Guyana Times Daily - February 19, 2016

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2772

Friday, February 19, 2016

PRICE

Crum-Ewing murder probe

PPP employee allegedly beaten

by Police

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Page 3

– Crime Chief says no evidence of injuries found – Attorneys say Police rejected original medical, changed doctors

Armed gunmen Roopnaraine rob Corentyne denies conspiracy to sideline findings family Rodney CoI

Page 20

P16 Minibus conductor slapped with robbery charge

Missing P16 miners rescued from Omai jungle GRA, Private Sector gear up to implement FATCA P13

Page 2

– defends Govt’s recent anti-Rodney actions

Minister Ally meets Muslim community Page 14

– as budgetary allocations P12 approved

Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally in discussions with representatives of the Muslim community in the boardroom of the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday

Recent raid on Dhoray’s Fashion

$200M allocated for local, int’l consultants Page 2

– Caracas accredits new Guyanese Ambassador

GECOM P10 assures stakeholders of transparency and fairness

Millions budgeted for D&I works in Regions 3, 4

– in keeping with aim to develop new social cohesion strategies Venezuela/Guyana border row

LGE 2016

“Sensitive” evidence retrieved – SOCU Head confirms Page 14

– businessman says family still traumatised

UG transformation task force

More students’ representation needed – UGSS President P10

2 news

Friday, february 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Venezuela/Guyana border row Armed gunmen rob $200M allocated for local, int’l consultants Corentyne – Caracas accredits new Guyanese Ambassador family A Corentyne businessman and his family are now traumatized after three masked men, one armed with a knife and two with guns, carried out a brutal attack on the Port Mourant family on Wednesday evening.

Reports are that Dharmen Ramkisoon was about to close the door to his Lot 339 Train Line, Port Mourant shop when three men, jumped over the front fence and entered his yard.

According to Ramkisoon the man carrying the gun men held on to him de-

manding cash and jewelry, he said he was hit several times with the gun and dragged into the shop.

The businessman was taken to the upper flat where he eventually handed over two hundred thousand dollars Guyana currency, US $300 and an undisclosed quantity of jewelry to the thieves.

Guyana Times was told that two of the intruders went to the upper flat with Ramkisoon while the other stayed downstairs.

Police responded but up to press time no arrest were not made.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

F

oreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Thursday announced that some $200 million has

been allocated to addressing the ongoing border controversy. The funds will be used for legal fees to defend Guyana against continued aggression from Venezuela.

The Minister was at the time being questioned by the Opposition, through its Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, as consideration of the 2016 Budget estimates continued in the National Assembly.

Greenidge said the $200 million budgeted under “other” in the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s budget would be used to pay legal representatives if the case between Guyana and Venezuela went to

the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Guyana had committed to taking the judicial route of action last year, after years of committing to the United Nations’ Good Offices Process. Government had declared that the Process was yielding little or no results. It had even called on Venezuela to join this nation in moving to the courts to pursue a judicial settlement of the controversy. Greenidge had said that Guyana had never strayed from the path of friendship with Venezuela, adding that bringing the matter to an end by due process of international law, as was proposed by Guyana, would be a gift to future generations in both countries. Venezuela does not accept the 1899 Award, unanimously made by a five-member panel – two Britons, one Russian, and two Americans representing Venezuela – on the border issue as a final settlement despite its agreement to do so, denouncing it almost five decades later in 1945 before the United Nations.

In 1949, the US jurist Otto Schoenrich gave the Venezuelan Government a memorandum written

by Severo Mallet-Prevost, the Official Secretary of the US-Venezuela delegation in the Tribunal of Arbitration, which was written in 1944 to be published only after his death.

Mallet-Prevost, one of the four lawyers who had appeared for Venezuela before the Arbitral Tribunal, surmised from the private behaviour of the Judges that there had been a political deal between Great Britain and Russia and for the first time, attacked the Award. This memorandum led to Venezuela’s revival of its claim to Guyana’s territory.

In 1966 in Geneva, Switzerland, the Governments of British Guiana, the United Kingdom and Venezuela signed an agreement to resolve Venezuela’s contentions. Since then, the issue has sporadically flared up and has not been resolved.

The controversy reignited in March of last year when the Government of Guyana granted access to the United States-based oil exploration company ExxonMobil, allowing it to drill for oil in the Stabroek Block offshore Essequibo.

The Venezuelan Government was peeved

Ambassador Cheryl Miles

at this move and made direct contact with the oil company, urging it to discontinue its attempt to carry out drilling activities in the area. Saying it had no part in the territorial issue, the oil company went ahead with its drilling activity. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro later issued a decree on May 26, 2015, which purports to ratify maritime sovereignty over waters within 200 miles including the entire Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo Coast as well as part of Suriname’s maritime territory and an area which is under dispute with Colombia.

Ambassador finally accredited Meanwhile, after several months of being appointed Guyana’s newest Ambassador to neighbouring Venezuela, Cheryl Miles was on Wednesday finally accredited by the Government of the Spanish-speaking nation.

Greenidge told the National Assembly that the new Ambassador was finally able to present her credentials to that country’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez.

He said the accreditation fulfilled a promise made by President Maduro last year that the Ambassador would be soon accepted.

After concerns were raised by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in Parliament about the Ambassador’s appointment, the House was made aware of the development.

Government selected Miles, who had before served a seven-year term as Ambassador to Venezuela under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government, back in November last year, but the tensions between the two countries forced an unwanted delay in her confirmation. She replaces Geoffrey Da Silva.

news

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friday, february 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 19 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, February 20 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 19 –14:00h-15:30h and Saturday, February 20 – 14:50h-16:20h.

Crum-Ewing murder probe

PPP employee allegedly beaten by Police – Crime Chief says no evidence of injuries found – Attorneys say Police rejected original medical, changed doctors on Abdulla’s feet prior to conducting the x-ray and not because he insisted – as stated in other reports.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Attorney’s account

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light rain fall, interrupted by sunny intervals can be expected in the morning, while sunny weather is expected in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:09h and 14:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.25 metres and 2.37 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:59h and 20:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.97 metre and 0.80 metre.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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Thursday, February 18, 2016 Daily Millions

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reedom House employee Jason Abdulla, who was recently arrested in connection to the Courtney Crum-Ewing murder investigation, was reportedly beaten by the Police Officers while in custody and was subsequently taken to two city hospitals for treatment.

Reports indicate that the detainee claimed he was beaten by investigators as a means of releasing information, however, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has since denied those allegations.

Guyana Times understands that Abdulla, who had a bandage on one of his feet, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital but a functioning x-ray machine was not available there, and as such, he was taken to the Woodlands Hospital to be examined.

Blanhum explained that when the doctors examined the suspect, there were no immediate signs to verify the story he related.

This publication understands from police sources that doctors detected swollen tissue under Abdulla’s foot; however, they claimed that it was not as a result of being attacked.

Those sources indicated that Abdulla might have gotten the “swollen tissue” after being on cold concrete barefoot. It was also explained that the bandage was placed

Torture, police excess

But when contacted Attorney at Law Glenn Hanoman explained that when Abdulla visited the doctor, his feet were swollen and had abrasions.

After examination by a doctor at Woodlands Hospital, he was given a medical and cast in Paris was placed on his foot.

The medical was given to the police by the Doctor who examined Abdulla, the Attorney related.

The incidents of Police brutality in Guyana are alarmingly high.

Back in January 2015, several countries including the United States expressed concerns over the “continued and widespread” reports of excessive violence by Police Officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Instances of Police brutality, especially against those held in custody, and the slow pace of investigations and judicial proceedings foster a per-

He said that his client informed that upon return to the Eve Leary Headquarters, the officer in charge was upset with the escorting officer for having taken him to the doctor in the first place.

Hanoman said that he was advised that three different officers were instructed to take him to receive a second medical from a specific doctor and that’s when the officers allegedly threaten the doctor and a second medical was issued stating nothing was wrong with the PPP employee.

The Attorney related that when he visited his client early Wednesday, Abdulla had complained about being beat-

ception of impunity and a lack of accountability,” US representative Divya Khosiahad said at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group meeting in Switzerland.

She had recommended that Guyana increase the capacity of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to undertake prompt and impartial investigations of Police abuse, so that the PCA can transfer cases to the justice system for prosecution as warranted.

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had previously declared that all must adopt a zero tolerance approach to Police brutality.

Jason Abdulla

In the midst of the public hue and cry over the promotion of the “torture cops” who were charged with burning a teenager’s genital while in custody, Ramjattan declared that all rogue cops will be accordingly dealt with by the law.

He insisted that where Police Officers were found liable of torture and other cases of misconduct, they will be thoroughly investigated.

“I want to assure that all Policemen, especially, the rogue cops out there, know we have a plan to ensure that they [will] be caught, and [that they] will be removed forthwith from the Police Force,” he had stated.

In another report, Ramjattan pronounced “All rogue cops, especially when judicial officers would have pronounced on the wrongdoings, will go and even those cops who have had serious allegations if internally there are investigations, we find them culpable, they are going to go too.

I want the GPF to know that it will be zero tolerance for any harassment of any citizen of people’s rights, harassment to the extent of bullyism and even the grave one of burning people’s genitalia. They are all going to go and there will be criminal prosecutions.”

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has since expressed deep concern over the reports of torture.

Adherence to UN Charter key to int’l peace, security – Talbot

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Draw De Line 03 04 08 09 10

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

en and tortured by the police. Since then, he requested that his client be taken to seek medical attention.

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

G

uyana’s permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador George Talbot, has underscored the importance of adhering to the principles and purposes of the UN

Charter in maintaining international peace and security.

He was at the time speaking at the ‘Open Debate’ of the UN Security Council on Monday at the UN Headquarters in New

York. The forum chaired by neighbouring Venezuela, was held under the theme ‘Maintenance of international peace and security: respect for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter’.

In his remarks, Talbot pointed out that adherence to the Charter is imperative to promoting peace and security in the international community. turn to page 9

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Editorial

A modern Education Bill I

n 2014, a modern Education Bill was laid in Parliament.

This Bill was intended to amend the current Education Act, which came into being since 1876 and was last amended in 1976. This contemporary Bill, which aims to give fresher oversight, in our rapidly advancing world, to our education sector, is before a Special Select Committee in Parliament. But even as this Bill sits before Parliament, the Education Ministry is seeking to establish a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector to analyse perceived predetermined problems within the school systems. This, according to the Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, will provide information to formulate plans to deal with the adversities faced by the sector. This CoI, which is almost six months in the making, is coming at a time when Guyana has already achieved universal primary education and is at the 70 per cent mark in achieving universal secondary education.

Why are we moving to have a CoI, which will consume millions of taxpayers’ dollars, when we can simply improve on the evolving education sector that was inherited from the previous Administration? It is no secret that the landscape of Guyana’s educational sector has advanced over the past 10 years and, therefore, it is incomprehensible that there is need for a CoI. One is left to wonder if it’s a case of perception: that anything done under the previous Administration – to advance the country – is inadequate.

The current 126-page Education Bill, for which countrywide consultations were done, includes firsttime legislative provisions for several undertakings while addressing numerous areas ranging from decentralising of the education management sector, to students’ rights, administration of the sector and special-needs education.

With respect to the decentralisation of the education system, the Bill seeks to have national education strategic planning and research, policy formulation and development, and resource mobilisation. It also sought to provide centralised services for teachers’ training and development, curriculum development and setting of academic and non-academic standards. According to the Bill, the Regional Education Departments will be directly responsible for the management and supervision of the day-to-day implementation of education in their respective regions.

In the area of administration, the Bill outlines that all citizens of Guyana, regardless of race, creed, age, gender, physical or mental ability or socio-economic status are to be given the best opportunity to achieve their full potential through equal access to quality education, as defined by the standards and norms outlined by the Ministry. It also stipulated the establishment of a National Advisory Committee on Education in Guyana. The Bill specifies that the Advisory Committee will advise the Minister on issues relating to education with respect to the discharge of any of the Minister’s responsibilities or the exercising of the Minister’s powers under the Act. Additionally, it also detailed parameters by which private schools should be guided. But more importantly, the Bill sought to give rights to special needs children in our society. It provides that a student who is entitled to a special education programme will have the programme delivered in the least restrictive and most enabling environment that resources permit. Furthermore, according to the Bill, a special education programme may take the form of an individual education plan tailored to the specific or individual needs of the student. This comprehensive outline in the Bill for our special needs children augurs well for us as a society.

The contents of the Bill were deliberately outlined to demonstrate that we are sitting on a massive gold mine for our education sector, but rather than tapping into it, the Education Minister is nitpicking about the sector. It is obvious after a perusal of the Bill that erudite minds formulated this most modern piece of legislation. Let us not limit ourselves by holding a jaundiced view of a modern bill just because it was conceived by the previous Administration.

School tour: These enthusiastic youngsters from the Bath Primary School, Berbice eagerly listened to Human Resources Supervisor Lisa Ahmad and Senior Journalist Edward Layne during a tour of the Guyana Times/TVG28/Radio Guyana 89.5 FM on Thursday

Budget 2016: Stress, more stress and distress beckon

Dear Editor, Indeed, recent public opinion polls on the 2016 Budget indicate that a significant number of the Guyanese people are not confident that Budget 2016 can and will deliver the good life. Seems to me that if the Government’s present policies, programmes, plans and trends continue the good life will continue to be an elusive dream for most but a reality for the fortunate ones at the top and their lackeys.

My dear readers, I ask you: (a) Do you see yourselves being better off by the end of 2016 as a result of the measures the Government plans to take to improve living conditions during 2016? b) Are you confident that the measures set out in the 2016 Budget can stimulate growth, restore confidence and take us in the direction of the good life? c) Are you confident that the shortcomings, inefficiencies, slothfulness and mistakes of the APNU+AFC Government in the post-May 2015 period can and will be corrected through Budget 2016?

In fact, do you think the Government has any interest or concern in bringing the good life to any but their own kit and kin?

You the citizens of Guyana whether you are a pensioner, a public servant, a businessman/woman, a housewife, a farmer,

the unemployed etc are the ones to determine whether this Budget addresses the concerns/welfare needs of the citizens (a majority) of this Country and let your views be placed in the public domain for as many as would listen to hear.

Meanwhile, here’s what some of our fellow Guyanese had to say: Pensioners… The $ 1200 per pensioner per month increase could certainly not replace the $30 million per month which they will have to pay for electricity and the millions more for water rates. They would much prefer that the Government supplement the small increase they proposed by restoring the annual subsidy of $10 000 for water rates and the $30 000 for electricity per pensioner.

Pensioners are also not enthused by the “no payment for renewal of Driver’s Licence and for Airport Tax” as very few of them own a vehicle or can afford to travel overseas. Pensioners demand more in order to enjoy the god life.

Public servants, teachers, nurses, doctors, health workers, policemen and women bemoan the fact that they must wait to enjoy the good life. For how long is anybody’s guess.

You could ask Messrs Harmon and Nagamotoo.

But I wish to ask President David Granger and these two Ministers: how do you

motivate workers with no salary increases when they are aware that you have paid yourselves huge increases? Recall Mr Harmon that in seeking to justify the extravagant salary increases paid to Govt Ministers and specific Govt Officers, you said: “such increases motivate performance and prevent thieving”. By that kind of logic and deduction; ‘Will such increases not also prevent thieving among public servants, health workers, teachers, etc?

And what about the several hundreds of public servants whose services you terminated… senior public servants with their many years of public service and wealth of experience? Their only offence was loving the PPP and exercising their right to vote for the Government of their choice. What about them, their families, their dependents? Does Budget 2016 make any provision for them? Point me to the page, the section/ subsection of Budget 2016 Finance Minister.

The 2016 Budget shows a clear absence of focus on areas to create jobs and wealth; especially for our young people. What about the promised new job creating projects? What about the promised Entrepreneurial Programmes, Mr President?

On the issue of re-

source allocation to Local Authorities the Budget fails to provide for the transfer of adequate funds to Local Authorities under the Fiscal Transfers Act 2013.

Under the PPP/C Budgetary allocations were made for the provision of Central Government subventions to Local Authorities, that is, NDCs and municipalities.

This year a meagre $ 21.7 million was allocated to be divided among the 71 Local Authorities… woefully inadequate. But who among the APNU+AFC cares?

Under the PPP/C the allocation was $ 282 million.

To the contrary the Minister of Communities speaks of raising the taxes paid by ratepayers. How beastly and inhumane some of us can be.

APNU+AFC: Are you concerned; do you care? As one of your senior Ministers said after you had decided to pay yourselves huge salary increases from “an empty Treasury”: you have no apologies to make.

To those who have much, more shall be added. To him who had little, even the little shall be taken away from him. Surely Government has not read or understood this obviously relevant bit of Scripture readings.

Sincerely, Norman Whittaker

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With reference to a Local Government and you (Part 2) publication full of wax

Dear Editor, Some time back I addressed the issue of Junior Minister Broomes’ dishonesty in the conflict of interest which engages her responsibility on Amerindian proposed title land.

I was prompted to do so after noticing a blog post then trending on social media, written by a Sara Bharrat, and in which Minister Broomes was being praised for her “refreshing honesty”.

This is in spite of the said Minister having vehemently refuted the claims of her possession of mining blocks in Tasserene in July 2015, but who upon assuming position as Junior Minister of Natural Resources earlier this year, was forced to admit to having these blocks. A gross violation of indigenous rights.

However, the letter urged an immediate response from the author, which was published on her blog. In a composition of 609 words, my name figured at least 13 times, which left me torn between amusement and disappointment that it did not address the matter which I raised previously in my letter.

The entire substance of the author’s publication is based on an error resulting from the author misreading me. The author stated: “In your letter to the Kaieteur News yesterday, you identified my brand ‘Without Wax’ and accused me of being ‘ill-informed’, of having a ‘sinister plot to mislead readers’ and of promoting PR for Simona Broomes ‘whether voluntary or in exchange for pay’ ”.

Yet, in my publication, it

was suggested that “While we are all fully entitled to express our opinions freely within the confines of mutual respect, describing Broomes as being honest has to come from someone who is ill-informed, who has a sinister plot to mislead readers or who whether voluntarily or in exchange for payment is promoting PR”. “or” and not “and”, where the first represents an alternative/possibility and the latter represents an output/fact.

While I did mention a signature (“without wax”) I deliberately omitted to cite a name, as the purpose of the letter was not to attack the author as it was suggested, but to highlight what I believe to be an erroneous description of Broomes.

However, I am now compelled to address the author who indulged in the very offence she accused me of, by attacking my character based on mere presumptions, without having a clue of who I am, but based merely on a photo she obtained from the GINA website.

The person of the author is of no interest to me. However, I reiterate my belief that anyone who praises Broomes for her honesty is obviously unaware of her dishonesty in the Tasserene fiasco, or must be promoting an agenda to mislead the public or to conduct a PR operation.

This belief is reinforced by the fact that Sara Bharrat is an elected Director of the Transparency Institute Inc of Guyana (TIGI) since July 13, and that TIGI was the first to signal that Broomes’ engagement in mining while assum-

ing a ministerial role in the Natural Resources Ministry, resulted in a conflict of interest.

Subsequently, it should be deemed irresponsible for a member of an internationally recognised organisation tasked with monitoring corruption, to be ill informed on a matter which is being dealt with by the organisation she represents, or to promote an image of a Minister which contradicts the accusation of conflict of interest identified by the organisation she represents. The said organisation called on Broomes to relinquish her properties on January 7, 2016.

It is highly recommended that the author in question, in her future endeavours, abstain from misconstruing information and engaging in emotive defences especially when she is not being attacked on a personal level.

It is also suggested that she remains au fait with the work of her organisation as well as that of the politicians she defends.

It is unusual for the members of Transparency International, to defend politicians who are under scrutiny for corruption, given that monitoring corruption is what the organisation is expected to do. I advise Bharrat to heed the values that TIGI would have inherited from Transparency International, so as to avoid that the organisation she represents be accused of partiality in the execution of its mandate.

Sincerely, Anna Correia

Dear Editor, Amid the numerous raised and published questions from myriad observers and commentators, the unconcerned and callous approach by GECOM permeates and continues the attenuation of the acceptable norms associated with and expected in our constitutionally designed democracy.

With less than one calendar month before the 2016 historical Local Government Elections (LGE), there are indeed many more serious questions on which the continued lack of appropriate responses by the responsible persons who are the principals of GECOM can serve to hair trigger the emergent time bomb that is being created.

The final Voters’ Register is not yet available and seemingly, the irresponsible administrators of GECOM continue to take the Guyanese people for granted. The million-dollar question is when will the Register of Voters be available to the people of this country?

More serious is the fact that the Disciplined Services/ Forces list of voters is not available for the contestants to scrutinise. There are serious implications surrounding the Disciplined Services/ Forces voting on March 8, 2016 if sufficient time to properly scrutinise this list is not granted. Indeed, the platform is being laid for the possible occurrence of more questionable double voting by some members of the Disciplined Services/Forces on the 8th and then again on the 18th of March, whose party allegiances override their necessary professionalism. GECOM is well aware that such practic-

es have not been uncommon in the past and that every step must be taken to prevent same in the future.

Further, if the Voters List in circulation is the Register of Voters for the upcoming elections, then it is likely that thousands of voters will be disenfranchised. The administrators at GECOM cannot devolve themselves of the knowledge that thousands of persons are not registered at the place where they are living. Apt examples include the thousands of people living in the Eccles/Ramsburg and the Diamond Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Councils who are not on the Voters’ Register. Likewise, the situation transcends almost every new housing development area, thanks to the inefficient public relations policies utilised.

As a consequence, it is rational that the names of Members of the Disciplined Services/Force who are not living in Local Government Areas and those who did not register in a specific Local Government Area ought not to be on the Voters’ Register.

Since at the time of writing this article, no list of the Disciplined Services/Force was made available to the 71 Election Agents, one could draw conclusions of likely insufficient time to conduct the necessary reviews and/ or make possible objections.

Additionally, it is imperative that the final Register of Voters be circulated without the Disciplined Services/ Forces names on the list.

It is expected that GECOM will print and circulate the list of all the Disciplined Services’ voters before March 8, 2016, and after March 8 but at the

Worst experience in my homeland Dear Editor, As a regular visitor to my country, last December was no different. It was Christmas and there is no better time to be at home, in your own country at this time. However, I must alert you to the fact that Christmas 2015 turned out to be the worst experience in my life.

On the second day in my country, I went into Demico House to make a call to a female friend of mine. We spoke for a brief period then I hung up. Seconds into me ending the call, an acquaintance - his name is Curwen - came up to me and requested to make a call to his girlfriend.

I was very kind to him and lent him my phone to make the call. I think it might have been a distraction from one of the customers in the fast food outlet or something, but the next thing I knew Curwen, the borrower of my phone, was nowhere to be seen. It was if he wasn’t there - he just disappeared. I was now left perplexed as to the reason for him stealing my phone, seeing I know the individual, would meet with him again and most certainly hand him over to the police. But, as someone said, it is Christmas and as Granger said these “petty thieves” were out to get a full Christmas at

my expense.

Now instead of cutting my losses and go to my home, I decided to go after the “petty thief” to recover my loss. I was now out of Demico and in the vicinity of the Sophia Bus Park area. Little did I know that I was walking right into an ambush.

No sooner had I turned the corner when I felt a tug on my haversack that spun me around. The next thing I knew was a hail of blows coming from a guy wielding a beer bottle. The newspapers in Guyana are very apologetic when it comes to reporting the ethnicity of the attackers but it is important that I do so now.

The ethnicity of the attackers were of African descent - all of them young, strong men. Meantime a gathering of approximately 12 guys surrounded us, watching intensely as to what was going on. I kept calling out to them to assist me because I was being robbed: thief! thief, this man is a thief! but to no avail.

I must say I fought valiantly to secure my property, but at the point where we fell to the ground the group stepped in and relieved me of all my possession. Amidst all of my claims this will go down as a “petty crime” such is the

new rating of criminal “choke and rob” in Guyana.

One can run away with someone else’s cell phone, set up an ambush, brutally take what is not theirs and hear the head of state classify it as a “petty crime.” I was traumatised by this robbery, I am still nervous at the thought of someone walking behind me. I know it will take some time for all of this to go away but this

is the reality of the state of affairs in a place called Guyana and our Guyanese experience.

I do not want to be a prophet of doom but crime of the nature mentioned above will continue to escalate due to the associated factors.

My advice to the coalition Government is to prepare your minds for the negative reviews that will come from the visitors from overseas. There

is nothing stopping these “petty thieves” from striking it rich when the hapless visitors arrive.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

earliest date before March 18, 2016, the list of all the Disciplined Services/Forces voters who voted on March 8, 2016.

Dealing transparently with the counting, sorting, security and dissemination of the Disciplined Services/ Forces votes to the various/respective constituencies is very tedious, but they are important issues on which we expect GECOM to clearly make known the approaches in sufficient time.

After voting on the 8th of March the respective Ballot Officers will have to put away all the votes cast and seal the container and send same to GECOM. Before the counting and sorting out of the ballots, GECOM must inform the contestants when it will be sorting out the votes and envelope the votes in the respective envelopes and place according to the specific constituencies.

Of great interest will be the sorting out and placing the votes in the correct constituencies. For example: in a constituency where there are more than one polling booth/polling stations, the votes will have to be sent to the Returning Officer of that Neighbourhood Democratic Council for proper assortment. The various Presiding Officers in the specific constituencies will have to take the votes cast to the Returning Officer for them to sort and make the proper count before the winner of the constituency can be declared.

Counting and sorting out of the votes will be of great interest and the procedure MUST be transparent!!!!

GECOM has failed miserably in the past as regards Disciplined Services/Forces balloting and counting of the Disciplined Services/Forces votes. We now demand that GECOM do not bungle the entire process and administer a process that is transparent and free and fair.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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Foundation

Parenting teens for a healthy body image – can Barbie help?

– help your daughter develop a positive body image

By Susan Newman, PhD

“H

ello, I’m a fat person, fat, fat, fat,” said a six-yearold in a testing room at Mattel offices. Mattel was trying out its new line of Barbies and the six-year-old was referring to the new curvy Barbie before her. The other young girls, between six and eight years old, “erupt in laughter”, Eliana Dockterman reports in her Time cover story: “Barbie’s Got a New Body.”

“It’s a sign that even kids as young as six or seven are already conditioned for a particular silhouette in their dolls,” Dockterman writes. One focus group mother said, “she prefers buying My Little Pony toys [for her daughter] to avoid the body image issue altogether.”

Whether or not the new Tall, Petite, or Curvy Barbies help regain Barbie’s iconic position in the doll world is anyone’s guess. What we do know is that by the time girls reach their teen years body image is uppermost on their minds, something Lisa Damour, PhD discusses in her new book, UNTANGLED: Guiding Girls through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood.

A confusing culture for girls

In a chapter titled “Entering the Romantic World,” Dr Damour explains, “It’s bad enough that our culture dictates confusing terms to girls. It is even worse that these messages, especially ones that emphasise the sexual objectification of girls [read Barbie], actually influence girls’ thoughts and actions, as well as their mental and physical health. …Compared to girls who question chauvinism, girls who ac-

cept media’s sexist messages are less likely to take necessary steps to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections and are more likely to suffer from eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression.”

Compounding the worry for parents and teenagers’ concern about body image is, as we all know, the persistent and vast amount of emphasis on thinness.

Barbie alone has influenced girls (and the toy market) for 57 years.

“Barbie just wasn’t sustainable.” At least not in her original shape as Sarah Miller suggests in her humorous Time piece, “ K e n

Speaks: ‘I Will Always Love Barbie, No Matter Her Size.’” But changes and additions to the iconic Barbie

s o m e h o w don’t seem sufficient to lessen the challenges parents of teenage girls will face.

Dr Damour, director of the Laurel School’s Center for Research on Girls, expertly guides in the

touchiest areas of development and social difficulties faced by parents of daughters.

Parents hope that their daughters will make smart decisions and nowhere is that more important than choices about their health. “Telling your daughter how to manage some of the most personal aspects of her life can inspire, if

not provoke, her to want to do the opposite,” notes Dr Damour.

When a teen is rebellious, her emotions seem unchecked, or she makes bad decisions; she is, as Dr Damour points out, following a predictable pattern—experiencing seven developmental stages teenage girls go through as they move toward independence and adulthood.

In UNTANGLED, she explains what’s going on, prepares parents for what’s to come, and lets them know when it’s time to worry – be it about popularity, academics, dating, drinking, drugs, or body image.

Guiding – not ruling – teen girls

Dr Damour reminds us how important it is to avoid “conflicts in domains where your daughter holds all the power.” Among them, food and schoolwork. In these arenas it is quite difficult to outsmart your teen. Like other chapters in her book, “Caring for Herself” gives salient advice (and fascinating stories and research) to help parents guide teens and circumvent dangerous potholes such as eating disorders.

For instance: “Make physical activity a part of your life as a family and focus on what you should eat, not on counting calories or restricting certain foods.”

“Steer clear of value judgments when it comes to food.” Describe foods as “anytime foods” and “sometime foods” instead of “healthy” and “unhealthy”.

If your daughter talks about her body unfavourably, say something in terms of how well she is taking care of herself.

Avoid making or giving your daughter rules about food. (Excerpt from psy-

chologytoday.com)

Signs of excessive selfcriticism

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ody image issues.

Interestingly, this issue can plague people of all shapes and sizes. It has little to do with how you actually appear, and more to do with how you see yourself. If you never look good enough in your own eyes, you’re engaged in self-criticism.

You blame yourself for every negative situation.

You feel you are personally responsible when bad things happen, too quick to take the all the blame, while ignoring legitimate outside factors.

Some people can take this tendency to an extreme. For example, blaming yourself for planning an event on a day it happens to rain.

You’re down on yourself as a whole person, as opposed to specific mistakes you may make. Instead of saying: This was the wrong way to do that, next time I might try… You tend to diminish yourself with: I am a failure. This way you do not focus on the behaviour that caused the problem and what can be improved. Rather, you apply negative thoughts to your personality and undermine your confidence in general.

You often avoid taking risks. You tell yourself are going to fail, because it happens every time, right? Therefore, you end up convinced that the safest course of action is no action at all.

You often avoid expressing your own opinion. What if you say something stupid? Perhaps you think you are boring, or not informed enough to debate with certain company.

It’s smart not to stand out as informed when you know very little about a specific subject, but if you behave the same way in the company of people who are of equal or even lesser knowledge, then you are probably engaged in self-criticism when you force yourself to hold back.

You often compare yourself to someone else – and typically come up short.

In this case your self-esteem depends on how (you believe) other people stack up against you, which may be beneficial if they are less informed or less skilled. Yet, when you are the less informed or less skilled, your self-criticism amplifies.

You may also have a tendency to see others as globally better than you. If this is the case, you’re going to end up feeling less than, guaranteed.

You are never satisfied with achievements. Whatever you do, you find nagging flaws.

You may believe that if you can’t do something right, you shouldn’t do it at all. However, you are prone to harp on inevitable flaws even when your results are positive.(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

news

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friday, february 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP activists allegedly confess Zika Virus to dumping faeces on Kissoon Guyanese woman tests positive after returning – Attorney says Abdulla was beaten, forced to sign a document from Suriname

I

n a bizarre twist of events, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) activists who were arrested in connection to a murder probe have reportedly confessed to hurling a container of faeces on newspaper columnist and political activist Freddie Kissoon some six years ago.

Police sources allege that Jason Abdulla, Okene Fraser and self-confessed death squad member Sean Hinds have all admitted to committing the act.

According to information received, the trio alleged that former Press and Publicity Officer and PPP/C Executive Member Kwame McCoy was the mastermind

Freddie Kissoon

behind the idea.

Forced, beaten

Attorney-at-Law Latchmi Rahamat when contacted by the Guyana Times

late Thursday evening said that Abdulla related that he was beaten, threatened and forced to sign a “document”.

The Attorney explained that her client was not told what he was signing but was allegedly threatened that if he did not sign the document, he would end up being charged for the murder of Courtney Crum Ewing.

She said while she “has not seen the document” that was signed, she is not aware that her client confessed to any wrongdoing or involvement therein.

Rahamat said that she will continue to follow developments in the matter and will be guided by the instructions of her client.

Kissoon, an open critic of the PPP/C, was doused with faecal matter on May 24, 2010 in the vicinity of the Nigel’s Supermarket, Robb Street.

The public figure had just emerged from the supermarket and had entered his vehicle when a man approached and threw the substance on him.

Reports indicate that Kissoon then chased behind the perpetrator but the man escaped in a waiting vehicle.

Several PPP/C activists have since taken to social media to express their belief that the detainees might have been tortured to make a confession.

Lions, Ming's donate spectacles to schoolchildren

Deborah Archer, President of the Durban Park Lions Club; Drs Michele Ming and Anne Orlina, optometrists; and Lions Club members along with Ming’s Optical staff and students

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he Lions Club of Durban Park in collaboration with Ming’s Optical on Wednesday donated

spectacles to school children from various primary schools in the country.

This presentation was done dur-

ing a simple handing over ceremony which saw Lions Club of Durban Park President Deborah Archer, Ming’s Optical Optometrists Drs Michele Ming and Anne Orline handing over the items to the West Ruimveldt Primary, Tucville Primary, Enterprise Primary, South Ruimveldt Primary and East Ruimveldt Primary.

The Lions Club of Durban Park is known for its annual activity of organising Eye Screening for school children in October to commemorate World Sight Day. In this initiative over one hundred children were screened and the ones needing further examination were identified.

Meanwhile, Ming’s Optical facilitated comprehensive eye examinations at its Clinics and provided spectacles for 22 children.

This year, a few seven- and eightyear olds received spectacles but the majority were from Grades 3 and 4.

G

uyana has reported yet another case of the Zika virus, this time being a victim who hails from Diamond, on the East Bank of Demerara, and had travelled to Suriname prior to being tested positive for the virus.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, Public Health Minster, Dr George Norton disclosed that the patient had complained about experiencing severe fevers before travelling to Suriname on February 14, but this raised no suspicions.

During her visit to Suriname, it was reported that the woman started to develop rashes which are closely linked signs of the Zika virus. Upon returning to Guyana in full manifestation of the virus, her samples were taken and sent to a laboratory in Trinidad for testing where her results came back positive.

Dr Norton told this newspaper that there is a strong possibility that the woman had contracted the virus before travelling to Suriname, which adds to Guyana’s list of another reported case of the Zika virus.

The woman is said to be currently quarantined and under strict medical observation in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) until doctors can deem her cleared of the virus. The immediate environs and neighbourhood have been fogged and disinfected to

rid it of the mosquitoes, and persons who had been in close physical contact with the infected woman – before and after her visit to Suriname – are also being examined by a medical team.

Only last week, the amount of reported cases of the virus was one; a 27-year-old who resides in Rose Hall, Berbice, and was tested positive on January 12, but with adequate treatment, she was able to fully recover from the virus with doctors saying she is now “cleared” of the virus.

On Monday, Dr Norton had announced that a 16-year-old young man from Eccles, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) had been Guyana’s second confirmed case of the virus after he had reportedly travelled to the interior region of Guyana, a month before symptoms became evident.

Dr Norton had informed that 88 suspected cases of the virus had been sent to Trinidad for testing since the outbreak and of these, 55 test results were returned confirming the presence of the virus in two persons.

In addition, a tourist visiting from the state of Ohio, USA was tested positive for the virus subsequent to her visit to Guyana. It was insinuated that she had contracted the mosquito-borne virus during her stay in Guyana.

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friday, february 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness

Salesgirl to do community service Govt for breaking and entering Encroaching...

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salesgirl of Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, will be spending the next six months doing community service, having admitted to breaking and entering to steal fern leaf milk powder and toilet paper.

Unita Ramnauth, 20, was sentenced to community service when she made her

second court appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Wednesday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s court.

On February 10, 2016, Ramnauth was refused bail

by Magistrate Scarce after she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However when she returned to court Wednesday she informed that she wished to charge

her plea to guilty.

She admitted that between January 20 and February 5, 2016, at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, she broke and entered the dwelling place of Bhagwandat Jones and stole items worth $180,000.

Ramnauth acknowledged that she indeed went into the bond with a key

and took items which included milk power, toilet paper, breeze soap powder, 96 tooth brushes, toothpaste, cooking oil and bleach.

After expressing her apology for the offence, Magistrate Scarce ordered Ramnauth to start her community service on February 20, 2016 at the Anna Regina Police station.

Threatening behaviour accused fined $10,000 – ordered to behave or face imprisonment

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wenty-one-yearold Recardo Manchal of Lot 105 Anna Regina Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was fined $10,000 with an alternative of one week imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a threatening be-

haviour charge.

Manchal made his second appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Wednesday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

The defendant informed Magistrate Scarce that he wanted to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.

He admitted that on

January 31, the Virtual Complainant was walking along the Anna Regina Housing Scheme road when she overheard a conversation between him and his friend about her. It is alleged that he rushed up to the VC and threatened to kill her in front of her gate when she raised an objec-

tion to the conversation.

Magistrate Scarce ordered the defendant to pay a fine of $10,000 or face one week imprisonment.

He was placed on a bond to keep the peace. The Magistrate also warned him if he misbehaved during that period, he would be sent to jail.

Sheep, goat thief remanded J

oseph Sohoye, 44, also known as “Sonnaboy” of Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara, was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court charged for stealing livestock.

During his appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, the labourer was slapped with two counts of larceny. It is alleged that he stole five sheep and two goats on separate occasions.

It is alleged that on Christmas Day 2015 at Wakenaam Island he stole two goats valued $100,000,

property of Sasenarine.

The second charge stated that on December, 23, 2015 at Wakenaam Island, the defendant stole five sheep valued $230,000 also property of Sasenarine.

The Police prosecutor objected to bail, informing the court that the defendant fled his home following the incidents and police apprehended him in Bartica. As such the prosecution’s submissions were upheld and Sohoye remanded to prison.

The case will continue on February 24.

E

...on families

ver since we crawled out of caves and our easy life of just “hunting and gathering” for food; bopping prospective mates over the head and dragging them into the aforementioned caves, the family’s been the centrepiece of our social life. Who knows... maybe even our cousins the Neanderthals had families? Getting into farming didn’t just make us stop using that oh-sohealthy “Paleo diet” of fruits and nuts it also solidified the family.

Farming gave the upper hand (through possibly the “upper cut”?) to males since they were bigger and stronger physically. They became “head of the family”.

OK... some say from then on it was all a male power grab that made them ensure their land and animals would pass on to their sons that gave the impetus to “families”.

So even when families begat clans and clans begat tribes and tribes begat kingdoms... it was generally seen as a “family” writ large... with the head honcho as the “father”. Of course, this was all reflected up in the skies with the great father passing down his laws. It was all very lonely for him, though, since he didn’t have a family.

But even as the human agglomerations became larger and larger, the family still remained as the brick that held everything together. In fact when modern government was invented to manage the “countries” or “states” which we are now stuck with as the highest evolutionary achievement of our species in a million years - it was to protect the “right to life, liberty and property” of families.

Well, it seems in Guyana, we’re facing a crisis in the family: the state is turning matters on its head and making interventions to “save the family”. At least this is according to Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence. But your Eyewitness has a question for the evidently well-meaning Minister. Which family is she saving?

Is it the “traditional” family? With dad at the head of the table and mom at the other end with the kids stuck in between? Or is it as was mentioned only “single parent” families? Or what about the same couple families that’s now springing up in Guyana? Will they also be “saved”?

But a more fundamental question arises: is it the business of governments to be “saving families” through its direct funding? Shouldn’t government simply provide equal opportunities for all families to flourish and let the chips fall where they may?

By getting directly involved, aren’t we allowing the government to decide what is good for us. Instead of vice versa?

...on judiciary

This Eyewitness has long railed (with arms upraised) at the introduction of wholesale pardoning of criminals

by President Granger. People who are convicted of crimes are criminals. We know at this point it would be politically correct to trot out the one instance where former President Ramotar pardoned a murderer, no?

But what intrigues us about President Granger’s pardons were the stated Biblical inspiration: go forth and sin no more. While this might well be all well and good for priests giving benedictions to penitent parishioners, it does present problems to the functioning of a modern state and the underlying social order.

There’s the problem of Executive override of the Judiciary - a supposedly co-equal partner in running the state. While the “pardoning” tradition arises from the “prerogatives of kings” that tradition was grounded in the King being God’s representative on earth. Surely we’ve moved on?

It’s hoped the recorded recidivism of one of the pardoned will cause the President to rethink his pastoral role.

...on Parliamentary protection

You, dear reader, would know your Eyewitness didn’t take kindly to the Speaker gagging MPs representing their constituencies. Wanted to get on with “parliamentary business, he said.

And yet he allowed the AG to whine about a blogger’s report when the remedy of libel’s available? O tempora!

O mores!

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

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friday, february 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

High Court green lights request to further detain Hinds, Abdulla – “entire process shrouded in secrecy” says Defence Attorney

Jason Abdulla

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he Guyana Police Force on Thursday made a successful application to the High Court to further detain two of three suspects who were taken into custody for questioning in relation to the executionstyle killing of Courtney Crum Ewing.

Freedom House employee Jason Abdulla and self-confessed death squad member Sean Hinds were taken into Police custody on Monday which meant that the 72-hour detention period had expired on Thursday evening; hence, the application to the High Court for an extension.

While the reason for the extension was not given by the Crime Chief, Guyana Times understands that there are several pieces of evidence that are being analysed. More so, investigators are working with several other leads as the probe deepens into the murder of the ex-soldier.

Meanwhile, Attorney at Law Glen Hanoman said that he was not given a chance to represents his clients in the High Court before the Chief Justice during the extension hearing.

He said it appeared as though the “entire process was shrouded in secrecy”.

“I hadn’t any say”, he explained before relating that it was utterly unconstitutional and his client’s rights were taken away.

The Attorney alleged that by the time he got an opportunity to speak, they had already granted the extension. He was unable to see the grounds that were given to the court that led to the ruling by the CJ in the matter.

The third suspect, Kwame McCoy, remains in custody. He was arrested on Wednesday evening and was taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters where he is being interrogated. The Crime Chief was tight-lipped with respect to the investigations which People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Clement

Sean Hinds

Rohee described as “politically motivated”.

He claimed that McCoy and Abdulla have been made “political prisoners” under the APNU/ AFC Government which is less than a year in office.

Rohee noted that this would be the first of a number of such occurrences to take place since the Government was targeting citizens to pin charges on them for several high-profile offences. Guyana Times understands that the two men are not allowed visitors.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-yearold father of three, was gunned down execution style on March 10 while urging residents of the

Adherence to UN...

“The faithful adherence by all to the purposes and principles of the Charter is essential to effectively promoting peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights in our world. It is incumbent on this Council, charged with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and by extension its members, to be exemplary in such adherence, and to eschew conduct inimical to the pursuit of this mandate, thereby providing a basis for enduring confidence in the efficacy and legitimacy of the actions of the Council in the eyes of the world community,” he stated. According to the Guyanese Diplomat, no member of the international community is exempted from similar adherence, noting that the Council and Member States should be held accountable for compliance with the provisions of the UN Charter.

He noted that the global society constantly charges countries to be each other’s keepers and in order to maintain peace, they must ensure that development is sustained while at the same time human rights respected. “So, it behoves us to ensure that peace endures in our societies and that we not allow discord and violence to spill over into other societies.

From page 3

In these interlinked pursuits, the organs of the UN – the General Assembly, ECOSOC (the United Nations Economic and Social Council) and the Security Council in particular – must work in cooperation and complementarity, as should Member States,” he noted, while adding that the importance of the SecretaryGeneral in upholding respect for the values of UN through the exercise of his good offices, must not be discounted.

According to Talbot, the theme of the debate permeates the existence of Small Developing States like Guyana, as the “credo” of their foreign policy and the standard which they expect others to observe in their conduct toward them. He went on to outline that Guyana, being one of the smallest countries in its Hemisphere, looks to the UN for protection against those who harm or threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity with which it was endowed.

“The Charter is not for big countries only; it is for small ones like mine. Its principles and purposes are not only for the rich and powerful; but for the poor and the powerless; it is the weak who need it most and whose adherence to it is often truest,” Guyana’s permanent UN representative remarked.

Kwame McCoy

Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots during the May 2015 General Election.

An autopsy revealed that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets to the head, one to the back of the neck while the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All of the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue

was found on the back of the collar of the shirt he was wearing.

This newspaper was told that two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head.

Following the death of the man who rose to popularity after picketing former Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s office, Reagan Rodrigues also called “Grey Boy” was arrested and charged. Nandlall’s former bodyguard, Rajput Narine, was also arrested as investigations continued into the executionstyle killing.

PPP/C calls for release Meanwhile, the PPP/Civic in a statement late Thursday evening expressed grave concerns over these recent developments.

“The PPP/C notes with deep concern the continued incarceration without bail of Jason Abdulla, an employee of Freedom House and Kwame McCoy, a Central Committee member of the party. Regarding Abdulla, the 72 hours legally permissible period for which a person can be held in Police custody has expired, but bail has not been granted despite the repeated requests for bail by the Attorney-at-Law acting on behalf of Abdulla,” the Party related.

As regards McCoy, the

Courtney Crum-Ewing

Party is disturbed by the fact that he was denied visitors.

The Party reminded that “Grey Boy” was already charged with the murder of CrumEwing several months ago and those court proceedings were still pending.

“At the time, the Police publicly claimed that the evidence which they have was sufficient to prove a case of murder against this person, hence the charge,” the Party pointed out, noting that it is rather strange that an entire year after the man’s death, the Police suddenly discovered "new evidence" which allegedly implicated Abdulla and McCoy. “We note also that the Police Officer who has been assigned responsibility of investigating this matter has been the subject

of some damning allegations made against him by Rodrigues both in and out of Court. These allegations suggest that this officer played a little more than an investigative role in this matter.

We, therefore, contend that this officer cannot be impartial and professional in the discharge of his responsibilities. We believe that this officer was deliberately assigned to this matter,” the Party stated.

In this regard, the Party posited that this was another blatant manifestation of a centrally directed plan to harass, intimidate, witch-hunt and persecute PPP/C members, supporters and their leaders.

“We had expected the persecution and harassment to be intensified as Local Government Elections come closer and as the explosive Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry's Report is about to be made public.

These political machinations will not succeed as distractions which they are intended to be.

It is obvious that these persons are locked up because of their political views and associations,” the Party stated.

On that note, the PPP/C is calling for an immediate halt “of this political harassment now” and for the immediate release of both Abdulla and McCoy.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 19, 2016

News UG transformation task force

More students’ representation needed – UGSS President

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here is need for more student representation on the recently established transformational task force, President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) Joshua Griffith has said.

This, he said, will aid in the process in addressing the varying concerns and issues present at the country’s top tertiary institution.

Last Friday, the University Council, following a mandate by Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, officially disclosed the establishment of the task force, which is aimed at restructuring and repairing the broken systems at the University, thereby replacing it to the place it needs to be.

The task force consists of several stakeholders, including a representative of the student society. Griffith is there representing the students. However, he said he still feels the students are being short-changed.

“The task force definitely needs more representation from the student body.

I found that myself, being there, we needed more representation from the major stakeholders, that is the students did not do jus-

UGSS President Joshua Griffith

tice to the students,” he told Guyana Times on Tuesday.

He said if the task force is going to be workable for those involved, the major stakeholders need to be part of the unit.

According to Griffith, the student body’s presentation to the task force was very well received, since it covered the basics.

“It focused on the present and future,” he said, and while some historical ills were highlighted, the body stands by the concept that if the university is to move forward, there are some issues of the past that need to be dealt with.

“Transformation cannot and will not be achieved unless we change our thinking.

Sadly some of the mindset still plagues the university.

This must be changed,” he said.

According to Griffith, there are some basic policies of the university that are antistudent, antiquality and antistandards. He said a lot of persons on the task force are past students and officials and may come with their foreign ideas on the way things really are.

“What are needed more are persons on the ground to help the force move forward,” he said. He however commended the Education Ministry for the timely and relevant initiative.

It is hoped that the work instigated by the new task force will help UG achieve a level of excellence necessary to propel the growth and development of Guyana.

Recently appointed Chancellor Dr Nigel Harris, has received a mandate from Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to move in this direction, urging him to work along with the Council to constitute a team to review and select studies produced in the last decade that assessed the status of the university and make rec-

ommendations for change.

The unit is also expected to hear and assess pre-

success to Guyana and other places where graduates have found themselves;

sentations on the perceived state of UG by select past and present administrators, academic and nonacademic staff along with students, among other things.

Speaking to journalists at UG’s first media briefing for this year, Harris said it is a known fact that the university has brought much

however, there are a number of chronic challenges facing the university that have not been addressed.

“These include issues such as staff remuneration, issues of governance of the university, issues with the adequacy of the facilities, and issues of infrastructural support. There is a mat-

ter of morale, matters with respect to the qualification of the academic and nonacademic staff.

These issues have been recognised and spoken to in the last two decades”, he told reporters in the Education Lecture Theatre.

Harris said with the change in Government, there have also been changes for the University. He however said he was not implying that one party has better ideas than the other.

“It is a moment of opportunity because the Private Sector and other friends of the university and the Diaspora who aligned with the university… who also have found that in this moment of change they want to become re-engaged with the university.”

He said it was imperative that all sectors of Guyana come together.

LGE 2016

GECOM assures stakeholders of transparency and fairness

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has assured that systems employed to execute the success of the voting process in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) is “bounded by transparency and fairness.”

The elections body made the statement in light of concerns raised by the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – which during a meeting had raised a number of concerns over security matters, voting of the disciplined services, and procedural affairs.

GECOM stated that it is “astute in ensuring that voting procedures for the Local Government Elections are observed and maintained in accordance to the Local Authorities Law.” PPP/C met with GECOM last Wednesday, where concerns were also raised about the safe storage and retrieval of all supplies, and demanded to be involved, or at least be provided with, information for purposes of transparency.

During that meeting the party explained that during the 2015 General and Regional Elections, PPP/ Civic’s ballot agents were prevented from accompanying the ballot boxes, while the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) agents were allowed. The PPP/C had also alleged that their agents were also prevented from placing plastic seals on ballot boxes at the end of the poll on May 11.

Concerns over the role of police ranks at ballot stations were also raised and

the party pointed to several ballot stations in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) where ranks operated as ballot staff.

In a statement issued to the media, GECOM noted that measures of “conduct and procedure” similar to those in the Manual for Polling Day Officials have been posted on their website. These include “definitive responses” to concerns that were raised at the meeting with the PPP/C. The elections commission advised that the List of Electors for members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is currently being prepared and a copy will be issued to the relevant stakeholders.

It was explained that these ballots will be sorted according to respective Local Authorities and Constituencies to be dispatched to the respective Returning Officers for intermixing on Elections Day. It was further stated that on Elections Day, the respective lists of members of the Disciplined Forces will be scrutinised “in order

to prevent those electors of the Disciplined Forces from voting again” on March 18.

Additionally, the packing of Ballot Boxes to be dispatched to the Ballot Stations, it noted, will be carried out “under appropriate and adequate supervision of GECOM personnel and witnessed by Agents/Representatives of the contesting Political Parties/Voluntary Groups/ Individual Candidates.”

According to GECOM, ballot boxes will then be returned to GECOM after Disciplined Services voting Tuesday, March 8, 2016 and kept in the secured custody of the Chief Elections Officer “under guard by Members of the Guyana Police Force.”

GECOM further advised that a Police Officer is assigned to each Polling Station under the supervision of the Presiding Officer to provide security, to assist the Presiding Officer in maintaining order, to monitor and control the activities of the electors within the 200-yard limit. The elections body also noted that Polling Stations are managed by “strict guidelines and modes of conduct.”

friday, february 19, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

US Govt can connect Guyanese Diamond water shortage GWI not doing enough – residents rice exporters with its rice importers – Ambassador A

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lthough its rice trade is completely privatised, the United States Government can still assist Guyana by connecting local rice exporters with rice importers in the North American nation.

US Ambassador Perry Holloway, during an interview with Guyana Times, explained that since the US Government was not involved in the rice trade within the country, it could not import/export rice.

“The US Government does not import any rice; the US Government does not export any rice…it’s not like the US Government can say we’ll buy (rice),” Ambassador Holloway stated.

Last year, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt said the rice sector in his country was most “certainly opened to Guyanese rice exporters”, and the Embassy would be willing to facilitate the process, should anyone become interested.

When questioned about progress on this development, Ambassador Holloway clarified that the Chargé d’Affaires was offering to assist in connecting Guyanese rice exporters with US rice importers.

Thereon, the traders will have to negotiate among themselves and arrive at an agreement.

Should an agreement be brokered between the two parties, Holloway explained that the US Government can then assist the Guyanese businessmen in becoming compliant with sanitary and phytosanitary legislation in order to export an agricultural product to the US. “That’s all we can help with…the US Government buys rice from no one,” he reiterated.

Concerns within the rice industry began brewing at a rapid pace following the collapse of the PetroCaribe deal with Venezuela as rice farmers and millers alike began to worry about the future of the sector.

After Guyana lost the most lucrative rice exportation deal with the Spanishspeaking nation, the latter had begun importing rice from the US. The US recorded a notable increase in its rice shipments to Venezuela totalling 29,500 tonnes in August last.

Then in September, the US exported 30,000 tonnes of rice to Venezuela.

Additionally, according to the US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service Export Sales Report for October 2015, the US rice exporters have shipped 298,721 tonnes of rice to Venezuela.

During this timeframe, Guyanese rice farmers were

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

faced with major difficulties since Venezuela no longer accepted shipments of rice as was arranged under the PetroCaribe deal.

Reports indicated that the rice farmers were still reeling from the devastating blow. It was reported that as a result of the collapse of the rice deal with Venezuela, coupled with other economic factors, Guyana lost approximately $11 billion in revenue last year.

Although the country’s rice exports increased by six per cent during the period January to October 2015 as compared with the corresponding period for the previous year, the earnings from the exports declined considerably.

In 2014, almost 30 per cent of the rice exported by

Guyana went to Venezuela at above-world market prices.

This transition period has been challenging for rice farmers and millers across the country who are reportedly struggling to meet their various financial obligations.

Compounding the situation is the fact that Government neglected to allocate budgetary measures for the rice industry in its $230 billion National Budget for 2016.

When the parliamentary Opposition made an attempt to have a discussion on the matter in the National Assembly, the Speaker denied the request on the ground that rice was “not Government’s business”.

This move only sparked further outrage in the rice sector with stakeholders, including the former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy coming forth to prove to the public that rice was indeed Government’s business.

But the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration has taken a firm stance since ascension to office that rice belongs to the Private Sector and, therefore, Government will, like the United States, not get involved.

However, Government noted that it would similarly assist in securing rice markets by connecting rice exporters here with rice importers in other territories or by lobbying other Governments to import rice from Guyana.

s the water woes persisted in the communities of Diamond Housing Scheme, Diamond Public Road and Kaneville, on the East Bank of Demerara over the past week, residents are convinced that the situation is being poorly handled by the relevant authority – the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and they are calling for necessary action to be taken to rectify the ongoing situation.

Speaking with Guyana Times, a few of the distressed residents were in total anguish about the ‘unhurried’ approach GWI has taken in restoring water to the mass of persons who have been forced to resort to buying water at high prices to fill their tanks or waiting on it to rain so their tanks could be filled.

One resident explained that her household has been without water since last Monday, and while GWI has reported that they are currently working to resolve the shortage, she has not seen any action in the past days or heard anything from the team on when their water woes would end.

The woman said, in addition to not seeing any GWI personnel working in the area, there is also a flaw in the distribution exercise where all residents do not have the chance to benefit when the GWI trucks go around in the area with water filled tankers for the purpose of water distribution.

“These people are not doing what they said they would.

I don’t see any trucks coming around in my area to share water. I’m at work sometimes, but whenever I’m at home, I don’t see them,” she stated.

Another resident, Muneshwar Ragnauth, told this publication that he is being put in expense as the

The ongoing water distribution exercise

shortage continues, since he has to buy a tank of water every two days and the price is $3000. However, he told this newspaper that he is not at home most times so he is unaware if the water distribution is continuous.

While some residents are immensely affected by the shortage, others have gotten around the situation but are still concerned about the persons who do not have other sources of obtaining water.

One other resident related that his family has a number of tanks which they would buy water and fill occasionally but he is aware that other persons are being hassled by the shortage; one such case being his neighbour who has no other source to rely on for water since she is without a tank.

However, other sources stated that the water distribution exercise has been ongoing in some areas of the community, but residents who live more to the back of the community have been left stranded for the past few days.

Photos taken by residents

showed that the exercise is being executed efficiently, but other residents continue to lament that their area is not being included in the distribution, even though they are equally affected like the others in the “front part” of Diamond.

Attempts by this publication to reach GWI for a comment on the claims were futile.

In a recent press statement by the water supplier, they had informed that the situation is as a result of the ruptured well casing as well as the great build up of clay in the well. The statement added that the utility was in the process of fixing the well, utilising a GWI team and local contractors.

The company had engaged a number of local contracting services to aid in resolving the situation and assured that their team along with the contractors will be working tirelessly to formulate a long-term solution at the well station to rectify the shortage and avert possible shortages in the future.

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friday, february 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Millions budgeted for D&I work in Regions 3, 4 – as budgetary allocations approved

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udgetary allocations for Regions Three and Four were approved Wednesday in the Committee of Supply as the consideration of the 2016 Estimates continued.

During the session, it was revealed that millions of dollars have been budgeted for drainage and irrigation (D&I) works in the two regions as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition scrutinise the budgetary provisions.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), a total of $165 million was budgeted for D&I under the Agriculture programme. This figure represented a $31 million increase over 2015.

Opposition front bencher Irfaan Ali brought up the issue, asking whether provision for works at Hubu, Ruby and Naamryck Backdams drainage canals is included in the line item titled ‘maintenance of drainage and irrigation works’. Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan responded, saying that interventions in the three areas were catered for in the budget.

The PPP parliamentarian further enquired whether any provisions were made for rice farmers in these areas who are facing a difficult period of drought conditions.

The Minister explained that assistance for the irrigation in this dry weather condition is available but may not be under the regional provisions.

“There is a committee in

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan fielded questions on the various administrative regions

place in the region that involves a number of stakeholders including farmers, water users association and local authorities that are benefiting from D&I interventions from Central Government to ensure that relief is brought to our followers in those areas as well as other areas across region three,” he stated.

Bulkan committed to provide details of the amounts allocated to each of the three areas works to be done as well as information regarding the specific amount budgeted for irrigation for rice farmers.

Ali went on to ask the Minister about how much of the budgeted money will be spent on the drainage system in Hague Backdam.

The Minister noted that Hague drainage will benefit from monies under this programme and also pro-

visions under the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). He offered to make the specific amount available.

“With regards to Central Government allocations for interventions in D&I, this is not the only programme that caters for funding for such activities. There will be other funding provided under NDIA allocations… For all of the areas that would receive funding under the NDIA, it is listed in the capital profile and it gives some of the areas but not a complete listing,” he added.

Moreover, the Opposition MP quizzed Bulkan on provisions for D&I in the Wales/ Patentia area, in light of the fact that the factory, which assumed responsibility of such works, will be closed.

“Who would now be in charge of the maintenance and irrigation of that area

and (is) any budgetary allocation made here to take care of that,” he asked. In his response, the Minister pointed out that funding for intervention at the Wales/ Patentia area will be done under Central Government provisions and not under regional administration.

Furthermore, Ali posed the question as to whether any budgetary allocation will be used to prepare the five-acre plot of lands for small farmers that was announced by Government.

However, Bulkan explained that the money budgeted caters for D&I in existing areas, while adding “with regards to new cultivation areas funding for this was not provided under this line item,” he said.

According to the Minister, this year’s budgetary allocation of $165 million in the area of maintenance of D&I infrastructure across the region, is a significant investment that will see all farmers, including rice, benefitting.

Additionally, another $45 million was budgeted under capital expenditure for the construction and rehabilitation of D&I structures and payment of retention.

Meanwhile, in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), the amount budgeted for D&I is $121.3 million, an increase of approximately $4 million from last year.

PPP Parliamentarian Neil Kumar enquired about the areas where the budgeted money will be expended and the amount that each location will get.

The Communities Minister disclosed that monies were proposed to fund maintenance of D&I infrastructure areas at: Unity/Vereeniging, Grove/ Haslington, Enmore/ Hope, Buxton/Foulis, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Better Hope/La Bonne Intention (LBI), Plaisance/ Industry, Eccles/Ramsburg, Little Diamond/Herstelling, Golden Grove/Diamond, Success/Caledonia, Soesdyke/Coverden, Cane Grove, Grove (East Bank Demerara), BV, and Anns Grove. He committed to providing the list along with budgetary allocations for each area.

Kumar further asked whether any money was budgeted for the highway to facilitate the indigenous people who have farms there. The Minister replied there was “no provision in this programme for any areas on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway,” he noted.

In addition, the Opposition back-bencher asked what work will be done in the Mahaica/Cane Grove area and how much will be spent in this area, to which Bulkan responded that budgetary allocations in the sum of $5 million was made for works in Cane Grove.

Local Govt vs Deep Decentralisation

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t the end of January, I was invited to share ideas on Constitutional Reform with the Steering Committee established to gather proposals on the subject.

It was a very august body, headed by Mr Nigel Hughes but my suggestion for future governments to be formed by a supermajority of 65 per cent of votes (to increase government legitimacy in addition to ethnic inclusiveness through sharing power horizontally) appeared not to find much favour. The discussion of sharing power vertically via Local Government was more animated.

Following the Constitutional Reform process in 1999 (precipitated by violent street protests and ethnic violence) the PPP and PNC instituted a Special Committee on Local Government Reform to devolve more autonomy than in the 1980 Constitutional adumbrations on Local Government. It took sixteen years for five new pieces of legislation – the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2009, the Municipal And District Councils (Amendment) Act 2013, the Fiscal Transfers Act 2013, the Local Government Commission Act 2013 and the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2015 – to be passed.

And we will now have “local government” elections next month presumably taking our “democracy” deeper into the body politic as “power to the people”. But will it, actually? While I believe it is a positive step – it is not more than that: a step. And that is because the framers still envisage local Government only in terms of “decentralisation”. The problem however is power will still emanate from a “centre” from which it is expected to flow outwards – which almost occurs without Constitutional protection from the centre.

The members of the Steering Committee were sceptical of the word “federalism” to describe the governance structure that ensures local government are not cannibalised by central government over time. But call it what you will (I suggested “deep devolution”) unless the powers or “competencies” of the local entities are constitutionally protected and not subject to alteration unless by mutual agreement, the central government will inevitably poach and encroach.

Another change we proposed is actually a pre-1980 reversion: for “local government” to go below the NDCs and start with the Village Councils – a unique Guyanese contribution to democracy. This is in consonance with the modern notion of “subsidiarity”. After the abolition of slavery the freed Africans established several villages on their own initiative. They created Village Councils to run the affairs of their communities and these Councils were the incubators of much of the leadership in the African community, forming their links to the county and national Governments. The Councils, through their various committees such as drainage, etc, was able to develop local expertise in managing organisations.

The Indians by and large remained on the sugar plantations for another century after slavery and those who moved off mostly remained rural bound. The new and massive housing schemes created by the sugar companies from the early fifties, were all centred on the plantations and the affairs of these communities were run by a Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund (SILWF), which perpetuated the paternalistic rule of the “big manager” of the plantation. The new Indian villages formed outside the ambit of the sugar plantations, on rented land, did not establish village councils and so to an extent far greater than the African community they are deficient in the mechanics of running and organising their local affairs.

The Indigenous Peoples were always the most excluded from the running of their own affairs. Their traditional village structures were undermined by the Catholic Church, which, in a de facto manner, assumed administration over them.

While there has been a resuscitation of the traditional village leadership this also has been left wounded.

Any revival of the Village Movement in other parts of Guyana will have to be accompanied by an intensive nonpolitical programme of education in the running of these bodies. The community will have to receive a new focus for several reasons but primarily because it has been neglected by policymakers in not realising its role in the organisation of the activities of the citizenry through cooperation via the ties of affinity rather than the coercive ethos of the state.

13 GRA, Private Sector gear up to implement FATCA T news

friday, February 19, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) hosted the third in a series of sensitisation and consultation forums with Private Sector stakeholders on the implementation of the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) – a US federal law that requires Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs) to report the assets and identities of US citizens.

The Private Sector bodies were briefed on the timeline for the implementation of FATCA and the measures which the GRA would be undertaking to safeguard and facilitate the smoother transfer of information in its possession to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

During the interactive meeting, the Private Sector representatives were given the opportunity to inquire about related issues relevant to their respective institutions.

The GRA plans to make its consultations an ongoing exercise with the aim of gathering feedback and in-

put from key stakeholders regarding this critical undertaking.

The tax body has been designated the competent domestic authority for FATCA

Winston Jordan indicated that Guyana could adopt one of two FATCA models: Model 1 – Reciprocal Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) or Model 2

Treasury Department and the IRS to be sufficiently robust to ensure that the exchanged information remains confidential and is used solely for tax purposes; and a tax

GRA sensitises the Private Sector on FATCA implementation

and will be serving as a conduit for financial institutions and the IRS with the overall goal of tackling US tax evaders who hold and conceal financial assets outside the United States.

During his Budget presentation, Finance Minister

– the non-reciprocal version.

Model 1 calls for reciprocal exchange of information.

It is generally available only to jurisdictions that meet two requirements. The country must have in place: protections and practices that are determined by the US

treaty or a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the US. Jordan indicated that Guyana would be moving to sign the FATCA Model 1 with the United States.

On the other hand, Model 2 provides only for a country

continue to strive for success ahead of them.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Republic Bank Richard Sammy also joined in congratulating the five awardees on their outstanding success. He noted that they have exemplified the

are only part of an academic and personal journey that we are confident will be outstanding,” he remarked.

Sammy went on that the quintet aptly reflects the power of tremendous potential which holds a bright promise for Guyana’s con-

on its strategies of reaching out to the communities they serve through its umbrella initiative – “The Power to Make a Difference”.

On the other hand, Deputy Chief Education Officer (ag) Marcel Hudson in his feature address, lauded the company

reporting to the US. Simply put, any FFI entering into an arrangement with the IRS would be referred to as a Participating Foreign Financial Institution (PFFI).

PFFIs – local banks, credit unions and insurance companies – will be required to examine their existing accounts to determine who would be considered US citizens, identify such new account holders, provide annual reports on them, and withhold payments to account holders who refuse to disclose relevant data.

PFFIs which do not enter into an agreement with the IRS will be considered Non-Participating Foreign Financial Institutions (NPFFIs) and therefore, PFFIs will be expected to refuse to conduct business with NPFFIs. Therefore, under FATCA, FFIs will be required to report account information of US specified persons to the IRS annually.

Competent authori-

ties are designated in jurisdictions that have established Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) with the US, while in other jurisdictions where financial institutions report directly to the IRS, such authorities will not be required.

FFIs are classified under FATCA as those of a depository or custodial nature, investment entities or a specified insurance company. In carrying out their mandate, these entities are obligated to conduct due diligence in order to determine if clients are US statutory defined citizens, as well as notify clients making payments of the institutions’ mandates under FATCA. In July 2014, the IRS conducted assessments of systems in Guyana, making recommendations in the process as they sought to give the country approval for compliance with FATCA. Many jurisdictions in Europe, Asia, North America and Caricom have already collaborated with the US in this regard.

that there will be obstacles in the path of anyone aiming for success but they should be courageous instead of accepting defeat.

“You will discover that at these various levels, there are situations that might be daunting and come in your way but remember – success is not final, failure is not fatal. You must be courageous enough to continue to press on and to move on so that you can achieve your dreams and

goals,” he noted.

The award ceremony is part of the bank’s social investment initiative ‘Power to Make a Difference, igniting the Power to Learn and Succeed’.

Rewarding academic excellence, on-the-job training, providing tools for career development and promoting personal growth through music are some of the initiatives undertaken by Republic Bank.

Republic Bank awards 2015 top academic performers

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uyana’s top academic performers in 2015 were recognised for their outstanding performances as the Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony was held once again.

The recipients were top performers at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Solomon Cherai, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) top performer Victoria Cherai, and top performer at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Cecil Cox. Also among the awardees were Ashley Bankay, best graduating student with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guyana (UG) Faculty of Social Sciences, and best graduating student with a Diploma in Banking and Finance, Sabrina Bacchus.

In brief remarks at the ceremony Thursday at the Bank’s Head Office on New Market Street, Credit Manager Leon MacDonald pointed out that Guyana’s youth continues to be an area of focus for Republic Bank as such they are happy to embrace academic excellence by rewarding top performers. “(Thursday’s) Academic Achievement Awards is an important calendar event for Republic Bank, as we are afforded the opportunity to recognise the achievements of the top performers nationally… we have brought together the brightest minds from the secondary to tertiary level at one very special ceremony,” he stated.

MacDonald told the awardees their achievements that were recognised are merely one important stop along the road of their personal development and progress. He further urged the quintet to remain committed to their dreams as they

The 2015 recipients of Republic Bank’s Academic Achievement Awards along with senior Bank management and representatives of the University of Guyana

‘Power to Learn and the Power to Succeed’, through their passion for knowledge and commitment to hard work.

“Your future success will be determined by how well you apply yourself in the years ahead. Use your time wisely, let each day count, let each opportunity count. Your respective accomplishments

tinuing development. He further outlined that over the years, Republic Bank has embraced numerous opportunities to honour and encourage Guyana’s youth to excel and pursue their dreams.

The Bank’s Managing Director added that the organisation recognises the critical importance of education and as such has focused

in playing a role to encourage education development in the country. According to Hudson, for education to be effectively delivered there needs to be a collective partnership in society involving the home, school, community and business entities.

The acting DCEO underscored the importance of education and literacy, noting

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friday, february 19, 2016

News

Mother on simple larceny “Sensitive” evidence retrieved charge jailed – SOCU Head confirms Recent raid on Dhoray’s Fashion

... businessman says family still traumatised

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ead of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Sydney James disclosed that the entity is in possession of “sensitive” evidence against businessman Bob Dhoray in connection to an ongoing money laundering investigation.

On Wednesday morning, a contingent of about 12 SOCU ranks raided the businessman’s Kitty home and confiscated a number of digital devices, including laptops and cellular phones, along with confidential documents.

The ranks subsequently turned up at the businessman’s popular store – Dhoray’s Fashion – on

time. Asked if he will be considering filing a lawsuit against the entity to prove his innocence, Dhoray said he is waiting to see how the investigations will progress.

Shortly after ranks showed up at his home, the businessman’s lawyer Anil Nandlall told the media that he is perplexed over the reason behind the investigation, since the businessman has never been implicated in any wrongdoings in the past.

“This is a man who has never been charged for any offence. I am his lawyer, I would know,” Nandlall declared, positing that the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of

Dhoray’s Fashion on Regent Street, Georgetown

Regent Street, Georgetown, where they also seized a number of documents.

According to the SOCU Chief, the investigative body gathered critical evidence and so far, all the digital devices were returned.

James also revealed that no monies or jewellery were seized from the businessman. He explained that ranks are continuing their investigation and that it is too premature to determine whether or not any charges will be laid against Dhoray.

Traumatised

Contacted for a comment on the matter, the businessman indicated that his family is still traumatised over what had taken place. He indicated that he does not know what his course of action will be at this point in

Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act was clearly being misused and abused as he had predicted.

There is a provision in the AML/CFT Act that bestows powers upon SOCU officers to seize cash and jewellery worth in excess of $10 million at places other than ports of entry and exit.

However, the former Attorney General pointed out that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) only required that the condition apply to ports of entry and exit.

“We warned … (the then) Opposition not to pursue the course to insert that legislation… to give officers the power to enter into people’s home to seize and confiscate sums of money, including jewellery, exceeding $10 million,” he reminded,

noting that he had predicted misuse and abuse of that particular provision.

Consequently, Nandlall is calling on the Government to repeal that provision, noting that the Administration will never be able to stimulate economic growth if it continues to instil fear in investors.

“The Finance Minister (Winston Jordan) speaks about stimulating growth, but it will never be stimulated in an economy where people are afraid to invest… and keep money and other valuables because they are liable to be invaded by SOCU and have their properties seized,” Nandlall firmly stated.

He then called on the Government to release to the public the newly drafted protocols under which SOCU is operating.

Notably, SOCU has already embarked on several money laundering investigations and was involved in several seizures of cash and jewellery.

The SOCU Head previously told media operatives that one of those cases is currently engaging the attention of the High Court.

This is the incident where more than $16 million in foreign and local currencies was seized by SOCU during operations conducted at four locations on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara. Two persons have so far been arrested.

Another one of the investigations took an unexpected turn when the suspected businessman filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Government after ranks seized his jewellery at a local airport.

SOCU was also involved in the high-profile investigation into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) which eventually led to the death of three persons in a two vehicle collision on Carifesta Avenue, following a high-speed chase involving three vehicles.

SOCU has since been mum on this matter.

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mother of three was on Thursday jailed for 18 months when she appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with simple larceny.

Shellon David, 23, was sentenced in her absence as she did not turn up in court for sentencing.

David was found guilty of the offence which stated that on October 27,

2015, at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, she stole from the dwelling house of Pamela Chandan, four gold rings valued $91,000 and one gold and diamond ring valued $60,000.

Minister Ally meets Muslim community – in keeping with aim to develop new social cohesion strategies

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he Ministry of Social Cohesion on Thursday hosted its first series of consultations with religious organisations and groups, starting with the Muslim community. The consultations are aimed at developing new strategies for the long-term attainment of national unity.

Representatives from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Muslim Mission, the Guyana Islamic Forum, the Muslim Youth League, the

Ministry of the Presidency.

“This is your opportunity to speak to us. We want to be able to undertake the initiatives that would [allow] us to partner in an atmosphere of trust,” Minister Ally told the gathering before the start of the meeting.

“We want communities to be allowed to contribute in a strategic way. It is our duty to give you the opportunity to tell us how the Ministry and the Muslim community can collaborate to achieve this; how can we remove barriers to unity; how can communities be

achieve that,” Minister Ally intimated.

Meanwhile, Shaheed Uthman, a representative of the Guyana Muslim Mission-Masjid Muhammad, praised the initiative, noting that it is the first time the organisation and the Muslim community has been contacted by any government on a matter of such national importance.

“I give gratitude for this forum and I ask for us to appreciate the foresight of President Granger for putting this mechanism in place

Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally in discussion with representatives of the Muslim community at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday

Guyana Islamic Trust, the Guyana International Relief Organisation, the Darul Uloom Centre of Islamic Education, among others, met with Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, at

supported, how can we remove inequalities? We want to talk about these issues openly and find solutions together. It is the only way we are going to progress and move this nation forward,” she said.

The Minister informed the gathering that the meeting was not intended to be a one-off discourse but rather, a series of consultations to ensure all stakeholders are given a chance to contribute to and refine a plan of action that will allow the Ministry to achieve its mandate.

“We cannot continue to live in Guyana as a divided society. Regardless of your political affiliation, religious beliefs, ethnicity. There is a need for us to work together to build our country. All of us want a good life and we must work together to

to deal with the difficulties we face. This morning is a manifestation of a work in progress. Oftentimes we do not want to talk about the issues that are affecting the country and I believe this was long overdue. We need to start talking to one another in such a free way,” Uthman urged.

He opined that it is now the Ministry’s responsibility to ensure that every Guyanese is educated on the importance of social cohesion and engage through such forums, to begin the work of eradicating the barriers to national unity and equality. “There is too much ignorance out there as it relates to social cohesion. We must intensify the information out there and we must work together to change that,” he said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

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News

City Hall employees APNU/AFC Region 5 Councillors protest against Union disrupt RDC meeting again …Union protests against City Hall

Protesters in action

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t was high drama outside of City Hall on Thursday morning as aggrieved employees took to the streets to stage a protest against the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) while simultaneously, the GLU was protesting against the City Hall.

The workers are calling

for the removal of GLU’s General Secretary Carvil Duncan who they claim is not effectively and satisfactorily representing the workers.

At the same time, the Union Members were also vocal as they expressed their own concerns over what they said was the failure of the Town Clerk to en-

gage the Union on matters of importance.

Some of the issues that prompted the protest actions on both sides were in relation to sraff being transferred without proper documentation and consultation along with the slothfulness of City Hall in making payments.

On the other hand, Town Clerk Royston King insisted that the Council has honoured all of its obligations.

According to reports, King claimed that he never received a formal complaint from the Union and therefore, by organising the protest, they would have breach established protocols on addressing grievances.

He nonetheless assured that he would soon engage with the union to discuss their concerns.

Youth Ambassadors facilitate clean-up project

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he six Guyanese students who travelled to the United States of America in August 2015, as participants of the US Embassy’s Youth Ambassador Programme on Tuesday used the initiative to undertake a small clean-up and beautification project at the Hope Secondary School.

Some 40 students who are currently being mentored at the Hope Secondary School were divided into four batches and placed to undertake various tasks in the clean-up activity.

The initiative saw the compound of the school being cleared of garbage and shrubs, and trees being planted, as well as the existing trees being painted and clipped to improve the aesthetic value of the environment.

“The activity was mainly to improve their capacity for teamwork while at the same time improving the physical school environment,” one Youth Ambassador explained.

Participant Ashraf Dabie said the programme is focused on developing the students of secondary schools outside of Georgetown, in an attempt to reduce the inequality and lack of participation.

“This beautification project at Hope Secondary allowed the students to have first-hand application of the teamwork and leadership skills we have been providing in our sessions because just speaking about it won’t be as effective as putting it into practice,” Dabie stated.

The Programme, which was launched in October 2015, is currently being imple-

Students of the Hope Secondary School on Tuesday undertook a clean-up project at their school under the supervision of the Youth Ambassadors

mented at two schools – the Hope and West Demerara Secondary Schools – simultaneously as they are both junior secondary schools.

Royston Alkins, the Adult Mentor of the Youth Ambassadors, related that the activity proved to be invaluable in moulding the students to become team leaders. “I believe it was a really good session because we gave the students hands-on opportunity to volunteer, albeit in their own school.

Nevertheless, it was valuable since a lot or the students do not get the opportunity to do any volunteering,” he posited.

Indian company launches smartphone for less than US$4

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n Indian company has launched what is being described as the world’s cheapest smartphone, priced at less than US$4.

Ringing Bells, a little-known manufacturer based in the northern Uttar Pradesh state, started selling the Freedom 251 on its website on Thursday.

The phone was unveiled a day ahead of the launch and is being sold for 251 ru-

pees (US$3.66) – a price that sceptics said was far lower than what its components would cost.

Overwhelming demand caused Ringing Bells’ website to crash hours after the phone went on sale, but it was back up and running on Thursday evening.

The company, based in the Delhi satellite city of Noida, was set up only last year and the launch event for the new phone on Wednesday night

was attended by a senior leader from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party.

Company president Ashok Kumar Chadha said the Android smartphone would have pre-installed apps that tie into Modi initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Clean India”.

The company currently imports the parts of Freedom 251 from Taiwan and assembles them in India. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Coalition Councillor C Joseph stood to tell the Council APNU/AFC Councillors would not allow the Chairman to preside over the meeting

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he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regional councillors in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Thursday continued their campaign to muzzle Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal.

The councillors led by C Joseph disrupted the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) stationary meeting by banging on tables and singing to drown out any utterances of the Chairman.

The meeting lasted less than three minutes.

This is the second time the statutory meeting ended without any business being conducted. Unable to be heard, the Chairman suspended the standing order and adjourned the meeting as he did last month.

The Coalition is demanding an apology from the Chairman, claiming he disrespected President David Granger when he visited on January 15, to commission two buses for the region.

The Coalition is contending that Ramphal was invited to the commissioning but showed total disregard for the President by not attending.

PPP Councillors are contending that the Regional Chairman was never invited to the function and as such there is no need to apologise.

The same thing transpired at the last statutory meeting in January where Coalition councillors disrupted the meeting.

The Regional Chairman speaking with reporters said it is a sad day for the region, and urged the RDC to act in a responsible manner and which would aid in further development of the region.

“This is where we deliberate on all the business of Region Five. This is where committees of the RDC will bring their reports to have it ratified and approved by the RDC and if we do not get the support from the government side then we will not be able to execute our functions and our duties in a way that it can benefit the people of Region

Five. What they are doing is just depriving the people of the services they deserve in this region,” he said. The Chairman called on the government to support the RDC so that its people can reap the benefits.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman Rion Peters said it is regretful the meeting could not have been conducted as scheduled, adding that as the highest decision-making body of the region, all residents are adversely being affected by the action of the Coalition councillors.

“The Regional Democratic Council’s business could not have been conducted as planned. This can only mean that as a Region our progress is being delayed. People representation is being denied.

I am hoping that the councillors on the other side; meaning the APNU/AFC, would understand that our mandate as elected officials does not entail breaking-up meetings.”

Peters is asking for good sense to prevail and that they move on.

Turkey blames Kurdish militants for Ankara bomb, vows response in Syria and Iraq

T

urkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu blamed a Syrian Kurdish militia fighter working with Kurdish militants inside Turkey for a suicide car bombing that killed 28 people in the capital Ankara, and he vowed retaliation in both Syria and Iraq.

A car laden with explosives detonated next to military buses as they waited at traffic lights near Turkey’s armed forces’ headquarters, Parliament and Government buildings in the administrative heart of Ankara late on Wednesday.

Davutoglu said the attack was clear evidence that the YPG, a Syrian Kurdish militia that has been supported by the United States in the fight against Islamic State in northern Syria, was a terrorist organisation and that Turkey, a NATO member, expected cooperation

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the attack was clear evidence that the YPG was a terrorist organisation

from its allies in combating the group.

Within hours, Turkish warplanes bombed bases in northern Iraq of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state and which Davutoglu accused of collaborating in the car bombing.

Turkey’s armed forces would continue their shell-

ing of recent days of YPG positions in northern Syria, Davutoglu said, promising that those responsible would “pay the price”.

“Yesterday’s attack was directly targeting Turkey and the perpetrator is the YPG and the divisive terrorist organisation PKK. All necessary measures will be taken against them,” Davutoglu said in a televised speech. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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friday, february 19, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Missing miners rescued from Omai jungle T

he three miners who allegedly were missing for four days in Omai Backdam were on Thursday rescued by Police ranks in the area, according to reports received.

Anthony Van Sertima, 47; Gavin Van Sertima, 20; and Kwastan Lewis, 23, who hail from Buxton, East Coast Demerara went missing on Valentine’s Day. The details of the rescue mission have not been released, but Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes confirmed that the

Police found the men in the area on Thursday.

The men reportedly wandered off and were unable to get a phone connection.

They were expected to be reunited with their family members late Thursday evening.

The Natural Resources Ministry, in a release, stated that the miners were located in the “Omai mountain area”, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and arrangements were being made by the Ministry and the Guyana Geology

and Mines Commission (GGMC) to transport them to Georgetown.

It was reported that the three men left their mining camp to look for a mining block belonging to Onica Williams, but subsequently lost their way on the way back to their own camp.

Members of the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force embarked on a search and found the three men walking along the trail. “They appeared to be in good health,” the release added.

Minibus conductor slapped with robbery charge

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minibus conductor on Thursday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with robbery under arms.

Hale Forrester, 47, of Lot 27 Second Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on November 8, 2015 at Sachi Bazaar Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, while being armed with an offensive weapon, he robbed Natasha Alli of one LG phone valued $48,000, one Alcatel tablet valued $45,000, one Samsung Galaxy Note 2 valued $160,000, one passport,

Hale Forrester

one ID card and US$20, a total value of $252,800 property of Alli.

Police Prosecutor Deniro

Jones objected to bail, stating the gravity and nature of the offence are serious.

Jones told the court that after the offence was committed the defendant escaped and was arrested nine days later when the VC noticed him and raised an alarm.

The defendant told the court that he heard reports that stated that the VC was robbed by a man on a motorcycle but explained that he does not know to ride or operate a motorcycle, thus claiming he is innocent of the crime.

Magistrate McLennan placed him on $150,000 bail.

The case will continue on March 7, 2016.

The Race to LGE 2016

Kitty-Subryanville candidate aims at restoring his constituency

By Susan David

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outhful, energetic and full of zeal, self-employed Jameel Rasul took the challenge of contesting for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), on March 18 within Constituency 2 Kitty-Subryanville.

Born and raised in Kitty, while contesting under the umbrella of Team Benschop, Rasul’s passion and platform focuses on ‘transformation of Kitty into an aesthetic semismall town.’ Full of enthusiasm and vigour the excited candidate related he is ready for the challenges from the other contesting parties in the race to LGE victory.

The candidate contended that although his vision is to win a seat in the Mayor and City Council body, if not granted he still plans to contribute towards the development and enhancement of his community.

Rasul related he is not in the competition for political gain, but to establish a community-friendly environment with residents of his constituency. The candidate cited several occurrences of robberies in the neighbourhood, blocked drains, poorly lit streets and overgrown bushes as some of the negative issues he plans to eradicate.

The businessman stated he intends to revamp the neighbourhood policing group in an effort to reduce crime in the community. Blocked canals and overgrown bushes will be cleared with the help of public spirited citizens.

Street lights will be placed throughout the roadways in the constituency.

In his explanation Rasul noted in his vision for the transformation of the constituency, he is aiming at restoring hope to residents, emphasising there are people within city council who care to work along with them, in fostering the enhancement of their community.

The community-friendly administration will allow residents to interact with their councillor, to share environmental issues affecting them, and suggestions for the enhancement of their constituency, which is currently deficient in administration.

The community will benefit from sidewalks to be restored on Vlissengen Road to the seawalls on Carifesta Avenue. Public conveniences such as street benches will be erected along the roadway where residents would be able to relax and enjoy the natural scenery.

Construction of a recreational centre cum play-ground will be made available for children in the community. The dismantled post office will be rebuilt to relieve residents especially senior citizens from travelling long distances to transact their businesses.

In his vision for a brighter community Rasul highlighted a building will be erected designed specifically for

Jameel Rasul

free training programmes to be conducted in the community. Residents, especially unemployed persons and deprived children, will be granted the opportunity to attend computer classes, and other educational courses to elevate their standards. Citizens who are not academically based would be able to develop their skills in other relevant courses.

Empowerment training will be offered to single mothers and women experiencing difficult times in their lives. In an effort to reduce poverty in the community, the businessman is geared at implementing a system to assist underprivileged citizens in the community by making the use of small loans accessible to them, with an affordable repayment plan.

In outlining his future plans, Rasul explained enthusiastically he is highly buoyant on the construction of a brand new historical market for the residents within the environs. He noted the plan for this edifice was already drafted.

Lamenting the depilated structure presently on site, he stressed the entire eye-sore located at the corners of Barr and Alexander Streets will be dismantled. This would be replaced by a two storey modernised structure.

A veranda will be constructed around the upper flat, which would be designed for the accommodation of fully equipped individual business offices including an office for the market clerk.

Rasul assured that once he is awarded a seat an emergency meeting would be called to highlight the most critical areas within the constituency for restoration works to commence.

Represented by the symbol of an orange umbrella, Jameel Rasul is encouraging constituents to be wise as they exercise their constitutional right on March 18.

guyanatimesgy.com

Destra

D

espite the absence of the usual costume and float parade on February 23, ANSA McAL is moving full steam ahead in providing the usual Soca bacchanal for Guyanese and more so, the much-anticipated jouvertstyle party on the eve of Guyana’s Republic Anniversary celebrations.

G

Jigga TC

Stage 4 is set and ready to explode Saturday evening through Monday evening when the event will culminate with a massive paint, colour and water party at the Parade Ground, Middle Street, Georgetown. On Saturday evening, fans can expect the best from the best when it comes to stand-up comedy.

uyanese Chutney artiste Prince JP will be releasing his newest single titled “Run Fuh Meh Life” on Tuesday on all major radio stations across the country. He will also be releasing the song on all social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.

The track, written by the Chutney King, tells the story of women posting photos on Facebook that are edited and photoshopped to give the wrong impression. In reality, they are far from what they look like in photos posted.

This, he noted, has been the concern of young men who arrange meetings for a ‘posh’ girl, but instead “run fuh them life” when they meet for the first time. The song was recorded in Bunty Singh Studio in Berbice, and he is sure that the song will create some buzz.

The artiste, who just returned from the US, will be releasing several other tunes in the coming weeks and will also be performing at several events leading up to Guyana 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Bunji and Fay Ann Lyons

The first night will feature Paul “Chow Pow” Jardin; Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones and others. Also performing live on the same stage on Saturday evening will be Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Shelly G and Jackie Jaxx among others.

On Sunday evening, the steam picks up with live performances by Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca queen,

T

he reigning Miss Guyana World, songstress Lisa Punch has recently released her latest single, “Fool For Ya”, a new R&B track that was written by the queen herself and was produced by Darrell Pugsley of DP Records.

The song was penned by the songstress one afternoon after she decided to spend the day at home and just rest.

“I was really all up in my feelings: wearing my heart on my sleeve, feeling like a fool for this man I’ll never stop loving. I wanted to capture my thoughts on paper before I was out of that mood. I whatsapped my producer Darrell Pugsley and told him of how I was feeling and I needed a track. Darrell never disappoints me and he delivered just as expected.”

She recorded the song over a two-week period. Ruth English was then brought into the studio to do backup

friday, february 19, 2016

Farmer Nappy

Destra and her entire band along with Lyrical Fyah and Farmer Nappy. A hyped Destra, who recently participated in the Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad, is sure to create the buzz as usual during her performance.

Destra will definitely set the pace for the final evening. On Monday, as expected, Bunji Garlin

Kwasi Ace

and Fay-Ann Lyons with their band will perform. Also adding some mad vibes on the stage will be Jigga TC. Be prepared for the wildest three days of fun and frolic.

The event is absolutely free and will commence at 20:00h each night. Be sure not to miss this Stage 4, sponsored under the Stag Beer Brand of ANSA McAL.

and he delivered as expected by both the producer and the songstress.

“When I wrote this song, I was quite vulnerable and decided to take a risk in writing on my current situation because I know many others feel that way or felt that way one time or the other, but I also felt that I needed to sing about it, let my feelings be known the best way I know how to do so,” she added.

The music video is in the making and will be released soon, and as such, DP Records and Lisa Punch Entertainment promises that it will be one that many fans will love and all will appreciate.

Lisa’s album titled “Destined: The Spoken Truth”, which focuses on her innermost thoughts and feelings about her life, will be released soon.

Lisa continues to live by her mantra: “That which I visualise and hold firmly in belief is already mine.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 19, 2016

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ickets for the much-anticipated Fire Fest Production’s “Clash of the Titans” were released on Monday, with general admission costing $1500 and VIP, $5000.

The show will feature some of the best in the business, including Raymond Ramnarine and the Dile-Nadan; Ravi B and the Karma Band; and KI and the band, featuring Kris Persad, Neval Chatelal and Nishard M. Rick Ramoutar, Sexy Vanessa and Mahendra Ramkellawan are also slated to perform along with the Karma Dolls out of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Dax New Generation Band and the Shakti Strings Band will also add some flavour for the evening which promises to be exciting.

The Fire Fest Dancers and others will also be there.

For those on the East Bank, tickets are being sold at Victor Shop, Eccles; Flat Shop, Friendship; Lambada, Providence; Bibi Snackette opposite the Stadium; Chris General Store and Angel Taxi Service, Herstelling; Park Vue International Hotel, Farm; Dave’s Sports Bar, Grove; Smart Aid Pharmacy, Diamond, and Patsy Snackette and Bar, Soesdyke.

On the West Bank of Demerara, tickets are available at Deo and Sons, Patentia; Club Harmony, Parfaite Harmonie; Vedo’s Variety Store, Vreed-en-Hoop; and Joseph JR and G Tech, Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling. For those who live on the West Coast of Demerara, you

can pick up tickets at Boodhoo General Store, Parika; Hi Fi Sound Connection, Zeeburg; Georgo Bar, Ruimzigt; Caribbean Temptation, Anna Catherina and Nancy Bar, Parika.

In Georgetown, tickets are available at Gizmos and Gadgets; Joseph’s Record Bar; Ashmins; Asha’s Jewellery, City Mall; Seeta’s Bar and Amanda’s Bridal.

Finally, tickets locations on the East Coast include Mobile Solutions, Mon Repos; The Cone Zone, Enmore; Debs Bar, Good Hope; KK Service Station, Mahaica and Anand Karaoke Bar and Grocery Shop, Success.

Meanwhile, car passes will be available for $1500, while VIP parking will cost $2000.

DJ Mike Torres

DJ Monster

DJ Marcus Williams

H

otspotgy continues the expansion of its Food & Drink Branch by hosting Hotspotgy’s first Charity Cabana Cocktails Afternoon on February 27, 2016.

This casual event will be held on the outdoor patio at Gravity Lounge and will feature four guest bartenders, each preparing signature cocktails and shooters. Corona Beers will be on sale at a reduced price. Regular drink mixes will be on sale at the Gravity Bar as well.

Part of the profits will go toward Hero-GY, the local arm of the

I US-based Hero-USA Charity, which is engaged in the improvement of health and promoting literacy in communities. The charity would like to start its pilot project of reading classes in Mocha Arcadia and Santa Rosa, targeting 8 to 12-year-old children who have difficulty reading.

Additional profits will be utilised to formally launch Hotspotgy’s charity arm. This arm will provide a fund that will be available to NGOs and charitable organisations. The fund can be accessed once the organisation’s proposal fits Hotspotgy’s donation guidelines and criteria, and is approved by the Hotspotgy team.

Tickets for the event will be presold at $2000 each, which entitles the ticket holder to one Signature cocktail and one Signature shooter from any of the guest bartenders. Each additional drink will cost $1000.

DJ Ryan

t’s the time of the year when people look forward to the highly-anticipated Mashramani vibes, but this year, the streets of Georgetown will be, more or less, a ghost town.

In an attempt to sustain the carnival mood, Pulse Entertainment will be hosting “Cooler Fete” at the Everest Cricket Club Ground where it is expected to be “maddddd vibes”.

Not only will there be the Pulse party trucks with revellers but live performances by an epic line-up of DJs and artistes. There will be the usual colourful costumes accompanied by sweet Soca music. Those slated to add to the excitement are Trinidadian Soca artiste Shal Marshall, accompanied by one of the most versatile DJs, Marcus Williams, out of Trinidad and Tobago.

DJ Jerome

There will also be GBM Nutron, DJ Ryan, DJ X-Bass, NicPena and DJ Jerome (Parliament), as well as DJ Monster, DJ Mike Torres and DJ Energy. The gates open at 10:00h, and all coolers will be free until 13:00h.

General admission tickets cost $1500 while the all-inclusive tickets for the party truck will cost $6000 inclusive of free Trini doubles for breakfast, free lunch, free local drinks, free access to the after-party “One More Wine” at Palm Court.

Tickets for the VIP party area will cost $15,000 inclusive of breakfast, lunch, snacks and the free premium bar and the speciality shots.

It is time to link your crew, stock those coolers and get ready for an epic day of feting on the ground car-

NicPena

nival style. Tickets will be available at Movietown, Palm Court, Glamour Designs, Gizmos and Gadgets and That Look Boutique. There will be strict security, and no glass bottles, firearms and other weapons will be allowed into the Ground.

In addition to the “Cooler Fete”, Pulse Entertainment will be hosting “Temperature Soca Party” at Palm Court this evening featuring Selector Carl and DJ Ryan. Then on Saturday, DJ Marcus Williams will join the duo for “Soca in the Jungle” at the same venue.

On Monday, Shal Marshall will perform live at “Electric Jouvert”, with DJ X-Bass and DJ Monster on the consoles. Admission to this event will cost $2000 before 23:00h and more after.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, february 19, 2016

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha presents outstanding Bollywood playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan live in concert on Sunday, April 3 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Chauhan is a world renowned singer who has had numerous blockbuster hits during her career as one of India’s foremost playback singers.

This artiste is popular for her super hits such as “Desi Girl”, “Ishq Sufiyaana”, “Dhoom Machale”, “Aaja Nachle”, “Sheila kiJawani”, “Kamli” and “Dilliwali Girlfriend”.

She was nominated for and won

Vendors at the market

P

arika, a vibrant community on the eastern bank of the Essequibo River possesses all it takes to become one of the country’s major towns. This port community is located in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) and facilitates the transport ferry service which connects West Demerara and the East Bank of Essequibo. Mainly accessing the riverain communities and small islands found in the Essequibo River, the mixed population within this commu-

The Police station

several awards at the prestigious Indian International Film Awards, ZEE Cine Awards, Filmfare Awards, Global Indian Music Awards, Star Screen Awards and Mirchi Awards among others.

Chauhan has a number of international collaborations to her credit including the huge hit “Heartbeat” with Enrique Iglesias.

Guyanese have enjoyed her songs for years and the Sabha has no doubt that they will greatly appreciate this musical treat as they did its previous concerts featuring Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan, which were enjoyed not only for the high standard of performances but also the excellent physical arrangements and the family atmosphere created at

The fuel station

nity strives toward one common goal.

Community life

Life in the community lacks unemployment. From teachers to nurses or even fish mongers, there is some career of job description in this community for everybody to pursue.

The Sunday market is an extremely busy day, with a kaleidoscope of residents and visitors in the transient milling of their

business; shopping, conversing pleasantly by the roadside or proceeding on their way hurriedly.

An abundant variety of agricultural produce, household articles, clothing and electrical equipment are sold on the roadway in stalls, vehicles and in the municipal market. Public transportation operators can be seen dashing about, soliciting passengers as the boisterous shouts of vegetable, food and clothing vendors filled the air.

The area is heavily dominat-

Parika Mosque

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the Stadium.

Chauhan will be coming to Guyana with a troupe of about 25 persons, including singers, musicians and technical personnel.

The concert is being held as a fundraiser for the construction of the Sabha’s new Dharmic Rama Krishna Secondary School and expanded Primary School at Pattensen, East Coast Demerara and to cover the operational costs of Bal Nivas, the Sabha’s Shelter in Ankerville, Berbice for children who are victims of abuse.

The Sabha looks forward to the usual support from Guyanese for this concert.

Tickets will be out soon, but persons can contact the Sabha’s office at 227-6181 or 219-1900 to book theirs in advance.

The Parika stelling

ed with businesses in the Private Sector. Various commercial banks allow residents to transact their financial business. Residents benefit from other business entities such as the fuel station, the Police station, a health centre, as well as saw mills and pharmacies.

Cart men can also be seen dashing to the assist shoppers with transporting their bags, just to earn an extra dollar. Several fast food restaurants overflowed with customers, snacking on a fast bite or lunch. Down in the village,

Hubu Backdam is made up of several small communities in lush vegetation and rich green foliage.

Religion plays a major role in the life of this sub-community. The temple, mosque and church are situated in close proximity, where worshippers attend their respective religious services in peace and harmony.

Weekends in the village are a fun time for children’s activity, as they enjoy a game of cricket on the streets in the evening after the traffic has left.

A food vendor plies her trade

20 news

friday, february 19, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Rodney CoI Inquiry

Roopnaraine denies conspiracy to sideline findings − defends Govt’s recent anti-Rodney actions

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Dr Walter Rodney

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

eader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Dr Rupert Roopnaraine on Thursday defended the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change Government against the claims by former President Donald Ramotar that it appears to be moving to undermine the findings of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry in an attempt to avoid releasing the truth surrounding the death of the international historian.

Ramotar, under whose tenure as President, had established the three member panel to probe the circumstances which led to the death of the WPA founding member back in 1980, slammed the Government, saying that its posture and handling of the findings of the report was an indication it was gearing up to reject the report in its totality.

Government has not yet responded to this accusation, however the WPA leader speaking to Guyana Times Thursday maintained there was nothing done to disrupt the independent work of the commission.

He made this claim even as concerns are growing publicly over statements by the Ministry of the Presidency and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams which demonstrate little regard for the work of the Commission, as well as respect for the Commissioners who served on the inquiry.

“I regret the inconvenience caused to the commissioners and I don’t believe that any of it was intentional. They were probably victims of some hitches here and there. I don’t think it is major nor there was any conspiracy to thwart the Commission in terms of its work”, Roopnaraine told this publication.

Roopnaraine, whose party, WPA, forms part of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, said he has not yet seen the report forward-

ed to the President over a week ago.

“I don’t know what is happening with the report from the Rodney Commission of Inquiry. I understand there was some hold ups in relation to the finalisation and printing of the report. I am glad that has been resolved. I have not seen a copy of the report as it is still with the President”, he said The WPA will most definitely be discussing the details of the report and will be also studying the recommendation as soon as it gets a chance to do so, he said.

This is not the first time Dr Roopnaraine has defended the coalition against criticisms from the public, within the diaspora and further afield, surrounding the handling of the Rodney CoI and related matters. In fact, he has been accused of betraying the Rodney legacy because of the stance he takes on various controversial matters.

The WPA had been among the numerous groups, organisations and individuals that had been calling for an independent probe into the death of Dr Rodney.

When the investigation was finally launched in February 2014, many of the members and those who were closely aligned to the party and Dr Rodney jumped to the occasion of participating by way of providing testimonies.

Among them was Social Activist Karen Desouza, who told Guyana Times that the handling of the report

by Government has been “unfortunate”.

Although not a member of the WPA, DeSouza, who had seen the state of Dr Rodney’s body on the evening of June 13, 1980, testified at the CoI that it only could have been the People’s National Congress (PNC) that could have killed Rodney. She said now that the inquiry has come to an end, Government is not doing itself any favour by the way it is treating the report.

“I certainly have an interest in the

report being made public. I don’t think the report will be calling on the government to do anything, it’s just a report on the commission’s findings. And those findings need to be made public… The kind of off-handed way the report is being treated does not lend itself in that direction”, she told Guyana Times.

Asked if she thought government was seeking to hide something, DeSouza said nothing in the report will be a surprise.

“I don’t know that the content of the report is necessarily going to be earthshattering. This was a public hearing so all the evidence is going to be influencing the report. It was aired across the world. So that being the case I don’t know if there is anything at all to fear from this report”, she said.

Guyana Times contacted Political commentator Eusi Kwayana in the United States for a comment but he declined, explaining that the Justice for Rodney Committee would soon be releasing a statement.

Rodney, a political scholar and social activist died in an explosion some 36 years ago. The WPA, the political party he founded, like many other organisations and groups, has since that day been pointing fingers in the direction of the then PNC administration. Rodney was said to be a thorn in the flesh of the government of the day, and was considered an emerging presence of hope for those who were mistreated by that regime.

On June 13, 1980, a bomb, planted in a walkie-talkie exploded on the lap of Dr Walter Rodney as he sat in his brother’s car outside the Georgetown Prisons.

The device was reportedly given to him by an army sergeant, William Gregory Smith, who reports say had been used by the PNC government to assassinate its main political opponent.

Fire victim needs assistance for new home

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fire victim, who had recently received a monetary donation from the government after her house was gutted into nothing but ashes, is now pleading assistance in acquiring a new home.

Twenty-two year old Cidel Hector, a security guard and single mother, became homeless after a fired destroyed her Two Friends Village, East Coast Demerara home on February 1, 2016 - leaving her two year old toddler with first, second and third degree burns and her four year old with minor injuries to his back.

At the time of the fire, reports indicate that Hector

Twenty-two-year-old Cidel Hector was at work when neighbours heard the screams of the children coming from the burning building and they were rescued by a rank of the Guyana Defense Force who climbed through the window of the house despite the raging fire

– complex is “plagued” with problems EDWARD LAYNE

Former President Donald Ramotar

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Kato Secondary opening delayed again

and saved the children.

During an interview with the Guyana Times on Wednesday, the young mother expressed her sincere towards the government for giving her $100,000 but she explained that most of the money has already been utilised and that it was initially insufficient to help her acquire a new home.

“I’m very thankful for what the president gave to me but right now I’m in the most desperate need because me and my son get discharged and right now I mostly need a home, a shelter for me and my kids that’s the most thing I need right now because the money almost finish by going

and coming from the hospital then I have to assist with my two kids…” she explained.

According to Hector, while her employer gave her time off to address her current situation she does not know what will happen after she turns out back to work since her children will have nowhere to stay.

The desperate mother is pleading with the government, charity organisations or kind-hearted citizens to look into her plight and assist her in getting a home for her children or at least assist her with any possible donations until she can return to work.

Hector can be contacted on 622-5914.

he Government says it cannot give a date for the opening of the newly-constructed Kato Secondary School in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) until the building is “safe for our children”, after a review found defects to the structure. This is according to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkhan who related this to the National Assembly on Thursday.

Bulkhan was at the time responding to a question from Opposition Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall on the scheduled opening date of the $1 billion educational facility.

He said that the complex is “plagued” with problems and that the Public Infrastructure Ministry was conducting a detailed assessment, following which a determination will be made as to what is to be done and when the facility can be occupied.

Meanwhile, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said that independent consultants have been dispatched to the facility

tice is found, the PPP/C will throw its support behind the Government in any appropriate course of action it intends to take.

“We want to say that we are supportive of any action that will realise our vision for a secondary school in Region Eight that will allow the region to have universal secondary education, including if it is found necessary, to take whatever action is necessary against any defaulting party in the building and construction of the Kato Secondary School,” Manickchand said.

This new information is a stark contradiction of a previous pronouncement that the facility was complete and ready for opening in January 2016.

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam had said that the related human resources were ensuring that this was taken care of in time for 2016, along with other elements.

The Kato Secondary School was initially estimated to cost $780 million, but the final tally could be about $1 billion.

The Kato Secondary School

to carry out a full probe as to the extent of the defects and what could be done to rectify them and make the building usable.

“There are independent auditors right now as we speak in with the contractor and the consultant. There were several severe defects…

60 per cent of the tests done on the concrete failed, a further 30 per cent was just border lining. Only 10 per cent passed. That was done independently. The independent consultant contractor at the Education Ministry is up there right now to see what rectifications can be done,” Minister Patterson stated.

He added that the contractual period for the construction of the facility will come to an end in June 2016. When asked by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Priya Manickchand if Government intends to take action against the contractor, Patterson said government is already moving in that direction.

Manickchand said if any evidence of malprac-

For the Kato Secondary School to be self-sustaining, resources such as solar energy and agricultural projects are being considered, Sam pointed out.

Solar energy will be a boost for students studying for their exams, completing assignments, and of course, provide electricity for all classrooms. Implementation of agricultural projects in the school will supply food for students living in the dormitories.

Ongoing is the filling of vacancies for various positions – Principal (Headmistress/ Headmaster); Senior Master/Mistress; Heads of Departments and Assistant Mistresses/Masters to teach Social Studies, Mathematics, English and Science, among other subjects.

The school has an adjoining administrative block, teachers’ quarters, kitchen and sanitary facilities. Apart from the dozen classrooms, the school will boast computer and Science laboratories, and industrial arts, home economics, visual arts and agriculture departments.

21

YELLOW PAGES friday, february 19, 2016

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One-Test wonder Andy Ganteaume dies aged 95 A ndy Ganteaume, the former West Indies and Trinidad & Tobago wicketkeeperbatsman, has died at the age of 95. He passed away on Wednesday in Santa Margarita, St Augustine, T&T. Ganteaume was West Indies’ oldest living Test cricketer, and the world’s second oldest, behind South Africa’s Lindsay Tuckett.

Ganteaume scored 112 on Test debut against England in 1948, but never played for West Indies again. He had added 173 for the first wicket with George Carew, who had hit a century of his own, in the first innings of that drawn match at the Queen’s Park Oval. Ganteaume did not get a chance to bat in the second innings and therefore became the only player to finish with a batting average of over 100.

Ganteaume, however, had a longer first-class run - 50 first-class matches over 23 seasons making 2785 runs, including five

Andy Ganteaume

centuries, at 34.81 - playing as often as his work in the Trinidad Civil Service would allow. Having had no formal coaching, he made his firstclass debut for Trinidad a few weeks after his 20th birthday in 1941 and, batting at No. 8, stroked 87.

In 1957, he toured England with West Indies but did not make the playing XI for any of the Tests.

It is said he paid as much for his anti-establishment

attitude in an era when white players still dominated the region’s cricket, as for slow scoring in his only Test.

Jeff Stollmeyer, West Indies’ regular opener, whose injury had allowed Ganteaume to debut, said later: “Andy’s innings in its later stages was not in keeping with the state of the game. His captain was forced to send a message out to him to get on with it.”

Ganteaume had also been a regular member of Trinidad’s football team.

After his playing career, Ganteaume served as a selector and West Indies’ team manager.

The WICB had lauded Ganteaume’s contribution to the game when he turned 95 last month. “We salute Andy Ganteaume, one of the patriots of our great game,” WICB president Dave Cameron had said. “Andy has also contributed a lot off the field as well, especially with the development of our cricket... A wonderful player and administrator.” (Cricinfo)

UEFA Champions League…

PSG’s Cavani shows his worth with winner against Chelsea

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Paris St Germain substitute Edinson Cavani celebrates game winner with PSG teammates

P

aris St Germain substitute Edinson Cavani, criticised by French media lacking composure in front of goal, responded in style to earn a 2-1 home win over Chelsea in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.

The Uruguay forward, who has scored only once in Ligue 1 this year, fired a low angled shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 78th minute after John Obi Mikel had cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s opener at the end of the first half.

That did not surprise PSG coach Laurent Blanc, who brought Cavani on for Lucas four minutes before he got the winner.

“I’m not just saying it because he scored tonight, I always say it, Eddy is a player who can score,” Blanc told a news conference. “He was going through a tough period so I hope it will give him his confidence back.”

PSG knocked Chelsea out on away goals at the same stage last year after the Blues had prevailed the previous season in the quarter-finals and have the edge going into the second leg.

It was Chelsea’s first defeat in 13 games since Dutchman Guus Hiddink took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho but they will fancy their chances at Stamford Bridge on March 9.

With Chelsea’s inspirational captain John Terry ruled out with a hamstring injury, Branislav Ivanovic moved from full back to central defence and wore the skipper’s armband.

Marco Verratti started for PSG having only just recovered from a groin injury, while Blanc chose to field Marquinhos on the right side of defence in place of the Serge Aurier, who has been suspended for insulting Blanc and several team

mates.

Chelsea had the best chance midway through the first half when striker Diego Costa’s point-blank header was instinctively palmed on to the bar by PSG keeper Kevin Trapp.

Ibrahimovic, who was sent off in London last year and picked up a yellow card on Tuesday, broke the deadlock six minutes before halftime with a low free kick deflected past Courtois by the heel of Obi Mikel, who had fouled Brazilian Lucas.

But Chelsea hit back just before the interval when Costa deflected a corner into the path of Mikel, who controlled the ball before firing home his first goal in 14 months.

Lucas was replaced in the 74th minute by Cavani who had an immediate impact, collecting Angel Di Maria’s perfect pass on the right and scoring with a low shot through Courtois’s legs.

(Reuters Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, february 19, 2016

Malinga, Mathews back for World T20

Mash Cup 2016…

DBL and Venu Shopping T Centre on board for Mash Cup 2016

Omadatt Samaroo of DBL hands over the cheque to UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade

D

emerara Bank Limited (DBL), Corriverton Branch and Venu Shopping Centre and Beauty Salon has joined the list of sponsors for the Upper Corentyne five oversa-side Mashramani Cup. Popular cricket umpire and Supervisor of DBL, Omadat Samaroo and Taruna Harrinarine of Venu were both elated to be part of this charitable event.

Both organisations indicated how please they are with the work of the UCCA for keeping the game alive in the area.

The much anticipated Mashramani Cup 2016 is a one day cricket extravaganza set for February 21 at the picturesque No. 69 Vikings ground and features 10 top teams from the Upper Corentyne area: namely: No. 70 A, Crabwood Creek Sports Club, No. 72 All Star, No. 72 Cut and Load, Scottsburg United, Yakusari Caribs, No. 69 Vikings, Corriverton Cricket Club, No. 73 Young Warriors and No. 48 Challengers. The drawing was done recently and below is the first round matches: Game 1: Yakusari Caribs

wenty20 captain Lasith Malinga, vice-captain Angelo Mathews and seamer Nuwan Kulasekara are back from injury for Sri Lanka, for the Asia Cup and the World T20 that follows. All three players were included in the identical 15-man squads named for both tournaments.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who had missed Sri Lanka’s three-match T20 series in India, also made a return.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella has also been named, while the likes of Lahiru Thirimanne and Danushka Gunathilaka missed out. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, offspinning allrounder Shehan Jayasuriya, and seam-bowling allrounder Dasun Shanaka find places in the squads, but Seekkuge Prasanna and Kasun Rajitha - who played in the recent T20 series in India - have been overlooked.

The spin-bowling contingent features Herath, Sachithra Senanayake and Vandersay, while Milinda Siriwardana’s left-arm spin and Jayasuriya’s offspin is also available. The seam attack is spearheaded by captain Malinga; Kulasekara, Dushmantha Chameera and Thisara Perera are in tow.

On the batting front, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mathews provide experience to the top seven, but the XI also looks likely to feature

Lasith Malinga

batsmen as yet unproven in this format. Shanaka and Jayasuriya have played four and five T20 internationals respectively, and even Dinesh Chandimal has not established himself in the format yet, averaging less than 15 in 28 T20 international innings.

Dickwella, 22, has also played only two T20 internationals, and did not break through to double figures in those outings. He will be among those contending to partner Dilshan at the top of the order, with Kusal Perera suspended due to a doping charge. Dickwella is coming off strong domestic season, having hit 189 runs at a strike rate of 173.39, in six innings, during the recent Super T20 Provincial Tournament.

Thirimanne had played a significant role in the previous World T20 campaign, even top-scoring in the semi-final

against West Indies, but the paucity of his recent Test results has seemingly seen him fall out of favour with the selectors. He had, however, averaged more than 43 in ODIs last year - though he did not play T20 internationals.

The selectors have also backed the experience of Herath, despite mild concerns over his fielding. With Malinga, Kulasekara and Senanayake also in the squad, much of the bowling unit that had been vital to Sri Lanka’s 2014 World T20 victory, remains in place. Dilhara Fernando, who played his first international match since 2012 in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, does not find a place.

Sri Lanka begin their Asia Cup defence in Mirpur on February 25, and their World T20 campaign starts in Kolkata, on March 17. (Cricinfo)

UDFA Division 1 League…

Taruna Harinarine of Venu Shopping Center and Beauty Salon hands over the cheque to UCCA President

vs. No. 69 Vikings: Game 2: No. 73 Young Warriors vs No. 72 All Star: Game 3: No. 72 Cut and Load vs No. 70 A: Game 4: Corriverton CC vs No. 48 Challengers and Game 5: Crabwood Creek Sports club vs Scottsburg United.

The day’s action will start at 9:00h with admission for adults set at $200 with children under-12 being free.

The UCCA thanks Demerara Bank Limited and Venu Shopping Centre

and Beauty Salon for making contributions towards cricket development in the area. Proceeds from this event will go towards cricket development at the youth level. The Association also thank the following sponsors for coming on board: NPG Packaging and Plastic Inc., Office Express, Safraz Photo Studio, Massy Distribution, Vishnu Super Store, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, New Building Society Limited and Country Side TV 19.

LABA/104.3 Power FM Mash Basketball…

Milerock, Federal Winners score easy wins

G

T Beer champions Federal Winners Connection and Petra Organisation champions Milerock recorded 3-0 wins, but did so in different styles when the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Division One League championship resumed play after a one month break at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Playing in the first game Milerock took the advantage early against Eagles United in

the 37th minute when Nellon Walcott scored, but they were unable to complete the dominance they promised until the extra minutes of play were added on to the regulation time.

The second goal was scored in the 92nd minute by Denzil Pryce and one minute later Andre Mendonca netted to seal the 3-0 win against the hapless Eagles united.

The second game did not go the same way but the Winners Connection did get

the first goal against Topp XX in the 30th minute when forward Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens found the back of the net, and soon after they registered goal number two in the 35th minute through midfield man Keon Sears to lead at half time 2-0.

The Winners Connection would complete the easy victory when striker Marmalaque Davidson got into the act and netted in the 61st minute as the GT Beer champions got the win.

Blatter says won’t back any candidate in FIFA presidential election

Raiders, Jets pull off wins S

R

etrieve Raiders ensured themselves a semifinal with a solid 67-40 win over Victory Valley Royals while Amelia’s Ward Jets kept their hopes alive with a 75-57 win against GGMC Falcons when the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/104.3 Power FM Radio Mash basketball championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court on Sunday night.

Playing in the opening game the Jets regrouped after losing to the Half Mile Bulls by scoring an emphatic win after leading at varying stages of the game

Dwayne Roberts

before cruising home to a 7557 win.

They were led to their

win by Joel Webster who got 17 points, Javon Nelson returning to the sport with 12 and Allister Webster scoring 11 for the winners. The best players for the Falcons were Quincy Richmond with 12 points and Jamal Gilkes with 11.

In the second game the Raiders wasted no time in turning back the efforts of the Royals as they pummeled inside with Dwayne Roberts getting 24 points and Keon Cameron 17 to lead the way.

The competition continues today with another double header at the same venue.

epp Blatter said he will not support any of the five candidates standing to succeed him as FIFA president, through all but one of them had spoken to him about their bids.

World football’s governing body, embroiled in a corruption scandal that has led to indictments against several dozen senior officials in the United States, will vote for its new leader on Feb. 26.

Blatter is not standing, having been banned for eight years for ethics violations.

“Four of the five candidates have spoken to me. I cannot take sides, that is not possible,” Blatter told French radio RMC. He said several national federations had asked him who they should vote for, but he told them to vote as they saw fit.

Bahraini Royal Sheikh

Sepp Blatter

Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino of Switzerland are the two frontrunners. The other candidates are Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al

Hussein, Frenchman Jerome Champagne, the former deputy general secretary of FIFA, and South African businessman and politician Tokyo Sexwale. (Reuters Sport)

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, february 19, 2016

GSL Minor League 10/10 softball cricket…

23

Guyanese trio ecstatic with Under-19 World Cup victory

League to continue with key match-ups F

By Akeem Greene

T

Leonora’s Aryan Persaud in defence mode

he Minor League 10/10 organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) will continue this Saturday at The Leonora Primary School ground.

The favorites Leonora Primary, who will have home advantage will be hoping to get past a spirited Windsor Forest Team which have been playing with increasing confidence and unity.

The successful tournament thus far will see participants receiving trophies, medals and other incentives

for all the semifinalists.

Leonora Primary plays as a very tight unit and everyone contributes in batting and the bowling but it is the fielding that have caught everyone’s eyes as the home boys have been outstanding in their support of the bowlers.

Their Skipper Aryan Persaud has matured in his position and has the respect of all the players.

Ricardo Rampaul is another player who has shown maturity and understanding of the game far beyond his years and will be looked

upon to lead the bowling attack.

Windsor Forest have a lot of players who have the ability to dominate but one outstanding player that have caught the eye is Sachin Balgobin who have performed outstandingly with both bat and ball and has shown abilities that will makes him one for the future.

Anthony Baker is a hard hitting opening batsman that has made a mark on the tournament by being consistent at the top. He will set the pace for the others to follow.

Meanwhile, Tuschen Primary has the best captain in the tournament in Renaldo Scot and his ability to outthink his opponents will make the difference.

He is the opening batsman in his team and carries the burden of the mainstay whilst scoring at the same time. He will have support from Rezekiel Renee who can hit the ball miles.

He has been in some form in the last round but his impatience has led many to think that he is a flash in the pan type of player.

The Uitvlugt boys will want to get in the mix and a good win here will convince all to believe in their ability.

Meanwhile the one ball “manto” will also be a feature at these games as prizes can be won for the spectators in credit worth a thousand dollars as well as other prizes donated by the sponsors.

ebruary 14, 2016 will be a day long remembered in the history of cricket for West Indian fans, since it was the day 15 young cricketers brought glory to the region by virtue of winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh for the first time.

The team was captained by Berbician Shimron Hetmyer whose composure in tough situations has come in for high praise and is overwhelmed at the success of the team.

“It’s a very good feeling, to be the first Captain from the West Indies to win the Under-19 World Cup”.

He added, “It’s not only my performance or anyone in particular but a whole team coming together to give us that complete performance.

“Before we left the Caribbean to go there we thought that the pitches would not have been much different from those in the Caribbean but when we played our first practice game and even in the net sessions we found that the pitches were mostly green and has some bounce and pace as well”.

Kemo Paul, the allrounder who made headlines for mankading (a rule that centres around the dismissal of a non-striker by a bowler who failed to deliver a ball during his run-up) his team through to the semi-finals, set off

World Cup glory! From left: Tevin Imlach, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer show off their medals

with a goal to win to the World Cup and did just that; in reflection, Paul credited team work and dedication to the win.

“I think it was dedication, hard work and self belief, I think that is the most important; we believed in our self, we had to win it for the West Indies because no other team had done it so far and we really wanted it bad.”

Opening batsman and wicket keeper Tevin Imlach whose handy stumping in the early overs of the match was big reason for the victory was also prideful.

“A lot of people say it [the stumpings] drove the

momentum for the rest of the match, I saw he was operating lackadaisical and I decided to take a throw at the stumps and fortunately it worked for us.”

Imlach who held the top-order together on most occasions revealed the start of the gala tournament was a nervous one for him.

“I was bit nervous at the start but after the first few games, I felt a lot more confident, the team was coming together”.

All three of the players are now focused on returning to the domestic scene where they can put in the necessary performances to now press for spot in the senior side.

Golden Jaguars name squad for friendly against Suriname on Sunday

Assanah and Branford make – Gregory Richardson tipped to play hockey debut in England G

G

uyana’s talented young duo of Jamarj Assanah and Aroydy Branford, made their debut on Saturday for the Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club in a 3-0 loss to leaders Wapping, in the East London Men’s Hockey League.

Cheered on by national women’s team members Janella Munroe and Chantelle Fernandes, the young duo showed great energy in their debut.

Wapping enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession with Bishops Storford threatening on the counter through the pace of Assanah and Branford.

On one such break Branford was denied by Wapping keeper Ben Brind. Dom Oliver opened the scoring for the home side 15 minutes into the game before before Alain Trail added a second with an excellent finish to virtually put the game out of reach despite a few threatening chances in the second half by Stortford.

Heye Sheftel would put the result beyond doubt when he slotted home a beautiful drag-flick from a Wapping penalty corner.

The two players are said to be using the opportunity to gain valuable experience ahead of upcoming national team duties.

Branford will be part of the National Under 21 outfit scheduled to compete in

Aroydy Branford

the Junior Pan American Championships from May 20-28 this year.

Assanah is expected to play a key role for the senior team in 2017 when Guyana attempt to improve on their bronze medal winning performance in the Indoor Pan American Cup and compete in the CAC Games qualifying tournament later in the year. Their next fixture will be on February 27 against Ford.

regory “Jackie Chan” Richardson is tipped to make his return on the field for the ‘Golden Jaguars’ on Sunday when they take on Suriname in an International Friendly at the National Stadium, Providence.

When Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz was quizzed on Thursday whether the talented striker would return the team he said “certainly, we brought him in the squad, he is a key player in the mix”.

Richardson, who had stints in the Major League Soccer, (MLS) last played for the Jaguars during the World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica in June 2012.

In commenting on how preparations and the makeup of the squad, Shabazz said “I think the guys are confident, they’re working hard for the last two days; as usual we hope we can get the full field of the Stadium to train but so far so good.”

The coach further added “this game is to expose the players from the elite league

Richardson will want to produce a disciplined showing to cement his place in the team yet again

to a higher level of competition and to test the works they have been doing in the clubs and these five days with the national team will certainly tell us where we are and our strengths and weakness going forward”.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has released the names of the final squad f layers for the friendly match.

Goalkeepers: Alex Murray (Alpha United); Jason Cromwell (Buxton United); Bullen Connor (overseas).

Defenders: Mark Mclean (Pele); Quincy Adams, Les Charles, Kester Jacobs (Slingerz); Solomon Austin, Joshua Brown (Alpha United); Trevon Lythcott (Fruta Conquerors); Linden Pickett (Georgetown Football Club).

Mid- fielders: Konta Mannings, Travis Grant (Pele); Tichard Joseph, Trayon Bobb, Devon Millington (Slingerz FC); Eon Alleyne, Jahaal Greaves, Lindie Dwain (Fruta Conquerors); Dwight Peters, Collin Nelson (Alpha United).

Strikers: Gregory Richardson (Pele); Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC); Dellon Lanferman, Daniel Wilson (Alpha United).

friday, february 19, 2016

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

Guyanese trio ecstatic with Under-19 World Cup victory

Pg 23 Tevin Imlach, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul (blue shirts) pose with Digicel representatives along with GCB President Drubahadur and Director of Sport Christopher Jones (Paul Vanvield Photo)

Assanah and Branford make Golden Jaguars name hockey debut in England squad for friendly against Pg 23

Suriname on Sunday

Pg 23

– Gregory Richardson tipped to play

Jamarj Assanah in action during one of his tournaments in Guyana

Hard at Work! Jaguars go through their stretches at the Guyana Defence Force Ground

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