Binder1

New Demerara River crossing

Cabinet to review P11 feasibility study report

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 3202

Saturday, May 6, 2017

PRICE

VAT on education

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Speaker disallows PPP’s motion

Bandits rob CI mother, daughter P13

Page 3

… 4 in custody

… AFC escapes voting against APNU

2 dead, 1 critical in Mahaicony, Linden accidents Page 2

$80 vat included

(See full details of Linden accident in Sunday's edition)

179th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana

Region 2 RDC concerned P12 about drug shortages

New tax regulations creating significant hardships for miners – GGDMA P2 Good Hope residents call for electricity supply to P2 community

Shortages P7 triggered food cost spike in 2016 – report

In commemoration of the 179th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana, a small group dressed in traditional Indian wear reenacted the arrival of indentured labourers to Guyana alongside a replica of the SS Whitby; the ship which brought 128 indentured labourers from India to Plantation Highbury on May 5, 1838 at a ceremony at Plantation Highbury, East Bank Berbice on Friday

SOCU arrests woman at CJIA with US$44,000

Page 9

…allegedly failed to declare money

Local media lament lack of access to information …calls made for President to Page 9

host press conferences

Region 10 Chairman denies existence of “ghost teachers” P8 …says improper record keeping caused glitch

2

NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New tax regulations creating Good Hope residents call for significant hardships for electricity supply to community miners – GGDMA

T

he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has again expressed frustration over the new tax regulations.

The body has stated that the regulations have continued to create “significant hardships and chaos,” where those who are striving to be tax-compliant have lost skilled workers to non-compliant operators.

A statement issued by the GGDMA has said that most small and medium

scale operators are bound to get into hot water in 2018, when the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) requests records to justify their operating expenses and payment of 2 percent withholding tax and 5 percent royalty.

“The Association remains very concerned that while the small and medium scale miners are publicly recognized for their production capabilities and stalwart contribution to the economy, their genuine issues remain unaddressed by the relevant authorities,” the statement declared.

According to the

GGDMA, despite the execution of agreements since December 2016 with Government, to allow tax-compliant miners to benefit from certain concessions on fuel and materials utilized in the sector, none of these benefits has been realized by any miner.

“This is mainly as a result of bureaucratic bottlenecks experienced at the level of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and other agencies. Over four months have elapsed

since this agreement was executed, and less than eight months remain on the life of the agreement”, the GGDMA has lamented.

The Association has therefore questioned whether the Government is indeed committed to ensuring that these miners benefit from those concessions, or whether the agreement was executed mainly for “media propaganda purposes.”

Another area of concern for the GGDMA is the lack of knowledge among miners about the new tax regime and obligations to GRA. The Association is now

calling on all small and medium scale miners to immediately seek advice from a reputable accounting firm in order to become fully compliant.

“We do not believe that the majority of small and medium scale operators truly grasp what we are now faced with as regards record keeping, remittances of the higher tributor’s tax, filing of returns in 2018 etc.

We believe that many miners are operating in a “business as usual” fashion, and they will not feel the brunt of their ill-advised activities until they have to make up their books and file tax returns come 2018,” it was further added.

While they did not disclose the details, the GGDMA also congratulated the miners for surpassing their gold declarations in the first quarter of 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016.

“All miners should be commended for continuing to play their crucial role in bolstering Guyana’s economy in this time of reduced investment and economic slowdown,” it said.

The Gold mining sector continues to be one of the main contributors to the economy. According to the World Bank, the economy is expected to grow by around 3.6 percent in 2017– 19. Most of this growth is expected to come from continued rapid growth of gold production and in other sectors.

G

ood Hope residents on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two are requesting that their area receive electrification. This was discovered during a walkabout conducted by Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and Councillor Arnold Adams, Deputy Chairman of the Good Hope/ Pomona Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

During that walkabout, residents expressed concerns regarding the lack of electricity. It was reported that over 50 families are without electrification. Many residents expressed dissatisfaction at the cost to operate standby generators, particularly at a time when the economy is struggling.

Residents related finding it very expensive to use a generator, but it is the only

Councillor Arnold Adams pointing to one of the private generators in the community

alternative they have.

Other areas that require attention are the lack of medical supplies at Suddie Public Hospital, poor drainage, and deteriorating roads.

The Regional Chairman and Councillor also met with workers of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme, who complained about the regional officials’ delay in signing off their payments, a situation that has

led to them not being paid for April.

Residents were encouraged to send their children to school, since it was evident that a number of school-aged children were not at school.

The Regional Chairman has said that at the next statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council, scheduled for next Tuesday, he would further examine the matters raised by residents.

pect at least five times with a broken bottle, and subsequently a knife.

It has been reported that on the day in question, Cumberbatch, who did odd jobs in the market, became involved in an argument with the suspect, who became annoyed, broke a bottle and stabbed the man. Not satisfied with the injuries he had inflicted on his victim, the suspect whipped out a knife and inflicted several other wounds on the victim.

The victim, who was differently-abled, reportedly fell out of his wheelchair and was

lying in a pool of blood in one of the isles of the market.

Although the victim was stabbed in plain view of several persons, no one had gone to his assistance, and by the time medical personnel from the Georgetown Public Hospital had responded, he was already dead.

After committing the heinous act, the suspect fled the scene, but as a result of diligent work by the police, he was arrested on Friday morning. The now dead man’s body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination.

“Symptoms” arrested for Bourda Market murder

L

ess than 24 hours after stabbing dead 40-year-old Jerome Cumberbatch, aka ‘Kunta’ and ‘Crekateh’, the prime suspect, “Symptoms”, was arrested by police ranks, and is being interrogated. He is expected to be charged with the capital offence of murder in the new week.

The stabbing incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at Bourda Market following a dispute between the two men over money.

Cumberbatch, of Lot 159 Half Mile Wismar, Linden, was reportedly stabbed by the sus-

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, May 6 – night retraction at 02:30h and a day retraction between 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, May 7 – night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction between 14:30h-16:00h.

Saturday, May 6 – 13:30h-15:00h and Sunday, May 7 – 14:15h-15:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Sunny intervals in the early morning hours can be expected to be interrupted by heavy rain showers throughout the day, while light cloud cover and light rain showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 01:2h and 13:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.32 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:21h and 19:43h reaching minimum heights of 0.93 metres and 0.85 metre respectively.

LOTTERY NUMBERS 11 18

19

27 28

21 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 01 04 07 10 25 LUCKY 3 6 8 1 Afternoon Draw

0

5

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 02

Speaker disallows PPP's motion T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) arm of the coalition Government has been freed from its political dilemma after Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, disallowed the Opposition motion on the removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education.

Pressure was mounted on the minority party to support the motion in light of several of its public pronouncements in solidarity with stakeholders who have been vigorously calling for the removal of the education tax.

The motion was submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on April 27, and was expected to come up for debate at the upcoming sitting on Monday.

The motion, which was to be moved by former Education Minister Priya Manickchand, stated that impact of the onerous budgetary measures has caused great consternation and anxiety for parents and students, and the future of students’ rights to access education of their choice, inclusive of private education, as provided for in the Constitution.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

on Notice Paper No. 82 of 2017 dated 15th January, 2017. That motion was defeated,” the letter outlined.

As such, the Speaker determined that the motion, which was already published on Notice Paper No. 95 of

a simple list printed in the newspaper with a yes or no by the name of each of the MPs re whether or not they, as an individual, support the 14 per cent? While we are waiting for the debate in Parliament to eventually take place, is it possible to have a TV debate on the matter to help inform the public on the key issues?” he asked.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, during a recent press conference at Freedom House, also criticised the Speaker’s “interference” and “willy-nilly” operations regarding the motion.

Support

AFC was expected to be put to the test when the motion was tabled to repeal the 14 per cent tax, given its solidarity with stakeholders who have for weeks been calling

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

In fact, a delegation representing the hundreds of disgruntled stakeholders recently met with AFC General Secretary Marlon Williams.

According to the delegation in a statement, Williams expressed his support for their

Disallowed

wednesDAY, may 3, 2017

04

VAT on education

…AFC escapes voting against APNU

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

H

3

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

03 11 12 13 14

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

However, just a few days before the motion was scheduled for debate, the House Speaker decided that it cannot be proceeded with in the National Assembly.

In a letter dated May 4, Dr Scotland instructed that the motion, if allowed, would be in contravention of Standing Order No 26(e), which states that for a motion to be admissible, it shall not revive discussion of a matter which has been discussed in the same session.

“I wish to reminded you that the revocation of Order No 18 of 2016 and the reinstatement of Schedules 1 and 11 which existed prior to Order No. 18 were discussed by the National Assembly at its Sitting on 30th January, 2017, during the consideration of Ms Gail Teixeira’s motion which was published

Letter informing PPP that the motion against VAT on private education was disallowed

2017, can no longer be proceeded with in the National Assembly.

Condemnation

Director of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole – a very vocal player in the movement against the education tax – has expressed disappointment at the decision to not allow a debate on the issue in the National Assembly.

The educator, in a statement to the media on Friday, pondered if it’s too much to ask for a national debate on the issue.

“Is it impossible to have

on Government to remove the education tax.

Cabinet recently ruled that the VAT on private education will remain for the rest of the year, but will be reviewed for the 2018 National Budget.

But the AFC signalled its intention to challenge Government’s collective decision and push for an earlier review.

AFC Leader and Cabinet member Raphael Trotman said his party understands the struggles of parents and students, and pledged a commitment to address their concerns.

struggle and urged them not to become daunted or despondent in the face of the obstacles being placed in their way.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, leader of Government’s business in the National Assembly, had also sympathised with parents and students by reflecting on his own struggles in pursuing an education.

However, Opposition forces have argued that the AFC, as part of the coalition administration, was part and parcel in the decision to initially impose the tax and subsequently vote for it to stay.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 6, 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

Diaspora engagement

I

t is believed that a larger number of Guyanese citizens are settled outside of Guyana than those residing in the country.

Guyanese can be found in some of the unlikeliest places all over the world. This mass exodus started in the early 1960s under the Forbes Burnham dictatorship, when the economy was facing total collapse. There were no proper jobs, social services were almost non-existent, and there was a sense of hopelessness all over the country. And, of course, that pattern continued under successive PNC and, to a lesser extent, PPP regimes.

Months after the APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office, it has recommenced a series of engagements which had been started under the PPP Administration -- to woo the diaspora to return and contribute to the development of their homeland both with their newly-acquired skills and investment dollars. Unfortunately, only a few returned, and it is still not clear what kind of impact they have made on the local economy. In essence, we have not seen the kind of results we had hoped for.

There are many Guyanese in the diaspora who are willing and ready to return and invest or work, or even retire, in their homeland, but they do not know where or how to begin the process. For example, there is no central agency from which they can easily access the necessary information; they get the ‘royal run-around’ in the process of seeking this information.

Additionally, when Government ministers visit abroad, even though they encourage persons to return and invest here, the necessary follow-up measures are usually lacking; support systems for persons are very few. Nearly one year ago, during the heavily promoted ‘Guyana Investment Conference’ in the United States, the APNU+AFC Government made a number of promises to the diaspora with the aim of convincing them to investment in various projects.

Coinciding with the country’s jubilee independence anniversary, the Conference was intended to promote Guyana as an investment destination for diaspora and non-diaspora investors. Additionally, many investors with proposals in hand queued in long lines to meet with ministers and officials of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) to discuss their projects and proposals.

Among the commitments made by Government ministers during the conference were to establish clear strategies, policies and incentives for investment; implement better communication channels and integration between relevant authorities; and foster a deeper connection with the diaspora.

However, so far, very little follow-up action was taken to ensure Government delivered on these promises. Based in information received by this newspaper, many of the investors have not been contacted by the authorities in Guyana to do any follow-ups.

In fact, Project Director of the investment conference, Salaudeen Nausrudeen, was quoted in this newspaper as saying: “The incentives, policies, strategies they promised did not happen; Government needs to stop talking and start doing”.

Certainly, the onus was upon the Government to followup with the investors who expressed interest in investing their hard-earned cash on various projects here.

The Administration continues to urge the diaspora and foreign businessmen to invest in Guyana, yet it fails continuously to create a business-friendly climate and to walk the talk by putting the necessary systems in place to ensure that the support systems are in place to encourage same. For example, we have noted that President David Granger, who recently visited the United Kingdom, met with businesspersons there and encouraged them to invest in Guyana, after regurgitating the same assurances given to the diaspora in the U.S. There is much the diaspora can do to help in moving our country forward, once the necessary systems are put in place for them to do so. The PPP Administration had already started to lure the diaspora with house lots in the new Remigrant Housing Scheme. Also, other incentives such as duty-free concessions, etc. have been offered. This is a good start; and, hopefully with time, other forms of support would be provided to ensure that those who are willing to return can do so with little or no hassle.

More importantly, it is hoped that the Government would follow up with solid measures to show that it is serious about attracting more investors here and opening up the economy to create opportunities for citizens.

The Nrityageet dancers performing a traditional dance at Plantation Highbury, East Bank Berbice during an Arrival Day celebration

Reflecting on the SOCU charge against former AG Nandlall

Dear Editor, The more I reflect on the charge and the associated happenings of Monday, 24th April, and Thursday 27th, the more I wonder who and what could be driving such ill-conceived, trivial charge against him, for what purpose, and to what end.

Former AG Anil Nandlall is charged for taking with him, and not leaving in the AG’s office, a number of law reports which he received as a result of personal subscriptions to the international publishers of professional reports, books and journals -- an arrangement which he had in place a decade earlier in his private practice.

Lawyer Nandlall had requested from then President Donald Ramotar that this professional subscription be paid by the Government of Guyana as part of his compensation whilst serving as AG. President Ramotar has confirmed that he acceded to this request.

When former AG Nandlall was first detained, he was released some hours later after the facts above were attested to presumably to the SOCU officers’ satisfaction. It has been common practice within Governments, their institutions and agencies, and in

the Private Sector that some employees receive, as part of their compensation, the payment of their subscriptions in some professional and trade bodies.

I myself, when Director for Product Quality, Research & Development in our bauxite company, had my subscriptions paid for membership in The American Ceramic Society, The American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers and the International Colloquium for the Studies Of Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium (ICSOBA) which had accompanying monthly journals, annual reports, etc.

That afternoon, the matter seemed rightfully to be at an end. Imagine the consternation of many of us on learning on the Thursday (April 27) morning that Anil was again detained, and this time charged essentially for stealing those said “Law Reports”! There seemed to be no question of “station bail”; uncertainties about when he would be put before the court; and concerns that he may be detained over the holiday weekend to Tuesday morning. Thankfully, with assistance from an unexpected quarter in approaches to the top of our Judiciary,

it was arranged for him to be taken before a magistrate that afternoon, where he was released on his own recognisance.

Whatever the outcome of these charges, recognising that the price of these “Law Reports” is only about $500,000; that unto now there appears to be no dispute of facts; that former AG has followed a practice that is quite common; and acknowledging that a Court may yet find flaws in a practice that is common, was this the way to proceed? Was this a matter for SOCU? How do the officers of our SOCU and sincere advocates of SOCU feel about this matter? And how do members of our Judiciary and Magistracy feel?

Yes, my questioning has been largely rhetorical. We all know that, over the last two years, our Coalition Government has been investing much too much of our country’s and people’s resources of money, time and goodwill in pursuing their preposterous election campaigning allegations of “hundreds of billions of Guyana dollars in annual corruption and thieving in our (PPP/C) time”. Looks like they began to believe their preposterous campaigning

allegations when, as their first order of business, they gave themselves those hefty salary raises. But it seems, too, that they soon wised up, finding not enough money to pay public servants the similar large increases which they had promised them, nor the G$9000 per bag for paddy which was promised to rice farmers.

As our Leader of the Opposition has been saying, they must either withdraw their preposterous allegations, or be prepared to concede that they have equalled and bettered the PPP/C in corruption and thieving in their first two years.

Our Government must now know that with them two years in office, it is becoming clearer each day -- as illustrated in this persecution and intended prosecution of Former AG Nandlall in this matter of the ‘Law Reports’ -- that there is little basis for their preposterous election campaigning allegations, which were just ‘preposterous election campaigning allegations’.

Dear Editor, May 5 marked 179 years since the people of East Indian ancestry first came to this territory, to rescue the decrepit sugar plantations following the end of slavery.

The day is a holiday. It is important for the nation to reflect on how and why Indian Arrival is a national holiday, and how it came about.

The Indian labourers

have been the largest immigrant group to the territory. And, for decades, they have been the largest ethnic group in the then British colony and after independence. The indentured la-

bourers have left an indelible imprint on the cultural (language, food, etc) landscape, and in the economic, social, religious, and political fabric of Guyana.

Sincerely, Samuel AA Hinds Former Prime Minister and former President

Struggle for Indian Arrival recognition turn on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

5

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

Diplomatic expression Hamilton Green and his pension of no-confidence

Dear Editor, Every person who has ever served in the office of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs must have felt a profound sense of flattery when they learnt that the current holder of the office was gifted three (3) retired Judges -- one from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), one from the Court of Appeal of Guyana, and one from the High Court of Guyana -- along with two (2) law professors, each possessing a doctorate in law, to assist him in the discharge of the functions of that office.

I doubt that I can be contradicted in my assertion that this is a world record.

I was particularly touched because I held this office in my thirties, serving a minority Government which presented me with new, unique and unprecedented legal challenges. Conscious of the risk of being accused of blowing my own trumpet, from all objective indicators, I acquitted myself well, if not with distinction. I did it “my way” and without a constellation of highly decorated help, but only with the hard working staff at the Chambers. The only extra authorized cost incurred by the State at my behest was a few thousand Guyana dollars per month as subscriptions fees for professional law reports. For that I

was criminally charged!

It is common knowledge that, under our constitutional structure, ministers hold office at the pleasure and confidence of the President.

In my view, the appointment of these highly decorated personnel by the President to assist the Attorney General in the discharge of his official duties is a most diplomatic expression of no confidence in this minister as there can ever be. It is obvious that the President feels constrained to act in any other manner in relation to the Chairman of his political party.

Notwithstanding, any self-respecting professional placed in such precarious

Struggle for Indian Arrival...

Their immense contributions and accomplishments in every field have been on the basis of great personal sacrifice (of disconnection with their ancestral homeland, a good life, etc.), and against great odds.

They have been an ethnically persecuted people since the time they arrived on May 5, 1838. They lived in inhumane, slave-like conditions. They were cheated out of their pay, battered and bruised by the white colonial masters and other ethnic groups. They overcame the adversities they faced with dignity and with much cultural retention as practised in India.

They persevered, and their presence has added to the richness and uniqueness of the nation: multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic. Thus it is appropriate for the nation to recognize the contributions made by Indians, and what they brought from India; and to honour them with an appropriate celebration like the granting of an Indian Arrival holiday, as was requested by Indian rights activists.

But it took decades after independence to convince national politicians that the tremendous contribution and sacrifices of Indians to the nation must be recognised with a national holiday similar to the honour (Emancipation Day) given to enslaved Africans, whom the Indians replaced on the plantations under some similar conditions of abuse.

Emancipation Day was rec-

ognized as a holiday early in the nation, but it was a long struggle before the Indians were given recognition of a national day, just over a decade ago. Even the PPP was not strong supportive of a day to honour Indians for their pioneering efforts.

Indian activists and community leaders had to wage a long, arduous battle for this recognition to be accorded the indentured Indians, as both the governing PNC (1964 to 1992) and successor PPP administrations were opposed to a national holiday. It took intense lobbying. This holiday honours the hard work and great sacrifices made by Indian indentured labourers, who laid the foundation for a better life for their descendants.

Indian Arrival Day is a day of reflection of the presence of Indians in Guyana. It salutes the Indian pioneers for their sacrifices, hard work and perseverance. As we commemorate their arrival, we must do so in acknowledgement of their struggle to survive and to build a better society.

But their work remains unfinished. Equality for all has eluded the pioneers and their early descendants on the Guyanese territory. So we must take cognizance of the fact that the struggle continues for equality, not only for Indians, but for all groups. Every group must find an equal place and space in our national community and in the sharing of resources. We must also exploit the resources for a higher standard of living.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

This will allow for the construction of an ethnically harmonious society.

It is noted that some 179 years after the end of slavery, living conditions of Indians have not improved as much as the pioneers would have expected.

The territory is still divided along racial lines, with political leaders playing the lead role in dividing the people by ethnicity. Sugar workers are still fighting for a decent wage and to hold on to their jobs.

Politicians of all stripes have let down the nation.

People must put pressure on their political leaders to come together to build a just and equitable society for all.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

conundrum as this minister should do nothing less than tender his resignation in dignity.

I was accused of all manner of things by all manner of people, especially on social media, for requesting the State to continue to pay my subscriptions for the now infamous law reports. The sum of money which the State is alleged to have contributed to those subscriptions is just over two million Guyana dollars, in three years. Let us now examine the cost that this Attorney General would impose monthly on the backs of taxpayers for the services of these five advisors, retained obviously because of manifest incompetence.

Having regard to the calibre of the persons retained, I surmise that their remuneration package will include a salary of no less than $750,000 (net) per month, light, telephone, internet and a driver (at a minimum) to be paid for, and salary for at least two support staff each.

I now wait to hear from all those who spoke on my issue as protectors of taxpayers’ money. I expect them, in their condemnation, to ask of President Granger this fundamental question: “Would it not be in the best interest of the nation, and save taxpayers millions, to appoint a competent person to serve in the position of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs instead?”

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

Dear Editor, Reading the recent article in the newspapers about ‘Hamilton Green on his pension’, I first discounted it as the utterances of a mentally confused octogenarian. But then when I read the feature ‘History will not be kind to Hamilton Green’, I felt the need to add my ‘two bits’.

Mr Green speaks glibly about a period of drought for himself and his family of almost 25 years, referring to the period from 1992 when he was ousted from the position of Prime Minister due to his party’s loss at the elections. What drought is he talking about? He seems to think that people are unaware of the facts.

Since becoming Mayor in 1994, Mr Green has lived a Cadillac lifestyle, one which no other mayor in the world gets, but one that is more akin to the standard of serving heads of state and government, even though the Council always claimed to be cash-strapped.

Does Mr Green consider as austere all the bodyguards and security at his residence? His gardeners, cooks, chauffeurs, handymen and large administrative staff? Does he consider jetting first class to the farthest corners of the world frequently for 21 years as drought? Does he consider being provided with all-expenses-paid vehicles just being buoyant? Surely, he could not be serious. And all of this munificence was not provided by his wife, children, and many kind friends, as he is seeking to imply; but by the poor ratepayers of Georgetown.

And then he comes to the point of persons being crudely removed from office. But

we need not go far back; let us look at his recent sojourn at the Central Housing & Planning Authority, which resulted in the departure of the CEO and so many other officials from that entity.

And let us look at his days at the Council, where he got rid of two female Town Clerks, an Engineer, and so many others.

Will the President, due to his wisdom and sense of justice, give them and their spouses the ‘fair deal’ that he has given to Green and his family? If indeed his wife was made to suffer because of politics, then she should be given some recompense; but so, too, should those who suffered under Green’s hand.

Mr Green talks about him finally being given a liveable pension, but what about the thousands of other pensioners? Don’t they deserve a liveable pension also, or do they need to be loyal party hacks to even get a fraction of the nearly 2 million a month that he is getting?

Will they ever get a pension at 7/8 of the current salaries of their successors in whichever position they held?

And then he goes on to sing his favourite tune -and that is to blame the PPP for all of his misfortunes.

Should he not blame his party instead, for removing him from parliament in 1992 and thus disqualifying him from a parliamentary pension?

All in all, now that Mr Green is in the departure lounge, I hope he donates most of his super pension to charity, and to the families that he wronged or destroyed as a sort of reimbursement for his misdeeds.

Sincerely, Jason Howard

6

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Page

Foundation

Pre-teen and

teenage mental health

M

ental health is an essential part of wellbeing, and there’s a lot you can do to promote pre-teen and teenage mental health for your child. It also helps to know what to do if you think your pre-teen or teenage child has a mental health problem.

What is pre-teen and teenage mental health?

Mental health is a way of describing social and emotional wellbeing. Your child needs good mental health to develop in a healthy way, build strong relationships, adapt to change and deal with life’s challenges.

Pre-teens and teenagers who have good mental health often: * feel happy and positive about themselves and enjoy life * have healthy relationships with family and friends * do physical activity and eat a healthy diet * get involved in activities * have a sense of achievement * can relax and get a good night’s sleep * feel like they belong to their communities.

Promoting good teenage mental health

guyanatimesgy.com

Your love and support and a strong relationship with you can have a direct and positive impact on your child’s mental health. It can even reduce the chances of your child experiencing mental health problems.

Here are some ideas to promote your child’s mental health and wellbeing: * Show love, affection and care for your child.

* Show that you’re interested in what’s happening in your child’s life.

Praise his good points and achievements, and value his ideas. * Enjoy spending time together one on one with your child, and also as a family. * Encourage your child to talk about feelings with you. It’s important for your child to feel she doesn’t have to go through things on her own and that you can work together to find solutions to problems. * Deal with problems as they arise, rather than letting them build up. * Talk to family members, friends, other parents or teachers if you have any concerns. If you feel you need more help, speak to your GP or another health professional. ***Physical health is a big part of mental health***. To help your child stay emotionally and physically healthy, encourage your child to do the following: * Keep active – physical fitness will help your child stay healthy, have more energy, feel confident, manage stress and sleep well. * Develop and maintain healthy eating habits. * Get lots of regular sleep. Quality sleep will help your child to manage a busy life, stress and responsibilities. * Avoid alcohol and other drugs.

Signs your child might need help with mental health

It’s normal for children and teenagers to sometimes have low moods, poor motivation and trouble sleeping.

These things aren’t always the signs of a mental health problem. But if you no-

tice any of the following signs and the signs go on for more than a few weeks, it’s important to talk with your child.

The next step is to get professional help.

For children younger than 11 years, mental health warning signs might include: * sadness a lot of the time * a drop in school performance * ongoing worries or fears * problems fitting in at school or getting along with other children * aggressive or consistently disobedient behaviour, or repeated temper tantrums * sleep problems, including nightmares.

For children 11 years and older, watch out for your child: * seeming down, feeling things are hopeless, being tearful or lacking motivation * having trouble coping with everyday activities * showing sudden changes in behaviour, often for no obvious reason * having trouble eating or sleeping * dropping in school performance, or suddenly refusing to go to school, TAFE or work * avoiding friends or social contact * saying she has physical pain – for example, headache, tummy ache or backache * being aggressive or antisocial – for example, missing school, getting into trouble with the police, fighting or stealing * being very anxious about weight or physical appearance, losing weight or failing to gain weight as she grows.

Happy teenagers and teenage wellbeing (CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY)

S

Family relationships

hare and make memories together. For example, take photos or videos on special family days or at school events and look over them with your child, or talk about and remember things you’ve enjoyed as a family.

Make time to talk about individual and family successes. For example, you could try going around the table at family meals and giving everyone a turn at sharing something that went well for them during the day.

Establish and maintain family rituals – for example, cooking pancakes on Saturday mornings, watching special movies together, going for milkshakes after school on Fridays and so on.

Boosting teenage wellbeing

Here are some ideas for fostering different aspects of teenage wellbeing.

Physical health When your child takes care of himself physically, it’s good for his wellbeing. For example, being active, having a break from technology, getting outside and getting enough sleep can help your child’s mood and improve his physical fitness.

Mental and emotional health Good mental and emotional health is important for teenage wellbeing. For example, teenagers with good

(raisingchildren.net.au)

TO BE CONTINUED

mental and emotional health can develop resilience to cope better with difficult situations. If your child develops resilience, she can ‘bounce back’ when things go wrong, which will help her get through life’s ups and downs and boost her wellbeing.

Positive emotions If your child can focus on the good things, take a positive approach to life’s challenges and know what he’s feeling good about or what’s going well for him, it can help him focus on positive emotions.

Different activities Trying new things and getting involved in different activities keeps your child’s options open. This can also help your child find things that she’s good at.

Relationships and social connections Relationships and social connections are vital for teenage wellbeing. Your child needs close and supportive family and friends. And good parent-child relationships tend to lead to good teenage friendships.

Meaning in life Meaning in life can come from doing good things for others. Your child could look for everyday ways to help family or friends – for example, giving someone his seat on the bus, or helping someone pick up papers they’ve dropped in the street. Or he could get involved in community activity. This type of ‘giving’ lights up the reward centre in the brain, which makes your child feel good.

Feeling connected to something bigger can also help to give your child’s life a sense of purpose. Meaning might come from spirituality, life philosophy, or a commitment to a cause like the environment. People with meaning have less stress and get more out of what they do.

Goals and achievement If your child has goals that fit with her values, are fun and attainable, and let her use her strengths, it can give her a sense of purpose and achievement. (raisingchildren. net.au)

7 Shortages triggered food cost spike in 2016 – report T NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he increase in food prices experienced last year is expected to persist in

2017.

Last year, the domestic basket of food cost increased by 4.2 per cent, reflecting

istered as 19.5 per cent, 18.3 per cent and 12.1 per cent respectively, according to Bank of Guyana’s Annual Report 2016.

According to the document, the spike in food cost

The domestic basket of food cost increased by 4.2 per cent in 2016

Table showing the Consumer Price Index for food prices across three consecutive years

mainly an increase in the prices of vegetables, condiments and spices, and fruit products.

The increases were reg-

was triggered by agricultural shortages from adverse weather conditions. The rise in food prices contributed to the increase in the inflation

rate, which was recorded at 1.4 per cent at the end of 2016.

Additionally, there was a marginal increase in the price index of housing by 0.02 per cent due to the rise in fuel and power by 0.2 per cent.

On the other hand, the price indexes of clothing, footwear, repairs, furniture, transport and communications as well as the services of education and miscellaneous goods fell by 3.1 per cent, 2.4 per cent, 0.6 per cent, 0.4 per cent, 0.5 per cent and 0.003 per cent respectively.

The report noted that the transportation category experienced a smaller decline in personal transport of 4.7 per cent relative to a decline of 10.3 per cent at end of the same period in the previous year.

Nonetheless, the report said the economy is projected to grow by 3.8 per cent in

2017.

“This forecast is on account of growth in the mining and quarrying sector by 2.7 per cent as a result of a projected expansion in gold declarations by 1.7 per cent.

The agriculture sector (in-

cluding sugar processing and rice milling) is expected to rebound with 2.5 per cent growth as a result of estimated increases in output of rice and other crops by 10.4 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively. The services sec-

tor is expected to grow by 3.0 per cent due to greater activities in financial and insurance, transportation and storage and wholesale and retail trade by 5.8 per cent, 3.9 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively. The construction industry is expected to grow by 13.5 per cent,” the document stated.

Consequently, the inflation rate is forecasted at 2.5 per cent from moderate increases in food and fuel prices.

According to the Monthly Economic Bulletin report prepared by the Economic Policy Analysis Unit (EPAU) of the Finance Ministry’s Office of the Budget, inflation in Guyana has tracked inflation in the United States, so rising US inflation may put upward pressure on prices in Guyana, partly as a result of rising prices for US imports.

8 news

saturdAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 dead, 1 critical in Mahaicony, Linden accidents

T

axi driver Terrence Mc Donald of Lot 54 Bagots Street, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice became the latest road fatality yesterday when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving

Dead: Terrence Mc Donald

and crashed it into a lorry parked on the Dantzig public road at Mahaicony East Coast Demerara.

Saulita Malikish, a female passenger, sustained severe injuries in that accident and is currently a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital; while 19-year-old Gary Wilson, 43-year-old Wilfred Wilson, and 28-year-old Steve James were all treated for minor injuries at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and sent away.

Reports are that the car being driven by the 41-year-

old Mc Donald with the four others as passengers was proceeding along the Dantzig Public Road at a fast rate; and as he negotiated a turn, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed it into a parked lorry.

Mc Donald and Malikish were pulled from the wreckage in an unconscious state, and were rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. Mc Donald later succumbed to his injuries, while Malikish remains a patient at the medical facility.

Deisa Mc Donald, a niece of the dead man, told Guyana Times that her uncle worked as a taxi operator ferrying persons from Georgetown to Rosignol. He left home at about 10:00h yesterday, and the family received informa-

Undermining…

The vehicle involved in the accident

cle was involved in an accident and he was at the hospital… His mother and other relatives were heading to the Mahaicony Hospital when they received a call to head straight to Georgetown, because he was transferred (to the GPHC),” she detailed.

She noted that family members arrived at the GPHC to find her uncle being attended to by five doctors in the ICU, and he was slipping in and out of consciousness.

The car involved in the Linden accident

tion about the accident at about 13:00h. “The people at the Mahaicony Hospital called to say that my un-

At about 18:00h, relatives in Berbice received news of his death.

Mc Donald had been working as a taxi driver for the past two years, prior to which he was involved in construction and masonry.

The aggrieved niece remembered her uncle as a very loving and caring individual.

He leaves to mourn his mother, wife, only daughter and other relatives.

Police are continuing their investigations into this fatal accident.

Meanwhile, Michael Simon, 59, of Amelia’s Ward, Linden died on Friday evening after he was struck by a sports car. The accident occurred at about 18:45h in the vicinity of Amelia’s Ward Public Road. Reports are sketchy but Guyana Times understands that the driver of PVV 9182 reportedly struck the pedestrian as he attempted to cross the road.

Following the accident, Simon was picked up and rushed to the Linden Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver is in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Region 10 Chairman denies existence of “ghost teachers” …says improper record-keeping caused glitch

F

ollowing publication of the preliminary report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Guyana’s education system, Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian has come forward to refute claims that a number of “ghost teachers” were working at “ghost schools” in Berbice riverine areas, which fall under the Region 10 Administration,

and were being paid within that administration.

Chairman Morian is contending that there are neither “ghost teachers” nor “ghost schools” in Region 10; but there are teachers who have been transferred to farflung schools within the region, and there has not been proper notification of their displacement.

The damning report, produced by the Education CoI chaired by Mr Ed Caesar, was commissioned

by Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to examine the operations of the education system under the previous administration.

Describing the exercise conducted by the CoI, Caesar said, “We have seen pay

sheets with names of teachers who, as far as the head teacher is concerned, do not exist.” Morian, in defending his administration, pointed out: “There are some (teachers who) would have been sent, let’s say to Coomacka; but those persons (have), in the process, gone in to the Teachers Training College.” turn to page 12

B

…the Judiciary

ack in the days – those days when Burnham was launching his dictatorship after being placed at the head of Independent Guyana – the man who’d be King of Guyana decided he wasn’t going to risk having a man of the legal stature of Sir Joseph Luckhoo as Chief Justice. But what was he to do?? One of Burnham’s trademarks was to genuflect to the legal forms – and very rarely, the spirit – to get his way.

He couldn’t DISMISS Luckhoo, so he created a NEW position of “Chancellor of the Judiciary”, who’d be superior to the Chief Justice. He then inveigled Kenneth Stoby, a Guyanese Jurist who was then Chief Justice of Barbados, to become Chancellor by matching the Bajan’s salary scale, which was even higher than Burnham’s!!

In case you’re wondering, Luckhoo promptly quit and moved to Jamaica.

So what if this was an unnecessary drain on our Treasury?? Burnham got what he wanted, didn’t he?

To be honest, we then attracted a string of highpowered – albeit expensive – Chancellors. But fast forward to 1989, when Desmond Hoyte decided he wanted to have a high-powered ATTORNEY GENERAL – which position, we should emphasise, isn’t a JUDICIAL one, but a POLITICAL appointee who’s the consigliere of the EXECUTIVE! And guess what Hoyte did – this man who is touted as a moral exemplar of good governance by some? He invited his Chancellor, Keith Massiah, to become his hired gun Attorney General!!

Ahhh…how our Judiciary’s reputation fell in the eyes of the Caribbean legal fraternity, especially when Massiah demanded, and got to keep, his massive Chancellor’s salary as Attorney General.

By that time, the Judiciary was about all Guyana could boast about. But at least we were starting a tradition that our Attorneys General had to be members of the bar with standing. The pay certainly was an inducement!!

Fast forward to the present, and we have the sorry figure of Basil Williams as Attorney General for the last two years, making a mockery of his position. His only evident “qualification” for the job being that of Chairman of the PNC, Pressie decided to award him silk to buttress his position. But, like President Obama said, if you put lipstick on a porcine creature, it doesn’t change anything, does it? What to do??

Well, the Government just hired FIVE retired Judges.

With an average age of 80, these are real “old heads”, and they are there to advise Williams. With the money Government now has to shell out, wouldn’t it have been better to just fire Williams? And what about the impact of FIVE judges becoming legal guns-for-hire?

But then, Williams is Chairman of the PNC, isn’t he??!!

…Indigenous Peoples

The toshaos are elected by each Indigenous Peoples’ village to represent their interests. Yet, after the Government unilaterally connected the issue of their land rights to that of African ancestral land rights under one Commission of Inquiry, they’re asked to APOLOGISE for commenting!!

Obviously, they can comment to support initiatives of the Government. But how dare they disagree?? And in case you forgot what’s it’s all about, on the same day of the Government’s demand comes Eric Philips to “explain” why Indigenous peoples are getting “too much land”!! Yup! There were “only” about 6000 Indigenous Peoples when the Dutch came here. So how could they occupy ¼ of Guyana?

So, reasons Phillips, if a person owns a house with 10 rooms, he’s entitled to own only one room, since he couldn’t have occupied all of them!! But Philips can’t have it both ways. He’s depending on European laws to claim land ownership for African Guyanese.

But it’s an European (British) codicil to the Independence Agreement that gave Indigenous peoples their land rights!! Checkmate!!

…the Judicial and other Service Commissions

Your Eyewitness should’ve known: Patrick Yarde, rigs the GPSU’s elections; and before the results are officially in, he’s sworn in by Pressie as acting Chair of the Public Service Commission!!

Reward for following PNC’s traditions!!

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

news

9

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local media lament lack SOCU arrests woman at CJIA with US$44,000 of access to information …allegedly failed to declare money … calls made for President to host press conferences A J ournalists have complained of experiencing “great difficulty” in accessing information from functionaries of the Government.

Although Guyana has laws that guarantee access to information, media outlets still struggle when they hunt for data to build their stories, especially when requests are made to Government ministers.

They deem this humbug an obstacle which hampers their work to a high degree and opens doors to rumours and inaccurate reporting.

Members of the local media corps who gathered at Moray House Trust on World Press Freedom Day to discuss challenges they face had this as a general complaint.

Media practitioner Julia Johnson was one of the first persons to point out that many Government officials operate at though they are not required to speak to the media. She drew reference to several instances in which, working with a deadline, she had requested information from some officials, but the information was never forthcoming.

“We would like to have the information exclusively and in a timely manner, but instead that information would come by way of a press release to the general media corps maybe the next day,” she lamented.

Other journalists have said that in some cases, Government officials would prefer to deal with certain media outlets and maybe with specific journalists.

When they give information, they think they are doing journalists a special favour, although it is a legal right to access information of interest to the public.

Journalist Derwayne Wills raised concerns about President David Granger’s

President David Granger

refusal to hold regular press conferences, to allow the media to ask tough questions on behalf of citizens.

Wills argued that the weekly programme dubbed “Public Interest” is not a press conference, especially since the time is too limited and the questions are vetted by a moderator.

Apparently peeved, Wills told the gathering that it is also difficult to get onto the programme, and there was general consensus among media prac-

titioners t h a t confirmed his statement.

“There is a huge wedge between the media and the presidency,” he opined.

University lecturer Dr Joyce Jonas, who also addressed the meeting, emphasised the need for more objective reporting, and called for more critical thinkers in the local media corps.

“The local media needs to stop being a fan club. They

need to be more assertive and ask relevant and necessary questions. Enhanced investigative journalism must also be something to look at,” she said.

The need for press freedom to be guaranteed in the country’s Constitution and ways in which the local media fraternity can be enhanced were also discussed at the forum.

Executive Member of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir, said her organisation would continue to lobby Government to address these issues and ensure they are placed in the law books.

“We want to make sure that freedom of the press is explicitly stated in the Constitution,” Raghubir said.

Dr Juan Miguel Diez, a representative from the United Nations (UN) Information Centre for the Caribbean, also attended the forum, and offered some advice to the local press corp.

He said these times call for a more robust media, and he cited the many changes that has taken place over the years. He explained that the deadline for news now is “real time”.

At the end of the forum, journalists, feeling more empowered, agreed that an unfettered media is the sine quo non to the enjoyment of freedom of expression.

The forum was hosted by the GPA in partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Human Rights, Democracy Network, the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network, and Moray House.

World Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the theme: Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s Role in Advancing Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies.”

36-year-old South Ruimveldt woman is now in the custody of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), detained for failing to declare to customs officials, upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Thursday evening, more than US$44,000 which she had in her possession.

Based on reports received, the woman arrived on a St Lucian flight at Guyana’s main port of entry with some US$44,688 in her possession. It is not clear how the woman passed security checkpoints in St Lucia with that amount of money.

Guyana Times understands that upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, she was asked if she had anything to declare and she responded in the negative.

However, customs officials discovered the foreign currency stashed in two parcels in her hand luggage during a routine check on her luggage. She was immediately pulled aside and questioned, and SOCU was quickly involved. The law stipulates that once any passenger is carrying in excess of

US$10,000, the money must be declared to the relevant authorities for clearance.

The suspected business woman remains in custody.

Back in January 2016, jewellery belonging to a Better Hope, East Coast Demerara gold smith and valued at more than G$10million was confiscated by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The man, Richard Ramjit, was accused by security officers of smuggling gold, but he had denied the allegation. At the time, he was then told that the jew-

ellery was seized because it valued approximately $4M, which is in excess of US$10,000 – the threshold at which seizures can be made under amended anti-money laundering laws if there is no declaration to customs.

The CANU ranks worked in accordance with the mandate of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which was set up to detect crimes related to money laundering and terrorism. Ramjit has since sued the state for $10M on the basis that his fundamental rights and freedoms were breached.

10 news

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GWI commits to ensuring equity, Deeds, Commercial Registries improved water quality Bill to be debated on Monday …as company celebrates 15 years

T

he Guyana Water Incorporated kicked off its 15th anniversary celebrations with a grand launch under the theme ‘Ensuring Equity and Improving Quality’. The theme speaks about the company’s vision to ensure all Guyanese on the coast and interior regions have equal access to quality water.

Addressing the gathering during the launch, on Thursday last at the company’s Head Office at Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, said this theme can only be realised when all customers are recipients of the same level of service.“When the quality service provided on the coastland is delivered in the same manner in the hinterland, only then can we definitely say that equity and quality have been achieved; but, until then, we have a long way to go,” the minister noted.

Minister HastingsWilliams called on GWI to recommit to its Mission Statement, which speaks to providing equal access to safe, adequate and affordable water and sewage systems to Guyanese living on the coastland and in the hin-

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, Junior Communities Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, and GWI Managing Director Dr Richard Van West-Charles sharing a toast during the celebratory activities on May 4

terland.

She said, “Be committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six: for us to ensure access to water and sanitation for all throughout the length and breadth of our country.”

SDG Goal Six addresses issues relating to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, and the quality and sustainability of water resources worldwide.

Sharing his vision for the future of the water utility in Guyana, Managing Director of GWI, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, assured customers that the compa-

ny plans to boost its production level and improve water quality and overall services.

He informed those gathered that GWI will be adopting the approach of establishing a series of well fields in communities. Dr Van WestCharles also spoke about the company’s investment in the knowledge and technical capabilities of its engineers to enable them to drill wells.

In this regard, he noted that a number of technical personnel are benefiting from overseas training in cutting-edge well-drilling techniques. turn to page 13

T

he Deeds and C o m m e r c i a l Registries Authority Amendment Bill 2017 has been scheduled for debate at Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly, according to State Minister Joseph Harmon.

At Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, the minister explained that the passage of this Bill will enable the appointment of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) Board, which will have oversight of the two registries.

The Governing Board is non-functional, is not properly constituted, and has not held a meeting for over a year. The members of the Board, whose tenure has expired, have not been replaced by the minister in accordance with, and as mandated by, Section 6 of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act. The delays in appointing the DCRA Board has been a matter of concern, with former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall raising the topic on several occasions.

He had also made written requests to his successor to make the appointment.

Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams explained at a previous press conference

that Government recognises the need for the board to be broadened to include representatives from entities such as the Business Ministry and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Board is usually made up of a Chairman, the Registrar of Deeds and the Commercial Registry, a nominee from each of the following entities: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communities, the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Association of Legal Professionals, and the Private Sector.

Nandlall had pointed out that the amendment seeks to empower the Legal Affairs Minister to act in place of a Governing Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority when that Board has not been appointed. He noted that this Authority was specifically created to insulate the operations of the Deeds and Commercial Registries from ministerial interference, and to vest in the Governing Board the powers and responsibilities for the overall management, as well as the day-to-day activities of the Authority.

Nandlall has blasted the minister for not adhering to his mandatory obli-

gation to appoint the DCRA Board, and has moved to the High Court to compel his successor to appoint a board. When the matter was first heard on March 8, Justice Brassington Reynolds granted an Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus, compelling the Minister of Legal Affairs to appoint the Governing Board of the DCRA, and to show cause why this Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus should not be made absolute.

At a subsequent hearing on April 5, detailed legal submissions were made by AG Williams and Nandlall before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, who has been trying the matter. Justice Harnanan subsequently delivered an 18 page written ruling on April 19. In his decision, the High Court Judge overruled all the AG’s submissions and upheld Nandlall’s arguments, and thus made absolute the Order Rule Nisi of Mandamus granted

by Justice Reynolds.

Additionally, the Attorney General was further ordered to pay to the applicant, Nandlall, $100,000 dollars as costs. With this ruling, the Legal Affairs Minister is now ordered to appoint the Governing Board of the DCRA.

news

11

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Demerara River crossing

Cabinet to review feasibility study report

A

lmost two months after the feasibility study for the new Demerara River crossing was completed and handed over to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Cabinet will now review the findings from the report.

It was revealed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon at this week’s post-Cabinet briefing that Public Infrastructure

Minister David Patterson on Tuesday presented to Cabinet the feasibility study report and design plans for the new Demerara River crossing that would link Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) since the Demerara Harbour Bridge is currently being operated beyond its 20-year

Guyana to profit from Turkey-CELAC mechanism

G

uyana will profit tremendously from the institution of a permanent mechanism of cooperation between Turkey and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC), Foreign Affairs Minister and Vice President Carl Greenidge has revealed.

The agreement was inked during a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on April 21, 2017, and involved a quartet of Foreign Ministers consisting past Chair from Ecuador; the current Chair from El Salvador; the outgoing Chair from The Dominican Republic; and the Chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) from Guyana.

Greenidge who was part of the team that visited the country said on Wednesday, the two entities will explore possibilities of cooperation in the field of energy, including joint exploration of mineral and geothermal resources as well as renewable energy.

The Minister noted that Turkey has been increasing its footprint as a donor state and has been investing in the Latin American and Caribbean region, while

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

lauding the support that Guyana would have received in the past in the areas of health and education.

According to him, it was agreed that the trade volume between Turkey and member states CELAC will be brought to a level that corresponds with their economic potential, and that both parties to conclude bilateral and multilateral agreements such as Agreements of Avoidance of Double Taxation and Trade Agreements.

Bearing in mind the need of encouraging international cooperation in matters

of the fight against terrorism, the two have also decided to promote the exchange of information, best practices and policies. The goal is to strengthen cyber-security measures in order to contain online radicalisation.

Greenidge said the importance of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in tackling the rising challenges of extremism was also raised during the meeting. It was therefore agreed too, that both parties will work closely to attain greater cross-cultural understanding that will create an atmosphere for mutual respect.

Another issue of importance discussed was climate change and the need for strengthening cooperation in environmental issues such as coordination and deforestation.

Greenidge noted that Turkey is an important and rising geo-economic influence in the world and serves as a socio-cultural, political and economic bridge between Europe and the Middle East and more generally, between East and West and the need for Guyana and the region to capitalise on the benefits.

lifespan.

The Public Infrastructure Minister was subsequently informed that he should identify and highlight key aspects of the proposal that requires immediate attention so that at the next ministerial conference, the report can be discuss in detail.

The feasibility study was conducted at the cost of some $146.3 million (US$706,091) and was done by LievenseCSO, a Netherlands company.

The contract for the study between the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) and the Dutch company was signed on December 9, 2016. It was completed and handed over to Minister Patterson back in March.

Arie Mol, Advisor to the CEO of LievenseCSO, during the handing over of the report, touched on a number of points including: river/marine traffic, river modelling, and economic and environmental considerations. The study looked at three different types of bridges includ-

ing – floating, fixed low level with a retractable span, and a fixed high level bridge.

He had also highlighted a number of possible locations on the East Bank for the new river crossing, including New Hope, Peter’s Hall, Eccles and Houston, with lengths ranging from approximately 580 metres to just under 2000 metres.

However, at a consultation held last month to discuss the findings of the Feasibility Study and Design for the new Demerara River Bridge, the Public Infrastructure Minister had disclosed that seven possible locations were identified to sit the new crossing. However, he noted that of those highlighted, the Houston-Versailles link was deemed most economically viable location since it seems to be the least problematic, taking into consideration the environmental impact, land acquisition, and the dislocation of persons.

Nevertheless, Patterson pointed out that at some point during the project, there will be some land acquisition regardless of which ever of the seven options is selected. “It’s unfortunate, but it is something that we have to do for the greater good,” the Minister had stated.

Moreover, the Public Infrastructure Minister had revealed that dozens of contractors, including companies from India, China, Europe and the United States, have

signalled interests in constructing the bridge.

Government is looking to construct the bridge using the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) module, as was done with the Berbice River Bridge.

The procurement process for this project will be done this year, while actual construction works will start in 2020 with the intention of having it completed by the end of the following year to provide a better mode of access to the East and West Banks of the Demerara River.

Presently, the 1.25 mile floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is a strategic link between the two sides.

It facilitates the daily movement of large numbers of vehicles, people, and cargo.

The structure was built in the 1970s but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years.

However, some 37 years after, it is still floating.

In 2013, the Bridge Corporation in collaboration with the then Public Works Ministry had carried out a pre-feasibility study. That study concluded that a ‘fixed high level’ bridge was the best option to pursue.

The study will consider the model, the tender documents and the sites proposed and it will also make the final pronouncement on whether or not the construction is something that the country can go forward with.

12 news

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 RDC concerned about drug shortages

T

he Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is deeply concerned about the shortage of drugs and medical supplies at hospitals, health centres and health posts throughout the region.

Due to the situation, patients have been expressing frustration at having to purchase medications that were previously available. This is creating many challenges for residents who are struggling to survive in a rapidly shrinking economy.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt indicated that based on reports received, in excess of 80 items comprising of tablets, injections and suspensions are unavailable at health facilities in Region Two. More precisely, frequently used medications such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and Captopril are not available.

Further, the RDC rejected the Public Health Ministry’s delay in accepting that there was a shortage of drugs and medical supplies within the public health system nationally.

The body expressed that had the Ministry meaningfully engaged the RDC of Region Two rather than to deny the drug shortage, this situation could have been addressed

Indian Arrival and Religious Pluralism II

A statutory meeting of the RDC of Region Two

earlier much to the satisfaction of the people.

At the last statutory meeting of the RDC, Councillors also condemned the lack of consultations with regional officials from the Public Health Ministry regarding investigations into missing drugs at the Suddie Public Hospital.

In this regard, the RDC reiterated its call for the Ministry to participate in meaningful consultations for the betterment of the region and the people.

The investigation had resulted in staff attached to the Suddie Public Hospital being required to give statements to Police.As such, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two reiterates its call for the Public Health Ministry to “meaningfully” engage the Regional Democratic Council of region in addressing the increasing challenges affecting health in the region.

Meanwhile, many hospitals across the country are plagued with drug shortages which are linked to the procurement system being employed by the Government.

During a recent tour at the chief public health institution, it was revealed that there were many drug shortages there.

Senior Pharmacist of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Jenelle Welch disclosed that there were a number of drug shortages affecting the operations of the Hospital, owing to patient overload and the untimely supply of the pharmaceuticals. In terms of injections, she said the pharmacy is out of Immunoglobulin, Midazolam, Fortum, and Insulin.

Regarding tablets, she said the pharmacy does not have Aspirin, Metoprolol (which is critical for the treatment of cardiac patients, chest pains and hypertension), and

Region 10 Chairman denies...

In such cases, he said, the Region 10 Education Department should have written to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) about the developments.

Because that was not done, he explained, relevant documents continue to reflect the presence of those teachers at particular schools when in fact they have since been transferred therefrom.

Therefore, he explained, it is not a case that those teachers do not exist, but they have simply been repositioned.

In a message to the Region 10 Education Department, Chairman Morian recommended: “While we want to assist the teachers to be trained -- because trained teachers are very valuable to the system -- let us throw it back to them. Say, ‘Look, you sent this teacher to Coomacka, but this teacher just got in to CPCE. So we would like this teacher to be trained, but you sent them there’.”

Morian said he was “offended” by the report. He noted that the Commission

Chairman should have returned and consulted with the Council on this issue. He said, “Mr Caesar was here, (he should have) come back and talked to the Chairman and Council; come back and sit down and talk to the Council properly.”

Morian has indicated that provision will be made in the 2018 budget for those teachers classified under the title “ghost teachers” to be brought closer to schools where they were assigned. This, he believes, will correct miscommunication while simultane-

Atorvastatin for cholesterol patients.

Pharmacy Manager (acting) Yvonne Bullen explained that the department usually makes requests for orders when the stock runs to a level of three months. Despite this system, the pharmacy is still affected by drug shortages.

Director of Finance, Ronald Charles also explained that the timespan needs to be expanded to nine months.

He noted too that another reason for the drug shortages is the inability of staff to determine an item is low in stock in a timely fashion.

In this regard, he said efforts are being made to switch to an electronic process of quantification.Also, during tours of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and Diamond Diagnostic Centre, drug shortages were among the major problems affecting those institutions.

from page 8

ously provide for teachers in the best possible way.

The Education CoI was launched in various Regions back in 2015, as a means of securing information on what is lacking in the sector, and to make recommendations for future improvement across the country. The preliminary report containing this information was handed over to Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine a week ago, while the final report is expected to be presented within the next few weeks.

I

ndian Guyanese commemorated “Indian Arrival Day” yesterday and we continue with our comment from last week on the disputation between Dr Henry Jeffrey’s call for “a radical religious inclusiveness” versus Swami Aksharananda’s call for “a radical separation between church and state”. My point of entry was Dr Jeffrey’s citation of the political philosopher John Rawls’ proposals to address the challenges of how to organise a stable state under conditions of modernity: characterised by groups hewing to “conflicting comprehensive doctrines”. What we know Ravi Dev in Guyana to be “plural societies”.

The question addressed by Rawls should interest us in Guyana, divided also so many fault lines. He asked: "[H] ow is it possible for there to exist over time a just and stable society of free and equal citizens who remain profoundly divided by reasonable religious, philosophical, and moral doctrines?" Rawls is suggesting if we don’t have an answer, we might as well “pack up shop”. Some have actually reached this conclusion.

Rawls answers are very nuanced and attention must be given to the specific meaning he gives to the words he carefully chooses in his proposals. For instance, his use of the word “justice” is deontological and privileges the rights of individuals over the “good” as opposed to consequentialism.

Obviously, this will have consequences in concrete application of his principles, or even in thought experiments.

The citation from Rawls Dr Jeffrey offered, concerned how necessary public discussion may be conducted in plural societies. “Reasonable comprehensive doctrines, religious or non-religious, may be introduced in public discussion at any time…provided that in due course proper political reasons… and not reasons given solely by comprehensive doctrines are presented that are sufficient to support whatever the comprehensive doctrines are said to support.”

The word "reasonable," to Rawls has the specific meaning of being willing to respect the equal dignity of all citizens.

What this means is only those aspects of an individual “comprehensive doctrine” that are not “reasonable” should be offered in public discussion with individuals holding to other comprehensive doctrines if the latter’s dignity is not respected. These can form an “overlapping consensus” on political issues.

In the event that precipitated the Guyanese colloquy, the Christian pastor with a particular (religious) comprehensive doctrine was not even speaking in a “public space” but a space reserved for the education of all citizens, with the constitution of Guyana forbidding persons be “required to receive religious instruction” there. While the Pastor would have argued - as Dr Jeffrey did - that the instruction might have been for the “good” of the children, the Guyana Constitution follows Rawls and privileges the rights of nonChristian children over the “good”, as expounded by the pastor. The assertion: “Hinduism is clearly a false religion… clearly a satanic religion, very wicked” isn’t exactly respecting the right to dignity of the Hindu children in the audience.

What Rawls said was the state - in schools and elsewhere - is only entitled to educate people in the values of citizenship - in our case, what, some years ago - following Rawls - I called the values of “Guyaneseness”.

In the quote cited, “proper political reasons” as used

by Rawls is not what Dr Jeffrey says he “takes this to mean whether or not we take a religious or non-religious position, it must be backed up by proper logical and/or empirical reasoning.” Firstly, Rawls says reasons have to concern the “political”: they must discuss the legitimacy of what Rawls calls “the basic structure of a society” - the fundamental political, social and economic institutions - that facilitate social cooperation. Rawls says this willingness to only offer “political reasons” flows from a ‘duty of civility’, which is the foundation of a well-ordered society.

It was for this reason Rawls had to jettison by 1993, even the comprehensive liberalism of “Justice as Fairness” (1971) which was tied to Kant’s values of autonomy and self-realisation as the ideals of human perfection. But Rawls insisted that the political principles that guaranteed liberty and fairness to all, should be acceptable to persons of all backgrounds and religions - once there is mutual respect.

However, he warned: “That there are doctrines that reject one or more democratic freedoms is itself a permanent fact of life, or seems so. This gives us the practical task of containing them—like war and disease—so that they do not overturn political justice.”

news

13

saturDAY, May 6, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits rob JSC recommendations CI mother, Appeal Court in hiatus as procrastination daughter continues – Nandlall

…4 in custody

M

oments after allegedly committing a daring robbery on a Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara mother and daughter, four suspected bandits were apprehended by the swift action of ‘D’ Division Police.

Three of the men were arrested in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the other was arrested at Crane, WCD. Based on reports received, four men pretending to be customers entered a grocery store operated

by Sheila Pooran and her daughter at Lot 458 Block X, Cornelia Ida, WCD at about 13:30h yesterday. They requested to purchase a phone card and an energy drink, but one of the men soon whipped out a firearm and

the scene.

Contacted, ‘D’ Division Commander Leslie James told Guyana Times that an off-duty Police rank who was in a taxi realised what was happening and traced the getaway car as it left the area, even as he contacted his counterparts.

The car, the commander noted, stopped at Hague, West Coast Demerara, where three of the men exited. The driver continued his journey towards the Demerara Harbour Bridge, but by then a road block had been erected at Crane, WCD and the getaway car was intercepted.

James explained that the driver was nursing a gunshot injury to one of his arms which Police later found out had been inflicted

held Pooran at gunpoint, demanding cash, jewellery and other valuables.

The woman was then taken into the upper flat of the house, where the men turned their attention on her daughter, Roshini Govindra, and continued their demands.

Instructing the women not to raise an alarm or else “blood will shed”, the men held the women at gunpoint as two of their numbers ransacked the bedrooms and found a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery. After collecting the jewellery, the men took the women into the shop, where they emptied a drawer of its cash contents.

Following the robbery, the four men entered a white Toyota Spacio and left

after the gun that was used in the robbery accidently went off. The driver was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where the warhead was removed and the wound treated before the suspect was placed in custody.

Meanwhile, based on the description given, the three other men were seen in a minibus at the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic at the time, and one of the men was seen disposing of a firearm in a nearby trench.

The men were arrested and the trench was searched.

A .32 pistol with several live rounds of ammunition was found. The men have been taken into custody as investigations continue.

T

he last sitting of the Court of Appeal was on February 27, 2017. On that occasion, Justices Carl Singh, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Brassington Reynolds upheld the decision of former Chief Justice Ian Chang that cross-dressing be allowed once not done for “improper purposes.”

Since then, Guyana’s Court of Appeal continues to languish as it does not have its full complement of Judges. And according to former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, the non-appointment of these Judges has created a situation where citizens have no recourse to appeal High Court decisions.

During a recent press conference, Nandlall stressed that the Appeals Court is a fundamental link in the judiciary. Expounding on what effect the situation has had, he called the impact on the justice system a devastating one.

“This non appointment of Judges continues to cause the Court of Appeal of our country to be in a state of hiatus. Never before, in the history of the establishment of that court, has there been no sitting for such a protracted period,” he said.

“The impact on the justice system is devastating.

No appeal coming from the high court can be heard by the Court of Appeal and no appeal can go on to the (Caribbean Court of Justice).

Because that is the conduit through which the appeals go.”

Among the people Nandlall explained would be affected were persons who were convicted of an indictable offence in the court or who had been denied bail in the High Court.

“No one can have their appeal heard and determined. No person who has been denied bail in the High Court and may wish to make an application for bail can do so.”

GWI commits to ensuring...

He said efforts are afoot to have, in the near future, equal access to potable water in all schools across the country, even as a number of integrated approaches will continue to be examined to ensure better tasting, safe drinking water. These include continuing the establishment of mini-laboratories that test the quality of water produced every hour.

He also underscored the importance of fairness and justice to the workforce and

the customers, which will be a principal part of the company’s operations.

Reflecting on the past 15 years of GWI’s existence and beyond, Board Member David Dewar noted, “The strength of the old GS&WC was in the ability of Shelter Belt crews, including the Repair Shop, to keep the company functioning in hard financial times; and the strength of Guyana Water Authority was in their in-house abili-

President David Granger

“So you have a fundamental link in the hierarchical structure of the Judiciary dormant and non-functioning. And that is a serious concern of us. We call on those responsible for the administration of justice to do that which is necessary quickly and rectify this unfortunate gap,” Nandlall said.

Back in February 2016, the JSC unanimously recommended that High Court Judges, Justices Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory, be appointed to the Court of Appeal and Attorneysat-Law Sandil Kissoon and Damone Younge be appointed Puisne Judges.

Last year, the Commission had recommended the appointment of two Judges to the Appeal Court and two lawyers as Puisne judges. The nominees for the Appeals court were Justices Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory, while the nominees for Puisne Judges were Attorneys-atLaw Sandil Kissoon and Damone Younge.

These appointments are yet to be effected, though there are reports that the process has been started by the Commission to compile a new list of candidates. In fact, President David Granger has admitted to withholding his approval based on information received and as such he said he sought further advice from the present Chancellor, Yonette

from page 10

ty to bore and service their own wells.”

GWI’s month of celebratory activities include school tours and exhibitions on May 9 at water treatment plants in the regions; an essay competition with the topic “Providing Equal Access to Quality Water for All in Guyana,” opened to children ages 9 to 14 years; and radio and television programmes. For staff, there will be dominoes, karaoke, football and

cricket competitions; cookout; a grand fun day, and an awards and prize giving ceremony.

Also present at the launch were Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrel.

GWI was established 15 years ago, following a merger of the Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA) and the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commissioners (GS&WC).

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Cummings-Edwards.

“I withheld approval because I sent the recommendations to the present Chancellor who has agreed to look at them and resubmit the list to me,” Granger had said when asked.

Article 128(1) of the Constitution provides that Judges, other than the Chancellor and Chief Justice, are appointed by the President “who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.”

Article 128(2) also provides that “the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and appoint a person to act in the office of Justice of Appeal or

Puisne Judge, as the case may be.”

There is leeway for the President, however, in Article 111 (1) which states that “In the exercise of his functions under this Constitution or any other law, the President shall act in accordance with his own deliberate judgement except in cases where, by this Constitution or by any other law, he is required to act in accordance with the advice or on the recommendation of any person or authority.”

Subsection two states that “Where by this Constitution the President is directed to exercise any function on the advice or recommendation of any person or authority, he may, in accordance with his own deliberate judgement, once refer any such advice or recommendation back for reconsideration by the person or authority concerned.”

It goes on to state that “if that person or authority, having reconsidered the original advice or recommendation, substitutes therefor a different advice or recommendation, as the case may be, the President shall act in accordance therewith; but save as aforesaid he shall act in accordance with the original advice or recommendation.”

14

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, may 6, 2017

Regional

Caribbean rolls out plans to Outrage after prosecutor blames a woman for her death reduce climate change hazards

C

T

housands of women in Mexico have reacted with outrage on social media after the Office of the Public Prosecutor tweeted that the lifestyle of a young woman was to blame for her murder.

In the blacklash women have been tweeting about how they would be accused of being responsible for their murders if the spotlight was turned on the way they lived their lives rather than the prosecutor putting the focus on the actions of the killer.

Lesby Berlin Osorio, 22, was strangled on Wednesday night with a telephone cord on the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) campus in Mexico City.

Rates of violence against women and femicide (the killing of women because of their gender) in Mexico are

Women protest against male violence in Mexico

high – between 2013 and 2014 seven women were killed every day in Mexico and 44.9 per cent of women reported that they had experienced violence in the home.

In the hours after Ms Osorio’s body was found, the Office of the Public Prosecutor – which will be investigating her murder – turned the attention on Ms

Osorio herself, targeting in particular her lifestyle and romantic affairs.

Tweets sent from the Public Prosecutor’s account pinned the blame on the young woman’s alleged drinking, low attendance record at university and her decision to live with her boyfriend – implying that Ms Osorio had questionable morals. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Young protester dies, taking Venezuela unrest death toll to 37

A

2 0 - y e a r - o l d Venezuelan protester died on Friday after being shot in the head, authorities said, taking fatalities from a month of anti-Government unrest to at least 37 as the Opposition geared up for more demonstrations.

Hecder Lugo was hurt during fighting between demonstrators and security forces in Valencia on Thursday that also injured four others, the local Opposition Mayor Enzo Scarano said in a series of tweets.

The State prosecutor’s of-

fice, which keeps an official count of deaths since protests began against socialist President Nicolás Maduro in early April, confirmed he died after being shot in a protest.

Another 717 people have been injured and 152 are still in jail from the hundreds rounded up in widespread unrest around the volatile South American OPEC nation of 30 million people, according to the office’s latest tally.

There has been violence and widespread looting this week in Valencia,

a once-bustling industrial hub two hours from the capital by road. Venezuela’s Opposition, which now enjoys majority support after being in the shadow of the ruling Socialist party since Hugo Chávez’s 1998 election win, says his successor Maduro has become a dictator and wrecked the economy.Vowing to stay in the streets for as long as necessary, Opposition leaders announced nationwide women’s marches for Saturday with the biggest planned for the capital Caracas. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Caribbean business titan passes away

M

ore than five decades ago when Dr Anthony Norman Sabga became Trinidad and Tobago’s first entrepreneur to launch a local man-

Sabga had a long and distinguished career at home and in the wider Caribbean.

According to information provided by the ANSA McAL Group, the Syrian-

Dr Anthony Norman Sabga

ufacturing enterprise called ANSA Industries in 1966, he meant business.

Fast-forward to 2017 and he can be deservingly called the Titan of Port of Spain.

At the age of 94, the renowned businessman and philanthropist passed away yesterday.

born Sabga migrated to the twin-island republic in 1930 and stepped in the world of business with his father NS Sabga and Sons.

After he successfully built ANSA Industries, which made refrigerators, televisions and other household items from scratch, he

pursued interests in the garment industry and real estate development, creating the well-known Regents Park.

The ambitious, relentless businessman then went on to acquire the troubled McEnearney Alstons Group in 1986 and transformed the 28-company group into a regional wide conglomerate.

“He tripled the number of companies to over 70 in 2017, commanding pro­ fits that grew fortyfold over that period, and providing a share value that grew by 15,000 per cent,” ANSA said in its statement.

In a statement, Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley said: “Anthony is an example to all of us, of the heights that can be achieved through determination, foresight and an unwavering pursuit of excellence”.

In the eyes of Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar, Sabga was the quintessential Caribbean man who will remain an inspiration for generations to come. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

limate change remains inextricably linked to the challenges of disaster risk reduction (DRR). And according to the head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Robert Glasser, the reduction of greenhouse gases is “the single most urgent global disaster risk treatment”.Glasser was addressing the Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Americas. Held recently in Montreal, the gathering included more than 1000 delegates from 50 countries, including the Caribbean.“We recognise that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is arguably the single most urgent global disaster risk treatment, because without those efforts our other efforts to reduce many hazards and the risks those pose to communities would be overwhelmed over the longer term,” Glasser said.

The conference, host-

ed by the Canadian government in cooperation with UNISDR marked the first opportunity for gov-

Framework is the first major agreement of the post2015 development agenda, with seven targets and four

Dr Mark Bynoe, senior environment and resource economist with the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

ernments and stakeholders of the Americas to discuss and agree on a Regional Action Plan to support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for DRR 2015-2030.The Sendai

priorities for action.

It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly following the 2015 Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR). (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Brazil Indigenous agency head sacked ‘for being honest’

T

he head of Brazil’s Indigenous rights agency, Funai, has been sacked, days after a brutal attack in which at least 10 Indigenous people were hurt.

The official, Antonio Costa, complained that Funai was left powerless after its budget was cut by more than 40 per cent.

He said he had been dismissed “for being honest” and for defending the rights of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples.

The assault in the northern state of Maranhao was carried out by farmers and land-

owners, the authorities said.

“I refused to employ [for jobs at Funai] 20 people who were recommended by the Government’s leader in Congress, Andre Moura, but who’ve never seen an Indigenous person in their lives,” Costa wrote on WhatsApp. He later told journalists that he “would never employ people at the agency who have no commitment to Indigenous causes”. The Government rejected Costa’s comments.

“Considering the high priority the Government gives

to Indigenous matters, the agency requires a more agile and efficient management, which we didn’t have,” read a statement issued by Justice Minister Oscar Serraglio.

The crisis comes as human rights organisations warn of an alarming rise in assaults on Indigenous groups in Brazil.They say Government cuts in the budgets of environmental enforcement agencies will worsen the situation. Last week, members of Indigenous groups clashed with riot Police in the capital, Brasilia. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaican among 4 dead in Cayman crash

Police Commissioner Derek Byrne and a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Officer talk at the scene of the fatal car crash Tuesday night in the Cayman Islands

A

22-year-old Jamaican man and three visitors from the United Kingdom died Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash in Grand Cayman, according to a report from Cayman 27 News online. Two others, Cayman 27 reported, remained in the hospital following the horrific crash in East End, considered the worst in Cayman’s recent history.

The two survivors are a 26-year-old Jamaican man and an 11-year-old boy. The

man remains unconscious in serious but stable condition at the Cayman Islands Hospital. The boy is conscious and in stable condition.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service reported that around 19:17h on Tuesday a squad car was travelling East on a stretch of Austin Conolly Drive and passed a black Honda Accord travelling in the opposite direction. Police say the squad car radar registered that the

car was speeding faster than the posted 30-mile-per-hour limit in that area, but Chief Inspector Frank Owens declined to specify how fast the car was going.

Owens said it was a matter of “minutes” between the officer activating the squad lights and discovering the crash. Three people in the silver Kia – a 72-year-old man, his 74-year-old wife and a 69-year-old relative – all died in the crash. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

saturDAY, may 6, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Saudi Arabia, US in talks on billions in arms sales – US sources W

ashington is working to push through contracts for tens of billions of dollars in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, some new, others in the pipeline, ahead of US President Donald Trump’s trip to the kingdom this month, people familiar with the talks told Reuters this week.

Saudi Arabia is Trump’s first stop on his maiden international trip, a sign of his intent to reinforce ties with a top regional ally. The United States has been the main supplier for most Saudi military needs, from F-15 fighter jets to command and control systems worth tens of billions of dollars in recent years. Trump has vowed to

stimulate the US economy by boosting manufacturing jobs.

Washington and Riyadh are eager to improve relations strained under President Barack Obama in part because of his championing of a nuclear deal with Saudi foe Iran.

Lockheed Martin Co programmes in the package include a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system with several batteries, the sources said. The THAAD system, like the one being made operational in South Korea, costs about US$1 billion. Also being negotiated is a C2BMC software system for battle command and control and communications as well as

A

ing a Somali national Army operation in Barii, about 40 miles west of Mogadishu. It

US President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defence Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, March 14, 2017

a package of satellite capabilities, both provided by Lockheed.

Combat vehicles made

by BAE Systems PLC, including the Bradley

the three casualties.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymi-

Al-Shabaab fighters in Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab said US troops had attacked on of its bases, and ‘after fighting, the US forces ran away’

did not give further details on the identities of any of

‘Made in China’ C919 passenger jet takes maiden flight

The C919 can seat up to 168 passengers and has a range of up to 5555 kilometres

Fighting Vehicle and M109 artillery vehicle, are also under consideration as part of the Saudi package, people familiar with the talks said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Navy Seal killed in clash with al-Shabaab militants in Somalia

US Navy Seal has been killed and two troops wounded in a clash with al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, US officials said on Friday, in what appeared to be the first US combat death in the country since the 1993 “Black Hawk Down” disaster.

The White House has granted the US military broader authority to carry out strikes in Somalia against al-Qaida-linked alShabaab, the latest sign Donald Trump is increasing US military engagement in the region.

US Africa Command said a service member was killed by small arms fire on Thursday while US forces were advising and assist-

15

ty, said the man killed was a navy Seal. It was not im-

mediately clear whether the wounded US forces were also from the elite military unit.

The US troops were hunting an al-Shabaab commander near the Shabelle river alongside Somali special forces, a Mogadishubased security source told Reuters. There were no Somali casualties.

The raid took place at Darusalam village, where Abdirahman Mohamed Warsame, known as Mahad Karate, was believed to be hiding, said another security source. Warsame is the deputy leader of al-Shabaab and US authorities have offered US$5 million for information that brings him to justice. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

T

he first large Chinesemade passenger jet has taken off on its maiden flight, a key milestone for a country seeking a place in the global aviation market.

The C919 single-aisle jet, which can hold up to 168 passengers, soured over Pudong international airport in the commercial hub Shanghai as a crowd of thousands cheered.

China is one of the biggest aviation markets, but relies on foreign-made aircraft and has long sought to enter the lucrative global jet market, which is estimated to be worth US$2 trillion over the next 20 years. The maiden test flight had been pushed back at least twice since 2014 due to production issues. Friday’s flight included a skeleton crew of five people and carried no passengers. Aviation analyst Tom

Ballantyne told Al Jazeera that Friday’s flight represented a “huge moment” for China.“It is important for the Chinese government to show that its industrial processes are on par with the West or are heading in that direction,” he said.While the 39-metre long plane is made in China, foreign firms are playing key roles by supplying systems as well as engines.

The Chinese plane is touted to rival to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, but a spokesman for the aircraft’s maker said it cannot compare.

Ballantyne said it will be years before the C919 will be able to fully compete with Western-made planes. “This Chinese aircraft will have to prove itself in operation before any Western airline will even consider purchasing it,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India launches ‘invaluable’ South Asia satellite

Russia signs agreement to supply oil to Cuba

R

ussia’s State oil company Rosneft, has signed an agreement with Cuba’s Staterun Cubametals to supply 250,000 tonnes of olive and diesel fuel. The agreement, signed on Wednesday, means that for the first time this century, Russia will

be supplying the Spanishspeaking Caribbean island with large quantities of oil as supplies from Venezuela have dwindled.

According to Reuters, a Russian tanker with 249,000 barrels of refined products is due to arrive in Cuba on May 10. Reuters quotes

Jorge Pinon, an oil expert at the University of Texas as saying that Cuba consumes 22,000 barrel per day of diesel and 140,000 barrels per day of oil products.

“It is very clear that Cuba is diversifying its longterm supply contracts in the event that its October 2000

subsidised oil agreement with Venezuela is terminated,” Pinon said.In recent years, Cuba has relied on cash-strapped Venezuela for about 70 per cent of its fuel needs. However Venezuela’s subsidised shipments have fallen by as much as 40 per cent since 2014. (Jamaica Observer)

Indonesia: Manhunt under way after mass jailbreak

A

manhunt is under way in Indonesia’s Sumatria Island after scores of prisoners escaped from an overcrowded jail. Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed near Sialang Bungkuk Prison in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau province, and were blockading roads to the capital and other provinces, according to Wayan Dusak, a justice and human rights ministry official.

Officials said the escape occurred when prisoners tore down a gate near a mosque in the prison complex, overwhelming the six guards on duty after being allowed out of their cells to take part in Friday prayers.

Local police spokesman Colonel Guntur Aryo Tejo estimated the number of prisoners who escaped at 200 to 250, of whom 130 had been recaptured.

Some surrendered while

others were captured by police or residents, Tejo said.

He added that some were reportedly beaten by residents who found them trying to steal their motorbikes.

MetroTV showed dozens of men running from the prison and some being captured by Police. The prison, which has a capacity of 361, is holding more than 1870 people, Tejo said.

“It seemed that many of the inmates alleged that

there was discrimination in treatment of those accused of general crimes compared to special ones,” Tejo said, referring to officials and others accused of corruption who allegedly received better treatment.

Inmates had complained about their treatment in the jail and accused some guards of being violent, said Ferdinand Siagian, head of the regional office of the law ministry. (Excerpt from MSN)

Indian space agency’s trusted GSLV rocket carried the satellite into space

I

ndia has successfully launched a new communications satellite for South Asia from Sriharikota space centre. The satellite, funded entirely by India, is aimed at helping regional countries boost their telecommunication and broadcasting services.

Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan will benefit from this satellite. But Pakistan has opted out from the initiative.

Analysts have called the launch Indian PM Narendra Modi’s “space diplomacy”.

In a tweet, Modi congratulated the scientists on the launch, saying he was “very proud of them”.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) took three years to build the satellite, which

was launched by its reliable Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which India’s neighbours can use to improve their communications services. Each country will get access to at least one transponder, but they will have to develop their own ground infrastructure.

The satellite is also capable of providing crucial communication links between the nations in times of natural disasters. Modi has called this satellite an “invaluable gift” to India’s neighbours.

This “gift” from India has no parallels in the space-faring world. All other current regional consortia are commercial for-profit enterprises.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

No apologies

AG fails to explain conduct to Judiciary

President accredits new French Ambassador

… despite being called upon to do so by the Chancellor

T

he Judiciary has publicly addressed the issue of Justice Franklin Holder’s complaints, revealing on Thursday that despite calling on Attorney General Basil Williams to officially explain his conduct, he is yet to respond.

According to a statement from the Office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, a copy of Justice Holder’s letter of complaint was sent to Attorney General Williams for him to give a response and explanation. To date, the Attorney General who has been visibly engaged in ceremonial occasions since the incident, has not responded.

“Since Mr Williams holds the executive positions of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, a copy of Justice Holder’s letter was sent to the Head of State purely as a matter of information and courtesy.

No complaint was made to His Excellency,” the statement said.

It did, however, announce that the date for continuation of the trial of former Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Carvil Duncan, which will be on May 8. It is this very trial which started it all, however.

The matter arose while Justice Holder was hearing the legal challenge filed

by Duncan against the attempt to remove him from the Chairmanship of the Public Service Commission on March 23. Reports arose from former Attorney

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Attorney General Basil Williams

General Anil Nandlall, who was present and Williams, about the circumstances under which Holder walked off the bench.

The day after the incident, Justice Holder formally complained to the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary that he had abruptly walked out of the courtroom because of statements made by the Attorney General. He quoted the AG as saying, “I could say what I want to say and however I want to say it. I have always been like that.”

The High Court Judge said in his complaint that he felt disrespected by the Attorney General’s behaviour and has called for an apology in open court.

However, Williams is holding out that he is not to be blamed for causing the High Court Judge to walk out of the courtroom. He has also insisted that his comment was not a threat.

President Granger had told reporters that he asked Williams to formally give a detailed explanation of what transpired. Granger is in receipt of Williams’ response.

Day’s after two media houses published Nandlall’s side of what transpired in the courtroom, Williams’ threatened lawsuits against the media houses.

To date, Williams has not apologised to the Judge as stipulated, though he has suggested that Justice Holder should recuse himself.

Court’s respect in danger

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, during a press conference on Thursday, warned about the consequences of the court losing its respect through the non-application of consequences.

“It is about the administration of justice. When the

Justice Franklin Holder

administration of justice and the majesty of its institutions can be treated in such (a) manner, and there is no sanction, then those institutions will lose their majesty and awe in the eyes of those who go there for justice,” he said.

“When the judicial system of a country fails to attract that kind of reaction from society over which it dispenses justice, it will lose the respect which the ordinary man holds for it. And when that happens, then we move into anarchy,” Nandlall expounded.

Nandlall urged that personalities be taken out of the analysis and that the effects on the integrity of the offices be examined. He said that hitherto, the respect of the court was such that when a Judge issued an order against someone, they would fear sanctions from non-compliance.

‘Help Guyana to achieve its goal of becoming a ‘green’ state’ – First Lady

F

A section of the gathering at the conference

irst Lady Sandra Granger on Friday urged women to recognise the importance of their role in the growth and sustainable development of their families, communities and country, even as Guyana continues along the path towards becoming a ‘green’

state.

The First Lady made these remarks while attending the Regional Women’s Conference of the National Congress of Women (NCW), held at the Good Hope Transformation Centre in Pomeroon/Supenaam (Region Two).

The First Lady noted that it is important for women to play a greater role in the decision-making process. “We must proudly take our places in our families, our neighbourhoods, our villages, and at the regional and national levels; so that our voices are heard, our needs are

recognised and met, and we help to change the environment and the circumstances in which we and our families live… Help Guyana to achieve its goal of becoming a ‘green’ state resting on four pillars: energy, environmental security, ecological services, enterprise and employment,” the First Lady said.

Mrs Granger said women comprise more than half of the country’s population, and should tap into opportunities to advance their education, improve their skills, and raise their standard of living.

“Learn from the skills and experience of your sisters and those who truly have your interests at heart… We have the power of numbers. What we say must be recognised as something important in our neighbourhood, our regions and our nation,” she said.

Friday’s conference featured discussions regarding Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda and steps that can be taken by the NCW to contribute to this thrust.

Ambassador Antoine Joly and President David Granger at State House

P

resident David Granger said Guyana is ready to bolster its already strong relationship with the French Republic through investment opportunities in areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, sanitation, transportation and water and cooperation on matters relating to climate change and environmental protection.

The Head of State made these remarks on Thursday when he accepted Letters of Credence from His Excellency Antoine Joly, accrediting him as the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana.

Speaking on Guyana’s commitment to a low-carbon, low-emission development trajectory, President Granger lauded France’s role in achieving the historic global agreement on climate change, also known as the Paris Agreement.

“We are pleased to have signed and ratified the Paris Agreement. We are committed to working closer with France in preserving and protecting the Guiana Shield of which both Guyana and La Guyane are constituents. We shall place an additional two million hectares of our territory under conservation as part of our nationally-determined commitments under that ‘Agreement’,” the President said.

Speaking of the country’s ‘green’ state agenda, he noted that it will place emphasis on environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Over the years, Guyana and France has shared strong relationship, which the President said is founded on the tenets of mutual

respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security.

The Head of State also spoke of the many benefits Guyana has derived from its relationship with the French Republic. This ranged from debt relief and disaster relief in the aftermath of the 2005 floods, technical training for the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Joly, who will be residing in neighbouring Suriname, in his remarks said that the Government of France wishes to deepen its relations with Guyana and to move forward together to implement measures in the areas of security, judicial cooperation and environmental protection.

“France would also be happy to accompany in its efforts of building links with the European Union, particularly in the framework of the economic partnerships between the EU and Caricom [Caribbean Community]… I am convinced that we can build more fruitful relations based on cooperation between our two countries,” he stated.

Ambassador Joly is the holder of a Master’s degree in law, a diploma from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris, and a post-graduate diploma in Social and Cultural Anthropology.

Among the many positions he has held over the course of his career are Member of the French Parliament from 1993-1997 and Ambassador of France to Nicaragua from 2011 to 2015.

Guyana and France established formal diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967.

news

17

saturDAY, may 6, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Arrival Day 2017

President calls for unity among ethnic groups A

s Guyana observed Arrival Day on Friday, May 5th, President David Granger appealed to all ethnic groups to come together and mend their differences if there is to be social cohesion in Guyana.

Addressing hundreds gathered at Plantation Highbury, East Bank Berbice, where 179 years ago the first group of East Indians landed on May 5, the President said that, as Guyanese, we all should not hesitate to pay homage to each group that arrived.

He said it is only by giving recognition and by paying respect in this way that differences would not be obscured and ignorance would be eradicated.

Noting that the day is re-

1, and Indigenous Heritage Month will be observed for all of September. We will continue to work towards strengthening society by strengthening the strands of our social tapestry,” he promised.

He said Highbury is a reminder of the value we all place on being together and being able to preserve our identity; and Arrival commemorates the transformation of this country by the people who came and mingled with the Amerindians.

“Indian Arrival Day is significant this year, because its observance coincides with the centenary of the end of Indian indentured immigration. Indians were brought here to work as indentured immigrants on the sugar plantations.

Persons dressed in traditional Indian wear to reenact the arrival of indentured labourers in Guyana

ferred to as Arrival Day, the President said it is a double celebration, since it is also Indian Arrival Day. “Indian Arrival Day, therefore, is observed rightly on 5th May. Portuguese Arrival Day, similarly, was celebrated on 3rd May, two days ago. Chinese Arrival Day was celebrated on 12th January of this year.

African Emancipation Day will be observed on August

Almost 240,000 Indians came to our country between 1838 and 1917, the year in which indentured immigration was abolished.

More than seventy percent stayed to make this country their home,” the President detailed.

He said Guyana’s biodiversity is the legacy of our ancestors and the patrimony of all Guyanese.

Acting Indian High

Commissioner to Guyana, Tashia Bhutia, brought greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India. “As I stand here, my thoughts go back to the 233 men, two women and six children who disembarked from the Whitby at these very shores on 5th May 1838, after their 112 days’ long voyage from Calcutta.

(They came) to start life as indentured labourers under conditions no better than slavery. The Hesperus arrived shortly after, on the night of 5th May 1838, with another batch of indentured labourers...”

Bhutia said that 75,547 Indians decided to return to India after completing their indentureship. Those Indians who decided to make Guyana their home, they and their offsprings have played an important part in the economic and political development of this country.

On May 5, 1838, MV Whitby docked at Plantation Highbury along the Berbice River, and more that 200 native East Indians set foot on the shores of Guyana for the first time. They had come to work on the sugar plantation.

A total of 239,990 East Indians came under the indenture system. Most of them returned after their period of indentureship had ended.

This system, which came into being in 1838, continued for more than three-quarters of a century.

Its essential features were very reminiscent of slavery.

Within a decade of the indenture system coming into being, Indian immigration was largely responsible for changing the fortunes of the sugar industry, the main-

President David Granger delivering the feature address at the event at Plantation Highbury

stay of the economy.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan noted that, over the years, East Indians have made significant contributions to the sugar industry. He said any closure of the sugar industry would bring to bear a severe negative impact on the economy.

Pushpanjali 17 Despite the recent transition of Arrival Day to celebrate the coming and contributions of each of the six ethnic groups in Guyana, the tradition of commemorating the arrival of the Indians on May 5 continued this year with the annual Pushpanjali programme.

The Indian Commemoration Trust on Friday hosted the 17th year of the cultural showcase in honour of the 197th anniversary of the arrival of the first East Indians to the shores of the then British Guiana. The event, hosted at the Indian Monument Garden in Georgetown, featured a series of traditional musical performances and dances highlighting the rich culture of Indo-Guyanese society.

A number of spirited performers took to the stage to showcase the traditions passed on by their ances-

tors, the Indians who came as indentured immigrants over a century ago.

Also on display at the commemorative affair was a wide array of food and fashion, which evidently portrayed the evolution of the Indian heritage, given that it has been fused with those of the other ethnicities to create a unique creole flavour, but at the same time still maintains its historical origin which is rooted in India.

Scores of Guyanese, representing all ethnic diversities of the Guyanese society, attended the staging of Pushpanjali 2017. President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger, as well as Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, besides other members of Parliament and the diplomatic corps, were present and benefited from the rich cultural entertainment staged at the event.

Speaking at the event was the Chief Executive Office of the National Trust of Guyana, Nirvana Persaud, who briefly recollected the arrival, presence and contributions of the Indian forefathers who were brought as labourers in the

plantation system. Persaud highlighted, “They have, no doubt, made significant contributions towards the development of this country in all spheres and sectors of society, including politics and governance; education and culture; engineering, architecture, industry and commerce; religion, law, agriculture, health, among others, despite all their challenges.” In acknowledging the arrival and presence of the various other ethnicities within the diverse Guyanese society, the CEO went on to say, “We must be cognizant, however, that there is much more to do to ensure that we are respectful to each other; to ensure that we truly can embrace diverse cultures, as we now continue building on what we have inherited from our past generations to improve our future.”

Persaud urged those in attendance to strive for harmony and inclusiveness as she posited, “We have to work in unity, regardless of each other’s lineage and affiliations, status and personality. Let us therefore pool our ideas and resources together and work towards common goals in resolving some of the ills affecting our nation and people.” Pushpanjali 2017 is an accurate depiction of the contributions of Indian ancestors in the founding and development of the multicultural Guyanese Society.

Furthermore, the event allowed those present to be connected with their ancestral heritage while affording others a learning opportunity about the arrival, presence and influences of the East Indian Immigrants who came to Guyana 179 years ago.

Sterling Products to open 2 more Igloo outlets in 2017 D

espite facing challenges in 2016, Sterling Products Limited (SPL) is set to open two additional Igloo Ice Cream outlets this year, as the company remains optimistic that economic conditions in Guyana will improve.

One of the two outlets will be located on the East Coast of Demerara while the other will be opened on the Corentyne Coast, East Berbice.

According to Chief Executive Officer Ramsay Ali, it is expected that a total of 20 new jobs will be created with the opening of them new outlets.

In December, SPL opened its new Igloo Ice Cream Parlour and Play Park at Providence, East Bank Demerara, which has been well received by the public. “We’re very proud of the Igloo Ice Cream Parlour we’ve built. Since opening in December to now, sales have

actually doubled, if you look at year-on-year,” Ali said.

The company invested significant sums in its infrastructure in 2016, as well as over the last 10 years, and the development of new products, such as the zero-cholesterol Abbey Butter Spread. Work is also ongoing on the development of new products. “We’ve up our ante in the export markets as it relates to all of our products and we continue to invest heavily in our quality,” the CEO stated.

SPL held its Annual General Meeting on April 21 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, where shareholders were apprised of the company’s performance in 2016 and plans for the New Year.

In his report, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr Leslie Chin, in highlighting some of the challenges the company faced in 2016, said, “Upon careful analysis of the company’s performance,

The Igloo Ice Cream Parlour and Fun Park that opened in December at Providence, East Bank Demerara

we fully recognise that year 2016 was a challenging year for manufacturers as well as the wider business community. We have seen reduction of 14 per cent of manufacturing within the economy as at half year 2016; the offi-

cial year end 2016 economic performance is expected in a downward trend. ” Dr Chin said the company recorded third party revenue of G$3.076 billion in 2016, a decrease of G$3.0 million compared to 2015

revenues.

Nevertheless, “The economic activity as it relates to our business, and in general, resulted in stable year on year results,” he said.

The company is proud of its prudent financial man-

agement which has seen it performed fairly well, despite a slowdown in the economy. Finance Controller/ Company Secretary, Deodat Indar, said both profits and revenue were relatively stable over 2015 figures. One of the things SPL is paying close attention to, in terms of the expense side of the business, he said, is continuing to adopt a handson management approach.

“If the country is in a slowdown, you have to manage as such too. There is also the view that there are opportunities coming up in this country everywhere and the company has to see where it is strategically fit for us to be in.”

Looking forward, SPL’s CEO said optimism is high that the economy will improve. “The economy is going to get better. Oil and gas is looming… those revenues will come. We are eagerly looking to see how it will be dispensed.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 6, 2017

ARCHIE

You’ll gain much if you take control of a situation and (March 21- make clear what you want.

April 19) Intelligent talks will bring the results you desire without jeopardizing any relationships.

ARIES

Don’t settle for less when TAURUS you can have so much more.

(April 20- Put some muscle and attiMay 20) tude behind your plans and do whatever it takes to get what you want.

dilbert

Don’t let someone else GEMINI limit what you can do. Make (May 21personal changes that will June 20) encourage you to live life instead of merely enduring it.

Take responsibility for your happiness.

Don’t let problems at work spill over into your person(June 21- al life. Fewer complaints and July 22) more time spent doing something with a loved one will calm your nerves and improve your state of mind.

CANCER

Peanuts

Added responsibilities may LEO limit you, but if you look at the (July 23- bright side and make the most Aug. 22) of what you have to work with, you’ll do just fine and come out a winner.

Calvin and Hobbes

Think big, but don’t go VIRGO over your budget. You’ll have (Aug. 23Sept. 22) some great ideas that can be put into play with intelligence and hard work. Let experience guide you.

Make an effort to look your LIBRA best for a social event or for (Sept. 23that special person in your Oct. 23) life. The compliments you receive will boost your ego.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Personal improvements SCORPIO are in the offing. Hit the spa (Oct. 24or shop for something that Nov. 22) will enhance your appearance.

Make plans to do something romantic with a loved one.

Spruce up your living quarSAGITTARIUS ters. Host a party or plan a ro(Nov. 23- mantic evening for two. You’ll Dec. 21) be spot-on when it comes to knowing what makes others feel good.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Go over papers that conCAPRICORN cern your taxes, contracts (Dec. 22- or financial investments.

Jan. 19) Research done now can help you avoid bigger problems later. Find alternative ways to lower your overhead.

Someone will try to burAQUARIUS den you with responsibili(Jan. 20ties that don’t belong to you.

Feb. 19) Have your excuses ready and the strength to say no. Offer suggestions, not your time or cash.

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

Someone will dump rePISCES sponsibilities in your lap.

(Feb. 20Don’t give in to pressure.

March 20) Make up an excuse if you must, but don’t give up your needed relaxation time.

saturDAY, May 6, 2017

19

Speed key to fuelling Green Machine’s success in Barbados T

he National Rugby team , Green Machine held a serious of trial matches on Friday at the National Park ahead of their Rugby America’s North (RAN)15’s away game versus Barbados on May 13 at the Garrison Field.

The results showed that the players will need to improve on their speed and fitness if they wish to continue their Caribbean dominance and progress to the 15’s World Cup next year .

“We had a pretty good session today [Friday], we are a little slow in reaction and we are not 100 %in the fitness department but we are working on those areas’, Coach Kenneth Grant-Stewart explained.

The men’s 15’s trials consisted of numerous matches with chang-

The soggy conditions did not stop the ruggers from getting much needed practice

es made by the technical team after every game to test players in different positions and in different schemes.

According to Grant-Stewart, the national trials showcased the best local talent available at the moment and also provided the

technical bench with an opportunity to have a good look at the players pre-game form and conditioning.

The national outfit is scheduled to hold more simulations games before departing on Friday for Barbados.

The players shortlisted are: Ryan Gonsalves, Claudius Butts, Avery Corbin, Scott Garraway, Rondell McArthur, Delroy Gordon, Akeem Fraser, Patrick King, Michael Barrow, Osei McKenzie, Ronald Mayers, Andrew Jarvis, Dwayne Schroeder, Daniel De Abreu, Daniel Anderson, Blaise Bailey, Allain Crawford, Clyde Prowell, Shaquille Horatio, Reign Dey, Peabo Hamilton, Carl Lewis, Colin Martin, Akino James, Godfrey Broomes, Filon Thompson, Kevon David, Joseph Rahaman,

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Zone…

T

Tonight’s final showdown poised to be epic

he Linden Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Championship will conclude this evening at the McKenzie Market Tarmac and a new champion is expected to be crowned since defending championships Team 25 will be a mere spectators to the thrilling finale expected between Dave and Celina All-stars and Swag Entertainment; in third place play-off Team 25 will play Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets.

In the semi-finals held

Phibian Joseph, Elwin Chase, Gregory Wills, Sean Phillips, Jacques Archibald, Ahmad Isaacs, Kesta Mars, Cyon Kitt, Leon Greaves, Kevin Joseph,Troynton Braithwaite, Jamal Angus, Tobey David, Richard Staglon,Terrence Daniels, Trevin Selman, Jose Felician, O’Neil Charles, Elisha Harrison, Keifer Lopes, Rawle Cole, Wayne Hutson, Jomal Mona, Rickford Cummings, Osafo Selman, Jamal Dick, Malcolm Rhodius, Robert Skeete, Elon Fordyce, Lloyd Anderson, Kevin Wills, Telroy McAlmont, Joshua Griffith, Jason Tyrell, Grantley Williams, Jermaine Cozier, Troy Arjoon, Quacy Kendall, Jevon Eastman, Kevin McKenzie, Vallon Adams, David Lindie, Dane Parks, Carl Roach and Jason De Marques.

GAPF Masters championship shifted to Gymnasium

In the other match, Swag Entertainment thumped Silver City Bullets 4-1 on the back of a hat-trick from Colwyn Drakes who scored in the 4th, 25th and 32nd while Shane Luckie netted in the 9th; Jermaine Samuels added the consolation in the 19th. The winning team will take away $400,000 and the championship trophy along with the opportunity to play in the National Playoffs.

Fans can be assured of even more trilling action this evening ‘Big’ John Edwards will look to showcase his usual strength Second, third and on Thursday evening at the erful 2-0 victory orchestrated fourth placed finishers rehe Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Silver City tarmac, All-stars by goals from Keon Seth and ceive $150,000, $75,000 and Intermediate and Masters championships which stun the champs with a pow- Kennard Simon (39th). were scheduled to be staged at the Banks DIH Sports $50,000 respectively.

Club on Sunday has now been switched to the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue due to unforeseen circumstances.

According to Public Relations Officer / Organising Secretary of GAPF, Osmond Mack, the weigh-in for athletes will start from 07:00hrs and last until 08:30hrs on competition day for female participants and the lighter weight classes.

Mack has expressed gratitude to Fitness Express, a sports supplements and exercise equipment supplier, for once again showing its support for powerlifting development having come on board as the marquee sponsor of the championships. rendon McCullum will miss the last three matches of Gujarat Lions' IPL At a simple handing over of the sponsorship cheque to the 2017 season after suffering a left hamstring strain in the match against Delhi federation, Jamie McDonald, Owner of Fitness Express said Daredevils on Thursday. Lions were knocked out of contention for playoffs afhe was more than pleased to be partnering with eth federater their seven-wicket defeat to Daredevils. tion for another year.

McCullum's injury reduces Lions' pool of fit overseas players to four: Dwayne Internationally renowned athletes in the form of Winston Smith, Aaron Finch, James Faulkner and UAE's Chirag Suri. Injuries had earlier ‘Little Master’ Stoby and ‘Big’ John Edwards as well as ruled out allrounder Dwayne Bravo and fast bowler Andrew Tye, while Jason Roy Farouk Abdool are expected to be flexing their power mushas returned to England on international duty. cles as they aim to set new standards.

In a tweet, McCullum stated that the "compressed tournament and long travel" Athletes who would have competed at the Novice chamhad taken a toll. pionships are welcomed to participate at the Intermediates With 319 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 147, McCullum is currently the and can also compete as both Masters and Open athletes second-highest run-getter for Lions this season, following up on the 354 runs he hit or Juniors/Sub-Juniors and Open, based on their respective last season. ages.

The side, however, has struggled to match its performance from 2016 when they Athletes are being reminded that the current IPF Rules had reached the playoff stage. So far this season, they have three wins in 11 matches. regarding athletes’ attire will be in full effect including the Lions are scheduled to play one away match - against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali Singlet 4 Belt and Round Neck T-Shirt (Plain).

[May 7] - followed by two home matches against Daredevils [May 10] and Sunrisers Lifters are also being urged to see 2016 IPF Rules for furHyderabad [May 13] in Kanpur. (Ciricinfo) ther details on requirements for both Equipped and Classic Lifting.

T

Injured McCullum out for remainder of IPL B

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, may 6, 2017

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab, IPL…

I

t was a n othe r poor b a t ting disp l a y from Royal Challengers Bangalore as Kings XI Punjab boosted their IPL play-off hopes with a 19-run win.

Sandeep Sharma's terrific opening spell inspired Kings XI Punjab to a 19-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, whose batting woes continued on Friday.

The seamer took 3-22 and became the first man in IPL history to dismiss Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in one match as Kings XI gave their play-off hopes a boost by successfully defending 138-7.

In their last five matches, RCB had posted scores including 49 all out, 134 all out and 96-9 but even with confidence low and a slow pitch making life difficult, the visitors' first-innings total appeared eminently gettable.

That proved not to be the case, however, as a star-studded top order featuring the aforementioned trio were blown away by Sandeep, who bowled his

RCB collapse to another defeat

four overs through at the start before RCB crumbled to 119 all out.

Mandeep Singh's 46 from 40 balls was the best the hosts could muster, but

their triumphant finish to this match was a far cry from the first over, which saw Hashim Amla depart for one, opening partner Martin Guptill (9) soon fol-

escaped a terrible missed stumping when he was on just one - made 21 and contributed to a stand of 34 alongside Axar Patel, who took 19 off Shane Watson

Sandeep Sharma delivered a fiery opening spell © BCCI

when he was cleaned up by skipper Glenn Maxwell (2-15), RCB were 73-6 and staring down the barrel of a ninth defeat from 12 that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table.

Conversely, Kings XI moved to within three points of the top four with a game in hand, although

lowing.

Shaun Marsh (20) and Manan Vohra (25) made contributions of sorts, but the run rate remained below six an over and the visitors' cause was not helped

by Maxwell holing out for six to leave them 78-5 in the 14th.

Wriddhiman Saha - who

Gabriel delighted with bowling boon

in the final over to finish unbeaten with 38 from 17.

Sandeep carried the momentum gained from Axar's cameo into the reply and had Gayle held at point without scoring, before Kohli (6) was cleaned up in his next over and De Villiers (10) edged behind in his third.

Opener Mandeep provided home fans with a degree of hope, striking five boundaries and two sixes, but Maxwell and Axar (3-

11) ran through the lower order before Mohit Sharma (2-24) brought an end to another miserable RCB batting display. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs maximum) H Amla c †Jadhav b Choudhary1 M Guptill c Negi b Aravind 9 S Marsh c Mandeep Singh b Neg i 20 M Vohra c de Villiers b Chahal25 W Saha† b Watson 21 G Maxwell* c Badree b Chahal 6 A Patel not out 38 M Sharma c †Jadhav b Choudhary 6 V Aaron not out 0 Extras (b 8, lb 1, w 3)12 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs)138 Did not bat: Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Amla, 0.5 ov), 2-18 (Guptill, 3.3 ov), 3-39 (Marsh, 6.6 ov), 4-61 (Vohra, 11.2 ov), 5-78 (Maxwell, 13.5 ov), 6-112 (Saha, 17.2 ov), 7-119 (Sharma, 18.1 ov) Bowling: Choudhary 4-1-172, Aravind 2-0-131, Watson 4-0-43-1 (1w), Badree 3-0-14 0, Negi 3-021-1, Chahal 4-0-21-2 (2w) Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (target: 139 runs from 20 overs)

Mandeep Singh b Maxwell 46 C Gayle c Guptill b Sandeep Sharma 0 V Kohli* b Sandeep Sharma 6 AB de Villiers c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 10 6 K Jadhav† c Patel b Sharma S Watson c †Saha b Patel 3 P Negi c †Saha b Patel 21 S Aravind lbw b Maxwell 4 S Badree b Patel 8 A Choudhary c Guptill b Sharma 4 Y Chahal not ou t 4 Extras (lb 4, w 3)7 Total (all out; 19 overs)119 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Gayle, 0.4 ov), 2-23 (Kohli, 2.5 ov), 3-37 (de Villiers, 4.5 ov), 4-52 (Jadhav, 7.5 ov), 5-71 (Watson, 10.5 ov), 6-73 (Mandeep Singh, 11.2 ov), 7-87 (Aravind, 13.5 ov), 8-111 (Negi, 17.1 ov), 9-111 (Badree, 17.2 ov), 10119 (Choudhary, 18.6 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-0-22-3, Natarajan1-0-15-0, Aaron4-0-28-0 (2w), Sharma 4-0-24-2, Patel 3-0-11-3, Maxwell 3-0-15-2 (1w)

W

est Indies quick Shannon Gabriel has been delighted with a recent spell of bowling that had seen a rise to prominence as a crucial strike bowler for the regional team.

The fast bowler was crucial for the Windies in series levelling 106-run win over Pakistan at the Kensington Oval on Thursday.

Gabriel claimed second innings figures of 5 for 11 as the visitors crumbled for 81 in pursuit of a lead of 188. The 29-year-old pace bowler ended with overall match figures of 92 for 9. Gabriel was arguably also the team’s best bowler in a losing effort against Pakistan in the recently concluded One Day International (ODI) series.

After struggling to claim wickets with regularity early in his career, Gabriel who has claimed 53 wickets in Test cricket, is delighted with the recent run of form.

“I was relieved my career started a bit slow and it’s finally great to have some success,” Gabriel told reporters following the match.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but the end of the day I still have a job to go out and do it. I’m enjoying the challenge and the guys have been backing me Shannon Gabriel up very well so it’s good news for West Indies cricket,” he added. (Sportsmax)

5 A

dil Rashid and Alex Hales shone as England crushed Ireland by seven wickets with 30 overs to spare in the first one-day international in Bristol on Friday.

Leg-spinner Rashid took five wickets to help bowl Ireland out for 126 before Hales struck 55 off 39 balls to lead England to their easy target.

It was the gentlest of starts to the summer for England, who are hosting the Champions Trophy in June before test series against South Africa and West Indies.

Ireland chose to bat after winning the toss and Ed Joyce and Paul Stirling shared an opening stand of 40. They advanced to 81 for two before a dramatic collapse where they lost their last eight wickets for 45 runs.

A

Akani Simbine (left) stunned his top rated opponents

Rashid completed figures of 5-27, his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals.

Jason Roy fell for a duck in the first over of the England reply but Hales smashed 10 fours and Joe Root made a flu-

ent unbeaten 49 to guide his team home.

The second and final match of the series is at Lord’s on Sunday. (Reuters)

Adil Rashid

kani Simbine outshone esteemed company in the first meet of the Diamond League season, while Elaine Thompson got one up on Dafne Schippers.

Justin Gatlin, Andre De Grasse and Asafa Powell were upstaged on the opening day of the Diamond League with Akani Simbine winning the men's 100 metres in Doha.

South African Simbine, who has been more active than his rivals this season, was the only sprinter to dip below 10 seconds at 9.99 against a headwind as he kicked off his campaign with the maximum eight points.

Reigning champion Powell came in second with a season's best 10.08, while Gatlin and De Grasse – silver and bronze medallists at Rio 2016 respectively – finished behind Femi Ogunode.

"I'm happy with my shape now, just to come up here and set a motivation for the rest of the season is what I was hoping for," said Simbine.

Elaine Thompson was a double gold medallist in Brazil and she continued her dominance by beating rival Dafne Schippers for victory in the women's 200m.

Kendra Harrison produced a routine performance for eight points in winning the women's 100m hurdles and Caster Semenya impressed to triumph in the women's 800m with a time of one minute, 56.61secs as Genzebe Dibaba – the former 1500m world record holder, making her debut in the event – finished fifth.

Ronald Kwemoi produced a world-leading time of seven minutes, 28.73 secs to snatch glory in the men's 3000m, while Hyvin Kiyeng overtook world record holder Ruth Jebet on the final bend to win the women's 3000m steeplechase.

The home fans went wild when Qatari Mutaz Essa Barshim won the men's high jump with a world leading 2.36m and Olympic champion Thomas Rohler dominated the men's javelin, his effort of 93.90m the second longest in history. (Sportsmax)

YELLOW PAGES

21

saturday, may 6, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Conferences & Retreats – Full Service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities. Aracari Resort WBD – 264 2946 Alex Wayne Weddings & Anniversaries: Rental or Full Service: Banquet Hall & Catering. Aracari Resort WBD – 264 2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbour Bridge) – All Modern Amenities – Rates from $25. Phone 264 2946-8

Business Opportunity

UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 6553105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

TWO (2) PROPERTIES IN DOWDING STREET KITTY FRONT LOT – 2 STOREY 1 FAMILY WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER 3 BEDROOMS; LOWER KITCHEN, DINING, LIVING, TOILET AND BATH, FULLY SECURED. BACKLOT – 2 STOREY 2 FAMILY CONCRETE AND WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER THREE BEDROOMS ( 1 FULLY SELF CONTAINED; LOWER – 3 BEDROOMS, FULLY SECURED, OPEN CONCEPT BATHS, OVERHEAD TANKS. VACANT POSSESSION GUARANTEED. CALL: 227-6769, SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY. Property for sale at Patentia Housing Scheme Wales, West Bank Demerara. A two flat building, well painted, upper flat 3 bedroom, 1 verandah, 1 inside step, 1 outside step, top flat greenheart, bottom flat concrete, 1 living room, dining room, kitchen, inside toilet and bathroom, inside sink with cupboard, place to sit, two tents outside, along with two black tanks. Price Negotiable.

Contact: 610-8963

Complete package, key cutting machine plus 1000 blank keys:.

Price: $450,000. Vers Realty: To Rent Office Space & Store Front, 17 Brickdam & Smyth Street, Stabroek, Georgetown Guyana.

Tel: 223-1217 Or 600-5759

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

CAR RENTALS

KEY CUTTing

6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602

Need a car to rent? Then call 6111018 for the best cars at great prices.

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

Two storey building. Four bedrooms upstairs, Three downstairs.

Transported property. 27 Austin St. Campbellville. Call: 624-4668

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

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

Tel: 225-5034

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

EDUCATION REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404 Learn to Play Music at Foundation7: Call NOW: 225-1151/6578404

FOR SALE KITTENS FOR ADOPTION. 4 BEAUTIFUL MULTI-COLOURED KITTENS UP FOR ADOPTION APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS OF AGE, PREFEREBLY IN PAIRS PLEASE CALL DR PERRY 667-0887 1 HONDA PC 50 KE 1 MODEL, 1 HONDA 125.5 GENTS MOTORCYCLE. PLEASE CALL 667-0887 FOR DETAILS. 1 SAMSUNG CAMCORDER WITH TRIPOD 58G. 667-0887 FOR DETAILS. CLAY ROOF TILES 2500 SQ FT. NO REASONABLE OFFER WILL BE REFUSED. TELEPHONE: 686-7120 MX 2000, 1500, 1000 AMP, 4 BASS, 4 MID, 4 HORNS, 4 TWEETERS, MIXER, JUGGLER CABLES AND 1 JACCUZZI; ALL FOR SALE. CONTACT: 253-3070 OR 6542732 WATER PUMP TO PUMP WATER INTO RICE FIELDS WITH DRIVE SHAFT AND TWENTY FOOT CANVAS TO CONVEY WATER; CAGE WHEEL FOR JOHN DEERE TRACTOR 5090; STEERING RACK FOR TUNDRA 2000 SERIES; FUEL PUMP FOR TOYOTA HILUX 1 KD – FTV ENGINE; SET OF 6 INJECTORS FOR DAF 6-CYLINDER DIESEL ENGINE. CONTACT: 220-1630, 638-1829.

Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

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

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 2750322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-6901824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am3pm. Email; healthworldhc@ gmail.com FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY: Natural Choice Chai (Tea) & Moringa Powder, keep yourself healthy and beautiful from the inside out! Add Natural Choice products to your health foods today! Ask for it at your local supermarket. Now available at Flambouyant Supermarkets in Diamond and Eccles, all DSL Cash & Carry branches, The Guyana Shop (GMC) at Robb & Alexander Sts, Bourda, Medi Care Pharmacy in South Ruimveldt, (Royal Castle Building), Ram’s Supermarket at Vreed-En-Hoop and Sangeeta Supermarket in Linden.

LAND for sale HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE. LOCATED AT PARFAIT HARMONIE WEST BANK DEMERARA, 25X60 SQ FT. 6 ROOMS UPSTAIRS:4 BEDROOMS , 1 MASTER BEDROOM, 1 TOILET AND BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM UPSTAIRS AS WELL. HAS A BACK AND FRONT VERANDAH. 2 BEDROOMS DOWNSTAIRS, TOILET AND BATH, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM AND AN ACTIVE GROCERY BUSINESS. LOCATED 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE DEMERARA HARBOUR BRIDGE, 14.5 NEGOTIABLE, CONTACT: 656-7590 Eccles – 5.5 million, Providence – $5.5 million, Farm - $3.5 million, Serious contacts only: 697-6769.

1.5 Acre for housing development W.B.D. Tel: 658-0115 Plot of land used to cultivate RICE, Plantation Better Hope, Essequibo Coast. Size 33.14 Acres. Tel: 625-1514

property for sale PROPERTY FOR SALE, COVENT GARDEN, E.B.D. LAND SIZE 120x40.

HOUSE SIZE 60X26. 4 BEDROOM, 1 SELF-CONTAINED ROOM, KITCHEN CUPBOARD, CONCRETE YARD AND FENCE. CONTACT: 612-4722/675-9093

Subryanville Property for Sale.

44 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown. $45m or best offer.

Contact - Mortimer: 625-7669 or Richard: 624-1154 PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ENTERPRISE SCHEME. 1 LARGE FAMILY HOME, 4 BEDROOM, FULLY GRILLED, 2-CAR GARAGE, RESERVOIR, OVERHEAD TANKS AND WATER FILTRATION, ETC. CALL/WHATSAPewwP NAVIN: 1-347-517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30. Contact Tel: 6247341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg. Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 6911521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

services TFA Video Production. Video recording of weddings, birthdays, advertisements, conferences, digital photography. Call: 6842999/624-4668 Technician – specializes in repairing and servicing to washing machines, pressure pumps, refridgerators, exercising machines, treadmills, stove/ranges, dryers, ovens, pressure washers, solar systems, water heaters.

Tel: 673-9283 PRIVATE CUSTOMS BROKERAGE. CERTIFICATE TRAINING COURSE IN JANUARY 2017.

REGISTER NOW AND GET 50% DISCOUNTFOR CHRISTMAS UP TO 31ST DECEMBER. CALL: 6948322 OR 671-9603 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality & ASTROLOGY TWO TIMES GOLD MEDALIST ASTROLOGER AND SPIRITUALIST FROM INDIA; IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS FROM ANY ASTROLOGERS, ONCE MEET PANDIT GANESH TO GET ACCURATE REASONS, FOR ALL KINDS OF SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS PANDIT SOLVES, ALSO PROBLEMS RELATED TO STRESS, LOVE OR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, FAMILY ARGUMENTS AND GETTING LOVED ONES BACK, HUSBAND AND WIFE PROBLEMS, HEALTH PROBLEMS, REMOVAL OF BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, WITCH CRAFT, BLOCKAGES, SPELLS ETC. LOCATION: LIGHT STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREET, ALBERTTOWN OPPOSITE THE GTT TOWER 600-0926 1. STAR ASTROLOGY AND PSYCHIC READER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING

SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. MASTER GURU RAGHVENDRA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: - 6305073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D

SALON / SPA “COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927”

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

TO LET 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT IN GROVE SECOND STREET, PRIVATE YARD. 648-5092, 669-9390

1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2.

PRIEST NARASIMHA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRIT, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: 6827439, 650-0700. ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE)

APARTMENT TO RENT. 2 BEDROOMS (APARTMENT B) LOCATED AT BEST LINE OPPOSITE THE BAKE SHOP. PRICE: - $ 40,000. 668-0032 – D.SINGH, 615-5646 NEVILLE

WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 664-2505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA.

Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605

THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 652-4444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist.

Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 2236834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 3225738, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 6210552 now. Email: anew-life@ live.com SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGES, VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE, ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT 12x12 SQUARE FEET, WELL GRILLED WINDOWS AND DOORS, LIGHT, WATER, WASHROOM AND PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE. LOT 60 BRICKDAM TELE: 226-1836 1 TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT, FULLY AIR CONDITIONED, PARKING AVAILABLE LOCATED AT WILLIAM STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE , CONTACT 618-6623 FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES. Two-bedroom back house upper flat situated at at 64 Seaforth St. Campbellville $50,000 per month.

Telephone: 227-1293. No pets

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST TOYOTA DYNA CANTER 612-1085/680-3863

WANTED Applications are invited for One Evening Tutor for Grade 9 Student.

• Must be a CPCE Graduate or currently attending University of Guyana. • Experienced in Science Subjects.

• Two recent references required.

Interested persons are advised to send applications to: jobrecruiter7860@gmail.com

Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 THREE STOREY 75 FT’X 30 FT BUILDING/BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCESS ST, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654, 225-0605 UNFURNISHED BOTTOM FLAT – 2 BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, KITCHENETTE, DINING/LIVING ROOM, PRE-PAID METER. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD – KITTY. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS OR SINGLE WORKING PERSONS. $55,000 PER MONTH. 2 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. RENT CONTRACT FOR 6 – 12 MONTHS. CONTACT 6930003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS)

VACANCIES

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35

ONE ACCOUNTS CLERK, EMAIL CV TO info@digitaltechnology.gy or deliver to: Lot 20 Diamond Public Road, E.B.D addressed to ‘The Operations Manager’ - Able to prepare VAT returns, NIS and PAYE submissions (An Asset) - Proficient in the use of QuickBooks and Excel.

FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223-103 CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT – 624- 0033 COOK – 624-0033 PUMP ATTENDANT – 624-0033 OR 680-3863

VEHICLES FOR SALE For sale:- 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590 FOR SALE. TOYOTA MARK II GX110.

CONTACT RANDY: 651-6985 FOR SALE! 1 TOYOTA AVENSIS, PRR 825. $2.2M NEGOTIABLE. CALL TROY: 619-2975 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003

NOW!

22

T

Goodluck seeking re-election at today’s AGM

he Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elect office bearers for 2017/2018 to start a new chapter for tennis and incumbent President Jamal Goodluck is seeking to return at the helm of the association when the AGM gets underway at the National Racquet Centre from 17:30 hrs. However, it is unclear if anyone will be challenging him for the head position.

Being the fifth and youngest President of the Association since it was revitalized in 2004, Goodluck is charged with enthusiasm for a new executive, which he hopes will take local tennis to new standards. He has consistently expressed his befuddlement in trying to understand why tennis in Guyana has not been afforded resources and opportunities similar

One highlight of the Association’s programmes has been the emphasis placed on youth development

to some sports in Guyana even as

Eastman takes Jamida Webster Memorial by storm in Anguilla

Hamzah Eastman climbs the Sandy Hill en route to victory in the Jamida Webster Memorial

T

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, may 6, 2017

eam Coco’s Hamzah Eastman continued his fine run of form as he made it three wins in three races over two countries, storming to victory in the 10th annual Jamida Webster memorial cycling held in Island Harbour, Anguilla.

Racing in the elite category on Sunday last, the rigorous terrains and roughly over 100 rivals were no match for the Guyanese wheelsman as he deflated the competition.

The elite rides were up against the wind and mountainous surroundings, requiring them to take two routes. The first route was a one lap journey beginning from Island Harbour before heading to White Hill, onto Sandy Hill and down to Lake’s Traffic light where they made their way to airport road and into the junction of Cannon ball and the airport.

There they faced the round-about to head to the base of sandy ground and onto George Hill then over to Lake's Stop Light, proceeded to the Stoney Ground traffic light and back, through Little Dix and Deep Waters, making a left at the Welches/Sandy Hill junction and back to the start finish line at Island Harbour to complete a 28.5K ride before going onto a three lap affair on the second route.

The second route which spans approximately 16Ks a lap began from Island Harbour as they headed towards White Hill, through East End and to Sandy Hill Round-about, making a left at the round-a-bout and down Long Path to Lake's Traffic Light, make a right at the light, head to Stoney Ground, through Deep Waters and made a left at the Welches/Sandy Hill junction and back to the start finish line at Island Harbour.

Eastman in an exclusive comment with this publication indicated that the race was one which gave him a lot of exposure to a different environment and the hills “really posed a challenge.”

The Team Cocos’ talisman went on to point out that this win in Anguilla is great encouragement to perform well in the Pan Am games where he is already in the Dominican Republic awaiting competition day.

Eastman joins Guyana’s team of fellow Coco’s riders, Jamual John and Junior Niles, We Stand United’s Andrew Hicks and Team Evolution’s Paul Denobrega for the games running from May 4-7. (Romario Samaroo)

the association is noted for striv-

ing for professionals standards of operations to keep the sport of tennis alive in Guyana.

Of significance is his motivation for the development of standard tennis facilities across the country which primarily includes eight tennis courts at the National Racquet Centre where Guyana can benefit from hosting international competitions like its sister territories in the region. To this end, Goodluck makes an appeal to tennis clubs and friends of Guyana’s tennis at home and in the diaspora to assist the organization to develop this pivotal investment in the future of our youth, which is currently the premier initiative of the GLTA to be presented at the AGM. The GLTA has benefited from the expertise and professionalism of past and present players such as Samuel Barakat, Ramesh

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto

V

ersatile all-rounder Mark Montfort is set to make his international debut later this month for Canada where he will be participating in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Division 3 limited-over tournament set to be held in Uganda this month.

Montfort, who represented Demerara at the Guyana Cricket Board senior Intercounty level, played for Guyana National Industrial Corporation first-division team before his migration to North America.

His fellow compatriot and former Guyana youth player Dillon Heyliger has missed out on selection because he hasn’t lived enough days to be eligible to represent his adopting country.

Both Montfort and Heyliger represented Canada in international friendly matches against Bermuda in and out of Canada while Heyliger also featured for the Canadian

Mark Montfort

side against USA in the annual bilateral one-day competition last year.

Canada will take on the hosts in the opening encounter on May 23 before facing off with Oman, Malaysia, USA and Singapore. If they come out as one of the top two teams, Canada will advance to Division two and once come out as one of the top teams again, they will be heading to the ICC World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Bangladesh in 2018 in preparations for the mega event the following year in England.

Montfort, who has been

Incumbent President Jamal Goodluck

Seebarran, Harry Panday, Dr. Steve Surujbally, Rudy Grant, John Tracey and overseas based Brian Fung, Dr. Arthur Hazelwood and Bill Adams. The GLTA embraces the future input of such professionals and the larger tennis community.

Nominations are expected from several tennis clubs for this year’s AGM: Diamond Tennis Club, NonPariel Tennis Club, Sheltez Tennis Club, Roraima Tennis Club, Le Ressouvenir.

trading his skills professionally in Canada for the past six consecutive years donning the colours of top-club (JB) Brampton Masters, stated he is excited to be named in the final squad for this showpiece.

“I [am] overwhelmed with the selection and I am looking forward to do well for Canada; I have been working very hard on my game and now getting the opportunity to play at a high level like this is certainly a joy,” the left-handed batsman and right-arm medium-pacer declared.

Constantly acknowledged as one of the country’s brightest prospects, Nitish Kumar will lead the team and will have a mixture of youth and experience in the lineup. Kumar is currently in UK playing professionally but will link up with the team in Zimbabwe where they will have four warm-up matches. Kumar, a leg-spinner, also appeared in the Caribbean Premier League in 2016 featuring for St. Kitts and Nevis

Patriots and captained the Americas team at the regional Super50 tournament earlier 2017.

Cricket Canada also named their two standby players and they will be part of the travelling side.

According to the ICC’s selection policy, only 14 players could have been submitted. The 16-member squad together with the management team is expected to depart Toronto in in five days straight to Zimbabwe to intensify their preparations.

The full squad reads: Nitish Kumar (Captain), Bhavindu Adhihetty, Cecil Pervez, Dhanuka Pathirana, Durand Soraine, Hamza Tariq, Jimmy Hansra, Junaid Siddiqui, Mark Montfort, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nikhil Dutta, Rizwan Cheema, Saad Zafar and Satsimranjit Dhindsa.

Reserves are: Srimanta Wijeyeratne and Varun Sehdev.

Management: Henry Osinde – Coach, Daulat Khan – Asst. Coach and Ingleton Liburd – Manager.

Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championship 2017

Strong overseas contingent confirmed

T

eams from St Lucia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Suriname have all confirmed their participation in the second edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championship slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown from May 12-14.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, stated that while this is the second edition of the championship, it is aimed at nurturing the development of the youth in the ring in the Caribbean.

He pointed out that the competition is as a result of calls from Regional Administrators in regional boxing to

address the growing need for nurturing of local talent from an early age.

Guyana’s team of 17 junior pugilists was short listed from the recently concluded Pepsi/Michael Parris U-16 tournament which was held at the Andrew “Six-head” Lewis Gym. The boxers are going to be encamped for training at least one week before the up-coming championship.

The first edition of the tournament was won by hosts Guyana in 2016.

However, Ninvalle pointed out that it is not about who wins but rather, the development of young talent throughout the region.

Teams are expected to arrive in

Guyana Boxing Association President, Steve Ninvalle

Guyana on May 11. The Tournament will kick off at 19:00h on May 12, and will continue daily until May 14.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 6, 2017

Arrival Day 50-mile cycle race

Green ‘Padlocks’ field to secure top spot

23

Windies win over Pakistan a step in the right direction - Holder

Winners of the Trojan/PSL Cycling Club 50 mile cycle road race poses with executives of the BCCDA and Regional Sports Coordinator Godwin Allicock

A

ndrew ‘Padlock’ Green came ahead of 29 cyclist on Friday morning to win the inaugural Trojan/PSC Cycling Club Arrival Day Road cycle race in Bebrice. The 50mile race which commenced at Main & Chapel Streets, New Amsterdam, proceeded to the Corentyne Coast then to the #37 village turning point and returned to the start, saw Green record a time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 30 seconds (01:47;30s) when the clock stopped.

The likes of Stephano Husbands, Christopher Griffith, Lear Nunes, Brighton John and Sylvania Innis rounded of the top six positions.

There were eight prime prizes in the race which Green took four, Curtis Dey (three) and Husbands (one).

The juniors saw Brighton John in the winner position followed by Dey and Jason Cameron in second and third respectively.

In the juvenile’s category, Kerwin Collins was the first to cross the line ahead of Jonathan Ramsuchit and Jermain Heligar Likewise, Nunes, Everald Munday

16

were given by Berbice Chamber of Commerce Development Association (BCCDA) newly elected President Ryan Alexander, who underscored the significance of the event.

In addition, Indian High Commissioner (ag) Tashi Damdi Bhutia delivered a brief overview of the history behind the Indians who arrived in Guyana and Berbice many years ago and the impact they made on the development of the nation.

Also in attendance was Regional Sports Coordinator Godwin Allicock who commended the BCCDA and the Trojan/PSL Cycling Club for a well-organized event and challenged the two organizers to have a full education sponsorship package for cyclist in Berbice.

Recognizing the challenges in the sport he lamented that many will BCCDA President Ryan Alexander presents speak but it is the cyclist and their adwinning trophy to Andrew ‘Padlock’ Green ministrators who will have to stay focus to have the success for the cyclist. and Ian Jackson took the veterans’ top Other executives of the BCCDA three positions. present were Senior Vice president Meanwhile, at the commenceErrol Azar, Mark Roopnarine, Danny ment of the race, opening remarks Ramnarine and Wazim Ali.

est Indies captain Jason Holder has hailed a mustwin game against Pakistan as step in the right direction as the regional team looks to improve its overall standing in world cricket.

Spurred on by a five-wicket haul from Shannon Gabriel the Windies coasted to a series levelling 106-run win over Pakistan at Kensington Oval. On a worn out final day pitch the West Indies dismissed Pakistan for 81 in pursuit of 188 to win.

“We had to win the game. We had to win the game to keep the series alive. Everybody knew what was at stake and we wanted to win the game. We want to win the series and we need to start making strides in the right direction,” Holder said following a post-match press conference.

The win was the second Test match victory for the West Indies in three Test and Holder is hopeful it can spur the team to a series win when the third match begins in Dominica on Wednesday.

“Everybody knew the importance of the game and it was all about giving a big effort. I told the guys to leave everything out on the park. We highlighted a few areas before this game that we wanted to touch on and I feel we really hit them. It’s just about being consistent and carry it into Dominica. The series is wide open and we have the perfect opportunity to win it,” he added.(Sportsmax)

teachers graduate RHTY&SC gifts bat to aspiring cricketer coaching programme T

Coach Latchman Yadram with the teachers who concluded the workshop

A

W

Jason Holder

nother segment of the Education Ministry in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) Cricket Coaching Workshop concluded on Thursday at the Uitvlugt Community Centre West Coast Demerara.

The three day programme commenced on Tuesday and 16 teachers (males and females) from Crane to Parika were expose to the basic of cricket coaching, both theory and practical.

Sessions were conducted by NSC Coach Latchman Yadram, who said the workshop was a success because most teachers were introduced to a higher level of cricket coaching.

It was a first time experience for the teachers, who were urged by the coach to organise and manage sessions for the development of cricket in schools.

Teachers welcomed the initiative and thank the NSC and Coach Yadram for the informative workshop.

hirteen year old Jason Jones of Belvedere Settlement, Berbice, always dreamed of having his own cricket bat as he wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Jones, whose mother died in Child birth when he came into the world, is being cared for by his aunt Anita Jones who is very supportive of her nephew’s desire to play for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Unable to obtain a cricket bat on her own, Anita approached a family friend to seek assistance from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), an organisation she was aware assists youths to fulfil their dreams under their “Dare to Dream” programme.

Under this programme, the cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation has assisted over 105 youths to fulfil their dream helping them them to obtain the needed items that they cannot afford themselves.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who received the request, readily agreed to provide the Port Mourant

Sylus Tyndall hands over cricket bat to Jason Jones in presence of RHTY&SC Asst. Secretary Simon Naidu

Secondary School Student with a bat and stated that it is the club’s hope that Jason’s dreams of playing cricket at a high level is fulfilled.

The long serving Secretary/CEO stated that too many youths, who dare to dream are unable to fulfil their wishes because of lack of finance and it is a pity.

The RHTY&SC, M.S he stated was founded in 1990 by three times

Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the ST. Francis Community Developers to offer sports and education as an alternative to a life on the road and throughout a simple formula of honesty, sheer hard-work and dedication have risen to be the best in Guyana, just twenty-seven years later.

This was because a group of seventeen youths and a team of experienced advisors dared to dream and to-

gether they achieved their goal despite huge obstacles like lack of finance and facilities.

The Dare to Dream programme was launched in 2000 on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the club and its main objective is to assist less fortunate youths.

Foster urged the young cricketer to practise hard every day, seek advice from former cricketers and to always be disciplined. The Secretary/CEO also spoke on the importance of education and urge Jones to make sure that he remains in school. Education, he stated is the main foundation for success and noted that future assistance to Jones would be tied to a commitment to education.

A clearly elated Jones, who is not a member of the RHTY&SC expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC and the Pepsi team for assisting him. He said that it is surprising that a Club would assist a non-member but promised to make the RHTY&SC proud in the future. Senior Pepsi Under 19 and national junior cricketer Sylus Tyndall handed over the bat to Jones.

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Speed key to fuelling Green Machine’s success in Barbados

Pg 19

The Green Machine has long had success at the Caribbean level and will want to ensure they are in the best of shape to continue their dominance of Rugby America’s North (photo courtesy of Orlando Charles)

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Zone…

Tonight’s final showdown poised to be epic Pg 19

Dave and Celina All-stars will clash with Swag Entertainment for the title at the McKenzie Market Tarmac

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