Binder1

Phase 1 of Bartica Stelling 35% complete

– tidal changes hindering progress P10

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

Issue No. 3225

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, May 29, 2017

PRICE

Govt urged to

Stop ‘pussyfooting’ on teachers’ salary increases Page 3

Several miners, dredge owners arrested

– as Govt clamps down on illegal mining at Kaieteur Page 5 National Park Some of the detainees being transported to the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary (Michael McGarrell photo)

Guyana susceptible to ‘resource curse’

– UK professor warns during oil & gas lecture Page 8

Govt ducks TIGI questions on oil and gas – hides behind int’l firm, GGMC Page 9

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GRA blames “lax system” for billiondollar scam

– will try to recover taxes owed on heavy-duty machinery P2

Lusignan P11 man dies after alleged beating – Police investigating

Truancy campaign in Region 2

Schools P11 Welfare Dept steps up home visits

Soesdyke CPG installs new executive P5

2 news GRA blames “lax system” for billion-dollar scam monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

– will try to recover taxes owed on heavy-duty machinery

By Vahnu Manikchand

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clamped down on a billion-dollar scam whereby heavy-duty vehicles were being imported and not registered. According to Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, the main focus now is recovering the taxes that were not paid.

It was reported that the State has been losing billions annually over excavators and other heavy-duty machinery and equipment that were not registered.

Statia said the “players” involved would be called in and told what would be required of them going forward as well as to get those machinery registered. He pointed out that there would be no seizure of these machinery and equipment.

“As far as GRA is concerned, we try to minimise seizures. All we try to do is collect the taxes that were not collected. People

need to get on with their lives; I won’t be seizing vehicles unnecessarily. All I want is when I look at the transaction, if there are any taxes that should have been made, they are paid and we go on,” the GRA Commissioner General posited.

He went on to explain that this scheme has been on GRA’s radar for some time now. Statia outlined that exercises were carried out, monitoring vehicles that had been moving within the country, especially excavators and draglines, but when checks were made, there were no records of them in the system.

“It was on the cards for a little while, but then what we found is that there was one particular excavator that was imported and we could not have found it, it was cleared and we could not have found it until now.

And now that we have gone through additional transactions, we have found that

GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia

they’ve been tainted,” he noted.

The GRA head further pointed out the problem was as long as these machinery and heavy-duty equipment were not registered, the Authority would not be in a position to find or trace them. As such, Statia said he would be meeting with the importers and trying to facilitate them getting the

titles for the vehicles.

While he opted not to divulge the information, the Commissioner General said he was aware of the identity of these importers.

“I’m not pointing fingers at anyone who may be guilty at this point in time.

But yes, we know all the importers and we know where their warehouses are and these things,” he stated.

Further asked about the scale of the scheme, the GRA head said that it was not all importers of heavy-duty machinery and equipment who were involved in the racket. He added that the GRA would have a much clearer idea of the magnitude when it went through its records and speak with the importers.

Moreover, Statia pointed out that “somewhere along the line, the system went lax and allowed these excavators to be roaming free without numbers and without registration. We need to regularise them.”

Asked whether this scam could have been facilitated by staffers within the system, Commissioner General Statia noted that when he was done with the investigations, he would know “exactly who were involved and whether it was done because of ignorance or knowingly and willingly to defraud the Revenue Authority.”

It was also reported that in addition to heavy-duty machinery and equipment, a number of vehicles have also been imported under this scam and were not registered.

ToRs for land rights CoI too vague – APA maintains full objection, calls for review

T

he Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) is maintaining its strong objection to the land rights Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which was set up by Government to look into the joint and communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans and the claims of Amerindian land titling.

Head of the APA, Jean La Rose, said the Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the CoI were vague, as they did not define clear objectives of addressing the issue of communal lands belonging to Amerindians and, as such, the organisation is calling for them to be reviewed.

La Rose contends that land issues both on the coast and for Indigenous communities should not be placed together, as they were not connected in any way. The organisation is of the strong opinion that the CoI infringes on the rights of Amerindians to have their land issues addressed properly.

The APA official told Guyana Times, in a recent interview, that discussions surrounding Amerindian land titling and demarcation have gone a far way through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF)-funded project, which saw engagements with some villages and communities.

While explaining that the project is not very comprehensive, since it only deals with land titling for a few Amerindian communities, La Rose said that Amerindian leaders and villagers were still able to sit down and look at a number of mechanisms for addressing the land titling process in fine detail.

“It is enough information that could have transferred itself into a broader process…We felt having discussed this and gone a long way in terms of addressing Indigenous land issues and understanding what the various problems were, and

APA Director Jean La Rose

basically approaching these issues from that standpoint was enough to continue this process by itself,” she remarked.

La Rose also lamented the fact that the Commission was established even without basic consultation with Amerindians, arguing that although there is need for a review of the Amerindian Act, it contains a procedure for receiving, assessing, and deciding on title or extension applications.

The APA also raised concerns again about the composition of the seven-member CoI team, citing the need for more experts in Amerindian land titling and demarcation.

“For any commission or anybody dealing with Indigenous issues especially lands, our feeling is there needs to be people with competence specifically dealing with this issue.

International law treats the issue differently, because we have collective private rights as opposed to private land ownership.”

Other organisations, including the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples, the Amerindian Action Movement, South Central Peoples Development Association, and the National Amerindian Development Foundation, have all protested the merging of the two issues under one blanket CoI. turn to page 7

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 29 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, May 30 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 29 – 06:30h-08:00h and Tuesday, May 30 – 07:35h-09:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:55h and 19:32 reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.50 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:01h reaching a minimum height of 0.53 metre.

saturDAY, May 27, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

07 13 18

25 26 27

17 Bonus Ball

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DAILY MILLIONS

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Afternoon Draw

1

0

Govt urged to

Stop ‘pussyfooting’ on teachers’ salary increases – GTU still awaits word on suggested 40% increase for teachers

By Samuel Sukhnandan

Rain accompanied by thunder is expected in the morning hours with heavy rain showers in the afternoon hours, while partly to lightly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

2

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04 06 08 14 18 19 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

3

monDAY, may 29, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

eachers have, for almost one and a half years, been waiting on Government to finalise with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) an agreement in regard to increases in salaries and other benefits; and they are still waiting.

The last multi-year agreement between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) came to an end in 2015, and the GTU has since been working to finalise a new agreement.

GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, told Guyana Times on Sunday that the MoE informed the union recently that it is still trying to narrow down its counterproposal. The GTU had submitted its proposal since December 2015, with the hope that negotiations would have commenced early and a new agreement would have been completed before mid-2016.

“We were hoping that in 2016 we would have already been finished with this, so teachers could begin to enjoy the other benefits apart from salary increases. However, whenever that agreement is signed, it will have to be retroactive to 2015, because it’s a multi-year agreement (2016-2020),” she explained.

McDonald said a reshuffle of permanent secretaries at the MoE might have been one reason why Government has not been able to meet the GTU at the bargaining table. She said negotiations had begun with former MoE Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd, during which only nonfinancial matters of the proposal had been examined. Nedd was later replaced by Vibert Welch, the former Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, who assumed the duties of PS at the MoE earlier this year. “…and we thought it was fair to give him the opportunity to look at the document. We are hoping that sometime soon we will be able to have a counter

General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald

proposal coming from the Ministry of Education; and it’s from that level that the GTU would be able to start negotiations,” McDonald explained.

Although ready to excuse the MoE’s delay in regard to resuming negotiations, McDonald has described the situation as “disgusting”, and has said negotiations should immediately be resumed because teachers’ across the country are impatiently awaiting word on what they are likely to receive in the new five-year agreement.

“You cannot have teachers uncomfortable, or uneasy, or not knowing what they are about, and expect them to give of their best. And so, based on what we are seeing coming out of the proposal that we submitted, whatever is submitted to us as a counterproposal would be favourable to teachers.”

Forty per cent

The GTU has also proposed a 40 per cent across-the-board salary increase for all public school teachers. It must

be noted, however, that in the previous agreement, the GTU had managed to get for teachers’ countrywide only a five per cent salary increase over the course of five years.

McDonald explained that the GTU would like to see the salaries of all categories of teachers increased by 45 per cent in 2017 and by 50 per cent for the following three years (2018-2020). She explained that the GTU had arrived at these figures after considering inflation.

“We don’t expect the Government to give us everything we ask for, and that is why we have negotiations. But if they come lower than that, we will have to sit and talk at the table,” she declared.

Although negotiations in the above regard had not been fruitful with the previous Government, McDonald told Guyana Times, the GTU is hoping that negotiations with this current administration would see teachers being placed in scales which will reflect the results of the debunching, in keeping with Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the period 2011-2015.

This would mean that teachers with advanced levels of training would be placed on a scale that is different from those of recently graduated teachers.

Importantly, also, the GTU has proposed that the payment of sums of money in regard to debunching be retroactive to 2011, when the previous MoU was inked. And if the MoU is approved, teachers would also benefit from monthly emotional, stress, risk and maintenance allowances.

McDonald said the extensive proposal also entails benefits for teachers serving in hinterland communities, and addresses the need for scholarships and other non-salary issues.

But apart from that, the union is also advocating for an additional performance-based incentive of three per cent per annum of the total teachers’ wage bill, and for teachers being eligible for double salaries in the month of December each year.

Another ganja farm destroyed – ID found in camp on Arou Mountain

A

joint operation, comprising ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, on Saturday saw the destruction of a field of marijuana plants and the discovery of an identification card.

The operation was organised based on intelligence gathered and about 11:00h, the team of Police and soldiers ascended to Arou Mountain top, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and successfully executed their plan.

During the drug-eradication exercise, a quarter-acre plot of cultivated cannabis, with plants measuring from six inches to six feet in height, a makeshift camp, as well as a quantity of dried cannabis, were found and destroyed by fire.

In addition, the law enforcement officers discovered a live 12-gauge cartridge and an identification card in the camp, both of which have been collected as evidence.

No arrests have been made. Meanwhile, a 21-yearold South Ruimveldt, Georgetown man was on Friday arrested after Police swooped down on a marijuana field at Wisroc, Linden.

Police stated that between 16:30h and 18:00h, ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch conducted a drug eradication exercise in Wisroc, during which several acres of cultivated cannabis were discovered.

A total of 5300 of the illegal plants, ranging from six inches to five feet tall, were found and destroyed

The ganja farm found at Arou Mountain in Region Seven

by ranks. Two makeshift camps were also found and burnt.

The Georgetown resident

who was on the farm at the time of the raid was taken into Police custody. He is being processed for court.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

50+1 years later

T

he speeches have been made, the songs have been sung, and the Golden Arrowhead has been raised for the 50+1 Independence celebrations. It might therefore be appropriate to reflect on where our country is in relation to the promises that were held out in 1966.

If “independence” is to mean anything to a people whose lands were expropriated from them and whose labour was coerced through systems of slavery and indentureship, then it has to be judged by the degree of freedom that is enjoyed by the descendants of those indigenous peoples, slaves and indentureds.

Freedom, as we were reminded by Isiah Berlin, is of two variants - negative and positive. In the former, it means the removal of restraints over our autonomous actions, especially by the state. Unfortunately for us, for the first two decades of our “independent” existence, Guyanese experienced a government using the apparatus of the state to increasingly impose controls over the people in what is ironically labelled “democratic governance”. The right to choose a government - the most fundamental in an independent, democratic state -- was denied between 1968 and 1992.

The freedom of assembly and the free speech of citizens were severely restricted as government goons regularly and violently broke up political meetings of the opposition. In one instance, the head of the government publicly regaled a Congress of his party about an opposition leader scaling a fence in his desperate effort to escape from the political enforcers.

The freedom of movement was denied many opposition figures via “blacklists” that were issued to the immigration department at the airport.

Today we have a case of the present government creating a list of 200 citizens who are not free to travel out of the jurisdiction. But even their names have not been made known, creating a dark and ominous cloud over persons who may fear they have been targeted. In a climate in which a slew of criminal charges were brought by the state on grounds that can only be described as “frivolous” and “vexatious”, this restraint on the freedom of movement of those citizens on mere suspicion at the very best makes a mockery of the freedom promised by ‘Independence’.

It is redolent of the practices that were prevalent in the dark period of authoritarian rule, which all assumed would be banished forever after “free and fair” elections were returned in 1992. But based on utterances from the general secretary of the major party in control of the government -- the same PNC that had ruled with an iron fist before -- the new “blacklist” might just be the signal of what lies ahead under our negative freedom.

“Positive freedom” speaks to the creation of conditions in which the citizenry can express the full spectrum of their full potential to be the very best they can be. And in the modern world, this means a government that is sensitive to the imperative to at least guarantee the basic needs of its citizens, primarily through securing full employment in the economy, educating the young to take advantage of those employment opportunities, providing health care, and providing a safety net for the aged, infirm or unemployed.

At 50+1 years after independence, however, we witness the Government already dismissing 1700 workers in one sugar plantation, and promising to dismiss at least another 7,000 imminently. In an economy that has shrunk in all sectors except in gold mining, this callous action is tantamount to dooming those individuals and their families to lives that would be “nasty, brutish and short.”

We witness, also, corruption in the procurement of pharmaceuticals -- that has led to widespread shortages that endanger the health of the sick and infirm. We have also witnessed the imposition of the onerous 14% VAT on private education, which restricts the freedom of choice in this critical area of positive freedom.

In retrospect, the question has to be asked: “What is there to celebrate after 50+1 years of independence?”

Members of the UK public observe a national minute of silence in remembrance of all those who had lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack which occurred in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena on the evening of May 22 as concert-goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack, and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injuries. (Photo credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Employment issues in Public Service addressed by CoI Dear Editor, Please publish this letter on the public employment issues addressed by the Commission of Inquiry in the Public Service.

The Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service (CoI 2016) addresses employment and related issues in the Public Service.

The many recommendations from the CoI aim at fostering and developing a professional and neutral Public Service, one that is based on merit and non-partisanship. Inherent in the report are the principles of fairness and non-discrimination in employment practices, in keeping with our Constitution and labour laws.

The CoI Report noted the progressive decline of professionalism in the Public Service, which for decades now has been subservient to the political directorate in the management of public administration services to the public.

The Report also refers to important statements by past Heads of Government, and quoted the then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, on a statement he had made in 1966 on the role and functions of the Public Servants as follows: “Governments, and their Ministers, come and go at the will of the electorate; but under the present system, there needs to continue in being an experienced civil service which can carry on the routine of administration and constitute the skilled instrument for implementing the policy of the Government of the day. To bring appointments to public office under the aegis of ministers would create the danger of such appointments being subject to political considerations, with serious disruption of the administration with each change of the elected Government. The Constitution seeks therefore to ensure that a newly appoint-

ed Government finds at its disposal an efficient, impartial and experienced permanent staff, owing particular allegiance to neither the outgoing nor the incoming administration, and imbued solely with the aim of using its abilities in the service of the Government.”

The statement made in 1989 by the then President, Desmond Hoyte, on the roles of the Permanent Secretary and the Minister, affirmed as follows: “While the Minister exercises general direction and control over his Ministry, it is the Permanent Secretary who is charged with the responsibility for supervising the Ministry (in that connection, his reference was to Article 115 of the Constitution).Therefore, “the Permanent Secretary is accountable for the actual dayto-day management of the Ministry”. He is not a clerk, but has a three-fold responsibility: (1) to manage his Ministry; (2) to advise his Minister; (3) to help the Minister in the formulation of policy.”

Further, President Hoyte stated: “No Minister has the authority to direct a Permanent Secretary to ignore or break the law, or to breach regulations and directives governing the administration of finances, the use of government property, etc. Indeed, no Minister has the power to direct a Permanent Secretary to commit any other act that is unlawful or otherwise irregular.”

On 14 March 2016, President Donald Ramotar was quoted as follows: “Modern democratic societies are based on the independence of three major institutions in society - The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the government.

These institutions are all very important because they act as checks and balance in the

system, and are a safeguard against excessiveness….”

The foregoing are fundamental statements of principles in public administration for a professional and politically neutral Public Service. However, progressively, over the years, many Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, to the neglect of their constitutional and statutory duties, demonstrate professional weakness and allow political alignments to influence their actions and decisions. This points to their general incapacity and unsuitability for such positions of high trust. Many Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries function as “clerks,” and allow Ministers to get into day-to-day public administration and operational management of Ministries and Departments, and micro manage. Ministers must -in the spirit and intent of the Constitution and the applicable laws -- learn, understand, and discharge their constitutional and other statutory duties with prudence.

Some Ministers throw their weight around, essentially on account of their positional power, rather than demonstrating the capacity and skills required in their ministerial responsibilities. The constitutional stipulation of “fit and proper persons” to hold high public office should include ministerial office holders.

President David Granger may wish to rein in those ministers who want to function, or function also, as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments to hide their inability to discharge the higher duties of their portfolios. This must be a source of embarrassment to the President.

With the forgoing background, reality, and the need to restore public trust and confidence in the Public Service, the CoI accordingly recommended:

The enactment, as in other Commonwealth countries, of a Public Service Law, with related regulations which could promote the effective management and administration of the Public Service, and insulate and protect it from irregular and undesirable influences, to enhance its status and productive capacity (R 1) That the Constitution and other applicable laws be appropriately amended to empower the Public Service Commission (PSC) to appoint Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers.(R 9) That all recruitments and appointments to positions in the Public Service be undertaken through open internal and external competition, to obtain the best from the labour market (R 10) That all appointments by the PSC be on the basis of merit, and be free from political influences and meet the essential qualifications and requirements for the jobs to be performed (R 11) That contract workers on all grades holding Public Service positions be absorbed into the pensionable Public Service establishment, provided that they are suitably qualified to fill established positions (R 13) That contracted employees/workers should be restricted to high level professional skills not available in the Public Service, and should be recruited and selected through open competition, to obtain the best available candidates from the job market (14) There is widespread support for these and other recommendations proffered by the CoI. The public waits anxiously for the acceptance and implementation of the recommendations of the CoI, which can contribute to the transformation of the Public Service.

Yours sincerely, Joshua Singh

monDAY, may 29, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Several miners, dredge owners arrested – as Govt clamps down on illegal mining at Kaieteur National Park

P

resident David Granger has ordered officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to arrest several persons who were mining illegally in the Kaieteur National Park.

Reports are the decision was taken following observations made by the President.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said there were at least 15 dredges working illegally at Kaieteur National Park. Last year,

President David Granger

the Ministry cleared out approximately six dredges, and a Police Officer lost his life during the operation when a boat capsized and he drowned.

The Kaieteur National Park is a no-mining zone and is protected under the laws of Guyana. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison both confirmed that there was an operation at the Kaieteur National Park.

Unconfirmed reports state that approximately

Some of the detainees being transported to the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary (Michael McGarrell photo)

two dozen persons were arrested and were being flown to Georgetown to face possible charges. According to sources, approximately eight residents from the Amerindian village of Chenapau in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) have already been flown to the city.

Information surrounding the arrests, up to press time, was sketchy.

Under Guyanese law, Amerindians do not enjoy subsurface rights to stones, minerals and hydrocarbons even if they are found in their community

Soesdyke CPG installs new executive T

he Soesdyke Community Policing Group on Sunday installed a new executive at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Camille’s Institute of Business and Science Studies at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

The new executive is headed by John Springer, who was elected unopposed, while his assis-

tant will be Rajendra Paul.

Veronica Aaron was elected Secretary, while Donnelle Antoo was given the post of Treasurer and Damion Deonarine, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

The Public Relations Officer for the group is Tony George, while the committee members include Basdeo George, Rotchschild GrantStuart, Brenda Lonck,

Peeved at cancellation of Fly Jamaica’s flight from Canada to Guyana Dear Editor, Against my knowledge of the reliability of the tried and tested Caribbean Airlines, and tempted by the prospect of enjoying non-stop flight, I utilised the services of Fly Jamaica on a oneweek return trip to Canada.

It proved to be a terrible decision!

As I am typing this letter, I am stuck in Canada, because Fly Jamaica cancelled its flight (OJ 257) to Guyana scheduled for 26th May. Several phone calls to a toll-free number in Georgetown and to Fly Jamaica Customer Service Office in Canada, and constant on-line checks regarding the status of OJ 257 from Canada to Guyana, have provided conflicting information as to the departure time(s) of Fly Jamaica flight.

I went to Pearson Airport

twice on the advice of the FLY Jamaica personnel at toll-free 1-855-933-5952. I gave Fly Jamaica personnel my phone # in Canada. As at the time of writing this letter, I have not received any call from Fly Jamaica, nor is there any information regarding how Fly Jamaica will get me back to Guyana.

I am in the process of trying to get on to a Caribbean Airlines flight, which may cost me in excess of US$1,300.

Editor, this is not the end of my interaction with Fly Jamaica; legal action will be my next move. And I hope that other frustrated passengers of Fly Jamaica will join me in litigating for just compensation for our inconvenience and loss.

Thanking you.

Taajnauth Jadunauth

Jewel Springer and Melissa Sooklall.

The new executive was charged to carry out the CPG’s mandate without fear or favour by Divisional Vice Chairman Nelly Gordon.

She also tasked them to build a relationship with the community and to be accountable.

During the Chairman’s report, the meeting heard that for the past year, the group conducted four foot patrols, 47 vehicular patrols and would have initiated the arrests of four people.

Springer further stated that the group has received tremendous support from the public and the business community. He recognised their support by rewarding them with certificates.

The previous executive was, however, scolded for not having a report done by

The new executives flanked by Divisional Chairman Ovid Austin, Vice Chairman Nelly Gordon, and A-2 Division Liaison Officer Anil Singh Mohanlall

the Secretary and Treasurer and, as such, was tasked to present them at the first executive meeting.

Meanwhile, addressing the AGM, Divisional Commander Ovid Austin highlighted the importance of keeping young people involved in community po-

licing, noting that persons from various CPGs would be selected for firearm training.

He encouraged the body to work towards building a strong and cohesive group.

Finally, liaison officer of A-2 Division, Anil Singh Mohanlall, who was also rewarded by the group for his

support, congratulated the new executive and charged them to protect citizens come what may.

He noted that the community must feel a sense of security, adding that accountability and respect must be the main focus of the new executives.

6

monDAY, may 29, 2017

Page

Foundation

– creating the Q-Tales ecosystem for children’s e-book design

By Michael Hogan, PhD

I

guyanatimesgy.com

n the last twenty years, technology has emerged that creates new possibilities for storytelling, creativity and creative education. Innovative and pervasive technologies have been developed, mobilising and ubiquitising computing and digital media. Plowman and Stephen (2003) point to the educational potential of this novel information and communications technology (ICT): “New technologies may lead to new concepts of play and learning.These shifts in thinking may lead to technologies that can encompass participation by practitioners, parents and children in different learning spaces and promote discovery, delight, curiosity, creativity, self-expression and pleasure in learning.” (Plowman & Stephen, 2003, p. 160).

Digital media, interactive storytelling and e-books are ever-present in contemporary education, and consequently play an increasingly important role in the development of children’s nascent and emergent literacy. Liebeskind (2015a) notes that children have been using electronic books (e-books) since the early 1990s, with the introduction of the Living Books CDROM books.

The introduction of new technologies such as tablets, e-readers, smart phones and other mobile devices has seen a growth in the use of digital books for children (Kleeman, 2015). The National Literacy Trust’s 2012 report on children’s literacy attitudes and behaviours found that “for the first time children reported reading more on computers and other electronic devices than in print form, confirming the central role of technology in young people’s literacy lives” (Picton & Clark, 2015, p. 7).

In the Trust’s more recent 2014 survey, only 11.4 per cent of children and young people report that they read only on paper, while 88.6 per cent reported that they read using technology (computer/laptop, tablet, e-reader or games console).

E-reading devices have become increasingly accessible and affordable (Liebeskind, 2015a). “A 21st century child has two kinds of bookshelves: one with traditional printed books, plus a virtual bookshelf that is in the cloud” (Buckleitner, 2015, p. 3).

In a series of surveys dating back to January 2013, exploring how children and parents e-read, both independently and together, Liebeskind has found that the overall take-up of digital books is growing, with 93 per cent of kids 2–13 now e-reading at least once a week (2015b).

The advent of tablets and smartphones (especially, larg-

Negative children:

how to deal with a complaining child or teen

By Debbie Pincus, MS

er screen models) has moved the focus of e-book reading from desktop to mobile (Liebeskind, 2015a).

Current sales data demonstrate that although there has been an increase in recent years in reading using e-books and digital media, the traditional printed book is still “lovingly cherished” by readers of all ages (Preston, 2017). Nonetheless, e-books seem here to stay, as a complement to that original and replete, mobile technology: the traditional printed book.

But how do we effectively undertake the design of educational e-books?

The Quantum (Q-)Tales Project

The focus of the Quantum or Q-Tales Project has been to conceptualise and design an ecosystem for the design, development and evaluation of e-books for the enhancement of children’s literacy development. The Q-Tales project developed out of an EU call – within the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and innovation – to support the growth of small-to-medium enterprise (SME) ICT innovative Creative Industries (CORDIS, 2014).

The goal of the call was to increase the competitiveness of the European creative industries by fostering exchanges between the creative industries SMEs and providers of ICT innovative solutions. Funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme for Research and Innovation, an initiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competitiveness (European Commission, 2016), Q-Tales has developed a collaboration ecosystem that will enable EU Creative small to medium enterprises to exchange multimedia content and create interactive e-books for children.

Partners and stakeholders include European e-book publishers, storytellers, writers, illustrators, sound artists, educators, children, and parents.

An online system has been designed that will allow authors, illustrators and multimedia app designers to collaborate together to create e-books for children.

The finished e-books will be curated according to reader ability level and educational value. The design will also incorporate a place where children can log on to the system and create their own e-books. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com) to be continued

L

et’s face it, “No” gets a reaction. Kids thrive on the connection they have with you, and if a child is always negative, they will usually get a reaction from their parents. As odd as it sounds, sometimes the negativity spewing from your child’s lips is not meant to sound as bad as it does.

She may simply want contact with you, albeit negative contact. Some kids’ versions of, “Hi, how are you this morning?” come out as, “These eggs are disgusting!”

While this is the way your child might want to connect with you, it doesn’t mean

you have to enjoy it or listen to it endlessly.

When your child is a constant complainer, it can be emotionally exhausting.

Your negative child may also be loving, funny, and sweet, but unfortunately her negative attitude stands out because it’s such an energy drainer. What’s worse, your mind starts “futurizing” and jumps to every worst case scenario.

So where does all the complaining come from?

If your child is in her teen years, adolescence may be the culprit. When she was young she might have been enthusiastic about everything. You’d hear her say, “Mom look at this! Wow, it’s so cool. I love it!” Then adolescence arrives and it becomes way too uncool to be enthusiastic, especially with your parents. Sharing her inner feelings means opening herself up to you – and that is probably exactly the opposite of what she wants to do at this point in her life. Pushing you out is the name of the game. And

let’s not forget that you and your family are the safe haven where all stresses of childhood can land. She may not tell you about her awful day at school, but instead complain that the food you cooked tastes awful. Yes, this is unpleasant, but remember, don’t take it personally – this could be a coping skill your child is employing.

“Sometimes your child’s negativity and goading behaviour can feel like a magnet pulling you in. I think the best thing to do is be very conscious of what’s happening, and then stay out of that orbit. The main thing is, don’t give it legs.”

As strange as it sounds, negativity and complaining are actually ways to manage anxiety. When your child complains, she feels better because she’s expressing himself and venting her worries and fears. If you don’t react to it from your own anxiety, your child will move on.After you determine what’s triggering your child’s negativity, consider why you get so stirred up by it. Understanding why it upsets you so much is really half the battle; knowing why it pushes your buttons will help you find more calm, effective ways of dealing with it. Do you tend to be negative and critical yourself?

Our kids’ behaviour can often put a mirror in front of us, and it’s not always what we want to see. Do you feel responsible as a parent to fix your child, shape her up and make her happy – and turn her into a “Sally Sunshine?”

Do you futurize and get anxious, and ask yourself if this is the life your child is destined to lead? (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

to be continued

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monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

No dent in corruption – Ramkarran ... more to be done before oil arrives

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espite the rhetoric from Government in regard to combating corruption, and notwithstanding the laws that have been passed empowering institutions like the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) to act, corruption still remains entrenched in Guyana.

Much more needs to be done, according to former Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran, SC, who in his latest missive has said Guyana is about to experience a massive increase in its resources -- a reference to the burgeoning oil industry, which is expected to commence commercial production of oil in 2020 -- but still retains an inexperienced regulatory environment, with corruption still existing.

“Challenges (the country faces include) continued corruption and disquiet about the next elections,” Ramkarran stated in his column, Conversation Tree. “Despite the loud talk, new policing laws and institutions, no dent in corruption has been noticed.

It is as pervasive as it was in the past, though less noticeable because there is less government spending.”

He also spoke about the elections, and the continuing delay in appointing a chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to replace out-

Former Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran

going Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally.

President David Granger, having rejected the first list submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, has been furnished with a second list since May 2; but sources close to the People’s National Congress (PNC) have related that the President has in mind a favoured person whose name has not appeared on either list.

Government has since denied this assertion, but Ramkarran has said that if the second list is rejected, serious questions would emerge.

“On the elections’ front, the rejection by President Granger of the first list for Chair of the Elections Commission, submitted by

Leader of the Opposition, was unexpected and surprising. If the rumours that the second list is also to be rejected prove to be true, serious questions will emerge as to whether the APNU+AFC coalition government wants an independent Chair; and if not, why not,” Ramkarran expressed.

Ramkarran notes that it was against this backdrop and the continuing lack of social cohesion that the Carter Centre had called for constitutional reform.

He has accordingly expressed his complete support for the position taken by the Carter Center.

“It (the Carter Center) said that the anticipated influx of oil revenue has the potential to exacerbate ethnic and political conflicts. It recommends separate presidential elections, possibly with candidates ranked by voters in a preferred scale, with the person gaining the highest total votes being the winner,” Ramkarran explained.

Last year, the United States Department of State had reported that corruption continues to be among the leading human rights problems facing Guyana.

The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015, released by that department in 2016, had also chronicled other human rights violations.

“There remained a

widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels, including the police and the judiciary,” the report said.

It noted, however, that Government had responded to these reports, but it did not elaborate on that response.The report also stated that while the law requires public officials to declare their assets to an Integrity Commission, that commission has not yet been constituted.

It added that the law sets out both criminal and administrative sanctions for public officials who do not disclose their assets to the commission, but said neither disclosure of assets nor conviction for nondisclosure of assets occurred during the year.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has called on the Government to have an international firm investigate whatever assets are held by both current and past Government officials, but this call that has gone unanswered by the Government.

The latest U.S. State Department report on human rights in Guyana had also mentioned alleged Government corruption, including among police of-

ficials, as among Guyana’s continuing human rights problems.

According to the Department’s annual report, which examines human rights conditions in countries throughout the world, the law provides for criminal penalties for corrupt officials, and Government generally implements the law effective-

ly. However, it noted that “there were isolated reports of government corruption during the year, and administration officials responded to the reports.

There remained a widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels, including the police and the judiciary.”

ToRs for land...

Opposition Member of Parliament and former Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai had tabled a motion at the May 8 sitting of the National Assembly calling for the revocation of the CoI. Sukhai’s motion stated that the ToRs of the CoI were published in the Official Gazette on March 11, 2017, the day after six of the seven members of the Commission were sworn in.

It added that in so doing, the Government denied the National Toshaos Council (NTC); Amerindian communities and Amerindian Non-Governmental Organisations the right to be informed and consulted as to the rationale for and the objectives of the Commission. The motion, therefore, called for an im-

from page 2

mediate revocation of the CoI. The final report of the Commission is expected to be handed over to the President on or before November 1, unless an extension is granted.

The CoI is all set to begin public hearings in June, officially starting its work. An employee had told this publication that a tentative date of June 7 was set for the start of all public hearings.

The hearings would be conducted at the Commission’s Secretariat at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) office. However, the Commissioners are urging persons to visit the Hadfield Street office at any time providing they have information to aid the working of the Commission.

8 news

monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana susceptible to ‘resource curse’ – UK professor warns during oil & gas lecture

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lthough the Government is making efforts to ensure that the necessary mechanisms are put in place to assist the country to reap the full benefits of the emerging oil and gas sector, a university professor has warned that Guyana could encounter the ‘resource curse’ if stringent measures are not taken.

In order to avoid such a curse, Guyana must implement a robust legal and institutional infrastructure, which is strong and specialised for the oil and gas industry, and one that will make sure that the environmental situation is one where oil companies have every reason to do the right thing.

This is according to Director of the Centre of Commercial Law at University of Reading, England, Professor Jorge Guira, who addressed stakeholders at his lecture session titled, “Paradise found in Guyana? Meeting the challenges of oil and gas exploration and production”, at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston on Thursday.

The lecture was organised by the Natural Resources Ministry in

Professor Jorge Guira presenting his lecture at the Theatre Guild

collaboration with the University of Guyana.

The UK professor pointed out that in some cases, natural resource revenues have been linked to slow economic growth rates, inequality, and poverty. One culprit may be the so-called Dutch disease, whereby resource revenues raise a country's exchange rate, hurting competitiveness in non-resource sectors.

Other factors may also include the volatility associated with commodity prices, which can have especially negative impacts on weak state economies, and the under-development of

agricultural and manufacturing sectors during boom periods in resource-based economies.

Guira suggested that even when oil abundance produces high growth, it often benefits only a few allegedly corrupt elites rather than translating into higher living standards for most of the population.

In considering longterm plans, Professor Guira said there was also the importance of having a local content dimension, from oil companies, in order to provide bases for the development of the country.

He stressed that the par-

ties giving the Government advice in dealing with its oil wealth may have different self-interest and urged it to be aware of those interests.

Professor Guira noted that the Government was bound to face several challenges in this new sector, but it should try to enforce greater levels of transparency, accountability and sustainability, in order to succeed.

He also suggested that Guyana developed stronger links with Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries, and said that the border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela should also be addressed.

Touching on another key point, the professor said, in order for the Sovereign Wealth Fund to be effective, it must be checked with accountability and strong oversight to preserve capital, while capping spending. Instead, Government should, according to him, invest rather than consume.

Professor Guira also stressed that while Guyana’s oil find, as well as the projected earnings, is monumental, Government needed to take the fluctuation in oil prices into consideration.

He also urged that although oil companies were making humongous investments, Guyana also needed to invest in capacity building in order to drive the process in an intelligent way.

Recently, Government was criticised over the issue of transparency with respect to the emerging oil and gas sector by Control Risks Senior Analyst Raul Gallegos.

Gallegos was addressing an audience in California at the XXVI La Jolla Energy Conference during a plenary session on “Latin America’s Upstream Prospects and Outlook”.

Gallegos, a former journalist and an expert on Venezuela, told the gathering of investors, thought leaders and Government officials that the problem with Guyana was the issue of transparency.

He added that over the past few months, he and his team spent a considerable amount of time “patching” up a little information on what the Guyana Government planned to do with the revenues from the oil sector. The Government, he said, “still cannot figure it out”, making reference to the contract and plans for the revenue streaming in from oil.

Guyana is all set to become a top oil-producing country following massive finds by a major international oil companies.

Changes…

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…on Independence observation? our Eyewitness is pleased the Opposition’s finally accepted they have a duty to ensure Guyana knows everything isn’t hunky-dory in the State of Guyana.

Most recently, they showed this by boycotting the Govt’s Independence extravaganza at Jubilee Stadium -- which was supposed to be the stadium of the ages.

Why should they turn up at a structure that exemplifies the PNC’s fixation on “games and circuses,” instead of engaging in solid developmental activities to make the country truly independent?

If 50+1 years after Independence, and even after expending a billion dollars from the public treasury on it, the Government still owes several unnamed “political investors” big time for contributing millions and millions to build the stadium. Why should the Opposition legitimise blatant corruption by their presence? Silence in the face of evil implies acquiescence. What’s “independence” for the people of this country if they can’t be told who plunked down the mega bucks into the private corporation with the Minister of Education at its centre?? Is, perchance, a certain Trini pharma supplier one of those investors?

It’s not surprising that, initially, the Government wanted to shift their celebrations away from the Jubilee Stadium -- first to Stabroek Market Square, and then to the Parade Ground; and finally, only sheepishly after protestations, back to their billion-dollar monument to the PNC’s venality. Jubilee Stadium epitomises all that’s wrong with this Government and its unsuitability for running the affairs of Guyana. Apart from the corruption, there’s the stadium itself.

What person in their right mind in the 21st century would dub a wooden structure hastily cobbled together from raw wood and galvanised sheets a “world class stadium”?? Which world is the PNC brain trust living in?? Even as they were throwing around money at Durban Park like it was going out of style, in a desperate effort to save face, some ordinary Guyanese had asked why modular steel pipes weren’t used, rather than wood. This would’ve saved the structure from the certain ravages of wood ants; and after the Big Bash, the structure could’ve been disassembled and donated to communities across the country as “pavilions” at their sports grounds.

It is hoped the Opposition also stayed away to show the international community that the generosity of spirit originally displayed by Cheddi Jagan at the first Independence ceremony didn’t get the PPP anywhere. Especially now the PNC are insisting they’ll be recapitulating the actions of their Founder Leader, Burnham.

Even though Jagan knew he’d been destabilised by the CIA because of Burnham’s opportunism, he yet hugged Burnham when the Union Jack was lowered.

But he was proverbially kicked in the teeth by Burnham, who put the PNC before the nation. And that’s exactly what is occurring again.

Nice guys finish last! Bun dem!! …on GECOM formula Guyana should remain grateful that President Carter personified the U.S. intervention into Guyana, back in 1990, to convince the PNC that they had to concede “free and fair elections”. Knowing - like everyone else and their uncle - that the PNC’s electoral fiddling began with their “toothless poodle” at the head of the Elections Commission, Carter brokered the formula that is presently used to constitute GECOM and its Chair.

The bottom line is that the members are as follows: 3 Commissioners each from the Govt and the Opposition, with a supposedly neutral Chair having a casting vote.

The Centre has now proposed a change in the methodology of selecting the members of GECOM. The goal is to make it less “politicised”. At this time, unfortunately, such proposals are akin to speculating as to how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

Prezzie, who’s the PNC leader, has made it pellucid that only he can determine the head of GECOM. They aren’t interested in breaking any deadlock. …in GECOM Head Maybe not coincidentally, Opposition Leader Jagdeo’s “concerned” Prezzie hasn’t chosen the GECOM Chair from his second list. He shouldn’t hold his breath.

Now that GTimes has exposed Prezzie’s real choice, the Opposition Leader can only solve his quandary by placing that ex-judge’s name in a third list!!

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

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monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt ducks TIGI questions on oil and gas Govt pursues – hides behind int’l firm, GGMC

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

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s the Guyana Government gears towards preparing a regulatory environment for the development of a much-anticipated oil and gas industry, the country’s leading anti-corruption organisation is less than impressed with the Natural Resources Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

According to Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), after over a month of no response to a statement it issued in April, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman finally responded earlier in May. But instead of responding directly to TIGI’s questions, the Minister deferred to Worley Parsons, a consultant company the Government contracted without any open tendering.

“In April 2017, TIGI issued a statement indicating that after a month it had not received a response from the Minister of Natural Resources to its letter requesting him to share with it (TIGI) the types and particulars of the studies and investigations he has requested as part of the process for evaluating Exxon’s production licence application.

“Apart from making a general request for information, TIGI had in particular asked if, as provided for in the existing legislation, the Minister had request-

ed ExxonMobil to submit an economic feasibility study of its proposed (upstream) operations in the Stabroek Block.”

But according to TIGI, Minister Trotman never responded directly to its questions and claimed that “the matters raised in your letter are presently being addressed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in conjunction with an international consulting company, Worley Parsons.”

“From this response,” TIGI noted, “it would appear that the Minister is attempting to delegate his responsibilities as spelt out in Section 33 (1) of the Petroleum (Production and Exploration) Act of 1986 (and the accompanying Regulations) to the GGMC and to Worley Parsons, a foreign company.

“It is important for the Minister to realise, however ,that the GGMC would find it difficult to raise serious concerns about ExxonMobil’s proposed development plan should any exist, if the Minister has already made a political commitment to the project,” TIGI posited.

According to the transparency watchdog body, the temporal order of the actions is important for the outcome to be more meaningful than merely the “ticking of boxes”.

No public tendering

TIGI noted that at no point in time was there a public tender for the services of the consultancy firm. In fact, TIGI noted that owing to the lack of transparency in the Government sourcing this firm, it was unsure of exactly what services Worley Parsons was providing.

Other grey areas include other particulars of the contract such as how much it is costing taxpayers.

“Furthermore, the services of Worley Parsons were presumably procured under Section 49 of the Procurement Act of 2003 which provides for single

sourcing where services to be procured require that a particular consultant be selected due to the consultant’s unique qualifications.”

The organisation noted that even if the company’s services were single sourced, in keeping with Section 49 of the Procurement Act, it was still unacceptable for the Minister to entrust Guyana’s future and patrimony to the hands of a foreign consultant.

“The Minister must, therefore, be so impressed with the unparalleled and indisputable reputation of Worley Parsons (and uninterested in building local capacity) that he would entrust responsibility for Guyana’s patrimony to it.

“This too is unacceptable, not the least because Worley Parsons would similarly find it to be bad business to raise serious concerns if any exist, unless the contract it has with the GoG holds it legally liable for any problems with the proposed plan. However, we know little about what Worley Parsons is being asked to do given the absence of public tender and requests for proposals.”

According to TIGI, the selection of the firm lacks transparency. The anti-corruption body noted that it might even be that Worley Parsons itself is advising on what services must be provided, what studies must be undertaken, and the scope of its undertaking.

But according to TIGI, Minister Trotman concluded his letter by indicating that Government was committed to holding “stakeholder discussions” after the Worley Parsons and the GGMC have submitted their reports.

TIGI said it wished to remind the Minister that the report “Creating Incentives to Avoid Deforestation” by the highly-acclaimed McKinsey and Company was itself the subject of strong criticism by informed stakeholders, but the report having been writ-

action plan to ease doing business – admits to challenges in system

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he Government is currently pursuing an action plan to ease the red tape and make doing business in Guyana easier. And it is receiving assistance from the World Bank in order to do this.

TIGI head, Dr Troy Thomas This is according to Business Minister Dominic ten and paid for, could not Gaskin, who was at the have been readily adjusted to incorporate those concerns. time addressing members “Does the Minister really of the Diaspora in London, mean consultations or infor- England, at Guyana’s High Commission. mation sessions?”

During his address, TIGI also pointed out that the governance frame- which formed part of the work was key to preventing Embassy’s observance of perverse results such as the Guyana’s 51st Independence well-known resource curse. Anniversary, Gaskin acAs Guyana seeks to develop knowledged that doing busiits oil and gas sector, TIGI ness in Guyana was a chalsaid, the governance frame- lenge, something the Private work needs to be robust and Sector has complained of for satisfy minimum require- some time.

“The Ministry of Business ments of transparency and has sought assistance from accountability.

According to TIGI, the ap- the World Bank and is curproach taken so far is lacking rently working on an action both transparency and ac- plan to improve the ease of countability. The body called doing business in Guyana,” for this to be addressed as Gaskin said. “Significant soon as possible to ensure improvements are expected that the touted benefits of oil over the coming years.”

It is understood that last to Guyana are realised. year the Business Ministry Worley Parsons is an Australian engineering com- had invited a team from the pany, which has some histo- World Bank to do assessry with ExxonMobil. Back in ments and provide advice on 2014, ExxonMobil sued Worley improving the local business Parsons, at the time its con- climate.

Their scope had includsultant for an oil drilling operation off the Russian coast, ed trade transactions, acowing to a number of errors cess to electricity, land and Exxon claimed the firm made construction permits, and ease in starting businesses, in designing the platform.

It was alleged that despite as well as paying taxes and payments of over US$500 ensuring that contracts are million, Worley Parsons enforced.

“In spite of many chalstill did substandard work lenges, Guyana’s economy is for Exxon’s Russian affilistill growing,” Gaskin said. ate. Despite initial denials, Worley Parsons eventual- “Last year, it grew by 3.3 ly paid up more than US$50 per cent which is impressive million to Exxon in settle- when compared to all our neighbouring economies.” ments.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

Gaskin then went on to compare Guyana’s economic performance to the economic plights of Venezuela, Brazil, Trinidad and Barbados.

He also noted that with the discovery of oil, “We are receiving a level of attention that we are not accustomed to and this is not necessarily a bad thing”.

Gaskin claimed that Guyana was for a long time ignored by the international business community and not given much consideration as an investment destination.

“We have a chance to change this and to transform our country into one that is ready to do business with the rest of the world.”

World Bank rankings

Guyana has wallowed quite low on the World Bank’s ranking of countries based on their ease of doing business. In 2016, Guyana was ranked at 124 out of 190 countries, with regard to the ease with which business was done locally.

In terms of starting a business, Guyana came in at 99, while it was ranked at 148 based on how easy it was dealing with construction permits. turn to page 10

10 news Phase 1 of Bartica Stelling 35% complete monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

– tidal changes hindering progress

W

Ongoing works on the substructure of the Bartica Stelling

orks on Bartica Stelling are moving apace amid challenges, and according to Junior Public Works Minister Annette Ferguson, phase one of the project is about 35 per cent completed.

Ferguson explained that while work was progressing, it has been hindered owing to the frequent changes of the tide.

“The men cannot work during the high tide; to date, they have already installed the timber piles which have to be encased in concrete, so it’s just for them to start the casting, which cannot be done during the tide,”

Ferguson explained.

She added that concrete works on the sub-structure and steel bending were ongoing.

The project, which commenced last October, is a multi-year one. However, phase one, which is the substructure (base/underlying/ supporting structure), is now expected to be completed by September 2017 after which work on the superstructure (upper part) will commence immediately, Minister Ferguson pointed out.

Minister Annette Ferguson assessing works done at the Bartica Stelling

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, the project's description outlines that the southern section of the Stelling is to be demolished and reconstructed with support piles made of greenheart for the substructure and the southern timber fender system to be completely redone.

The superstructure will house various Government offices, commercial businesses, passenger waiting area, canteen and staff offices.

The project, which is funded by the Government, will help provide the good life for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) residents and other persons who travel to the Region, Minister Ferguson confidently stated.

“By virtue of the Government pumping this amount of money into this project, means a lot. As a government, we sought to enhance this stelling because we don’t want to continue our tenure with dilapidated infrastructure. We want to ensure passengers are comfortable and safety is adhered to, so the enhancement of this stelling will definitely bring relief to the residents and those travelling,” Minister Ferguson posited.

The sum of $240 million from the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s $34.6 billion 2017 allocation is being spent for the execution of this project.

Mook’s Award denied

Dear Diary, Dis a Mook Lall again. Me know me only write yuh yestaday, but me come fuh tell yuh me na get none Award, an’ me blasted vex!

Dem Bais bin tell me how me guh get waan a de Award Grain-Ja ah gi’e people who do somet’ing fuh de country. And YOU know how much me do; right, Dear Diary?? Me know me na do fuh de country - but me do damn plenty fuh APANU and KFC, right? An’ dem a rule de country now. Wha’ mek dem cyaan gi’e me wan award??

Me na farm dat FUCOP group fuh gi’e big money to dem campaign? Da na count? Me cuss Jagdesh and PPCEE till wata na deh fuh wash dem. Da na count?

But soon as APANU an’ KFC get into guvment dem fuhget all abee who help dem.

Look who dem gi’e Award!! Baddam!! Wha Baddam do?? He only get fuh praise up Pee an See because me Muckrakah gi’e he wan jab. If he na had Muckraker wha’ he woulda do? Me na count? Goat bite me??

Wha’ Griffin do? ‘E na even bin deh in Guyana!!

Me na know half a dem pan de list; an’ me know everybody in Guyana!

Dear Diary, yuh know wha’ mek me want de Award suh bad, right? Me na qualify fuh nothin’, suh me cyaan put nothin’ in front me name. People only respect people wid lettah in front ah dem name. Like “Dactah dis an’ Dactah dat!

If me bin get wan award, me could put some letta AFTAH me name: Mook Lall, AA or BB or CC. Sound good, right Dear diary? Now every-bady guh seh me a wan REAL Mook.

Me woulda teach dem wan lesson, but me too shame.

Govt pursues action... from page 9

Out of all the countries analysed, Guyana came in at 129 in terms of getting electricity.

Guyana was ranked at 122 in how easy it was to register property, and at 136 based on how easy it was to pay taxes. The country was ranked at 135 and 154 based on the ease of trading across borders and resolving insolvency, respectively.

It fared better in the rankings on how easy it was to enforce contracts (91), for persons to get credit (82) and on how well minority investors were protected (87).

The Minister’s address to the Diaspora comes after criticism from different quarters on the economic slowdown gripping the country and the slew of tax measures the Government implemented for the new year.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) recently declared a loss of confidence in the Government, based on the economy’s performance and the poor policies.

The body had called for the Government to create an enabling environment and to increase its engagements with the business community.

During a visit by this publication to the community of Wales (itself in the throes of economic depression following the Government’s decision to close the sugar estate), villagers had complained bitterly about the difficulties faced in starting a business.

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) is one agency which came under fire.

The SBB is a semi-autonomous Government agency, which was created to complement the Small Business Act No. 2 of 2004. It coordinates programmes for small business development, in addition to facilitating training for aspiring entrepreneurs.

According to one Wales resident, however, he was sent by the Bureau to a local bank in order to get a loan, only to ultimately be denied.

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monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Alleged assassination plot

Truancy campaign in Region 2

Schools Welfare Dept Police advised to suspend probe – pending confrontation steps up home visits I

Senior Schools Welfare Officer Haimraj Hamandeo (left) in conversation with a parent during the truancy campaign

Johanna Cecelia Secondary.

More than 16 homes were visited during that exercise.

The campaign also continues in the Lower Pomeroon River, where visits were conducted at Curimeeru Settlement, Massarie Settlement, Caporoto Island, Fuku Island, and Wakapao Village. During that visit, 25 students with poor attendance records were visited.

At Perseverance, Sand, Golden Fleece and Johanna Cecelia, 15 pupils were visited owing to their poor attendance at school.

Hamandeo met with parents of all the children and words of encouragement were given. He also assured parents that the Department would do ev-

By Indrawattie Natram

A

s part of a committed effort to clamp down on truancy and keep children in school, the Welfare Section of the Department of Education in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has stepped up its campaign by conducting home visits. Thus far, over 55 homes were visited on the Essequibo Coast, and alternative measures were put in place by officers to assist children to attend school.

During the month of May, home visits were conducted at Little Red Village, Onderneeming, Wakapao, Lower Pomeroon, Queenstown, Golden Fleece and Johanna Cecila, among other areas. Parents were visited based on the attendance register at the different schools within the areas.

According to Senior

Home visits being conducted during the truancy campaign

Welfare Officer Haimraj Hamandeo, the home visits have thus far been fruitful.

He said at Onderneeming, the effort was a collaborative one between the Headteacher and staff of

erything in its capacity to assist them. He, therefore, called on parents to send their children to school so that they could attain an education.

Lusignan man dies after alleged beating – Police investigating A 54-year-old man is now dead after he was allegedly beaten and robbed while heading to his Lot 20 Latchmansingh Housing Scheme home at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara on Friday.

The dead man, Narine Singh, was reportedly making his way home on Independence Day when he was allegedly attacked and robbed. According to his relatives, he died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday around 06:00h.

Relatives claim that before Singh died, he was able to reveal the names of the persons who attacked him.

“We hear that he win some money at a pools shop and he was going home when some boys beat him up and

The dead man, Narine Singh

take away the money. The people in the area said they hear he saying ‘ayo done tek me money, what you go do now, kill me?’ but them nah peep out,” the dead man’s sister, Urmilla Singh, said.

She related that she received a call around 21:00h on Friday informing her that her brother was lying in the bushes at the side of his street. Urmilla said she then made a call to her nephew, Arjune Sookdeo, who went to investigate.

Upon arriving at the scene, Sookdeo found his uncle lying in a semi-conscious state and he rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted, to the Accident and Emergency Unit.

“He called some names, me can’t remember the names, but he tell my nephew to ask so so person and the person will tell him who did that to him,” Urmilla related. turn to page 13

nvestigators probing the alleged assassination plot against President David Granger were advised to “suspend the investigations until a confrontation is done”, Guyana Times was told on Sunday.

However, efforts by this newspaper to ascertain between whom the Guyana Police Force’s Legal Advisor, Justice Claudette Singh, wants the second confrontation to be held were futile.

Last month, the Force’s legal mind had instructed that investigators hold a confrontation between the complainant and an alleged witness, who was reportedly present when the alleged deal was made to ‘shoot’ the Head of State.

This publication understands that the stories submitted by the complainant and the alleged witness, who was supposed to corroborate the assassination plot, do not coincide; hence, the Legal Advisor had previously advised that a confrontation be held to make certain clarifications.

During that confrontation, Guyana Times was told that the alleged witness told investigators that the complainant had contacted him and offered him a sum of money to give a statement to the Police claiming that he was present when the two businessmen contacted him (the complainant) to assassinate the President.

According to sources, the complainant had only made

The man who claimed that two local businessmen hired him to assassinate President David Granger

the monetary offer after he informed the Police of the assassination plot.

This publication was previously told that the complainant allegedly owed the businessmen, whom he accused, in excess of $8 million.

Independent investigations revealed that the man failed to repay the money and was confronted by his creditors. Based on his inability to repay the money and more so, out of fear of what the men were capable of doing, he allegedly levelled the allegation.

Several weeks ago, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had disclosed that investigators have made certain recommendations based on their findings during the probe.

However, he never expounded on this.

There has been a general public view that the alle-

gation that a businessman offered some $7 million to assassinate the Guyanese leader is a hoax and the course of the investigation seems to be pointing to this.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had previously explained that the Legal Advisor would have to determine whether there was substance to the allegation or if it was just a ploy to create mischief, and based on her findings, the Police will take the appropriate actions.

The Top Cop had pointed out that if the allegation was indeed true, the guilty parties involved could be charged for treason, but if it was a mischievous act, the person who made the allegation could be charged for providing false information to the Police.

Shortly after Minister of State, Joseph Harmon broke the news of the investigations into the alleged assassination plot against the Head of State, the complainant, a well-known barber of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared on a local private television station to relate his story.

In that interview, the barber revealed that he was offered $7 million and given a “long black gun” by a businessman to carry out the job of shooting the President, but he had declined the offer.

Reports indicate that he subsequently filed a complaint with the Police, prompting the investigation, which has been ongoing for over a month.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rupununi woman gives birth mid-air …first known mid-air delivery on GDF aircraft

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he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recorded its first known midair delivery on Saturday when 18-year-old Susan Williams of Fairview, North Rupununi gave birth to a beautiful baby girl way above the ground, in what can be described as the most beautiful view over Iwokrama.

Jemina West, medical student daughter of GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West, was onboard the aircraft. A student of the Texila American University, she played the heroic part in spearheading the delivery.

Both mother and baby are patients in the Post Natal Care Ward of the GPHC, and are said to be doing fine. Williams and her

Williams’s baby being transported to the GPHC

worker from Iwokrama, and he come. After he come, the baby foot done coming out one side, so he said that he can’t do nothing about that and that we got to send her out.

“The plane was right there collecting tourists, so we went in, and shortly after (take off), she deliver the baby,” 19-year-old West related.

The parents are now deciding on a suitable name for their baby girl, and are playing around with a few that have references to the skies.

This is the second child for the proud parents, who say they have no plans for a third child.

They are expected to travel back to their village after Williams and her baby are cleared to do so. And according to Williams, “Delivering in the skies doesn’t make it less painful, but it was an experience to cherish.”

Susan Williams and her baby girl

husband are thankful for the courage demonstrated

by Ms West in stepping up to the challenge.

Complications

The sequence of events began when Susan Williams developed complications during delivery and had to be air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPCH) for immediate attention.

She had reportedly gone into labour at about 16:00h on Saturday, and was told that the infant was in a breeched position and she would have to be air dashed to the GPHC. Williams’s husband, Diego West, told the Guyana Times that at about 16:00h that day, he received a call informing him that his wife was ready to deliver their second child.

“I was at work and her cousin called and said that my girl getting (labour) pain, so I told my supervisor, ‘Let me go home’, and

Diego West looks on as his baby is being taken care of by medical student Jemina West

I come home. After I come home my girl tell me that she getting pain and the health worker examined her and she said that the baby near…The baby foot come out one side and they said that it is an emergency, so they send for the next health

The aircraft was manned by two pilots, Majors Mohinder Ramjag and Patrick Nicols, who both expressed their elation at having experienced a midair delivery. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

news

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monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Housing expo dubbed “true solution” for low-income Guyanese expo.

He even explained the process of procuring one of the well-designed homes, stating that an application has to be made to the company, after which it would proceed with the qualification assessment. Upon approval, DuraVilla Homes will follow up with the Communities Ministry and the CH&PA to subsequently commence construction.

The model at the housing expo is priced at $16 mil-

ty for other private entities such as furniture stores, security services and banks.

According to reports from various businesses participating in the expo, the initiative provides the perfect opportunity to market their products, with some even earning close to 100 new customers.

Those in attendance on Sunday dubbed this event a great initiative especially since it provides low-income housing solutions for

Scores of patrons gather to examine houses constructed by private developers on Sunday

W

ith the passing of three days since the launch of the housing expo at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, the co-op initiative was dubbed the true housing solution for low-income Guyanese. Scores of persons on Sunday flocked the exhibition site as the Communities Ministry in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) partnered with housing developers to present an array of homes to citizens.

The housing expo, which is aimed at providing low, moderate and middle income earners, along with State employees and youths, the perfect opportunity to access affordable homes, was launched on Friday last and is set to conclude today.

The “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” event features a total of 25 houses which were constructed for display during the four-day exhibition period to presented stylish, durable and eco-friendly options to Guyanese who have previously been faced with financial barriers, preventing them from purchasing their own homes. The houses were uniquely constructed and comprise single units and duplexes made of both wood and concrete.

These models range from as low as $6.5 million with the more eye-catching models being offered on special deals for about $16 million.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Sunday, CH&PA Public Relations Officer Ivor Wharton said the event showcased to the Guyanese populace “what are some of the solutions

we have come up with” for affordable housing.

The PRO said the Planning Authority, in its “Housing Solutions” initiative, has partnered with private developers to build homes in three targeted income categories to not only present options to Guyanese, but, at the same time, gather information of the housing preferences of the general public. Wharton even pointed out that of the two options presented (single units and duplexes), approximately 80 per cent of those who participated in the surveys preferred the single units.

The PRO further explained that the houses

two months across six regions of the country, with similar options made available.

Wharton expressed delight over the successful outcome of this initiative and stated, “We are overwhelmed with the response we have received from the public.”

The PRO went on to say that the CH&PA would be working hard so that it can provide every applicant with a house lot or a fully constructed home.

Expressing similar sentiments was Rafeek Khan of DuraVilla Homes, who highlighted, “The experience has been overwhelming here in Guyana, because what has happened

Citizens cashing in on Sunday on other services offered at the housing expo (Carl Croker photos)

lion, but will average about $12 million if constructed on land owned by the buyers.

“Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” also presented a marketing opportuni-

Duplexes constructed by CH&PA

constructed at the exhibition site would remain there and would be the first of several communities to be developed as a result of this housing exposition. As such, she noted that the cost to purchase one of the single units at Perseverance was $6.5 million, while the duplexes would not exceed $7 million. However, the setting up of similar communities is set to commence in about

is that the young, the old, the rich and the poor like our greenheart villa concept.”

The Strategic Planning and Development Manager pointed out that his entity operated both locally and aboard and produced unique, customised designs, incorporating the use of both popular and lesser known species of timber, 95 per cent of which is sourced in Guyana. DuraVilla’s

model home at the housing expo was a distinctive design, which capitalised on the use of space, capturing the attention of those present.

“Usually, we export our timber overseas, but we would like to have DuraVilla Home concept in Guyana, using the ecofriendly greenheart villa idea,” underlined Khan as he responded to the positive feedback offered by those cashing in on the

Lusignan man dies after...

However, according to Senior Superintendent and Commander of Police C Division (East Coast Demerara), Calvin Brutus, Narine is an alcoholic with a history of haemorrhaging.

He added that the information the Police received revealed that the man may have died after he fell and hit his head on a concrete post.

“Narine was seen (on Friday) sitting in front of a shop bleeding and a resident assisted in cleaning him up.

He then left that shop and went to another shop where he purchased a cigarette and when he left, he fell and hit himself on a concrete block and a relative came and took him to the hospital where he died

on Saturday,” Commander Brutus stated.

He added that Police investigations so far revealed that the man may have died as a result of hitting his head and not because he was beaten. “We heard reports that he was beaten at a pools shop, but upon investigating we found that he left there unharmed,” the Police Commander

from page 11

said.

However, he went on to say that the Police could not pronounce on a cause of death until the post-mortem was conducted today.

The now-deceased man, who lived alone, was never married and had no children. He leaves to mourn his six siblings, and was described as a pleasant person. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

the masses of Guyanese who fall within this earning level. Many were also impressed with the beautiful modern designs given that they are offered at such affordable prices.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 29, 2017

Regional

Brazilian leader picks T&T: National Insurance Board new Justice Minister will have to reform or sell off assets P S

candal-plagued Brazilian President Michel Temer on Sunday named a new Justice Minister, placing a respected legal figure in the position as the leader defends himself against corruption allegations.

The presidential palace gave no reason for naming Torquato Jardim as his new Justice Minister in a short written statement.

Since March, Jardim was the nation’s Transparency Minister.

Before that, he had served as a justice on Brazil’s top electoral court.

Jardim replaced Osmar Serraglio, a lawmaker from Temer’s own party, who had been in that post for just three months. A source close to Temer told Reuters that Serraglio will soon be announced as the new Transparency Minister.

The Justice Ministry oversees Brazil’s federal police, who along with federal Prosecutors are leading massive corruption probes, including the “Car Wash” political graft investigation now looking at Temer.

Carlos Sobral, head of the national association of federal police inspectors,

Brazil's President Michel Temer smiles during a meeting with representatives of the Brazilian Chamber of Construction Industry and businessmen, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, May 25, 2017

said the abrupt change in ministers was worrying.

“We were surprised with the news of the change,” he said in an emailed statement. “Any changes in the Justice Ministry command create uncertainty and worry about possible interference in the work done by federal Police.”

Sobral called on Congress to approve a measure pending before the body that would grant autonomy to federal Police.

Temer’s change in ministers came as thou-

sands of protesters gathered on the golden sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to demand the president’s resignation and that direct elections be called.

Several of Brazil’s most famous actors and musicians led the rally, which despite the star appeal drew a smaller crowd than the 50,000 demonstrators organisers expected. Police said they would not divulge an estimate on the number of people present. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Convicted J'can woman in Barbados now charged with murder

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edesha Ann Juliet Haynes, the Jamaican woman who was charged last month in connection with the stabbing of another Jamaican, is now facing a charge of murder.

When Haynes appeared in court on Friday, after spending 28 days in prison – the presiding magistrate said the charge of serious bodily harm was upgraded.

It is now alleged that Haynes murdered Shockaya

Boyd, on April 28.

The police report that Boyd, was stabbed during an altercation with Haynes early that morning. Boyd was later rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Haynes was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to her by Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant.

She had made her first court appearance back on

April 29, when she was charged with serious bodily harm, to which she was also not required to plead.

Haynes lost her freedom when the prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that she is a non-national and that the charge against her was likely to be upgraded, based on the outcome of an autopsy on Boyd’s body.

Haynes is scheduled to return to court on June 23.

(CMC)

lease do not panic.

This is the plea from Executive Director of the National Insurance Board (NIB) Niala PersadPoliah as she tried to allay the fears of citizens following recent revelations that if changes are not made to the country’s national insurance system, funds will be completely depleted by 2030.

The Ninth Actuarial Review of the National Insurance System was published in June 2015.

It covered the threeyear period up to June 30, 2013, and presented a pro-

T

Public Safety Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin (File photo)

He did not want to say exactly what plan is being formulated.

Benjamin says the

Government is also seeking to re-introduce a gun amnesty drive. (Antigua Observer)

national insurance system is “strong”. Reform of the system is, however, needed.

“There is no need for fear and panic in the minds of citizens at this time. The NIS is strong, but reform is needed. Contributors who are paying into the system, those who are yet to receive benefits and even those who are in receipt of benefits should not be concerned. But we must all recognise that reforms are needed to the system so as to preserve the fund for generations to come.” (Excerpt

from Trinidad Guardian)

New unity Cayman Govt formed after 1st coalition deal scrapped

F

ormer Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush will be the next Premier of the Cayman Islands, after striking a deal with eight independent candidates who won seats in last week’s general election just hours after announcing that his Cayman Democratic Party (CDP) would join forces with the incumbent People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) to form a new government.

Bush, who served as Premier from 2009 to 2012, heads the CDP which won only three of the 19 seats in the Legislative Assembly in last Wednesday’s polls.

The PPM of former Premier Alden McLaughlin had won seven seats, and with no outright winner, negotiations were being held among the parties and independent candidates with

McKeeva Bush

the aim of forming a coalition government.

A deal was announced on Friday between the CDP and PPM that would see McLaughlin returned as Premier and his long-time political rival Bush appointed as Speaker of the House. A press statement had been issued and there

were also photos circulating of the two leaders signing the deal.

However, hours later the agreement was rescinded and Bush said he had formed a “government of national unity”.

“After numerous calls from my West Bay constituencies and from voters across the wider eastern independent representative districts, I, William McKeeva Bush, and my colleagues have, therefore, withdrawn our support for the PPM to form the next government and have agreed to form the next government with the independent candidates,” Bush said in a statement, adding that the fact people had chosen more independent candidates meant they had a mandate to make a change. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Jamaica can earn more from brand, says IMF official

Antigua: AG says gun amnesty I is under consideration

he country’s Attorney General Steadroy Cutie Benjamin has admitted that the Government is not doing enough to curb the use of unlicensed firearms in Antigua & Barbuda.

There have been several shooting incidents over the past few weeks, the latest was on Thursday when a man was shot dead while his son and nephew also received gunshot wounds.

Benjamin tells OBSERVER media that the Government is currently seeking ways to beef up security at the country’s port to help curtail the situation.

jection of the financial situation of this country’s national insurance system for the next 50 years.

“From 2019-2020, assets will rapidly decrease and the NIS funds will be completely depleted in 20292030 if nothing is modified in terms of contributions or benefits,” the actuarial reviews warned.

Workers contributing to NIS have been expressing concerns about their monthly contributions.

However, Persad-Poliah sought to assure the public that this was not cause for concern as the country’s

nternational Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative, Dr Constant Longkeng Ngouana says Jamaica should be reaping more economic benefits from the strength of the country’s brand, which he has described as being “severely underleveraged”.“The strength of the Jamaican brand around the world should be generating even more visitors, although (the number) is already high,” said Dr Longkeng Ngouana.

He was delivering the distinguished lecture hosted recently by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) in Kingston.

Pointing to the outstanding performances by

Jamaican athletes at the 2016 Rio Olympics, which was seen globally by millions of television viewers, the IMF official argued that the country had a great opportunity to market its products to other countries.

“To leverage that brand your goods have to be found in shops (in countries where people easily recognise) the Jamaican flag,” Dr Longkeng Ngouana told the gathering of UCC students, staff and guests.

The IMF representative suggested that security concerns were among the factors hindering the greater leveraging of Jamaica’s brand and which partially caused many tourists not to venture beyond all-inclusive resorts to sample the country’s cultural offer-

ings.

However, he noted that Government was addressing this problem by a renewed focus on citizen security – one of four pillars to achieve economic growth and jobs.

The other pillars are public sector transformation, social inclusion and modernisation of the central bank to better manage inflation.

Longkeng Ngouana, who was speaking on the topic ‘Jamaica and the IMF’, said that having successfully completed the three-year Extended Fund Facility agreement with the fund, the country now needed to build on the macro-economic stability that had been achieved. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

monDAY, may 29, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

After summits with Trump, Merkel says US Mississippi Europe must take fate into own hands shooting leaves 8 dead

E

urope can no longer completely rely on its allies, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday, pointing to bruising meetings of G7 wealthy nations and NATO last week.

Merkel did not mention by name US President Donald Trump, who criticised major NATO allies and refused to endorse a global climate change accord, but she told a packed beer tent in Munich that the days when Europe could completely count on others were “over to a certain extent”.

“I have experienced this in the last few days,” she said.

“And that is why I can only say that we Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands – of course in friendship with the United States of America, in friendship with Great Britain and as good neighbours wherever that is possible also with other coun-

The suspect told a local news reporter he was “sorry”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump before talks at the G7 summit in Taormina, Sicily, Italy, May 26, 2017

tries, even with Russia.”“But we have to know that we must fight for our future on our own, for our destiny as Europeans,” Merkel said.The two-day G7 summit in Italy pitted Trump against the leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan on

several issues, with European diplomats frustrated at having to revisit questions they had hoped were long settled.The American tycoon-turned-President backed a pledge to fight protectionism at the end of the G7 summit on Saturday, but refused to endorse the climate

pact, saying he needed more time to decide.But EU Council President Donald Tusk said on Sunday he was more optimistic now than after the US election last November after EU leaders held talks with Trump in Brussels. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

South Africa’s Zuma survives noconfidence vote in ANC – News24 website

S

outh African President Jacob Zuma defeated a no-confidence motion against him at a meeting of top officials of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party on Sunday, News24 reported on its website.

Zuma is facing mounting pressure against him within the ANC, Opposition parties and civil society which has swelled since he axed respected Finance Minister Pravin

Gordhan in March, triggering credit rating downgrades that have hit chances of a recovery in the struggling economy.

Citing two unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), News24 said Zuma had survived a heated NEC meeting that lasted late into the night.

News24 said a source who attended the meeting that

India imposes Ramadan curfew in Kashmir after violence

T

housands of people on Sunday defied a strict curfew across most of Indianadministered Kashmir to attend the funeral of a top rebel commander killed by security forces.

Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, a senior leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen group, was fatally shot on Saturday in a gun battle with Government troops in his hometown of Tral.

His death sparked widespread protests and clashes in parts of Kashmir, leaving one civilian dead and dozens of others wounded.

On Sunday, the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, authorities imposed strict security measures, erecting barricades in Srinagar and other cities, as well as partially cutting telephone services to thwart further protests.

Still, thousands assembled in Tral to attend Bhat’s burial, shouting anti-India and pro-independence slogans.

“People were walking on foot to take part in the funeral,” 27-year-old Abid Ahmad, who travelled from Srinagar to Tral, told Al Jazeera.

“But then we took alternate routes to reach there.”

The lockdown in the mainly Muslim region crippled life across most of Kashmir.

Srinagar’s central mosque remained shut and devotees were barred from offering prayers on the first day of the Ramadan fasting period.

“Restrictions have been put in place today so that mobs don’t gather and incite violence,” Shesh Pal Vaid, a police spokesman in Srinagar, told Al Jazeera.

“The situation is under control.”

Authorities cut off Internet mobile and calling services on Saturday, just hours after a monthlong ban on 22 social media sites like Facebook and Twitter ended. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

started on Friday in the capital Pretoria reported that as many as 70 party officials took part in the debate for and against the motion, and that the President had the support of most speakers.

Local news service Eye Witness News (EWN) said on its Twitter feed that the President was “hard hitting” in his response, and told detractors that he knew that “they are used by foreign forc-

es”.

EWN said that of the 72 participants who spoke about motion, 18 spoke in support and 54 against.

The ANC stood by Zuma at a similar meeting in November in a debate about whether he should step down.

Zuma is scheduled to step down from the ANC helm in December. His term as South African Head of State runs until 2019. (Reuters)

A

n overnight shooting in the US state of Mississippi has left eight people dead, including a local deputy sheriff, Police say.

The shootings took place in three separate locations in Lincoln County, south Mississippi.

A male suspect, named in local media as Willie Cory Godbolt, was detained by Police on Sunday morning.

Authorities say it is too early to consider any possible motive behind the killings.

Godbolt’s mother-inlaw, two other relatives, and Deputy Sheriff William Durr were found dead at the scene of the first shooting in Bogue Chitto, reports said.

The next shooting took place in Brookhaven, where “the bodies of two juvenile males were located”, police said.

The third crime scene was in East Lincoln, where a man and woman were killed.

Willie Godbolt spoke to local paper The Clarion-Ledger after he was detained.

He said he was “sorry” and “ain’t fit to live, not after what I done”.

He said he was in conversation with his wife and her family “about me taking my children home” when someone called the Police.

His stepfather-in-law, Vincent Mitchell, told AP news agency that Godbolt’s wife and two children had been staying with him after she left her husband.

Godbolt opened fire after the deputy sheriff arrived, Mitchell added.

A 16-year-old, believed to have been taken hostage by the suspect, was safe, The Daily Leader reported. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sri Lanka faces more landslide risks as death toll rises to 151

Early China data shows slowdown biting amid credit tightening

People walk through a landslide site during a rescue mission in Athwelthota village, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka May 28, 2017

L

Yet the gloom shouldn’t spread too far, with consumers still spending, factory-gate prices gaining and home prices defying predictions of a hard landing

T

he first hints of China’s economic performance this month suggest that a slowdown in growth is taking hold, as policymakers beef up efforts to clamp down on financial risks.The international-investor optimism that dominated in the earlier part of the year is now souring, as curbs on leverage push up the cost of domestic borrowing. Small and medium-sized companies are also reporting dented confidence, and sentiment among sales managers and in the steel market worsened.

A surprise cut in China’s debt rating by Moody’s Investors Service last week may mark a turning point for the world’s second-largest economy, as momentum weakens following a better-than-expected expan-

sion in the first quarter. Yet the gloom shouldn’t spread too far, with consumers still spending, factory-gate prices gaining and home prices defying predictions of a hard landing.Here’s what May’s earliest indicators show:Standard Chartered Plc’s Small and Medium Enterprise Confidence Index headed for a second consecutive month of decline in May, falling slightly to 56.9 from 58 in April.

“Both current performance and expectations fell,” which put pressure on the labour market and on profitability, economists Yan Se and Ding Shuang at the bank wrote in a note. “Credit access for smalland medium-sized enterprises is tougher” and funding costs have worsened, the analysts said. (Excerpt from Bloomberg)

andslides and floods in Sri Lanka have killed at least 151 people and the country faces the risk of more mudslides as torrential rains continue, officials said on Sunday.

More than 100 people are still missing after the worst rains in the Indian Ocean island since 2003.

The State-run National Building Research Organisation warned people in seven out of the country’s 25 districts to evacuate from unstable slopes if rains continue for the next 24 hours.

The Department of Meteorology said there could be heavy rain falls of above 100 millimetres in central Sri Lanka within the next 36 hours.

The death toll has risen to 151, while 111 people are still reported missing and 95 injured, the State-run Disaster Management Centre said.

Nearly 500,000 people have been affected by the di-

saster, the worst since the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, and the downpours have displaced over 100,000 Sri Lankans.

People in Agalawatte, 74 kilometres (46 miles) from the capital Colombo, said they were losing hope of water levels falling soon.

“All access to our village is cut off. A landslide took place inside the village and several houses are buried. But nobody could go to that place,” Mohomed Abdulla, 46, told Reuters in Agalawatte, a town in western coastal district of Kalutara, where 47 people have died and 62 are missing.

Rescue efforts are under way, but are hampered by lack of drinking water, lack of electricity and continued rain.

Sri Lanka has already appealed for international assistance from the United Nations and neighbouring countries. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

Delay in appointing a GECOM Chair

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is of the view that it would be “unreasonable” if the President rejected the second list of nominees he submitted for the post of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson. What are your thoughts on President David Granger’s hesitation to select a new Chairman of GECOM? Kester Whyte “The hesitation is a bother, since such an important role must be filled as soon as possible since there are a lot of improvements that need to be made. However, the man or woman selected must be qualified, trustworthy and competent in order to effectively run and improve GECOM. So while the delay is understandable, at the same time it needs to be rectified, since the wait is disappointing.”

Kurt Robinson

“I’m of the opinion that President Granger is just fed up of nominating someone who just feels that once they’re in, they feel they can just change the game rules or just stupidly think they already have all the bases covered! And rightfully concerned too!!”

Jonathan Winter “The President has been given ample time, in fact two lists, of which the first

was declined. Given that he has the second list for weeks and has not selected a candidate, I believe that he may already have someone in mind that is not a part of that pool of candidates that were submitted. At the same time, there is a possibility that he might be conducting a thorough investigation into the group so as to arrive at the conclusion that the person who will be selected is absolutely suitable for the role of GECOM Chairman.

However, I wonder if the President realises that having an organisation such as GECOM functioning without an active chairman is impeding the function of the Commission and may have negative effects on the country.”

Denisia Liddell “In my opinion, the GECOM Chairman should be appointed based on the country’s constitutional requirements. I don’t know why it is taking so long for the process to be carried out, maybe the President is trying to ensure that the best suited candidate is chosen or maybe it has something to do with the requirements.

I’m not sure, but, in all fairness, the best qualified candidate according to the constitutional requirements should be appointed and the process should be a transparent one.”

Zani Ramez “There is nothing in the Constitution that says the President has to accept the list or has to choose someone from the list that the Opposition Leader submitted. He has to be satisfied with the person that he will choose and I think that he needs time to consult with some of his supporters and other stakeholders before a decision is made.

We have more time and the President is showing that he is in control and not just jumping and doing things like it used to happen before.”

Garvin Blackman

Andrew Chapman “I think a position as high as GECOM Chairman should be chosen wisely, but it has been a long time since there has been a back-andforth with the appointment process which is somewhat frustrating, I can imagine, especially for those directly involved. Nevertheless, I hope that good judgment prevails and a suitable candidate is chosen soon.”

Steven Seepersaud “In my humble opinion, if I had to choose one word to describe the ongoing delay in selecting a new GECOM Chairman by President David Arthur Granger, it would have to be unfair. It is unfair to the Guyanese people who deserve stability and reliability in the administration and conduction of “free and fair” election in 2020. It goes without saying that stability and reliability can only be strengthened with more time being given to the new Chairman; time he/ she can use to adjust and do a “fit and proper” job in this vital position.”

judge but must not be an activist or member of any political party.

We have seen two lists that the Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo have submitted and while those names would have come from a politic party, they are not known activist. This issue has been going on now for months and I feel that the President is just trying to buy time.

One month has passed since the second list was submitted to the President.

When the first list was submitted he said six of the persons did meet the requirements.

The interpretation of Article 161 (2) seems to be the issue and our lawyers can’t agree on its interpretation. I feel that, too, is because of political influence.”

“I think if we really understand how important it is to find someone who is not only qualified to fill the position, but also has integrity, then we would understand the President’s position on taking as much time as possible is necessary to arrive at that most suitable candidate for such an important post.”

Pastor Phillip Rose, New Amsterdam The President said that GECOM’s next Chairman must preferably not only be a judge or eligible to be

news

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monDAY, may 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Minister Hastings-Williams delivers flood relief to hometown in Region 7 Disaster Risk Management System, and through this earlier collaboration, the two teams were able to conduct an assessment of the region, develop maps, and a plan and form a Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee, chaired by Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford. Walters said this earlier work was crucial to

the effectiveness of the region’s response to the flooding.

“So when they (the region) got information about what was happening in the Upper Mazaruni, the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee was able to quickly call a meeting in Bartica, and from then they were able to make

Youths in Kako, Region Seven helping offload the supplies

M

inister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, on Friday delivered to Toshao Casey Hastings of Kako, in Region Seven, food and medical supplies, bed nets, potable water filters, cough syrup, cleaning detergents and other basic supplies for distribution to the residents in the aftermath of the recent flooding experienced by Regions Seven and Eight, wherein homes and livelihoods were seriously affected.

Minister HastingsWilliams originated from Kako, and she explained that she coordinated the activity after she received word that the residents were in need of the items. “It sad-

Agency (GINA), Toshao Hastings explained, “Water was very high in the community for the first time in my lifetime, and 124 households were affected.” He said that while only four homes in Kako were completely under water, the farms in the village and contiguous communities have been ravaged by the flood.

“Water either covered the farms or we had water coming through the soil and destroying the crops,” the toshao said. The main crop in hinterland communities is cassava, which takes almost one year to sow and reap.

Toshao Hastings described Central Government and the Regional response to the crisis was as “very quick”, and he added that residents

ed communities. The Region Seven Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has also begun to lead an effort aimed at assessing the impact of the flooding and the current high water levels in the region.

This effort, supported by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has resulted in a Forward Operating Centre (FOC) being set up in Kamarang, which Minister HastingsWilliams also visited. The FOC was created to provide an open space for coordinating delivery of the relief supplies to the affected communities, Planning and Training Assistant of the CDC, Allana Walters, pointed out.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn HastingsWilliams and Toshao Casey Hastings outlining how the supplies will be distributed to the flood affected households

decisions and mobilise resources to come out and do assessments,” she explained.

“So we are very pleased that that was able to happen, and things are rolling out in that manner consistent with how the CDC looks at disasters and responses,” she explained.

The team has been asking the communities to pick up their relief supplies from the Centre. The hampers are prepared based on the information supplied to the Centre by the communities and from the assessment carried out by the joint effort.

The communities are being provided with fuel to take the supplies back to their villages. Provision of the fuel is, however, a costly exercise, and the team is facing the challenge of running out of fuel.

Minister HastingsWilliams has, however, committed to rectifying this situation as soon as possible.

(GINA)

Region 10 social workers benefit from training – on Domestic Violence Act (1996)

Walters, stationed at the

Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, of the Judicial Services Commission, speaking to social workers during the training

T

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings- Williams helps Toshao Casey Hastings in sorting out some of the supplies

dened me to hear that a lot of families were affected by the flood, and particularly their livelihood… I came here in person to see and hear from the toshao and other residents what has been the damage, and to render whatever assistance is necessary to bring back normalcy to the village,” she explained.

Toshao Hastings was very appreciative of the minister’s gesture. He praised the timely response of the Region 7 Administration in reaching out to the affected communities and residents. Speaking with the Government Information

are really thankful for what has been done.

“A few days ago, the Chairman of the Region and a team was here, and now the minister is here; and we are very grateful for the responses we receive,” he said.

As a result of recent excessive rainfall in the highland regions of the hinterland, several villages in Region Seven -- including Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Kamarang and Duebamang -- were flooded. But as the water recedes from the land, Government has been forwarding supplies to affect-

Centre, explained: “What we have been able to do is set up one point where everybody has been able to meet and coordinate our efforts. We have boards set up with the different communities, the total population, the households, as well as the affected and tracks of what we have been able to send out and what we are expecting to go out from this room.”

Walters also was in high praise of the RDC leadership and its response to the flooding. She explained that, since last year, the CDC has been working with the RDC to develop a Regional

he Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SODVPU) of the Ministry of Social Protection (MSP), with support from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), recently collaborated with the Judicial Services Commission and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) to conduct another round of training on the Domestic Violence Act (1996) for social workers in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The exercise, facilitated by Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry of the Judicial Services Commission, was held at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, Akilah Dorris, who was present at the training session, indicated that in recognising the magnitude of the domestic violence situation in Guyana and the need to intensify national action towards its eradication, the MSP, through

the SODVPU, has planned to hold, throughout the months of May and June, a series of training sessions on the Domestic Violence Act (1996) and the Sexual Offences Act of 2010.

"The training is geared at providing social work practitioners and other key stakeholders with the requisite knowledge of the legislation, and the required interpretation for its successful application", Dorris explained.

Participants in attendance were drawn from the Probation and Social Services Department and the Child Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Protection; the Guyana Police Force; Schools Welfare Department, Ministry of Education; Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (Linden Chapter); the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC); LM&TC, and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 (RDC 10).

Participants were briefed on topics which included the introduction to the Domestic

Violence Act; its purpose; main provisions; offences within the Act; procedures; types of orders (protection, occupation, tenancy, interim); and the role of social workers.

During the discourse, participants were urged to uphold their duties and to network between the various agencies to which they are assigned in an effort to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual offences.

Another round of training is expected to be held in Region 6 on May 29.

It will target professionals from both Regions 5 (Mahaica- Berbice) and 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The final round will be held at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown from May 31 to June 3. Professionals from Regions 1(Barima-Waini), 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) and 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are expected to benefit. (Utamu Belle)

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monDAY, may 29, 2017

ARCHIE

Personal changes are best kept a secret until you have (March 21- completed the process and feel April 19) comfortable with the results.

Taking a trip or seeking help from an older, established individual will be enlightening.

ARIES

Keep your mind on what’s TAURUS important. It will be easy for (April 20- your emotions to take charge, May 20) causing problems at home or a dispute with someone you deal with daily.

dilbert

Don’t let anyone take adGEMINI (May 21- vantage of you. If you offer June 20) suggestions, do so because you want to, not because someone is pestering you. Take care of your responsibilities before doing anything else.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Snap decisions stemming from an emotional incident will result in a financial loss.

Think before you act, and only offer your time and advice to those looking for a handout.

Let your emotions flow and your actions speak for you.

Altering your appearance will result in compliments and an unexpected opportunity.

Taking short trips is favored, but dealing with peers will be taxing.

Think and take action.

VIRGO (Aug. 23- Taking a day trip will bring Sept. 22) satisfaction and the knowledge you need to move forward. Educational pursuits are favored.

Push for what you want.

LIBRA Now is not the time to pro(Sept. 23Oct. 23) crastinate. Share your ideas and channel your energy into making your ideas concrete.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Look at all aspects of a sitSCORPIO uation before you comment.

(Oct. 24Taking an unusual approach Nov. 22) to an emotional problem will help you ward off an uncomfortable situation. A contractual change looks promising.

Organize in order to capiSAGITTARIUS talize. Putting everything in (Nov. 23- its place will help you ease Dec. 21) stress and give you more free time to enjoy the things that make you happy. Romance is highlighted.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Look at the big picture, CAPRICORN but don’t feel the need to go (Dec. 22- overboard. You are best off Jan. 19) minimizing instead of expanding your plans. Don’t let anyone talk you into something questionable.

You’ll face opposition AQUARIUS when dealing with one of your (Jan. 20peers or someone in a position Feb. 19) of authority. Rely on your experience to help you come up with a solution.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Participate in events or PISCES activities that will keep you (Feb. 20March 20) engaged in causes and beliefs you want to fight for. Your presence and intuitive understanding will make a difference.

monDAY, May 29, 2017

19

What we’ll miss about West Indies Alonso retires after eventful Indy 500 in the Champions Trophy

W

est Indies bring flair and entertainment to every series in which they participate with their big hitting, big personalities and eye-catching celebrations.

They even make press conferences fun. Here’s a list of things we’ll miss about them this Champions Trophy.

and asked the crowd what they thought. They roared, but he signalled to them that he couldn’t hear them.

They roared again. He still couldn’t hear them. And then he did the Gangnam again, followed by a “tuktuk” train. The roof came down. His latest party trick, which fans in England will

to be a zenith of calm and deliver a lesson in modesty and humility during his hour of glory after leading West Indies to their maiden World T20 title in 2012, when he could have been forgiven for chest-beating, spoke highly of the man.

“I’ve said it many times that I play for the peo-

run-getter in a single edition - 474 at 79 in 2006 in Scott Dixon was airborne for a few seconds before landing heavily India, where his team-mate on the infield wall Jerome Taylor took 13 wick-

F

Marlon, oh Marlon

Ever seen a modern cricketer at a press conference answering questions with his feet propped up on the table, the pads still on?

In Marlon Samuels’ world, that’s par for the course, along with taking tall chases seemingly to the point of no return and then finishing them off in a blaze of glory.

“I’m a silent killer,” he had said before last year’s World T20 final, when requested for an interview.

After Carlos Brathwaite had hit the winning runs, Samuels was ready to talk.

He called Ben Stokes a “nervous lad”, and took a jibe at Shane Warne for making critical comments about him. “I don’t know [why Warne has a problem with me]. Maybe it’s because my face is real and his face is not,” Samuels said. He will be missed by fans this Champions Trophy, but also by journalists and headline-writers.

Gayle dreams

Warne famously said once that he had nightmares of Sachin Tendulkar dancing down the track to hit him over his head. Chris Gayle didn’t need to move his feet to let Brett Lee feel the way Warne did when he razed down Australia’s 169 without breaking a sweat 46 off his 88 runs came off 18 Lee deliveries - at The Oval. The one glimpse of Gayle in London this time unfortunately won’t be at The Oval, but at a charity dinner in which all the ammunition he has used to dispatch bowlers around the world will be up for auction.

Gayle the rock star

Aside from delighting crowds with his big sixes, Gayle also jokes around with them, ensuring they are always on his side.

In Bangalore, his home ground in the IPL, they always are. At a game, after he did the signature Gangnam dance, the giant screen at the Chinnaswamy flashed the question: “Is this the Universe Boss’s best celebration?” The big man grinned, turned back

Their charisma and excitement on the field are forever a treat

miss, is the Salt Bae.

Bishop’s emotional commentary

Commentators like Ian Bishop, who lived through West Indies’ glory days and now witness its sorry days, sometimes bring that depth of feeling into their commentary. David Lloyd called the first three balls of the World T20 final during which England saw their chances go up in smoke. Nineteen runs off six balls had become one off three. The microphone was now in Bishop’s hand.

As Carlos Braithwaite muscled a fourth six, over deep midwicket, Bishop’s emotions took over, the pride evident as he shouted: “Carlos Braithwaite! Carlos Braithwaite!

Remember the name!” Even if a new name seals itself in cricket’s collective mind this Champions Trophy, will it induce with the same sort of goose bumps?

The nicest man in cricket

Darren Sammy has had his credentials questioned time and again. Sure, his numbers may not have been earth-shattering, but

ple. The commentators get paid to speak. The media get paid to write stories. I get paid to play cricket,” he said. “And I always say I live my life one way. Christ came to this earth, did nothing wrong and yet was crucified. I’m nowhere close to that man. Anybody could have an opinion about me.

I like it. My shoulders are broad enough. It’s been like that from the time I started cricket. Once I wear this crest, I wear it on my heart.

I don’t play for glory. I play for the Caribbean people.”

Real contenders

Unlike in the 50-over World Cup, where they last reached the semis in 1996, West Indies have been competitive in the Champions Trophy right from the start.

They were runners-up in 1998 and 2006 and won the tournament in 2004, breaking a 25-year world title drought. India are the only other side to have reached the final thrice (2000, 2002 and 2013).

Gayle is the tournament’s highest run-getter, with 791 runs from 17 matches at 52.73 with three hundreds. He is also the leading

ets from seven matches at 22 - the most in one edition.

One thing we won’t miss Their pre-tournament contracts dispute.

But thanks for trying, Australia.

(Cricinfo)

ernando Alonso’s bid to win the Indy 500 at his first attempt came to a disappointing end as engine failure robbed him of a strong finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The McLaren F1 driver skipped the Monaco Grand Prix to contest the iconic American oval race and led for long spells before his Andretti Autosport Honda retired on lap 179 of 200.

Ex-F1 driver Takuma Sato came through to win the 101st staging of the race, edging out three-time victor Helio Castroneves in a breathless conclusion. Sato, who raced in F1 between 2002 and 2008 before switching to the American series – took the lead on lap 195 before successfully fending off the challenge of veteran Brazilian Castroneves.

Fellow former F1 driver Max Chilton of Britain also had a superb race, leading for several laps before coming home in an eventual fourth place. The race was earlier overshadowed by an incident involving 2008 winner Scott Dixon, who emerged largely unscathed after crashing heavily on lap 53.

Alonso’s Andretti Autosport team-mate Ryan

Hunter-Reay was among the favourites for the win and a huge threat to his ambitions, but the American’s hopes literally went up in smoke on lap 138 when his Honda engine let go.

That left Alonso in the lead and, given his tribulations in F1 over the last couple of years, the irony of a Honda engine helping him into that position would not have been lost on the Spaniard. A delayed pit stop for last year’s winner Alexander Rossi – another from the Andretti Autosport stable – also played into Alonso’s hands as the race entered the closing stages.

But things started to go awry for Alonso when he lost a few places on the restart that followed the Hunter-Reay caution period, and as he tried to battle his way through the pack from ninth place in the closing stages it was his turn to experience the all-toofamiliar sensation of a Honda engine failing at his back.

Another caution period followed – after a five-car smash – before the run to the flag finally saw Andretti Autosport driver Sato emerged at the head of the pack to become the first Japanese winner of the race. (BBC Sport)

Acclimatisation camp going well for T&T – Edwards

V

eteran Trinidad and Tobago defender Carlos Edwards has judged the team’s attempts to acclimatize to high altitude conditions in Denver Colorado ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against the United States as successful.

The team will look to secure a positive result against the USA at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City on June 8, but sitting at an elevation of over 5,200 feet above sea level conditions could be difficult for the team to achieve that feat.

According to the defender, however, a two week training camp established to by head coach Dennis Lawrence to mitigate

Carlos Edwards

against the circumstances is progressing well. T&T will play two warm-up matches against MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.

“The first day was a bit challenging, trying to get acclimatized but yesterday’s training, I felt it a bit more in the warm-up and as the training progressed

things really eased up a bit,” Edwards told TTFA Media.

“The guys have been put through their paces the last few days they have been tough, but at the same time it has been work well planned and the guys are really taking the opportunity to get acclimatized to the weather,” he added. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, may 29, 2017

GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 50-Over…

Youth cricketers commence rivalry for national spots

By Delvon McEwan

S

ome of the nation’s leading youth cricketers will today be involved in two limited overs’ cricket matches that will be used to select a National Under-19 team to participate in the Regional Under-19 Tournament in July-August.

These players will turn

Bhaskar Yadram

out for county sides Berbice, Essequibo, and reigning champions Demerara, along with the National U-17 Select squad in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ HandIn-Hand Insurance U-19 Inter-County Tournament, the 50-Over segment.

Berbice, with their tactical play and mature approach; and Demerara, arguably the most talented side, are the top contenders to win the title; but Essequibo, boosted by some talented players who represented Demerara in the past but opted to play for the Cinderella County and the U-17 Select squad, are predicted to create some upsets.

The tournament, which bridges the gap between the juniors and seniors, would expectedly be used by the sport’s national governing body to recognize the standard of play and earmark talent for the future.

In recent times, players like Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer have graduated from the junior level straight into the senior team, with Hetmyer already gaining exposure at the highest level, playing three international Test matches against Pakistan.

Demerara Captain Bhaskar Yadram has already played at the senior level, but is still developing his skills; and this could be the ideal arena for him to firmly establish himself as one for the future. The righthanded top-order batsman was recently named in the West Indies squad for the upcoming tour of Africa, and participation in this tournament could enhance his preparation for the big stage.

Besides Yadram, all eyes would be on wicket-keeper/ batsman Joshua Persaud, who has also been named in the West Indies U-19 squad.

Persaud’s approach has, in recent times, seemingly lacked venom. He looks nothing like the batsman he

was in 2014, when he recorded three centuries in the calendar year and was a member of the successful Guyana squad that won the Regional U-19 title. The 17-year-old has failed horribly in several outings for his club -Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) – in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), and

Joshua Persaud

has had some poor returns for Georgetown during the Demerara Inter-Association competition.

However, with a better approach and the will power to succeed, opposition bowlers could feel the full blunt of Persaud’s talent when he gets going.

Another key player to look for from the county sides is Kurt Lovell, a talented middle order batsman who opted to represent Essequibo instead of Demerara, where he could get to focus on scoring runs and contribute to his team’s performance in this tournament.

Also from the Cinderella County is fast bowler Joshua Jones, whose speed could be intimidating to batsmen; and he could frustrate bowlers with his capability with the bat.

Steve Deonarine, Kevin Sinclair, Adrian Sukwah, Javed Karim and Sylus Tyndall are the key players from Berbice.

With the likes of Renaldo Ali Mohammed, Raymond Perez, Keshram Seyhodan and Richie Looknauth, along with the West Indies U-19 duo, Demerara is expected to fare well in this tournament.

Meanwhile, the National Under-17 team, which is expected to be led by Berbician Kevlon Anderson, is a very strong unit. Anderson, as Berbice skipper, won the GCB/ Igloo Ice Cream U-17 Inter-County Title subsequent to being at the helm when Lower Corentyne Secondary won the National Secondary Schools Cricket League.

Properly monitored, this team can create upsets in the 50-Over segment as well as the three-day tournament. Several players from this squad would have made their county side if this fourth team were excluded from competing. A lot of positives is expected to come out of this tournament for this squad, currently pre-

paring for the Regional U-17 tournament.

Hopefully, the coaches and managers would utilize their expertise to monitor these players to ensure they give of their best performance on the field.

The teams are as follows: Essequibo: Mark Williams, Sachin Persaud, Kurt Lovell, Adrian Campbell, Mark

Kevin Sinclair

Ramsammy, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Beesham Moses, Leslie Allen, Sheldon Charles, Mahindra Persaud,

Chanderpaul Mohabir, Kellin Davis, Joel fortune, Azeem Habib, Loaknauth Persaud (Manager), Andy Ramnarine (Coach) Berbice: Adrian Sukwah, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Veramootoo Senwasane, Javid Karim, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Karan Arjpaul,

Kurt Lovell

Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vankenic, Steve Deonarine, Michael

Newland (Manager), Adrian Amsterdam (Coach) Demerara: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain), Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (Vice Captain), Joshua Persaud, Raymond Perez, Navendra Persaud, Ramnarine Chature, Richie Looknauth, Keshram Seyhodan, Stephon Wilson, Sagar Hatharamani, Dwayne Dick, Kishna Singh,

Kevlon Anderson

Garvin Bodwah, Dambuka Nqgando, Darshan Persaud, Mark Jeffers, Kennard Moonsammy, Mark

Ramsammy, Himanauth Dindyal, Omar Hussine (Manager), Rayon King (Coach), Dhanpaul (Assistant Coach) Guyana Under-17: Alex Alvin Algoo, Sachin Stefan Singh, Orlando Jailall, Junior Alvin Sinclair, Kevlon Alston Anderson, Kevin Imran Christian, Robin Williams, Lance Rusell Roberts, Alphius Malcolm Bookie, Rajendra Singh, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Romanno Nedd, Pradesh Ballkishun, Kelvin Umrao, Mark Gary Rankin, Gevon Shemar Schultz, Reyaz Khan, Qumar Tychicus Torrington, Nazeer Mohamed (Manager), Orin Bailey (Coach) In the opening matches, Demerara will take on the U-17 squad at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, while Berbice and Essequibo will meet at Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Both matches will get underway at 9:30h.

GOBSA Independence Track and Field…

Hail Caesar!

– sprinter storms to 200m gold

By Michelangelo Jacobus

A

gainst a field of eminent athletes the likes of Rupert Perry, Linton Mentis and Elton Bollers, CARIFTA Gold Medallist Campton Caesar performed a dusting job to take gold in the Men’s 20 to 34-year-old 200-metre sprint when the Guyana OverseasBased Sports Association (GOBSA) held its track and field meet at the Leonora Synthetic Track on Sunday.

Currently preparing for the South American Youth Championships slated for next weekend at the same venue, Caesar powered his way to victory in a time of 21.42s, with Perry coming in second with a time of 21.58s and Linton Mentis third with a time of 22.09s.

The National U-20 athletes continued their dominance in this event, with Daniel Williams taking gold in the Boys 16 to 17-year-old 200m sprint in a time of 22.10s, while fellow national athlete Jermain King had to settle for silver with a time of 23.06s. King was followed

by Police Club’s Mark Solomon in 23.79s.

In the Boys 18 to 19-year-old 200m race, Jonathan Garnett (23.55s) edged Marcus Havercome (23.97s) to take gold.

In the 800m events, Shamar Morris (2:07.49s) took gold ahead of Joel

Williams (2:10.02s) and Cordell Charles (2:10.99s) in the Boys 12-15; while, in the 16-17 category, Shamar Alleyne copped gold with 2:11.94s over Nicholas Daw (2:12.51s) and Carson Moe (2:16.03s).

Kevin David (2:15.56s) triumphed over Daniel Harvey (2:25.09s) by some distance to take first place in the Boys 18to 19-yearold 800m race, while in the men’s 20 to 34-yearold race over the same distance, GPF’s Quincy Morian took top spot in a time of 1:54.65s, with Samuel Lynch (1:55.29s) second and Anfernee Headecker (2:01.48s) third.

In the Females 12 to15-year-old 200m finals, Brianna Charles secured gold with 26.35s, while Princess Brown (26.86s) took silver and Odessa France (28.40s) bronze.

In the 16-17 Girls 200m race, Onasha Phillips (24.48s) pipped National teammate Kenisha Phillips (24.70s), with Tiffauna Garnett closing out the top three with a time of 26.21s.

In the main Female event, the Women’s 20 to 34-year-old 200m Finals, Alita Moore with a time of 25.07s won gold over Avon Samuels (25.85s), with Alisha Fortune (26.14s) taking bronze.

Triple Jumper Chantoba Bright took charge of her event, snapping up gold with a jump of 12.18m; with Ruth

Sanmoogan taking silver at 11.14m and Aniqah Powley bronze with 10.62m.

Having dominated this weekend’s meet, the Guyana National U-20 athletes will be looking to take that rich vein of form into the South American U-20

Games, set to kick-off in less than 6 days. These games will be held at the Leonora Synthetic Track on June 3rd and 4th as Guyana hosts its first ever international athletics event.

Technical support to...

It is a whole structure base that has to be put in place, and that won’t happen overnight,” Osbourne explained.

Digicel’s focus is not just on providing an avenue for football to be played, but on developing players holistically.

“Once we find that talent, whatever assistance we can give, we will do our part in developing (it) both academically and professionally,” Osbourne revealed.

In this regard, Osborne highlighted the company’s support of defending champions Chase Academic Foundation, whose captain, Jeremy Garrett, had his airfare funded to attend the world famous football club Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Last year, the Kick

from page 23

Start programme gave young aspiring footballers the opportunity of a lifetime when Digicel funded a visit to the Englandb a s e d Manchester C i t y Football Club and the club’s h o m e ground, the Etihad Stadium.

W h i l s t there, the aspiring footballers trained with, and learnt from, some of the best players and coaches in the world at the Club’s elite training and youth development facility, the City Football Academy.

The seventh staging of the Digicel School Football Championship will kickoff on June 12th, and the tournament is expected to feature more than 160 schools.

sports

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Future Stars, Bent Street steamroll opponents F

uture Stars showed real class and talent on night two of the Xtreme Clean/GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament, on Saturday night at the National Gymnasium, to run riot over North East La Penitence and register a resounding 5-1 victory as the knockout stages of the competition continued.

The Future Stars team struck first -- in the 3rd minute through Jamal Cozier -- but Junior Jordan equalized for North East in the 8th minute, to leave the game at 1-1 going into the break.

Play had just resumed when Future Stars’ Keron Solomon went on a mazy run to drill one home and restore the lead for his team. And he then struck again in the 19th minute to make it 3-1.

Teammates Kevin Cummings and Akeemo Anthony struck the proverbial nails in the coffin of North East La Penitence

Future Stars (white) on the attack against North East La Penitence

not, for an instant, take their eyes off play. Jermain Junior opened the scoring for Tucville in the first minute of the game, while his teammates Ryan Hackett and Jahaal Greaves netted twice by the 7th minute to make it a 3-0 affair by this point, creating the impression that it was all over for

vour of Tucville.

Plaisance and Alexander Village went neck-to-neck, ending their game 4-4 after extra-time and having to go to penalty kicks to decide a winner. Kevin Gordon bagged a hat-trick when he scored in the third, 13th and 25th minutes; and Shem Porter was the other

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Shem Porter attempts to score during the penalty shootout between Alexander Village and Plaisance

when they scored a goal each within a minute of each other; and the game ended 5-1 in favour of Future Stars.

Earlier in the night, the Broad Street Ballers needed a last-minute strike to overcome Buxton 2-1 in the opening game.

Broad Street’s Darren Benjamin opened the scoring in the third minute, but the next goal scored was by Buxton’s Delon Wright, in the 14th minute to make it 1-1. The next five minutes would see a tug-of-war as the two teams fought for possession. However, Broad Street would have the final say, as Daniel Favourite slammed one home from a distance, to ensure that his team progressed to the group stage.

Tucville outlasted Melanie to win 5-4 in a game that was so enthralling the spectators could

Melanie.

But Melanie’s William Europe had different ideas, as he netted a superb strike to make it 3-1 at halftime.

Europe then added his second goal in the 15th minute, to carry Melanie within a goal of equalizing at 3-2.

Tucville’s Hackett then completed his hat-trick, scoring in the 16th and 17th minutes to extend his team’s lead to 5-2.

Melanie’s Europe came agonizing close to levelling the scores when he scored in the 18th and 19th minutes of the game, but his efforts were just off the mark, as the game ended 5-4 in fa-

Group-A Agricola Sparta Tucville Sophia

scorer in the 17th minute, as Alexander Village went after victory.

However, Plaisance refused to roll over and die, responding through Dwayne Ali in the fifth and 15th minutes, and teammates Kelvin Bowen and Gavin Collymore in the 19th and 22nd minutes, to level scores.

As the game went to penalty kicks, both teams missed their first tries, tension getting the better of the players. Nevertheless, the Plaisance players held their nerve to win 3-2 on penalties.

Campbellville United

Group-B Back Circle Albouystown Tigerbay North Ruimveldt

bowed out as Bent Street showed remarkable composure to endure a stiff first half in which Campbellville took an early lead through a Stephon Ramsey strike.

At the end of the first half, Campbellville were still leading 1-0 when Okenny Fraser converted after some crisp passing to level the score at 1-1 in the 13th minute. Travis Likine then seal the deal, as he scored twice in two minutes to leave the game at 3-1 when the final whistle blew.

Among the favourites, West Front Road’s “Goal is Money” lost on penalty kicks in their game against North Ruimveldt. Earlier, in normal time, Hubert Pedro opened the scoring in the fourth minute, while Joshua Brown equalized for North in the 9th minute, to make things level as the first half ended at 1-1.

The second half was a game of attack and counter-attack as the teams went back and forth, only for normal time to end in a stalemate. North Ruimveldt eventually triumphed via penalty kicks at 3-2.

Back Circle proved too hot to handle for Globe Yard, who were booted out of the competition without offering any resistance, losing by a 3-0 margin. Selwyn Williams in the 19th minute, Jermaine Beckles in the 9th and Jamal Adams in the 16th were the scorers for Back Circle.

The knockout stage having been completed, the teams that progressed were placed into three groups to accommodate progression of the round robin stage.

Group-C Broad Street Future Stars Bent Street Plaisance

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Blown out of Missigher scripts another mondAY, may 29, 2017

Independence 5K & 10K…

proportion – Jones brilliant run …in response to athletes “sleeping” on bleachers

The image which surfaced on Sunday showing national athletes “camping” on the bleachers of the National Gymnasium

I

mages have surfaced on social media showing some members of the National Squad for the South American Juniors

properly ventilated for the athletes, Rose stated, “It is kind of hot, because of so many people in there. So some of the boys would come

Approximately 359 athletes from 13 countries are expected to come to Guyana to participate in this event.

(Akeem Greene)

L

ong distance athlete Winston Missigher continued his dominance of local running when he beat is rival Cleveland Thomas in the Independence Senior Male 10K on Sunday.

With a time of 34:32.34s, he ran a well calculated race to finish well ahead of Thomas -- who clocked 34:57.84s -- to defend his title. Nathaniel Giddings, with a time of 35:22.31s, came in third.

The race commenced at the NIS Ground on Carifesta Avenue and continued east into the Rupert Craig Highway, before making an about-turn at the University of Guyana access road and head west, back to the finish line at the Guyana National Service Ground.

For the senior females, Ashanti Scott (46:52.09s) dominated her race to beat second placed Alicia Jack (50:54.53s) by a sizable distance; while Tabitha Bowman closed out the top three with a time of 55:16.02s.

The top male and female athletes have each won $40,000 along with a trophy and an Invicata watch; while second to fifth placed athletes received $30,000, $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

In the Masters Male category, Llewellyn Gardener (43:39.99s) outlasted Lindon Phillips (44:25.44s) and Kwame

– Scott cruises to female title

Bright (45:36.09s) to take the crown; while Curleen Phillips (54:16.57s) claimed first place in the Female

Tyrell (21:20.20s) emerged victorious ahead of Kissana Glen (22:09s) and Kellanie Glen (23:09.20s).

Ashanti Scott was in a class of her own

Masters, ahead of Indira Singh (58:51.49s) and Carla Adams (4:00.16s).

The top three winners in the Masters category received $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

In the Junior Males U-16 5k, Nash Murphy (17:24.10s) claimed top prize, beating Cordell Charles (18:15.10s) and Kennard Williams (19:22.60s) in that order; while in the Girls Junior U-16 category, Shaquka

Rickie Williams (17:59.10s) edged Ronaldo Wishart (18:07.10s) and Isaiah Wright (18:26.30s) in the Boys U-20 5k; and for the girls it was Leyanna Charles (22:30s) who outran Delicia Harper (22:42.70s) and Sheama Tyrell (22:44.60s) to claim first place. The top three athletes in the under-16 and 20 categories of the race won themselves bicycles.

The view of the dorms after renovation in July 2016

seemingly “sleeping” on the bleachers at the National Gymnasium at Mandela Avenue in Georgetown.

When Guyana Times Sport contacted Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, for a comment on Sunday afternoon, he described the issue as “being blown of proportion”. Jones explained thus: “Some of the boys opted to hang on the bleachers until it was time for them to sleep, as, indeed, sometimes the dorms become warm at nights”.

Manager of the National Squad for the South American Juniors, Cornell Rose, expressing an opinion that was similar to Jones’s, explained that the athletes were involved only in a casual activity.

“The guys lime out there.

As boys, they want to hang out there when they want to relax. From the time they come from track in the afternoon, they would bring out their mattresses and lime (out there)”, Rose revealed.

In regard to whether the facility is well equipped and

out side, lay and gaff. It is not that they are sleeping there whole night, they do this by choice”.

He added, “The officials are always there watching.

These are big people, it is not babies we are dealing.

The guys would just do it to hang.”

The squad is encamped at the venue ahead of the Under-20 Championships to be held at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on June 3-4.

The telecommunications giant Digicel had handed over the renovated dorms of the Gymnasium to the Director of Sport in July 2016. That renovation, completed in time to facilitate the housing of students for the Digicel Schools Football Championships, had entailed repainting of the dorms and provision of 40 mattresses to the facility.

The 49-member squad is, from this Friday (June 2), expected to be guests of the Ramada Princess Hotel, the official Games Village for the event.

Sheltez/Homesafe Security Independence Cup

Jones, Resaul battle to U-12 titles

Akilah Sekai Jones (centre) receiving her award from Manager of Homesafe Security, Maurisia Johnson, in the presence of a Sheltez representative

A

kilah Sekai Jones in the Girls’ category and Vadeanand Resaul in the Boys’ category are the respective champions of the Sheltez/Homesafe Security Independence Cup Under-12 Tennis Tournament.

On Sunday, the final day of action in the tour-

nament -- played at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI’s) Recreational Facility -Jones upstaged Kaeny de Mess of Suriname 5-3, 4-1 to claim the top accolade; and Resaul proved superior to Jeremiah Kalekyezi in a match that ended 5-3, 4-1.

Victories for the

Vadeanand Resaul (centre) receiving his accolade from Manager of Homesafe Security, Maurisia Johnson, in the presence of a Sheltez representative

Guyanese duo brought an end to the international segment of the tournament, which commenced last Friday.

All the top performers were rewarded yesterday at a simple ceremony subsequent to the end of the event.

Here is a list of the tournament’s winners: Afruica

Gentle, Girls’ Under-18 champion; Sarah Klautky, Girls’ U-14 champion; Akilah Sekai Jones, Girls’ U-14 champion; Joshua Kalekyezi, Boys’ U-18 and U14 champion; and Vadeanand Resaul, Boys’ U-12 champion.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 29, 2017

23

Technical support to rejuvenate Guyanese presence at Digicel kick-start clinics

By Akeem Greene

T

he last attendance of Guyanese at the Digicel Kick-start Clinic was in 2011, when Jermaine Fletcher, Troy Lewis, Mark Wronge, Jason Cromwell, Romario Welcome and McCurd Cramer travelled to Suriname for the initial 3-day sessions.

None of them had managed to impose their skills sufficiently to gain selection for the elite clinic that followed in Trinidad and Tobago.

However, the absence of Guyanese players at this event could possibly come to an end since, according to Digicel’s Head of Customer Care, Sherwin Osborne, the technical support of the Guyana Football

Federation (GFF) for this schools’ championship could be the boost needed.

“It [GFF Technical support] will add to that.

Previously, we did the administration of the tournament, and were not tech-

nically sound in providing players who are naturally talented. This would bring them closer in getting them into kick-start clinics”, Osborne disclosed in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

Support from GFF is not the panacea to ending the absence of local players at the career-changing clinics, since there is need for a proper structure to be created.

“It will take some time in terms of finding the right structure, the right timings and the right resources. This is why the GFF is partnering with us, since it is not just for the kick-start clinic, but in terms of devel-

Digicel’s Head of Customer Care, Sherwin Osborne

oping coaching,” Osbourne revealed.

“You can have the best players in the country, but if you don’t have proper coaches, those talents will be wasted. It is a combination of everything, since some schools don’t have coaches. If we can train teachers to be coaches, and move up that line, we will see improvement of the tournament. continued on page 20

Resilient Crawford takes GCF 3rd points-race The focus now is on developing these young players into professionals

BFA/J’S Golden Arrow U-20...

Paradise advance to knockout round with 5-0 win over Young Strikers

P

aradise Invaders are the only team thus far assured of a place in the next round of the Berbice Football Association/ J’S Supermarket Golden Arrow U-20 Football competition. This follows their 5-nil win over Young Strikers on Saturday evening.

The match was played under lights at the All Saints Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road in New Amsterdam.

Paradise dominated the first half of the game, to lead 5-0 when the half time whistle blew.

Keon Joseph scoring in the 2nd minute, an own goal in the 12th minute, Shaqueel DeHarte with a brace in the 23rd and 29th minutes, and Shaqueel Small scoring in the 34th helped the team from West Berbice entertain the crowd.

The second half saw a more collected Young Strikers Team preventing further haemorrhaging of goals but failing to score in the process, leaving the final score at 5-nil in favour of Paradise Invaders.

In game two of the double-header, Hopetown United Rangers FC and Orealla Falcons battled in a game that contrasted the action in its predecessor.

Hopetown Rangers drew first blood with a well-placed shot from Matthew Doris in the 34th minute. Coming from the edge of the 18yard box, it sailed past the keeper into the back of the net, and sent the West Coast Berbice supporters into a frenzy of jubilation.

There was further jubilation when Hopetown went two up with another Matthew Doris goal, scored in the 38th minute.

The joy was short-lived, however, as Orealla pulled one back through Cleon Henry in the 40th minute. It was an impressive goal, and it brought hope to the Orealla supporters, whose team trailed Hopetown 2-1 at the half-time

W

ith a place on Guyana’s National Cycling team at stake, Romello Crawford won the Federation’s third points-race on Sunday.

The race commenced with 28 riders toeing the starting line just outside of the Ocean View International Hotel at Liliendaal, ECD and proceeded to the Abary Bridge that separates West Coast Berbice from East Coast Demerara. Riders then beat a fast pace back to the starting point, as points are awarded only to the first 10 cyclists to cross the finish line.

Leading the field in a time of 3h: 4m, 11s was Romello Crawford. Behind

Victory! Romello Crawford crosses the finish line ahead of Curtis Dey

him came Curtis Dey, Mario King of the Guyana Police Force, Alonzo Edwards (GDF), Lear Nunes and Ian Jackson in that order.

In the Juniors category, Curtis Dey took first place

while Nigel DeGood was second; and in the Veterans category, Lear Nunes came in first, Ian Jackson second, and Jaikarran Sukhai third.

Independence Domino Tournament…

Paradise marksmen (L-R) Keon Joseph, Shaqueel DeHarte and Shaqueel Small

mark.

With a fast-paced attack, Orealla started the scoring in the second half, to equalise through a Clevon France goal from the penalty spot when the ball was handled in the 18-yard box by a defender.

These developments galvanised both teams into some serious attacks on their opponents’ goal. In the 70th minute, Wesley Greenidge sealed the deal for Hopetown when he converted a superb cross from the left side to make it 3 goals to 2 in favour of Hopetown, who held on to prevent any more scoring.

The tournament continues on Friday and Saturday evening with NA United FC taking on Young Strikers FC from 19:00hrs, and Cougars FC doing battle with Orealla Falcons from 21:00 hrs. A win for either team will give them a place in the next round. (Andrew Carmichael)

Ministry of Communities cop title T

he Ministry of Communities, with 73 games, have won the Independence Day InterMinistries Knockout Domino Competition held on Friday at the Guyana Public Service Union hall; and have walked away with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Trophy and $40,000 for their efforts.

games, claimed the third top spot in the nineteam competi-

The Ministry of Agriculture won 67 games to take second spot, and were rewarded with a trophy and $20,000. Guyoil, with 64

tion.

The event, organized by James Lewis, had trophies donated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

BFA/J’S Golden Arrow U20 - 2017 Points Standing Pos

Teams

Mt Pl W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

1

Paradise Invaders FC 2

1

1

0

8+1P

3

5+1

5

2

Cougars FC

1

1

0

0

1

0

+1

3

3

NA United FC

1

0

1

1

3

3

0

1

4

Hopetown Rangers FC

United 2

1

0

1

3

3

0

3

5

Young Strikers FC

1

0

0

1

0

5

-5

0

6

Orealla Falcons FC

1

0

0

1

2

3

-1

0

Organiser James Lewis (right) hands over the trophies to the winners

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

MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Independence 5K & 10K…

GOBSA Independence Track and Field…

Hail Caesar!

Pg 22

Missigher

– sprinter storms to 200m gold

scripts another brilliant run

Pg 20

‒ Scott cruises to female title

Easy like Sunday morning! Winston Missigher breezed to yet another Independence 10K title on Sunday morning

Carifta gold medallist Campton Caesar winning his 200m final ahead of Rupert Perry

GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 50-Over…

Pg 20

Youth cricketers commence rivalry for national spots Several young and talented players will meet in the country’s marque youth tournament. All will be vying for national duty (Sean Devers’ photo)

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

Pg 21