Guyana Times Daily

06 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2894

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, June 23, 2016

PRICE

Region 5 flooding

PPP/C distributes relief to affected residents Page 5

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Prison CoI cost treasury $13M

P2

Health Minister denies appointment of new CEO at Diamond P5 Hospital

…Govt “living in dream world” – Jagdeo Residents rushing to meet Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and his delegation who later distributed boat loads of food supplies and bottled water to affected Mahaicony, Region Five areas which have been under floodwaters for over five weeks as a result of heavy rains and malfunctioning pumps. PPP Members of Parliament Irfaan Ali and Bheri Ramsaran as well as Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal were among the members of the Opposition Leader's team

Government to review parking meter contract

Page 3

Presidential Park Soesdyke triple murder Father to construction halted spend life

Molested 3-year-old

Page 5

Mother to be charged with negligence

Page 15

…M&CC owes contractor over $200M

Guyanese P17 charged with falsifying US passport application

in prison

– 2 suspects in custody

Guyoil Chairman yet to respond to illegal fuel racket reports – Harmon

Page 7

P15

Wage, salary talks

GPSU to consider P10 Govt’s “differentiated approach”

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Prison CoI cost treasury $13M

T

he controversial Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the deadly prison riot at the Camp Street Prison and the prison system in general has burnt up about $13 million of taxpayers’ monies.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon made this disclosure during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The financial cost to the COI comes in light of criticisms that the COI was a waste of time and resources, contending that the findings would be no different from previous recommendations made to bring about prison reform.

One of the critics of the COI, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran had explained that many reports were previously compiled citing the same faults in the country’s prison system; however, the Government of the day never made any attempts to implement the said proposals. He believes that this will again be the case.

Corruption watchdog

The Camp Street Prison

Transparency Institute of Guyana (TIGI) had also expressed that the prison CoI could be nothing more than window dressing.

The CoI report was handed over to the Government on May 9; however, it was yet to be officially released to the public.

According to a copy seen

by Guyana Times, several recommendations have been made with the aim of relieving the constant problem of overcrowding in the prisons.

The report recommended that the Government move to abolish mandatory minimum sentences; decriminalise pos-

session of minimum amounts of marijuana for personal use; establish and expand alternatives to incarceration for those charged with low-level drug offences; ensure proportionality in sentencing – distinguishing between: drug trafficking and other types of crime, low, medium and high-level drug offences, rank or position of the accused in drug-trafficking networks, and violent and non-violent offences; avoid preventive detention (remand) in the case of low-level, non-violent offenders; employ non-custodial sentences in all cases of possession – such as treatment,

educational opportunities or community service – that are available to those involved in other types of offences; re-orient law enforcement efforts to target high-level drugtrafficking networks, rather than those at the bottom rung of the drug-trafficking ladder, such as consumers, small-scale farmers, low-level dealers and mules; and undertake periodically comprehensive prison censuses to upgrade and expand criminal justice data systems and ensure timely access to criminal justice information for policymakers and the public.

The CoI was established by the Government following the historic unrest at the Camp Street prison which resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates.

More than 25 witnesses, including prisoners, prison officers, members of the Guyana Fire Service and members of the Guyana Police Force, testified before the Commission.

Retired Justice James Patterson (Chairman); human rights activist Merle Mendonca and former Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine were the Commissioners.

Shot waitress

Teen recovering well – brother

N

early a month after being shot in the face, 16-yearold Onika Luke is progressing well on her road to recovery.

Luke, a student on St John’s College, was working part-time at the Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant located at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), when an armed bandit stormed the establishment on May 28 and shot her in her chin.

According to the teen’s brother, Wendell Rajnee, the family is happy to see the teen making such vast strides in her recovery.

“She is feeling much better and the tubes have come out of her nose. She is eating more than before and we are very happy to see this,” Rajnee said.

However, the bullet is still lodged in the teenager’s body, having moved from her chin to her throat and now making its way down to her spine.

“The doctors told us it is extremely dangerous to do surgery and we cannot think of doing an operation now,” Ranjee added.

Doctors have advised the family to keep a close eye on the teen even though her recovery is going well. They also highlighted the fact that they

Shot teen, Onika Luke

are hoping the bullet does not move within the next two to three weeks, in that way, reducing the likelihood of causing further discomfort to Luke.

It was reported that a lone gunman approached the teen to purchase a ‘half veggie fried rice’, and while paying Luke, the bandit snatched the teen’s hand from the grill, demanding money. It was at this point that the teen resisted his demands and was shot. The bandit then made good his escape.

However, the teen was able to identify the shooter as he was seen frequently in the area. The teen then wrote a full description of the shooter to help the Police in their investigations.

NEWS

3

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 23– 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, June 24 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 23– 06:00h-07:30h and Friday, June 24 – 06:45h-08:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery rain showers can be expected in the morning, accompanied by heavy rainfall in the afternoon. Light to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.87 metres.

High Tide: 06:11h and 18:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:13h reaching minimum height of 0.53 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

07 08 10 12 15 28 02 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

14 19 20 25

07

LUCKY 3 1

5

0

Draw De Line 01

04

07 09 11

13 21

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

Government to review parking meter contract

I

n light of mounting concerns over the controversial Parking Meters Project, Cabinet has ordered that the contract between the Georgetown Town Council and National Parking Systems (NPS)/ Smart City Solutions (SCS) Inc be reviewed by the State.

This was disclosed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who told reporters at the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday that Cabinet was briefed by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan about the project, which will see solar-powered parking meters being installed along selected streets in Georgetown.

Harmon explained that without overstepping the functions of the Town Council, Cabinet took a decision to have the contract reviewed.

“While Cabinet is committed to honouring its principle of respecting the independence and authority of our Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), it nonetheless decided that given Georgetown is the capital city and that the decisions made by Town Council will affect all Guyanese who have to coming into the city, a decision was made to have the contract reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and the AG’s (Attorney General’s) Chamber,” the Minister stated.

However, he pointed out that the Georgetown Council is “young” and must be given the opportunity to operate independently and as such, Government will not interfere with its functions.

Nevertheless, the Minister of State pointed out that Cabinet took the deci-

Mayor Patricia Chase Green checking out one of the parking meters in the presence of Councillor Oscar Clarke while on a recent trip to Mexico

sion to review the contract in light of the growing concerns about transparency of the Parking Meters Project.

He explained that should any evidence of illegality or any semblance of similarity to the complaints made be detected, then Government will be obligated to take appropriate action. However, he opted not to preempt what those actions will be.

“I would not want to presuppose what course of action we will take, but once we find that there is something illegal or unlawfully, it doesn’t prevent the law enforcement arms of the State, the AG Chamber, the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) to look into it and to give advice to Government and Cabinet as to what course of action it should take,” the Minister stated.

Moreover, Minister Harmon outlined that Government will not be looking into other aspects of the project such as fees.

Since the signing of the contract for the Parking Meters Project, many persons, including Councilors, over the past weeks have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the

deal, which they claim appears to be a shady one aimed at exploiting the local populace.

In fact, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan had stated that he could not find proper information about the company or any record of it providing parking meter services in any other country.

However, the Guyaneseborn Director of NPS and SCS, Kamau Cush, during an interview with Guyana Times over a week ago, had insisted that his companies are legitimate and have been doing business on the international scene for a number of years. He claimed that his companies have worked in Panama, Argentina, Peru and Mexico City among others; however, checks by this publication in these locations

turned up empty as there is no mention of either company.

Further checks on search engine www.whois.net revealed that the NPS’s website (http://npsgreatcities. com/) was registered on April 8, 2016 through www.godaddy.com – a website hosting company in the US. This was about the same time fresh discussions about the installation of parking meters in Georgetown surfaced.

On the other hand, following a visit to Mexico City, Mexico, and Panama last week, Mayor Patricia Chase Green on Monday announced that the Council will be going ahead with the project as they are satisfied after observing the services the company is offering in the two Central American cities.

The Mayor even went on to address the accusations against the company, saying that such reckless statements serves only to frustrate the progress of Georgetown.

“It is my strong view that there is a group of individuals who wished to snatched this project and all of its benefits from this Council and citizens for their own private enterprise and personal gains… this will not happen under my watch,” Chase Green posited.

4

guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Views 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

Editorial

Launch social cohesion programme

I

t has been over one year since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration launched a "Social Cohesion" Ministry.

This announcement came as a bit of a surprise to most Guyanese – even its supporters – since there had been no inkling on the campaign trail or before that, this social good would be receiving such attention. Most citizens still don't know what this Ministry is supposed to do. When Guyana received her independence from Britain, the Government had adopted as the national motto, "One People, One Nation, One Destiny". It was clear from the statements of all the political parties, the goal was for the people of Guyana to become cohesive, if not "one".

Prior to Independence, it had been proudly stated without comment that Guyana was a "land of six peoples" from the joining of the indigenous Amerindians, with several streams of people from Africa, Asia and Europe imported by the Europeans who governed the country since the early 17th Century. The later explicit British "divide and rule" policy, deployed across their Empire, exacerbated the initial cultural/racial divisions by forming social strata created along class and occupational lines.

Rather, unfortunately, the struggle for Independence exacerbated the divisions as political mobilisation to capture the Government and control the State played out between political parties anchored in one or the other of the two major ethnic blocs – African and Indian Guyanese.

While both parties made commitments affirming social cohesion, there was no performative success in achieving that goal since the almost equal size of the two blocs made it a rational choice for the parties to "go it alone" and "not split the vote" at majoritarian directed general elections.

In the meantime, it was politically incorrect to explicitly and publicly admit that "we were not one", even though almost everyone, especially the politicians, knew this was the reality. "Social cohesion" was supposed to be taken for granted as if the incantation of the national motto had erased all divisions. This refusal to face our sociological truth was largely due to imitating the "mother country", which papered over its own divisions.

Fortunately, over the last two decades, the problematic of "social cohesion" as a goal of national life to be achieved through plans, programmes and projects has risen to the fore as the developed countries admitted that their pretensions had been laid bare. While APNU/AFC has not actually articulated its plans for its new Ministry in such stark terms, we hope that we can get the discussion rolling by describing briefly how one jurisdiction – Canada – conceives of attaining "social cohesion".

The Social Cohesion Network of the Policy Research Initiative of the Canadian Government defined "social cohesion" as "the ongoing process of developing a community of shared values, shared challenges and equal opportunity within Canada, based on a sense of trust, hope and reciprocity among all Canadians." Can we as Guyanese use this definition as a starting point for our own journey towards social cohesion?

In an effort to identify the dimensions along which social cohesion can be achieved and mapped, one Canadian policy group looked at four policy documents by the Canadian Government, the French Government, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Club of Rome, and arrived at five dimensions: 1) Belonging Isolation, which means shared values, identity and feelings of commitment. 2) Inclusion-Exclusion, which concerns equal opportunities of access. 3) Participation-Non Involvement.

4) Recognition-Rejection, which addresses the issue of respecting and tolerating differences in a pluralist society.

5) Legitimacy-Illegitimacy with respect to the institutions acting as mediators in the conflicts of a pluralist society.

It is said with a great deal of truth that we cannot solve a problem until we at least accept that we have a problem.

It would appear that the new Administration has swallowed hard and accepted that we do have a problem in terms of "social cohesion".

Could it now "get with the programme" we hope it has crafted?

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo distributed food supplies and bottled water to residents of flood affected Mahaicony River communities

Guyanese (West Indians) and Brexit vote Dear Editor, The United Kingdom votes today in a referendum on whether to leave the European Union (vote is called Brexit that stands for Britain exiting the Union). Only registered voters (citizens) of the UK (not England alone) are entitled to vote; people in the remaining colonies cannot vote. Opinion polls show a tight race among potential voters (who already made up their minds) with a large number of undecided. For months, there was an almost equal threeway split of those in favour, those opposed and those who could not make up their mind (undecided). Over the past couple weeks, the undecided has shrunk and the no (don’t break from EU) seems to be gaining ground. I was surprised that many Guyanese, other West Indians, and Indians support Brexit. I thought they would see that the UK remaining in the EU would best serve their community interests. But some of them look at the Brexit issue from a narrow personal interest believing that London is giving away too much sovereignty and resources to the EU and they would be hurt in the long run.

I spent over 10 days in the UK last month talking to people about the vote. It was the conversation everywhere. People are divided almost even-

ly. But many voters seem confused about the vote and the powers of the EU over the UK. Ignorance is widespread. Many actually believe the EU runs the UK – that is a myth. Many also believe that the UK sends most of its budget to the EU – another myth – which in turn decides how much money the UK Government gets to spend on UK citizens. The reality is London gives some funds to the EU, which in turn returns some of that straight back to England.

The EU does help the less wealthy states in Europe and Third World countries around the globe. Guyana, as indeed every Caricom nation and all of the islands in the Region, is a recipient of EU aid.

Based on my conversations done at random with likely voters, the Brexit support is trailing. It is likely to be a narrow win for those who wish to stay in the Union.

In reading the literature on Brexit, it appears that the ruling Conservatives were promoting Brexit.

Prime Minister David Cameron seemed initially to be in favour, but he must have had a change of heart. He leads the anti-Brexit campaign and is joined by the leaders of the other parties except for the far-right fringe parties. Several of Cameron’s Cabinet colleagues are for Brexit. So, it is a direct challenge to Cameron’s

leadership. If Cameron loses the Brexit vote, he will have to step down as PM. If his win is very narrow, he may still have to go.

Several of his Conservative colleagues are planning a leadership challenge and that could force him out.

The popular former London Mayor and now an MP, Boris Johnson, campaigns for Brexit. He is joined by Mayors of several cities and even some leaders of immigrant groups.

The Brexit supporters seem to be losing steam as more and more former PMs and Opposition Leaders are campaigning against Brexit.

What is surprising to me is that many West Indian and South Asian immigrants have been campaigning for and are supporting Brexit. The lone Minister of Indian ancestry is a stronger campaigner for Brexit. The Guyanese and West Indian immigrants (in England for a long time exceeding 40 years for example) who support Brexit say the UK needs to close its doors to immigrants especially from the Middle Eastern and other Islamic countries. The Brexiters say these newer immigrants are changing the culture of the UK and they fear for the future of the UK in light of what is happening in Islamic countries.

Immigrants in the Euro bloc can easily migrate to the UK. They also fear they

will have to pay more taxes to provide for the welfare of these newer immigrants. They forget that at one time the British similarly viewed them as taking away British jobs.

Aside from immigration, other issues deciding the Brexit outcome are security, employment, trade, and the economy. And each cuts both ways in terms of staying in the bloc or leaving. In fact, the UK is better off in terms of trade and security staying in the EU. The economy benefits from its relations with other European countries.

The Europeans can take British jobs under the EU treaty as they are free to move about. Many of the service sector jobs in hotels are taken by Europeans as I encountered in travelling around and staying in hotels. But the UK economy also benefits enormously from tourism with tens of millions of Europeans visiting annually. I came across people from all parts of Europe vacationing in London. Most of the Europeans themselves don’t want the UK to break from the Union believing all nations benefit under the single economy.

Overall, the UK will be better off staying in the Union. And as happened in the Scotland referendum, I expect the British to vote against Brexit.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

NEWS

5

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Region 5 flooding

PPP/C distributes relief to affected residents … Govt “living in a dream world” – Jagdeo

A

s many residents and farmers in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica) continue to endure the floodwaters, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday visited the flood-affected communities and distributed basic necessities to villages in the Mahaicony area.

At Mora Point and Gordon’s Table, the Opposition Leader distributed food items and bottled water.

Residents of those villages as well as those in First Savannah – one mile from Gordon’s Table – complained that the flood situation began in April but could have been avoided if the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had fixed damaged pumps and cleared clogged

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo meeting with residents in flood-affected areas in Region Five

drains.

One female farmer at Mora’s Point told the Opposition Leader that it was poor drainage that led to the flooding in her area; a situation that has affected her ability to earn a living. She and fellow community members want an “inside dam” to be constructed.

“I lost five to six crop of

rice… they have high spots [on dam] but we block water from de landing side; one side dam mek but if yuh mek de inside dam, you could get a free flow,” the farmer explained.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo told the residents that the difficulties they are facing with respect to getting Government’s assistance are not unique to Region

Health Minister denies appointment of new CEO at Diamond Hospital

D

espite social media posts by Collin Haynes, a reported Alliance For Change (AFC) member indicating that he is the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer of the East Bank Regional Hospital, commonly known as Diamond Hospital, Public

Collin Haynes’ Facebook page

Health Minister, Dr George Norton said no individual has yet been selected official-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

ly to fill the position.

Subsequent to the post on Wednesday, speculation had been raised over the fact that

Haynes, an overseas-based Guyanese, who has been residing in Maryland, USA for a number of years prior to his “appointment”, had been chosen over other individuals who are residents of Guyana.

However, Dr Norton, during a telephone interview with Guyana Times, contradicted these claims

by Haynes, confirming that there has not been any appointment made. He added that candidates who applied for the post were still being scrutinised by the committee to decide on who best fitted the position.

The Minister added that while Haynes possessed the necessary qualifications for CEO, there were no assurances of whether or not he would be the selected individual.

“There has not been any appointment of a CEO attached to the hospital even

though he holds the qualifications needed. Currently, persons are still being considered for the post,” he affirmed.

On Wednesday, which was said to be Haynes’ first day on the job, he had posted images on Facebook of him paying courtesy calls on families in Grove.

He had even updated his profile’s biography to “Chief Executive Officer of East Bank Regional Hospital.”

These were followed by a number of congratulatory messages from friends who commended Haynes for achieving the aforementioned position at the hospital.

While the Minister did not indicate a specific time when the new CEO would take up the office at the hospital, he reiterated that the selection phase was still ongoing.

Five only, since it seems that the Administration wants to “disrupt” the PPP strongholds.

“The APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) has a plan to disrupt all of the areas that we control – we have seen the worst manifestation in this region… this Government has a policy in relation to agriculture, that is backward and will harm the sectors that produce a significant part of the wealth of this country,” the former President noted.

In response to complaints by residents that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder was reluctant to visit the affected areas, Jagdeo surmised that blame should not fall on the subject Minister alone but the entire Administration.

“This Government has made it clear that agriculture is not high on their agenda… the Minister is aloof but it is not the Minister of Agriculture that can be blamed, we have to blame the Government because he takes his signal from Granger himself [who] has signalled that agriculture doesn’t matter to him (President Granger) too much,” the Opposition Leader further pointed out. This was reference to the declaration that rice is

a “private” enterprise for which Government should not get actively involved.

“There are many hardships in the country but they [Government] are living in a dream world, I call it a cocoon, they believe they are doing so well but they don’t see the devastation in people’s lives… they have still managed to survive and look fairly good because they still have a lot of resources that we left. They can find $800 million to clean up Georgetown but they can’t clean a couple of canals here – to spend 10 million, to ensure that people can plant something,” Jagdeo expressed.

He also claimed that even supporters of Government are disappointed.

“This is the attitude of the Government. I have

never seen a bunch of incompetent people like this group – even their young supporters are disappointed because they are totally incompetent. They go to Parliament unprepared [and] clueless,” posited the former Head of State.

Regional Vice Chairman Rion Peters told Guyana Times that residents and farmers in communities in addition to Moraikobai should be given assistance. He reasoned that this contributed to the PPP donating of the relief items.

Meanwhile, residents and farmers are hopeful that their plight is addressed.

The team that visited the area including PPP Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali, former Health Minister Bheri Ramsarran and Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal.

6

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Page

By Alexa Joy Sherman

P

lay. It’s something that children are supposed to do with unbridled abandon, from the time they’re born until the responsibilities of adulthood are eventually thrust upon their shoulders. But increasingly, the pressure to grow up is arriving almost as soon as they enter the world – if not before. “Parents feel compelled to play Mozart to wombs, convinced that listening to such music in infancy will enhance later mathematical ability,” notes Alvin Rosenfeld, MD, a Psychiatrist in Greenwich, Connecticut, faculty member at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City and co-author of The OverScheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap.

“Children are tutored for nursery school ERBs [educational records bureau tests], and to have an advantage later, they are ‘red-shirted’ – repeating kindergarten so they are among the oldest in the grade.”

Why have we become so fixated on academics and overachievement?

Some suggest it began with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. “Many school districts responded by reducing time committed to recess, the creative arts and physical education in an effort to focus on reading and Mathematics,” notes Kenneth R Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, Associate Professor of Paediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania and author of A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and

guyana-times.com

Foundation Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings. Indeed, studies find that time for play in older grades is vanishing and being replaced by rote lessons and standardised tests.

Meanwhile, parents feel an immense pressure to pack their preschoolers’ schedules with activities from swimming to soccer, gymnastics to German lessons, and to purchase products that drill children on everything from ABCs to 123s. “These tools and programmes are heavily marketed, and many

parents have grown to believe that they are a requirement of good parenting and a necessity for appropriate development,” Ginsburg notes. Then there’s the prevalence of electronic media luring little ones into sedentary pursuits. “There is ample evidence that this passive entertainment is

not healthy and, in fact, has some harmful effects,” says Ginsburg. It’s all added up to a world without free, imaginative play – something so critical to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.

Why play matters

For starters, play boosts physical activity levels and, consequently, health and fit-

ness. “The rough and tumble of active play is a natural preventive for the current epidemic of childhood obesity,” notes Ginsburg. It also builds a better brain.

“Studies have found that children who engage in dramatic games of make-believe develop stronger language skills, better social skills

and more imagination than children who do not play in this way,” says Joan Almon, Executive Director of the Alliance for Childhood, a non-profit partnership of educators, health professionals and other child advocates in College Park, Maryland. This type of play also helps children develop resilience by allowing them to use their imagination to deal with and recover from challenges, says Ginsburg.

“For example, they conquer fear by becoming superheroes and use creativity to derive solutions,” he explains. Meanwhile, in 2009, the journal Paediatrics published a groundbreaking study of 11,000 third-graders that found more recess was equated with improved behaviour and learning.

As for the race to academic achievement? No Child Left Behind has not quite had the desired effect, with America’s “adequate yearly progress” falling to a record low in 2011. Finland, on the other hand – where children go to playful kindergartens and enter first grade at age seven rather than six – consistently gets the highest scores on the respected PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) exam. What’s becoming painfully clear is that a lack of play can have dire developmental consequences. Some research even suggests a connection between childhood play de-

privation and homicidal behaviour later in life.

Restoring balance

All of this is not to say that structured activities and lessons have no place in a child’s life. “Organised sports are great for teaching children skills like working memory and selfregulation, collaboration and critical thinking – and appropriate competition is healthy as well,” notes Susan Magsamen, Director of interdisciplinary partnerships at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Brain Science Institute in Baltimore, Md. “The best thing about sports is keeping our children active, but we have to remember that it is supposed to be fun.” The same goes for other enrichment activities – all of which should, ultimately, offer opportunities to learn within the context of fun and exploration. Here are six ways to ensure more play.

PLAY POINTER: Let them unwind

When you see other kids being shuttled from one class to another, it can be tempting to pack your own child’s schedule as well – but moderation is a good idea in all things, including extracurricular activities. “Some families make firm rules such as one sport per child per season, while others make decisions on a case-bycase basis,” says Rosenfeld.

“Weigh the benefits of participation against the costtime, energy, logistical effort, stress and expense – to you, your child and the rest of the family.”

Ideally, let children have a say in what they want to explore rather than dictating the types and amount of activities. “It’s always best to follow a child’s lead and interests, but at four, five or six, they may need to be exposed to several activities to see which one appeals to them,” notes Rosenfeld. If, at any time, a class or an activity becomes a source of stress or anxiety, dig into any underlying issues.

“Signs that a child is overscheduled or not playing enough may include trouble eating and sleeping, gnashing his teeth, not being able to play independently or initiate play himself,” Almon notes. “Children actually use play to work through stress and anxiety – and by the time they’re four or five, usually can play independently, for an hour or more, on a daily basis.” (newparent. com)

TO BE CONTINED

By Alexa Joy Sherman

Y

ou probably know that sitting down for family meals is important for a host of reasons – and here’s another: A review of 17 studies published in the June 2012 issue of Paediatrics found that children who share family meals three or more times a week are more likely to be in a normal weight range and have healthier dietary and eating patterns than those who share fewer than three family meals.

How to have more family meals If schedules, food preferences or other factors seem like insurmountable barriers to family meals, take note of these tips from Eileen Behan, RD, a nutritionist in Exeter, NH, and author of For the Love of Food – The Diet That Works and The Baby Food Bible (Ballantine Books).

Cook family meals on the weekend so you can just heat them up and serve them during the week.

Buy something premade – a rotisserie chicken or even fast-food sandwiches or burgers on the way home from work – and then balance it out with a fruit plate and frozen or fresh vegetables (always have a fruit, vegetable or both at every meal).

Keep ingredients for “emergency family meals” on hand: eggs for a quick omelette; frozen meat, poultry or fish; and an assortment of canned, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.

Involve the whole family in meal planning, asking little ones to vote on their favourite fruits and vegetables, and even have them help with the preparation if they’re old enough.

At family meals, always serve something you know even picky eaters will go for (eg, bread and butter or pasta and cheese). If you know the vegetable won’t be popular, put out a bunch of grapes or a bowl of sliced fruit as well.

If you can’t have lunch or dinner together, start off your day with a family breakfast meal – even if it’s just scrambled eggs or a bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit. (newparent.com)

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Guyoil Chairman yet to respond to illegal fuel racket reports – Harmon

Soesdyke triple murder

Father to spend life in prison

F

G

overnment is yet to receive a response from Guyoil Chairman Winston Cosbert, more than one month after receiving the Board of Inquiry (BoI) report into allegations of fuel smuggling at the State-owned oil company.

Prompted for an update on the reports of an illegal fuel racket, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon disclosed that the BoI report was handed over to the Guyoil Chairman for pronouncements.

“It is a fact-finding report, because there were some allegations made in the media about fuel and the fact that fuel was purchased by some company and all of that. So there is a thorough investigation into all of it and the report was handed over and we expect that some pronouncements will be made,” Harmon stated during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday.

Reports have been surfacing of massive corruption in the fuel sector, costing Guyana at least $150 million in taxes weekly.

According to information in the local media, this countrywide fuel-smuggling racket has been occurring under the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), with prominent figures involved.

Reports are that fishing trawlers from Venezuela have been arriving with the stated intention of doing business with local companies here.

It was reported that while some of them are legitimate, bringing fish or buying fish and other groceries to take back to Venezuela, a number of the vessels are really here to sell fuel.

Reports indicate that

many of them have modified their tanks, with some having the capacity to fetch up to 25,000 gallons at any one time. An average of 60 to 70 of these ‘fishing’ vessels are said to be visiting areas along the Demerara River weekly.

Only recently, the High Court had granted an injunction after several local businessmen move to the court following accusations of inducment to smuggle fuel from Venezuela.

ive years after John Blanchard hacked three children to death in their Ivan Street, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara home, he pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the chance of parole after serving 30 years.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the High Court on Wednesday.

Blanchard was represented by Attorneyat-Law Maxwell McKay, while the State was represented by Attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Shawnette Austin.

A tearful Blanchard told the Court that “he didn’t know what got into him” when he committed the offence.

The Court was told that during his stint at the Camp Street Prison, Blanchard would have been the victim of several vicious attacks by inmates, so he was placed in isolation.

Reports are that about 22:30h on October 31, 2011, Blanchard went berserk and chopped the three children to death – his four-year-old son, Daniel; his six-year-old daughter, Joy and his 10-year-old stepdaughter, Belika Blanchard Singh, who were all asleep at the time. Two of the children died on the spot, while the third was admitted to hospital in critical condition and died two days later.

John Blanchard and his family in happier times.

In photo are the three children that he killed

It was reported that the man and his family moved to Soesdyke three months prior to the fatal assault. He was described as a dedicated worker who sold boiled corn at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and in the city to maintain his family.

Blanchard was also described by neighbours as a family-oriented man, although he seemed to have had frequent arguments with his wife, Onica Blanchard.

Before the incident, his wife left their Soesdyke home to go into the hinterland and he did not approve of her decision.

8 news

thurSDAY, june 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts clerk charged with assault

A

clerk attached to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was on Wednesday charged and taken before the court for assault.

Brian Chow was cross charged along with James

Rampersaud and they both appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore, where they both pleaded not guilty to the offence.

It is alleged that on June 11, at Alexander Village, Georgetown, they assaulted each other with intent to cause

actual bodily harm.

Chow however faced two other charges. The first alleged that on the same day at the same location, he damaged property belonging to Rampersaud valued at $60,000.

He was also charged with using abusive language towards Rampersaud which was a breach of a bond to keep the peace.

Both parties were granted $15,000 bail each and are to return to court on July 11.

Ex-British soldier’s robbery

Alleged perpetrator to face trial next week

T

he trial of Jose Barker, the man accused of robbing former British Soldier Edward John Constant will commence on June 29, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Attorney Paul Fung-aFat, who is representing Barker, requested that Chief Magistrate McLennan give his client “the benefit of the doubt”, contending that the case is what he described as

a case of “mistaken identity.”

Fung-a-Fat told the court that his client has been incarcerated for the past three weeks, for a crime he did not commit.

The Attorney further added that it was indeed very unfortunate that the tourist was robbed while on vacation in Guyana; however, the law should seek to apprehend the true perpetrator and free his client, whom he stated has no prior brushes with the law.

Five eyewitnesses are ex-

pected to testify at the trial, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court.

The case against Barker alleges that on May 30, at Croal Street, Barker robbed the British national of his gold chain valued $180,000.

It is also alleged that the Charlestown man used personal violence before, during and after the offence was committed.

Barker will remain on remand until the commencement of his trial next week.

The 70-year-old former British soldier was in Guyana at the time the nation’s independence in May 1966, and had vowed to return for the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Constant was robbed of his cherished gold chain while sightseeing around Stabroek Market. The thief carted off Constant’s chain, to which was attached a diamondcrested ring belonging to his late wife.

GM slapped with causing death charges

T

he General Manager of Guyana Quartz Sand Inc was on Wednesday granted $600,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Jason Bhaskaran, 23, of Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), pleaded not guilty to both offences, which alleged that on April 17, 2016 at Coverden, EBD, he drove motor car PHH 8034 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Rudolph Bess.

Also on the same day, at the same location, he drove motor car PHH 8034 in a manner dangerous to the public

Dead: Rudolph Bess

Dead: Hensarie Persaud

thereby causing the death of Hensarie Persaud. Following the accident, Bhaskaran was released on $100,000 station bail.

On Wednesday in court,

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones had no objections to bail and it was granted.

The case will continue on July 13, 2016.

Reports are that around

03:50h, Bess and Persaud were heading home on a ‘scrambler’ 125 motorcycle bearing registration number PH 378, while Bhaskaran was reportedly returning home in his jeep bearing registration number PHH 8034 after attending a wedding at Versailles, West Bank Demerara when the accident occurred.

The driver of the jeep allegedly swerved from a dip in the road next to a culvert and collided with the motorcycle and a car which was heading in the opposite direction.

The motorcycle was sandwiched by the two vehicles.

As a result, both Bess and Persaud sustain grave injuries, to which they succumbed.

Sibling rivalry lands brothers in court

T

wo brothers were on Wednesday cross charged with assault and abusive language when they appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Joshua Ferreira and Compton Ferreira both

pleaded not guilty to the offences, which alleged that on June 20, at David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, they assaulted each other with intent to cause actual bodily harm. It is also alleged that on the same day at the same location, they used abusive language to-

wards each other.

According to the prosecution’s case, the two brothers were arguing over a bucket of water after which a fight ensued.

Joshua Ferreira while attempting to defend himself took up a knife and threatened his brother,

the Prosecution contended.

Magistrate Moore ordered a probation officer to examine the matter after which she will report her findings to the court.

The men were both placed on self bail and will return to court on June 30.

Eyew tness

Let them...

A

...eat cake

pocryphal or not, there's the famous story told of Marie Antoinette, wife of the last of the French Kings – Louis XVI. She asked why the peasants were rioting in the streets of Paris. Told they were hungry and had no bread, the Queen exclaimed exasperatedly, "Then why don't they eat cake?" This was the beginning of the "French Revolution".

Against the background of Prezzie promising the 15,000 or so members of the GPSU before the elections a "substantial raise" – which was then quantified as 20 per cent right after he acceded to office – the story might be apropos? After all, no one would doubt – with all the talk about how the AFC got the coalition elected – the GPSU certainly delivered more votes than the AFC. So most folks were kinda taken aback when the Govt used the ole PPP five per cent gambit before Christmas, which they'd derided so recently . Even as they awarded themselves 50 per cent increases on their salaries which STARTED in the hundreds of thousands – and ended in the millions!

Then to rub salt into the GPSU's wounds, Prezzie made an equivalent of Marie's "let them eat cake" outburst: he wasn't about to give no "lazy" public servants no raises!

Productivity was gonna be the watchword, baby!! Now while the rest of the populace's working assumption is public servants do in fact perform the least amount of work in their air-conditioned offices as they can get away with...it was kinda breathtaking for Prezzie to say it.

Some folks figure since the public service workers have nowhere else to place their XX's than for the coalition, (PPP? Pleeeeease!! They've stood on their heads to please the public servants for decades, without any effect!) Prezzie could tell them some home truths. Well, apart from some squeals of indignation, the GPSU was silent so it looks as if this theory might, after all, describe what's going on.

But this week will be the ultimate test. When the Govt had given the public servants short shrift on last year's salary increases, they claimed they were gonna wait on a Commission of Inquiry to submit their findings after taking evidence on the state of affairs of the public servants.

That Report's in. The GPSU had to make its demands.

They've already done so – 40 per cent for starters!

So what'll it be? An irresistible force (GPSU) meeting an immovable object (Prezzie)? Or is the GPSU gonna fold like a wet noodle?

Your humble Eyewitness thinks this might be Patrick Yarde's last chance for a last stand.

... catch fish

Another case of being taken for granted is unfolding tragically over in West Berbice. Doesn't your heart bleed for those poor rural folks under water since APRIL??

That's right...April. And it's not just RURAL folks...its rural folks who voted for the APNU/AFC. All that was needed to alleviate their tragedy was to repair one of the massive pumps imported to solve the very same "flooding problem".

Seems some mechanically proficient bandits decided to cannibalise the pump during the PPP waning days, and the APNU/AFC Government – even though informed and could've fixed the pump for $50 million – sat on their hands. Well technically, they didn't actually sit on their hands – just when it came to fixing the pump.

Their hands doled out $201 million to "finish off" the Durban Park stands for the Jubilee Bash. Another $500 million was spent to clear Durban "Backlands", and clean up Georgetown's environs Jubilee visitors wouldn't be flooded. But West Berbice remains under water.

"Let them catch fish??!!"

...or steal meters

Mayor Chase Green says she didn't reveal plans for the parking meter deal because nefarious folks would've "stolen" the idea. So wouldn't they have had to offer the deal to her and the Council, in any case?

Let them steal meters!!

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

news

9

thursday, june 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Forensic audit

PHI lost $M over money kept in ‘non-interest bearing’ account – management says no breaches

T

he forensic audit into the Property Holdings Inc (PHI) has revealed that the agency lost interest amounting to over $10 million after money was placed in a ‘non-interest bearing’ account.

This was found by Auditor Charles Sugrim who audited PHI over the period October 5, 1999 to May 31, 2015. PHI was established in 1999 with the purpose of managing or disposing of property owned

by Guyana Stores Limited (GSL), which at the time, was a property of the State and was under the control of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). GSL had transferred 24 of its “non-core properties” to PHI, which was used to capitalise PHI. However, when GSL was sold, PHI was removed from its ownership.

According to Sugrim, while the investigation revealed that PHI’s management made professional business decisions, the management of the company’s finances was unsatisfactory and poor. He pointed out that “the company lost net interest income of more than $10,000,000 over the period December 2003 through November 2010.”

The auditor further noted that escrow accounts were not interest bearing in three of the five cas-

es found. He pointed out that large balances were kept in the checking account from December 2003 to December 2010, which resulted in lost interest of approximately $13,600,000 and lost withholding taxes to the Government of approximately $2,700,000.

However, in response, PHI’s management explained that “the state of finance management is a management style/discretion and judgment.” Moreover, the agency pointed out that it must be recognised that no law or accounting standard was breached in the period identified.

But Sugrim posited in the report that while no accounting standards were breached by placing a company’s funds in a non-interest bearing account, it is imperative to understand that one cardinal principal function of management is to maximise the return of the shareholders.

“The fact that tens of millions of dollars were kept in a non-interest bearing account for a number of years does not lend support to that principle,” the auditor highlighted.

To this end, he recommended that the entity be more prudent in its cash management. However, it was noted that as of December 2010, this recommendation was implemented.

Moreover, the auditor report states that in order to save cost for PHI, a decision was taken by the entity’s Board to execute current valuation of properties before public tenders were advertised but this has not happened in numerous cases, as PHI

relied on the bid price as the source of current valuation.

In this regard, Surgrim recommended that the current valuation of each property be obtained before any tender is advertised. However, the management of PHI in their response stated that the recommendation is a standard practice despite the suggestion or implication that this is not the case.

Management pointed out that the audit report does not record if any sales occurred without a valuation prior to tender and further submitted that it conducted valuations in 1995 and later in 1999. Thereafter, PHI noted, it was the general prac-

tice to conduct valuations prior to sale, save and except, a couple of instances when the valuations were conducted after the process but prior to the completion of a sale.

“Based on the high cost of valuations, which were generally tied to the value, regular valuations were not cost effective. Further, the various boards recognised that valuations were not market valuations in the strict sense, as valuators did not have much information on appropriate comparables. The Privatisation Board felt that the compelling factor was what a willing buyer and willing seller would buy and sell at based on a competitive process.

Given that this was carried out for the most part, the fairness of the price was best determined this way,” Management responded.

Moreover, Sugrim outlined that during the audit he detected the practice where the agency would award properties to the second and third highest bidders in cases where the first, and second highest bidder withdrew their offers.

“PHI did not consider re-tendering of properties when the highest bidder withdrew. In some cases there were prior bids for the same property at a higher price,” the auditor stated, while suggesting that

PHI should exercise more caution in offering the property to the second highest bidder. He also recommended that consideration be given to retender the property when the highest bidder withdraws.

In response, PHI’s management explained that the decision to select the second highest bidder did not and does not rest with the entity but with Cabinet on advice of the Privatisation Board. “No bidder has a binding commitment or bid bond, until a contract is executed,” they justified.

Furthermore, the auditor found that there where instances where the first (and second bidders in one case) withdrew their offers, and the property went to the second (or third) bidders, thus creating a significant difference between the highest bid and sale price as the tendered bid price was reduced in the final sale price.

Sugrim strongly recommended that whenever such a situation recurs, management should re-advertise the property stating a minimum acceptable offer price.

“It is recommended that this practice cease immediately. If this recurs, the property should be retendered to the public,” the audit report stated.

10

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, june 23, 2016

News

Wage, salary talks

GPSU to consider Govt’s “differentiated approach”

D

ay one of talks between the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and Government on public servants’ wages and salaries for 2016 culminated with the Union agreeing to look at the State’s proposal to replace the ‘across-theboard’ increase.

According to a joint statement late Wednesday, following discussions, the two parties entered into the agreement.

“GPSU agrees to explore the Government’s proposal for the differentiated approach to replace the across-the-board percentage increase,” the release stated.

The parties also agreed that the negotiations were conducted in the spirit and obligations of’ the Memorandum of Agreement between the GPSU and the Public Service Ministry for the avoidance and settlement of disputes.

The bargaining unit is to consist of persons employed under the Department of the Public Service (DPS) and Public Service Commission (PSC) including those on contract, the statement detailed, while adding that an agreement was made for a committee to be initiated, to make recommendations to the negotiating team on allowances for public servants

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

as soon as possible.

The negotiating team is scheduled to meet again on June 27.

On the other hand, while talks were ongoing, Minister of State Joseph Harmon sought to respond to complaints by the Union that Government omitted allowance negotiations from the discussions, that his Administration preferred a sequential process when engaging in these discussions.

Speaking at the postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday, the Minister said the letter from the Union was received after the conclusion of the Cabinet

meeting; however, he noted that the Government after 20 years of holding these negotiations has to use a sequential process.

“We have indicated to the Union upon receipt of the letter which voiced their concerns and we have made known to them that we prefer a sequential process when engaging in these negotiations. We would not lump wages and salaries with allowances, our preference is to take it consecutively”.

The Minister of State disclosed that the Government wrote the Union explaining that they have no intention of omitting allowances.

“We did say that for over 20 years that allowances hadn’t been touched and therefore we could not now in our first year in Government say that we are not going to touch allowances, so we did communicate to the Union that wages, salaries and allowances will be dealt with but we prefer to deal with them one after the other”.

The GPSU on Tuesday in accepting an invitation from the Ministry of the Presidency to commence negations on public servants wages and salaries noted that they want discussions on allowances to be included

Is ‘Fast and de Furious’ over parking at de Hall of the City!

Y

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

on the agenda.

GPSU President Patrick Yarde had said that the invitation omitted negotiations on allowance, which the Union will not stand for.

Minister Harmon stated that the Union’s comments were however expected.

“I must say that I am not surprised that the Union has started off that way because usually that is how unions operate but we know that the atmosphere in which these negotiations take place, it is a friendly atmosphere where there is no antagonism between the Public Service Union and the Government side and therefore, both sides will negotiate and negotiate hard,” Harmon remarked.

He noted that Government was optimistic about the negotiations.

eah, yuh seeing right. Nothing wrong with your eyes, so don’t worry. It is de Bellcrier. Back after a long time, just like despondency, slow economy, long lines fuh passports, full flights out, and battles with de vendors to keep dem off de pave. These things people forget about or didn’t know of, especially dem young ones. But ole people does seh, “de world round” and that “things does go round and round”.

One thing that look like it going round and round is de parking meter story. De first thing that come to de Bellcrier mind regarding that is that there is never a dull moment in GT! Even de lights pun de Big Market adding to de lack of dullness!

With Hammie get chased by Pat who apparently now looking to avoid DunKan, de action continues.

People who like car chases in movies seh is not de chases alone that is exciting, but de skillful and exaggerated heart-pumping parkings. Dem recommend de plenty ‘Fast and de Furious’ movies to prove de point. That aside, it look like there is plenty ‘fast and furiousness’ happening over at de Hall of the City. Some seh that Pat and de King trying fuh put in de parking meters fast after jet speeding to Cancun country while DunKan and others remain furious!

While de engines were roaring overhead to seal de deal fast, up comes Uncle Bull, who got oversight responsibilities fuh de Towns, and effortlessly and nonchalantly (big words) park de whole issue; or try to! It put pun hold; briefly! According to people there, that turn things around; again, briefly! Pat and de King apparently get furious and hit back. Dem park Uncle Bull parking intervention. September gon tell! DunKan still furious and he not parking that! Ole people does also seh that “de race is not fuh de swift”, but it look like Pat and King gat de advantage with Uncle Bull intervention behind followed by DunKan furiousness!

One thing is fuh sure; more action in GT in store!

De Bellcrier adrenaline rushing fast while parkers furiousness growing! Ting-a-ling-a-ling!

11

thursDAY, june 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

R

egency Suites Hotel, in the heart of Georgetown, can easily accommodate a cosy or a grand wedding at either of its two banquet halls. The Hotel is now offering special prices on its wedding packages with discounts of up to 50% available on honeymooners’ accommodation.

Regency Suites has opened its doors to the public since 2000. The impeccable service and amenities that the 40-room Hotel offers its guest have attracted many international notables.

It offers a restaurant, live entertainment, swimming pool, conference and banquet halls which can accommodate 80 and

N

300 persons respectively, gym, business centre, room service, wireless Internet and airport shuttle.

T h e Regency Suites Hotel prides itself on the character and competence of its staff, as it understands that while the interior design does much to provide a sense of luxury and enjoyment, the level of service is just as important in creating a memorable stay. That is why the Regency Hotel offers a wealth of guest services and amenities all designed to ensure your stay is Royal.

esha’s Flowerland offers a wide variety of flowers for every occasion.

The bouquets of flowers at Nesha’s Flowerland would “wow” any bride, whatever the style of her wedding. The bridesmaids are also catered for.

Nesha’s flowers are affordable to match anyone’s budget. You can always call and order your special request which can be prepared promptly.

Floral arrangements are made to match everyone’s individual taste. Visit Nesha’s Flowerland to be amazed by its many colourful floral arrangements.

WHAT'S INSIDE

– creating the best sleep systems Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

12

thursday, june 23, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

(Resting In Christ’s Hands)

T

he RICH Vibes sound system is now offering affordable prices to persons planning their weddings, catering for any type of wedding, including nonreligious.

The sound system is also available for birthday parties, anniversaries, crusades, live shows, rallies, fun days, and all other events.

It caters for small and large settings with prices varying according to size and duration of hire.

Special package deals

F

or this wedding season, Comfort Sleep is now offering special discount prices in the months of June and July.

Any person who purchases a complete bed set (bed + mattress) will receive four free pillows. Special discounts will also be offered on spring-filled mattresses.

Comfort Sleep was established on August 1, 2003 by Dennis Charran who has worked tirelessly to make Comfort S l e e p number 1 in Guyana. The company also manufactures foam pads, polyfill pillows, foam pillows and beds and has recently introduced to the Guyana market upholstered/ fabric beds, which have taken the market by storm.

However, it is most well-known for quality mattresses at affordable prices. Every mattress carries a warranty – two years for foam mattresses and five years for spring-filled mattresses. This in itself demonstrates Comfort Sleep’s confidence in the quality of its products.

“We can assure you that once you purchase a Comfort Sleep mattress, your money will be well spent,” the

company, which prides itself on upholding its corporate and social responsibilities, stated.

Every purchase of a mattress, pillow or foam pad makes a difference in the lives of a less fortunate child across the country through Comfort Sleep’s school feeding and other humanitarian programmes.

Customers can visit Comfort Sleep’s Facebook page for deals and more info on its products.

Comfort Sleep – creating the best sleep systems

are set aside for religious institutions.

RICH Vibes also provides laser lights and fog machines for use at events.

The proprietor of RICH Vibes, Andrew Haimraj started his sound system in the Christian community and his vision is to bring glory and honour to the name of Jesus Christ.

RICH Vibes is located at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

Contact Andrew on 6601608 for your special deal!

13

thursday, june 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

T

Duke Lodge

he Roraima Duke Lodge is a boutique hotel in a quaint colonial building. It is strategically positioned within walking distance of many local tourist attractions, just opposite the US Embassy in Duke Street, Kingston.

Its non-smoking rooms are warmly decorated. The standard rooms are furnished with one king-size bed and equipped with high-speed Internet. A continental breakfast is offered to all guests.

In addition, they are offered a five per cent discount on Arrowpoint day tours.

For weddings and special occasions, the Duke Lodge aims to help you plan a great event in a great space. Its conference room provides a warm and cosy atmosphere for social gatherings. It is a great choice for any corporate hospitality function, family reunion, wed-

ding, baby shower, Christmas party, meeting or workshop.

Residence Inn

Roraima Residence Inn offers you an atmosphere of elegant ambience, where cleanliness and friendliness exceed your expectations.

The hotel is located in a gated compound within the residential community of Bel Air Park, Georgetown.

Suites are individually and sensitively furnished, with an emphasis on the highest quality of materials, furnishings as well as pastel colours and soft intimate illumination.

Rooms are arranged in such a way as to achieve the functional, yet comfortable standards of a modern design.

The hotel offers a continental breakfast that can be delivered to your room and laundry service.

Be it a short-term or longterm business trip or visit,

family holiday or comfortable honeymoon, and you are looking for a pleasant, quiet and comfortable stay, the Roraima Residence Inn is right for you…!

Arrowpoint

Arrowpoint is an authentic eco-tourism resort located 40 miles from the city of Georgetown in the rainforest of the Santa Aratack Amerindian community. The resort’s design is in keeping with its locale, with indigenous materials such as the manicole used for the walls and troolie leaves for the roof.

The rooms are self-contained with regular beds and the resort is powered by solar energy. Activities offered to guests are non-intrusive, environmentally-friendly and reflective of the Amerindian culture, embracing responsible and sustainable environmental practices.

C

&R is now catering for your wedding reception bar whereby you can purchase large quantities of ice to keep your drinks chilled on your special day.

C&R also provides water and the services of a Mini Mart that can be easily accessed with no parking issues. A drivethrough is available for customers who

have limited time.

Every Friday and Saturday afternoon, patrons can enjoy delicious barbeque chicken served at the Chill-out spot.

C&R is located at Lot 2A Mandela Avenue, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Opening hours are Monday to Sunday 7:30h to 10:00h.

14

thursday, june 23, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

S

tar Party Rentals is now offering special discounts for your weddings this June and July.

Star Party Rentals is a full-service party rental company with the ability to accommodate all of your party, wedding and special event needs. Along with providing top-quality equipment, we will work with you on a personal basis to ensure your complete satisfaction. Our trained staff will help you with your initial ideas and getting the right kind of equipment needed for your event.

Ranging from beautiful weddings to backyard barbeques, Star Party Rentals will

because of the reputation we have built for our high-quality equipment and service.

Come in to receive special discounts on your dream wedding!

truly make your event one to remember.

Over the years, Star Party Rentals has grown from a company providing just tents, tables, and chairs to an interstate provider of complete event services.

These high-profile events range from the most intimate wedding to tented fundraisers. At Star Party Rentals, our party professionals provide event consultation, location recommendations, and a detailed diagram of your event using the PartyCAD computer software.

Special event planners and wedding coordinators rely on Star Party Rentals

F

rom the start of its operations in the Guyana market 24 years ago, ANSA McAL Trading Limited has been actively working to satisfy the needs of consumers by providing the highest quality products and services at competitive prices.

The company says it recognises the joy and unconditional love that is celebrated through marriage and, as such, ANSA McAL offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic wines as well as champagnes which are the perfect beverages

to celebrate such an unforgettable event.

From Cavicchioli “1928” Prosecco to Bosca Toselli Non Alcoholic Red & White Wines, there is something to suit every wedding to make your perfect day a memory that will remain close to your heart, always.

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” - Mignon McLaughlin Feel free to contact us on our Facebook page, ANSA McAL Trading Limited – Guyana for more information.

thursday, june 23, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

Scrap metal trade Presidential Park construction halted “No systems in place to – M&CC owes contractor over $200M

W

orks on the Merriman Mall restoration and the clean-up works at the Stabroek Market have been halted as the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) owes the contractor, Chung’s Global Enterprise some $200 million for works executed thus far, according to reports.

It was reported that contractor was awaiting payment for the construction of new stalls between Orange Walk and Cummings Street.

It is not clear when these payments will be made.

The M&CC has been undertaking several ambitious projects in the city, many of which were stalled due to lack of insufficient finances.

One such project is the “unity theme” Presidential Park at Merriman Mall.

Having surpassed its intended completion deadline in time for the jubilee celebrations, construction on the Park has come to a com-

Incomplete works at Presidential Park

plete standstill.

Earlier in the year, Town Clerk Royston King had boasted that this initiative will allow persons to be able to compare the country’s present development from its colonial period. He had explained the plan to have busts of the previous Heads of State and President Granger mounted, which would add to the “unity theme” being promoted by Government.

However, almost one month after the jubilee observances, the Presidential Park initiative remains in-

complete.

Efforts to contact King proved futile; however, Deputy Mayor Sherrod Duncan told Guyana Times that discussions have been held at the Council and decisions are yet to be made to have works resume.

“Well I know there has been mention of the Park in the meetings. But I can’t exactly tell you what because I don’t really remember. However, the discussions have to be made as to when construction will begin again,” Duncan said.

Molested 3-year-old

Mother to be charged with negligence – 2 suspects in custody

A

s Police in B Division (Berbice) continue to investigate the case whereby a three-yearold was sexually molested in Corriverton, Berbice on Sunday last, the child’s mother is expected to be charged for negligence.

Two suspects are currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

This is according to Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, who confirmed that the Child Care and Protection Agency is working alongside the Police to

ensure that the mother is charged accordingly.

The child remains in the hospital nursing internal injuries she sustained as a result of the ordeal. Guyana Times understands that the child, after being discharged, will be relocated to a close relative’s house.

The woman’s other children will also be removed from their current residence and taken to a relative’s house as they are all underage. Divisional Commander Amsterdam said that the move would be made as soon as possible in partnership

with the Agency.

The matter was first reported to the Springlands Police Station by the child’s mother who told officers that her child was bleeding heavily from her genitals.

Subsequent to these reports, an investigation was carried out which revealed that a close male friend of the mother might have played a part in the molestation of the child.

Both the mother and the man were taken into Police custody and interrogated.

Investigations are ongoing into the case.

continue” – Minister Gaskin

F

ollowing the dissolution of the Scrap Metal Unit, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin has revealed that new systems are being put in place to facilitate the scrap metal trade in Guyana.

On June 15, 2015, a ban was placed on the export of scrap metal until the industry was improved.

However, according to the law, this ban could last for a period of one year.

In response to when the ban on the scrap metal trade would be lifted, Minister Gaskin said on Wednesday that there had been no improvement, and as such, diligent work is being done to have a proper facility created to allow the continuation of the trade.

“Well, it’s not so much that there is a ban. What there is is no system in place to continue the trade? The

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

former unit was shut down and has never been recreated. It has never resumed its function and to all intent and purposes, it is no longer existent. So as soon as something can be recreated to regulate the trade, it can resume. However, it is not that simple. We are working

diligently to create something that can be effective,” he told Guyana Times.

The Minister noted that for work to recommence at the current facility, it would prove to be hazardous since the conditions are not safe.

Gaskin added that it will take time for the new mechanisms to be implemented, citing the need for widespread discussions.

“It does take time and unfortunately we cant simple operate an industry that can potentially create a great deal of harm without regulations. This is an issue that is being looked into and not something I can casually comment on,” he noted.

There have been widespread calls from a number of operators for the trade to be resumed.

The scrap metal trade is a multimillion-dollar industry in Guyana.

Nestlé’s “Do some good” campaign continues

N

estlé is continuing its “Do some good” campaign with an aim of promoting goodwill and giving persons a much needed “feel good” boost.

The campaign was launched at the Berbice Bus Park, with the company dedicating Guyana’s first National Day of Goodness, to giving back to the community through random acts of kindness.

“The premise of the campaign is simple… even the smallest gesture can have a big impact, especially in challenging economic times,” the company said a statement to the media.

According to Nestle’s Consumer Marketing Manager Shaeeza MohammedChanderbally, “Nestlé understands that while Governments play a significant role in alleviating socio-economic issues, so too should corporate entities and Nestle acknowledges that we have a part to play as well. At the very least, we wanted to let our consumers know that we care and put a smile on their faces with the acts of kindness and fantastic in-store deals.”

So far, the campaign has been using several means of celebrating goodwill. On June

A Nestlé Svelty’s Milk team member interacting with members of the public

3, Nestlé Svelty’s Milk team, accompanied by local media personality Feliz Robertson and the Unity Ambassadors, ventured to the Berbice Bus Park where they met and interacted with members of the public. The team, through the campaign, sponsored bus fares, distributed balloons and chocolates and offered healthy milkshakes from Nestlé Svelty Milkshake stations, all free of charge.

It was further explained that for the past month, the campaign has taken place nationwide.

16

thursday, june 23, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Melba La’Gadoue – Natural Nature Intricate W

hat many of us take for granted – palm trees – a young entrepreneur is using to make money. Melba La’Gadoue, a teacher attached to a secondary school in New Amsterdam, uses the various parts of palm plants to produce floral arrangements.

She utilises not only the common coconut palm, but any of the 57 species of palm she can find. La’Gadoue initially started by using only the ‘pointers’, but soon discovered that other parts of the palm could help to make even more beautiful pieces.

La’Gadoue, who is currently helping students with school assignments, considers herself skilled with her hands, and was the per-

son who was called on during her younger days when family members had a function and needed decorations done.

In 2000, she discovered that there was magic in the palm plant and started to explore establishing a business based on it that same year, Natural Nature Intricate.

Her first sale came four years after the business was established, in 2014. “I had done a piece and had it in my class and an officer visited and was interested and on Christmas, she called me and ordered something.

Every year, she would order from Natural Nature Intricate and whenever people see what she has they would order.”

According to her, Natural Nature Intricate has now become a striving business which supplies some of the top hotels both locally and in the Caribbean, including the Pegasus Hotel.

“I also have customers in

Business News

Oil down after small US drawdown

O

il prices settled down more than one per cent on Wednesday after the US Government reported a smaller-than-expected inventory drawdown, and as investors fretted about Britain’s upcoming vote on whether to stay in the European Union.

Crude futures rose in early trading, with global benchmark Brent and US crude’s West Texas Intermediate (WTI) both trading above US$50 a barrel at one point.

Prices headed lower after the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a stockpile decline of

917,000 barrels for the week ended June 17.

While it was the fifth consecutive weekly draw, the EIA’s number was smaller than a 1.7 million-barrel drawdown forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll, and only about a third of the 5.2 million-barrel drop reported on Tuesday by trade group the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Brent’s front-month contract, August, settled down 74 cents, or 1.5 per cent, at US$49.88 a barrel.

August WTI fell 72 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to settle at US$49.13.

Further out, the discount

for WTI for December 2016 versus December 2017 widened to as much as US$1.81 a barrel, its biggest discount in six weeks. Traders said they believed producers were responsible for the move, as they were probably locking in 2017 prices at above US$52. The discount encourages investors to store oil for later delivery due to better forward prices.

The oil market was also buzzing on Wednesday over this week’s unusually large volumes in complex crude options on bets the market will likely tumble by early next year. (Reuters)

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

$1284.50

$163.12

Gross

$248,030

$205.98

$208.44

Net

$230,668

$ 232.37

$235.35

GBP

$306.13

CAN

$161.25

USD EURO

Fixed as at June 17, 2016 Calculated at 94% purity

USD

$302.32

Indicators as on June 22, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$48.88

Price

Change %

-1.48

USD

Change %

Rough Rice

$241.56/ton

London Sugar

$531.15/ton

-0.005 -0.30

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1264.60

$1265.60

Low/High

$1259.30

$1270.10

Change

Business Concept – Innovation

in terms of marketability.”

The young businesswoman is of the view that going green and producing floral arrangements which used organic material helps to keep the environment clean, creates business, beautifies homes and offices while at the same time earning foreign exchange.

She wants to be able to use different species of the palm coming from each of the ten administrative regions in Guyana. Currently, she is seeking suppliers and can be contacted on telephone number 676-6187.

“I want to thank God for the talent he has given me and also to Sonia Noel for believing in me,” she concluded.

Jamaica prepares to tap into climate change fund J

amaica is preparing to tap into US$10.3 billion available to fund climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.

The country is joining 200 other developing states in formulating viable proposals to access financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Based in South Korea, the GCF was founded as a mechanism to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate

change.

Jamaica has, so far, submitted a proposal to the GCF for readiness financing amounting to US$300,000.

According to Principal Director of the Climate Change Division in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Albert Daley, this will assist with financing “to help to put in place the system and the procedures to enable the country to access funding, training, public awareness, and setting up

the work programme”.

“We are hoping to get word from the GCF before the end of the month and if that happens, we will be well on our way with some funds to start put in place what we need to do to prepare ourselves to get proposals out, hopefully by early next year and thereafter,” he added.

Daley explained that “this is the preliminary funding necessary to help us get our house in order”.

(Caribbean360)

Investors’ Guide

Market statistics Cambio Rates

the USA and a lot of promises from other countries. A lot of persons wanted to buy some of my pieces at the Expo (GuyExpo), which was held at the National Exhibition Site in May of this year, but some of the pieces were too

large to be transported at a cheap cost by air. Many of them have ordered smaller pieces which I am currently working on,” the young entrepreneur said.

She has also been producing arrangements for the Tourism Ministry. “I think Natural Nature Intricate can enhance your homes and offices….”

Her dazzling creations are created purely out of palm plants. However, synthetic materials, including flowers, are added to arrangements upon request.

“Whatever I have collected from the remains of the palm plants I use. I do not rearrange the natural nature of the collection. It creates a more natural appearance and boosts each piece

-1.30

-0.10%

The process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay.

To be called an innovation, an idea must be replicable at an economical cost and must satisfy a specific need.

Innovation involves deliberate application of information, imagination and initiative in deriving greater or different values from resources, and includes all processes by which new ideas are generated and converted into useful products. In business, innovation often results when ideas are applied by the company in order to further satisfy the needs and expectations of the customers. (Business Dictionary)

Wall Street dips, all eyes on British referendum

U

S stocks dipped in low trading volume on Wednesday, with traders focusing on today’s referendum on whether Britain will remain part of the European Union.

Stocks rose early after data showed US home resales rose in May to a more than nine-year high, adding to retail sales and international trade data that painted an upbeat picture of the economy in the second quarter.

But the S&P 500 once more hit a ceiling at the 2100 level, which has been an area where sellers cluster.

Attention remained on Britain’s vote. A poll published on Wednesday showed a statistical tie, with the ‘Leave’ camp with 45 percent, just one point ahead of ‘Remain,’ and nine per cent undecided. Oddsmakers, however, showed a clear advantage for the ‘Remain’ camp.

“I go with the betting

odds, that’s the better indicator,” said Paul Zemsky, Chief Investment Officer, Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions at Voya Investment Management in New York.

He said despite not holding “a huge amount of risk” heading into the vote, he has slightly overweighed US stocks.

“Earnings revisions are up, oil prices are at a sweet spot, retail sales have been strong; once you get past this unforecastable event (the referendum), people will put cash to work in the US equity market,” Zemsky said.

Investors also kept an eye on US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s second day of testimony to Congress. She repeated her speech from Tuesday, in which she played down the risk of a recession, but warned that the British vote and a US hiring slowdown posed risks to the economic outlook.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 48.9 points, or 0.27 per cent, to 17,780.83, the S&P 500 lost 3.45 points, or 0.17 per cent, to 2085.45 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 10.44 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 4833.32.

The CBOE Volatility Index closed at 21.17, its highest in four months, indicating traders are more willing to pay for protection against a decline in the S&P 500.

About 6.3 billion shares changed hands in US exchanges, compared with the 6.8 billion average over the last 20 sessions.

Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE with a 1.44-to-1 ratio and on the Nasdaq, a 1.45-to-1 ratio favoured decliners.

The S&P 500 posted 26 new 52-week highs and three new lows; the Nasdaq recorded 55 new highs and 56 new lows. (Reuters)

17

news

thursDAY, june 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Alim Shah back on school uniform voucher list

T

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

The family that eats together…

H

ow often do you sit down to a meal with your family? When was the last time? Yes we lead busy lives and have commitments that may make it difficult for the whole family to come together each day, but real efforts should be made to ensure a family makes time to eat together as often as possible. This doesn’t mean rushing through a meal before one sibling goes out to meet friends, another is texting on their phone, mom is multitasking between bites and Dad is preoccupied with the day’s stresses. It means sitting down, interacting, enjoying a meal and healthy conversation.

Never underestimate the power of an hour out of the day to connect with the whole family. It is the perfect time to find out how each other’s day went. The perfect time to observe how each other is feeling. The perfect time to discuss current affairs, worries, celebrations or a family issue. It is invaluable in the maintenance of the family unit and continually develops relations and keeps lines of communications open.

It provides a feeling of togetherness that bonds the family together.

One of the most significant factors of the problems facing young people today is the breakdown of the family.

The lack of guidance and interactions that the family used to provide has become so lost over the past few decades and the effects are far reaching within our society. Research shows that frequent family dinners are associated with lower rates of smoking, drinking and illegal drug use in pre-teens and teenagers compared to those young people who do not have the regular experience of family meals. The opportunity for parents and siblings to model good behaviour and shape attitudes, teach morals and reinforce expectations can be provided when a family spends regular mealtime together.

Everybody has to eat, even the moody teenager who may usually take their food into their room, the busy mom who grabs a bite to eat during her hectic day or the busy dad rushing from place to place. Do not let it become a practice.

Make it part of your family’s routine to spend that precious time together around the dining table. Be sure not to make it a time for reprimand or arguments, make it a positive space where there is an opportunity to speak, ask for advice, share news, discuss concerns. These are the times good memories are made and they are practices young people can take on and use in their own family settings and teach their own children.

The whole experience should be made into a ‘family affair’. Preparing the table for the family can give young and older children some responsibility and teach them the correct way to set a table. Getting them involved with planning the menu and even better still, allowing them to be involved in the preparation and cooking where possible, teaches them not only practical life skills but also provides opportunities to work as a team and gives the younger members of the family a sense of ownership of the meal. It is also a time to model table manners and encourage appropriate eating habits.

The benefits for each individual and the family as a unit are inestimable. The isolated feelings and self esteem issues that are so prevalent in today’s youths can be diminished by this simple practice. Giving young people that real sense of belonging they can look forward to each day even for a short time can affect them in such a positive way and impact on their relations with others. Parents have more opportunities to observe how their children are feeling and what is happening in their lives on a regular basis and will know if any changes are evident quickly. Spouses can enjoy the together time too amidst the busy schedules most of our lives have become.

So many of the good aspects of family life have been lost and so many more are disappearing. If you already practice this please continue to do so and be aware how important it is. If you do not, make an effort to start, even if it is once a week to begin with- maybe you will discover its benefits and try harder to increase the opportunity to bring such an important practice into your home. The more often you sit down together the more likely you are to bond and love the way a family a should.

he Alim Shah Stores have been re-added to the list of entities for the school uniform voucher programme just in time as the distribution for the new school terms begins.

According to a business representative, the stores’ Regent Street, Georgetown; and Rose Hall, Berbice branches have received official notification from the Education Ministry that it “is pleased to be partnering” with the business in this year’s School Uniform Voucher programme.

The letter was signed

by Ms Patricia Stephen, Assistant Secretary to the Education Ministry.

Alim Shah Stores started to accept school uniform vouchers since last week after being assured by the Ministry’s chief accountant that the business continues to be on the official database despite the advertisements which have appeared in the press in which the business is not listed as being on this year’s programme.

The proprietor, Alim Shah, was concerned at the omission and felt that it was reprisal from the Government for the columns that his daughter, Ryhaan Shah, writes for Guyana Times.

In an invited comment to this publication, he expressed relief to have received the official notification since both stores had already ordered and started preparing their stock of school pants, shirts, underwear, haversacks, and other items for their back-toschool business.

He said that the business has built up a good working relationship with the Education Ministry over the years and he expects that the good relations will continue under the new Administration.

Interestingly, when Shah initially raised concerns of being dropped from the programme, the Education Ministry immediately released a statement positing that the business was at fault.

The statement explained that the Ministry noted that it publicly advertised for ‘Expressions of Interest’ to participate in the Uniform Voucher programme in 2016 and that the business under the name Alim Shah never indicated any interest in participating in the programme, hence their name would not have been on the published 2016 list.

“They subsequently communicated with the Ministry, indicating that they erroneously assumed that since they were on the list in previous years they would have automatically been included,” the statement noted.

According to the Ministry, the matter has since been resolved with the entity.

Distribution of vouchers

Meanwhile, the Ministry is ready to distribute approx-

Alim Shah store on Regent Street

imately 150,000 uniform vouchers to parents and guardians of children attending public schools in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 10 (Upper Demerara), Bartica, in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Georgetown,

in Region Four.

Each voucher is valued $2000 – an increase from $1500 in previous years, and is valid until October 31, 2016.

Parents are reminded that vouchers are intended to be used for the purchase of school items only and that all vouchers can be redeemed at participating businesses/suppliers, a list

of which has been published in the press and is available at the respective schools and regional departments of education.

A valid form of identification is required to uplift the voucher.

Every child attending a Government school is entitled to uniform assistance under the National Uniform Programme. On the coastland, the Education Ministry administers the Uniform Voucher Programme while in Hinterland communities, the assistance is administered by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry.

Public schools will be closed for a period of eight weeks from July 11 to September 2, 2016.

Guyanese charged with falsifying US passport application

A

federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Joseph Fedrick, 42, of Guyana, with falsifying an application for a United States passport, US Attorney William J Ihlenfeld II, announced.

Fedrick executed an application for a United States passport in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

Within the application, Fedrick attempted to use a false social security number

with the intent to secure the passport fraudulently.

Fedrick is charged with one count of “False Statement in Application for Passport.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. Under the Federal Sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offences and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant US Attorney Shawn M Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government. The Department of the State Diplomatic Security Service and the United States Department of Homeland Security are investigating.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. (US Department of Justice)

18

guyana-times.com

thursday, june 23, 2016

ARCHIE

Reduce stress by helping

ARIES someone you care about. What

(March 21- you learn from the experience April 19) will help you come up with a plan that will solve a personal dilemma.

Focus more on doing things TAURUS and spend less time making as(April 20- sumptions or letting your emoMay 20) tions spin out of control. Get involved in something that allows you to show off your creative or physical skills.

dilbert

You can figure things out GEMINI as you go. Procrastination will (May 21June 20) lead you nowhere fast. It’s up to you to make decisions and follow them with actions.

Stick to your plans CANCER and honor your promises.

(June 21- Someone depending on you July 22) will be grateful for your help and will reward you with something quite unexpected.

Peanuts

Stay calm, regardless of LEO what others do or say. It’s up (July 23to you to maintain a profesAug. 22) sional attitude and do whatever you can to bring about positive change and improvement.

Calvin and Hobbes

Get involved in activities VIRGO that will test your stamina (Aug. 23and push you to be your best.

Sept. 22) Physical improvements will encourage you to make a romantic suggestion that will promote a happier personal life.

Invest in your future.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Education, networking, travOct. 23) eling and bringing about overdue changes to the way you do things and your overall direction will be fruitful. Trust in your instincts.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD – ADENOIDS

SUDOKU

Double-check any inforSAGITTARIUS mation you are given. Ask (Nov. 23- questions and offer sugDec. 21) gestions. Don’t be a follower when you should be taking the lead and doing things your way.

(ADENOIDS: AD-noyds: A mass of lymphatic tissue between the back of the nose and the throat.)

Average mark 29 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 41 or more words in ADENOIDS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – SLOTHFUL shot shout shut slot sloth soft soul south loft lost loth lotus lout

lush lust oust thou thus tofu toll host hull flout flush foul full

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Explore new avenues. Pick SCORPIO (Oct. 24- up information and make perNov. 22) sonal changes that will lead to new opportunities. Love and romance are encouraged and will set the stage for a better future.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You’ll be drawn to an inCAPRICORN teresting prospect. Your in(Dec. 22- sight and ability to size matJan. 19) ters up and act quickly will put you in a good position for advancement. Celebrate with someone you love.

A serious approach to the AQUARIUS changes you want to make at (Jan. 20home will bring good results.

Feb. 19) Make an emotional plea to someone you know can help you achieve your goal.

Don’t let anyone stifle your PISCES (Feb. 20- plans. Make changes at home March 20) that will ease your stress and make you happy. It’s a good day to negotiate, sign contracts and take care of legal and financial matters.

thursDAY, june 23, 2016

19

Regional Girls’ U-19 Invitational India edge Zimbabwe in WICB T20 Championships thriller to seal series 2-1 Rain washes out opening day’s play A

MS Dhoni was hit in the eye by a bail after being castled by Donald Tiripano

Z

imbabwe had never won a T20I series of more than one match. A chase of 139 presented them an opportunity to achieve this, and a nervy final over from Barinder Sran brought them to within one hit of victory. But Elton Chigumbura, with four needed off the last ball, could only manage enough power and elevation to hit a low, wide full-toss into extra-covers’ hands. India, never quite convincing, won by three runs and took the series 2-1.

Until this match, Sran had impressed with his newball swing, but had never really come under pressure.

Now, India were bowling second for the first time on the tour, and were defending 138. A number of Zimbabwe’s batsmen had got off to starts, but no one had carried on. They now needed 21 off the last over, with Timycen Maruma and Chigumbura at the crease, both batting on 12. Maruma had shaved six off the target with a massive leg-side clout off Jasprit Bumrah in the penultimate over.

Now Sran sent down a length ball, and Maruma, clearing his front leg once again, clobbered it over the midwicket boundary. Then Sran brought square leg and fine leg into the circle, and, in looking to deny Maruma the scoop over the infield, slanted the ball too wide outside off stump. The pressure was firmly on, and a high full-toss followed, providing width for a slap to the cover boundary. No-ball, nine runs to get off five balls, free hit to come.

It was at this point that Sran pulled his death-bowling skills together, sending down three successive

wide yorkers, all there or thereabouts: dot, dot, single. Eight to get off two, and Chigumbura ran down the pitch, slogged, and streaked a lucky edge to the third man boundary.

That India had 138 to defend was down to Kedar Jadhav, who scored 58 off 42 balls - his first half-century in T20Is - to lift a batting line-up that got into early trouble on a pitch with decidedly low bounce and inconsistent pace: some balls stopped, some skidded, and the batsmen came to realise that a stump-to-stump line was rather difficult to score against. When Jadhav walked in, India were 27 for 3, with Manish Pandey’s first-ball run-out adding to the early loss of both openers.

At 93 for 5 in the 17th over, India seemed to be losing their way a bit, but Jadhav took charge in the next over, jumping out to Chatara to hit his first ball for a clean, straight six, and then staying back to one just short of yorker length to carve it to the point boundary. Jadhav ended the over with an inside-edged flick onto his pad which ran away to the fine-leg boundary to bring up his half-century.

Tiripano, mixing up his pace well, dismissed Jadhav in the 19th over, but Axar Patel carried the momentum forward into the last over, launching Madziva for six over long-off. It wasn’t the biggest total, but Zimbabwe would need to bat well to get 139 on this pitch.

They did this, in spurts, always staying on course, but losing wickets with enough frequency to keep India in the game. Vusi Sibanda, who replaced Sikandar Raza in Zimbabwe’s XI, came in

at No. 3 and gave them early impetus, hitting Dhawal Kulkarni for two straight fours either side of a slap to the cover boundary, all in the fourth over. By the end of the fifth, they were 38 for 1.

Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and the spread-out post-Powerplay fields quietened Zimbabwe, and Hamilton Masakadza, who had moved to 15 off 20, was trapped lbw by Axar’s leftarm spin in the ninth over, trying to sweep a stump-tostump ball. Kulkarni then had his revenge against Sibanda when he nipped one back to catch him falling over, and Zimbabwe, at 60 for 3 in the 11th over, had to start all over again.

Yuzvendra Chahal eased the pressure with frequent long-hops. Sibanda had already pulled him for four; now Peter Moor clubbed him for sixes in the 12th and 14th overs, and followed up with another, lofting a flighted ball cleanly over extra-cover. But he fell in the same over, and with Bumrah and Axar coming back for three more tight overs, Zimbabwe were left needing 35 off the last three.

Bumrah then pulled off a stunning, leaping catch at short third man to dismiss Malcolm Waller, whose uppercut off Kulkarni had looked destined to go for four, and Maruma and Chigumbura only managed three off that over.

Maruma’s heaved six off Bumrah kept Zimbabwe in the game, just about, setting the stage for the tour’s dramatic conclusion.

Kedar Jadhav was named man of the match for his top score of 58 while Barinder Sran was named Player of the Series.

ll matches on the opening day of the Regional Girls’ Under-19 Invitational Twenty20 Tournament were yesterday washed out.

However, the tournament organisers, in conjunction with the management of all four teams, have agreed to use the free-day tomorrow (today) to attempt to play the matches that were rained out today.

According to organizing committee member Ann Browne-John condition has improved and it looks like there will be play today. “So far, the weather has improved and it is hoped that it will hold for the balance of the week,” said Ann Browne-John.

The RGU19, which is being staged by the T&T Cricket Board, was made a part of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) official calendar earlier this year and is part sponsored by the regional governing body.

Barbados Girls’ Under-19 team, under the captaincy of West Indies Women’s opener Hayley Matthews, will be defending the title which they won in the previous edition of the Tournament two years ago.

The Barbadians face competition from Guyana, Windward Islands and hosts Trinidad & Tobago.

Jamaica and Leeward Islands have indicated that they do not have Under-19 girls’ teams at present, but are actively developing squads in a bid to participate next year.

SQUADS BARBADOS: HayleyMatthew(captai n), Aaliyah Alleyne, Isobella Burnham, C hante Carrington, Shai Carrington, Dash awnaCurrency, Haniesha Hoyte, Felicia Jarvis, Nikita Jones, Kennedy King, Jade Kirton, Daisha Murphy, Alisa Scantle bury, AaliyahWilliams GUYANA: Mandy Mangru (captain), Al

eema Arokium, Tasleema Bacchus, Yogeet a Balkishun, Shabika Gajnabi, LafonaGilge ous, Sheneta Grimmond, Russhanna Lynch , Amanda Persaud, Dian Prahalad, Plaffiana Millington, Marian Samaroo, KaysiaShultz, Deborah Vanderstoop TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Reniece Boyce (captain), Shania Abdool, Kajol Dalgir, Ren elle Dookie, Reanna Farrow, ArielGajadhar , Lashelle Hamilton, Mikaela Jodhan, Alia Joseph, Anna Marie Perriera, Leandra Ra mdeen, Samantha Ramgolam,Kamara Rogo obar, Patrina Walcott WINDWARD ISLANDS: Nerrisa Crafton (captain), Akita Alexander, Allyah Alfred, Samantha Cain, Holly Charles, SheneziaDaniel, Taylor Dickson, Kimone Homer, Crystal John, Jep henia Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ronnette Sanf ord, Theresa Thomas, Cassie Williams

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES Wednesday, June 22 Round 1; Trinidad & Tobago vs Windwards Islands – Gilbert Park (9:30 am start) and Barbados vs Guyana – National Cricket Centre (9:30 am), Round 2; Barbados vs Windward Islands – National Cricket Centre (2:30 pm) Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – Gilbert Park (2:30 pm) Friday, June 24, Round 3; Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – National Cricket Centre (9:30 am), Windward Islands vs Guyana – Gilbert Park (9:30 am), Semi-finals First vs Fourth – Gilbert Park (2:30 pm), Second vs Third – National Cricket Centre (2:30 pm) Saturday, June 25,Grand Final; Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semifinal 2 – National Cricket Centre (9:30 am); Consolation Final; Loser Semi-final 1 vs Loser Semi-final 2 – Gilbert Park (9:30 am).

England Women post record ODI total to win series

Lauren Winfield and Tammy Beaumont had an opening partnership of 235 against Pakistan

E

ngland women made their highest oneday total and secured the series against Pakistan with an emphatic 212-run win at New Road.

They hit 39 fours and 11 sixes in 378-5, with 132 made in the final 10 overs.

Openers Lauren Winfield

and Tammy Beaumont scored maiden ODI centuries in a stand of 235 and Natalie Sciver struck six sixes in a 33-ball 80.

Anya Shrubsole took 4-19 as Pakistan were bowled out for 166 in the 48th over, despite Bismah Maroof's 61.

England, who won the first ODI by seven wickets at Grace Road on Tuesday, will attempt to complete a series whitewash in the final match at Taunton on Monday.

A three-match Twenty20 series starts at Bristol on 3 July. (BBC Sport)

20

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, june 23, 2016

Copa America Centenario, USA 2016

Argentina 4-0 United States: Messi leads Argentina to Copa Finals L

ionel Messi surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time goal scorer in Tuesday’s Copa America Centenario semifinal in Houston.

Argentina advanced to the Copa America final for the second consecutive year thanks a comfortable 4-0 win over the United States as captain Lionel Messi became the nation’s alltime leading goal scorer on Tuesday.

Runner-up to Chile last year, 14-time South American champion Argentina reached the decider of the centenary tournament on a night that Messi made more history with his record-breaking 55th international goal.

Messi’s inch-perfect free kick in the 32nd minute saw him surpass Gabriel Batistuta in stunning fashion in Houston.

The five-time Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi (10) dribbles past Kyle Bekerman (15)

winner had earlier teed up Ezequiel Lavezzi - who was forced from the field in the second half after tumbling over an advertising board for the game’s opening goal in the third minute, while in-form striker Gonzalo Higuain completed the rout

with a second-half brace at NRG Stadium.

Argentina - seeking to end a 23-year wait for a major trophy - will now face either defending champion Chile or Colombia in the final.

The USA was with-

out three first-team regulars, with Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya suspended for the final-four clash. The trio’s absence meant Graham Zusi, Chris Wondolowski and Kyle Beckerman were called upon, while DeAndre Yedlin also returned to the lineup.

Argentina also had one changed forced upon the team as the suspended Nicolas Gaitan was replaced

by Lavezzi in the starting XI. There were questions asked of Argentina coach Gerardo Martino and his decision to hand Lavezzi just his second start of the tournament, but the Chinabased forward repaid the faith just three minutes into the match.

Jurgen Klinsmann and Co. insisted they would not give Messi any special attention, something they quickly had to revise as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner played a

delightful lofted throughball to Lavezzi, who guided his effort over the onrushing Brad Guzan as the USA attempted to clear its lines.

Messi could not be stopped from that point, dictating the play and helping Argentina dominate possession as USA was forced to After John Brooks made a last-ditch tackle to deny Gonzalo Higuain, Messi stepped up and executed an inch-perfect free kick just past the half-hour mark.

In another moment of brilliance as fans watched on in anticipation, Messi curled a set piece across Guzan and in under the crossbar for his fifth goal of the tournament.

The USA made a change at the break, with teenage sensation Christian Pulisic coming on in place of Wondolowski.

But Argentina continued where it left off in the second half, Higuain springing

the offside trap and tucking home his own rebound having initially been denied by Guzan.

Despite the best efforts of captain Michael Bradley to inspire USA, the CONCACAF nation barely threatened as Argentina cruised.

Argentina experienced a heart-in-mouth moment after Lavezzi tumbled over an advertising board following the hour, with medics immediately signalling for an ambulance having appeared to land on his neck. The Heibei China Fortune star, however, was able to get up on his feet, but was left clutching his arm.

Business went on as usual for Argentina and Higuain completed the scoring four minutes from time for his 31st international goal, after Messi squared the ball across the six-yard box for a simple tap-in.

Caribbean Basketball Confederation Digicel Schools Football Championships 2016 (CBC) Under-16 Championship JC Chandisingh into 2nd round

LOC Chairman Alex Graham (centre) meeting with representatives of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and private security on Monday, June 20 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

G

uyana will be the proud host of the Caribbean Basketball U16 (CBU16) Championships, which would involve 16 teams from across the Caribbean. The spotlight is once again on Guyana and this time it is about the sporting future of our Caribbean youths.

Teams will be arriving in Guyana from July 1, 2016 and championship matches commences on July 3, 2016 and ends July 16, 2016.

Participating will be the host team Guyana along with teams from Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.

This is a fabulous opportunity to see the ‘Caribbean’s best at their best’ as players and teams compete to be crowned Caribbean U16 Basketball Champions 2016.

This is an event for the entire family and a competition that will be televised from Guyana to various countries across the Caribbean and further afield. This provides local businesses with an opportunity to support the event whilst advertising

their organisation regionally as well as internationally.

Some of the committed sponsors the Championship are the Government of Guyana, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Banks DIH Limited, Bounty Supermarket, Impressions and Guyana Quality Seafood Inc. Other sponsors can get on board and/or learn more about advertising opportunities and benefits by contacting Mr. Rayad Boyce on +592-6002666 or email rayad@guyana2016.com.

The Guyana2016 local organising committee (LOC) headed by Mr. Alex Graham is working with local and international partners to ensure that all the necessities are in place to make this event not only a success but one to be heralded as a jewel in Guyana’s crown. The event is seen as a great opportunity to craft a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.

Every match day promises to be filled with not just fantastic basketball and spectators can look forward to prize winning competitions, giveaways and various forms of entertainment.

Persons interested in obtaining a concession for the sale of food and/or beverages can contact Mr. Jonathan Beaton on +592-621-6119 as from June 23, 2016 or email jonathan@Guyana2016.com.

The LOC encourages everyone to be part of this momentous occasion and this is reflected in their approach.

Persons living in the surrounding communities of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) and interested in being a part of the volunteer group can contact Mr. Nicholas Fraser on +592698-4328 or email nicholas@ Guyana2016.com This regional event will attract numerous visitors, officials and dignitaries. Tickets to the event will be limited and will be on sale from June 27, 2016, outlet information will be provided closer to this date. For further information and updates contact can be made to Ms. Shevon Henry at the LOC Office on +592-697-9362 or via website www.Guyana2016.com, Facebook page: Caribbean basketball Confederation @ CaribbeanBasketball or on twitter: www.twitter.com/caribebasket.

The winning JC Chandisingh team with Team Manager Kumarie Manarhu

By Andrew Carmichael

J

C Chandisingh Secondary moved into round two of the Digicel National Annual Schools Knockout Football tournament when they got past Central Corentyne Secondary 4-1 at the Skeldon Community Centre on Tuesday.

Playing in soggy conditions, Isaiah Giles made the mud worked in his favour to register a hat trick scoring in the 28th, 60th and 73 minutes of play. However, it was his cousin Comwell Davidson who opened the scoring in the 21st minute after both teams found it difficult to control passes and take advantage of plays in the goal area due the water on the outfield.

In the 51st minute, Central Corentyne got their consolation goal from the penalty spot when Shade Cameron got goalkeeper Odinga Albert to go the wrong way allowing ball free access to the nets.

Scorers for JC Chandisingh Secondary, from left: Isaiah Giles, Comwell Davidson and Shade Cameron

Meanwhile, when Sheldon Simpson had a shot from the penalty spot to make it 5-1, he put the ball straight into the hands of goalkeeper Lynray Tyndel who made a diving save.

It was JC Chandisingh’s second year in the competition having a 10-1 victory over Overwinning in their first game last year before

surrendering to Orealla in their second round game last year.

JC Chandisingh will now come up against Canje Secondary at the same venue on June 29.

Canje sent a strong warning to all opponents in their way when they recorded a 20-0 win over Overwinning in their last game.

YELLOW PAGES thursDAY, june 23, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION Qualify Yourself in Computers •Earn a Diploma in Computers 9 Courses $35,000 •Computerized Accounting 4 Courses $30,000 •Computer Graphics 4 Courses $35,000 •PC repairs $30,000. Limited space, Register now.

Micrographics, Vreed En Hoop. 2643057 Cybertron Technology Now registering students for •Diploma in Computers 9 courses - $25000 (Discount only for June 2016) •Computerized Accounting $30,000 (4 Courses) •Summer Computer Classes for kids, Age 5-14 ($8500) •US and Canada Visa Applications. Bollywood building (Parika). 260-4850 REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404 Special Computer Package for 2016 CXC Students. 9 Courses in Computers $20,000 OFF. Computerized Accounting 4 Courses. Quickbooks, Peachtree, POS, Excel 2016.

MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Tel: 264-3057 Study in CANADA/USA $1,000US Processing Fee. Limited Offer.

MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Tel: 264-3057.

FOR SALE Powerline Battery Water/wholesale.

1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 6803863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 2265053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner - $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

One 6 inch dredge, one 4-cylinder MWM, one 3-cylinder MWM engine in working condition with all other complete equipment in good working condition. 679-3655 2-STOREY CONCRETE HOUSE 35x45 ENCLOSED DOWNSTAIRS, SIZE OF LAND 65x120, SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME, EAST BANK DEMERARA, CONTACT 6645052/617-0583

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons,

etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 2251540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

KEY CUTTing

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

lAND FOR SALE 1.5 Acre Land in W.B.D. Call #:6580115 Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel#: 625-1514 Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only)

property for sale TRANSPORTED PROPERTY. Comprises of 14 house lots at lot 31 and 32 Mountsina. House on the premise 20x27. Contact Andrea on: 335-3661 / 625-2013 House Lot, Diamond New Scheme between 2nd & 3rd Avenue. Contact: 638-1529 Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. MonRepos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park:$20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp and Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence(land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmony(land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 6735546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

services House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

GBTI Independence Golden Jubilee Open

Queen of the court to be decided tonight T

IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/ VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

21

sports

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now.

Email: anew-life@live.com

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

TO let FOR RENT. DIAMOND SCHEME – 2 BEDROOM BOTTOM FLAT (NEW). 40,000 PER MONTH. SUITS FAMILIES. CONTACT: 611 - 3802 Leonora New Housing Scheme, W.C.D. Garage, Kitchen & Shower.

Tel: 675-5998/268-2277.

NO CHILDREN. Working Persons Only

VACANCIES GIRLS TO WORK IN A BAR (WAITRESSES).

TEL: 612-2522 Cashier for Supermarket. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Cook. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Maid. Tel: 624-0033 Driver for Water Truck. Tel: 680-3863 Security In-store; Day Duty. Tel: 680-3863

VEHICLES FOR SALE 518C Caterpillar Skidder. Tyres like NEW, Winch working. CF Hauler with 45 Ft. Triple Axel Trailer. Bedfrod TL 500 Dumptruck. JCB 4 wheel drive forklift. Call Tel: 626-0352 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

WANTED SALESGIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL BRASSONIC Bldg. (MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/Town. 231-7101 Vacancy exists for one part-time Pharmacist to work on the West Coast of Demerara in Meten-meer-zorg.

Telephone: 275-0733

Classified Ads

$5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

he queen of the court will be decided tonight when powerhouses in the ladies category, Nicola Ramdyhan and Afruica Gentle reach in Ladies Open finals of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Independence Golden Jubilee open tournament at the Bel-Air Park Recreation Centre.

The two teenagers who have fought through all the odds on the way to the final will finally get to display their best effort as Ramdyhan aims to win a fourth successive title while Gentle is in quest for a first.

Gentle is yet to beat Ramdyhan in a completed match but won a ‘walk over’ against her opponent in the Bakewell Junior tournament due to a health issue. Meanwhile Ramdyhan is three from three in the GBTI ladies open finals.

Winning the title in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and is looking to continue her winning streak.

The 18 year old sixth form student of The Bishops’ High School said she is hopeful of retaining the title due to her form. “I think I stand a better chance at winning because my confidence lev-

Afruica Gentle

Nicola Ramdyhan

el is higher and I am playing better tennis, especially when I compare my form to last year’s ”, the defending champion said.

The game is expected to be a very competitive one with both players holding advantage with their style of play.

However, Ramdyhan said she knows her opponent will be consistent with her plays, especially with her serves and forehand attack. “But I’ll counter attack her serve and match her forehand”, Ramdyhan confidently stated.

On the other hand though Gentle has not won a title, she is not to be underrated

as she too is in high spirit and is confident of winning the title. “I have never defeated Nicola, I expect her to play her heart out, but I will be giving the match my all to win the title,” said Gentle This year’s final will be a repeat of the previous finals where the two players met for the first time in the ladies’ open finals.

That match lasted the entire three sets, ending in favour of Ramdyhan 7-5, 6-4, 7-6, (7-0).

Fans are urged to come out early to witness what is expected to be the clash of the tournament. The match is scheduled to start at 16:30 Hrs.

Green Machine climbs world rankings

G

uyana’s ‘Green Machine’ are now ranked at 46th in the 15s world, following their 23-18 win over Trinidad and Tobago last weekend.

With winning the South Zone of the Rugby Americas North, the

Guyanese national team have moved up seven places to achieve their highest-ever world ranking.

They are also ranked eighth in the Americas up from 10th.

Guyana now await the winners of the North Zone, which will be decided on

July 23 between Mexico and the Cayman Islands.

Should Mexico win, Guyana will have to travel to that country to contest the RAN overall title while if the Cayman Islands win, they will have to travel to Guyana.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursDAY, june 23, 2016

"Biggest Party in Sport" debuts Ramdass delighted with on ONE World Sports Network Elite century in Canada O

NE World Sports, America’s Network for Global Sports, will air the Hero CPL, the franchise-based T20 cricket tournament that combines cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere, two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life.

ONE World Sports partnership with the Hero CPL marks the first time the league will air on U.S. television and all matches will be shown live in late afternoon or in primetime.

For the first time since the league’s 2013 inception, Hero CPL matches will also take place in the United States at the Central Broward Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from July 28-31. In a multi-year agreement, ONE World Sports will exclusively broadcast all 34 matches of the 2016 Hero CPL season, including the Florida dates, across all of its platforms.

The Hero CPL season starts on 29 June and continues through to 7 August.

“With a vast following around the world and a concerted effort by the Hero Caribbean Premier League to attract more U.S. fans with its upcoming matches in Fort Lauderdale, ONE World Sports is an ideal home for the league where we can present the sport to our viewers in a new and exciting way,” said Todd Myers, Vice President Programming, Acquisitions & Development. “The addition of the Hero CPL is a

prime example of the evolution of ONE World Sports’ live and exclusive programming that emanates domestically as well as abroad and caters to a diverse, millennial audience interested in global sports.”

ONE World Sports, in conjunction with EverSport. tv, will also offer a digital subscription service for Hero CPL fans to watch the entire tournament for $9.99.

Interested viewers can access the subscription service at www.OneWorldSports. com beginning Saturday, June 25.

Pete Russell, Chief Operations Officer of Hero CPL, said, “We are delighted to welcome ONE World Sports to our broadcast family and we believe that this announcement will help showcase the CPL to our legions of followers across the USA. These six games in Fort Lauderdale from July 28-31, featuring the best cricketing talent from across the world, will mark a new

chapter for CPL and we are hugely excited about staging these matches. We believe that through ONE World Sports we can enhance all that is special about CPL, the biggest party in sport, and help project all that is great about Caribbean cricket and culture across the USA.” ONE World Sports is America’s Network for Global Sports, producing best-in-class, captivating live sports content from around the world.

With multi-platform capabilities and superior production quality, ONE World Sports is one of the fastest growing independent sports networks available throughout the United States.

Currently available to more than 30 million homes nationally on cable, telco and satellite, ONE World Sports delivers live and exclusive coverage of some of America’s most popular sports played professionally outside the USA -- bas-

ketball, baseball, golf and ice hockey -- plus sporting events with the largest global followings, including soccer and cricket.

ONE World Sports is distributed through Verizon FiOS, DISH Network, Charter Communications, Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Mediacom Communications, Google Fiber, Suddenlink, RCN and a growing number of systems through the NCTC. In addition, the network’s mobile app, Watch ONE World Sports, features a live stream of the network for authenticated subscribers and on-demand content for all users. More information on ONE World Sports and its availability in particular markets can be found at www.oneworldsports.com or consumers can call their television distributor. Watch ONE World Sports is available in the Apple and the Google Play stores.

The Hero CPL features the best T20 cricket stars from the Caribbean and around the world, including top names like Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Brendon McCullum, among others.

The League is comprised of six teams competing for the championship title including reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders (formerly Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel), Jamaica Tallawahs, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Lucia Zouks, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), heralded as the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’, begins on June 29 at 21:00 Hrs ET.

By Ravi Madholall

T

ORONTO: Former Guyana and West Indies opener Ryan Ramdass expressed great delight after chalking up his second Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Elite 50-over century on Saturday at King City facility.

The right-hander struck nine fours and two maximum in his attractive, unbeaten 112 to lead Vikings Cricket Club to victory over Ontario Cricket Association.

Ramdass, who played one test and a one-day international for West Indies, scored 119 in 2015 season and already has ambition to represent the North American nation at the international level.

He strongly believes in consistency and that also has given him the impetus to work harder on his game to make that a reality. After scoring the landmark, Ramdass stated that it was great to get another hundred in Canada and was understandably elated again.

“I feel real good to get my second hundred at the Elite level; as mentioned before that I want to play for Canada, I know only runs will get you there and certainly this century has inspired me greatly,” Ramdass related.

Since his migration to Canada several years ago, Ramdass has been featuring for Vikings Cricket Club and revealed that the club is playing a very pivotal role in his quest to wear the prestigious Canadian colours.

Ryan Ramdass

“I think the support from Vikings management and players has been very encouraging and I just want to make them proud; at the Elite level we are doing well and the guys are also eager for success,” Ramdass, who played 21 first-class matches for his native country, declared.

Meanwhile, Ramdass, who emerged from Everest Cricket Club at a very young age, also cracked a double century few years back and took the opportunity to say that he still cherishes that accomplishment (219). He was representing a club which participated in the annual Etobicoke Cricket League 50-over competition.

guyana-times.com

thursdAY, june 23, 2016

23

Ballr Cup Tri- Nation Series...

West Indies face South Africa in must-win game M

atch 9 in the tri series takes place at Kensington Oval on Friday and whoever comes out on top between West Indies and South Africa will meet Australia in Sunday’s final.

This is the final match in the round robin series and it takes the shape of an eliminator. Australia’s win over West Indies at the same venue on Tuesday booked their ticket to the final and although the Proteas come into this game four points better off than West Indies and with a better net run rate, a WI victory here will see the hosts go through as they will then have won more matches than South Africa.

West Indies started Match 8 against Australia

badly, losing their first 3 wickets with just 31 runs on the board. Marlon Samuels led the recovery and he went on to make 125 with Dinesh Ramdin leading the support cast with 91. West Indies finished their 50 over allocation on 282/8 but on a good batting deck they were still second favourites at the interval. Australia lost both their openers in the first 6 overs of the chase but Smith (78), Marsh (79 not out) and a late Maxwell blitz saw them home for a 6 wicket win with 8 balls to spare.

The Proteas game against Australia in Barbados was washed out with just 6 balls faced. They did thrash WI by 139 runs in Match 6 in St Kitts, revenge for a 4 wicket defeat to the hosts in the series opener in Guyana. The

Marlon Samuels

Proteas hit 343/4 in the St Kitts head to head with WI,

the highest total of the series by some distance and

Barbados also looks a really good batting deck.

The men in Maroon will be under pressure as they could be without Captain Jason Holder for the match after he injured his hamstring during the loss to Australia on Tuesday.

Holder was able to bowl only two overs before he left the field, which forced West Indies to use occasional legspinner Andre Fletcher and stand-in captain Kieron Pollard to make up the rest of his overs.

On the bright side, inform batsman Marlon Samuels is full of confidence after stating at the post match press-conference, “I’ve got a hundred against everybody in the world now [full ICC members]. It’s very satisfying. Nevertheless, we

still have a game on Friday and that game is very important for us to win.”

Match time is 13:00 hrs.

West Indies Squad Jason Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels South Africa Squad : AB de Villiers (capt), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi.

U-16 Men and St Rose’s crush Marian Academy 5-0 Women CBC teams named Digicel Schools Football Championships 2016

as the diminutive Austin received a pass from the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot into the right of the box.

Ten minutes after the half time interval, Rogers pounced on a loose ball just outside the box and helped himself to the final goal in the comprehensive victory.

From left: Kegan Howard, Akil Vaughn, La Phonso Austin and Victor Rogers

By Akeem Greene

S

t. Rose’s High School ran rampant against an eight-man Marian team in soggy conditions at the Guyana Defence Force Ground (GDF), as the Digicel Schools Under-18 Football Championships continued on Wednesday in Georgetown.

A Kegan Howard double with supporting goals from Akil Vaughn, La Phonso Austin and Victor Rogers lead the Church Street School a five-nill trouncing of Marian Academy.

Howard opened the scoring in the seventh minute when he manoeuvred his way through two defenders and placed the ball in the right bottom. The next goal occurred due to confusion with the Marian defenders just on the edge of the box and Vaughn wasted no time in capitalising with goal in the 23rd minute.

Howard’s second goal in the 26th, was one which required a tad more skill.

L-R: James Wallcott, Oneil Glasgow and Dominick Bottse

While running to goal, Howard collected a ball from the right wing which he steered into the right side of the uprights.

Though Marian had some offensive set plays, their lack of man power hampered and strong challenge on goal but St. Roses continued their dominance

Over at the Tucville ground, St. Mary’s Secondary defeated St. Stanislaus 4-2 in an action packed game that swung back and forth early in the first half. Alyne Haynes, James Wallcott, Oneil Glasgow and Dominick Bottse in the 28th, 38th, 40th and 83rd respectively were the goal scorers for the victors while for St. Stanislaus Alvin Andries in the 75th and Kenroy Earle six minutes later inked their names on the score sheet.

Summarised scores for other games; At Leonora, Xenon Academy defeated Friendship 4-3 At Wisburg ground, holders Wismar/Christianburg crushed Linden Foundation Secondary 7-0 At New Opportunity Corp (NOC) ground, Cotton Field Secondary dismissed NOC 7-2 At the Anna Regina Multilateral School Anna Regina defeated Abram Zuil 3-0 At the Mahaicony ground, Novar Secondary defeated Belladrum Secondary 4-3 on penalty kicks after regulation time expired with the score 1-1 The Championship continues today in at the GDF ground where Morgan’s Lesson plays Queen’s College and at Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Bourda, Brickdam Secondary faces Freeburg Secondary. Both games kick-off at 15:30 hrs.

Jordan Alphonso

Jada Mohan

fter several weeks of training and evaluation of the nation’s top under 16 prospects, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has named a final 12 men and 13 women to respective national teams. The final 12 women will be announced prior to the “Congress of Delegate” just before the men Championships tip-off on July 3, 2016.

The 12 men selected are Kevon Wiggins, Kelmar Carmichael - New Amsterdam Multilateral, Shamar France, Jermaine King (Berbice High), Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen (Plaisance Secondary), Roydon Glasgow (Bishops’ High), Akeem Crandon & Kareem Boyle (President’s College), Jordan Alphonso, Jahleel Young (Marian Academy) and Zion Gray (Tutorial High).

The 13 women selected: Annalesa Barker (New Amsterdam Multilateral),

Saffiya Greene (Berbice High), Daniella King (Plaisance Secondary), Kesann Charles, Jayla Jones (Bishops’ High), Onika Rogers (Kwakwani Secondary), Demelza Nicholas, Annalisa Barclay (President’s College), Jada Mohan, Georgianna Vyphuis, KellianSauers & Jahrier Young (Marian Academy) and Rashida Hinds (United States).

The men team suffered a major setback with the omission of Yonnick Tappin, the talented sharp shooter from the mining town of Linden, who sustained an injury to the leg and would be out for three weeks.

Both teams will now be encamped for the remainder of the time leading up to their respective tournaments. Several competitive exhibition games are planned for this period.

These games will be open to the public.

A

thursdAY, june 23, 2016

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

“Biggest Party in Sport” debuts on ONE World Sports Network Pg 22

Steven Taylor of the Barbados Tridents and Samuel Badree of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at a baseball arena in the USA

Green Machine climbs West Indies face South world rankings Ballr Cup Tri- Nation Series...

Pg 23

Africa in must-win game

Pg 23 It is a do-or-die situation for West Indies as they face the dominant Proteas in a clash that will determine who play Australia in the final on Sunday

Claudius Butts of the Green Machine on the run in a recent game for Guyana

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyana-times.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.