedly attempting to ship 22 pounds of cocaine to Toronto, Canada.

Reports are Denis Jones, who was deported from the United States for cocaine

possession, was arrested at his West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home by members of the drug enforcement agency.

It was reported that Jones was listed as the sender of a package to Canada, which contained 22 pounds of cocaine hidden among several bottles of wine, a quantity of custard powder and other products.

The package was intercepted as it was being

loaded onto a Fly Jamaica flight destined for Toronto.

Guyana Times understands that the members of the drug enforcement unit suspected something was amiss when they saw the name of the sender.

Upon opening the box, the ranks conducted a thorough search and it was at this time that the cocaine was found in the custard powder packets. They immediately pulled the pack-

age and it was taken to CANU’s Headquarters, where several small packets of cocaine were extracted and weighed.

The agents then went to the man’s home on Thursday where he was found and arrested. Charges are expected to be laid as soon as Monday. In 2012, Jones pleaded guilty to trafficking 700 pounds of cocaine in soap powder packets to Niger, Africa.

Berbice records 4 rapes in 1 week

T

he Police Sexual Offences Unit in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is investigating four alleged instances of rape committed on females in the region over the past week.

Reports are the offences were committed at Corentyne, New Amsterdam, East Canje and Fort Ordinance.

One of the instances is a father who reported-

ly raped his 13-year-old daughter. He is expected to appear in court on Monday for the offence.

In another incident reported to the Police, a 13-year-old girl was found wandering on the Corentyne Highway and was taken to a nearby Police Station. During investigations, it was revealed that she was sexually assaulted by her uncle. She was subsequent-

ly committed to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) on a charge of wandering.

Police have since launched a search for the uncle.

Additionally, at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam and Fort Ordinance another two teens were raped also.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, during an interview with Guyana Times

said that an investigation has been launched into all the incidents. “We have a couple of rape cases reported to us over the past week and we are investigating.

A lot of the rapes that have been committed were committed by persons who are trusted by family.

Once it is reported then we deal with it in an appropriate way,” the Commander told this newspaper.

Controlling…

B …the Judiciary

ack in 2012, the now Attorney General Basil Williams waxed eloquently on the floor of the National Assembly (“basking in the gaze of two Senior Counsels”, he gushed) as he supported the move to increase the independence of the Judiciary by having them paid directly from the Consolidated Funds, without the intermediation of the Executive.

Preventing their “mouth being muzzled” and all that.

Almost in indignation, he hurled Article 122A(1) to the PPP MP’s across the aisle: “All courts and all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority, and shall be free and independent from political, executive, and any other form of direction and control.”

One wonders what’s happened to his solicitude for judicial independence as he snipes at Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, for just doing his job - trying to expeditiously clear up his backlog at the Court of Appeal. After all, Williams and Prezzie couldn’t have made it more pellucid they wanted to see the back of the Chancellor ASAP, than placing ads in the papers for his replacement! Technically, according to the Constitution (Art 197), a Chancellor doesn’t have to retire until 68 and Carl Singh’s only going to be 65 come February 23.

But unfortunately, Singh is still “acting” - because the PNC always nixed his substantive confirmation. And so, like any other Judge, 65 is sayonara time for him.

Your Eyewitness doesn’t even have to mention that even at this late state, if Prezzie consults with the Opposition Leader, Singh can be allowed to stay on to 68. Ain’t gonna happen. It’s clear - like in the famous calypso by Chalkdust on another legal luminary “Karl” and his battles with T&T’s PM Eric Williams the Government of AG Basil Williams “too ‘fraid ah Carl”!! But why is that? After all, unlike the ambitious Karl Hudson-Philips, who was threatening Eric Williams politically, Guyana’s Carl has never shown the slightest inclination for a political role off the bench. Even though he does have an impeccable political pedigree!

There are two theories floating around Croal Street and further afield.

One is the decisions Singh’s handing down aren’t the ones the Government wants. But whatever happened to the Government’s respect for the qualities Prezzie assures us are immanent in Judges - “integrity, independence and impartiality”? If Singh is to just do as the Government wishes, wouldn’t he be destroying Prezzie’s faith in Judges. And forced to appoint any “fit and proper” hoi polloi to chair GECOM? But the other theory is Basil Williams is REALLY deathly “fraid a Carl”!! Mano-a-mano fear!!

Your Eyewitness wonders why?!!

…the PPP’s base

Well, at long last the Government’s come out and told it like how they see “it” with the sugar industry - they’re gonna close it down. In the words of its Chairman of the Board - that staunch Marxist Clive Thomas, who had railed for most of his life against the “capitalist running dogs” exploiting the “working class” - GuySuCo doesn’t make “business sense”!! It doesn’t get more ironic than that, does it?

The man who advocated breaking ALL links with the West because of the structural nature of the exploitative relationships, using the logic of capitalism?

Whatever happened to the socialist concern for “working people”? Isn’t he, as a matter of fact, a coleader of the WORKING PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE? But some say “working peoples” aren’t all the same - and while Clive Thomas has always embraced this view - it’s only after the PPP got into office, he’s come out of the closet.

Race matters!

…bush impulses

According to a report by the Stabber, at the above meeting when ESC Chair Irfaan Ali was questioning the GuySuCo team - as was his or any other member of the Committee’s prerogative - ESC member and Minister, Simona “I is” Broomes, “‘sucked’ her teeth.”

Ali shouldn’t have “upbraided” her. That’s how approval’s shown in the bush!

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM chairmanship

AG, Nandlall to vet president’s interpretations of constitution … Jagdeo needs clarity to submit new list

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams is expected to face off with his predecessor Anil Nandlall in a vociferous debate over the interpretation of the Constitution of Guyana regarding the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) – a process which previously never attracted this magnitude of complexity, confusion and controversy.

Nandlall told Guyana Times on Saturday that he will dispatch a correspondence to the Attorney General on Monday, requesting a suitable date for the proposed meeting to discuss this contentious issue, which has begun to excite fears of rigged elections.

The meeting, which will most likely be behind closed doors, would be aimed at clarifying Government’s interpretation of the Article 161 of the Constitution relative to the appointment of a GECOM Chairman and to determine what can be constituted as “fit and proper”.

It is hopeful that at the end of the engagement, there will be a consensus between both parties on what is required for the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman.

New list

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told media operatives on Friday that he would consider submitting a second list, depending on the outcome of the meeting between the Attorney General and his representative.

“After that meeting, should I have to submit a new list, I would probably consult broadly again with people so that I can get the best names

to go forward,” he explained, noting that this is just a hypothetical situation.

Jagdeo reminded that the purpose of the meeting he had requested was to expose President David Granger to a different interpretation from what is being fed by his Attorney General regarding the Constitution.

But since this meeting was rejected, Jagdeo said he will participate in the proposed engagement in keeping with the best interest of the country.

The issue was ignited when President Granger, during an engagement with media operatives, announced that he has rejected the list of six nominees submitted by the Opposition Leader for consideration for the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman following the resignation of Dr Steve Surujbally from that post in November last.

Granger argued that the names submitted by the Opposition Leader did not meet the constitutional requirements of being “a person who holds or who has held office as a Judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals

from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such Judge…”

Afterwards, the President officially informed the Opposition Leader of his rejection and requested that a second list be submitted.

Jagdeo subsequently requested a meeting with the Head of State to clarify the interpretations of the Constitution as he believed his nominees were constitutionally suitable for the post – especially in light of the widespread consultations he

President David Granger

General to engage with any member of the Opposition on the matter. In his letter, the President did not offer any clarity on his interpretation of the Constitution nor did he explain why the nominees submitted were “unacceptable” as he claimed.

Interpretations

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

hosted prior to compiling the list.

After a prolonged period, President Granger finally responded, indicating that he will appoint his Attorney

The Opposition’s interpretation of the Constitution conforms to the updated version, which incorporates the Carter Formula to have a democratic process for the appointment of a Chairman.

The Carter Formula is designed and intended to achieve consensus between Government and the Opposition regarding the appointment of GECOM’s

Chairman.

Granger’s interpretation on the other hand seems to reflect the old 1980 Constitution, commonly known as the “Burnham Constitution”, which limits the pool of persons to be appointed to GECOM’s helm to only Judges or those eligible to be a Judge. This version of the Constitution also gives the President the power to unilaterally appoint a GECOM Chairman.

Already, both Attorney General Basil Williams and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan have signalled Government’s intention to activate a clause in the Constitution to allow the President to unilaterally appoint a GECOM chair.

However many view such a move as dangerous, as it alters the democratic process regarding the appointment of a person to be tasked with overseeing the elections process in the country.

But Jagdeo contends that Government’s interpretation of that clause is also erroneous.

Perspective

Another perspective on the issue was proffered by Professor Duke Pollard, a retired Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), who

contends that “The employment of the pronoun “other” speaks volumes and must be interpreted to mean that such “other fit and proper persons” must possess the characteristics of the two-named preceding persons. It is clear, therefore, that though not alluding to it expressly, the learned professor is employing the “ejusdemgenris” rule in his interpretation of Article 161(2).”

But Nandlall, during a

Attorney General Basil Williams

public forum on Friday evening on the matter, asserted that such a perspective is flawed especially since the “ejusdemgenris” rule does not apply in Guyana. (Devina Samaroo)

10 news

SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

600% land rent increases not exorbitant – Govt … claims previous fees too meagre

I

n light of protests by Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) farmers over the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary-Agricultural Development Authority’s (MMA-ADA’s) approved increases, Government has recently claimed that 600 per cent increase for land rental and drainage and irrigation services, is not exorbitant.

Speaking at the post-Cabinet press briefing late last week, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman reiterated Agriculture Minister Noel Holder’s long held view that the current fees cannot facilitate the financial operations at the Ministry’s sub-agency.

“The Minister of Agriculture has been repeatedly saying to Cabinet that the fees currently charged cannot sustain the operations at MMA,” Trotman noted.

Trotman further claimed that the increases were necessary to fix broken and missing equipment in areas under MMA’s preview.

“We need to be clearing sluices. There are repeated complaints at Trafalgar and elsewhere of flooding – pumps are being vandalised, parts missing [and] have to be replaced and it was felt that there had to be some adjustment,” the Minister told media operatives.

Minister Trotman justified the cumulative in-

Trumped

S Farmers protesting the 600 per cent increase for land rental and drainage and irrigation services

creases based on the monthly price per acre. Among the changes include new drainage and irrigation charges for profit to Rosignol village moving from $2500 per year to $8000 per year, representing a $5500 increase.

Additionally, farms lands that fall in the Mahaicony/ Abary Rice Development category will see farmers now paying $7000 over $1241 from last year’s fees. The cost per month of former amounts to $666 per month while the latter accrues $583.

“By no stretch of the imagination can we call these exorbitant and I believe everyone in the industry knew that prices were unrealistic and could not be sustained and whilst they had to be raised, we don’t consider $416 for an acre of land to be unreasonable,” the Minister further explained.

MMA General Manager

Aubrey Charles told Guyana Times late last week that the cumulative fee of increases, which amount to $15,000, will only be paid by farmers who benefit from all of the services offered by MMA.

Protest

However, a group of irate Region Five rice farmers on Tuesday protested the move on the basis that they cannot afford to pay $15,000 per acre of rice land, noting that they were previously paying $3500 per acre.

Meanwhile, the Rice Producers Association (RPA) had vented its vexation over the MMA-ADA’s reported refusal to meet with RPA’s representatives to discuss Government’s decision to increase rates for land users.

RPA’s General Secretary, Dharamkumar Seeraj, who is also an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) had told the media these increases, if allowed to be implemented, would bring a great burden to the farmers in the rice industry, noting that they will not be able to cope. He add-

ed that “no one” in the agricultural sector supports the proposal.

However, the Agriculture Ministry last week described the protest actions as ‘unfortunate’.

The Opposition has since confirmed that it will be moving to lay a motion in Parliament to review these increases.

These latest increases come against the backdrop of farmers receiving reduced earnings for their paddy following the end of the lucrative PetroCaribe (rice-foroil) deal with Guyana and Venezuela. The deal, which saw rice farmers receiving premium prices for their produce, was cancelled by the Bolivarian Republic in 2015 amid increasing tensions between the two countries. Since then, many rice farmers, especially those in Region Five have reiterated calls for Government to implement various subsidies, including fuel and heavy-duty equipment, to assist them in remaining in the field to maintain their livelihood.

atiricus was transfixed. He and the fellas were looking at the inauguration of Donald Trump on the big-screen TV at the Back Street Bar. The joint was packed, even though it was a work day. Satiricus had told his editor he was going to do a report on how ordinary Guyanese reacted to Trump’s election. As he bought beers all around for the fellas, they chuckled as he told them the paper would pay since he was doing “research”.

“Suh res’arch me, den,” said Bungi, as he quaffed his beer from a mug. He had decided to try the draft beer the Back Street bar had introduced, since it was free courtesy of Satiricus.

“Well, what do you think of Trump?” asked Satiricus.

“Feel free to comment on anything about him.”

“Yuh gat fuh respec’ wan maan who can gat waan wife a’ ‘ee side and two in de crowd!” grinned Bungi. “If me lef’ me wife an’ she see me, ah murdah guh happen!”

“Fair enough,” replied Satiricus. “Even though I know you joking, I think lots of Americans see him as a “macho man” and voted for him because of that.”

“Me nah bin a joke!” came back Bungi’s quick retort.

“Suh wha you t’ing Hari?”

“About the wives or Trump?” Hari wanted to know. “I like Ivana for the daughter she produced! Classy!”

“OK, fellas, how about we stick to Trump?” said Satiricus in resignation. “I still have to write a story, you know.”

“Well… write that Guyanese like Trump because he is a ‘wife man’?!” said Hari. “He’s like a real Caribbean man!”

“How about what he said?” asked Satiricus desperately.

“Budday, palitishan does seh all kinda t’ing dem na mean,” noted Bungi. “Trump seh ‘ee ah talk to all American people. But de only people who come fuh hear ‘e ah white people.”

“So what about you, Hari?” asked Satiricus, as he ordered another round of beer.

“I like Trump for one main reason,” said Hari with a smirk. “All those Guyanese who like to “play American” when they come back to Guyana, will find out who is the “real American” now!” They clinked glasses and bottles all around as Trump came off the podium.

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Skeldon Estate takeover

‘Secret’ deal inked with T&T car dealer reeks of dishonesty … will lead to more being placed on the breadline – economic activist

T

he clandestinely inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) based D Rampersaud and Company Limited (DRCL), to pursue the possible development of an ‘Integrated Sugar Cane Processing Facility’ at the Skeldon Sugar Estate, reeks of political involvement, rife with dishonesty on the part of the ruling Administration and will lead to more persons being placed on the breadline, if pursued as proposed.

Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who also functions as the Economic Advisor to the Opposition, gave this dire analysis of the project as guided by the provisions of the MoU and points too to the clandestine nature of the transaction with a company that has no experience in the sugar industry.

Car parts dealer

In fact, Dr Ramsaroop speaking to Guyana Times following its exposure of the deal inked in December last with DRCL and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) said, “D Rampersaud and Company Limited have no past performance on any of the components in the MoU. The most they have is in repair of power generation equipment.”

The company’s website asserts a five decade history not in the sugar or any of its related industries, but rather in automotive and automotive accessories – meaning cars and car parts.

The political activist and local businessman observed too

that, “the company is basically a Trinidadian auto parts company that is diverted into engineering over the years.”

Notably too is the fact that the local witness to the MoU is none other than a local car dealer in the person of proprietor of Auto Fashions Store Noel Rupie Shewjattan of Garnett Street,

bulk terminal – all utilising the US$200 million Modern Skeldon Sugar Factory, inclusive of all of its assets and cane lands.

Dr Ramsaroop said that the MoU is a monumental failure on the part of GO-Invest – Guyana’s premier Government agency to solicit and accommodate Foreign and local direct investment.

The Skeldon Sugar Factory

Campbellville, Georgetown.

In an invited comment, Dr Ramsaroop questioned “how can Go-Invest sign such a MoU with a company to look at sugar production, make rum or ethanol, etc in Guyana… The last time any Trinidadian company managed sugar was in 2007 when the industry was abolished and thousands were out of work.”

Guyana Times this past week broke the news of the secret deal inked between GO-Invest and the Trinidadian-based company to pursue a project to realise power generation, ethanol production, rum production, solar power production, and construction of liquid

He has since chided the approach taken by Government with regards the Skeldon Sugar Factory – a project which to date represents the single largest investment made by any Administration locally.

No experience

Dr Ramsaroop, in seeking to bring home the point of the company’s complete lack of experience for the proposed task, questioned “where it is that this company has or had anything to do with Sugar, Rum, Power Production or Fuel Grade Ethanol experience?”

A search of the company’s Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago

headquarters, boasts of a third generation family business established about 50 years ago, initially providing a wide range of automotive parts and associated engineering services.

Breadline

Calling for an integrated approach towards the resuscitation of the of the sugar industry in Guyana, Dr Ramsaroop noted that the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration is without a plan “with their best bet being to give away the US$200 million Skeldon Sugar Factory to a company that has no skills.”

This approach, he warned, was part of a revenge campaign by the ruling Administration against sugar workers placing them on “the breadline, since most of them did not support them… Political revenge is not the way to go here.”

He noted that under the ousted People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration, the plan was to invest in a more refine sugar approach to the value added sugar crystals that are in more demand around the world and move to ethanol production by 2016.

Ramsaroop, a long-time advocate of biofuels said, “We would have seen more jobs being created as we expanded the sugar industry not shut it down. Brazil is the second largest producer of fuel grade ethanol… The PPP/C planned also called for an integrated approach by building the

deep water harbour and the road to Brazil… These integrated approaches would have seen Guyana propel with the sugar industry,” the Economic Advisor told Guyana Times.

Expectations

According to the MoU inked between the Guyana Government and DRCL, the Trinidad-based company is slated to benefit substantially, should its proposal be approved by the Administration.

The MoU – while not legally binding – dictates expectations in the event a definitive agreement, including access by DCRL to Skeldon Sugar Factory’s key infrastructure, favourable combinations of tax incentives, and land for sugarcane cultivation and infrastructure.

The company is also set to receive reasonable approval cycles, guarantees on minimum product take-off by the Government with respect to electric power and fuel ethanol, guaranteed pricing formulae and power export provisions.

This means that while the company will convert sugar cane into ethanol and electricity from bagasse, the Government will guarantee purchase of the powered generated at a yet to be negotiated price – inherently providing and immediate and guaranteed market for the company should the operations come on stream.

The feasibility study is proposed to commence on April 3 and to be completed in the coming months.

12

news

SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

US Ambassador to Guyana remains on job Tattoo artist stabbed to death … not affected by President Trump’s envoy recall

President Donald Trump

W

hile newly elected President Donald Trump has announcement a major shakeup in his country’s foreign diplomatic force, the position of United States Ambassador to Guyana held by Perry Holloway will not be affected.

Shortly after Trump was sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States, all foreign ambassadors, who were politically appointed, were fired.

But Ambassador Holloway, who was sworn in as his country’s diplomatic representative in Guyana in September 2015, will be retained as his appointment was not political.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the US Embassy in Guyana, Amanda Cauldwell, Ambassador Holloway is a career foreign service diplomat.

“In the American State

Department, there are two different ways a person can become an ambassador. The ambassadors Trump said that would have their last days, those were the politically appointed ambassadors,” she explained.

Cauldwell said Ambassador Holloway came up in the Foreign Service and worked his way until he reached the highest level of American Foreign Service.

Previously, Ambassador Holloway served in the Department of State as Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy Bogota, Colombia (2010-2013); Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay (20092010); Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, US Embassy Bogota, Columbia (20072009); Deputy Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, US Embassy Bogota, Colombia (2005-2007); Andean Counterdrug Initiative Coordinator, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Washington, DC (20042005); Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, US Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala (2000-2003); General Services Officer, US Embassy Quito, Ecuador (1997-2000); Administrative Officer, US Consulate Tijuana, Mexico (1994-1997); General Services Officer, US Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador (1992-1994); Ambassador’s

Ambassador Perry Holloway

Staff Assistant, US Embassy Bogota, Colombia (19901991); and Consular Officer, US Embassy Bogota, Colombia (1989-1990). Before joining the Foreign Service, he was a manager of a Radio Shack stores in Georgia and South Carolina.

Ambassador Holloway earned a BA in Foreign Languages from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a MA in International Business Sciences from the University of South Carolina, and a MA in National Resources Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, DC He is the recipient three Senior Foreign Service Performance Awards, eight Superior Honour Awards and two Meritorious Awards from the Department of State.

… minibus conductor arrested

Dead tattoo artist: Raul Rodrigues

A

tattoo artist was on Friday evening stabbed to death during an alleged robbery in the vicinity of Demico House, Stabroek Market, Georgetown. Raul Rodrigues, 40, also called “Tattoo Man” of Lot 64 Leopold Street, Georgetown, was attacked and stabbed once to his chest by two men during the robbery.

Reports are Rodrigues, who is also a mason, was consuming alcohol in Leopold Street, Georgetown earlier in the day but reportedly left to collect his child’s mother, who was getting off from work at 20:00h.

However, Guyana Times understands that while walking in the vicinity of Dairy Bus Park, he was attacked by two males where he was stabbed.

In an attempt to escape from his assailants, he collapsed in front of Demico House. The perpetrators reportedly relieved him of an iPhone he was carrying at the time.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he reportedly

died while receiving medical attention.

Annastacia Rodrigues, a sister of the dead man told Guyana Times that she was at home in Campbell Street, Albouystown, when she received a telephone call informing her that her brother was stabbed. As she was hurrying out, another friend told her that he was dead and that the family must rush to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the medical facility, she was restricted from seeing her brother although she pleaded with the security guards to be allowed

called that her sister was also stabbed and killed six years ago but no one was ever charged for the murder. She however, vowed to seek justice for her brother this time around.

While at Rodrigues’ house, her mother fainted several times as she cried out “they kill him… they kill him… no body nah do nothing to save he life.”

Meanwhile, the mother of the dead man’s child reportedly told Police that she left work and was heading to the minibus park when she saw someone lying on the ground

Stabroek Market in the vicinity of Demico House where Rodrigues collapsed

to see him.

“About an hour and a half later, they come out and tell us that he was dead,” she related. Again, she requested to see her bother but that request was denied. However, she returned to the Police Station on Saturday morning where she was told that someone was arrested for the murder.

“The Police tell me that they arrested a man, but they could not say if he was the one who stabbed my brother, but they tell me that investigations are continuing,” she noted.

Nevertheless, she re-

and upon checking, she realised that it was Rodrigues.

She noted that from all indications, he was already dead.

The Police in a release stated that Rodrigues was involved in an altercation with two men when one of them armed himself with an object and dealt him one blow to the region of his heart. Guyana Times understands that a 28-year-old minibus conductor was arrested and is being questioned in relation to the murder.

Rodrigues leaves to mourn his mother, siblings and three daughters.

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Is oil Guyana’s curse?

By Ryhaan Shah

I

am one of the six nominees for the GECOM chairmanship who has been rejected by President David Granger as not being a “fit and proper person” for the job.

All the textbook advice on how best to deal with rejection states that you must understand that it is not your fault per se, but that the person doing the rejecting is rejecting “something particular” that doesn’t work for them.

The negative criticisms that Ryhaan Shah have followed the rejection of the list of nominees are positioned within the context of the behaviour of the Granger Administration which follows a pattern of PNC bullyism and executive lawlessness that were the hallmarks of the Burnham dictatorship.

Every one of us knows what would have happened had the PPP/C Government ever rejected a list of nominees presented by the PNC leadership at any time during their 23year governance. There would have been hell to pay for any misinterpretation or misrepresentation of the law in any way or measure.

Even if he presents reasons why he finds the nominees unfit and improper, Granger has already shown his hand publicly and appears fixated on the erroneous view that Guyana is still operating under the 1980 Burnham Constitution.

Given this, it is more than a little certain that he will find no “fit and proper person” on any list presented to him by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Granger’s sycophants and supporters are colluding with him to ignore the letter of the law as he manoeuvres to get to a place where he will likely choose a candidate with the “something particular” that he wants in a chairperson.

The dangers inherent in such a move are obvious and no one can be faulted for suspecting that the “something particular” Granger wants in the next GECOM chair would be a willingness to set the stage for PNC rigged elections in 2020 and onward.

The sheer bravado of Granger’s unilateral and undemocratic moves heightens suspicions that he has been assured of his and his Government’s re-election. This just has to be done with some appearance of legitimacy and since the AFC Indian Guyanese support has decamped, that fig-leaf will not be available to help the PNC slip back into power. They therefore have to look to other means available.

It speaks volumes that they appear absolutely unconcerned that the 2017 Budget hike in fees and taxations makes them with the electorate and could contribute to their loss at the 2020 polls if the elections are free and fair.

With sugar and rice production declining, with manufacturing down, and with a 33 per cent revenue loss in the forestry sector, Guyana appears to be already suffering from the “oil curse”, even though a drop of oil has not yet been drilled from those seabed reserves off our coast.

Economic planning calculated on future oil earnings to the exclusion of every other possible revenue earner is very risky in a world that is turning to alternative energy sources. However, it appears that the promised returns are too attractive to forgo.

The Washington Post report about Granger having met with ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson only serves to intensify suspicions. Since the Guyanese public knows of no such meeting since Granger took Office, there is speculation that the meeting must have occurred before the May 2015 general elections. Either way, the secretiveness of the meeting plays to fears of deals having been struck that are not in Guyana’s best interests.

The report’s reference to the PPP/C government as “leftist” indicates the politics in play that, as in the 1960s, makes a PNC Government more politically favourable to the US. A Huffington Post report is even more damning and posits that with Tillerson set to become the US Secretary of State, he could help “Exxon profit from Guyana’s resources under the patina of rule of law”.

The PNC enjoyed dictatorial rule through rigged elections from 1968 to 1992 because it suited US Cold War interests to keep the PPP out of Office. Could oil be Guyana’s curse this time around?

With Tillerson part of what is already an Trump Administration, Guyana’s best ally, should Granger get his way with a unilateral choice to the GECOM chair, could well be the US media which takes its government watchdog role very seriously.

The US might also find itself without willing British and European allies to influence future elections here, given that President Trump seems likely to redraw the world map of US alliances. That new world headed by an unorthodox President in the White House might be in Guyana’s favour.

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

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Younge’s Take Politics and the GECOM Chair

T

he identification and selection of a suitably qualified and competent individual to serve as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must concern all Guyanese regardless of their political inclination and should not be trivialised.

Our history places a burden on us to ensure that the Constitution of Guyana is upheld and followed. It demands too that we do all what is necessary to ensure that the electoral atrocities, injustices and wrongs of our past are never repeated.

So great is this burden, that embedded in our laws is the formula and process Michael Younge that must be followed in the selection of the individual that will have to shoulder the responsibility of overseeing Guyana’s electoral machinery and personnel.

It is therefore necessary that the ruling A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government, and the main Opposition People’s Progress Party (PPP) agree on who should be given this task. Both parties must express explicit confidence and trust in the individual’s ability to dispatch the duties of the office with impartiality, independence and honesty.

Any attempt, in the near or distant future, by either the ruling or opposition political party to undermine the process as described in the Constitution could result in political chaos and confusion. Failure to agree on a candidate could also undermine the public’s confidence in the fairness of future elections at the local, regional and national levels, regardless of assurances that they were above board and democratic.

No time should be wasted in filling the current vacancy at the Commission. President David Granger is duty-bound to give more clarifications on the criteria that he is using to determine who is suitable, fit and proper and acceptable (in his eyes) for the post. After all, he rejected the first list of persons that was submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

That aside, the entire saga has led to renewed suspicion on the part of the public about the President’s intention and agenda. There are those who feel that the President will reject every list submitted by Jagdeo, regardless of the merit and qualifications of those nominated to serve in the post, because he intends on utilising his other constitutional powers. He intends on identifying and appointing his own candidate as GECOM Chairman.

If this is the case, Guyanese must prepare themselves to accept a former high ranking military officer with secret ties to the coalition Government as GECOM’s chairman, or a former judicial official who is also connected in some way or other to the ruling parties. They must also be prepared to accept the Government’s explanation for not choosing from Jagdeo’s list and the Public Relations pundits within its fold will go to work immediately to justify the President’s decision.

If the President proceeded in this path, then the intention is clearly to rig the upcoming 2020 elections. It is clearly to undermine the will of the Guyanese people in the coming years. Such a move would be seen as guaranteeing the coalition’s Government’s longevity in Office.

It would not be surprising because the Government has already done everything possible to stymie the process to have the elections petition filed by the PPP heard and determined with dispatch in the courts. It has full control of GECOM with a Chief Elections Officer who appears indifferent to the pleas and concerns of the Opposition about the entity’s conduct and missteps during the May 11, 2015 Elections. It has also skilfully managed to establish a Citizenship Ministry which is overseeing key entities with the responsibility of processing birth and death certificates.

From all appearances too, the country’s security forces are not as independent as they ought to be. And no one knows how they would conduct themselves during and after the next elections, especially if an alarm about rigged elections is sounded regardless if the evidence is compelling as was the case in the 2015 Elections.

There are a number of other views that are being advanced as to the modus operandi of the Granger administration as far as appointing a new GECOM chair is concerned. The Opposition needs to pay keen attention to these developments as they could prove insight to greater plans or other areas of political concern. No stone must be left unturned in ensuring that the actions of the President and his Cabinet are transparent, above board and in the interest of all Guyanese.

Hopefully, the President does not proceed in that path and acts with more wisdom. Let the chips fall where they may.

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SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Secret MoU

Consultative consensus required on future of GuySuCo – Granger

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

D

ays after being blasted by the Opposition Leader over secrecy with a deal struck with a Trinidadian company for a possible takeover of the lucrative Skeldon Sugar Estate, President David Granger is adamant that a consultative consensus is required in determining the way forward with the heavily indebted and cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The President posited that Government wants to make the sugar industry viable once again, but would only embark on such a path through consensus with the relevant stakeholder. To this end, he underscored the importance of having dialogue, which he added will ensure a path that will be acceptable by the Guyanese people.

“The Government’s posi-

tion is that we should seek consensus; that is why we have embarked on talks with members of the Opposition and Civil Society,” he stated during this week’s ‘The Public Interest’ programme which aired on Friday.

President Granger continued that the Administration is cognisant of the fact that sugar is one of the oldest industries in Guyana and remains a large employer, notwithstanding too that it also occupies a large portion of the country’s land space.

At the same time, he pointed out that Government is mindful of what has transpired in the industry over the years. He further opined that financial issues at Skeldon has brought the industry to the state it currently is in, and his Administration is now focused on saving the jobs of the persons working in the sector.

Nevertheless, the Head of State explained that while Government will not be going into discussions with any prejudice, it does however want the sugar industry to cease being a burden to Guyanese taxpayers.

“We’ve been doing our best, we’ve been bailing out sugar spending billions of dollars every year and we believe this burden on the country should be brought to an end.

So in all good faith, we have sought dialogue with the Opposition and the unions and we would like them to bring up ideas, we would like

civil society to bring up ideas so we arrived at a consensus that all Guyanese can be satisfied with,” the President said.

Even as he touted a consensus approach, the coalition Administration came in for some bashing last week from the Opposition, Leader Bharrat Jagdeo blasting Government over the deal with the Trinidadian company.

Secret MoU

On Tuesday last, Guyana Times reported that D Rampersad and Company Limited (DRCL) was likely to rake in major benefits from the Guyana Government, including favourable tax incentives for the development of an integrated sugarcane processing facility at the Skeldon Sugar Estate, following the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 8, 2015.

Both Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman have since denied any secrecy about the agreement with the T&T company, pointing out that the Opposition, GuySuCo, as well as the relevant unions representing sugar workers were also informed about it.

However, Jagdeo subsequently told reporters that while they were informed about the MoU, this was after the deal was already signed. “…they called us in December, after everything

President David Granger

else and told us they want to talk to us about it, but the secret MoU was already signed,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader added that the agreement gives the Trinidadian company an upper hand in the event of privatisation.

“They claim that this is without prejudice to privatisation. But if you have a secret Memorandum of Understanding with someone to assess the entity, then you are already giving one person an advantage over any person who may be interested if you decide to privatise. So they are busy working these quiet deals and one day we may wake up and find that one of the prized estates in Guyana is gone to a group that knows nothing about sugar or is on middle land without any public valuation

of the land, no public tendering but has acquired a deal by the Government,” he told media operatives.

Meanwhile, executives of GuySuCo appeared before the National Assembly’s Economic Services Committee (ESC) on Friday, where Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, disclosed that the company cannot be sustained, noting that it has racked up a $77 billion debt.

He noted that in 2014, the industry suffered a $17.5 billion loss, while in 2015 the losses amounted to $18.1 billion and last year, it was $12.1 billion with the average loss for 2017 projected to be $13.7 billion.

He went onto outline too that the Sugar Corporation is heavily dependent on State subventions, which amounted to $4 billion in 2012; $5.4

billion in 2013; $6 billion in 2014; $12 billion in 2015; and $11 billion in 2016, while adding that GuySuCo may need as much as $18.9 billion in aid from the State this year with the figure is expected climbing over the coming years.

While Government is yet to come up with a concrete plan for the future of the sugar industry and its thousands of workers, President Granger believes that dialogue will provide that clarity. However, commentators have opined that the direction the coalition is moving will likely result in closure or sale of the estates.

In fact, GuySuCo Chairman, Dr Clive Thomas told the ESC on Friday that “it makes no business sense to keep GuySuCo going,” while responding to queries from Opposition members within the Committee.

16 news

SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Berbice acid attack

Bridge causes massive Jealous lover nabbed flooding on highway farms after motorcycle accident … farmers call for Govt intervention

S

everal farmers in the vicinity of Splashmin’s Fun Park, Soesdyke/Linden Highway have suffered immense loses due the construction of a road and bridge, which are blocking the water to drain freely off their lands.

The road and bridge which were reportedly built by a city businessman are being used by heavy-duty equipment to transport loam to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for its expansion project.

The farmers have met several times with the businessman, who had promised to raise the bridge to allow the water to flow smoothly. This was actually just a promise that never materialised, the farmers claimed.

Moments before Guyana Times visited the affected farmers on Saturday, they met with the businessman who again promised to have the matter rectified. The farmers, who vented their concerns, are of the belief that it was another empty promise and as such, have no alternative but to seek an audience with the Agriculture Minister.

On Saturday, the owner of Aziza Akouza resort told Guyana Times that he too has been flooded out. He noted that he has suffered millions in losses due to the rising water.

When the Guyana Times visited the several farms in the area, it is evident that the crops are covered in water. One farmer, Felix Clienken who plants mainly eddoes and bananas, explained that for the past eight months, he was unable to reap anything substantial.

As a pensioner, he noted that he

depends on his produce to provide for his family. “As soon as the rain come in, it flood all over… we meet with the businessman and tell him that it is the bridge that is causing the water to remain on the land… It affecting me tremendously, I can’t throw mould (manure) now because the place flood,” the

businessman who at first claimed that the creek needed to be cleared properly, but after this was done, he conceded that it was the bridge and promised to do the necessary correction.

The former member of the Guyana Defence Force stated that he depends mainly on farming and has since es-

A section of the flooded farmland on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway

man stated.

Due to the water on the land his eddoes when pulled are water soaked and are being refused by buyers. He has estimated his loss to be in the millions. Cecil Pearson, another farmer claimed that the bridge and road were built in 2015 and have since affected his farm.

“Initially, I thought it was the creek that was blocked… we purchase a boat, motor blower and we took months to clear the entire creek, but we then realised that it was the bridge”.

He too stated that he met with the

timated his loss at $1.5 million. Like his fellow farmer, he has not reaped anything substantial. Another farmer, Raul Pearson, who owns several acres of eddoes, is also complaining bitterly about the stagnant water on his land thus resulting in tremendous loses.

“We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean the creek but it is the same results and right now it is real frustrating… this is what we depend on and I honestly don’t know where to turn to”. Meanwhile the farmers have agreed to give the businessman up to Thursday to address the issue.

T

he man who Police were on the hunt for following an acid-throwing incident, was arrested on Saturday morning in Linden.

Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam told Guyana Times that Police in Berbice received information that 34-year-old Alfred D’Yonge, called “Nat a boy”, was involved in a road accident while riding his motorcycle in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) early Saturday morning.

According to the Divisional Commander, Police in Linden were contacted and went to the Mackenzie Hospital where the suspect was receiving medical attention.

After being treated, Police transported D’Yonge to New Amsterdam where the investigation into the acid throwing incident is ongoing.

On Thursday, Shondell Williamson, 26, of Peter D’Aguiar Street, New Amsterdam, had just arrived in her yard when the man dressed in female clothing approached her and doused her with the acid. The injured woman said that although she saw her assailant, she was shocked by his appearance and could not move.

According to reports, the suspect, who was thought to be in Linden, telephoned Williamson saying he wanted to speak with his children. At this point, the woman related that she was in disbelief as

The victim, Shondell Williamson

she saw the person on the other end of the call approaching her in a dress, carrying a bottle in one hand and a bowl in the other.

As the man got close enough to Williamson, he threw the substance into her face, emptying a part of the bottle’s contents into the bowl and again doused the woman from her head.

After Williamson raised an alarm, the man ran out of the yard, breaking the bottle on the gate, before jumping into a waiting car. It is believed that D’Yonge was hiding behind the two storied house, waiting to launch his attack.

This newspaper was told that the couple shared an abusive relationship for several years, and it was only recently that they separated. D’Yonge and Williamson have two children together, ages three and nine. (Andrew Carmichael)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ANNA'S

Letter to President Granger Dear President Granger, While women around the world marched to remind US President Donald Trump that women’s rights are human rights, one of our own Guyanese women is fighting for her voice to be heard.

I am forced to think that neither you nor your Administration believes in justice and the upholding of women’s rights in Guyana.

Instead, your Administration continues to protect a senior political official of Region Nine, despite the many allegations levelled against him by Rupununi residents, since Anna Correia his appointment in 2015.

Both you and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan were asked by victims, regional authorities and NGOs, to investigate the allegations and apply the law where necessary. Yet, both of you have refused to lift a finger. It might do you well to remember that you were elected to serve in the interest of the Guyanese people to whom you promised “change”, but instead you are reneging on your responsibilities in your pursuit to shield your protégé from the eyes of the law.

By now you are aware that sexual abuse and abuse of power are the recurrent complaints against this senior official.

You and Minister Bulkan would recall that a District Education Officer (DEO) was the first to resort to the public arena with allegations of victimisation and sexual abuse against him in a desperate attempt to draw attention to get assistance. The DEO had even written to the Education Ministry to be relocated, but to no avail. Minister Bulkan turned a deaf ear to the woman’s ordeal and to the grievances of the people of the Rupununi.

Eventually, the frustration of the Region Nine residents culminated in the Rupununi Petition of April 11, 2016, addressed directly to you, by twelve hundred (1200) Amerindians who implored you to remove the said official on the basis on fourteen (14) infractions of civil and human rights.

These include corruption, sexual harassment and political discrimination in discharging his duties as a political appointee and senior regional executive. The civil sector also pleaded on behalf of the Rupununi people, but neither you nor Minister Bulkan accorded us a hearing. Almost a year later, you have done nothing to address the petition.

Now Mr President, you are confronted with the consequences of your laxity and indifference, as a young aspiring politician of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) is accusing her comrade, the very man your administration has so far protected, of sexually molesting her. Like the DEO, this young woman sought your help and that of Minister Bulkan before filing a complaint with the Police with hopes of obtaining justice. But instead, Attorney General Basil Williams was dispatched to Lethem to hush the matter.

Mr President, your attitude in handling this problem has enabled me to better understand the reluctance of former Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, in prioritising the combat against the societal scourge of rape and sexual harassment, as well as her inclination to defend child molesters. For Minister Lawrence, it didn’t matter whether or not another PNC official “deflowered” a child, since to her this is but a mere “family issue” to be dealt with in-house.

Likewise, it matters not to you that a possible pathological sexual abuser roams freely in the Rupununi, as long as he remains free from legal judgement and spares the PNC the shame.

This modus operandi reflects the true nature of the regime you head today: one which has little respect for the Law and one which places partisan interests and political tyrants above citizens. It is one which mocks the very principles of democracy and denies the women who chose to stand up in the face of injustice, their constitutional rights. It defies the very concept of social cohesion and impedes the establishment of the “national unity” government you ardently pledged to create.

The truth is President Granger, the societal malaise which reigns presently in Guyana, mirrors your inaptitude to fulfil your promises. But as I continue to maintain, we Guyanese are a people of resolve and our women are the force of this country. We have grown tired of the misogyny and sexism which relegate women to second class citizens daily, and unfortunately for the PNC, intimidation and promises of grandeur no longer suffice to silence us.

Mr President, we will not be deterred from our quest for justice and our rights as equals to men. We will not relent in our fight against those who use power to abuse us. Not even those of your regime. Not even you.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

“It’s cool to be green” – President justifies repainting MoTP

P

resident David Granger does not believe it is inappropriate to repaint the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) – the official office of the Head of State – into a colour that is symbolic of the political party to which he belongs.

In fact, President Granger wants to spread the message to the entire nation that “it’s cool to be green”.

The President defended the repainting of the MoTP into green, asserting that it promotes the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)A focus on promoting a green economy.

“We would like to send a message to the rest of the

country, to schools, to our hospitals, to other government buildings that ‘yes, it is cool to be green’,” he told journalists during the recent airing of his televised podcast, ‘The Public Interest’.

On a side note, the President assured, however, that he has no plans to repaint the Red House in green.

“We’re not going to change the colour of Red House,” he said, as he expressed plans to move the National Trust into that building.

Granger said he seized the opportunity to repaint the buildings in the compound of the MoTP after it became necessary to conduct rehabilitation works.

“The rehabilitation works

became necessary to accommodate the office of security firm… We established a department of environment and department of national events so housing has become necessary,” he explained.

The MoTP buildings, located on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown, are currently barricaded with plywood boards as rehabilitation works are being undertaken.

Earlier last year, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Member and Parliamentarian Priya Manickchand had called on the APNU/AFC Government to desist from “greening and yellowing” Guyana.

She had expressed con-

cerns over the subliminal message Government is sending and the fact that the Administration appears to be forcing its politics on Guyanese who do not subscribe.

Manickchand said the “greening and yellowing” of Guyana is reminiscent of the days when the flag of the former People’s National Congress (PNC) was flown over the Court of Appeal – a signal of party paramountcy.

Government had painted in green and yellow some bridges, benches, sections of public infrastructure and even the boats, buses and bicycles distributed by the Administration.

18 news

SunDAY, january 22, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 2 flooding

Farmers protest non-support by Govt – demand proper representation, compensation

By Indrawattie N atram

S

cores of rice, cash crop and livestock farmers, who suffered losses as a result of the recent flooding in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Friday, protested Government’s non-support towards their plight.

The protest saw farmers walking from the Anna Regina high bridge to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and to

the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office, with the aim of bringing attention to their struggles as a result of the recent floods in the region.

The protest was led by General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Dharamkumar Seeraj and Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt.

The farmers carried placards which read, among other things, “Holder is a stranger to ag-

riculture”; “Government we suffer from recent flood, help us now!”; “Put machinery to work on lands, not on Parks”; “We need better drainage and dams not parks”; “Cut Minister salaries and increase the price for paddy”; “Women and children suffering”.

Attention needed

During the protest, rice farmers explained to the media that their fields were inundated with water for weeks and as such, they

Farmers bearing plaque cards protesting the non-support of Government

were forced to spend thousands of dollars to pump water off their lands.

Rice farmers, particularly those living in Coffee Grove, Lima, La Belle Alliance, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, have related that they lost acres of rice due to the intrusion of excessive water in their fields.

This was compounded by the lack of drainage in their area and they called on Government to immediately dispatched high capacity pumps to the areas, hence safeguarding future flooding.

According to a farmer from La Belle Alliance, Jagan Dwarka, he cultivated 10 acres of rice this crop and lost four. The farmer related that his

Samaroo lost four acres.

These farmers are calling for compensation to assist them in venturing back into cultivation.

Cut taxes

Meanwhile, the RPA head said the protest was a voluntary one done by farmers to demonstrate their message to those in charge, especially Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, who publicly denied the region was affected by flooding.

Seeraj said the persons gathered were affected by the recent rainfall, coupled with the lack of drainage in their respective areas and as a result, suffered tremendous losses. To date he stated that over 1500 acres of rice are damaged

Essequibo Coast farmers calling for help from Government

livelihood has been affected since his fields have been damaged. He reported that the pumps in the area were not working according to the schedule and alleged that the fuel was used elsewhere.

Another farmer, Feroze Mohammed, from Anna Regina, said that he lost two acres to the flooding.

He cultivated 70 acres and explained that he already threw three doses of fertiliser on his crop.

He then questioned who will compensate him for his damaged acres.

Mohammed believes that the flooding was a result of poor drainage provided in his area.

Nikesh Persaud, from Reliance village, also lost two acres to the flooding. He said presently, his fields are damaged and covered with duck weed.

Farmer Ramnaresh Samsundar of Walton Hall lost one acre, while Neaz

in Region Two. Seeraj also explained that the Region Two administration has neglected farmers and did not heed to their call at the time help was requested.

He said that if one should examine the rice industry, they would notice additional burdens in the industry, especially with taxations.

He said the RPA is calling on the Government to immediately reverse the additional drainage and irrigation charges, a reduction in land rents and also to use some of the money that is spent by farmers to purchase fuel to reinvest in the industry.

He also called for the removal of tax from fuel, as well as open new rice markets. Rice farmers are calling for Minister Noel Holder to visit them and listen to their concerns.

To date, only officials from NDIA visited the region since the flooding occured.

sunDAY, january 22, 2017

Fung targets technology, nutrition on AAG Presidential bid

T

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hosts their Annual General Meeting (AGM) today and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major Shen Fung has put his hand up to challenge incumbent President, Aubrey Hutson for the top post.

When Guyana Times Sport caught up with the contender for the AAG leadership, Fung disclosed that he is an avid sport enthusiast, having been a prominent athlete in his days and believes he “can make some earthshaking changes to the athletic fraternity.”

On his bid for the presidency, Fung, who represented Guyana at the international level in field events, noted that he “was approached by corporate Guyana which served to pique my [his] interest and would relish the opportunity to be at the helm to administer my savvy athletic knowledge coupled with my military discipline.”

“One of my first endeavors would be to equip every participant with the necessary physical resources to perform on a competitive level. When I say every participant, I mean every participant across Guyana including the Hinterland regions, Linden, Berbice, Essequibo, etc.” the presidential candidate stated.

The former Queen’s College champion athlete pointed out that if he was to assume office he is bringing to the table a “multidimensional approach to raise the standards of athletics in Guyana.”

Though he is not criticizing the current running of the AAG, Fung believes he has broad-based plans to take athletics in the country to the next level.

Based on his platforms for the presidency, Fung says he will be implementing “significant technological adjustments and step away from many archaic systems that exist in 2017, which would aid in specialized aspects.”

Additionally, the Army Major has stated that there is a “conspicuous void in the recruitment process of young talent,” and as such, he will be targeting talent from the school system, comparing that system to the other regional territories.

AAG Presidential candidate, Major Shen Fung

Another aspect that the former athlete is aiming to target is the nutrition and regimentation of athletes which will become mandatory concepts that will be injected into Athletics.

Based on his observation, the conclusion was drawn that “our athletes are not on specific performance diets and programmes” as such Fung intends to “seek to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to introduce dietitians and nutritionists to Athletics.”

As it relates to the administration of the Association, Fung highlighted that he will be taking a democratic approach to the governance, which includes all existing clubs in the country to the decision making process rather than based on a few. Because of this, he believes the country’s athletics will move forward.

On the issue of the Olympic 2020 prospects, Fung trusts that Guyana can reach the semi-final or final under his leadership as he “hopes to marshal Guyana to excellence at the Primary, Secondary, Tertiary levels and beyond.”

The elections will take place at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue when the AGM commences from 10:30h.

The nominees for other office posts are as follows: Vice President-Colin Ming, Godfrey Washington, Cheryl Hermonstine, Hector Edwards, Colin Boyce, Lyndon Wilson and Mark Scott. Treasurer -Simone Gaskin, Latoya Archer, Kwabina Griffith, Nial Stanton and Silus Brummell.

Assistant Treasurer, Nial Stanton, Carlotta Abrams, Carla Roberts, Elton Bollers, Raymond Daw. Committee Members- Five persons from each of the nine clubs.

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guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, january 22, 2017

Star Party Rentals making Limacol Football comfortable S

tar Party Rentals is the latest top brand corporation which has signed on to the second Petra Organised Limacol Round Robin Knockout football tournament which is set to commence on Monday.

The rental company which is known for its supply in chairs, tables, tower lights among other amenities for special events both indoor and outdoor is set to have their services on display in the tournament. Throughout the tournament, chairs,

tents and Lights where necessary will be used to add to the comfort of the spectators, players and officials as never before.

Speaking at the simple ceremony at the business’ Craig Street, Campbellville location, representative Michelle Henry expressed the entity’s pleasure at being in partnership with the Petra Oraganisation for the second staging of the tournament in offering their “unique services” as to ensures the task at hand is ex-

ecuted exemplary.”

More so, Henry added that “It is also an opportunity for us to showcase our social responsibility to sports considering the owner has been successful in the field of sports”.

Petra’s Mark Alleyne was most appreciative of the continued supported and felt that the support would only help in showcasing an exciting tournament.

On Monday at the Georgetown Football Club, (GFC), Bourda Police Force

FC will play Mahaica Determinators from 18:30h followed by Riddim Squad and Camptown from 20:30h.

Teams are placed into four groups for competition with Group A consisting of defending champions Milerock, top Linden side, Winners Connection, East Bank Champions, Grove Hi Tech and Northern Rangers.

While Group B includes Western Tigers, Uitvulgt, Eagles United and New Amsterdam United. Group C will have Santos FC, Pouderoyen, Den Amstel and Ann’s Gove United battling and Group D will feature Police Force FC, Riddim Squad, Campton FC and Mahaica Determinators.

The top teams will complete for a $500,000 first place prize while second to third will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.

In addition, the top three teams in the groups will be rewarded $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000.

Seaton shine in otherwise dull CARIFTA time trial

Leon Seaton (starting block three) and Silver Shark Swim Club team mate at the start of the Boys U-12 100m Free style on Saturday at Liliendaal (Photo by John Ramsingh)

S

ilver Shark Club swimmer, Leon Seaton was relentless on day one of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Time Trials ahead of the CARIFTA Games which is scheduled for later this year.

Seaton impressed in the association’s first event for 2017 as he finish his 50m dash freestyle in winning and qualifying time on Saturday at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal. His time of 27.97secs beats the 28. 89 secs qualification time which makes him eligible for the April swim meet.

However, he was the lone success story on a day that saw a poor turnout where only 15 swimmers-five females and 10 males took to the Olympic standard pool. Seaton was not so fortunate in the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle where he missed out on qualification but will be hoping for a better showing in the second time trial set for next month.

Lian Winter and Rackwon Noel in the 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke respectively also narrowly missed out.

The usually fit and enthusiastic swimmers seemed rusty and tired but are expected to redeem themselves, among them the George's Sisters at the next time trial scheduled for February which should be GASA’s annual Mashramani Meet.

Saturday’s Time Trials saw participation in the 11-12 and 13-14 age groups in both the boys and girls categories.

YELLOW PAGES sunday, january 22, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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Hikers Ladies will seek titles that evaded them previously

H

ikers Hockey Club, one of the leading clubs in the country held their first meeting of the year on Thursday night, where they unfolded their plans to have the club remain in the top bracket of the sport as well as to further develop their players.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Captain of the male senior team, Robert France indicated that based on the discussions in the meeting the club is currently entering a recruitment phase.

France explained that the club will be continuing their normal training sessions with their juniors from 09:00h- 11:00h on Saturdays at the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam as they look to enhance their base of players in the Under-16 and Under-18 divisions.

Additionally, the club will be looking to recruit players from the various schools in Georgetown having already gone to North Georgetown Secondary, Tutorial Secondary, Marian Academy and Old Fort Hockey Club targeting St. Joseph’s High School.

Since the club already have a female member who currently attends St. Johns College, it will be one of the schools targeted to recruit players for the junior pool.

Meanwhile, the senior division has already begun training as they prepare to take part in two senior tournaments overseas.

As part of the club’s fundraising proj-

GCC

ects, they are committed to continue with their traditional seven-a-side tournament in March/ April but are uncertain about their popular ‘Into the Night’ event.

However, as it relates to the male arm of the club, the team is severely short on players with only eight players available and according France, the team will also be looking to the second division to see the prospects of drafting some over to the senior team. While he has not done so yet, he is expected to have those in charge do so as soon as possible.

In addition, France also noted that the return of Shane Samuels from England is also a bonus for the club as he is an experienced campaigner.

Nevertheless, the club is working hard to remain on top of their game and with their successful run in 2016, which saw the males winning every major local indoor tournament and the females fighting valiantly; the prospects of 2017 for the club will be up for discussion amongst the other teams.

The club has indicated that those who are willing to come and join the club can do so on Saturday and Tuesday at the St. Stanislaus school where the club hosts their practice sessions and are currently training for the upcoming Guyana Hockey Board’s Annual Bounty Supermarkets one day outdoor tournament at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

ready again for

Squash challenge T

he Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda, which famous for its rich cricketing history is beginning to take a different approach to their viewpoint on sports at the club in an effort to garner greater financial income.

One of the moves taken is to refurbish the Squash court at the club to attract new members and also expand the pool of players in Guyana.

GCC Executive Member, Timothy Tucker speaking at the unveiling of the refurbished court on Saturday afternoon explained that “years of flooding and neglect had caused the court to go down and we were able to garner some support from the corporate sector and with the assistance of the squash association we were able to refurbish the entire facility.”

The facility which has new has a new playing sur-

Some players engaged in practice on the new court

face and raised infrastructure to decrease flooding, is air-conditioned and according to Tucker, the cool environment makes it a bit more difficult for players since their bodies have to adjust and they will burn more calories.

Questioned on the move to diversify sports at the clubs, the executive member explained, “With the advent of the stadium, the support of our members has not been the same of the

past so we are looking to diversify.”

He added, “We are looking to bring in lawn tennis, we already have Martial arts, Hockey and Archery, but cricket remains the main sport.”

The facility which is located below the once popular Lady’s Pavilion is opened to new members who are invited to join by visiting the club and following basic administrative procedures to become fulltime members.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, january 22, 2017

Hungry Jaguars depart for Super50 glory − “Make winning a habit” - Sanasie

By

I

Akeem

Greene

ts has been close to 12 years since Guyana have won a regional 50-over title and national team, Guyana Jaguars, departed on Saturday morning determined to change that predicament.

Jaguars have been roaring to full capacity in the 4-day format winning back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 are also currently positioned in a solid place for unprecedented third.

However, their performance in the 50-over format has certainly been tame.

With such a history in mind, Secretary of

the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie who spoke to the squad at the Windjammer International Hotel prior to departure, urged the players to remember the winning formulae and felt that the title jinx could be broken this year.

“Once again we see you off and this time it is extremely special because for some reason, I feel this is the time we will break this jinx on the 50-over,” the GCB executive stated. He added, “ We must make winning a habit and we have done that in the 4-day but for this particular tournament we have not been doing that, we have dominated regional cricket over the past two to three years and this is the only tournament that has eluded us and this is the time that we can change that.”

Similarly, GCB Treasurer Anand Kalladeen gave the players best wished and urged them to perform well considering the England will be touring the Caribbean for three One-day matches in February In response, skipper Leon Johnson stated that though he cannot make any predications

as yet, but he believes that he has the best set of players in Guyana for the tournament and that all the players will give a 100% to bring the trophy back home. Jaguars who are drawn in Zone B alongside Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners and ICC Americas, will play all their preliminary matches in the land of the flying fish and will hope for a top two finish for a place in the semi-finals and then the final on February 18. Zone A is being played in Antigua where the semi-finals and final will be played as well. The Jaguars will play their first match on Tuesday from 13:30h against hosts, Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval.

Jaguars squad: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-Captain), Anthony Bramble, Shimron Hetmyer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Steven Jacobs, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz, Jonathan Foo, Esuan Crandon (Head Coach), Rayon Griffith (Assistant- Coach/Manager), Ernesto Gonzalez (Physiotherapist)

Group B Squads

Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie

Barbados Pride: Jason Holder (Captain), Anthony Alleyne, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomel Warrican; Emmerson Trotman (Head Coach) Jamaica Scorpions: Nikita Miller (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Gavon Brown, John Campbell, Andre McCarthy, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Reynard Leveridge, Rovman Powell, Damani Sewell, Jerome Taylor, Steven Taylor, Devon Thomas, Chadwick Walton; Robert Samuels (Head Coach) Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners: Jamal Smith (Captain), Cassius Burton Jr., Raymond Bynoe, Kyle Corbin, Mark Deyal, Larry Edward, Keon Harding, Nino Henry, Ryan Hinds, Amir Jangoo, Aaron Jones, Jermaine Levy, Vikash Mohan, Christopher Powell; Floyd Reifer (Head Coach) International Cricket Council’s Americas: Nitish Kumar (Captain), Timroy Allen, Alex Amsterdam, Fahad Babar, Hakeem Dobson, Nikhil Dutta, Muhammed Ahsan Ali Khan, Kamar Leverock, Timil Patel, Cecil Pervez, Jasdeep Singh, Nicholas Standford, Hamza Tariq, Srimantha Wijeyeratne, Saad bin Zafar; Pubudu Dassanayake (Head Coach)

Group B Match schedule Tuesday, January 24 Scorpions vs Marooners – 3Ws Oval, Barbados (9 am) Pride vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval, Barbados (1:30 pm) Thursday, January 26 Marooners vs ICC Americas – Windward, Barbados (9 am) Jaguars vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) Saturday, January 28 Pride vs ICC Americas – 3Ws Oval (9 am) Marooners vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm Monday, January 30 Jaguars vs ICC Americas – Windward (9 am) Pride vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) Wednesday, February 1 ICC Americas vs Scorpions – 3Ws Oval (9 am) Pride vs Marooners – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm Friday, February 3 Pride vs ICC Americas – Windward (9 am) Marooners vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) Sunday, February 5 Pride vs Jaguars – 3Ws Oval (9 am) Marooners vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) Tuesday, February 7 Marooners vs ICC Americas – Windward (9 am) Jaguars vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) Thursday, February 9 Jaguars vs ICC Americas – 3Ws Oval (9 am) Pride vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) Saturday, February 11 Scorpions vs ICC Americas – Windward (9 am) Pride vs Marooners – Kensington Oval (1:30 pm) FINAL FOUR Semi-finals Wednesday, February 15 Zone A winners vs Zone B runners-up – CCG (1:30 pm) Thursday, February 16 Zone B winners vs Zone A runners-up – CCG (1:30 pm) GRAND FINAL Saturday, February 18 Semi-final 1 winners vs Semifinal 2 winners – CCG (1:30 pm)

By

Delvon Mc Ewan

A

s the o l d saying one has er to dreams give it at 27 e n t -

goes, “No the powshatter your unless you to them” and years old, taled Guyanese all-rounde r Kellon Carmichael is not prepared to give anyone the opportunity to shatter his dream of playing First Class cricket.

The former national youth player is still vying for his first senior national call up that has for so long evaded him. The nifty all-rounder has remained a constant performer over the year thus he is optimistic that his opportunity comes in the near future.

Recently the right arm medium fast bowler had a stellar outing as a guest

player with Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the University of the West Indies T20 Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago where he outfoxed batsmen with his cunning variation and accuracy that at most times make it difficult for batsmen to rotate the strike.

In the five matches Carmichael played, he was DCC’s most economical bowler as he stifled the scoring rate, creating pressure on batsmen especially in the middle overs. In total he conceded 92 runs from 20 overs at a remarkable economy rate of 4.6 runs per over from his five matches while grabbing five wickets during the process. The Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) player was particularly spectacular in the quarter finals where he bowled four overs for nine runs against Trinidad and Tobago Police Sports Club and the finals against Cane Farm where he ended with 1-10 from four overs- a spell that included a maiden over to West Indies player and T20 superstar Lendl Simmons. In his only two knocks in the tournament, Carmichael made 14 not out in a group match and a cameo of 34 from 20 balls in the final.

Probably among the fittest players on the local scene and regarded as one

of the best seam bowlers by his colleagues and counterparts, Carmichael simply applies the basics with a few tricks to get his work done. However, it took some time to get to such standard and that is evident in his work ethics, which include at least 10 miles of running per week, hundreds of pushups, constant spot bowling and the urge to get this done from Monday-Friday each week.

According to Carmichael hard work garners reward, however, his reward seem to be taking a lengthy process that he believes will be manifested soon and although there are questions in regards to him not getting an opportunity, he said he cannot hand pick a reason why he is not being considered.

Nevertheless, he confident he is ready to play at the regional level; “Yes I think I am ready for regional cricket and I have been for a while because since my senior inter county debut in 2008 I've been a consistent performer mainly with the ball because of the composition of the teams I've batted way down the order…. looking at the recently concluded UWI T20 I was bowling against Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons at a time when they had 100 in about 8 overs and still managed to

bowl a maiden to Simmons and only concede 10 runs from my allotted 4 overs and I came back with the bat and gave a good account of myself against Ravi Rampaul, Roshan Primus, Jon-Ross Jaggessar and Rayad Emrit who are all first class and West Indies bowlers.”

Apart from the recent UWI T20 tournament, Carmichael featured for Georgetown in the Jaguars Franchise League last year where he was successful with the ball and contributed with the bat in desperate situations. He also plays professional cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and England.

However, for most of 2015 and the entire 2016 he sacrificed his main means of income to hopefully get into the local academy, but that move worked against him.

So the all-rounder will return to professional cricket but will continue to participate in local Leagues with the hope of ascending to regional cricket. Late last year Goring Cricket Club in the Sussex Premier League locked in a deal with Carmichael for the 2017 season campaign which is set to get underway in April.

Until then Carmichael will continue as the head coach for Malteenoes junior players at the Thomas Lands club.

guyana-times.com

sundAY, january 22 2017

2016 was simply remarkable

23

for local basketball, CASH

T

he major successes and highlights for the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) for 2016 exceeded expectations and reflected well on the capacity of Guyana. GABF got the job done in a special year for Guyana, when we celebrated our 50th year of independence; and even the slipups along the way were used as learning opportunities and corrective actions were taken that resulted in improvements.

The GABF started the memorable year with the National Club Championships popularly known as the Road to Mecca, which was in its third cycle, in March and spilled over to April. The tournament was keenly contested and saw the dominant teams Colts from Georgetown and Raiders from Linden playing in the finals.

However, the first final ended in dispute due to officiating and executive intervention which prompted the GABF to fly in two FIBA certified referees from Barbados to officiate in the replayed finals where they were joined by the FIBA certified referee from Guyana, Sherwyn Henry.

Colts won the replayed finals and fans and the basketball public were generally satisfied with the final outcome.

By the end of April, Guyana was in the middle of organizing for the July hosting of the Under-16 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships when nine male teams; Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago

and Suriname were hosted while the females; Dominica, Jamaica and Aruba did not participate.

Guyana young men placed second to Bahamas and our young women showed their competitiveness and eagerness to play basketball as they played with a will to

of Guyana in terms of accommodation, transportation, up to standard Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), security and general organization of the double event between July 2-17, required not only the unbending leadership of the GABF, but also the substantial financial support from

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is the “Mecca” of Indoor Basketball in Guyana

win against players who were much more prepared and experienced at this level.

For their exceptional efforts, the Guyanese U-16 Men’s Team qualified for the CentroBasket U17 Championships (Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean) scheduled for the Dominican Republic in July 2017.

Youth Basketball Guyana played significant roles in the preparedness of our young men and women, as their annual Youth Basketball Championships enhanced the quality of players that the GABF selected for the U16 Championships.

Hosting the championships and the preparedness

the key players in Guyana.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Presidency were pivotal in ensuring that the GABF received direct cash funds of $40 Million, while the Corporate Community and Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) supported with approximately $10 Million in direct cash funding.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) accelerated their capital expenditure programme to ensure that CASH’s facilities and aesthetic were ready while the financial advances loaned to the NSC by GABF were more than critical.

The other achievements for 2016, included the participation of Guyana in the U-15 FIBA Americas CentroBasket

held in Puerto Rico during August which was aided in no small way by New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation and GABF executives. Guyana came away with the best rebounder trophy and the compounded recognition of the vital need to have overseas based Guyanese as part of the team.

Inter-Guiana Games was hosted by the NSC at the recently renovated CASH in October and the basketball games were well attended, however our Suriname counterparts won both the male and female championships which saw under-19 players going at each other.

In November of 2016, Guyana visited Jamaica to participate in the Tri-Nation tournament that included Jamaica Senior and Junior teams and Libertyville Vipers from the American Basketball Association’s (ABA) semi-professional league. The Guyana team comprising a mix of young and senior players achieved second place at the end of the tournament, with young stars such as Terron Welch and Stanton Rose leading the way, under the skilled captaincy of Akeem Kanhai and the solid Centre play of Shane Webster.

Also in November, GABF held the U-17 3X3 Championships in accordance with FIBA regulations; the winning team comprising players from Kwakwani and Georgetown, namely Stanton Rose, Jonathan Mangra, Timothy Thompson and Jamal Willes will represent Guyana from February 24-27, 2017 in St. Lucia. The coordinator

and coach for t h e Guyana U - 1 7 3X3 team is Junior Hercules, who has been a remarkable utility executive for the Federation.

For 2017, GABF will focus more on strengthening its internal capacity, inclusive of its affiliates from Linden, Georgetown and Berbice, upgrading the Burnham Court, and basketball courts in other regions, improving our financial standing, financially supporting our affiliates and having regular meeting with stakeholders. We have already purchased and installed a 1,000 watts lamp at Burnham Court and by the end of March we will have the full complement of four 1,000 watt lamps at our main outdoor playing

facility in Georgetown.

There will be no senior male CBC championship in 2017, however, plans are being made by CBC to have the senior female championships in 2017 at a location still to be decided on. Once the female regional championships are being held, GABF will seek to have overseas based Guyanese on the team to ensure the competitiveness of the Guyana team.

The GABF executive takes this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders, especially the Government of Guyana for their sterling support.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Star Party Rentals making Limacol Football comfortable

2016 was simply remarkable for local basketball, CASH Team Guyana (green uniform) in action against Suriname in the Inter-Guiana Games 2016 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (Photo courtesy of Daniel Haynes)

Pg 20 Star Party Rentals Michelle Henry (left) hands over the sponsorship deal to Petra Organisation’s Mark Allyene on Saturday

Hungry Jaguars depart for Super50 glory Pg 22

− “Make winning a habit” - Sanasie

Guyana Jaguars team along with Guyana Cricket Board officials at the Windjammer International Hotel prior to departure on Saturday morning (John Ramsingh photo)

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