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Issue No. 3222

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, May 26, 2017

Oil expert bashes Govt over transparency Page 3

Let’s celebrate our diversity

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

3 women homeless following Linden fire P3

Page 5

President calls on Guyanese to preserve ‘free’, ‘cohesive’ State

“Kezie” P8 wanted for South Ruimveldt murder

Miss World Guyana P18 2014 to walk runway in Rome

All Set: Schoolchildren waiting to perform at D’Urban Park in Georgetown during Guyana’s 51st Anniversary of Independence Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday night (Carl Croker photo)

President pardons 5 more female convicts Page 9

69 Guyanese conferred with P13 National Awards – among them 31 women

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 Oil expert bashes Govt over transparency C news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 26 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, May 27 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 26 – 17:00h-18:30h and Saturday, May 27 – 05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while lightly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 04:39h and 17:09 reaching maximum heights of 2.93 metres and 2.78 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:41h and 22:57h reaching minimum heights of 0.27 metre and 0.47 metre respectively.

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ontrol Risks Senior Analyst Raul Gallegos came out swinging on Thursday at the Government of Guyana over the issue of transparency with respect to the emerging oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the XXVI La Jolla Energy Conference during a plenary session on “Latin America’s Upstream Prospects and Outlook,” Gallegos bash the Government saying that Guyana’s Administration was “not transparent about essentially public sharing contract that it has with ExxonMobil”.

ExxonMobil is the operating partner in the exploration of oil offshore Guyana.

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

He added that over the past few months, he and his team spent a considerable amount of time “patching” up a little information on what the Guyana Government planned to do with the revenues for the oil sector.

The Government of Guyana, he said, “still cannot figure it out”, making reference to the contract and plans for the revenue streaming in from oil.

“In my experience as

Control Risks Senior Analyst Raul Gallegos

years of a journalist, if somehow you spend a very long period of time and you can’t really get some transparency on where the laws are going…that’s alarming.”

Added to that, he pointed the Conference to the fact that the Guyana Government was also not very transparent about the laws being put together to govern the oil and gas sector.

“That is something that is keeping us a little bit concerned – this level of obscurity.”

The Guyana Government laid the Petroleum Commission Bill in the National Assembly on May 8.

The Bill intituled an Act (give title to a legislative act)

to provide for the establishment and functions of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana and for related matters. The six-part Bill has 51 sections which cover areas pertaining to the establishment and incorporation of the Petroleum Commission, functions and duties of the Commission, and financing among others.

However, the Senior Analyst added that compounding the issue of transparency, the law would become the basis for the new sector, and expressed concern over Guyana’s history of “weak institutions”.

try and explore.

In May of 2015, ExxonMobil declared the discovery of substantial oil deposits in its exploratory Liza Well offshore Guyana.

Subsequent drillings of this and other wells have revealed total deposits estimated to be in excess of one billion barrels of oil.

In fact, the United States-based company intends to extract 100,000 barrels per day from its Liza field offshore Guyana when production begins in 2020.

With the Guyana Government yet to enter into an arrangement with

Day 2 of the La Jolla Energy Conference

On the bright side, he noted with just about 800,000 people, for Guyana the news of the oil find was “essentially a big bounty and the good news”. He said in this respect the Government was sending the right signals as far as creating a reality for companies to enter the coun-

ExxonMobil, it has the June 14, 1999 agreement that the US oil giant had signed with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration for petroleum exploration in the Stabroek Block. (Tusika Martin)

3 women homeless following Linden fire

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hree Linden women are now homeless as a result of a fire which gutted their two-storey home at145 Dageraad Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

When the fire started shortly before 2:00hr in the upper storey of the home owned by Sandra and Beverly Kellman, Sandra Kellman’s daughter, the other occupant of the home, was not at home. The fire destroyed both the upper and lower storeys of the home. turn to page 15

Fire destroyed both the upper and lower storeys of this house.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 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

A small but necessary step T

he Government of Guyana, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, took a very important and necessary step, earlier this week, in relation to engaging key business stakeholders from the diaspora with the aim of wooing them to invest in various projects here.

This week, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is partnering with the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) in hosting members of the diaspora in order to promote foreign-based investments in Guyana. The initiative -- ‘Go See Visit’ -- is a collaborative effort to bring selected entrepreneurs from the Guyanese diaspora back to their home country with the aim of exploring prospects for establishing small and medium-sized businesses.

While some may argue that it is not guaranteed that anything concrete will come out of this initiative, it could still be viewed as a good first step, considering that since it took office more than two years ago, the Administration has done very little to boost economic growth or create opportunities for citizens. In fact, the economy is currently going downhill and the Government seems clueless as to how to fix it.

Months after the APNU/AFC Coalition Administration took office, it recommenced a series of engagements which had been started under the PPP Administration – to encourage the diaspora to return and contribute to the development of their homeland, both with their newly-acquired skills and with their investment dollars. Unfortunately, only a few returned, and it is still not clear what kind of impact they have had on the local economy.

Now, with this most recent initiative, which from all indications seems to be more organised and results-driven, it is hoped that real benefits would be accrued for both parties – the investor and the country. However, this will not happen overnight. It will demand a high level of commitment and hard work at all levels from all stakeholders involved, in order to achieve the desired results.

Minister Joseph Harmon has indicated that the Government is in the final stages of concluding its new Diaspora Engagement Strategy action plan, which would formally guide its relationship with the diaspora. This DES action plan is expected to address the concerns which members of the diaspora have and have had over the years. It has been promised that the comprehensive policy document will not be a dormant white paper, but would instead be a policy guide that would require stakeholders to adhere to principles based on international and other proven best practices.

Our hope is that this engagement with the diaspora will continue, and be expanded to include a wider cross-section of stakeholders. As has been stated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest): “Guyana is open for business. There are opportunities that have either been never explored, underexplored, (or) awaiting for those who’ve got the knowledge, experience, access to capital and the methods of bringing the know-hows to the market”.

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 where they can easily access the necessary information; they get the ‘royal run-around’ in the process.

Additionally, when Government ministers visit abroad, even though they encourage persons to return and invest here, the necessary follow-up measures are usually lacking, or support systems for persons are inadequate. It could be recalled, too, that nearly one year ago, during the heavily promoted ‘Guyana Investment Conference’ in the United States, the APNU/AFC Administration had made a number of promises to the diaspora with the aim of convincing them to return and invest. 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 fostering a deeper connection with the diaspora. However, from all indications, very little followup action was taken to ensure Government delivered on these promises.

It is therefore hoped that Government, with the support of NGOs such as the IOM, would build on the present momentum and follow up with solid measures to show that it is serious about attracting investors here, in order to give the Guyana economy a much needed boost.

Residents of Wakenaam, in the Essequibo River, are still complaining about the poor condition of the main road around the island, saying that the authorities have neglected the road resulting in its present state. They claim that when the rains come, the road becomes impassable

National flag painted on ground at Guyana-Suriname Ferry terminal Dear Editor, “To survive in peace and harmony, united and strong, we must have one people, one nation, one flag”- Pauline Hanson The national flag of any country is a sacred symbol of nationhood. It is a symbol of national identity. It reminds us of our sovereignty. It tells a story of who we are and from whence we came, and the sacrifices we would have made, individually and collectively as a nation. It reminds us of our history and the road travelled by those who wanted us to be independent and stand on our own.

As Guyanese, we feel a profound sense of belonging and patriotism whenever and wherever we see our Golden Arrowhead fluttering.

Guyanese abroad sometimes fly the Golden Arrowhead because they never gave up on Guyana being home, sweet home.

It’s where the heart is.

Many have it on walls in their homes because, for them, Guyana will always be close to their hearts and dear to them. It’s where they belong.

They yearn to return home, and many do.

Our Golden Arrowhead is flown around the world when our athletes perform, the latest being in Baku, Azarbaijan during the Islamic Solidarity games. It flutters masterfully at our diplomatic missions across the globe.

This sacred piece of cloth which heralds us as a

nation of this modern world represents all of us. It does not belong to any ethnic group, religion or political party. It belongs to each and every Guyanese and we surely are proud of our flag.

Or, are we?

Editor, I asked the question with the feeling that someone, in a haste to demonstrate unbridled patriotism, was unknowingly involved in the desecration of our single most recognisable national symbol – the Golden Arrowhead. I hope it was done unknowingly and not knowingly.

On a road trip to the Corentyne on Sunday May 21, 2017, with my family and some visiting US relatives, we were stunned to see our Golden Arrowhead

painted on the ground at the entrance to the GuyanaSuriname Ferry terminal at Moleson Creek.

What should be the pride of our nation, cutting across all political parties and races, is now lying bare for all to trample, desecrate and denigrate.

And, how ironic that this singular, supreme symbol of our nationhood, is being desecrated at a border outpost shared with a country that lays claim to part of our country.

While as a country, we have never ceased to amaze, it is now poignantly clear that we are moving from one low to another. Who is so imbecilic to paint our flag on the ground?

And, how can those in

authority at the terminal allow such an act of treachery to be perpetrated against our nation? What about the Police stationed at the terminal?

Editor, I hold dear to my heart my Golden Arrowhead and I am bewildered that an idiot, not a regular idiot, would have committed such a depraved act against our supreme national symbol that defines us as a nation.

Such an imbecile would not have done it without approval from someone in authority at the terminal.

Heads should now roll at the terminal, for such an act must never be allowed to go unpunished.

Sincerely, Mahadeo Panchu

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Let’s celebrate our diversity

PPP urges perseverance to President calls on Guyanese to unify, prosper Guyana preserve ‘free’, ‘cohesive’ State

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n his 51st Independence anniversary address to the nation, President David Granger said this occasion should inspire Guyanese to continue to work towards preserving the ‘free state,’ establishing a ‘green state’, and creating a ‘cohesive state’; while at the same time celebrating the country’s diversity and bridging its differences.

He noted that Independence Day in Guyana celebrates the moment in history when, after 350 years of Dutch and British colonisation, its peoples abolished foreign rule.

“We established a ‘free state’ with the hope of ensuring equality and eradicating poverty. It was the day on which we adopted our own Constitution and erected institutions to govern ourselves and guarantee our freedom,” the President said.

The Guyanese Head of State also said that Independence Day celebrates the unique combination of the people who came – Africans, Chinese, Indians and Portuguese – and with the Amerindians who lived here from time immemorial, contributed to the creation of a multi-racial and multi-religious state.

President Granger noted that the ‘free state’ which was established on May 26th 1966 recognised the country’s commitment to social cohesion, through which its people learned to accept and respect each other’s values and beliefs, and to share the common space they call homeland.

“The ‘free state’ is one that is free from discrimination. It is one that is built on the basis of respect for cultural diversity, political inclusivity and social equality.

The ‘free state’ recognises our common and complex heritage. It reminds us of Chinese Arrival Day, celebrated on 12th January; of Portuguese Arrival Day, cele-

President David Granger

brated on 3rd May; of Indian Arrival Day, celebrated on 5th May; of African Emancipation Day, celebrated on 1st August; and of Indigenous Heritage Month, observed throughout September,” Granger noted.

The Guyanese leader said the ‘free state’ re-commits the country to dismantling the divisions of geography. Disparities between hinterland and coastland and between rural and urban communities eventually must be eliminated, so that no group feels excluded, the Head of State has posited.

Moreover, he noted that the ‘cohesive state’ is concerned with constructing a multi-cultural society and creating the conditions for diverse peoples to coexist.

“Society needs to be strengthened in each occupational sector, in each geographical region, in each community, and in each social stratum.

The ‘cohesive state’ is not a political expedient. It can be realised only by respecting the differences and the diversity of society, and by the removal of anger, hatred, ignorance and poverty. It can be created by mutual respect for each other’s cultural and religious differences,” he added.

Granger noted that

Guyana’s national tapestry is composed of the variegated threads – culture, ethnicity and faith – of its peoples. The national tapestry, he added, is stronger because it is woven from our separate but sturdy strands.

He said, “It is more resilient, because it represents and reflects the talents of different groups.”

On the other hand, the Head of State outlined that independence also bequeathed a state through which Guyanese became heirs of a magnificent patrimony; that is, a beautiful, blissful and bountiful country that is becoming a ‘green state’.

“The ‘green state’ is a natural product of our verdant and luxuriant environment. Our ecosystems – our coastland, hinterland, highlands, islands, wetlands, grasslands, lakes, rivers, rainforests and waterfalls – are our birthright. Our bio-diversity is the endowment of our ancestors, the patrimony of all Guyanese, and the bequest we hold in trust for posterity,” he asserted.

The President said the ‘green state’ can flourish, and can furnish a ‘good life’ for generations to come by engendering a spirit of shared social responsibility.

According to the Guyanese Leader, the ‘green state’ must embody a common commitment to the environment which arises from our unique shared patrimony, and which will lead to a prosperous future.

“The 51st anniversary of Independence inspires us all to continue to work towards preserving the ‘free state’; towards establishing a ‘green state’, and towards creating a ‘cohesive state.’ I extend fraternal congratulations to all – at home and in our diaspora – as we celebrate our freedom, our statehood, and our precious patrimony,” the President said.

Happy Independence Anniversary!

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s the nation celebrates its 51st Independence anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is calling on Guyanese to reflect on the vision of our ancestors and come together to work towards achieving it.

Below is a full statement from the Opposition Party.

The Party, in its Independence message, noted that we must celebrate and salute the sacrifices and struggles of our leaders and fore-bearers, who toiled indomitably to win, firstly, internal self-government and ultimately, political independence, from our colonial masters after centuries of brutal slavery, servitude and exploitation by foreign forces.

The PPP is proud of the leading role it played in this struggle.

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status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities to safeguard and deepen our newly-won freedom and to ensure a prosperous future. The onus was now ours to chart our own course and it was recognised it needed to be strengthened by economic independence and social justice.

Those objectives had to be our guide as a people. They had to be attained and sustained.

GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence, which we fought for, motivated the social and economic progress of our country and was a decisive turning point for our allround development. There are successes in several fields nationally, and at the international level, our country has earned recognition and respect. Our democratic cul-

ture, which resurfaced over 20 years ago, still, today faces new challenges and threats.

Notwithstanding, the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and, most likely, will face, we cannot deny the very many significant achievements as we overcame the negative legacy of colonialism.

GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence especially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world.

The prospects for our country to grow and develop despite setbacks remain encouraging and we need to tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and united spirit. In this respect, our people, especially our working people, needs to be encouraged

ed transformative changes in Guyana during our tenure in office, we have to persevere even more, to bring greater ethnic, religious and class unity among our people; we have to toil even harder to bring greater economic and social prosperity to this land and we have to dedicate even more energies to improve our system of government, strengthen our democratic institutions and enhance the rights and freedoms of our people, if we are to realise the aspirations and goals of our independence architects.

The PPP takes this opportunity once again to recommit ourselves to those independence ideals and pledge to continue to work selflessly with our people as they traverse along that path to achieve them.

PNCR pledges cooperation for country’s development

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he People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), in its 51st Independence Anniversary message, expressed confidence that Guyana could truly build an inclusive political culture, which can create an enabling environment for the development of the nation. As such, PNCR, one of the parties that formed the coalition Government, pledged to cooperate with stakeholders to further development of the nation.

Here is the full statement from the PNCR:

As we celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both here at

Prospects for nation’s further growth encouraging – GAWU espite setbacks, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) believes that the prospects for the nation to grow and develop remain encouraging, but require a collective and united spirit from citizens.

Below is the full statement from the Union: As Guyana celebrates 51 years as an independent state, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to join with all Guyanese to celebrate this landmark anniversary in our history.

We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus amongst our then leaders that we needed to shed the constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped.

Independence brought us and we joyfully welcomed our new

It is also a time for us to reflect upon the type of society and country that those who fought so relentlessly to liberate us from colonial rule, wanted to build and fashion for our future generations; and, to engage in a national introspection in order to examine, whether as a people and nation, we have achieved those objective and realised those dreams.

It is only by engaging in such self-examination, can we be able to measure our progress, recognise our strengths, identify our weaknesses and appreciate our challenges; all of which are so necessary for our future advancement as a people.

The PPP has done this self-examination and wishes to acknowledge that although we have implement-

and become involved in the decision-making levels of our society. As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognise that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that bind our nation and make it united and free.

Additionally, we share the belief that our independence will be secured and strengthened over time when every citizen is given to enjoy the fruits, benefits, and opportunities of our collective efforts and work.

It is unfortunate to observe that our 51st Independence Anniversary finds us as a nation poised with further declining economic fortunes as the stage is being set to cut down the monumental sugar industry.

Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!

home and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, on our achievement of yet another year as a politically independent people and country.

The political developments of the past two years have opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country.

Our party is confident that if as a nation we can build a truly, inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is political-

ly successful, economically self-sustaining, and culturally rewarding.

As we celebrate this 51st anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledge to work with all responsible and reliable forces, whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that working together we can ameliorate the many known problems which have bedevilled our country and stymied our development.

The PNCR is proud of our record in Government and the important role that our party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played in our country’s struggle for independence. Happy 51st Independence, Guyana!

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FRIDAY, may 26, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

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ou read labels, buy fresh foods, and do your best to prepare tasty meals for your family. But one thing that might not cross your mind as you cook is food safety.

Why is food safety so important? Proper food preparation protects against foodborne illnesses from bacteria such as E coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria (which can cause diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration).

Safety precautions include knowing how to select foods in the market or shop, then storing them properly and cooking them safely, plus cleaning up well afterward.

Here’s how to make sure your kitchen and the foods you prepare in it are safe.

erator (most refrigerator doors don’t keep eggs cold enough).

Put meat, poultry, and fish in separate plastic bags so that their juices don’t get on your other foods.

Freeze – or cook – raw ground meat, poultry, or fish within one to two days.

Freeze – or cook – fresh meat (steaks, chops, roasts) within three to five days.

Keep unopened packages of hot dogs and deli meats in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Opened packages of hot dogs should be eaten within one week and deli meats within three to five days.

Follow these handling and cooking guidelines to help prevent foodborne illnesses in your family:

Buying food Buying safe food is the first step. To ensure freshness, refrigerated items (such as meat, dairy, eggs, and fish) should be put in your bag/basket/cart last. Keep meats separate from other items, especially produce. If your drive home is longer than one hour, consider putting these items in a cooler to keep them fresh.

When purchasing packaged meat, poultry, or fish, check the expiration date on the label. Even if the expiration date is still acceptable, don’t buy fish or meats that smell or look strange.

Also check inside egg cartons – make sure the eggs, which should be grade A or AA, are clean and free from cracks.

Preparing and cooking fruits and vegetables Wash all fruits and vegetables with plain running water (even if you plan to peel them) to remove any pesticide residue, dirt, or bacteria. Scrub firm produce, such as carrots, cucumbers, or melons, with a clean produce brush.

Wash melons, such as cantaloupes and watermelons, before eating to avoid carrying bacteria from the rind to the knife to the inside of the fruit.

Remove the outer leaves of leafy greens, such as spinach or lettuce.

Don’t buy: fruit with broken skin (bacteria can enter through the opening and contaminate the fruit) unpasteurised ciders or juices (they can contain harmful bacteria) prestuffed fresh turkeys or chickens Refrigerating and Freezing Before you put the groceries away, check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. Your refrigerator should be set for 40°F (5°C) and your freezer should be set to 0°F (–18°C) or lower. These chilly temperatures will help keep any bacteria in your foods from multiplying. If your refrigerator doesn’t have a thermostat, it’s a good idea to invest in a thermometer for the fridge and freezer.

Of course, refrigerated and frozen items should be put away first. Here are some quick tips to remember for foods that need to be kept cool: Keep eggs in the original carton on a shelf in your refrig-

Cleaning up Clean food is just one part of the food safety equation. You also need to be sure that your kitchen surfaces and your hands are clean to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible after cooking. If left to sit at room temperature, bacteria in the food will multiply quickly.

Consume leftovers within three to four days or throw them out.

Wash cutting boards — which can become a breeding ground for bacteria if they aren’t cleaned carefully — separately from other dishes and utensils in hot, soapy water.

Cutting boards can be sanitised with a homemade cleaning solution (one tablespoon of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water). After washing and disinfecting the cutting board, rinse it thoroughly with plain water and pat with paper towels or leave it to air dry.

Don’t use old cutting boards with cracks or deep gouges because bacteria may hide in the crevices of the board.

Wash your hands if they come in contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish.

Don’t use a dish towel to wipe your hands after handling raw meat, poultry, fish, or eggs — use paper towels or wash your hands instead.

Bacteria can contaminate the cloth towels and can then spread to another person’s hands.

After preparing food, wipe your kitchen counters and other exposed surfaces with hot soapy water or a commercial or homemade cleaning solution. Consider using paper towels to clean

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hen returning to your home after a flood, be aware that floodwater may contain sewage and other harmful substances. Floodwaters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps: Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during clean-up of affected area.

Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).

Remove and discard any wall material that has been contaminated with sewage or floodwaters.

Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, moulding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.

After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for one minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).

Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of 1/8 (one-eighth) teaspoon of household bleach per one gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of 1/4 (one quarter) teaspoon of household bleach per one gallon of water.

Wash all clothes worn during the clean-up in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

Wash all clothes worn

surfaces.

Because sponges stay wet longer and their porous quality attracts bacteria, experts recommend using a thinner dishrag that can dry between uses instead of a sponge.

Wash dirty dishrags and towels in hot soapy water.

Periodically sanitise your kitchen sink, drain, and garbage disposal by pouring in a commercial or homemade cleaning solution.

Taking these simple precautions can reduce the chance of foodborne illnesses in your family. (Excerpt from Kidshealth)

during the clean-up in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Infectious diseases Eating or drinking anything contaminated by floodwater can cause diarrhoeal disease.

To protect yourself and your family: Practice good hygiene (handwashing) after contact with floodwaters.

Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas.

Wash children’s hands frequently (always before meals).

Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by floodwater and have not been disinfected.

Wound infections Open wounds and rashes exposed to floodwaters can become infected. To protect yourself and your family: Avoid exposure to floodwaters if you have an open wound.

Cover open wounds with a waterproof bandage.

Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water.

If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

Other hazards Be aware of potential chemical hazards during floods. Floodwaters may have moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.

Floodwaters can displace animals, insects, and reptiles.

To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.

Avoid downed power lines.

Floodwaters may also contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact. (Excerpt from CDC.gov)

news

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana urged to take lessons from oil-producing nations G uyana’s management of its oil resources came up for discussion at the opening of the XXVI La Jolla Energy Conference in California with Director of Energy at the Inter-American Dialogue, Lisa Viscidi, saying that the major issue for the country was to avoid the problems other countries have experienced in its quest to take advantage of the new find.

Speaking on a panel discussion entitled, “Trump Administration

dustry (and) avoid some of the problems that other countries (experienced) and trying to take advantage of this new find without kind of messing it up.”

She also noted that she was unaware if the United States has a position on the border controversy with Guyana and Venezuela, but conceded that the issue has gotten more attention from the US Congress.

Viscidi told the conference that there were some members of the Western Hemisphere

the United States Government provides a range of technical and capacity building assistance as Guyana seeks to develop financial and regulatory regimes and address capacity issues that would maximise the development potential from offshore oil and gas resources.”

Added to the issue of oil and its management, Professor David Victor from the University of California, San Diego, noted that unresolved border issues can be

The panel discussion on “Trump Administration and Hemispheric Energy Police: Surveying US Energy Policymaking, Executive Orders, Boarder Adjustment Taxes and Regional Energy Trade” at Hilton Hotel, La Jolla, California

and Hemispheric Energy Police: Surveying US Energy Policymaking, Executive Orders, Boarder Adjustment Taxes and Regional Energy Trade”, Viscidi noted that Guyana should take lessons from oil-producing countries.

“I think the major issue is how they (Guyana) will manage the revenue. How are they going to manage the local in-

Sub-Committee that travel to South America and take an interest in energy issues.

“So, there might be some interest from that point of view. But for now, it’s not really clear what the US will do in terms of energy cooperation.”

According to the US State Department’ website, “Under the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI),

a huge political problem and could be an area where the US Government can play a “very helpful role”.

“The key problem is how to manage the revenue from the oil,” Professor Victor said.

The XXVI La Jolla Energy Conference got underway on Wednesday in San Diego and brokered dialogue and debate on key energy and sustainabil-

ity trends in the Americas. The conference brings together under one roof thought leaders, investors, Government officials together with leading industry players in intense dialogue and policy debate.

This year, a number of pressing issues on ener-

gy affecting Latin America were discussed.

Among the major topics highlighted during discussions were “Latin America’s Upstream Prospects and Outlook”, “Latin America’s Renewable Energy Wave: Alternative Energy is No Longer Alternative”,

“Brazil’s Energy and Political Reset”, “United States?Latin American Energy Cooperation”, “Stakeholder Engagement and the Exercise of Regulation: Balancing Oversight and Investment and the Social License to Operate”. (Tusika Martin)

8 news

friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Gold miner gets 18 months for robbery

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aniel Paris, a 23-yearold gold miner of West Coast Demerara, was on Thursday afternoon served an 18-month jail term after he pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at

the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on April 28, 2017, at High Street, Georgetown, Paris robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Paul Ramadayal of one Samsung cellular phone and

“Kezie” wanted for South Ruimveldt murder

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he Guyana Police Force is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the whereabouts of a Diamond, East Bank Demerara resident, Ezekiel Edward, also known as “Kezie”, for questioning in a murder investigation.

The 27-year-old man is wanted by the Police in connection with the murder of 27-yearold fisherman, Roy Roland, of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown. Roland was reportedly killed between May 16 and May 17, at Merry Gold Street, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown. His body was found last Wednesday.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Ezekiel Edward called “Kezie” is asked to contact the Police on tele-

Ezekiel Edward, called “Kezie”

phone numbers 225-6411, 2272128, 226-1389, 226-7065, 2682343, 268-2298, 225-2227, 911 or the nearest Police station.

some $50,000 in cash, a total value of $194,000, and inflicted personal violence to the person of the VC during the course of the robbery.

A second charge against Paris read that on March 13, 2017, while armed with an offensive weapon, that is to say a knife, he robbed Boaz Jacobs of a Blu cellular phone and a mountain bicycle, a total value of $33,000.

The defendant chose not to waste the court’s time by opting to enter a guilty plea with respect to the first charge, while denying the latter.

According to Police (with regard to the first offence), the VC, on the day in question, was on his way to work when he was accosted by the defendant who wrestled him to the ground and demanded that he hand over his valuables. A fearful Ramadayal complied and the perpetrator made good his escape.

The victim filed a report hereafter and positively identified the defendant at the Ruimveldt Police Station where he, under caution, ad-

mitted to the crime, reportedly telling investigators that he had already sold the smartphone.

Moore told the court that the cash was not recovered.

The defendant when given a chance to speak by the Magistrate apologised for his actions, telling the court that he lived with his girlfriend and their five-monthold child and was the sole bread-winner of the family.

In objecting to bail for the second charge, Prosecutor Moore disclosed that the accused had matters of similar nature being investigated at the Ruimveldt Police Station and requested that Paris be remanded pending the outcome of the matter.

Considering the above circumstances and the fact that the defendant did not waste the court’s time, the Chief Magistrate sentenced Paris to 18 months behind bars for the first charge, while refusing him bail on the second charge for which he was remanded to prison.

He is expected to return to court on June 9, 2017.

His Master’s Voice…

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…in Guyanese politics ack in the day, the recording label ‘His Master’s Voice’ reigned supreme in the music business.

Abbreviated “HMV”, the logo of a dog listening to “his master’s voice” from an old gramophone would’ve been known to our erstwhile Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo.

Your Eyewitness says “erstwhile” because he just read a missive from Tacuma Ogunseye (which was more like a missile!) that took great umbrage at Nagamootoo for daring to suggest the Cummingsburg Accord needs to be renegotiated.

And this was AFTER Nagamootoo had faithfully echoed -- in faithful imitation of the HMV’s Terrier -President Granger’s insistence that the PNC-led coalition had performed WONDERS (125 to be exact!) since coming into office. By daring to question the execution of the Cummingsburg Accord, Nagamootoo was implicitly undermining Granger’s claim. The Accord, after all, was part and parcel of the Coalition Manifesto!

Ogunseye reiterated a point which has been raised since the votes were (painstakingly!) counted in 2015: The AFC just didn’t bring in the number of votes it had promised, and therefore didn’t deserve the 40% of the Cabinet it had received!!

And how did Ogunseye figure out this very interesting factoid?? Well, he must’ve looked at just the votes from Berbice, where Nagamootoo and Ramjattan were supposed to haul in scads of Indo votes from the PPP. But even if the AFC fell down there --we’re talking about the votes the ENTIRE AFC brought in, no? -- what about all the Afro votes that stalwarts like Trotman, Patterson, the Hugheses, Gaskin etc brought in from Georgetown and elsewhere?? The AFC isn’t being stereotyped by Ogunseye as an INDIAN party (Gasp!!), is it? That would be the final insult to a man who, before the elections, had insisted he wasn’t even Indian!!

They say folks ought to be careful about what they ask for; they might actually get it!! This might apply to Nagamootoo and his prayer that the Cummingsburg Accord be renegotiated. If Ogunseye’s arguments are to mean anything -- and the fella DOES work out of the Ministry of the Presidency, OK? -- then it doesn’t appear that APNU thinks the AFC matters anymore. And it’s not just because of the AFC’s anaemic performance at the Local Government elections.

Proof positive was provided by General Secretary of the PNC, Oscar Clarke, who recently insisted that Prezzie’s simply continuing to channel HIS Master’s voice -- Forbes Burnham’s. Now, if Nagamootoo’s past protestations on Burnham are to be given any credence, surely he’d choke if he had to now channel (albeit second hand!) Burnham’s ideology for the development of Guyana!!

But, then again, if Nagamootoo didn’t choke on the larwah he was given after the elections, maybe he can swallow even this big stick!!

…and those parking meters Those well-meaning folks from the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) just don’t get it, do they? They’re insisting that the contract negotiated by the Gang of Four at City Hall with Smart City is “illegal”, and ipso facto they can cancel it!! Of course the contract’s illegal! But that’s not the point, is it? Don’t they remember when the AG’s Chambers scrutinised it? Even someone as dense as Basil Williams didn’t give his green light. The Ministry of Finance was even more scathing, but the contract still went through, and the Minister of Communities signed along the dotted lines on the by-laws that operationalised the contract.

The big question MAPM should ask is: “WHY?” And the answer is the folks that really matter, with whom the contract was signed -- HMV’s to be exact -- really don’t give a hoot about legalities. They also don’t give a hoot about being repaid what they forked out to grease the wheels.

They just want their pound of flesh. Literally!!

MAPM’s being played.

…on Venezuela Even if Caricom doesn’t want to join with the Heads of State of Central and South America to “condemn the escalating repression by the dictatorial government of Nicolás Maduro,” why didn’t Prezzie?

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

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President pardons 5 more female convicts

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Jenny Henry

Neeta Shamlall

Margo Gordon

Cleva France

Nesha Rambaran

s part of Guyana’s 51st Independence anniversary, Head of State David Granger has exercised his presidential pardoning powers to release five female prisoners.

The Ministry of the Presidency in a statement on Thursday said pursuant to powers under Article 121 of the Constitution of Guyana, more particularly Articles 188, 189 and 190, the Head of State has granted Presidential Prerogative of Mercy to five convicted females whom he considered “fit and proper” to receive such pardons.

These presidential pardons are effective as from Friday, May 26, 2017, in observance of the 51st Independence anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The five prisoners, all from the New Amsterdam Prison, would have served a portion of their respective sentences for offences including larceny, fraud and assault causing bodily harm.

The prisoners who are freed from today are: 22-year-old Jenny Henry; 56-year-old Neeta Shamlall;

35-year-old Margo Gordon; 32-year-old Cleva France and 44-year-old Nesha Rambaran.

These five pardon beneficiaries were recommendations by the Director of Prisons and were also reviewed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

“It is expected that this expression of compassion and humanity by His Excellency will result in families being re-united, and the pardoned offenders leading good and useful lives hereon,” the Government missive stated.

President Granger had faced much criticism over these pardons when it was first done back in 2015, mere days after his assumption to office. He had pardoned over 50 criminals on two separate occasions in 2015 – 40 for Guyana’s 49th Independence anniversary and 11 for that year’s Christmas holidays.

However, no pardons were done during the country’s 50th Independence anniversary last year and President Granger had explained that this was as a

result of the selected prisoners not being able to fully meet the criteria set out. The same obtained for the 2016 Christmas holidays as well.

The pardoned criminals programme is an initiative of the Guyanese Leader to give young “petty” convicts a second chance at life. Initially, the criteria used to select the beneficiaries include prisoners who are facing short sentences; those who are incarcerated for petty, non-violent offences; and those between the ages of 18 and 24.

Back in December, the Head of State had opined that the pardoning programme is successful, making mention of two instances where beneficiaries of the initiative had taken full advantage of the second chance given to them to turn their lives around.

A female who was pardoned in December 2015 graduated from the ‘Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Livelihood’ (SLED) programme last year; while another pardon beneficiary is now a student at the New Opportunity Corps.

The President had stated that he was heartened to see the positive impact of this programme, particularly as it relates to the young wom-

en and mothers who were given an early release from prisons.

“I’m very happy from time to time to receive let-

ters particularly from women who have been pardoned and who are grateful. They felt that the pardon has turned their lives around…

So I think that the quality of mercy, the quality of compassion is an important quality for a Head of State to possess,” Granger had said.

However, this decision of pardoning criminals had caused and continues to build uneasiness among Guyanese, especially business owners. Persons were also calling for the identities of these convicts to be made public, but it was explained that this would hinder the reintegration of these young people into society.

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

S RAIGHT

Magistrate orders pre-emptory hearing in Crum-Ewing matter … possibility of case being closed

C Wake up, Brother Granger!

‘Balkissoon’ was in action on May 17, 2017

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he fact that many of the refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast are still working after being in services for scores of years clearly establishes the fact that an oil refinery is not a 20-year business but something that will be there for decades; thus providing enough time to recover any investment made.

Pasadena Refinery (99 years old and active), Valero Refinery (108 years and active) and the Lyondell Houston Refinery (98 years and active) are just three of the many examples of old refineries that are all still actively making money for their respective owners.

So up comes Hatree Partners, which was founded by the HESS Corporation. But isn't the HESS Corporation a 30 per cent interested party in the Exxon Project? So how is it possible for tentacles of the foreign operators to be advising the Government of Guyana its options on an oil refinery? Where is the independence? There is enough evidence available to prove that the developers have enough spare refining capacity to steer Guyana into the direction of not building a local refinery, which will result in them gaining much profits. Thus any advice from Hatree Partners cannot be considered as free from vested interests. If their advice is independent and legitimate, then I have the Brooklyn Bridge to sell to President Granger. Wake up Brother Granger, wake up!

Collectively the three foreign operators/investors have the refining capacity to process seven million bpd. So why would any of them advise favourably toward the construction of a refinery?

Does this not remind you about the tune “Balkissoon” by the famous chutney artist Omardath Maharaj? Somebody trying to run away with the “dulahin” (the oil profits). If Minister Trotman doesn't pay keen attention to this proclamation by Haas, he will find that he will be the Minister of Petroleum who supervised the process where “Balkissoon tek away the woman, the oil, the jobs, and the future of Guyana".

It is just plain and simply absurd that a consultant will proclaim that the cost to construct such a facility would be some US$5 billion. Guyana does not need a 100,000 bpd refinery.

The way the deal is structured is that the wells are projected to produce approximately 100,000 bpd. Exxon will discount the daily depreciation cost for the original investment and the daily cost of running the operations. Let us assume for discussion sake that at an average selling price of US$55 per barrel; that computes to 40,000 bpd in value? That would leave 60,000 bpd to be distributed between the investors and Guyana. According to the legal agreement, in such a scenario, Guyana will only be entitled to 30,000 bpd. So why on earth will Guyana want a 100,000 bpd refinery as is being suggested by Mr Hass?

I would agree with Mr Hass that the cost of building the refinery and the associated ancillary infrastructure are not proportionate. However, once the ancillary facilities are built, they are built for 100 years and more. So why all this big huff and puff about cost because every single cent shall be recovered in real value multiple times over because of the long investment cycle?

With such a fact on the table, any sensible investor, who is sure about a stead payback over such a long period of time, will know there is much money to be made on this project. Even the local Private Sector might buy into such a project because it is a great proposition. Thus these recommendations by Hatree Partners and Mr Pedro Hass should be rejected on multiple grounds. It fails to appropriately consider the merits of the oil deal, it does not takes into consideration Guyana’s vested political and economic interest and most importantly, this is a one-sided suggestion that clearly shows bias towards the foreign operators.

Guyana must be forever grateful to Exxon, HESS Corporation and the Chinese for putting up the seed capital to advance this dream into a reality, but there are no favours being done here; "this is business". The foreign operators of these wells are in Guyana’s sovereign territory not because they love Guyana, but because they will make respectable returns on their investments multiple times over. Thus the Granger Administration has no right to feel empathetic or should be taking any investment advice from related parties to the foreign operators.

At the end of the day, Minister Trotman and President Granger have to be bold and brave and think about Guyana first. Thus, I respect the position adopted by Minister Trotman where he said that the Government now has to consider other views and also taking into consideration the national economic and political interest before a final decision is made. That is a perfectly correct position. It is the time for our leaders to stop acting like “indentured wusses” and think for themselves and put Guyana first.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ity Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday afternoon warned prosecution Counsel that if on the next hearing, witness Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar is absent, the court will have no choice but to close the Courtney Crum-Ewing’s case for yet a second time.

This announcement came following the testimony of second witness Eon Jackson when the prosecution disclosed that the prime witness, Caesar remains hospitalised due to a case of high blood pressure. Latchman declared that the case was reopened for the simple task of taking evidence from the two witnesses and that the matter cannot be prolonged for extensive periods.

Jackson, under cross ex-

amination by Hughes, related that he received a package containing five spent shells from one Constable Brown, the very bullets which were found at the crime scene.

Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues when shown the exhibits by the court orderly, kept a straight face, appearing all but focused and was heard saying “ Your Worship, I dunno what is going on...” when questioned whether he had anything to say in relation to same being shown to the witness.

A second exhibit was presented as the accused cried “I’m in a boat sailing… I left everything in the hands of God, what happens gotta happen…”

The case continues before the Court of Magistrate Latchman on June 5.

Murdered: Courtney Crum-Ewing

Rodrigues was arrested in April at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, and brought before the courts shortly after, as the charges were re-instituted against him.

The recent decision to reopen the case by the Director

of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, came shortly after the surface of “new evidence”.

Rodrigues was released on September 14, 2016, owing to insufficient evidence as the prosecution had failed to establish a case against him for the murder.

Crum-Ewing was gunned down in 2015 as he encouraged persons to turn out to vote for the upcoming general election. Rodrigues is no stranger to the courts as a previous case of illegal gun possession was ruled in his favour shortly before the murder charge against him was dismissed. According to reports, ballistic tests on the hand gun found in Rodrigues’s possession proved that the weapon was one and the same used to murder Crum-Ewing.

Vendor charged for smuggling alcohol to prisoner

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vendor of Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday morning, just a day after he attempted to smuggle to murder accused Howard “Spleen” Rambarose two water bottles containing alcohol at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Defence counsel Tiffany Jeffery in a bail submis-

sion related that Marks McLennan was 50 years of age and resided at Second Street, Meadow Bank with his wife and four children.

She added that her client had one antecedent, an unrelated matter of domestic violence.

Prosecutor Arvin Moore had no objection to bail, but requested that same be granted in a substantial amount. It is alleged that

the defendant brought two water bottles containing a transparent water-like substance into the court’s premises and attempted to pass it to the named party. As a rank made routine checks, a strong scent emanated from the open bottle causing him to suspect it contained alcohol.

The bottles were then seized and the defendant arrested and taken to the

Brickdam Police Station, where the containers were sealed in his presence and taken to the analyst.

Moore concluded that the vendor was questioned and charged with the offence, adding that the file was yet incomplete owing to an outstanding analyst report.

McLennan was granted bail in the sum of $50,000 and ordered to return to court on June 12, 2017.

12 news

friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyana

69 Guyanese conferred w

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s Guyana celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary, President David Granger and the Government of Guyana have conferred National Awards on 69 Guyanese, including 31 women, for their outstanding service and sterling contribution towards national development.

Leading the list of awardees is acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards, who has been recognised with the Order of Roraima. Justice Edwards, who boasts an illustrious legal career that commenced in 1988, was sworn in to her current post on March 28, 2017.

She served as a judge on the Court of Appeal of Guyana for several years, and was now the second woman to be appointed acting Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Acting Chief Justice Alison Roxane Mc Lean George, who was admitted to the Bar in October 1990, for service as a Senior State Counsel, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Director of Public Prosecutions, has been named among the recipients for the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), along with Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom),

– among them 31

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

Environmental activist and pilot Annette Arjoon-Martins, who has been a driving force in marine conservation and mangrove replanting projects, has been named as a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) alongside Secretary General of the Guyana Red Cross Society, Dorothy Fraser;Â Chief Librarian of the University of Guyana, Gwyneth George; veteran Journalist Julia Ann Johnson; General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald; Veterinarian Dr

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

Karen Pilgrim and veteran Gem Ann Rohlehr, among ot Meanwhile, veteran J Enrico Woolford and Adam H ist and sculptor Winslow M Craig as well as human resou agement and organisationa ment specialist Sandra Jon among the recipients of the Achievement.

President Granger has sa conferring of National Award ognised as a mechanism pr

news

6, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

ed with National Awards them 31 women

al Secretary Donald

grim and veteran educator Rohlehr, among others. hile, veteran Journalists olford and Adam Harris; artulptor Winslow Marcellous ell as human resources manand organisational developialist Sandra Jones are all recipients of the Arrow of nt. nt Granger has said that the of National Awards was reca mechanism provided un-

Chief Librarian at UG, Gwyneth George

der the Constitution of Guyana to give due national recognition to outstanding citizens. The regular conferral of national awards is a commitment made

by President Granger.

Under the current Administration, 51 Guyanese women have already been conferred with National Awards. In 2015, 19 women from a total of 53 received National Awards. The Order of Roraima was received by one person; three received the Cacique Crown of Honour; seven received the Golden Arrow of Achievement; five received

Veteran Journalist Julia Johnson

the Medal of Service and three received the Disciplined Service Medal.

In October 2016, a total of 32 women received awards – four received the Cacique Crown of Honour, 14 the Golden Arrow of Achievement, 12 the Medal of Service and two received the Disciplined Service Medal. A total of 86 individuals were conferred with awards. Additionally, 12 groups were conferred with the Medal of Service on the occasion of Guyana’s 46th Republic Anniversary in February, earlier in 2016.

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14 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nations University to partner with IHRDC to offer oil and gas courses – mulls building state-of-the-art laboratory

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everal oil and gas-related courses, especially in the area of international petroleum law, will soon be offered at Nations University through a joint partnership with the International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC).

Nations University Director Dr Brian O’Toole has said that although his institution offers training in management, the need is felt to offer technology-related courses in the area of oil and gas, mainly because there is need for capacity building in that area in Guyana.

“We find that with the find of oil and gas, there is this scenario (that) either we end up importing great numbers of people from Trinidad – which will be good for them but will do very little to enhance certain Guyanese capabilities – or we will develop a longterm vision of training for locals,” he explained.

To kick-start the training, Nations University, through IHRDC, will be offering a workshop in mid-August this year.

Already, many companies have expressed an interest and have vowed to send several of their employees to that event, the university’s director told this publication.

It was also noted that the university is in the process of finalising accreditation for the courses through one of the United Kingdom’s largest vocational education organisations, the City and Guilds of London.

“We will make it as affordable as we can. There are going to be very short courses – some between 30 and 40 hours -- to much longer ones. All of our courses will be priced as (cheaply) as we can (allow). We will ensure that it meets (as) many pockets as possible in Guyana,” O’Toole said when asked about prices for these courses.

Meanwhile, in providing an overview of his company, IHRDC Director of Business Development, Tim Trash, said that IHRDC has been in operation for over 40 years, and is a worldwide leader in training and competency development for the

Left to right: Nations Incorporated Director, Dr Brian O’Toole; Nations’ Academic Director Taslikyah Fox; and IHRDC Director of Business Development Tim Trash

oil and gas industry.

“We continue to offer the best instructional programmes, e-learning solutions, and competency management available in the industry today, and training solutions for organisations that work in the oil and gas industry,” he added.

According to him, IHRDC currently works with more than 150 clients across the globe, and delivers unique training solutions that focus on operation and maintenance, and technical skills as well as geosciences.

“We also offer the largest competency programme in the global industry for oil and gas professionals, incorporating what we call CMS

online, which is an industry-leading competency system (that) has the largest competency data base in the industry,” he explained.

Speaking specifically about the International Petroleum Law course, Trash said the course is a practical one that develops the technical competency of students.

“The law programme is unique in that there are lots of legal parameters that have to be reviewed and discussed, and are considered as oil is produced for a country. We have taught this overview course in Ghana, Uganda and Kenya, and we are excited to teach this in August,” he said.

The IHRDC official said the course is suited for anyone involved in tax regulation or administration in terms of the contracts, and

is also suited for people involved in financial decisions.

Two instructors have been identified to facilitate the courses. Both of these individuals have extensive experience in working for major oil and gas companies and in other related fields.

Aside from offering these courses, the university also plans to partner with one of the major oil agencies that are already here in Guyana, to enter into a joint proposal to develop a state-of-the-art laboratory to train electricians, mechanics and other specialist skills in the oil and gas industry.

“We will also train technicians not just in oil and

gas, but for the other industries required in Guyana.

People who leave to go overseas will have internationally accredited training…The idea is that some of those who plan to leave, as they already plan to do, will leave with international qualification,” he said.

To facilitate this, the university has commenced construction of a four-storey building. Although sponsorship is being sought, O’Toole said construction will commence soon, as it will cater for those interested in receiving the technical training to work in the local oil and gas industry.

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Abuse of Contingency Fund alarming – economist – calls for stiff penalties against accounting officers

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Economist Ramon Gaskin

ince coming to power, officials of the coalition Government have been caught red-handed abusing the nation’s Contingency Fund. According to one observer, the situation is an alarming one that requires urgent action against the accounting officers.

According to economist Ramon Gaskin, the Contingency Fund is usually for national emergencies, such as the floods which hit Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) recently and necessitated emergency supplies to be provided.

He said the fact that the Auditor General keeps flagging these officers for fiscal mis-management is an alarming situation.

According to Gaskin, the reported misuse of the Fund and inaction against accounting officers was bordering on the ridiculous.

“The Contingency Fund is being abused and they are using it in a manner that it is not supposed to be used.

And that is why the Auditor General keeps reporting about it. But the people keep doing it; they keep using the Contingency Fund.

“So that’s one of the problems they have there. It’s not to be used for those purposes.

It’s for unforeseen emergencies, like the flooding we had in Region Eight.”

Gaskin called for stiffer action to be taken against accounting officers and permanent secretaries responsible for the violations of the Contingency Fund, noting that it would send a strong message to other personnel to remember their ethics and professionalism.

“I think the persons who are responsible for continuous abuse of the Fund should be removed from those positions… the permanent secretaries, the chief accounting officers should be removed.

The Government has to dismiss those people; they cannot just remain in their jobs because they are breaching the rules.”

“But nobody gets dismissed for that, but people get dismissed all the time for other things. The accounting officers have to be dismissed for breaching all the rules, it’s as simple as that. That would be my suggestion.”

Abuse

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change while in Opposition, had complained bitterly about similar acts by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration.

But the 2015 Auditor General report had exposed instances of the Fund being abused under the present Government. Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2015 Report had cited the Office of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo for misuse of the Contingency Fund and diverting monies drawn down from the Contingency Fund for purposes it was not intended for.

Sharma in his report stated that Nagamootoo’s office in December 2015, requested an advance of $11 million from the Contingency Fund and stated the reason for the advance was for the Government Information Agency (GINA) to offset a part of its debt to the Guyana National Newspapers

3 women homeless following... from page 3

Speaking with Guyana Times later on Thursday, 65-year-old Sandra, who lived in the upper storey, said she was alerted by a loud thud on her roof top in the vicinity of her daughter’s bedroom. Upon investigating, she saw fire emanating from the rooftop, and it quickly spread throughout the building.

She said she was told that someone was seen running from the home shortly after the fire started on the rooftop, and at least one other person has informed her that they saw when a burning object landed on the roof. She is adamant that someone had set fire to her home in the form of “fire bun”.

“Somebody did that!” the

sorrowing woman said, as she noted that everything was destroyed in the fire.

“She ain’t get to save nothing to wear!” a neighbour told this publication, as he noted that he was awakened by the sounds of people traversing the area.

According to him, the Fire Service, which is located a short distance away, did not respond promptly.

“They came late…When I opened my door, the whole house was in red (engulfed); from the front to the back was in blazing fire. I go out and help assist right away,” he said.

The man noted that the fire appeared to have been started in the upper flat, at the back of the house, in the kitchen area.

Head of GINA Beverly Alert

Limited (GNNL), publisher of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper.

Not only was the money used for the debt, but a portion of that sum was also used for another purpose, which constitutes a breach of the financial regulations.

This is based on the fact that the payment of GINA’s

debt to GNNL does not constitute an emergency but rather a routine expenditure and therefore, the Contingency Fund should not have been used. This expense should have been budgeted for in the annual budget.

According to Sharma’s report, an examination of the requisite payment vouchers and other supporting documents revealed GINA paid GNNL the sum of $9.450 million, whilst the remaining $1.550 million was used to pay employees of GINA non-taxable bonus for 2015.

The Contingency Fund was established as a subfund to the Consolidated Fund, commonly referred to as the Treasury. The use of the Contingency Fund for the routine expenditure is a breach of the financial principles.

Under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 2003, Section 41 (3), “The Minister, when satisfied that an ur-

gent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure has arisen – (a) for which no moneys have been appropriated or for which the sum appropriated is insufficient; (b) for which moneys cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act; or (c) which cannot be deferred without injury to the public interest, may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund.”

On Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had called for charges

to be laid against the Director of GINA, Beverly Alert, for the alleged misappropriation of public monies in relation to the very case red flagged by the Auditor General.

After being brought before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently, Alert had called for auditors to again take a look at the entity’s finances. This was reportedly because the data she was furnished with contained glaring inaccuracies which she was unable to explain to the parliamentary committee.

16 news

fridAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man strips naked, vandalise Popeyes fast food outlet

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man supposedly in his 20s in now in Police custody following an act of vandalism committed on the Popeyes fast food outlet on Camp Street, Georgetown on Wednesday at about 18:45h.

Staff at the facility claim that a welldressed man 'pretending' to be talking on the phone walked into the fast food restaurant, then jumped on the counter and kicked over three juicers before stripping himself completely naked and continue his vandalisation of the

premises.

"After he kicked down the juice machines, he pull down the whole tray of chicken and then cuff up the monitors. Then he go to the cash register and pull out the cable. He then stripped naked and pull down the metal shelves," a staff who was on duty at the time told this media house.

During the ordeal, the other staffers reportedly ran into the back of the kitchen and hid in the "chiller", while four customers who were dining at the time left their meals

and "ran out the door."

The security guard, who was then outside of the fast food outlet, reportedly whipped out his phone and contacted the police.

However, by the time they responded, the man had left the outlet, still naked.

Ranks reportedly caught up with him a short distance from Popeyes.

The man's actions apparently stemmed from the Popeyes' staff refusing to charge his mobile phone when he visited the place on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, after closing early on Wednesday

The man vandalising Popeyes, taken from the video uploaded to Facebook

evening, the popular fast food outlet was up and running yesterday (Thursday).

Nothing was reported stolen, and the cost for the damages incurred was not

disclosed.

Investigations are, however, ongoing.

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friDAY, may 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

Miss World Guyana 2014 to walk the runway in Rome

iss World Guyana and Miss Caribbean 2014, Rafieya Husain, will be heading to Rome in

June to work as a volunteer ambassador for Guyana with another non-governmental organisation mission titled “Inner Beauty

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he 10th edition of the theatrical production, “Nothing to Laugh About” is set for June 2-5 at the National Cultural Centre.

This show is deemed one of the biggest comedy shows currently in Guyana and it is back this time around to “tear-up” the National Cultural Centre.

This year the show is directed by Kojo McPherson and Maria Benschop and has an all-star cast, including Michael Ignatius, Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Kirwyn Mars, Leza “Radika” Singh, Clemencio Goddette, Chris Gopaul, Mark “Chine Man” Kazim, Leon Cummings, Johann David, Simone Persaud, Gerard Gilkes, Mark Luke-Edwards, Brian Goodman and Zoya Moore.

For the first time, t h e

Can Save the World” Foundation.

The Foundation is based in Rome, Italy and while there, Husain will be a part of their Inaugural Mission Fashion Show and other events to raise funds to help rebuild a kindergarten school destroyed by the earthquakes in Abruzzo and March 2016.

Bringing together art, sport, and beauty, each ambassador will participate in charity dinners, the presentation of the mission and the main event – a fashion show on June 24, as well as the beauty ambassadors – will showcase various bridal attire designed by Alessandro Angelozzi.

The former beauty ambassadors are expected to derive an idea for a project that they can work in partnership with the Foundation to assist women and children in their respective countries.

Husain will depart for Rome on June 19 and is very enthusiastic to showcase Guyana on the international stage once again.

H production team has added to the line-up a phenomenal actress who will definitely have the crowd roaring with laughter. Marissa Morgan is no stranger to Guyana, as she is one of the hosts of Guyana Today and has been in a number of plays.

Tickets for the show cost $2000, $1500 and $1000 and can be purchased at the National Cultural Centre Box Office, Giftland Mall, Nigel’s Supermarket, Payless Variety Store, Gizmos and Gadgets and Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop.

The show has never disappointed its audiences and promises to stay true to that reputation.

As usual, the show will straddle all the divides; be it politics, race or religion. It is a show that is not afraid to push the boundaries and that is probably why it is the most anticipated show every single year.

Patrons are advised to be on time as the show will begin at 20:00h sharp.

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017

eineken UEFA Champions League 2017 promotions has seen several of the brand’s loyal customers winning limited edition prizes along with tickets to the grand finals, scheduled for Giftland Entertainment Strip on June 3.

In the launch event, six Heineken consumers were

Finals party.

Promotions continue this weekend and all of next week, giving Heineken/UEFA fans the opportunity to win more great prizes along with tickets to the finals viewing party. Persons can also win tickets to this exclusive event by going to www.

Heineken Portfolio Manager Darshanie Yussuf stands with winner of the Ultimate Heineken Race, O’Neil Powers (right) along with one of the runners-up Randy Deochand

chosen to participate in the Ultimate Heineken Race after successfully completing a Heineken/UEFA knowledge test. O’Neil Powers proved he was the ultimate Heineken/ UEFA fan, winning the grand prize in the launch promotion.

He received an all-expense-paid trip to Trinidad to attend the Heineken Champions League

logograb.com and champion the match.

This year’s promotion will end with a massive final viewing party and have an added attraction as soca sensation, KES, will be performing live after the games. Only persons 18 years and older can participate in the promotion.

creating a storm on the Essequibo Coast

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w e n t y- s i x- ye a r- o l d Andrew Yee, also referred to as “Chinese Assassin” is one of the hottest and most versatile deejays on the Essequibo Coast.

The father of one attended the St Ambrose Primary School in Queenstown, Georgetown and Abram Zuil Secondary School where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and secured six subjects.

He is the fourth of eight children for his parents, Nadira Persaud and Kwang Yun. He spent most of his childhood in Queenstown, Georgetown but at the age of 12, he moved to Reliance on the Essequibo Coast where he resides presently.

During his teenager life he felt a passion for music, since he grew up opposite the Fusion Sound Family in Queenstown. He was

clashes in Essequibo and is now gearing up for the Art of War. His greatest memory of being a DJ is being connected with his fans. “The love is so amazing; I take that love and make it a positive motivation for myself to be better. I’m driven by the unconditional support of others... the rush and excitement gives me more determination”.

As a young deejay, he feels that there are a lot of guys who possess the raw natural talent but are often discouraged from following up such desires and are forced i n t o doing

fascinated with the juggling and at the way songs are being selected to suit a particular event.

Yee was also very adventurous and from time to time, he found himself exploring various opportunities and situations before him. He was also very active in school athletics.

Being a deejay, Yee says it makes him feel in control of his crowds by playing the right music and sending positive messages. Being a disc jockey, he stated, is not only about playing the music but rather someone who can influence an audience.

Although he has played at several functions and parties, he enjoyed the gigs at Essequibo Night, Moruca Expo and Christmas Eve Night at Sowiya Night Club.

He would have also participated in several sound

something for other people’s happiness. As such, he encourages them to be unique, developing their own style as early as possible. Success he noted comes from hard work and determination.

“If I can overcome all the obstacles in my path to success, there’s no doubt in my mind that you can’t. Keep thinking positive, continue the hard work and make wise choices,” he added.

On a lighter note, his favourite colours are black, white and red and he loves to eat seven curry, steamed greens and ginger chicken.

During his leisure time, he keeps updating his music database and expanding his knowledge on the latest releases. He also enjoys chilling with friends but most importantly, he loves time spent with his fiancé.

friDAY, may 26, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

19

crowned Miss India Guyana 2017 finalists were introduced as aspiring chemist, Ashmini Ramnauth; fitness trainer Cynthia Dookie; aspiring entrepreneur, Sarah Rajkarran; Samantha Chunilall and Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Sangeeta Bahadur.

Prior to the announcement of the top five, the 10 delegates competed in the talent, Indian wear and evening gown segments. However, Bahadur swept the judges off their feet with the answer to the final question, which asked “If you will be winning the crown tonight, what is the first thing you will do?”

In response, Bahadur stated “If I were to win the crown this evening, the very first thing that I would go and do is bow at the feet of my mother, because without her support, her guidance, her love, I would not be the young lady that you see in front of you today, nor would I have the

of you competing in the pageant. She is the backbone of my life, my support. I would never be able to accomplish so many things in life without her help, and because of that, I would definitely go and take her blessing and her thanks.”

Bringing the audience to their feet was the moment Bahadur fell at her mother’s feet immediately after she was crowned Miss India Guyana.

Meanwhile, Ashmini Ramnauth, was crowned “First Princess,” followed by Cynthia Dookie as “Second Princess”, Sarah Rajkarran as “Third Princess” and Chunilall as “Fourth Princess”. Aside from the crown, Bahadur also snatched the prizes for “Best Talent” and “Miss Congeniality.”

Dookie, who was initially deemed as one of the crowd’s favourites, was awarded the “Miss

T

wentyf i v e - y e a rold Canada-based Guyanese Sangeeta Bahadur, was on Friday last crowned Miss India Guyana 2017 when the pageant was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingstown, Georgetown.

She outshone nine other beauties to cop the coveted title which ultimately gives her the green light to represent Guyana at the international pageant later in the year in New Jersey, USA in October. The Guyanese beauty was crowned by reigning Miss India Worldwide, Karina Kohli.

While the other nine delegates brought their best to the table with their talent pieces, catwalks and gorgeous cultural and evening wear, Bahadur surprised the judges with an answer to the final question, which was considered unique and genuine by many; including Kohli.

During the final segment, the top five chance to be in front

Catwalk” prize while Ramnauth, who is no stranger to pageantry, received prizes for “Miss Beautiful Heart” and “People’s Choice Award.”

Other prizes such as “Miss Photogenic” went to Rajkarran, and “Miss Pretty Face” went to Chunilall. The other contestants were also recipients of awards for “Best Eyes,” “Best Skin,” “Best Smile” and “Best Face.”

The new Miss India-Guyana works fulltime as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree from Brock University in Business Communication Studies and is the recipient of the 2016 Top 40 under 40 Hamilton Business Achievement Award.

Bahadur is also a professional Bharatanatyam dancer and is a trained vocalist in North Indian Hindustani music within the Patiala Gharana.

She is extensively involved in humanitarian work with the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation/ Society, across Guyana and in Canada.

This young lady is passionate about motivating youth through Indian Arts and has started to do so by offering Bharatanatyam dance workshops to underprivileged children in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) since 2012 as a way to build their confidence and self-esteem and many other transferable skills needed to become strong, sound minded adults.

A

Anil Azeez

E-Praise

MK

Cheryl Melony

Samuel Medas

Mariam Williams

Kester D

n anti-suicide, anti-violence and job creating rally titled “Hope is Rising” is billed for D’Urban Park for Saturday, June 3.

This unique event will see lectures from prominent members of the Christian community on the importance of life and more so, how persons can walk away from a violent relationship. In addition, there will be persons on hand to answer questions about job creating and other issues affecting young people.

The event will also be used as a worshipping session, with performances by several high-level gospel singers from the Guyana, the Caribbean and the United States.

Those slated to perform are Joel Brown, Psychologist, Wil Campbell, Samuel Medas, E-Praise, MK out of the USA, New Life Assembly of God Drama Eion Greaves Team, Anil Azeez, Rachael Connelly, Pastor Joseph Persaud, Eion Greaves, Cheryl Melony, Mariam Williams, Kester Dean and Emrand Henry out of St Lucia.

Apart from the lectures and performances, there will be lots of games for the kids, well stocked drink and food bars and other attractions.

Joel Brown The event gets underway at 18:00h and admission is absolutely free.

The event is promoted by Kester D and will be hosted by Pastor Joseph Persaud.

New Life Assembly of God Drama team

Joseph Persaud

Rachael Connelly

Wil Campbell

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FriDAY, may 26, 2017

12

T

teams for Kwebanna Independence tapeball tourney

hree-time tapeball champs, Kwebanna, will take to the field to defend their title when the Kwebanna Sports Club bowls off its annual male Independence Tapeball Cricket competition today.

Hosted by Kwebanna, a village in the Moruca Sub-District of Region 1, the competition will have robust participation from teams in Moruca as well as from communities along the river.

This competition which bowled off three years ago has seen fierce rivalry, and this year’s contest promises to be exhilarating, as twelve teams will be contesting for championship glory.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on Wednesday donated the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies for the competition.

Minister within that Ministry, who also has responsibility for youth and sport, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, handed over the prizes to Secretary of the Kwebanna Sport Club, Althea Harding, at her Thomas and Quamina Streets office on Wednesday.

Minister Garrido-Lowe said she would have to pass on the opportunity of partici-

pating in the days actives due to ministerial appointments, but she wished participating teams success and reminded that sportsmanship must be observed.

Ms Harding thanked the Minister for the Ministry’s continued support towards sport development, not only in her region, but throughout Guyana.

The teams in contention include Warapoka, Karaburi, Waikarebi, Chinese Landing, Santa Cruz, Kamwatta, Koko, Huradiah, Paloma/ Santa Rosa and Islands, Wallaba, and host team Kwebanna.

The winner will pocket $75,000 and a trophy; 2nd place winner $35,000 and a trophy; and 3rd place winner $10,000 and trophy.

First ball bowls off at 9 hours following a simple opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, on July 3, the women will take to the field for a softball competition.

Minister Valerie Garrido-Lo

we (centre) donating the

trophies

sports

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Sudesh Fitzgerald

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he Guyana Darts Association will this evening be hosting the Malta Supreme Darts Tournament, and according to the organisers, all systems are in place.

The Millennium Manor hotel on Hadfield Street will serve as venue for the three-day event, which will see participation of a 15-member team from Trinidad and Tobago.

President of the Guyana Darts Association, Sheik Yassen, has said the Trinidadians will be arriving tomorrow afternoon, the Jamaicans have opted out of the tournament, but the Bajans are hoping to send a team for the men’s singles on Sunday.

Entrance fee for each category of play is US$15. Top three finishers in the Mixed Nation category would respectively walk away with US$600, US$300 and US$150.

All systems in place for Malta Supreme Darts Tournament Meanwhile, the Luck of the Draw winner will take home 50% of the pool, second place winner will earn 25%, while the other 25% will be shared between third and fourth place winners.

The Luck of the Draw is open to practically anyone who believes he/ she has the ability to play the game; while the Mixed Nations Doubles will see a local player being paired with an overseas player.

In the individual categories, players with the most 100 points, highest check out, shortest games, and most 180 points will earn themselves cash.

The Male and Female Singles is the major attraction, with reigning Caribbean Singles champion Sudesh Fitzgerald being Guyana’s top ranked player. Luis Ramirez-Merlano, who teamed up with Fitzgerald to win the

Caribbean Doubles title last year in Barbados, will also be in action.

Other players who are expected to defend home turf in the Male division are Lalchand Rambharose, Anil Lachhman, Sherwin Greene, Anthony Bissoondyal and Bholanauth Ramdyal; while on the distaff side, Guyana will be represented by Rosetta Hiralall, Shondell Hyles, Hemwantie Amyan, Victorine Chandro and Melissa Smartt, among others. The tournament, initiative of newly-elected President Sheik Yassen, is aimed at the Association laying the foundation to host the Caribbean Championships in 2020.

Roosters Bottled Coconut Water and R. Ganesh Mining Enterprise are the corporate partners on board for the tournament.

Fullbore shooters seeking to maximise training

– recorded shoots start next month

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ocal marksmen are hoping they get sunshine for a full day today, to ensure a full day of practice at the Timehri Rifle Range following a long layoff due to continued refurbishing of the Ranges for the Guyana National Rifle Association 150th Anniversary and West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council championships here.

Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud has indicated that even while works are still ongoing, shooting will

commence in a limited way at the 300, 600 and 1000 yards’ ranges, given that shooters have been away from the targets for a few months.

He explained that with the opening up of the sides to extend the range, it is anticipated that the wind will be stronger and that this would entail bigger changes.

“If it continues with its tricky nature, it will be quite interesting to shoot on. We are limited to shooting at 300,

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Local shooters are preparing to be in prime shape for the GuyanaNRA/West Indies Fullbore Championships to be held here in October

600 and 1,000 yards because those banks are well grassed and are almost ready for competition. However, the plus is that the three ranges are the most difficult, and mastering these will make shooting the others a bit easier,” he explained.

Shooting commenced on Sunday last, but the day was shortened as a result of persistent rain.

“We will be focusing a lot on the not-so-accomplished shooters (because we want) to improve their game further, thus improving the team's chances. We will be holding recorded shoots from June 4th, and a Spoon shoot for both X and O class on June 25th. At the end of July, a review of the performance by the shooters will be done and the programme prepared accordingly for the remainder of the year,” he disclosed.

Guyana will be defending their West Indies Short and Long Ranges titles when they welcome the Caribbean and other top shooting nations for the 150th Anniversary shoot, in October this year.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, may 26, 2017

Digicel Schools’ Football is catalyst for developing future national players

By Akeem Greene

T

he Digicel Schools’ Football Championship, held under the theme “Unite, Develop, Excel” since its inception in 2011, has unearthed several young and talented footballers.

Unfortunately, there has not been the mechanism in place to help develop this bountiful crop of raw talent which has been on show.

In addressing this issue, the telecommunications giant has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in an effort to foster development of future national players. Action in this partnership, which is now in its seventh year, kicks off on June 12.

This was disclosed on Thursday

by Digicel’s head of Customer Care, Sherwin Osborne, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

“This year, it is imperative for us to take that next step in terms of developing students and players into that realm where there is an easier transition into the national team and the general professional atmosphere,” Osborne detailed.

He added, “We are working very closely with the GFF and technical directors to help bridge that gap we always talk about in terms of: ‘After the school league, what do they do?’ So this year we (are) looking in terms of developing the players professionally”.

Over the years, they have been three champions of the tournament:

Government Technical Institute (2011); Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (2012-2015); and Chase’s Academic Foundation (2016).

Sherwin Osborne

There has been the emergence of some star-quality players in the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Kelsey Benjamin, Ryan Hackett, Omar Brewley, Shaquille Campbell and Keshawn Dey, to name a few.

An admirable development has been the championship venturing into interior locations to provide a platform for interior location players to showcase their talents.

“That was o u r ultimate goal from day one. We didn’t want to do a tournament that just dealt with the (coastal communities); we wanted to go all across Guyana. And it is coming to fruition now in terms of (players from interior locations) getting… out to play for the national team; and every year we have ‘interior teams’ making the quarter-finals and semi-finals,” he explained.

Osborne disclosed that there will, this year, be very strict adherence to schools registering players within the under-18 age group. Accordingly, school administrators are urged to bring in the necessary documentation that would verify the ages of the players they would have represent their school in the tournament.

The champion school usually collects $1 million to fund a project of its choice, while the second, third and fourth-placed finishers receive $700,000, 400,000 and $350,000 respectively. Regional champions are guaranteed $100,000 each.

The Digicel representative is asking schools to be timely in submitting their plans, since this year Digicel “will be setting a deadline, and schools that do not adhere would have to forfeit their prizes”.

This year’s tournament is expected to feature more than 160 schools, and will run until July 31, when the finals will be played at the Leonora Stadium.

FYG hosting 20-bout inter-gym boxing

Banks Malta Brand Supervisor Marissa Peterkin making a presentation of medals to Sebert Blake during a handing-over ceremony at Thirst Park on Thursday. Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie was present at this event

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he Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) is set to host the Malta Supreme-sponsored 20-bout Inter-Gym Boxing tournament on Saturday, May 27th, at its Gym at James and Bel Air Streets in Albouystown, Georgetown.

The card will attract participation from gyms across Guyana, including the Young Achievers, Harpy Eagles, Pocket Rocket of Linden, Vergenogen Gym of East Bank Essequibo, Rose Hall Gym of Berbice, Republicans, and Impressive Youths Gym of Wakenaam.

Sebert Blake, Head Coach of the FYF, explained that the tournament has been organized to promote the development of young boxers in the sport. Blake thanks Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the tournament under the Malta Supreme brand.

According to Blake, competition will be in four categories: Schoolboys, Juniors, Youths and Elite. The tournament comes hot off the heel of the Caribbean Schoolboys Boxing Championship at which Guyana excelled with 6 gold and four bronze medals.

Action starts at 16:00 hours and admission is free to the public.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, may 26, 2017

– kicks off tonight at National Gymnasium

Brand Manager Geoff Clements handing over the cheque to Xtreme Clean’s Managing Director Shanai Gomes

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anks DIH Limited has, through its GT Beer brand, joined Xtreme Clean’s Futsal Tournament, “Gold Rush”.

GT Beer Brand Manager Geoff Clement yesterday handed over a cheque in this regard to Managing Director of Xtreme Clean, Shanai Gomes, in a simple ceremony. Public Relations Officer of Banks DIH, Troy Peters, speaking at the presentation ceremony, said the company is “very pleased” to be associated with the tournament, while pointing out that GT beer has been the main brand behind Futsal tournaments in Guyana. Peters maintained that the “Gold Rush” tournament is the “Champion of Champions”, with 24 top teams participating.

Managing Director of Xtreme Clean, Ms. Gomes, expressed appreciation for the sponsorship and said it means a lot that Banks DIH has come on board. She promised that in the coming weeks there will be an “Xtreme” tournament.

The tournament kicks off today and will continue on May 27th and 28th. The Final is set for next month.

The tournament has a round robin format, with teams having to win in order to progress to the next round, while a defeat means automatic elimination.

The first prize is $500,000, while second prize is $200,000. And apart from cash prizes, fans will have a chance to win a pennyweight of gold on each night of the tournament. Entry to games cost $300 on the opening nights, while entry to the Finals is $1000.

The opening fixtures are as follows: May 26th: Agricola vs BV “A” at 19:00rs; Festival City vs Albouystown at 19:30hrs; Sophia vs Dave and Celina’s All-Stars at 20:00hrs; Showstoppers vs Tiger Bay at 20:30hrs; Broad Street vs West Back Road at 21:00hrs; and Sparta Boss vs Kitty at 21:30hrs.

May 27th: Tucville vs Melanie at 19:00hrs; Plaisance vs Alexander Village at 19:30hrs; Bent Street vs Campbellville at 20:00hrs; North East La Penitence vs Future Stars at 20:30hrs; Gold is Money vs North Ruimveldt at 21:00hrs; and Back Circle vs Globe Yard at 21:30hrs.

The tournament is set to be an exciting and action packed affair, with teams like Sparta Boss, Back Circle, Bent Street, Goal is Money, Broad Street and Tiger Bay participating.

23

competition promises top action today

T

he Stabroek Sports Bar will be abuzz with excitement today as top pool players from across Guyana cross cues in the GT Beer Pools competition. Registration for the competition started earlier this month, and continues up to 12:00hrs today. Action will start at 12:00hrs.

The winner of the one-day competition will receive $70,000, while the second placed player will cop $30,000 and the third placed player $20,000.

Public Relations Officer of Banks DIH, Troy Peters, is urging pools lovers to “come to Stabroek Sports Bar” for what he promises to be an exciting day.

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GT Beer on board with “Gold Rush” Futsal Tournament Pg 23

– kicks off tonight at National Gymnasium

Digicel Schools’ Football is catalyst for developing future national players

Some exciting futsal action is expected tonight at the National Gymnasium

Pg 22

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