Guyana Times Daily

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Issue No. 3117

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Torching of Guyana Times/Evening News/TVG

Govt’s Cultural Advisor’s threats can incite terrorism, constitute a threat of arson – PSC Page 3

…calls for Ruel Johnson to step down to facilitate probe

Prisoner stabbed during brawl at Magistrates’ Page Courts 13

Jilted man kills self after chopping exPage wife, lover 11

President Granger visits Haiti

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Teenager, fisherman die in separate P accidents 2&17

150 nursing students to P7 resit exams

New mining tax measures

Govt out to “kill the goose that laid the golden egg” – Bartica Chamber P13

GPHC Board gets new P9 Chairman

Pornographic videos

Child Care Protection Agency P9 launches investigation

…several local schools implicated President David Granger is warmly greeted by Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Pierrot Delienne upon his arrival in Haiti on Monday. The President is visiting Haiti for the Inauguration ceremony of the Haiti President-elect Jovenel Moise in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Head of State of Guyana

New foreign trade policy

Jagdeo sees measures as “absolute madness” …warns of destructive consequences to economy Page 7

Page 7

2012 double murder

Man gets 62 years for murdering P8 cousin …32 additional years for manslaughter

2 news

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teenager dies in motorcycle accident A

17-year-old mechanic of Lot 36 Vilvordeen Village on the Essequibo Coast tragically lost his life on Sunday night, after an accident on the Airy Hall Public Road.

The accident occurred

he collided with a motor lorry, GNN 6695, owned and driven by 30-yearold Balwant Mohabeer, a truck driver of Lot 52 Zorg, Essequibo Coast. Ishmael was reportedly heading home at the time of the accident.

Dead: Iftikar Ishmael

body was then taken to the Suddie Mortuary to await a post-mortem examination.

Police are currently investigating.

The motorcycle which Ishmael was riding

The lorry into which the motorcyclist crashed

on February 5, 2017 around 19:50h.

The deceased, Iftikar Ishmael was riding motorcycle CC 2962 when

According to information received, the lorry was proceeding west out of ManMan Gas Station, which is

located on the eastern side of the road, while the motorcyclist was said to be proceeding north along the western side of the road at a fast pace. Ishmael allegedly lost control of his motorbike and ended up on the eastern carriageway where he struck the front of the mo-

tor lorry on the left side.

The teenager was thrown off the motorcycle and sustained injuries about his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Suddie Hospital. He was later pronounced dead. Ishmael’s

Region 10’s REDO to be transferred

…officials concerned about non-replacement

F

ollowing a request for transfer by Marcia Paddy-Andrews, Regional Education Officer (REDO) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke said he was concerned that there had not been any sign of a replacement.

Clarke was at the time responding to questions posed by Councillor Charles Sampson, who asked for an update on the REDO’s transfer, which has been a cause for concern to the administration of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), owing to a lack of a replacement, among other issues.

The transfer, Clarke noted, has nevertheless been signed.

“With respect to the transfer of the REDO, the transfer that came to me would have been signed and sent to Personnel Department and the necessary processes for advice as it relates to whom or to where, the letters from the administration is being sent, is being sourced at this point and time...It has been signed to be processed,” Clarke responded.

The REO added that it was the REDO who had requested the transfer some time ago, while he admitted that he had delayed same due to uncertainty and issues within the Education Department.

“In my view, it was more a managerial decision (to delay the transfer), in that, no one could have said to me, who is coming or when they’re coming...and that is my fear. We know the situation at the Education Department already, where we don’t have the required staffing or, further to that, persons who are qualified to hold those positions,” the REO stated.

Clarke said there was presently only three qualified officers within the Department, including

Region 10 REDO Marcia Paddy- Andrews

Paddy-Andrews, noting that he continued to voice this concern. He said while he had no issue with signing the request for transfer by the REDO and the Council was in support of it, his concern, based on recommendations and requests, was who would be her replacement and when. In this light, Clarke went on to state that there was no way that the Administration could be efficient and effective without the necessary manpower.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, in an effort to have the issue resolved, said what the RDC would want to know was what were the vacancies that existed within the Education Department in order to pursue the matter from the level of the Administration.

“What we don’t want is what has been happening – teachers being plucked out of schools and placed in the Department of Education as a kind of holding business. It’s like a decade-old story we’re dealing with here with Education, where it is not being filled, and to help, we got to pull teachers and that is not the best decision,” he said.

The Regional Chairman concluded that the RDC would now seek a list of the vacancies to have the posts publicly advertised and professionally filled.

news

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tuesDAY, february 7, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, February 7 – 14:00h-15:30h and Wednesday, February 8 – 3:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, February 7 – 13:10h-14:40h and Wednesday, February 8 – 14:15h-15:45h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions will prevail until mid-morning followed by light rain showers throughout the rest of the day. Clear skies are expected in the evening.

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

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 13:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.43 metres.

Low Tide: 07:14h and 19:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.93 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, febrUARY 4, 2017

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 02 06 08 11 16 LUCKY 3 9 1 9 Afternoon Draw

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

Torching of Guyana Times/Evening News/TVG

Govt’s Cultural Advisor’s threats can incite terrorism, constitute a threat of arson - PSC …calls for Ruel Johnson to step down to facilitate probe

O

ne week after Cultural Policy Advisor to the Government, Ruel Johnson, had threatened to “torch” the Sanata Complex, which houses the Guyana Times newspaper, Television Guyana (TVG - CH 28) and Radio Guyana Inc (RGI) 89.5; the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called out Government for its inaction against Johnson.

On his Facebook page, the Cultural Policy Advisor at the Education Ministry and Director of the Guyana National Newspaper Limited, which publishes the Guyana Chronicle, Johnson stated bluntly, “Here’s my idea for a united Guyanese protest against impunity and tenderpreneurship – go break down all the parking meters and then proceed to torch the Sanata complex.”

Johnson explicitly made the connection between the Sanata Complex, QAII, its owner and the Media Group consisting of its newspaper, television and radio stations.

According to the PSC in a statement to the media on Monday, the Private Sector Commission is patiently awaiting the resolution of the matter involving Johnson, who was inciting terrorism when he made the social media post.

“It has been several days and there has been no official response to the alleged threats made by Mr Johnson. These statements

Ruel Johnson

allegedly attributed to Mr Johnson may be deemed to incite terrorism, as well as

constitute a threat of arson in breach of, inter alia,

Section 40 of the Criminal Offences Act (which attracts a seven-year jail sentence), as well as Section 3 (2) of the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Act of 2015 which attracts even stiffer penalties,” the PSC outlined in its statement.

Moreover, the Commission posited that such a call from any other citizen would be reprehensible, while highlighting that threats directed at the Leader of the Opposition, as well as the President were appropriately and condignly dealt with under the Laws of Guyana. The PSC added that when such calls are

made by a Government official to over eight thousand

Education Minister, Rupert Roopnaraine

social media followers, then that official must surely be viewed with severity.

To this end, the Commission underscored that Johnson has a duty to the nation to protect and promote its cultural diversity, however, his actions indicates that he is unfit for any position of authority.

“If his alleged pronouncements are proven to be true, it is clear that he is unfit to hold responsibility for such a crucial and delicate element of social cohesion and the Private Sector Commission fully expects that the Minister of Education will take appropriate action to redress the situation. Certainly, Mr Johnson should at the very least step down until investigations are completed,” the PSC asserted.

TURN TO PAGE 13

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, February 7, 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

Crime at crisis levels

A

study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates the direct annual cost of crime and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean at US$261 billion or 3.55 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – roughly what the Region invests in infrastructure and double the average cost for developed countries.

IDB’s study, “The Costs of Crime and Violence: New Evidence, New Revelations in Latin America and the Caribbean”, compared the cost of crime for 17 countries in the Region, benchmarking them against six developed countries and found that “crime and violence are at near crisis levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Region accounts for nine per cent of the world’s population but contributes nearly one-third of its homicide victims, making it the most violent region outside of war zones. Six out of ten robberies in the Region involve violence and 90 per cent of murders go unresolved. Its prisons are the most overcrowded in the world.”

The IDB noted that while there have been positive developments for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in terms of economic growth comparative to developed countries, crime in the Region has increased.

According to the IDB, “in the face of high crime rates, the costs of crime can be sizable: individuals change their behaviour to avoid (or engage in) criminal activity, households and businesses spend to protect themselves from crime, firms reduce their levels of investment and incur productivity losses, and governments shift the allocation of resources to tackle the associated problems.”

The executive summary of the IDB study revealed that “crime costs LAC countries, on average, between 2.41 per cent and 3.55 per cent of their GDPs. This is equal to an amount for LAC between US$115 billion and US$170 billion (at 2014 exchange rates) or between US$175 billion and US$261 billion (adjusted for purchasing power parity). The size of crime-related costs in LAC is similar to what those countries spend on infrastructure and is roughly equal to the share of the Region’s income that goes to the poorest 30 per cent of the population. These cost estimations provide a clear picture of the impact of crime and violence in LAC and should foster improvements in public policies that can ultimately reduce them”.

The Finance Minister, Winston Jordan made reference to Guyana’s crime situation during the presentation of the 2017 Budget estimates, where he announced a myriad of new measures which will allow the authorities to both prevent and respond efficiently to crimes. He announced that in 2017, the Government will expend $29.1 billion to restore public confidence in our security sector.

Besides the obvious unrest being experienced by the local business community and residents in neighbourhoods across Guyana, the effects of crime would also be felt in the pockets of taxpayers.

The measures to be implemented, which were announced, are all aimed at restoring public confidence in the security sector.

These include but are not limited to: increasing recruitment of Police Officers by approximately 20 per cent; improving the Police Force’s mobility; expanding patrols in key areas to deter criminal activity, for which over $740 million has been budgeted, complemented by expansion of the mounted branch in key hinterland locations; strengthening the integrated crime information system; re-establishing and operationalising the 911 service; expanding surveillance; the launching of a multiagency collaboration to tackle narcotics, smuggling, and humantrafficking, and the upgrading of 12 police stations across the country.

Added to this, to offset the overcrowding of the Georgetown Prison, the Finance Minister announced that the complex at the Mazaruni Prisons would be expanded at a cost of $2.2 billion, of which $369 million is budgeted for in 2017, and will see the expansion of offices, inmate living facilities, staff and family living facilities, training facilities, as well as the construction of a school, day-care centre and places of worship.

However, the IDB study also notes that countries that spend more on prisons do not necessarily reap the benefits of less violence. “The Bahamas and El Salvador, for instance, spend large sums (in terms of GDP) on their penitentiary systems, but suffer from high crime rates. Argentina and Uruguay, on the other hand, have much lower incarceration costs and lower crime rates.”

The IDB also found that high levels of incarceration rates were exacting an economic toll on the Region, more so Latin America.

For the 2010-2014 period, the Region spent US$6.5 billion per year to maintain and build prisons. On top of this, imprisoned individuals forgo an additional US$7.3 billion annually in income.

The two numbers together amount to 0.39 per cent of GDP, more than the conditional cash transfers for the Region’s poor.

First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger at the Guyana Defense Force’s 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service for the Women’s Army Corps, held at the National Cultural Centre on Monday. The First Lady said that the world has changed since 1967 and she believes the time has long passed for women to be equipped to ‘break that glass ceiling’

Parking meters around churches an attack on religious freedom

Dear Editor, I am a frequent viewer of Catholic Media Guyana’s Facebook page because of the many informative posts of activities around the Diocese and bits of knowledge shared on the Catholic faith.

However, I was enraged when I saw that the foundation was laid for a parking meter to be installed directly in front of the Cathedral. My feelings about the parking meter are far beyond the obvious fact that our City is allowing itself to be ripped-off by a foreign company.

More so, the deal was struck without adequate consultation with those who would have to bear the cost of such a burdensome means of revenue for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown.

The issue here is way more profound than these obvious problems that are not even being addressed.

In a very beautiful way, the preamble of our nation’s Constitution states, “We, the Guyanese people, proud heirs of the indomitable will of our forbear-

ers, in a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, proclaim this Constitution in order to: Forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broad-based participation in national decision-making, in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community, based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights and the rules of law.”

It is clear from this excerpt that the parking meter issue is not in keeping with what our Constitution outlines. There was no concerted effort and broadbased participation in the decision-making process and, in fact, the whole parking meter issue is a total disregard for democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.

My understanding of Catholic social teaching is that at the heart of this teaching is the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. This is where the church must, through words, prayer and deeds, show compassion for and be

in solidarity with such persons. Catholics are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor.

Where policies from institutions like the M&CC putting mechanisms in place that hinder people from freely practicing their faith, could this not be considered an attack on religious freedom? On special feast days, like Ash Wednesday, First Friday, and even at funerals where the parking facilities in the Cathedral compound are inadequate, do we now have to pay the local government $200 or more to celebrate our sacraments and other liturgical celebrations? Is there not a case here for us to consider this an attack on religious freedom?

A mechanism such as the high-priced parking meter system, which is being introduced, is a means of social exclusion and is insensitive, and may even be unethical.

Jesus himself in the gospel expelled those who turned the temple into a means of exploiting people,

especially the poor.

Additionally, our country’s Constitution states that Guyana is a sovereign state in transition from capitalism to socialism; however, it seems as though this State of ours, now more than ever, is on a trajectory to capitalism only.

It would appear that the Guyanese people’s role is to serve the system, when it is the system that should be serving the people.

It is when issues like these raise their head that the church should speak, especially through it leaders. I am of the firm belief that people are very willing to support any system once they can recognise and feel the benefits of that system in their lives.

I urge the church and its leaders, as well as the Justice and Peace Commission of the church to not pass on this opportunity to provide strong leadership in an issue such as this and to be in solidarity with all Guyanese.

Sincerely, Gibion Moonsammy

Age is just a number Dear Editor, I would like to support Mr Nowrang Persaud, as he is so right in saying that age is just a number and does not reflect one’s health and ability to do things, as it can be seen that some younger people have acute health problems, as against older ones.

For example, I was

kicked out from GuySuCo at age 60 after serving for 45 years, starting as a labourer and then to a managerial position. At age 62, I migrated to the USA on June 6, 1999, got employed with a very reputable insurance company on August 24, 1999.

As a utility clerk, I was later promoted to technical clerk/team leader, which is a

computer-based job.

I retired after 10 years at age 72 and could have continued working, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I could not have done so.

Now at 80, I can still gainfully seek employment, but it is due to my spouse’s health condition that prevents me from doing so, as

she cannot be left unsupervised.

So once you are in good health, age has no limitation, nor restriction for employment and the authorities should take note of that.

Regards, Albert Persaud Former NAACIE employee and President

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

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

Youths put APNU/ Appointment of Elections Commission Chairman should AFC into office Dear Editor, I am responding to a letter in another publication captioned ‘Give the coalition Government a chance to perform’. The writer tried to convince me to do as was stated in the caption, but it seemed that even the writer was afraid to pronounce it. The main idea was a quote from someone on CN Sharma’s Voice of the People!

I hate it when fellow supporters of the Coalition try to justify what is happening or reassure ourselves that the ‘change’ is yet to come.

I remember the President and the Prime Minister asking us to be patient, when at the end of the first 100 days many of what was promised in the manifesto for the first 100 days were not achieved.

May 2015 was the first time I had voted in my life, not that I was not eligible in the previous election, but I could not find a party that truly looked like it cared for the people. In the election fever, I made a decision which I thought was the right one, helping to put this Government into Office.

We voted change for a reason, why must the au-

thor write about Lacunar Amnesia? Is that his/her excuse for the Government’s mess ups so far? If it is, then for myself and many more (who do not have a party membership status), voting for the Coalition was a great deception! Forget about the dark days! Let us talk about this ‘change’! Are we saying that the 50 per cent increase Ministers are enjoying, the multimillion-dollar Jubilee Park (which has only hosted one activity per year so far), and the drug bond scandal are acceptable? Was the real change the reduction in VAT? Well if so, then here’s some news. All the taxes we are now paying after Budget 2017 make that reduction look like something in the distant past. Why do we have to pay VAT on water and light? On medication? On communication data? Everywhere I turn, I pay VAT. So tell me now, what about this parking meter fiasco? Was this another of the ‘change’ the Government had in mind? And don’t tell me that it is the M&CC’s business and not the Government’s. Who has to make it legal? Why can’t the

Government that I helped to put into Office listen to the plea of the citizens and do something? It can’t be that the President or the Prime Minister, or any of the many Vice Presidents are afraid of Chase-Green and King! Why must billions of hard-earned Guyanese dollars go into the pockets of some Mexican millionaires?

Let me remind the author that it was undoubtedly the youths of this country that had put the Government in Office. Many of us only knew of the rule of the PPP, and all of us wanted out. We are not suffering from Lacunar Amnesia, we are looking for the change! What a foolish thing to say! To compound matters even more, the writer quoted from the Bible! Are you telling me that you are comparing the Government to God and us, the people, to Israel? I am sure you have offended God because he will never ignore, persecute and rob his people the way the Government is doing.

That fever I had during the election is beginning to burn again.

Sincerely, Wilbert Moore

be via an inclusive process

Dear Editor: The idea that the only person eligible or preferred to be a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission is a judge (past, present, or one “fit and proper” to be a judge in the future), is undemocratic. It is similar to the idea long outlawed elsewhere, that one must first know how to read or write a section of a constitution in order to register to vote.

An appointment of a Chairman of the elections commission ought to be done in an inclusive process in order to preserve the independence of an electorate voting. This cannot occur if only a select few are deemed eligible of becoming the most premier election official (i.e., Chairman) in the electoral process, tasked with counting the ballots cast in an election.

Indeed, a right to vote includes an inherent right to count that vote. To tell voters they may exercise a

Not what we expected!

Dear Editor, The average life expectancy in Guyana is 69 years of age. It therefore means that the four elders, who enjoyed an all-inclusive trip to Mexico to see the parking meters may very well not be around for the proposed duration of the contract 49years! The next two generation of young people will have to comply with the clauses in the secret contract. I cannot recall a contract secretly signed that will directly affect so many citizens for a span of approximately five decades.

Some of my concerns regarding this contract are : Can the overseas based contractor or city council raise the rates when he/she so desires?

Given the high pace of technological changes in city management has the city council taking into consideration the obsolescence of the said meters and the possibilities of mobile solutions in the next, say, 20

years. Will the overseas based contractor upgrade the meters or adapt to these changes?

With a meager 20 percent revenue taking, what is the net revenue after maintenance, enforcement, replacements, marketing etc. that the city council will gain. This may very well be under 10 percent earnings.

Retailers are currently facing many challenges such as high real estate costs, increased crime, periodic flooding, unreliable electrical supply, vendors blocking sidewalks/entrances, smuggled goods, cheap Asain imports and recently online shopping. The current negative impact of the parking meters to their sales has been significant.

This rollout of the parking meter may result in workers joining the breadline.

This deal may be the largest service oriented exporter of foreign currency in Guyana. Will this impact

our exchange rate?

During the Local Government Elections no mention of parking meters were made by APNU / AFC councillors who visited businesses and homes to solicit our votes. To spring this upon the citizens borders on deception. It is

clear that APNU / AFC is willing to let the city hang this secret 49 years contract around the necks of our future generation. Not what we expected!!!

Best Regards, Marcus Craig

right to vote on elections day but they are not “qualified” to count those votes, unless they are judges or “fit and proper” to be judges in the future, is elitist and discriminatory. If this

is the rule that will prevail, then the will of future electorates is likely to be compromised.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

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tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

Page

Foundation

Self-compassion, growth mindset, and the benefits of failure

T

wo different psychological studies were published that illuminate the importance of various age students practising self-compassion and adopting a "growth mindset" (a term coined by Carol Dweck of Stanford University) marked by a self-belief that your intelligence is malleable and never set in stone.

The first study, from the University of British Columbia, "Don't be so hard on yourself! Changes in self-compassion during the first year of university are associated with changes in well-being," was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.

The second study, from Michigan State University, "Neural evidence for enhanced attention to mistakes among school-aged children with a growth mindset" was published online in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience.

Self-compassion may be key to thriving during freshman year

Researchers at UBC recently found that students who reported higher levels of self-compassion also tended to feel more optimistic, energetic, and alive during their first semester of college. In fact, a student's self-reported self-compassion levels rose in tandem with his or her overall motivation and engagement.

The researchers emphasise that self-compassion should incorporate self-ac-

ceptance, -forgiveness, and -kindness. Not only does this mean avoiding excessive self-criticism ... self-compassion also includes recognising that failure is an inherent part of the learning process in academics, sports, and just about every other pursuit in life.

As Ellen DeGeneres once said, "It's failure that gives you the proper perspective on success. When you take risks, you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail. Both are equally important."

DeGeneres' anecdotal words of wisdom corroborate the April 2016 research findings by Carol Dweck and psychological scientist Kyla Haimovitz of Stanford University.

In their study, "What Predicts Children’s Fixed and Growth Intelligence Mind-Sets?

Not Their Parents Views of Intelligence but Their Parents Views of Failure," Haimovitz and Dweck report that children who are encouraged to view failure as an opportunity for growth fared much better than children who had parents who reinforced the notion that failure is always 'bad.'

People with a growth mindset believe that intelligence is malleable, expandable, and never fixed. They also believe that you can learn and grow from mistakes or setbacks.

Failure and success are two sides of the same coin, as summed up in the

sage advice of Winston Churchill: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” (For the record, this has been my mantra for eons; as both a quixotic ultra-endurance athlete and fledgling writer who has endured countless amounts of failure and naysayers throughout my lifespan along with a few spatterings of success.)

Dweck's previous research found that growth mindset also boosts resilience, positive emotions, and someone's ability to bounce back quickly from the agony of defeat. With practice, a growth mindset helps you let go of failure's disappointment and move on to new challenges.

On the flip side, those with a "fixed mindset"— who believe that their intelligence and abilities are less fluid—tend to beat themselves up and get stuck, by dwelling on failures. A fixed mindset is also linked to a lack of self-compassion, in which failure can create a demotivating downward spiral of hopelessness and low self-esteem. Haimovitz and Dweck hope their findings will help reinforce the importance of putting the benefits of failure in the spotlight.

This is especially important for parents of younger children when teaching kids how to respond to setbacks in ways that are encouraging rather than discouraging.

Nourishing a growth mindset can give youngsters a set of

How to survive

your beloved adolescent Continued

– learning from your mistakes combined with self-compassion is a winning formula

By Christopher Bergland

guyanatimesgy.com

copi n g skills that could last a lifetime.

In a statement to UBC, Katie Gunnell, the new self-compassion study's lead author and a junior research scientist at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute in Ottawa, said, "Our study suggests the psychological stress students may experience during the transition between high school and university can be mitigated with self-compassion because it enhances the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which in turn, enriches well-being."

Peter Crocker, co-author and UBC kinesiology professor previously discovered that self-compassion interventions designed to lower self-criticism and negative ruminations improved performance in college athletes.

He said of their latest research on self-compassion in college freshmen, "Students who are used to getting high grades may be shocked to not do as well in university, feel challenged living away from home, and are often missing important social support they had in high school. Self-compassion appears to be an effective strategy or resource to cope with these types of issues."

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

A

dolescence might coincide with menopause and/or the loss of your own parent.

Knowledge about our challenges can lead to more kindness to ourselves and to help our brain chemistry as follows:

Extreme self-care

While this is common advice, during adolescence “Take good care of yourself” must turn into “Take extremely good care of yourself, that is multiple times a day, for the next few years.” The point cannot be overemphasised. Sometimes I take a bath after half an hour of contact with my beloved brainstormer. I exercise every single day of my life for fitness and health, but also because it generates dopamine.

To decrease stress hormones, I meditate, go for nature walks with my dog, hug “huggable” people, see my girl-friend, take naps, eat a ton of vegetables and fruits, sing, read a good book, enjoy art – you name it. How do I have time for this? I steal it.

Besides, it helps to accumulate and do my errands in one wash, stay away from screens and magazines, refuse to cater to my kids’ every want and concentrate on what they actually need.

External support

You cannot do this by yourself. Find the right support, including professional support, such as a psychotherapist, a tutor, an MD who supports you during menopause, a nutritionist, herbalist etc.

Focus on your partnership

Focus on your significant other. Have regular dates, alone-time at home, a strategy to work as a team and, if needed, go to a marriage counsellor. When you argue, take turns in listening to and validating each other. Don’t ever assume how the other feels, but ask questions instead. Insist on reciprocity.

Cry when you want to

Releasing your stress in any form of self-expression can be enormously helpful. As always, the way out of pain is going through it.

What matters most

Keep in mind that things usually work themselves out when parents maintain an open, supportive heart for their adolescent. You might not see any evidence for it, but your love matters and will bear fruit eventually. When the storm is over, you will suddenly be a wonderful parent again. It’s what they say… --- I choose to believe it. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

7 150 nursing students to resit exams news

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

New foreign trade policy

Jagdeo sees measures as “absolute madness” …warns of destructive consequences to economy

PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

G

overnment’s intention to tighten “foreign currency trade” will have destructive consequences on trade and commerce in Guyana, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has warned.

Guyana Times understands that on Monday the Government issued a circular to Cambios and the local banking sector informing them of the regulated rates for foreign currency. However, this did not go down well with Jagdeo who lashed out at the Government, describing the move as “absolute madness.”

Jagdeo, who is an economist by profession, told this publication on Monday evening, that this move now means that Government is hastening the decline of the economy.

The circular issue will limit the spread of US dollars and other foreign currencies to a $3 bracket.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary Opposition in a statement on Monday, also stated any attempt to control the flow of foreign currency in the economy will be counterproductive and will lead to more capital flight, greater hoarding of foreign exchange and even less foreign as well as local investments.

The Party reminded that the People’s National Congress (PNC) Governments in the past had embarked upon this route before, but the outcomes were devastating.

“On the other hand, we have witnessed how the econo-

my grew and how the Private Sector rapidly expanded in an environment of economic liberalisation and free trade,” the PPP noted.

The Party is urging the Government to stave off its plans to impose restrictions and undue regulations on the movement and circulation of foreign exchange in the economy.

“Rather than blame the Private Sector and foreign companies for the shortage of foreign currency in the country, the Government should first accept its mismanagement of the economy and recognise that the shortage of foreign currency is due not only to its incompetence but also to its regime of policies and measures which are undermining the Private Sector, destroying commerce and trade and sapping confidence from the economy – replacing it with fear, intimidation and uncertainty,” the PPP explained.

Commenting on the circular, an influential private sector operator told this publication that such a move will drive

earnings of foreign companies operating in Guyana.

“Foreign Direct Investment in the economy has already slowed and a policy which prevents the repatriation of the earnings of these companies has the potential to move the influx of investment from a trickle to a halt,” the body noted.

The PSC also reminded that Guyana had gone down this path before with disastrous consequences to the economy.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during a post-Cabinet press briefing announced that the Bank of Guyana, as the regulatory body for banks and non-bank cambios, was instructed to respond with stricter regulations and closer monitoring of the foreign exchange market – following reports of foreign exchange as well as foreign currency hoarding.

“The Bank of Guyana is, therefore, expected to issue a number of guidelines with regard to the new regulations and monitoring,” he said.

Harmon said these would

Government is being urged to halt its plans to impose restrictions and undue regulations on the movement and circulation of foreign exchange in the economy

a lot of business underground as already being unfolded in the mining sector with the new taxation measures.

Government has also received scathing criticisms from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) over its announced intervention.

According to the organisation, the new regulations will only drive investors away, warning that the stated intentions of Government to introduce restrictions will specifically affect the repatriation of

include ensuring that exporters repatriate their export earnings at the banking system as is required and conducting close monitoring and examination of bank and non-bank cambios to maintain orderly market behaviour and stability.

According to Harmon, Finance Minister Winston Jordan was adamant that there was no foreign currency shortage but rather “disequilibrium in the market”.

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Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence at the press conference on Monday

he 150 students who wrote the 2016 nursing exams, which were allegedly compromised, will be rewriting the exams later this month.

According to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, her Ministry sought assistance from the Education Ministry in making a decision on the matter.

As such, the Education Ministry was tasked with preparing and executing the exams. The Ministry will also be responsible for marking the papers. This, she noted, was done in consultation with her Ministry.

The students are scheduled to rewrite the exams on February 21 and the results are expected to be available

by February 28.

“The Education Ministry will act on behalf of the Ministry of Public Health to one, engage its personnel, to prepare the multiple choice question, to administer those questions on the 21st of February, to have a group of persons recruited to mark the essay part of the question and so on the 28th of February, it is expected that the results from the examinations will be presented,” the Public Health Minister explained.

Following the disclosure,

Vibert Stewart, a nursing student representative, revealed that the situation has taken a toll on the students, leaving them in a ‘disturbed emotional state’.

However, the Minister announced that the Health Ministry will be hiring a teacher to tutor the 150 students who are expected to sit the exams. This will ensure that the students are well equipped.

Moreover, when questioned about the investigation into the alleged leaking of the multiple choice section of the exam papers, Minister Lawrence could not provide an answer and instead directed further questions to Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

“I have been in contact with the Police, I do not want to say much about that aspect, but what I can say is that the investigations are continuing,” Lawrence said.

An investigation was launched after it was reported that the nurse’s examination papers were leaked before the sitting and assessment of 250 nursing students on October 19 and 20, 2016.

The Principal Tutor of the Georgetown School of Nursing, Cleopatra Barkoye had announced to the stu-

dents that they will be required to rewrite the exams following the development.

However, the nurses were outraged at this and staged multiple protest actions calling for an alternative decision.

However, after lengthy debates and discussions within the Public Health Ministry, it was determined that having the nurses rewrite the examination would be wiser.

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IN THE COURTS

2012 double murder

Man gets 62 years for murdering cousin … 32 additional years for manslaughter

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Linden man who was found guilty of murder and manslaughter for the September 30, 2012 killing of two brothers will spend the next 62 years in jail.

Abdul Budhoo, who was charged in October 2012, was on Monday afternoon

sentenced to 62 years for the murder of his cousin, Imran Bacchus. For killing Imran’s brother, Shaheed, Budhoo was sentenced to 32 years after the 12-member jury at the High Court had determined that he was guilty of manslaughter. Both of the sentences will run concur-

Jailed: Abdul Budhoo

rently.

Budhoo, a former resident of Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden, was found guilty of killing the brothers after a dispute at Wismar Street, Mackenzie.

Budhoo underwent a High Court trial, four years after murdering his two cousins. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge as presented by the prosecution.

Reports in 2012 had stated that an argument over outstanding monies had ensued between Shaheed and Budhoo when Shaheed’s brother, Imran, had intervened. Both men were fatally stabbed during the ordeal.

On January 16, 2017, a jury, 11-1, decided that Budhoo was guilty of manslaughter in the killing of Shaheed and, unanimously, found that Budhoo was guilty of murdering Imran.

Monday’s sentencing came after presiding Judge, Justice Navindra Singh had ordered a probation report on the accused.

State Prosecutors Siand Dhurjon and Tuanna Hardy had called a total of 11 witnesses to the stand, while the accused was represented by defence counsel Michael Somersall.

The weakest link…

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…in pharma supply

t’s said that a supply chain – of any good or service – is only as strong as its weakest link. And in Guyana, we’re experiencing in spades, the truth of that insight in the supply of pharmaceuticals to our health sector.

As we’ve pointed out before, after almost two years of concocting all kinds of “Jimmy Cock and Ram Goat” stories, the Government health officials have finally confessed to widespread grave shortages of critical drugs. Obviously, this had doomed many Guyanese to earlier deaths, than if they’d been treated with those drugs.

But what’s really the “weakest link”, so perhaps even now official interventions may keep us from sliding back into the conditions that precipitated the Plague in medieval times. Is it really just poor inventory control?

Lack of warehouse space – or warehouses not located close enough to Georgetown Hospital? Lack of an integrated purchasing system? Is it really a shipping and delivery problem, starting with drugs stuck at wharves?

We could keep on regurgitating the excuses the Government keeps spewing. But you and I, Dear Reader, know they’re only playing ducks and drakes around the real problem. And that problem is the now Government Ministers and officials – from the parties that used to be in the Opposition – are caught with their old BS they issued about the PPP giving out “sweetheart” pharma contracts to “friends”.

It’s not that they fell for their own BS! But starting with the premise of “friends with benefits”, they farmed out the Pharma to their own “political investors” who expected healthy “returns on investments” (ROI)!

They threw out the old prequalification criteria – ignoring these were in accordance to WHO and World Bank specifications for rigorous proper supply chain performance in pharma!

So, we returned to the Neanderthal era practices of fellas showing up with plastic bags of pharma, fresh off the plane after procuring “about to be expired” drugs from abroad. So, we had fellas with no warehouse to properly store temperature-sensitive medicines – and just throwing them in their meat freezers! No wonder, Guyanese mortuary freezers are overflowing!

So, the problem, Dear Readers, is greed of the new Government officials destroying any scruples that might’ve existed and placing the health of the Guyanese public in the hands of carpetbaggers. How many more contracts will be given to bottom-house operators before Guyanese start getting het up about health officials playing Russian Roulette with their lives?

While your Eyewitness agrees with the protests against the rotten parking meter deal, this abandonment of all standards to maintain the integrity of the pharma supply chain represents a greater danger to our nation.

Act up!!

…in business

Any business is only as good as its people. Lots of folks think, it’s the product, or the price or a host of other factors. Not that they aren’t important – but ultimately, it’s the company’s employees that will make or break the venture. If they don’t have their heart in the operation, that business is doomed. When there are absolutely no alternatives and starvation is the only option to the business maybe the employees will put out – but the moment that changes, it’s “outa here!”.

And that’s really the nub of the problem with GuySuCo. Not much really changed from the days of slavery and indentureship. Even though the colour of the faces of the “overseers” changed over the years, their attitude to the workers remained constant: grind them into the dirt and throw them out like bagasse.

We see this illustrated by the Minister of Agriculture insisting there isn’t a need to conduct a social assessment before closing down the estates!!

Chattel labour redux!

…in nationalism

Your Eyewitness isn’t too much for bars. But he was invited to this Super Bowl party at one. He went. He watched. He wept.

He couldn’t believe the fake accents and the fake enthusiasm that permeated the joint.

Neo-neo colonialism?

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

news

Pornographic videos

Child Care Protection Agency launches investigation …several local schools implicated

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tudents of several secondary schools in Georgetown have been releasing pornographic content on social media during the past week.

Following the release of a video by students at one of the top secondary schools in the country last Sunday, other videos have surfaced on popular social media sites, which show students engaged in sexual acts.

The Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Greene, has expressed dismay over this recent development, noting that it is indeed a “sad situation”.

She, however, pointed out that it is a wake-up call, especially for parents who are still in denial that their children are sexually active. Greene said the CCPA has launched an investigation to establish the full extent of the matter before taking actions, and she

called for the collective efforts of parents, teachers and ministry officials to control and discontinue the recording and broadcasting of pornographic content involving students.

While some social media users are actively speaking out against the sharing of child pornography and the public shaming of the students and their schools, others are condoning these actions by continuously sharing the content and uploading additional videos.

The exact number of schools involved is unclear; however, some institutions have launched investigations into the matter and are engaging the students, parents and the general school population in an ongoing in an effort to prevent the situation from worsening. There has been no update on the disciplinary actions taken against the

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tuesDAY, february 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

students identified in the videos.

Leslyn Charles, Assistant Chief Education Officer of Secondary Schools, has informed the Guyana Times that the Education Ministry is aware of the situation and has transferred the matter to the Department of Georgetown. The CCPA and the Department will be meeting regarding this matter. Greene indicated that counselling will be arranged to assist the students in their reintegration into the school system.

The Social Protection Ministry has recently released a warning against the posting and sharing of photos and videos with children in inappropriate acts. Minister Amna Ally on Monday, reminded the general public that such actions constitute a criminal offence and urged citizens to act responsibly.

GPHC Board gets new Chairman

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ublic Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Monday revealed the names of the new Board of Directors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), including health and law consultant and advocate, Kesaundra Alves, who was appointed as Chairperson.

Minister Lawrence said that Cabinet gave its approval for the Board Members to be selected, which was done after lengthy deliberation.

Alves, who holds a Master of Law Degree, was approved as head of the new Board of Directors of the medical institution. She also specialises in health law, ethics and policy, along with interdisciplinary programmes including medicine, human rights, law and politics related to public health.

Dr Holly Alexander, who worked for several years within the public health sector and also holds a diploma in Public Management, Leprology, Education, and a Master’s in Public Health, was also appointed to the Board. Dr Alexander has spearheaded several as-

New Chairman of the Board Directors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Kesaundra Alves

pects of public health in Guyana.

Dr Ivelaw Sinclair, who is attached to the Fort Wellington Hospital in Berbice, was also named a new Board Member. He is a medical doctor and also holds several other certificates in various aspects of health from Canadian and Chinese institutions.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry, Collette Adams, sits on the Board

and will continue to represent the Public Health Ministry.

Finance Ministry Budget Director Sonya Roopnauth will be representing that Ministry and has previously worked in the Public Health Ministry.

Cleopatra Barkoye, who is presently a lecturer, will be on the Board to represent the Nursing Council. She holds a Master’s in Nursing Education, among several other certification.

The final appointee, Kempton Alexander, will be representing the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and is a registered nurse.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Allan Johnson, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud continue in their position.

The GPHC, since November last, has been operating without a Board as the previous Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton had allegedly dissolved the Board because of a reportedly strained relationship with the former Chairman, Dr Carl “Max” Hanoman.

Firearm, narcotics unearthed during Police raid − 7 arrested S even people are now in Police custody and are expected to be charged for the possession of and trafficking in narcotics, following several Police operations in E Division (Linden/ Kwakwani) over the weekend.

On February 3, Police conducted a search at a house at South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, where 227 grams of cannabis was unearthed. The occupant of the house at the time was taken

into custody.

On February 4, 25 grams of the illegal substance was discovered in a shop at Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden. The owner of the shop was immediately taken into custody; on the same day, another shop owner was arrested after 717 grams of marijuana was unearthed during a road block at Ituni trail.

Reports are the ganja was found hidden in truck.

In addition, during anoth-

The gun and the cannabis that were found

er exercise on February 4, an unlicensed .25 semi-au-

tomatic pistol, along with 98 grams of cannabis were

found. Three men were arrested in connection with

the discovery.

Additionally, Police ranks went to a farm at South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, where they found five cannabis plants and a quantity of dried marijuana.

The owner has since admitted that the trees belonged to him. The Police are continuing their operations in various areas with the aim of clamping down on the drug trade.

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Guyana signs €1.25M project to conserve 10% marine space

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he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas and the European Union (EU) signed and launched a project which will significantly enhance the protection of marine and coastal resources of Guyana and Suriname.

The project, entitled, “Promoting Integrated and Participatory Ocean Governance in Guyana and Suriname: the Eastern Gate to the Caribbean,” will see both countries setting aside 10 per cent of its Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) as marine protected areas by 2020, in keeping with its commitment to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity – which both countries had signed.

The EU allocated a €1.25 million grant for the project to be executed by WWF in collaboration with the Protected Areas Commission of Guyana and the Nature Conservation Service of the Suriname Government.

The project is expected to fill critical information gaps by developing comprehensive and visually appealing spatial data (Geographical Information Systems atlas and three-dimensional ocean maps) collated through participatory processes, enabling informed decision-making, regarding marine protection

EU Ambassador Jernej Videtič and WWF Guianas Representative Laurens Gomes sign onto the project, entitled “Promoting Integrated and Participatory Ocean Governance in Guyana and Suriname: the Eastern Gate to the Caribbean”

and management.

WWF Guianas Representative, Laurens Gomes, during the signing ceremony in Guyana which was held at the Regency Suites on Monday, explained why he regards the ocean as one of the greatest gifts to mankind.

“The ocean itself captures more CO2, more carbon, than all of the forests in the world and that dynamic is very important to climate stability.

Fisheries is another good example, it is a very critical food source for global communities,” he noted, as he stressed

the importance in protecting the world’s ocean spaces.

EU Ambassador Jernej Videtic, in delivering his remarks, highlighted that roughly “1.1 million people will directly and indirectly benefit from the project as it aims at addressing the challenges deriving from climate change, fisheries, carbon storage, and thus contributes to decreasing the vulnerability of this part of the region.”

Director of the Department of Environment at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ndibi Schwiers, lauded this initiative, noting

that such a venture is timely.

“This initiative is intended to contribute to human wellbeing, especially for the coastal population and there is a possibility, we understand, to develop and expand the economic activities along the coast,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the area around which the project revolves, supports important fisheries, major nursery grounds, spawning grounds and a rich diversity of marine species and is of both regional and global significance.

Whilst key threats are recognised (overfishing of some species; increased hydrocarbon exploration) there are significant data gaps which hamper efforts to sustainably manage the marine environment.

It is envisioned that increased marine protection and strengthened governance will safeguard biodiversity and enhance food security, protect livelihoods, increase resilience and support socio-economic development in these countries.

This project will demonstrate that compelling data, participatory spatial planning and targeted capacity building can conserve biodiversity and foster economic activities compatible with ocean health.

US Navy Rear Admiral in Guyana for Women’s Corps anniversary

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n observance of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women’s Army Corps 50th anniversary,

Rear Admiral Martha Herb of the United States Navy is in Guyana for the weeklong celebration.

The GDF invited RDML Herb by name to the anniversary celebrations of the Women’s Army Corps

Rear Admiral Martha Herb

for her continued work in women’s integration in armed forces throughout the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The Rear Admiral is expected to address army women on, among other topics, “the role of women in an evolving armed forces” and “the effects of violence against women on the whole of society”.

Upon her arrival in the country, RDML Herb had called upon Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The Rear Admiral is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She was one of the first women officers to graduate from the Naval School of Diving and Salvage in Washington, DC, and was selected to the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame.

She is the recipient of numerous personal decorations and campaign medals.

Indian indentured historiography reveals discontinuity

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will, in the next few weeks, return to my analysis of Indian indentured historiography as we approach 100 years since indentured immigration to Guyana ceased. March 12, 2017 will mark 100 years since the British and Indian governments stopped indentured immigration to indentured colonies worldwide.

One disappointment with Indian indentured historiography is the insular approach or the analysis of discontinuity from India to the Indo-phone Caribbean (Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname) and from the Indophone Caribbean to India.

Except for a few studies, most published studies on indentureship from India tend to concentrate on the Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine emigration of Indians from that region, and places little emphasis on the experience of Indian indentures in the Indo-phone Caribbean.

Likewise, the focus of most studies on indentureship from the Indo-phone Caribbean has overwhelmingly been on the Caribbean aspects of indentureship, namely the plantation experience. When studies from the Indo-phone Caribbean do include India, the content is restricted to recruitment and emigration of Indian indenture. We are left with not too many convincing reasons as to what transpired before the emigrants left their homeland to labour overseas. Are we to believe that a majority of them left their homeland unwillingly? Recent findings have challenged this view.

Similarly, studies on the return migration of the exindentured Indians from the Indo-phone Caribbean to their homeland tend to cease after the return ships arrived in India.

Few studies have concentrated on the re-integration of exindentured Indians to their former communities and even the second migration of Indians to the Indo-phone Caribbean.

We are left again with unanswered questions. Whatever happened to the returnees? Did their Caribbean experience allow them to challenge their long established social institutions? Were they successful in re-integrating themselves with village life in 19th century India? Or was their new expressive experience suppressed because it was inconsistent with their village customs?

Certainly, the great distance and poor communication networks, coupled with language and cultural barriers between the two locations are some reasons why there is a discontinuity and disconnection in the study of indentureship from India and the Indo-phone Caribbean. From the Indo-phone Caribbean, only a handful of scholars can speak the official language of India, namely Hindi. From India, not many scholars can speak the dialects of Indians in the Caribbean. Moreover, the culture of Indians in the Caribbean has evolved immensely from their original homeland. To some extent, new Indian communities have been formed overseas that would shock an average Indian who never visited the Indo-phone Caribbean.

The discontinuity in the study of indentureship from India to the Caribbean has produced a contradiction between there (India) and here (the Caribbean), and as a consequence, there has been a desperate need to connect the roots and routes of Indian indentured experience. What is needed, and to which I will address in the next column, is an interdisciplinary, as well as trans-disciplinary approach towards the study of indentureship.

Unfortunately, this will have to happen outside of Guyana since there seems to be little motivation and resources to pursue this initiative.

Speaking of Guyana, it is here that the first shipload of Indians landed in 1838 and, coincidently, it is here that one problem with Indian indentured historiography started. We are not sure if 396 or 439 Indians arrived in 1838. Actually, inconsistent and inaccurate numerical statistics are replete in Caribbean-Indian indentured historiography.

Scholars studying indentureship seem to accept that 500,000 Indians were brought from India to the Caribbean from 1838–1917 to work as indentured servants. Of this total, one-third returned to their homeland, while two-thirds stayed in the Caribbean, due largely to an induced policy of land acceptance/settlement in lieu of their entitled return passage.

However, there seems to be no study to justify the accuracy of these statistics. Where these statistics came from and who actually started to use them as facts remain a mystery. Yet, the above figures have been regularly cited for the total number of Indians brought to the Caribbean.

Repeated information is acceptable insofar as it is based on further analyses to ensure transparency and appropriate interpretation of results. But this has not been the case with Indian indentureship and numerical statistics. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

news

Cocaine in fish

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tuesDAY, february 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jilted man kills self after chopping ex-wife, lover Enmore man jailed for

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man is now dead after ingesting a poisonous substance moments after chopping his ex-wife and her boyfriend. The incident reportedly took place at about 20:30h on Sunday.

Dead is Narine Permauloo, 60, of Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, who reportedly succumbed while receiving treatment at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Monday.

The man’s ex-wife, Nesha Permauloo, was discharged from the Mort Mourant

5 years, fined $237M

A The man’s ex-wife, Nesha Permauloo showing her injuries

ex-husband offered them a beer to drink. She told the media that she was the first to be chopped and blacked out, and could not say what else transpired. She said her only recollection is waking up in a pool of blood. The wom-

him. He use to beat me and that is why I left him. He use to threaten to kill me if I ever get anybody else,” she said.

Last December Nesha moved out from the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne home where she and Narine lived

cocaine mule was on Monday jailed for five years and fined $237 million after he was found guilty by Magistrate Leron Daly for trafficking in narcotics.

Kapil Haresh Thakurian was nabbed with the illegal substance at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in August 2016.

The Prosecution had contended that the 34-year-old man of Enmore, East Coast Demerara was nabbed with 88.2 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on August 9, 2016. During the trial, the Customs Anti-

Kapil Haresh Thakurian

Narcotics Unit (CANU) provided evidence that Thakurian had attempted to smuggle the cocaine in a quantity of seafood on an outgoing flight from the airport.

Thakurian, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Peter Hugh, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but his lawyer’s application for bail was unsuccessful. As such he was on remand throughout the trial.

In court on Monday, the man stood motionless as the sentence was handed down by the presiding Magistrate.

Chinese businessman charged for forging passport − released on $400,000 bail

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Dead: Narine Permauloo

Hospital, while her boyfriend Manindra Kisondat, also called ‘Bruk up’, remains a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to Permauloo, she and her boyfriend went to Bush Lot on Sunday to see her 18-year-old daughter.

She explained that it was not the first time that she visited along with her boyfriend since moving out.

The woman related that when they arrived, her

Manindra “Bruk Up” Kisondat showing his injuries

an further explained that her ex-husband had three previous wives, and like her, they were all subjected to abuse. “That’s why they left

for 17 years. She then moved in with Kisondat a few villages away. Police are continuing with their investigations.

Chinese businessman was on Monday released on $400,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly to answer to a double immigration charge brought against him. The Prosecution is contending that Zhi Fang Xie, between February 1 and February 29, 2016, at Georgetown, conspired with person/persons to forge one Republic of Guyana visa and one Guyana Immigration

stamp purporting to show that it had been issued by the Central Passport and Immigration Office.

The businessman’s lawyer, Paul Fung-A-Fat, in a bail application, told the court that it is not possible for his client to conspire with anyone due to the language barrier faced. He further told the court that his client is married and a father of one, adding that his passport is lodged with the Police, thus making him

less of a flight risk.

The lawyer’s submissions were upheld and businessman was released on $400,000 bail for both charges. As a condition to his bail, Zhi Fang Xie has to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters twice per month. The businessman will appear before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on February 13, 2017 when the case will continue.

12news Wales sugar workers protest non-payment of severance A tuesDAY, february 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

s a group of irate sugar workers who were supposed to receive their severance packages since last year protested at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Wales Sugar Estate, their representative union has refuted claims that definitive conclusions on the workers’ future were decided.

Speaking with Guyana Times early Monday morning, the workers stated that they have had enough of the uncertainty over their owed payments and reiterated their rejection to be transferred to the Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Estate. The frustrated workers demanded that their severance packages be paid immediately, which were reportedly promised to them since December of last year.

It was after GuySuCo’s meeting with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Wednesday last, that the sugar corporation disclosed to the public that there is a demand for labour at the Uitvlugt Estate, which will start its first crop later this week. According to the workers, they were informed last week Friday that the Union reportedly agreed for employees to be transferred to Uitvlugt, but the sugar workers stressed that they are not prepared to go anywhere, citing distance as their key reason.

“Give us severance” – These workers rejected proposals to transfer to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate

“It (Wales) abandoned, let we get we severance, we deserve it,” one worker told this publication.

“They give a paper Friday saying for we to go to Uitvlugt but we cannot go there,” another man indicated.

The workers further explained that they were also against the transfer, as they cannot be compelled to travel beyond 10 miles to their place work.

“They seh they not forcing anybody to go Uitvlugt and now dem eating back dem word,” worker Rahem Seepersaud noted.

Meanwhile, Michael Chotoo, who worked at Wales Estate for 25 years, explained that the 22-mile journey from Uitvlugt to Wales every day is too far for him to commute.

“From [Wales] to

Uitvlugt is 22 Miles, leaving out how much [more] you got to go in de backdam.

You think every day a worker could travel 44 miles to go and come? What gan happen to he body?” the worker highlighted.

Chootoo further lamented that traffic also factors into the extensive travel to the West Coast Demerara Estate.

Joshua Fernandes, who worked with the Estate over 20 years, also noted that many of the workers’ plans for alternative means to earn a living are on hold. He explained that a few of his colleagues managed to secure jobs on sea and in the interior, but they are currently left at a stand-still, waiting on the sugar corporation to pay them their severance.

Fernandes also called for

more representation from the workers’ representative union.

Meanwhile, GAWU in a statement on Monday professed that it was indeed “puzzled by media reports” as quoted by GuySuCo to the effect that some 650 workers from Wales Estate would take up employment at the Uitvlugt Estate.

“The Corporation’s statement, as reported, appears to be definitive, but is certainly not reflective of the discussions and conclusions reached at the GAWUGuySuCo engagement,” GAWU stressed.

GAWU, seeking to clear the air, disclosed that at the meeting, which had taken place at the LBI Training Building on Wednesday last, the Corporation had informed the Union’s delegation that “it was seeking to have some 420 workers – cane cutters and the workers engaged in transporting the canes from the fields to the factory – taking up work at Uitvlugt Estate to augment that Estate’s labour pool.”

The Union further explained that the shop stewards “advised” the Corporation’s representatives at the meeting that they and their fellow work-

ers were seeking to be paid severance as cane production was discontinued at the Wales Estate. The Union also noted that the parties agreed to engage the 420 workers on the Corporation’s proposals tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday.

The Union also corroborated allegations the workers disclosed to this newspaper that Management at Wales reportedly instructed the cane cutters to take up duties at Uitvlugt.

In early 2016, Guyana Times broke the news of Government’s intention to close the Wales Factory. Shortly afterwards, Government confirmed the end of sugar operations at Wales Estate, citing cost as the main factor for closure.

It was later disclosed that rice will be planted as part of the diversification plan, but it remains unclear when the first rice crop will be reaped.

Anna Regina vendors given final notice to remove stalls

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endors operating on the road shoulders in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, have been issued with a final notice to remove all permanent structures from the area.

The notice, which was dispatched by the clerk, Wazeer Danraj, on January 26, 2017, gives the vendors seven days to comply and to remove all permanent structures encroaching the road shoulders.

According to information reaching this publication, this move came immediately after the last statutory meet-

Some of the makeshift stalls along the road shoulders in Anna Regina

sponsible for any damages or compensation. The letter was also signed by Town Clerk,

The letter which was dispatched

ing, where the majority of the Councillors voted for the permanent structures to be removed. Vendors will only be allowed temporary makeshift tables, which must be removed at the end of the day.

The document further outlined that if the vendors fail to comply; the Council will take necessary legal action to remove them, and will not be re-

Diane Critchlow.

The council once again came in for much criticism by vendors and residents, who continue to highlight the impacts such decisions have on their ability to provide for their families. They are therefore calling on the Council to take into consideration their circumstances.

During the last disman-

tling exercise in 2016, many stalls were damaged and, as such, the vendors were forced to incur additional expenses to have them replaced.

The vendors have condemned the latest action by the Council and have explained that they are not prepared to comply since no proper consultations were held.

“What will happen to our livelihood, last exercise I lost thousands of dollars, again they are coming, what will happen to these poor vendors?” one vendor, Sattie Narine, questioned.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt, commented on the issue in a public post on Facebook and denied the assertion that the decision to remove the vendors was made at the statutory meeting.

“The decision to bully vendors along the Anna Regina roadside is not one made by the Mayor and the majority of the Councillors, no decision to remove vendors was made by the Council at its statutory meeting or at any forum.”

Ramdatt added that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will stand strong in support with the vendors.

However, Mark McLean, an APNU Councillor who sits on the Anna Regina Town Council, explained that a review of the law will show that what occurs at the Anna Regina market is illegal. He also stressed that if persons need to make a living, they need to abide by the laws.

news

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tuesDAY, February 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

New mining tax measures

Prisoner stabbed during brawl at Magistrates’ Courts Govt out to “kill the goose that laid the golden egg” – Bartica Chamber

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teenager was on Monday morning stabbed by his co-accused moments after they were all sentenced to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of Dr Perry Mars, the Professor who was killed in May 2016.

The men were reportedly in their holding cells when the incident occurred.

City Magistrate Leron Daly had earlier ruled that the Prosecution was able to make out a Prima Facie case against the five teenagers for them to stand trial.

Drama erupted at the Court after the teenager’s screams were heard as he was being attacked by two of his co-accused.

The young man was stabbed to his abdomen with a weapon allegedly stashed in the holding cell.

An ambulance was called to the scene and the injured teen was quickly rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he is said to be in a stable condition.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the teen was stabbed due to an issue over the case.

Last year, the Professor’s lifeless body was discov-

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The accused who was stabbed being escorted by Police to an ambulance (News Source photo)

ered by his wife with his hands and feet bound at their Prashad Nagar home.

Security footage taken from the dead man’s home led to the identification and arrest of his killers.

The man had just re-migrated to Guyana and was said to have been familiar with the teens, who would usually assist him with chores.

On the day of the incident, the man was allegedly badly beaten and strangled by the defendants, who es-

caped with valuables.

Neighbours reportedly identified the suspects after they saw them leaving the dead man’s premises. The valuables were also recovered in the teens’ homes in Sophia and Campbellville.

On the day of their arrests, family members were left in a state of disbelief and reportedly told investigators that none of them acted in a suspicious manner.

They were all remanded until the trial begins at the High Court.

Police pursue main suspect in fatal nightclub stabbing

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he prime suspect in the stabbing to death of a 42-year-old destitute man at Lamaha Street, Georgetown is being hunted by members of the Guyana Police Force.

This was confirmed

by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Monday evening, who also noted that detectives were up to late Monday evening reviewing the footage collected from the CCTV camera in the area.

He, however, noted that the Police went to the home of the suspect, but he was not there. The suspect, Blanhum noted, was previously charged for armed robbery. He stated that the Police will continue their search for the suspect as well as his accomplices.

Sunil Singh, called “Grey”, a labourer of no fixed place of abode, was stabbed to death in the wee hours of Sunday while

he was attempting to make peace during a brawl between an employee of a city nightclub and a group of party-goers.

Charles Valenzuela, 21, a bartender of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was also injured during the stabbing incident.

According to reports, patrol ranks went to the Blue Martini Nightclub located at Lamaha Street, Newtown, and closed the club after which they left.

However, shortly after, it was alleged by Valenzuela, an employee of the nightspot, that three men arrived and wanted to enter the club.

At that point in time, the young man informed them that the club was closed and this resulted in an argument, during which one of the men stabbed Valenzuela to his left arm.

Singh, who was present

at the time, intervened and was trying to make peace when the suspect who stabbed Valenzuela dealt Singh a lash to his head.

Singh then reportedly ran north into Railway Street, Kitty, and was pursued by his attacker, who caught up with him and stabbed him several times.

Both Singh and Valenzuela were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Singh was pronounced dead on arrival and Valenzuela was treated and sent away.

he Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has rapped the Government over its new tax measures which it said will further cripple the mining industry.

According to the BCCI, these new measures imposed

by Government will “kill the goose that laid the golden egg”.

“As worrying for businesses, job securities and the already paralysed Bartica economy as a town and the domino effects on the community that depends on mining, [that was] built by mining and still depends solely on mining. Wellestablished businesses and residents of Bartica solely depend on mining for their survival. The contributions of miners to the development of Bartica have not gone unnoticed,” the BCCI noted.

The Chamber explained that Bartica was the nerve centre for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and if miners had no choice but to pull out from operations, the already high unemployment rate would increase, as businesses would be forced to close since they were the main suppliers for miners.

“At present, approximately 60 per cent-70 per cent of the 15,000 population of Barticians is connected to mining. Just imagine, if miners do decide to pull out from mining activities, what will become of Bartica’s economy, which rise and fall with mining. Mining has remained the largest contributor to Guyana’s GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and had outperformed all other sectors, making it the lifeline of the Guyanese economy,” the BCCI explained.

The Chamber noted that even Finance Minister Winston Jordan informed Guyana’s highest decision-making body, during his budget presentation, about the satisfactory performance of the mining sector, and

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has showered praises on the miners and the mining sector for the increase in gold declarations and surpassing of the projected target.

“But it is the miners who should be commended for their honesty and efforts to promote transparency in the sector. It is the miners who have been and remain one of the largest providers of hundreds of jobs in and around Bartica, not the Government.

Mining is private investment.”

The BCCI pointed out that Government only facilitated mining, noting that miners must not be intimidated or bullied by the Government.

According to the Chamber, Government has no direct investment in mining. “Private capital is being invested and, therefore, the Government will be powerless to stop miners from taking whatever step or decisions they so desire for their survival,” the BCCI noted.

In this regard, the BCCI urged compromise for the sake of job security and business survival in Bartica.

“BCCI notes with disappointment and sadness the GGDMA [Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners] had to resort to the media to beg for a meeting with His Excellency [President David Granger].

In light of this, BCCI urges the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources to mediate between his Government and the miners. BCCI urges

more tax waivers and concessions for miners who in turn will provide much-needed jobs in mining districts, more so Bartica,” the Chamber expressed.

Some of the measures worrying the miners include increased tributors tax from 10 to 20 per cent, mandatory filing of yearly income tax return plus the payment of two per cent tax on gross earnings, and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on heavy-duty vehicles.

On Friday, the GGDMA had a meeting at its headquarters on North Road, Georgetown and according to reports, the miners agreed that a letter would be published and also posted to President Granger, informing him of their concerns.

Reports indicate that the miners settled on a two-week deadline for a response, failing which they would organise peaceful mass protests.

According to the new regulations, as announced by Government, certain goods and services will now attract (VAT. During the Budget 2017 debates in the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had warned that these adjustments to the mining industry would bring about uncertainties as miners would be subjected to greater taxes.

He had noted that this would not augur well for the gold industry and would create hardships for small miners.

Govt’s Cultural Advisor’s threats...

FROM PAGE 3

Following the threat on social media, a Police report was filed by the head of security at the media entity with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last Tuesday.

In Chapter 8:01 of Guyana’s Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Title four, Section 35, the charge of ‘Attempt, incitement and threat’ applies to “Everyone who, in any case where no express provision is made by this Act, or by any other written law for the time being in force, for the punishment thereof, attempts to commit, or incites, or attempts to incite any other person to commit any felony not punishable with imprisonment for seven years or more, or any misdemean-

our, under this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for one-year.”

Moreover in Section 36, the Act goes on to cite that in cases where the felony cited incurs imprisonment of seven years or more, the act of incitement carries imprisonment for two years.

According to the laws of Guyana, arson is an indictable offence usually carrying a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of five years.

Since the complaint was filed a week ago, Police are yet to obtain a statement from Johnson. Last Wednesday, Police showed up at his office with the intention of taking him into custody for questioning, but

were told that he was not there.

Contacted again on Monday, A Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) Commander Clifton Hicken told Guyana Times that the Police had returned to the Cultural Advisor’s office earlier in the day, but had to leave without seeing him for another engagement. Hicken assured that attempts would be made later in the day to contact Johnson.

Meanwhile, since the report was filed, Johnson took to social media with a series of posts making a mockery of the Police and the situation.

On the other hand, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine last

Tuesday had promised to seek an explanation from the Ministry’s Cultural Policy Advisor on the threat.

Referring to such a comment being made as “strange”, Roopnaraine made it clear that such comments were not reflective of the Government or its views.

“Certainly not! I don’t know where that came from or what it’s about. When I see him, I will ask him. It was brought to my attention and I would like an explanation on it.”

However, the following day Johnson posted on his Facebook account saying that he had seen the Minister that morning and nothing was said to him about the issue.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

Regional

Peru’s ex-President Colombia ELN rebels release denies taking bribes soldier ahead of peace talks

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eru’s ex-President Alejandro Toledo has denied corruption allegations against him as “a political lynching”.

Toledo, who governed from 2001 to 2006, is accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht in return for awarding public works contracts.

The company is at the centre of a multi-nation corruption scandal.

It has admitted paying US$29 million in bribes to secure contracts in Peru between 2005 and 2014.

That time spans the presidencies of Toledo and his two successors in office, Alan Garcia and Ollanta Humala.

His successors have also denied any wrongdoing.

Peruvian media reported that Odebrecht’s former executive director in Peru, Jorge Barata, accused Toledo of receiving US$20 million in bribes in exchange for granting the firm a con-

Alejandro Toledo was the President of Peru from 2001 to 2006

tract to build stretches of a highway linking Peru and Brazil.

Barata is cooperating with prosecutors in his native Brazil and Peru as part of a plea bargain.

Toledo strongly rejected the allegations saying: “Let Mr Barata say when, how, where and in which bank left those $20 million for me.

I won’t stand for this!”

Investigators searched Toledo’s home for five hours

on Saturday. The Attorney General’s office said documents found at the home would now be evaluated.

Toledo was in France at the time of the search and said he was “outraged by this political lynching coming from my traditional enemies”.

The current president of Peru, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, urged Toledo to return to Peru to face questioning. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazilian city of Vitoria hit by Police strike

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wo hundred federal officers in Brazil are being deployed to the city of Vitoria, in the eastern state of Espirito Santo, where Police went on strike on Saturday over pay.

There have been 51 murders in Greater Vitoria since Saturday, compared with four in January, the Police union says.

Schools remained closed on Monday and local foot-

ball matches were also postponed due to the spike in violence.

Officials said they would sit down for talks but only once the strike ended.

Relatives of the striking officers have been demonstrating in front of police stations as the officers themselves are barred from protesting.

They are demanding better pay for military Police

Officers, including additional pay for night work and danger money.

The officers stopped patrolling the streets of the city on Saturday morning.

The commander of the force has been sacked and a new commander has been tasked with “restoring order and discipline”, Espirito Santo security chief Andre Garcia said. (BBC News)

olombia’s second-largest rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), has released a soldier it had been holding hostage for two weeks.

It comes ahead of peace talks between the left-wing group and the Government, which begin today in Ecuador.

The soldier, Freddy Moreno, has been handed over to delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Arauca province.

“The ELN has stood by its word,” the rebel group

tweeted.

The ELN talks follow successful negotiations between the Government and Colombia’s largest rebel group, the FARC, which took place in the Cuban capital, Havana, and lasted four years.

The head of the Red Cross in Colombia, Christoph Harnisch, said the gesture would “reinforce trust between the Colombian Government and the ELN before the imminent opening of the public phase of peace negotiations”.

The talks were due to begin at the end of October.

But they were delayed as the Government refused to go sit down for formal negotiations while the rebels still held Odin Sanchez, a former Congressman.

Sanchez was released last Thursday, after 10 months in captivity.

The rebels had demanded that in exchange the Government pardoned two of its members serving time in Colombian jails.

The two sides struck a deal and the two ELN members were released on Saturday.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazil’s Temer picks Justice Minister as Supreme Court nominee – source

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razil’s President Michel Temer has picked Justice Minister Alexandre Moraes as his nominee to the Supreme Court, a Government source said on Monday, in a move that would place a close ally on the tribunal as it rules on a major graft scandal.

A photo taken by Reuters had earlier shown Moraes confirming his nomination in a cellphone text conversation. Moraes, whose appointment needs to be ratified by the Senate, would replace Justice Teori Zavascki, who was killed in a plane crash on January 20.

The 11-member court is expected to decide the

Brazil’s Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes leaves the Justice Palace in Brasilia, Brazil February 6, 2017

fate of scores of senior politicians, including some of Temer’s closest aides, who are under investigation for

alleged involvement in the Latin American country’s biggest-ever corruption case. (Reuters)

VAT ease for St Lucians Lost Bob Marley tapes restored after 40 years in London basement

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ost recordings by Bob Marley found in a damp hotel basement in London after more than 40 years have been restored.

The tapes are the original, high-quality live recordings of the reggae legend’s concerts in London and Paris between 1974 and 1978. Tracks include “No Woman No Cry”, “Jamming” and “Exodus”.

They were at first believed to be ruined beyond repair, largely because of water damage.

Marley, who died in 1981, would have been 72 on Monday.

The tapes were found in a run-down hotel in Kensal Rise, north-west London, where Bob Marley and the Wailers stayed during their European tours in the mid1970s.

They were discovered when Joe Gatt, a Marley fan and London businessman, took a phone call from

The tapes include some of Bob Marley’s most famous songs

a friend, who had found them while doing a building refuse clearance.

From the 13 reel-to-reel analogue master tapes, 10 were fully restored, two were blank and one was beyond repair. Work lasted one year and cost £25,000 (US$31,200).

“They were (in an) appalling (condition)...

I wasn’t too hopeful,” Martin Nichols, a sound engineer at the White House Studios in the west of England, told

the BBC. The recordings are from concerts at the Lyceum in London (1975), the Hammersmith Odeon (1976), the Rainbow, also in London (1977), and the Pavilion de Paris (1978).

They were recorded on the only mobile 24-track studio vehicle available in the UK then. It was loaned to Bob Marley and the Wailers by the Rolling Stones. (Excerpt from BBC News)

onsumers and businesses in St Lucia are in for a big break as a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) takes effect.

In keeping with a campaign promise made leading up to the June 6 general election, the United Workers Party (UWP) administration slashed the VAT from 15 to 12.5 per cent.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the move was not only intended to ease the financial strain on households and businesses, but it would result in positive dividends for the economy “We believe [the VAT reduction] will cause the economy to grow,” he said.

He also dismissed concern that Government would lose significant revenue because of the reduced tax.

“While the rate may go down, it is anticipated with the growth of the economy that the total amount of money we are collecting will

remain the same or, in fact, even grow,” St Lucia News Online quoted him as saying.

Chastanet insisted that taxation is not “an entitlement of Government”,

businesses,” he said.

Arguing that heavy taxation often backfires, the Prime Minister said Government would conduct a complete assessment of personal income tax and

and hinted that St Lucians could also expect more tax ease.

“My administration will continue to undertake a full restructuring of the tax system, with the aim of increasing overall national consumption, reducing the cost of living and easing the burden on households and

corporate tax.

The former Kenny Anthony Administration had introduced the Value Added Tax in October 2012. St Lucia was the last Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state to introduce the tax that replaced a string of other taxes and duties. (Caribbean360)

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Restoring travel ban Kremlin says it wants apology from Fox News “will unleash chaos” over Putin comments R T estoring President Donald Trump’s ban on immigrants from seven mainly Muslim countries would “unleash chaos again”, lawyers for two US states argue.

Counsel for Washington and Minnesota urged a federal appeals court in San Francisco to maintain its nationwide temporary restraining order.

They are being backed by technology firms which say the travel ban is harmful to their businesses.

Trump Administration lawyers were expected to respond later on Monday.

Friday’s restraining order has led to a furious response from Trump, who claims national security is at risk.

An executive order by President Trump issued on

Somali Najma Abdishakur (centre) was welcomed by her mother at Washington Dulles International Airport

January 25 saw: nationals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen – even those with visas – banned from entering the US; an temporary ban on all refugee admissions;

the reprioritisation of minority religion (interpreted to mean Christian) refugee claims; a ban on all Syrian refugees; and a cap on total annual refugee admissions to the US of 50,000.

It caused confusion at US and foreign airports when it came into force, and was widely condemned, although polls suggest that US public opinion is sharply divided on the policy.

On Friday, the order was suspended by a federal judge in Seattle, James Robart, after the states of Washington and Minnesota took legal action against the travel ban on the grounds that it was unconstitutional and harmful to their interests.

Judge Robart’s ruling is designed to allow the two states time to make their case. As a result of the suspension, visa holders from the seven mainly Muslim countries will be allowed to enter the US until the full case has been heard. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Tamil Nadu to get 2nd woman leader

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ndia’s southern Tamil Nadu state is to have another female Chief Minister, two months after the death of influential politician J Jayalalitha.

The ruling AIADMK party said Sasikala Natarajan would become the next Chief Minister following the resignation of the acting Chief Minister.

A close confidante of Jayalalitha, Sasikala was made the General Secretary of the party after the latter’s death.

Her ascension to Chief Minister was rumoured ever since.

“She is the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Like Amma (mother), we wanted a strong woman leader to serve the people,” party spokesperson CR Saraswathi told AFP

Sasikala was appointed as the General Secretary of the party after the death of J Jayalalitha

news agency, referring to Jayalalithaa by her popular nickname.

O Panneerselvam, who had been filling in as Chief Minister since October when Jayalalitha was hospital-

ised, said he stepped down for “personal reasons”.

But Tamil Nadu’s main opposition party has criticised the decision.

“The people of Tamil Nadu did not vote for any-

one from Jayalalitha’s household to become CM,” Opposition Leader MK Stalin tweeted, using the acronym for Chief Minister.

For close to three decades, Sasikala, known as Chinnamma (younger mother) to her supporters, had been an almost permanent fixture in Jayalalitha’s life, and was often seen with the former Chief Minister on public platforms.

Never given any formal role by Jayalalitha in the party or the state Government, Sasikala’s role was always that of aide and confidante.

But analysts say her proximity to power allowed her and her extended family to wield huge influence in the party and the Government. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Myanmar monk is arrested over 2 huge drug hauls

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Buddhist monk arrested in Myanmar has been linked to more than four million methamphetamine pills hidden in a monastery, Police say.

The monk was first stopped in Rakhine state with 400,000 tablets in his car.

No value has been placed on the hauls, although in 2015 the United Nations estimated the retail price of a methamphetamine tablet was about US$2 –making the latest consignment worth about US$9.2 million.

Myanmar has emerged as a top producer of illegal drugs in recent years.

The senior monk, named only as Arsara, was arrested after Police discovered the first consignment of tablets in his car as he was driving to the town of Maungdaw

The battle against methamphetamine pills – seen here in a Thai Police Station in 2013 – is being waged across South East Asia

bordering Bangladesh.

The second batch in the monastery was found after he was arrested.

Arsara is well known among the Buddhist community in Maungdaw, The Irrawaddy reported, and had been a leading monk at the town’s Baho monastery.

Myanmar is notorious for producing vast quantities of methamphetamines, opium and cannabis, with drug trafficking a particular problem in Rakhine state.

Myanmar’s illicit drug trade has flourished because of its mountainous land and porous borders.

Local reports cited by The Irrawaddy say that in late September 2016, Police in Maungdaw carried out two huge drug hauls, raking in more than 15 million amphetamine tablets from the compound of a construction company. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he Kremlin said on Monday it wanted an apology from Fox News over what it said were “unacceptable” comments one of the channel’s presenters made about Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with US counterpart Donald Trump.

Fox News host Bill O’Reilly described Putin as “a killer” in the interview with Trump as he tried to press the US President to explain more fully why he respected his Russian counterpart. O’Reilly did not say who he thought Putin had killed.

“We consider such words from the Fox TV company to be unacceptable and insulting, and honestly speaking, we would prefer to get an apology from such a respected TV company,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

Fox News and O’Reilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request

for comment.

Trump’s views on Putin are closely scrutinised in the United States, where US intelligence agencies have accused Moscow of having sponsored computer hacking to help Trump win office, and critics say he is too complimentary about the Russian leader.

Trump, when commenting on the allegations against Putin in the same interview, questioned how “innocent” the United States itself was, saying it had made a lot of its own mistakes. That irritated some congressional Republicans who said there was no comparison between how Russian and US politicians behaved.

Asked in an interview on Sunday to clarify those comments, Trump told Westwood One Sports Radio: “Well, I don’t have to clarify it. The question was do you respect him – he’s a head of a major country.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

France election: Fillon apologises over family payments

Francois Fillon (right) insists that neither he nor his wife (left) have done anything wrong

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he centre-right candidate for the French presidency, Francois Fillon, has apologised over payments made to family members for parliamentary work.

He said that although the practice was legal, French people no longer accepted it and that he had made a “mistake”.

Fillon’s campaign has been dogged by claims, which he denies, that his wife and two of his children were paid for non-existent parliamentary work.

Some in his party, the Republicans, feel he should step aside.

Recent polls have suggested that he may be eliminated in the first round of the presidential election in April, paving the way for a possible run-off between centrist Emmanuel Macron

and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. But speaking to reporters in Paris, Fillon insisted that he would stay in the race.

He said he had acted legally, had “nothing to hide”, and that both his wife and children had done vital work when he was a member of parliament.

Fillon also said he would publish details of his assets on his website and propose reforms on rules regarding parliamentary work.

He added: “What was acceptable in earlier times no longer is. By working with my wife and children, I was mostly mindful of this relationship of trust, but today this causes mistrust. It was a mistake. I regret it profoundly and I apologise to the French people.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Banks DIH Essequibo records 4% increase in sales

Linden Town Clerk saga

Council’s audit placed on hold B F

our months after Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen was sent on administrative leave pending investigations into alleged wrongdoings within the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC), Councillors are pressing for answers regarding the results of the investigations as well as an audit of the Council, which had ensued.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland had made calls for the Communities Ministry to conduct an audit into the Council and its accounts soon after the Town Clerk was sent on leave; however, when pressed by Councillors during the hosting of the latest statutory meeting of the LM&TC, he could not say for certain what sort of audit had ensued.

Bowen had been accused of withholding documents of the Council and attempting to leave with important documents on the day she was sent on leave, among other things. However, acting Town Clerk Orleena Obermuller, who also serves as Deputy Town Clerk, told the Council that the audit which was conducted by the Communities Ministry has since been put on hold owing to the fact that the Council did not have the relevant documentation as it related to the assets it owned.

In pressing for answers, Councillor Lennox Gasper noted that Bowen was sent on administrative leave pending investigation, indicating that from his understanding, the audit of the Council which has since been put on hold was also part of the investigations. He sought clarity on if that meant that the Town

Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

Clerk’s position was also put on hold, as there were no records or accounts to complete the audit. Gasper further sought to find out if the audit was a general one or one specific to finances.

Addressing the Council, Municipal Treasurer Audrey Nelson said that she was unaware as to what sort of audit had been carried out at the Council by the Ministry, since no one had been informed.

“I don’t know what kind of audit they were doing.

They asked for information, I gave it to them. Nobody informed us...,” she said.

Gasper indicated that he would move in the direction of moving a motion to facilitate a forensic audit of the finances of the Council.

“We have the audit which was done after the forceful exodus of the Town Clerk, Miss Bowen and we need a report on that audit that was done and either at this forum or later down, I would want to move a motion for this Council to have a forensic audit done within the finances because if things could be happening

unknown to the Council, I’m sure finances are being spent also unknown to the Council...,” he said.

Mayor Holland told members of the Council that he was presently awaiting a response on the matter of the Town Clerk from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who had assured him of a response.

With regard to the audit of the Council, the Mayor said upon enquiring of the Permanent Secretary within the Communities Ministry, he was told that audits were normally carried out at local municipalities.

Meanwhile, Councillor Derron John said the audit had to do with things which were taken out of the Town Council, which it was seeking to clarify. Clearly dissatisfied with the pace of the investigations, Councillor Elize Benjamin said the Council needed to take action if there was no word from the Minister within a specific time regarding the Town Clerk, since the Council needed to move forward. (Utamu Belle)

everage giant Banks DIH continues to live up to its name as a Guyanese company providing quality products to both local and international markets.

For the financial year ending September 2016, the Essequibo branch had an increase in sales of four per cent or $45 million over the previous year.

For the financial year ending September2015, the branch had recorded sales of 797,659 physical cases or $1,157,000,000.

This announcement was made by Banks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reis at the company’s 61st Annual General Meeting held recently at Airy Hall, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to the Chairman, because of Banks Essequibo’s efforts to turn its loss in 2015 into profits in 2016, the branch has earned the Chairman’s trophy.

Branch Manager Munniram Singh

commended the efforts of the team under his stewardship.

During his address to shareholders, dealers and special invitees at the AGM, Reis said that the company recognised the advantage of adapting to changes and, as such, has implemented several new mechanisms to

ating in a sluggish economy where there has been a reduction of export earnings.

Reis added that due to the reduction of export earning in Guyana , there was a negative effect on the domestic environment, hence a reduction in public spending, which caused less demand for products. However, he explained to shareholders that Banks DIH has risen above the many challenges and has recorded growth, noting that the necessary steps were taken to strengthen and sustain the growth and development of the company.

Alluding specifically to the products, Reis spoke of Guinness as one of the best-selling products within the company, and explained that staff from Guyana would be venturing to teach the GUINNESS company how to sell the product.

Branch Manager Singh, during his address, said

A section of the gathering at the AGM, held in Airy Hall

“Essequibo branch has contributed to the success of the company; it was through the support the branch received and the good management of Munniram Singh,” Reis said.

He said too that the Essequibo branch continued to plug astonishing profits into the company. He commended Branch Manager Munniram Singh for the four per cent increase and

shape the future of the company. In presenting the report for the financial year ending September 30, 2016, the Chairman explained the company overall made an after-tax profit of $2.948 billion compared to 2015’s $2.569 billion.

He said Banks DIH has managed to increase its revenue through the prudent management of its capital and resources, despite oper-

the outlet could not have achieved great success without the kind support of dealers and customers. Singh, therefore, called on the business community to continue to stand by Banks DIH. At the end of the AGM, Martindale Primary Secondary from Lower Pomeroon and Johanna Cecilia Secondary School were presented with monetary donations.

Gomes was subsequently arrested by Police officials and charged with the said offence. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to the Camp Street

penitentiary by the presiding Magistrate, Leroy Daly.

Gomes will reappear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on February 13, 2017 when the matter will proceed to trial.

File on gunning down of Farmer remanded for waitress for DPP unlawful wounding

A

s investigators wrapup their investigations into the gunning down of Debra Blackman, a waitress at a Chinese restaurant at D’Urban Street, Georgetown, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) today for legal advice.

This was according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Monday evening, who also stated that once the Police give the green light to institute charges, the suspect will be prosecuted. The suspect, Shelton George, was arrested a few days ago in his mother’s East Coast Demerara (ECD) house in a wheel chair.

The crippled man was caught on surveillance cameras as he committed the act on August 23, 2014. At the time of the shooting, the suspect was wearing a black and red cap.

On the day of the robbery, Blackman was selling behind the counter when the suspect and three accomplices entered and made an order for food.

As the woman turned to put through the order, the suspect whipped out a 9mm pistol and discharged a round hitting her to the shoulder. As the woman made her way to an opened door, the owner of the premises locked it, thus preventing the injured woman from entering.

The gunman further discharged several other rounds, with one hitting the woman to her throat. As she dropped to the ground, the men left the restaurant and escaped on motorcycles.

During the initial investigation, the wanted man was identified by Police as they reviewed the CCTV footage.

Police, however, made

A

Dead: Debra Blackman

several efforts to arrest the suspect who was later identified as Shelton George, but came up empty handed.

He was finally arrested on Wednesday in Better Hope, East Coast of Demerara.

George was also linked to the July 29, 2014 shooting of 40-year-old Bernadette Campbell, who was shot in a minibus during a robbery.

She died three months later.

farmer from Paramakatoi Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for unlawful wounding.

According to the charge, 31-year-old Lawrence Gomes on January 29, 1017, in the village of Paramakatoi, North Pakaraimas, unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC), Rowlinson Robin.

On the day in question, the two men were reportedly involved in an argument as a result of a land dispute.

The defendant then allegedly chopped the VC to the side of his face. Robin was then rushed to the village’s medical facility.

news

17

tuesDAY, February 7, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana signs 3rd Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) with PAHO/WHO

P

ublic Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Monday signed Guyana’s third Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) with Pan American Health Organisation /World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne.

The CCS reflects a medium-term vision of PAHO/ WHO and defines a strategic framework for cooperation with Guyana.

PAHO/WHO, through the implementation of this strategy, will provide technical cooperation with Guyana to address five priorities in the health sector. These priorities are the strengthening of health systems for universal health; achieving health and wellbeing through the life course; the promotion of safe, resilient and healthy environments; reduction of the burden of NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the reduction of morbidity and mortality due to Communicable Diseases, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

This strategy highlights areas of focus that require special attention as Guyana moves towards achieving its Health Vision 2020. There have been significant strides in the health sector over the years with PAHO/WHO’s continued support and commitment.

Dr Etienne said that the CCS was “related to our (PAHO/WHO) strategic plan; our strategic plan for PAHO 2014- 2019 which guides the technical cooper-

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne exchange the signed Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2016-2020

ation of the Organisation.

(It is) a strategic plan that is based in the sustainable development agenda and that has at its core equity, the fact that we want to leave no one behind. That, therefore, prioritises vulnerable populations and marginalised populations. It also must be responsive to your 2020 vision. It must also interact and be responsive to what are this Administration’s priorities, so this is a strategy that is embedded in many other processes, but fortunately in health the priorities are the priorities.”

Dr Etienne added, “This document is going to be very important when we do the planning – the programme planning every two years – because the Ministry of (Public) Health and your officials are intimately involved in what we call the biennial work-plan where

we decide with you what are the priorities that the work is going to entail and that is the work that is guided by the Country Cooperation Strategy.”

PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow also regarded the CCS as a blueprint for PAHO/WHO which would help the Organisation to better collaborate with the Ministry to meet Health Vision 2020 goals.

The strategy will be governed by a four-year period, giving Guyana an adequate opportunity to access support in achieving all goals set for the health sector.

Minister Lawrence said, “This pact that you have just witnessed being ratified here will put the health sector and Guyana on a firmer footing to address the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.”

Dispute over $300 leaves 1 hospitalised, another in custody

A

dispute over $300 has left one man injured and another in Police custody. The injured man has been identified as Rondell Chisholm, 25, of Rose Hall Town, a first-year student at GuySuCo’s Port Mourant Training School.

The young man is currently a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, after suffering a blow to the head.

According to reports, Chisolm and the man, Jason Hope of Rose Hall Town, were involved in an altercation over the money.

Chisholm told this publication that he and a friend were at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, after a basketball game on Sunday, when the suspect approached demanding $300.

“Jason tell me that I have to give him $300 and I turn and say, ‘how I gon give you $300 and ah only got $100…,” the man relat-

Injured: Rondell Chisholm

ed.

“He come and push he hand in my pocket and I say don’t do it or ah gon lash you. He still keep doing it an ah push he away,” he added.

Chisolm related that he picked up a piece of wood and went after the man; however, he changed his mind. “So I throw away the

wood and he pick up one and he turn to come and lash me and when he fired the first one, I didn’t get catch because I run around the stand. Then he come around the stand and fire the wood at me and it catch me in my face.” The Police have taken Hope into custody and he is assisting with the investigations.

Corentyne fisherman killed by hire car A Corentyne man, who went on a fishing expedition on Monday to provide food for his family, was killed on his way back home after a car hit his bicycle. Dead is Ivan Preme, 60, of H&J Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice.

The incident reportedly took place at Number One, Corentyne, at about 08:30h.

According to reports, the driver of the hire car, former National Bantamweight Champion of Guyana, Jeff Roberts, was stung by an insect and lost control of the vehicle bearing registration number HC 5720, which hit the cyclist.

Dead: Ivan Preme

Jeff Roberts (with cap on), the driver of the car assisting Police at the scene of the accident

Eyewitnesses say they heard a loud impact and rushed outside where Roberts was seen trying to assist the injured man.

Roberts then rushed the fisherman to the New Amsterdam Hospital in an unconscious state. The matter was reported to the Police.

The dead man’s daughter, Sheremattie Preme, explained that she received the news of the accident and immediately travelled to the hospital, however, about twenty minutes after leaving the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, the doctors called to say that her father did not make it.

According to the 20-year-

old woman, the doctors explained that several of the man’s ribs were broken and there was a lot of internal bleeding. She said there were several bandages on her father’s right arm and right leg.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s wife, Arai, explained that her husband was both a carpenter and a fisherman who never neglected his family. She noted that he left home at about 05:00h to get fish for the family and was expected to return at about 08:00h to prepare for his carpentry job.

The driver of the car is assisting Police with their investigations.

New Drop-in Centre to be built at Sophia S ocial Protection Minister Amna Ally has stated that land has been acquired for the construction of a new Dropin Centre at Sophia. The Minister explained that since her assumption to office, she has been working to move ahead with the construction of the new Dropin Centre to properly cater for vulnerable children, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release.

“Since I’ve come to this Ministry I have been able to secure a piece of land where we are going to build the Drop-in Centre. We are currently awaiting the paper work to be done so that we can go ahead with the construction,” Minister Ally explained.

She added that the current building was proven inadequate to house vulnerable children. It lacked the required facilities and space.

Ally said once completed, the new building will accommodate children and three families, and will have all the necessary facilities and safety features.

In July 2016, the Dropin Centre at Hadfield Street, Georgetown was destroyed by a fire which claimed the

Social Protection Amna Ally

Minister

lives of two brothers; sixyear-old Joshua George and two-year-old Antonio George.

The preliminary report on the fire found that the centre had systematic problems and bad policy arrangements for handling fires.

Meanwhile, plans are also moving apace for the construction of a shelter for victims of Domestic and Sexual abuse. The shelter will be constructed in the compound of the Mahaica Hospital.

Minister Ally explained that the design has been completed and the ministry is currently awaiting approval from the Islamic

Development Bank for the project to commence.

Ally said the shelter will be able to accommodate 20 families, or about 100 persons; mainly survivors of domestic violence. “At the end of the day, when you’re finished doing all the different things what next? What do you do with the survivors? There must be a place to shelter them and that is what we’re working towards,” Minister Ally underlined.

The Minister said her Ministry is also working on several rolled over projects, including the rehabilitation on the Palms and the Ministry’s Cornhill Street location, among others.

Additionally, the Ministry is constructing sidewalks at the offices of probation officers in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (Upper BerbiceCorentyne), so as to allow easier access to their offices.

From the $16.6 billion allocated for the Social Protection Ministry in the 2017 National Budget, $20 million will be used for preliminary works on the Sophia Drop-in Centre and $4 million for the construction of the domestic violence centre.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, February 7, 2017

ARCHIE

When faced with adversity, you must show compas(March 21- sion and a willingness to find April 19) solutions. Turn any negative you encounter into a positive.

Your attitude will make a difference to the outcome.

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Channel your emotional en-

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Do what you can to assist VIRGO (Aug. 23- those in need, but not at the Sept. 22) expense of your own needs.

Problems with medical issues and settlements will surface if you aren’t careful.

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(Sept. 23Consider your choices and adOct. 23) just your schedule to ensure that you take care of small details and your responsibilities.

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SUDOKU

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solution for Last Published Puzzle

Question anyone you don’t CAPRICORN trust or who you feel may (Dec. 22not have accurate informaJan. 19) tion. Look out for your interests and don’t rule out taking an unusual route to improve your situation.

Make your decisions based AQUARIUS on your needs, not on what (Jan. 20someone else expects of you Feb. 19) or is trying to manipulate you into doing. Stay focused and do your thing.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Look past what’s right in (Feb. 20- front of you. If you delve into March 20) the unfamiliar, you’ll come up with unique ideas that will help you create a better atmosphere at home.

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

19

Cook steps down from England captaincy A

lastair C o o k h a s stepped down from his role after 59 Tests as England captain.

His appetite to continue had been questioned during England’s 4-0 defeat to India before Christmas and Cook has now confirmed he will pass on the captaincy, with Joe Root his likely successor.

Appointed in August 2012, Cook led the team in more Test matches than any other England captain.

His record includes Ashes victories at home in 2013 and 2015, as well as series wins in India and South Africa. With 24 Test wins, he is jointsecond as England’s most successful captain but five losses in seven Tests over the winter meant he also eclipsed Michael Atherton’s record for defeats.

Cook discussed his decision with Colin

Graves, the chairman of the ECB, on Sunday evening and has confirmed his continuing commitment to playing Test cricket to Andrew Strauss, England’s team director, and the selectors. Strauss suggested Cook’s replacement would be named before the ODI tour to the West Indies later this month, with Root favourite to be named as England’s new captain - the 80th in their Test history - in the coming days.

Cook, 32, is England’s most-capped Test player, their most prolific batsman with 11,057 runs in 140 Tests to date, and has scored more Test centuries than any of his countrymen.

He also led the one-day side on 69 occasions between 2010 and 2014, another England record.

During his five seasons at the helm he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2012) and ICC World Test Captain (2013) and his services to the game were recognised with a CBE collected at Buckingham Palace on Friday - to follow the MBE he was awarded in 2011.

“It’s been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years,” Cook said. “Stepping down has been an incredibly hard decision but I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team. I’ve had time to reflect after the India series and this weekend I spoke to Colin Graves to explain and offer my resignation.

“It’s a sad day personally in many ways but I want to thank everyone I’ve captained, all the coaches and support staff and, of course, the England supporters and the Barmy Army who

follow us home and away and have given us unwavering support.

“Playing for England really is a privilege and I hope to carry on as a Test player, making a full contribution and helping the next England captain and the team however I can.”

Strauss, the man from whom Cook inherited the Test captaincy in 2012, paid tribute to his former opening partner and explained the next steps in appointing a successor.

“I want to thank Alastair, on behalf of the ECB and from a personal perspective, for the fantastic contribution that he’s made to the England Test team since taking over as captain in 2012,” Strauss said.

“His country owes him a great debt of gratitude; he’s led the team with determination, conviction and a huge amount of pride over the last five years and his record stands for itself.

With more matches leading the team than anyone, including two Ashes wins, he deserves to be seen as one of our country’s great captains.

“We now move on with the process of appointing the right successor. There are a number of established players who are playing formal or informal leadership roles and whilst we’ve rightly not spoken to anyone in relation to the Test captaincy so far, we can now talk fully and openly within the team. We expect to be able to make an announcement before the team head to the West Indies on February 22.”

Cook first captained England in Bangladesh in 2010, deputising for the rested Strauss. After taking over permanently in 2012, Cook led from

the front with three centuries as England came from behind to win their first Test series in India in 28 years. England retained the Ashes with a 3-0 win the following summer but cracks were beginning to show and Australia took swift revenge a few months later.

The 5-0 whitewash left England needing to rebuild, and the decision to do so without the involvement of Kevin Pietersen was one of the most controversial of Cook’s reign. Beaten at home by Sri Lanka at the start of the 2014 summer, England then lost the second Test to India at Lord’s, prompting Cook to consider resigning. He chose to continue but his hopes of leading England at the 2015 World Cup were dashed when the ECB sacked him less than two months before the tournament.

He subsequently oversaw the regeneration of the Test side, as players such as Root, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow helped England to regain the Ashes in 2015 and then secure a memorable win in South Africa the following winter.

Although England’s progress was recently checked by two difficult tours of the subcontinent - drawing 1-1 with Bangladesh before being outclassed by India - Cook had retained the support of his players and the coaching staff. His decision to step down comes during a sevenmonth gap between Test commitments and gives his successor time to prepare for home series against South Africa and West Indies, before the challenge of another Ashes tour to Australia. (ESPNcricinfo)

Rosberg had preference for Mercedes replacement

National Beach...

ico Rosberg says he would have liked Fernando Alonso to replace him as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate.

The German retired last November, five days after winning the title, and Mercedes have chosen former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas to replace him.

Asked by Spain’s Marca who he would have preferred, Rosberg said: “Everyone says Alonso and I say it too because there would be fireworks with Hamilton.

“As a fan, it would be nice, but for the team it wouldn’t work.”

Rosberg, who has become a Mercedes ambassador after hanging up his helmet, said: “They’ve found a great solution. Bottas is fast and though Hamilton will be at a very, very high level and it will be difficult to beat him, I have proved that he can.”

This will be the first season F1 has not had the reigning champion competing on track since 1994, when Alain Prost retired after winning the title

The National Beach Football team in discussion prior to a training session at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Facility in Linden

N

continued from page 20

Nico Rosberg (right) says Fernando Alonso would have ensured ‘fireworks’ alongside Lewis Hamilton

with Williams.

Rosberg said he was “happier” now he no longer has to battle against Hamilton and he said he would continue to attend some races this year.

He said: “It’s true, it’s a little weird. It is not the first time it’s happened, but without the two yeah, well... I’m going to be at some races. I want to go and be close to the sport, I love it and I’ll be a fan from now on.”

He dismissed suggestions Mercedes might have been angry with him for announcing his decision so late and forcing them to have to persuade

another team to release a contracted driver.

“Angry?” he said. “No, they have a lot of respect for me and I appreciate it.

However he admitted his relationship with nonexecutive chairman Niki Lauda, who has been critical of his decision in the media, was “ more complicated”.

“Though he seems angry in the press, with me he isn’t,” Rosberg said. “He told me in person that he took off his hat to me. He’s been very supportive after three very good years working together.”

(BBC Sport)

The squad is scheduled to depart for Barbados on February 9, 2017. Following the completion of the Beach Soccer showcase, the team will remain in Barbados for another phase of encampment after which they will depart the island on February 17 for the Bahamas. They are expected to return to Guyana on February 28, 2017.

The squad trains twice daily at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Facility, Linden. The CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship will serve as FIFA’s Beach Soccer World Cup qualifier for the region.

The full squad reads; 1. Trevorn Archibald 2. Jamal Haynes 3. Jashawn Moore 4. Jermaine Grandison 5. Keon Sears 6. Kenard Simon 7. Cordell Johnson

The Technical Members are; 8. Ethan Sparman 9. Tony Gilbert 10. Rodwin Fraser 11. Michael Wilson 12. Deshawn Joseph

13. Head Coach – Abdulla Hamid 14. Assistant Coach – Dillon Roberts 15. Team Manager – Mark Young and 16. Physiotherapist – Michelle Jackman

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football

Dean’s hat-trick powers Mahaica to victory

– Ann’s Grove inflict Pouderoyen’s 2nd defeat

A

splendid second half hat-trick by Gregory Dean catapulted a spirited Mahaica Determinators to a resounding 3-1 victory over Riddim Squad in the 2nd annual Petra Organised Limacol Football round-robin knock-out football tournament on Sunday evening at the Victoria Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

Dean ignited the sizeable crowd in attendance when he leveled the scores in the 69th minute via penalty; the visitors had early scored in the 5th minute due to Rolex Scott’s conversion.

The dreadlocked attacking midfielder had his second shot on goal when playmaker Eion Abel powered a shot to custodian Ron Liverpool which he parried in to the path of Dean, who had no problem slotting home his second in the 88th.

Two minutes later Abel was on the pounce again with his attack on the backline which resulted in another deflection into the path of Dean for him to nonchalantly complete his hattrick.

Similarly, the second game of the night had a close to an identical re-

Delroy Dean

free kick that was taken from the edge of the penalty area in the 35th.

With the match locked at 1-1 with neither defence looking to break, Ryan Seares sneaked a goal in the 90th minute to secure his side’s first victory.

The tournament will continue on Wednesday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) where Grove Hi Tech will play Northern Rangers from 18:30h followed by Western Tigers against Uitvlugt from 20:30h.

The event is being contested in a group round-robin format, with the top two finishers progressing to the Ann’s Grove (blue) and Pouderoyen were in a tussle the entire match as both sides sought their first victory quarterfinal round. sult for the “home team” as Ann’s Grove United severely damaged Pouderoyen chances of making it the quarter-finals as they gave the West Demerara outfit their second consecutive defeat in the tournament, winning 2-1.

In the 7th minute Maxton Adams had the East Coast side ahead when he made a dash down the right wing, unleashing a powerful right-foot kick that the beat the diving keeper.

Pouderoyen had their moment of delight in the physical battle when Quessey Alleyne sealed a

CWI Regional Super50 2017

Do or die for Jaguars today – face Scorpions in must-win match T

Current Points Standings Group-A Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Winners Connection

2

1

0

1

3

1

+2

4

Milerock

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

Grove Hi-Tech

2

1

1

0

2

3

-1

3

Northern Rangers

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Western Tigers

2

2

0

0

3

1

+2

6

Eagles

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

Uitvlugt

1

0

1

0

1

2

-1

0

NA United

1

0

1

0

1

2

-1

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Ann’s Grove

2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

4

Den Amstel

1

1

0

0

2

0

+2

3

Santos

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Pouderoyen

2

0

2

0

1

4

-3

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Mahaica

2

1

0

1

5

3

+2

4

Guyana Police Force

2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

4

Camptown

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Riddim Squad

2

0

1

1

2

4

-2

1

Group-B

Group-C

Group-D

The winner of each group will receive $100,000 while the remaining teams will pocket $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 apiece in order of placing.

Winner of the event will pocket $500,000 and a trophy while the second, third and fourth placed teams will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

To date, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals are the other companies that have thrown their support behind the championship.

Jerome Taylor

he Guyana Jaguars will face Jamaica Scorpions in today at the Kensington Oval from 13:30h and they can only hope for one result, a win.

Having lost to Barbados Pride twice and the Scorpions once in this year’s Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Super50 in Barbados and Antigua, it means that only a victory today can keep their semi-final hopes alive, permitting that the Pride defeats the Scorpions in their return match on Thursday.

The South American unit which has not tasted regional 50-over glory in some 12 years now will have tall order in quelling the sting of the Scorpion’s bowling attack which includes West Indies pacer Jerome Taylor and Reynard Leveridge who unsettled the Jaguars batsmen when they inflicted a 41-run defeat at the same venue just a week ago.

The pacey duo will again spearhead the attack which also included experienced left-arm spinner Nikita Miller and talented leg-spinner Damion Jacobs.

The in-different batting performance of the Jaguars will need to produce a complete performance to either post or chase on pitch which has shown to be

very helpful for the faster men.

As such, Jaguars leading batsman and captain Leon Johnson will again be the key along with the experience of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made a century when he last faced the teams last met.

The opening pair which finally posted a 50 plus score in the last match against the Pride will need to continue in the same vein and support will be needed from the middle and lowerorder especially that of Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer and Anthony Bramble.

Their bowling has certainly been their most consistent feature, with Steven Jacobs being the most economical while Ronsford Beaton, Veerasammy Permaul and Reifer have been among the wickets.

The Jaguars may be forced to make a change with Paul Wintz breaking into the XI as the extra pace bowler since the track at the oval should be helpful again.

Like the Jaguars, the Scorpions’ batting has misfired on many occasions and West Indies players Jermaine Blackwood, Rovman Powell and A-team batsman Andre McCarty will need to carry-on from their starts if they are to Shivnarine Chanderpaul tame the steady Jaguars bowling attack.

National Beach Soccer squad named T

he Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) through the Guyana Football Federation Inc have issued a press release on the national beach soccer squad. According to the release, Head Coach Abdullah Hamid has shortlisted twelve (12) players to participate in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship scheduled

for the 20 – 26th February 2017 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The players have been engaged in weekend camps from January 9, 2017 and full encampment began on January 30, 2017 in Linden. In an invited comment, Hamid said the team’s preparation has been good thus far: “We have been training intensely for two and a half months and the team is

very motivated. The mindset among team members is great; they’re excited and ready to go to make Guyana proud,” the release stated. As part of the preparations, Guyana has been invited by the Barbados Football Association to participate in their “Beach Soccer Showcase” scheduled for February 10 – 12 at the Brandon’s Beach, St. Michael, Barbados.

This showcase will feature teams from Trinidad and Tobago, England, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados and, according to the designated Team Manager, Mark Younge, this showcase will serve as a warmup and “provide the national team much needed exposure to higher quality teams like England…” continued on page 19

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sports

21

GABBFF will pay IFBB affiliation fees – seeking waiver for outstanding fees

GABBFF President Keavon Bess

I

ncumbent president of the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF), Keavon Bess has stated that the Federation intends to become a paying member of the IFBB. The attorney at law indicated that the athletes are aiming far beyond the Caribbean and Central American Classics, which has become the norm.

“Because of the importance, we intend to start (paying) on a yearly basis especially the fact that our athletes are now trying to get into the competitions outside of the CAC, they no longer limiting themselves to CAC but want to go further and do the South America classic, North America Classic and so forth,” Bess said.

This revelation was made on the fact that Guyanese bodybuilders, Kerwin Clarke and Emmerson Campbell have both missed the chance to make it to the Arnold Amateur Classic in Ohio this year following the GABBFF’s delinquent actions relating to paying their affiliation f e e s to the IFBB. The local fede r a tion has not been paying the fees in excess of a decade; to what Bess reasons was lack of participation and limited rewards as well as not making economic sense.

“For the past 10 or more years Guyana has not been sending athletes to represent us at IFBB competition, yes we went to Mr. Universe competition, Mr. World and so forth and the CAC competition. And the main

reason why was that we were not sending athletes to those competitions so it would have been us finding about $85,000 per year to send to IFBB without much tangible rewards but never the less is important to pay the fees because IFBB remains the governing international body for the sport but it was not economically feasible to pay $85,000 on a yearly basis especially in light of the fact that we were not getting anything tangible from it,” the Attorney pointed out.

However, while the GABBFF has not been paying to IFBB, their CAC fees are up to date as according to the president who said, “CAC is affiliated to IFBB but we have more or less avoided paying the heavy fees to IFBB and pay our affiliation on a yearly basis so we have been in compliance with CAC but not in compliance with IFBB.” As such, Bess has indicated the intention of the Federation to seek an audience with those in charge of the IFBB to seek a waiver of all outstanding fees owed to them retroactive from 2016 so that the fees will only be applicable to 2017 and onwards.

He went on to say that it is important that the persons making it to CAC 2017 in Mexico to make representation of Guyana to provide the relevant information showcasing the financial difficulties in the country while soliciting the waiver.

(Romario Samaroo)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, february 7, 2017

Stag Nations Cup KO Football

Western Tigers too much for Santos

W

estern Tigers have ended as the only unbeaten team and their reward was a whopping $2,000,000 as the top prize for the just ended Stag Nations Cup knock-out football championship which attracted teams from five associations and sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation.

The Tigers caged and subsequently hammered into submission Santos Football Club 3-0, the losers eventually ending the championship match with 9 men after two of their players including their most prized possession, Job Caesar were sent packing via the red card route.

Caesar who was effectively nullified during the match, eventually lost his composure and focus on the match in the 63rdminute when he elbowed Western Tigers’ Jamal Pedro in full view of the referee who had no hesitation in issuing a straight red card.

At the time of the card, Santos were already trailing 2-0

– Police arrest Riddim Squad for 3rd place

The victorious Western Tigers receive their winning trophy from ANSA McAL Trading’s Managing Director Troy Cadogan

on account well taken goals by the rampant Tigers who never allowed their opponents to settle down and piece passes together.

From the first whistle it was clear that both coaches, as they had said before were relying on the tactical insight of their charges to deliver the goods for them. Santos,

featuring brigade of youths was coming up against a Tigers unit not void of experience which was what made the difference between the two sides, ultimately.

They got their first off the boots of Anthony Sancho on 25 minutes and that advantage was quickly doubled in the 32nd minute, thanks to a

dagger like goal from the nagging Randolph Wagner.

Even though Santos never showed signs of allowing the confident Tigers to impose their will by putting in a few enterprising raids of their own, with each passing minute the task of responding goal wise, looked more bleak as Western’s players nullified

every attempt of Santos on goal.

The West Ruimveldt fans also helped to energise their team on a beautiful evening for football witnessed by a colourful crowd.

While both teams showed good organisation in offense and defense, it was the Western unit which looked the better oiled side with more punchy plays and a desire to win. The Tigers were also effective in shutting out Santos’ main weapon, the diminutive Caesar whose mental fortitude eventually waned as he was evicted from the match when his presence would have mattered.

It was always going to be an uphill task for Santos to come back to erase a 2-0 deficit let along win the match.

Any thoughts of mounting a comeback were effectively thrown out the game venue when Western scored their third goal in the 78th minute, thanks to Shane Morris’ effort.

But even before the third

goal, Santos found themselves a man short when Caesar was sent off. They did not help their cause in crunch time when yet another player, Vashile Cantilaar was sent packing by Referee Gladwyn Johnson in the 81st minute.

It was all over for Santos with nine minutes to full time and despite the loss, pocketed $1,000,000.

Earlier, the third place match-up between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Riddim Squad saw the Police arresting the Mocha based Riddm Squad 2-1 to take home the third place prize of $500,000 with $300,000 going to the losers.

Quinsi Holder netted both goals for Police while Riddim Squad’s consolation strike came off the boot of Rawl Ramsaey in the 42nd minute, the game effectively sealed in the first half. The second half produced end to end action with Riddim Squad creating lots of opportunities but was kept at bay by the lawmen.

GSCL Inc/ Republic Cup 4

Savage Masters, Mike’s Wellman play to exciting tie – Success snatch open title from Regal

T

he “Fat-lady” was at Everest Cricket Club on Sunday but was not allowed to sing on the exciting Republic Cup 4 masters final as Savage Masters and Mike’s Wellman played to a nailbiting tie that ended in almost darkness.

A pulsating day was anticipated and the teams delivered. The Sunday crowd of mostly families stayed until the end to witness the dingdong battle of the masters.

After convincing semifinal victories, Savage Masters and Mike’s Wellman took to the championship match which was reduced to 12 overs a-side due to fading light.

Batting first in the masters’ final, Savage Masters posted 154-4 in 12 overs.

Ricky Deonarain fashioned a brilliant 53 while Uniss Yusuf supported with 39 and Patrick Khan 20. Following the demise of opener Ramo Malone for seven with the score on 29, Yusuf and Khan added 38 before Yusuf was removed by Lakeram “Mike” Singh after hitting one four and four sixes.

After the demise of Khan, the right-handed Deonarain beefed up the total with some power hitting. He brought back memories of the falling sweep shot invented by former West Indies star batsman Rohan Kanhai; he played the shot to perfection smashing Sheldon Perch, Wayne Jones and Singh for maximums. Deonarain clobbered seven sixes in his robust innings as Singh, Jones and Greg De Franca had one wicket each.

Nandram Samlall and De Franca added 37 for the first

wicket to set Mike’s Wellman on course before Samlall was removed by Malone for 18. The dangerous Jagdesh Persaud was then taken off Danny Thomas for eight while De Franca was dismissed for 24. Mike’s Wellman then found themselves in some trouble at 74-4, but Lloyd Rooplall and Jones steadied the chase nicely with a stand of 48.

Rooplall smashed one four and five sixes before he departed

swipe at the last ball and was bowled as Mike’s Wellman finished on 154-8. Jones who hit two fours and a similar number of sixes remained unbeaten on 36 as Zameer Hassan claimed 2-3 off one over and Navindra Pooran 2-29.

Mike’s Wellman beat Ariel Masters by six wickets in their semifinal match up. Batting first, Ariel Masters made 1706. Roy Kumar struck 58 while

Success openers Surujpaul Deosarran and Dindyal Lakhan lead their team to a well-deserved title on comeback

for 40. Following his demise Mike’s Wellman lost a few wickets, but Jones kept them in hunt with sensible batting.

The game came down to the wire with Mike’s Wellman needing 10 off the final over delivered by Khan. Jones and Hardat Heeranandan picked up nine from five balls, but Heeranandan lost his concentration and fired a wild

Peter Persaud made 28 and Darmindra Mohabir 23. Mike’s Wellman responded with 171-4 in 14.5 overs. Jagdesh Persaud scored 81, Samall got 32 and De Franca 20; Kumar and Mohabir had two wickets each.

Savage got the better of Regal Masters by seven wickets in the second semifinal.

Regal Masters took first strike

Lloyd Rooplall and Wayne Jones had a crucial partnership for Mike’s Wellman against Savage Masters

and scored 154-8. Mahase Chunilall hit 64, Eon Abel made 32 and Fazleem Mohamed 20.

Zameer Hassan and Navindra Pooran had two wickets each.

Savage Masters made 159-3 in 13.4 overs in reply. Uniss Yusuf and Patrick Khan scored 42 each while Troy Ramsaywack got 27.

Earlier, Ariel Masters beat Success Masters by 39 runs.

Ariel Masters took first turn at the crease and managed 161-8. Surujlall Kumar and Raghunandan Narine hit 43 each while Mohamed Rafeek made 23. Mark Fung claimed three wickets while A. Azimulla and K. Ramnauth had two wickets apiece.

Success Masters were bowled out for 122 in 14 overs in response. Hackim Majeed made 24 and Mohamed Mulla 22; Rudolph Meyers bagged 4-23 and Talesh Ramotar 2-23.

In the Open final, Regal All Stars made a below par 67 in 10 overs, taking first strike.

Richard Latif (1x4; 2x6) made 28 as the rest of the batting crumbled like nine pins to steady bowling from Success XI who ar eon their comeback trail after an extended period

in the wilderness.

Although poor shot selection aided in the one sided affair, Success were largely indebted to Puran John and Stephan Felix who bowled tidily picking up four wickets each. the new champions, then raced to victory in seven overs as they finished on 68 with out loss.

Surujpaul Deosarran hit four fours and in a top score of 23 while Dindyal Lakhan made 19 with two fours and one six.

Extras contributed a healthy 27.

Earlier, Success beat Farm AI by 65 runs after scoring 1667 in their 15 overs. Surujpaul Deosarran made 42 as Rawle Reid claimed 3-16. Farm were bowled out for 101 in 13.3 overs in reply. Sachin Ramsarran got 22 and Amir Khan 16; John had 3-31 and Felix 2-27.

In the other semifinal, Regal All Stars overcame Farm by 38 runs. Regal All Stars took first strike and scored 150-9 with Wazir Hussain blasting 74, Marvin Bobb 27 and Tyrone Sanasie 21 towards the end of the innings. Amir Khan grabbed four wickets and Ricky

Sargeant two. Farm were sent packing for 112 in 13 overs in reply. Ravlin Layne made 34 and Ramsarran 24. Tyrone Sanasie captured 3-20, Narine Bailey 2-15 and Kelvin Orford 2-26.

Stephon Felix was named Man-of-the-match in the Open final while Wayne Jones was named Man-of-the-Match of the Masters final.

The day’s event was also used as a fund raiser for the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) who will be sending teams to participate in the Florida Cup softball cricket tournament at the end of February. It can be said that players from the Regal Masters and All Stars teams were mentally and physically tired for their games after they were seen putting in their efforts to make the BBQ a success. The competition was sponsored by Trophy Stall, Ink Plus, Elegance Jewelry and Pawn Shop, Star Party Rentals, Ansa Mc Al, Digicel, Wolf’s Furniture Store, Top Brandz, Wild Catch Fish Depot, Crown Mining, Regal Sport and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, febRuary 7, 2017

23

CWI/ Regional Super50 2017

WI U19 spun out for 78

Number 1! The popping of the champagne and fisting the number one sign have been constant features of Ming this season

By Akeem Greene

G

uyanese race car sensation Calvin Ming has continued to swift ascendency into the history books with a stupendous start to his 2017 season. Two weekends on the track thus far and the son of veteran Guyanese racer and business man Stanley Ming, has already secured two podium finishes.

Racing in Mexico in the FIA NACAM F4 Championships, the young speedster secured his third podium place in two weeks despite serious car troubles.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport Ming in speaking of his performances explained that “My performance in Mexico was pretty good, it was a lot of hard racing, in the first race I had a little bit of problems, my teammate got in front of me and was

Akeal Hosein celebrates the dismissal of Bhaskar Yadram at the SVRCG on Monday

A

career best magical spell of left arm spin bowling from Akeal Hosein helped the Leeward Islands Hurricanes bowl out West Indies Under 19 for a paltry 78 to set up an eight-wicket victory on Monday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua.

With the victory and five points from the sound trashing, the host is the first team from Group A to qualify for the final-four stage with two matches to play.

The West Indies youths were invited to take first strike and never settled in before they were eventually bundled out in the 46th over. Kristian Kallicharran was the lone batsman to show authority with a mature and patient top score of 33 form 95 balls with two fours and two sixes. Matthew Patrick and Bhaskar Yadram were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as Hosein tormented the youngsters.

Fellow leftarm spinner, Jason Campbell had another good day at the office with a couple of wickets while the lively Alzarri Joseph also had two. After an initial stumble, the Hurricanes got home with Jahmar Hamilton hitting seven fours in 42 (44 balls) while Montcin Hodge’s 31 (4x4) came from 47 balls in an unbroken stand of 72.

West Indies U-19 opening bowlers, Shamar Springer and Javier Spencer had a wicket each. Their next game is against Trinidad and Tobago red Force on Friday before wrapping up the Super50 against Kent on Sunday.

The Hurricanes will play the Volcanoes on Wednesday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in the day/night contest from 13:30h.

pulling away slowly, but I managed to pull him back.”

He added, “Everyone was telling me I was on fire since I was really fast and it was a track that you had

to take risks to be fast.”

The Ram Racing driver was hard at work over the season break as other than winning the championship title, he is eager to undergo testing of a USF 2000 which is the equivalent to F3 car in Europe.

“I have been training for the last two months since I wanted to see what results I can get in preparation for USF 2000 later this year; my plans for the new year is to bring home some championships, and make it all the way to the top,” the driver revealed.

Though, making it all the way to the top is certainly an illustrious goal for Ming, his love for the sport is what constantly motivates him to do well.

“My ultimate goal is not necessarily to be an F1 driver, it is just to be a professional driver and make this sport my career, I just love to race, it is very competitive and it gives an adrenaline rush; it is really hard to say how far you are from achieving it, you just have to focus on the races you have now and try to be the best “the former Go-kart champion disclosed.

The future engineer is adamant that if corporate support comes his way they will only benefit as he continue to represent Guyana proudly.

“When we get sponsorship, I will be able to compete and move into higher categories internationally, Guyana and the sponsors will be able to get allot of recognition on the world stage,” the Florida International University student explained.

The talented Ming should be back on the track this weekend again as his busy season has begun.

GAPLF/Junior Novice Championships 2017

Gonsalves, Chan, Petterson cash in big

SCOREBOARD West Indies U-19 Innings (Maximum 50 overs) S Brathwaite c wkpr Hamilton b Joseph 3 M Patrick stp wkpr Hamilton b Hosein 10 E Stewart c wkpr Hamilton b Joseph 4 B Yadram c Cornwall b Hosein 10 S Springer b Hosein 0 K Kallicharran c Tonge b Campbell 33 K Paul LBW b Hosein 0 J Bishop c wkpr Hamilton b Cornwall 0 M Louis c Powell b Campbell 3 T Alleyne c wkpr Hamilton b Tonge 6 J Spencer not out 0 Extras (lb-6, w-3) 9 Total (All out, 45.3 overs) 78 FOW: 1-8, 2-13, 3-33, 4-33, 5-34, 6-34, 7-35, 8-48, 9-78, 10-78 Bowling Tonge 7.3-2-9-1 ((w-

2), Joseph 10-2-29-2 (w-1), Hosein 10-5-8-4, Cornwall 106-6-1, Campbell 8-5-20-2 (w-1) Leewards Hurricanes Innings (Target 79 from 50 overs) J Otto c Paul b Spencer 1 M Hodge not out 31 N Bonner c wkpr Stewart b Springer 0 J Hamilton not out 42 Extras (b-4, w-4) 8 Total (For 2 wickets, 16.5 overs) 82 Did not bat K Powell, A Hosein, R Cornwall, O Peters, A Joseph, G Tonge, J Campbell FOW: 1-9, 2-10 Bowling Spencer 4-1-13-1 (w-1), Springer 4-0-16-1 (w3), Bishop 4.5-0-31-0, Alleyne 1-0-9-0, Patrick 3-0-9-0 Result: Hurricanes won by 8 wickets Points: Hurricanes 5, WI U-19 0 Player of the Match: Akeal Hosein (Hurricanes)

The winners take the center stage at the Novice/Junior Championships

T

he Guyana Amateur P o w e r l i f t i n g Federation (GAPLF) opened their 2017 season in smashing fashion with the Junior/Novices Championship seeing a fair amount of success on Sunday at the Banks D.I.H. facility, Thirst Park.

With 22 lifters taking to the mat, Cavis Rodney endured the challenge of Indra Mekdeci to win the overall novice female unequipped prize.

The 29-year-old Rodney squatted 140 KG; bench pressed 77.5 KG and dead lifted 150KG to amass a total of 367.5KG. After the competition, Rodney said she was a bit

Romario Gonsalves once again put in a stunning performance

nervous going into the competition but attributed her success to hard work and the efforts of her coaches.

Meanwhile, in the over-

all male junior equipped category, Hardcore gym’s Kevin Briglall amassed 474.132 wilks points with the 20 year old squatting 202.5 KG; bench pressing 112.5 KG and dead lifting 207.5 KG. Briglall piped Total Fitness gym’s 22 year old Arif Immamdeen who totaled 446.205 age-wilks points. The pair was trailed

by Immamdeen’s gym mate, 21 year old Brad Davin with 417.885 age-wilks points.

Romario Gonsalves was crowned overall junior unequipped winner, with a total age-wilks points of 467.179 as the 18 year old bettered Carlos Petterson who smashed the National

squat record (260 KG), lifting a total of 710 KG but the 23 year old had a 448.578 age-wilks points. Demetri Chan of Buddy’s Gym shattered three national records in the 74Kg class totaling 500KG. Total fitness gym’s Thristan Kamal carted off with the overall novice male unequipped prize with 352.362 wilks points, eight points ahead of challenger, Triel Benjamin of Hardcore gym.

Marley Vyphuis won the overall novice male unequipped with 339.228 wilks points as he leaped the competition with a total of 540KG.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football

Dean’s hat-trick powers Mahaica to victory Pg 20

Mahaica Determinators (green and black) have yet again proven a tough team to dismiss when they turned back Riddim Squad on Sunday at Victoria Ground

GSCL Inc/Republic Cup 4

Savage Masters, Mike’s Wellman play to exciting tie

Pg 22

– Success snatch open title from Regal

Pg 22

The reformed Success XI (left) pose with their winning trophy while joint winners of the masters’ category, Savage Masters and Mike’s Wellman group up with their silverware

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