Guyana Times Sunday

CJIA technicians, passenger arrested

Two air conditioner technicians attached to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were arrested on Friday after over 14 pounds of cocaine was found in several bottles of rum on an outgoing passenger. The female passenger, who reportedly told ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch that the bottles were given to her by the two men, was also taking into custody as investigations continue.

Guyana Times understands that one of the men resides in Timehri, EBD while the other is from Grove, EBD. The names of the two technicians were not released.

According to information received, the female passenger was an outgoing passenger on a Caribbean Airlines flight at about 16:00h. The flight was destined for the John F Kennedy International Airport. The

authorities are of the opinion that on the day in question, the woman might have colluded with the two airport staff to empty the bottles of rum and replace its contents with cocaine.

It was after the passenger had checked in and was having her luggage scanned that the strange objects were detected. The bags were pulled and a physical search was conducted which resulted in the discovery of the cocaine in the rum bottles.

The woman was arrested and during interrogation she reportedly revealed the names of the two persons with whom she conspired to smuggle the cocaine. The cocaine was weighed the amounted to 6.3 kilograms.

Earlier in the month, Vanessa Harper, 30, of Lot 70 Ramos Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was busted with 5.756 kilogrammes of cocaine at the CJIA as she was about to board a Caribbean Airlines flight destined for the United

States.

On that same day, Nanda Ali, age 39, of Lot 12 Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara was also busted with 6.182 Kg of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Upon their arrest, Harper told investigators that she was promised US$5000 to transport the illicit substance to the United States. It was reported that the bust was made by Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers and the drug was found concealed in the cover of both suitcases.

Similarly, Ali was also promised US$5000 to smuggle the drugs out of the country. It was reported that while at the airport, a search was conducted on Ali’s possessions and the illegal substance was unearthed from the cover at bottom of each suitcase. Both women were remanded to prison and the matters were transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for trial.

Pomeroon teenager died due to blunt trauma to abdomen

The autopsy performed on 19-year-old Trevor Benn from Grant Bush, Lower Pomeroon, revealed that he died due to blunt trauma to his abdomen as a result of the May 26 crash he was involved in. The autopsy was performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh on Friday at the Suddie Funeral Home. It was witnessed by family members.

Benn lost his life after the 40 horse power boat he was driving lost control and crashed into a tree at Akawini Village, Lower Pomeroon. He was accompanied by his friend

Jamal France, 18 of Lower Pomeroon. Reports said that Benn and France went for an evening outing at

Akawini, when he met in the accident. The accident reportedly occurred 22:00h Monday night. France escaped unhurt whilst Benn was pinned by the upturned boat. France was saved by passersby while ranks from ‘G’ Division retrieved the body of the now dead teen.

Relatives of the deceased said that the teenager did not informed them where he was going the evening he took the boat. Benn usually did farming with his parents as a living. He was the fifth child of his parents. Information revealed that the teenager was unlicensed to drive.

Gun, ammunition found in Central Rupununi

One man has been arrested, and is likely to be charged, with the illegal possession of gun and ammunition following the discovery of a

12 gauge shot gun and two cartridges.

Police stated that officers attached to the Lethem Police Station conducted a search on a house at Bitoon, South Central Rupununi, during which the gun and ammunition were discovered.

Additional information reaching the Guyana Times revealed that the gun and ammunition were found hidden under a bed.

The man, who was the lone occupant of the house at the time, claimed that he knew nothing about the items. He is currently in

police custody assisting with investigations.

Over the past months, several persons were charged for the illegal possession of gun and ammunition in the Lethem/ Rupununi area. The area is the transit point for those entering Guyana and leaving for neighbouring country of Brazil. In addition, due to porous borders, large quantities of guns and ammunition are smuggled into the country on a regular basis. Police and immigration have been tightening security at borders.

Bandits nabbed in Eccles following carjacking

It was high drama at 21:00h on Friday in Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), as three men were arrested during their attempt to escape in a car stolen from a taxi driver.

According to information received a group of men hired a taxi driver by Sheldon Anderson from the Stabroek Market Square and requested to be taken to Eccles, EBD.

As they approached Eccles, two of the men whipped out handgun, held the driver at gunpoint and demanded he exit the vehicle or else they would shoot him. Anderson reportedly complied.

Anderson quickly solicited assistance from another taxi driver and followed the vehicle. The car was intercepted, but the four men retaliated by discharging several rounds in the direction of Anderson, causing him to retreat. By this time, gunshots were heard by residents and they subsequently forced the men to abandon the vehicle and fled the scene.

The Police were sum-

moned and due to their quick response, three of the men were apprehended and taken into custody. Police are in the lookout for the fourth suspect.

One resdient told the Guyana Times that he was at home watching television when he heard the sound of gunshots. He stated that as he went to the door and pulled the curtains, he saw the two cars. One of the cars, he claimed, had four occupants but did not see how many persons occupied the other. Nevertheless, he stated that the residents, who are mostly licensed firearm holders, rushed out to assist since they suspected it was a robbery. About 1020 residents ran out, forcing the men to run. They were arrested a short distance away by the Police. The man stated that the area is a quiet place where nothing much happens, and to hear gunshots was extremely strange. The Police are continuing their investigations but according to reports, the men are known characters to law enforcement.

Dead, Trevor Benn

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1 – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY

PPP/C GECOM Commissioners rebut Alexander

Amid alleged misleading information being peddled by sections of society and persons of authority, three of the six Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have concluded that attempts are being made to alter records and destroy all evidence indicating that the General and Regional Elections for 2015 were manipulated.

The three Commissioners – Mohamood Shaw, Athmaram Mangar and Sase Gunraj – all of whom were nominated by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C); were at the time responding to a statement made by another Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, who tried to assure the general public that the entire electoral process was free from discrepancies.

In a statement, the three Commissioners said they strongly believe that there is an ongoing effort to remove and destroy the fake Statements of Poll from the system and also to alter other records which can prove that the election results were incorrect.

The three Commissioners maintain that GECOM’s adamant refusal of a recount only adds to the wide perception that the election results were manipulated.

“Why they are so grounded in their denial of a recount of the votes in the ballot boxes? Why the reluctance to provide the disaggregated results by polling division? Why the refusal to provide the requested Statements of Poll? What is there to conceal?” the Commissioners probed.

On that note, the Commissioners’ repeated calls to GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield to provide the requested information in order to give validity to their positions that elections were not rigged.

Recently, PPP/C Candidate Charles Ramson Jr explained his perception that GECOM’s Chairman and CEO are protecting the Commission’s credibility by refusing a recount.

He explained that the two may not have had a direct role in the rigging of the election, but they are denying a recount because, in the event it proves that there were inconsistencies, then their credibility will be destroyed.

Meanwhile, in response to Alexander’s statement, the PPP/C Commissioners contend that it was grossly misleading – another sign of an attempt to distort genuine information.

“Firstly, it is stated that “it was determined in the hours leading up to the final declarations that GECOM had to deliberately disregard several documents from its own Information Technology (IT) Department.

This was because of emerging evidence that all was not right with those IT result and that some fake Statement of Polls (SOPs) somehow entered GECOM”.

This statement is grossly inaccurate, misleading and mischievous.

“The methodology that was unanimously approved by the Commission required that all Statements of Poll be received by the Logistics Department for logging, then forwarded to at least two Commissioners, one each from governing and Opposition parties, respectively, for their initials.

Only after this was done were Statements of Poll forwarded to the IT

Department, for processing. It must, therefore, be clear, that no fake Statement of Poll could have originated from the IT Department but must have passed through the Logistics Department then to the Commissioners,” the statement read.

“This is confirmed by Mr Alexander’s own admission, when he stated that, “… a count by the Information Technology (IT) Department after the statements bound for the Chief Elections Officer would have been delivered to GECOM, signed off on by at least two present Commissioners and transmitted to IT for tabulation, after which they should have been transmitted to the CEO’s office for custodial purpose.

Indeed, to date, the IT Department has still not received all of the Statements of Poll, yet a declaration of the results of the election was approved by a majority decision of the Commission and done by the Chief Elections Officer. Mr Alexander is aware that the IT Department was ordered to cease operations.

Mr Alexander is also aware that a report which

emanated from the IT Department and which established major differences in numbers between its aggregation and that of the Chief Elections Officer, was withdrawn by the Chairman. We believe that Mr Alexander’s failure to include this in his missive is not coincidental,” it went on.

Furthermore, the statement noted that Alexander “hit the nail on the head” when he wrote “the most critical point to note is that the three most relevant authorities (Returning Officers, the Chief Elections Officer and the political parties) should have been in possession of the original and identical statements of polls.”

The PPP/C-elected Commissioner said the problem is that the Statements of Poll in the possession of the “three most relevant authorities” materially differ.

“This debacle is com-

pounded by the Chief Elections Officer’s own admission that fake Statements of Poll penetrated GECOM machinery. We are baffled by this bold assertion of Mr Alexander.

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

GECOM Commissioner Athmaram Mangar

GECOM Commissioner Mohamood Shaw

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Keep eyes on the prize: Job creation

During the last campaign, the then Opposition focused heavily on the goal of “poverty reduction”, unlike the PPP/C, which stressed “job creation” in high value added areas against a background of manageable public debt, declining fiscal deficits, recurrent account surpluses, low inflation, a healthy banking sector and persistent growth of the GDP for the past six years.

More recently, there has been a stress on a survey which purported to show a 40 per cent unemployment rate among youths even as the sugar industry is unable to attract workers.

It is clear that, if the survey is accurate and the claims of “poverty” are also true, then modern Guyanese youths are willing to live in “poverty” while jobs in one of the anchors of the economy - sugar - go begging.

Managers of GuySuCo routinely complain that they cannot even achieve 50 per cent of the optimum workers’ attendance. With all the travails in the industry, even the new administration has declared that the sugar industry is “too big to fail” and will intervene to ensure its survival and health.

For years, individuals who are now in Government had been complaining that sugar workers were being “pampered” by the PPP/C and that the wage scale in the industry was way too high.

As a point of fact, wages in the sugar industry are high -relatively and absolutely - but not because of “pampering”. It is simply a matter of “supply and demand” of a commodity - labour - that is needed at specific times of the year: just as it always was and always will be.

It is hoped that the new administration’s focus on “poverty reduction” will persuade all those unemployed youths to secure the well-paying jobs in the sugar industry.

It is also hoped that the new APNU/AFC administration does not view the difference between “poverty reduction” and “job creation” as splitting semantic hairs. The difference highlights a pragmatic commitment to reducing poverty through a mechanism that returns dignity to the citizen rather handouts, which do not.

Past attempts at “poverty reduction” in a stagnating and static economy left workers restricted to low-productivity jobs that precluded them from raising their standard of living. It must be accepted that Guyana needs an inclusive tide of growth that will raise the ships of all.

While looking at “poverty reduction” governments usually tax citizens with the most initiative, capital and know how inevitably ending with their departure, which sets up a vicious cycle that Guyana is still experiencing.

For Guyana to progress, all sections have to rise up. Since “poverty” is a relative measure, there will always be certain percentage of citizens defined as “poor”. Even the number one economy in the world, according to the UNDP, Norway, has “poor people” - those with less than US$44,000 annually.

Inevitably however, as the experience of Norway shows, there will always be income differentials. The secret is to make the lowest stratum have enough income and opportunities that they can live with dignity.

What then, is the right road to inclusive growth? Within the last two decades, Asia has shown us the way.

The key to the success of many high-performing Asian economies has been a dynamic structural transformation where the composition of output shifts from low-productivity goods into high productivity ones, where labor moves from agriculture to industry, and exports become more diversified.

These economies have maintained productivity gains by systematically upgrading technology and manufactured products, boosting labor productivity, raising household incomes, and fostering inclusive growth.

This last government has been laying the groundwork for the structural transformation of the economy along the lines suggested above. Our infrastructural base, which is low even by Caribbean/Latin American standards (already lowest in the developing world) is being upgraded - for instance in ICT.

Let us change our perspective from worrying about “poverty” and focus on creating wealth for all.

Early signs of ministerial arrogance

Dear Editor, The issue surrounding Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Ann Greene being arbitrarily sent on leave for allegedly having an exchange of words with Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes is an early sign of intolerance and an inability to adequately respond to and resolve industrial conflict in the Ministry of Social Protection headed by Ms Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry Ms Simona Broomes.

This recent development raises serious concerns in the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) over the nature of the industrial environment that will be cultivated.

Whereas it is important that functional superiors

show authority this must be exercised judiciously respecting the rights of each employee to due process which includes the right to defence.

GTUC takes this opportunity to remind the Honourable Ministers that it is less than three weeks since they were on the campaign trail promising to be different and offering themselves as a better alternative to the previous government.

They are reminded that better practices are not limited to areas of corruption and marginalisation but also to the ability to manage industrial practices.

As a result, Ministers are reminded that their actions determine how persons perceive their ability to exercise stewardship of the ministry under their portfolio and may unfortu-

nately result in an unfair labelling of the entire new administration.

Of further concern is that an ill managed industrial climate and poor relations are likely to impact the quality of service provided by this Ministry.

To ensure that the campaign promises are not mere lip service these new ministers must deliver on their commitments and that of their government to respect the rights of all Guyanese.

GTUC urges tempering of arrogance since such only conveys newness or disregard for others perceived on a lesser level of authority.

The GTUC over the last couple of hours understands that Ms Lawence has responsibility for Labour and therefore any action of hers inimical to the best interest of pre-

serving workers’ rights and due process are seen as ominous since this Minister will have to enter into bargaining and negotiations with labour organisations and will have to conciliate/arbitrate disputes and grievances.

This requires skills, tolerance and an ability to hammer out positions that will result in fair resolve of issues.

Workers of this country are looking to this new government for change that will see their rights upheld. Indiscriminate practices by the political directorate of the coalition will not be given a pass for where such behaviours were considered wrong under the PPP they cannot now be acceptable under the APNU+AFC.

Guyana Trades Union Congress

Background checks needed for new Region 9 officials

Dear Editor,

The news, whether true or false, that Carl Parker would be appointed the Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) was very shocking and disappointing to many Amerindian Communities and the business sector at Lethem, based on his unprofessionalism as a Senior Officer of

the region some years ago. It is the opinion of Region Nine residents that the Minister of Communities Mr Ronald Bulkan should first peruse the personal file of parker which is at the Local Government Ministry before appointing him to the position of REO for the Rupununi region.

It will therefore be good for our Minister of

Communities and Local Government to have a background check on persons in Region Nine he hopes to employ in government service.

This is to avoid making his hands fall and bad name given to our new government. There are a few others in Region Nine.

Some of them have stolen vehicles from the Amerindian communities,

causing our school children to walk to and from school. They are living in Shulinab village and nearby communities.

An investigation should be held so that those vehicles can be returned to the communities to be for the purpose they were given by the previous government.

Ethel Marques

Dancers from the Australian Ballet are seen during a media-call at the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane, Australia (The Telegraph)

Guyanese to America: Stop meddling

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to an article in which US Charge d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, is telling the PPP/C to take its seat in Parliament as part of good governance. Sir, what do you mean by that?

And it seems that America is stepping over the line in meddling in our affairs as our leaders correctly state. We are a sovereign nation, Sir. Can we go over to America and tell your Congress and political parties what to do or not to do?

Why does America feel that it can go into any sovereign country and dictate to that nation what it must and must not do?

Why is the Charge d’Affaires telling the PPP/C to take its seat in Parliament, but the Charge d’Affaires is not supporting a call, for the sake of good governance, for the Guyanese people to get a recount of their votes?

Mr Hunt, aside from the PPP/C, we the Guyanese people want to know where our votes are. Sir, there is a great irony here. You want the PPP/C to represent people in

Parliament and the people are telling you we want a recount of our votes.

You are not giving the people what they want; you are telling us to do what you want. The US needs to stop meddling in the affairs of our country. As a citizen of Guyana, I do not think the PPP/C should go into Parliament until we the people know where our votes are.

If the Charge d’Affaires is truly concerned about Guyanese and their representation, then start by telling us where our votes are.

Tell us why the US is not backing the PPP/C to get a recount which is entitled by law. Mr Hunt, let us get our governance foundation in order before we go into Parliament.

Has the honourable US dignitary not see people picketing across the country demanding a recount to know where their votes are? Why doesn’t he address that? Or doesn’t it fit into the US agenda he is pushing in Guyana ahead of Guyanese’ interests?

I find it ironic that the honourable dignitary doesn’t

Racist attack on Swami must be investigated, attackers prosecuted

find it worthwhile to address matters regarding the suppression of Guyanese democratic rights because of rigging in this last Elections, but yet is telling a party what to do to represent people.

Yes, Sir we the people know that the 2015 elections were rigged. Sir, the PPP/C has always been there to support us even when your country was part of the plot that brought untold suffering to our nation.

Please understand the US’s role and culpability in the destruction of Guyana and the suffering of the Guyanese people for 28 years.

I know the PPP/c can represent us in or out of Parliament. The party has done it all its life.

The honourable dignitary needs to do the honourable thing and support the Guyanese people for a recount of our votes to ensure that the people›s democratic rights were truthfully expressed and protected.

We want to know the truth with evidence.

S Singh

Abuse in any form is based on arrogance, control

Dear Editor,

In the Hindu society, everything is treated with outmost respect, be it the living or non-living. Books, animals, parents, teachers and priests are all considered as God to Hindus.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service) Guyana expresses the utmost condemnation of the attack that was made on Swami Aksharananda Ji by a gang of men on May 23 as he was making his way to Georgetown, via the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling.

A vast section of the Guyanese and international community looks up at Swami Aksharnanda Ji, a Guyanese leading peace advocate, a leader and role model and is of the view that the verbal attack was totally uncalled for.

It clearly shows people don’t know the caliber of a Swami. Distinctly, a Swami is beyond description, but the following can assist in better understand who he/ she is.

The word “Swami” means “one who is established in oneself”. In the scriptures a Swami’s life is described as «atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha» which one who strives for “the realization of the Self and for the benefit and good of the world».

A Swami is one who has set aside his personal, worldly pursuits, in order to

devote all his effort to experience the highest spiritual realization, and to the service of others.

A Swami is a spiritual and social guide, who, having dedicated his life to serve the society plays different roles at different times. A Swami is someone who is there for everybody. One who has made the whole world his family, hence he too, must be treated as family.

Swami Ji’s abuse was one that not only attacked his personal life but his ethnicity and religious background. Without a doubt, his approach towards the situation was a very conservative one.

Abuse in any form is argued to be «based on arrogance and control”. In Guyana, it is often seen that many pick on the Indians, who are mostly Hindus and continuously torment them. But lets us remind ourselves, Constant abuse in any form can lead to catastrophe, if one’s serenity is provoked!

The hope of equality in race and religion has been focused on many of times before by many religious leaders and peace makers in Guyana, however when the time arrives for action, things are at a halt due to the disrespect and hatred that is transmitted from one race to another.

“We should meet abuse

by patience. Human nature is so constituted that if we take absolutely no notice of anger, arrogance or abuse, the person indulging in it will soon weary of it and stop” –Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

To the Guyanese Hindus, the HSS organization would like to advise you to hold on to what you believe in and stick to what you trust. Get educated and learn more about yourself and your heritage.

Don’t hesitate to educate!

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Guyana

Dear Editor, It is disheartening, though not shocking, to read the American edition (May 29) of Guyana Times about the racial heckling of Swami Aksharnanda by several Afro-Guyanese supporters of PNC (APNU).

That is a criminal offense and it is most unfortunate that the Police have not acted. The PNC/AFC government has not found it prudent to investigate an attack on Indians. Racial attacks must be condemned. And in this period of heightened racial tension, racial assaults against anyone must not be tolerated.

Anti-Indian racial bullyism has been at its peak since the election campaign. But neither the ruling PNC party nor its junior partner AFC has condemned the racial outburst against Indians and Chinese and last week’s verbal assault against the Hindu religious leader.

The leadership of neither party have found it necessary to launch an investigation or asked the Police to initiate a probe.

The Police have not found it necessary to interview the Swami or seek his assistance to identify the attackers even though this has been a public matter that made the news several days ago.

Worse, none of the diplomats, some of whom were very politically active during the campaign, had condemned the attack on the Swami.

Also, no religious leader, no pastor, no bishop, no Christian priest, etc, had chastised the attackers for hurling racial taunts at a prominent Hindu leader. Stabroek News and and Kaieteur News has not condemned the incident.

A Swami is the equivalent of a Bishop or Archbishop in the Christian faith or a mullah or higher authority in the Islamic faith. If racial in-

sults are hurled at a Bishop or Archbishop or Pope, what would be the reaction of the diplomats?

Would they be silent?

Or do diplomats only lose their voice when a Hindu religious figure is attacked?

Recently, the diplomats came out in unison condemning a Minister for his outburst against an opposition activist.

They called for his head and rightly so. The Swami, Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, myself and several other prominent Indian leaders called for the sacking of the Minister, incurring the wrath of Indians.

But what is right is right!

Who is joining us in the condemnation of the senseless attack on the swami?

Because he is Indian or Hinsu, attacks are okay? Is that how the diplomats feel?

There is no place for racial epithets regardless of people’s faith.

The diplomats and African leaders seem to have forgotten that it was the Swami who first called for the declaration of the election results as well as the swearing in of David Granger. The Swami is being rewarded with racial insults.

My nani used to say “there are people who will eat your food and when they finished, they bus your head with the plate. You must never trust these people”.

I note that Chris Ram found it necessary to file a private criminal complaint against Bharrat Jagdeo for uttering a fact – repeating what he was told about the racial campaign style of the PNC (APNU) among its supporters – to vote out the coolie government.

A frivolous case was filed that has resulted a clearly bias ruling that has been overturned by an appeal court. But the attack on the swami’s ethnicity is not frivolous. There are eyewit-

nesses to the incident and it was a direct attack on the Swami’s Indianness. The Swami spoke about it in the media.

People are curious to know why Chris Ram is not filing a private criminal complaint against those Africans who hurled the anti-Indian racist remarks? They are the ones who are threatening racial stability. They should be prosecuted. Indian leaders had warned that should there be a change in government Indians would be targeted for attacks. Their worst fears have been confirmed based on reports coming out of Guyana as well as those in the media.

In another incident of anti-Indian racism, it is shocking to learn that an African minibus driver threw out his Indian passengers midway through their journey. He told them, “You all can walk. We in charge now”.

This incident has caused many Indians to cancel their travel plan to Guyana. There are also reports of other racist incidents such as PNC(APNU) supporters walking into shops of Indians and Chinese taking what they want and telling the Indian: “Is we time now. We ain’t paying for nothing.” Is this the new model of governance?

That is what happened during the ethnic dictatorship between 1966 and 1992? Have we gone back to that in less than a week after the PNC has taken over?

Will President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo take action to end this lawlessness?

And how about Home Affairs Minister Khemraj Ramjattan – will he order the Police to conduct a probe and take actions against those who preyed on Indians and Chinese?

Vishnu Bisram

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Anu Dev

When I first arrived in Trinidad, I was amazed at all the different types of fast food places they had: McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Pappa John’s, Wendy’s and a whole host of others. My old «backward» Guyana only had a handful... KFC and Pizza Hut?

And then I came across a 2013 report that Trinidad was the NUMBER ONE obese nation in the Caribbean and the sixth most obese nation in the ENTIRE WORLD. Guyana was way, way below them.

Was there a connection between the two facts? There sure was! What had happened was that the first-world countries - especially the leader, USA, wised up to the connection between fast food and obesity and started to regulate them.

That meant less prof-

Fast-food folly

“The fast-food industry is in very good company with the lead industry and the tobacco industry in how it tries to mislead the public, and how aggressively it goes after anybody who criticises its business practices” - Eric Schlosser

its ...and their fast food chains didn’t waste any time moving down to the third world. In only the last two years, surely you›ve noticed so many of these joints coming even into «poor» Guyana?

In the first-world countries, the fast food industry’s being pressured to offer “healthy”options on their menus and it’s mandatory to display the number of calories in each item of food.

Like McDonalds in the States now also offer salads and wraps - never mind that the dressings for the salads probably have more calories that the burgers! McDonalds in Trinidad doesn’t even offer the illusion of wrapsjust good old-fashioned calorie-laden burgers, fries and nuggets.

I get the allure of fast food. Who doesn’t? It’s tasty- a high fat and sodium content pretty much guarantees that. And of course it’s fast. Laying in my dorm room too tired (and lazy… mostly lazy), to cook, sometimes I give into the urge to pick up my phone and to order pizza.

And fast food’s so much cheaper than healthy food. When I’m ordering pizza, the person at the end of the line usually talks me into upgrading from a medium to a large pizza «for just $5 more” through some ongoing deal.

I usually end up with a rather unhealthy amount of pizza that I end up having to freeze most of for later. I once had to turn down a free large pizza when I ordered a medium one. The Papa John’s worker seemed to think I was quite daft to turn down a free pizza, but as I tried to explain to her, I really had no need for both a medium and a large pizza. There’re always deals and promotions going on in these fast food places. I’ve never been offered a free, larger head of broccoli when I buy broccoli. And I guess that’s why a lot of people prefer to go the fast food route, even knowing how unhealthy it is.

And it’s incredibly unhealthy. One piece of chicken thigh from KFC has 290 calories, with 190 of those calories coming from fat and it has 850mg of sodium- that’s 35 per cent

of your daily value. And many people don’t just get one piece of chicken- they get fries, soda, biscuits and more chicken.

In school we’ve covered the systems of the human body and the type of strain your body goes through when you charge up on these fast foods. Your arteries get clogged, your heart has to strain to pump blood through those clogged arteries and you’re more susceptible to developing, diabetes, hypertension, of suffering a heart attack.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the prevalence of obesity among adults in Guyana is 16.9 per cent and that’s pretty low, especially compared with Trinidad’s whopping 30 per cent.

But if we keep on welcoming fast food chains into our country and boast about it as «development», we may well end up going the route of Trinidad. So choose wisely. As with anything, moderation is key. A bit of pizza once in a while won’t hurt, but once it becomes habit, that when it’s a problem.

GECOM meets Tuesday to discuss PPP/C concerns

– Surujbally ... denies being partisan, haughty in discharge of duty

By Michael younge

The seven-member Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to meet on Tuesday this week to address concerns related to the closely contested May 11 General and Regional Elections amidst allegations of widespread rigging and electoral fraud.

This will be the Commission’s first working meeting following the elections as it failed to convene an earlier caucus to address several damming allegations made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) following the declaration of results by the Chief Elections Officer on May 16.

GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, confirmed on Saturday that the meeting’s agenda is already set and would see a number of contentious issues coming to the forefront for discussion.

He advised the Guyana Times that the meeting would be conducted in a cordial, civil and respectful manner, despite the positions adopted by the Commissioner’s publicly on the integrity of the declared results.

When questioned as to whether the matter of the PPP/C request for a recount would come up for discussion, Dr Surujbally responded in the affirmative while making it clear that he has not received any legal correspondence from the party in recent days about the matter. “No letter was addressed to me. I am not in receipt of any letter from the PPP/C,” the GECOM Head informed. He did not further divulge any other details of what form or shape Tuesday’s discussion would take.

Asked whether he was prepared to offer his resignation at the meeting following the PPP/C’s dissatisfaction with his performance and stewardship of the Commission, the GECOM Chairman replied in the

negative. He could not phantom the rationale behind asking him to resign as the responsibility for the tabulation, processing and final declarations of the results lies with the Chief Elections Officer, not him.

Surujbally said that the PPP/C has not furnished him or the Commission with any credible or acceptable evidence that would make a compelling case for his resignation.

When this newspaper related the sentiments express by the PPP/C at a recent press conference and the allegations that he was biased, unfair and partisan in the discharge of his duties as GECOM Chairman, Dr Surujbally said “show the evidence”.

He made it clear that the PPP/C was creating a storm in a tea cup by calling for him to go, while issues related to reforming GECOM was deserving of more attention. “I do not believe that I am biased…I am not built on prejudice,” he advised. Meanwhile, PPP/C nominated Commissioners are expected to raise a slew of concerns on Tuesday and may also express a lack of confidence in the Chair given the gamut of issues that they have with both his attitude and what occurred on, during and after Election Day.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

The Broomes feral blast… –

CC&PA Director arbitrarily sent on leave

feels “victimised”; mulls future

By Michael younge

Head of the Guyana Child Care and Protection Agency (GC&PA) Ann Greene says she is still deciding whether she will return to work after she was arbitrarily sent on leave on Friday following an exchange with the newly appointed Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes. Greene, speaking with the Guyana Times on Saturday during an exclusive interview, said that she feels she is being victimized by the new Minister after she aired some frank views with respect to the some infelicitous comments made by the said Minister about the GC&PA while campaigning for the May 11 General and Regional elections.

Greene did not want to divulge any substantive information about what took place during a visit of Minister Broomes and the Senior Minister Volda Lawerence last week.

She confirmed that while she was out of office on Friday, she was informed that a letter had been sent to her office that required her urgent attention.

Upon opening the letter, Greene discovered that she was ordered to proceed on 36 days annual leave with immediate effect. No reason for given for the decision to send the Senior Public Servant on leave.

Additionally, the letter was signed by another staff on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

“I was disappointed with the Minister’s approach. I feel victimised. I did nothing wrong”, Greene insisted.

Asked if she would be returning to work after the period of her leave would have elapsed, the GC&PA Head said “I am still to

make a decision on that”.

She maintained that as a professional public servant with decades of experience in her field, she is indifferent to people’s political views and she works in the interest of developing, protecting and improving the lives of Guyanese children.

“That’s my passion. I have worked for years to ensure that our children are loved and safer”, Greene remarked.

Another senior employee attached to the GCPA told this newspaper that the issue stemmed from some disparaging remarks made by now Minister Broomes about the GC&PA while campaigning for the opposition coalition in the May 11 elections.

Broomes reportedly criticized the Agency, its professionals and staff while making disparaging statements about the quality of their work and the leadership of the institution.

Staff at the Agency were offended by Minister Broomes statements and had complained to Greene.

“Their morale was really low and they felt hurt by some of the untrue, politically-cheesy statements made by Broomes

Granger’s Govt has created parallel treasury – PPP/C

...wants

full account on recent exorbitant spending

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) says the David Granger administration appears to have created a parallel treasury as it expressed concern over the exorbitant spending that has been taking place without the apparent lawful and financial processes being followed.

The Party, on Saturday, called on Finance Minister Winston Jordan to release a full account of all the monetary and non-monetary contributions received by the Government during the past two weeks.

while campaigning but Ms Greene encouraged them to press on and to work harder”, the employee said.

When the staff learnt that Broomes had been sworn in as a Minister and assigned to the Ministry, they became even more concerned but again Greene motivated them to act as professionals, the Guyana Times understands.

“During the meeting, Ms Greene brought to the Minister’s attention to the concerns by the staff over some of the statements made. She was more like encouraging Minister Simona to build relationships and win over many who were still hurt”, the employee explained. “Better human relations.”

But the Minister would have none of that and at this point jumped to her feet and rebuked Greene.

“She said ‘I am a Minister! You cannot talk to me or tell me what to do!’ She was very upset and the other Minister had to calm her down and ask her to sit down”, the employee who asked to remain anonymous related. She added that in her estimation, “Brooms reaction to the Director of the GC&PA can only be described as a feral blast”.

It stated that the recent spending by the Government since it took office lacks accountability and transparency as the PPP/C demanded clarification on several pressing issues.

Firstly, the PPP/C noted that the monies being solicited, received and spent on cleanup campaigns, “Independence Day celebrations and the inauguration ceremony are all outside the consolidated funds”.

Therefore, the Party

is asking the Finance Minister to make public the procurement of funds to execute those events.

As such, the Party wants clarification on whether all contributions received from the private sector and other donors in relation to the independence and inauguration events were deposited into the consolidated fund, as is required by law, and withdrawn from the consolidated fund in accordance with the laws of Guyana and if not, what was the process used.

The Party is also seeking clarification on whether private citizens known to be affiliated with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, but holds no government office, are authorised to receive donations destined for the Government of Guyana; and what arrangements are in place to ensure accountability and by what authority are these individuals calling up private companies and individuals demanding contributions and donations.

The PPP/C pointed out

that there are rules governing gifts and donations to the Government, including the need to deposit them into and process them through the consolidated fund.

Additionally, the PPP/C wants to know by what competitive or tender process were contractors selected to execute the works currently being done, naming the newspaper and date of publication of the advertisements of the tenders for the work done.

In the event that the work is being done for free, the PPP/C wants clarity on what special arrangements are in place to safeguard against the same contractors expecting to have their “favour” to the Government returned at some point in time in the future.

Also, the statement further highlighted that the APNU/AFC Finance Minister initially pronounced that his administration will not operate a parallel treasuring but yet today, the Government is seemingly spending money outside the consolidated funds.

PPP/C GECOM Commissioners...

These are the very reasons why we did not vote in favour of the declaration of the results because we insisted that some process be embarked upon that would have investigated, if not, reconciled these differences,” they noted.

Moreover, the Commissioners claim that, based on sound evidence, they have concluded that the CEO did not tabulate the results as he was required to do.

“We agree with Mr Alexander that the Chief Election Officer has a duty to tabulate the results and we believe that the report from the IT Department would have assisted him in this regard. The ques -

tion is whether this was done. We are saying that this was not done.”

The Commissioners added that, contrary to Alexander’s claims, the PPP/C presented photocopies of 22 Statements of Poll, accompanied by a spreadsheet, were presented to the entire Commission by a PPP/C delegation and at no time did the Commissioners request original documents.

“We ask of Mr Alexander, why is it necessary to present original Statements of Poll as the basis to question any of them? And further, what is wrong in making the requested Statements of Poll available to us, as Commissioners, or even

the general public? Why are the documents being denied to us, although it seems as though, from his self-professed vast knowledge, Mr Alexander seems to have access to them?”

Moreover, the Commissioners said Alexander failed to point out that the Chairman and other Commissioners acknowledged that they observed peculiarities that were indicative of falsified Statements of Poll on which they signed and that the CEO reported to the Commission that he saw Statements of Poll with in excess of 100 per cent votes more than persons registered to vote at the concerned polling station

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes

Head of the Guyana Child Care Protection Agency Ann Greene

Alberttown man remanded for discharging loaded firearm

Ayoung man was on Friday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya SwenarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with discharging a loaded firearm at a guest of the Sleepin International Hotel, Stabroek, Georgetown.

Delon Emmanuel, a 21-year-old miner of 60 Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetwon pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that, on May 27 at Light Street, Alberttown, he discharged a loaded firearm at the Virtual Complainant (VC) Hilton Carlos DeSouza with the intent to disfigure,

maim or cause him grievous bodily harm.

Additionally, the defendant pleaded not guilty to two charges which read that on the same occasion he was found to be in possession of one 9 mm taurus pistol and five live rounds of matching ammunition, without being the holder of a firearm license.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, DeSouza was a guest at the Sleepin International Hotel and, on the day in question, the defendant went to the VC’s room and knocked on his door. An argument took

place between the two and Emmanuel pulled out the pistol and fired several shots at DeSouza.

A scuffle then ensued and, shortly after, security rushed to Desouza’s aid. The security officers managed to overpower the defendant and relieved him of the firearm.

Mangru informed the court that the firearm was retrieved by Police and objected to bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. The Magistrate refused bail and the man was remanded to prison. The matter will return to court on June 15.

Linden woman refused bail for allegedly robbing a man

ALindener was on Friday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after she was charged for attacking and robbing a man of his valuables.

Natasha Leacock, a food vendor of 16 Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that, on January 20 at Independence Avenue, Linden, she relieved the

Virtual Complainant(VC,) Paul Croft, of one cell phone valued at $3000 and $5000 in cash.

Additionally, she pleaded not guilty to a charge which stated that she also made use of personal violence against the VC.

According to the facts presented by the prosecutor, on the day in question, the VC was heading home along Independence Avenue when the defendant and another individual approached him.

The defendant then

dealt the VC several punches to his face and relieved him of the articles.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that other individual, Karen DeAbrue, has previously been charged in connection with the offence.

Prosecution made objections to bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

The Magistrate remanded the woman to prison and the matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for June 3.

Kitty businessman relieved of gun, cash

Hours after an auto dealer was robbed

$1.6 million in the parking lot of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Camp Street, Georgetown, another businessman was robbed in front of his Kitty, Georgetown home on Friday evening.

According to Police, the prominent businessman and a relative had just returned home when they were held at gunpoint by two men who were reportedly staking out for the couple. During the ordeal which reportedly lasted for about five minutes,

the perpetrators relieved the businessman of his licensed revolver and matching ammunition along with an undisclosed sum of cash.

The men then escaped on a waiting motor cycle with the assistance of a third accomplice. The two armed men made good their escape on the motor cycle while the third suspect escaped on foot. The Police have been summoned and statements were taken from the businessman who asked to remain anonymous.

The Police are still to arrest any of the perpetrators. This incident came hours af-

ter the car belonging to Nigel Ranah, 33, was broken into and a bag containing $1.6 million stolen.

After conducting business at the GRA, the young businessman returned only to find the locks of the car tampered with and the bag containing the money missing. The GRA has since refused to take responsibility for the incident, claiming that the young man “bullied” his way into the parking lot claiming to be a staff member.

However, Ranah explained that he arrived at the parking lot about 10:30h

and gave the guard a ‘raise’ to park for a short time. He explained that he rushed to the remission department to conduct some inquiries and within five minutes he went back to the parking lot.

As he returned and attempted to open the door of his car, he realised that the lock was broken. He immediately raised an alarm and the security rushed to the car. They claimed that they did not see any unusual movements not did they hear the alarm of the car when it was triggered. He believed that the robbery was an inside job.

Eyew tness Big and bad...

...Green honoured

To say that some (older) eyes popped after Hamilton Green was awarded this nation's second highest award - the Order of Roraima - would be the understatement of the year.

But with the "youth cohort" demographic looming so large nowadays, they need to be informed as to who's Hamilton Green. Besides converting Georgetown from the "Garden City of the Caribbean" to the "Garbage City of the Caribbean".

Hamilton Green first came to attention during the 1960s’ CIA-fostered ethnic riots. In the (in)famous September 11, 1963 report by the Supt of Police Paul Brittion, Assistant Commissioner of Crime on the PNC, it was stated:

"I have investigated 19 reports of crimes which occurred between the 8th June, 1963 and 21st July, 1963 which include placing explosives to building, destroying building with explosives and arson.

“I am of the opinion that there is evidence to support a charge of conspiracy, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 10. The following persons are involved in the crime” (Hamilton Green was among those named).

One detail of the report states: "May 1963: … and Green decide at meeting to use explosives on all government buildings; viz Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Government Produce Depot (GMC), and Rice Marketing Board.”

We know there was an attempt to bomb the RMB but the sticks of dynamite under the wharf were discovered. Fast forward through the next two decades when Green became the official "enforcer" even while he was heading several Ministries and even became Prime Minister. He was the hatchet man who blocked Dr Walter Rodney's appointment at UG and who later tried to explain away Fr Darke's murder by an operative of the House of Israel.

But even Burnham became worried about his ambitious "strongman" who began to strut around and act as if he were the Kabaka's successor.

In August 1984, Burnham removed him as First Vice President and Prime Minister - and replaced him with Desmond Hoyte. The latter, of course, became President after Burnham passed away the following year.

He made Green PM but peripheralised him as he brought in new faces in an attempt to change the PNC's thuggish image.

Green violently apposed Hoyte relinquishing power after the 1992 elections and was expelled from the PNC. Whereupon he formed the GGG party, won the elections as Mayor of Georgetown - and proceeded to run down the City as he's done to everything else he headed.

And for all the foregoing, he received the Order of Roraima.

Your Eyewitness understands several recipients of the award are planning on returning their medals.

...Minister follows the "Green Way"

As recounted in the book, "Dangerous Times", back in 1979 when Hamilton Green was Minister of Labour and Health, he was on a tour at a work place. He accosted the wife of Moses Bhagwan who was working there.

Referring to the fire that destroyed Congress Place (blamed on the WPA) he told her supervisor, "She is a threat to this place. Get rid of her." Fortunately the head of the company said that he was the administrator and the Minister couldn't fire her.

Well, with that sort of high-handed behaviour deemed worthy enough to earn an Order of Roraima, it's already spawned imitators.

It was reported that on Friday, the Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) Ann Greene gave some advice to her new line Minister, Simona Broomes. The latter, of course, had launched a vigorous campaign against Trafficking in Persons (TIP), during which she's evidently remarked snidely that "the nicest thing in CC&PA was the paintings on the walls”.

Ms Greene suggested perhaps the new Minister should work "to build a relationship with the staff", who might've been hurt by the comment.

This, however, was interpreted as a "verbal altercation" and Ms Greene was sent home "on leave"!

The defendant, Delon Emmanuel

Natasha Leacock was charged for attacking and robbing a man

POS Guyana to offer free services to business, households

POS Guyana-Business Solutions, a newly introduced business venture in Guyana’s Information technology sector, is scheduled to open its doors to the public on June 1 and will be offering free services to businesses and households for a limited time.

The company, which is located at 176 Middle Street, Georgetown, above PLUM Store, specialises in point of sale hardware and software for businesses. They will be selling a wide range of printers, security cameras, alarms, DSL, biometrics and payroll software with training. The company will be offering additional specialised after sale services such as desktop and laptop repairs and replacement of parts. A business package will be available whereby businesses can receive free point of sale (POS) setup of computers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and software, as well as training to use the software.

POS Guyana is an authorised distributor for

The POS Guyana building which is located at 176 Middle Street, Georgetown

Bematech POS Hardware, Abacra Restaurant and Bar software and also a certified Sage Daceasy solution provider, which will be offering the latest version of Sage Daceasy point of sale soft-

ware to businesses. Special trade-in offers will be available for households, as well as businesses, that can also take advantage of a free upgrade to 2015 antivirus offer.

Mother pleads for assistance to build new home

– several persons show support

By: IndrawattIe natram

Amother of seven from Hogg Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is seeking assistance from the general public and organisations to help her build a new home, so she can provide for her children.

Lilawattie Persaud, who lives in an old, dilapidated shack, said her dream is to own a decent house to ensure that her and her children can live comfortably. She usually depends on domestic work to provide for her children. “I does do anything for a living, even cut grass to take care of my children; for a month I does work $2000. Thing hard, but I does make it,” the single mother stated.

Persaud presently has three of the children living with her. Her living standard is extremely poor. The path leading to her current house is a trail of slushed mud; buckets can be seen around

the house trying to catch rain drops from the roof; her children sometimes eat mangoes picked from her backyard for dinner.

When asked about the children’s education, Persaud said that, whenever possible, she ensures that they attend school. However, with monthly earnings of only $2000 and a small additional earning from selling produce from her kitchen garden, it is often

quite a stretch.

A picture of the single mother and her children eating mangoes for dinner, sparked interest in a number of kind hearted individuals wanting assist the family. On Monday last, Persaud received a donation of $100,000 cash from persons in Georgetown, who pooled their monies to aid and provide a state of comfort for the mother and her children. Another individual, Jasper Ramcharran, pledges that he will send $5000 to the mother on a monthly basis in an effort to assist her with her monthly groceries. Grocery hampers were also given to her by Tony’s Auto Sales. Like Ramcharran, others can contribute towards making a better life for the family by helping the family develop a sense of belonging and independence whilst making their everyday lives a more comfortable one. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can visit Hogg Island and ask for Lilawattie Persaud.

NGSA results to be released in June

The Education Ministry (MOE) wishes to inform parents and guardians that the marking of all National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) papers has been completed. Currently, the marked examination scripts are being processed nationally, and all systems are in place to guarantee the release of the re-

sults on June 11.

This is the third consecutive year that the MOE will be releasing the NGSA results promptly as indicated, through the continued enhancement of the overall quality management processes of the examination.

Approximately 15,200 candidates wrote the NGSA on Wednesday, April 1 and

Thursday, April 2, 2015. This exam is a placement exam offered at the end of the primary cycle to determine which secondary school students will be placed. Four subjects are usually assessed, namely English Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Each subject will consist of two papers.

An estranged couple in court on assault charges

An estranged couple landed themselves in court before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after the ex-girlfriend tried to force her way into the man’s premises but was ‘chucked’ out.

Kevon Lee, 28, of 78 Starr Street, Albouystown pleaded not guilty on a charge which read that on May 20 at the aforementioned address, he unlawfully assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC) Delice Dhanpat. Additionally, he pleaded not guilty to a charge which stated that on the said occasion,

he made use of abusive language towards the VC.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Adduni Innis, the two shared a relationship which ended two years ago. The court was informed that the two share a child together.

The VC told the court that on the day in question, she went to the defendant’s home to discuss matters pertaining to their child when she had a verbal spat with the defendant’s current girlfriend. She said that a little while later, the defendant made an appearance and an argument ensued between them during which he hit her.

The defendant denied these claims stating that the woman is in the habit of pursuing him. He said that on the day in question, she tried to force her way through his gate when he gave her a “gentle push” out the gate. At this time, Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who was in the court room, stepped in and attempted to bring the matter to closure. After reaching an agreement, both parties decided to settle the matter.

Magistrate Singh released the defendant on his own recognisance and ordered both parties to sign a bond to keep the peace.

Diamond home robbed of $5M

Burglars carted off with an estimated $5 million in cash and jewellery between Monday May 25 and Tuesday May 26 from a home in Diamond, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred at the home of Indira Moore at 2237, 19th Street Avenue, Diamond.

According to information reaching the Guyana Times, the woman and her husband secured their house and travelled to Georgetown to attend a wake. When they returned

home some time later, they discovered that their premises had been broken into and their belongings and money were missing. A report was made to the Police and an investigation carried out. During the investigation, a witness came forward and disclosed that an individual identified as “Javed” had indicated to them that he and several others were planning to break into the woman’s house and they were later

seen heading in the direction of the house. After investigations were made two men were taken into police custody and charged with the offence.

Javed Benjamin and Quacy Cadogan were on Friday charged by Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the robbery. The men were remanded to prison until June 6. Another suspect is yet to be arrested.

Some of the donors who contributed money and groceries to Lilawattie Persaud

Rice farmers battling flood waters in Region 2

While residents from the Queenstown, Affiance and Walton Hall areas in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have received some sort of relief from the various mobile pumps that were installed by the Agriculture Ministry, rice farmers within the region continue to experience high levels of water in their rice fields.

This problem was increased by the high intensity rainfall experienced and several sluices being out of order within the region. A visit to several rice fields in Anna Regina and the village of Hampton Court revealed that water was over flowing from the rice lands.

Speaking with the Guyana Times, one farmer, who was seen sowing his field in the rain at Anna Regina, said he believes that his rice crop will be late due to the weather.

The farmer’s neighbour, who was seen with a tractor in his own field, said the rain is threatening and is wondering what will happen to the paddy he already sowed. His land was already submerged in knee high water.

Farmers in Region Two are troubled over the new challenges they now faced with excessive water in their fields. Many rice farmers are pondering if their seed paddy will “burst” or be wasted. Rice farmers from within Anna Regina to Hampton Court are calling for immediate assistance, and for the nearby clogged sluices to be cleared.

Meanwhile, residents in recently flooded Queenstown Village, Region Two, said the water within the area gradually receding. Spokesperson for the Queenstown area Comwell Mentis said that the relief

came immediately after the installation of the mobile pump at Taymouth Manor, Region Two.

He thanked workers of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority for the prompt action taken to save residential lands.

Region Two’s Chairman, Parmanand Persaud, said several mobile pumps are presently in operation and his administration continues to monitor the situation. He said he would like to inform Essequibians that the region will experience heavy rainfall for the next three days and, as such, those persons in the low lying areas should take precaution.

Over the past two weeks several areas were flooded due to the excessive rainfall. Presently mobile pumps are in operation at Taymouth Manor, Anna Regina, Lima and Devonshire Castle.

National honour

Satiricus was so pleased that after a lapse of 13 years National Awards are back, he’s come out of hibernation. And he’s so pleased about that old statesman and exemplar of morality Hamilton Green received the Order of Roraima. He won’t even bother to disguise the name as is his wont.

But because folks might think he can’t be objective about the man who singlehandedly changed the character of the Garden City, Satiricus will just use excerpts from an August 16, 2002 column by that famous ex-UG lecturer from the Muckraker. He wrote this after Green praised Burnham’s “accomplishments”:

“The former PNC strongman now turned moralist has another name. It is a German name. Do you know it? Hamilton Green’s political name is Albert Speer. Albert died believing in the greatness of one of history’s most evil, diabolical and inhuman leadersAdolph Hitler.

“Mr Green was at a tender age when he was swept off his feet by the Machiavellian genius of Forbes Burnham. He stuck to Burnham’s apron coat like a bee to honey, Mr Green’s maturity unfolded largely because of this attachment.

“From obscurity and non-achievement at Queen’s College to possession of a large Caribbean country given to him on a platter by his benefactor, Forbes Burham, Hamilton Green is too blind to see the other ingredients that make up Burnham’s genius.

“Mr Green sounded like a schoolboy last week when on Burnham’s death anniversary, he reminded us of the things Burnham built; roads, bridges, cultural institutions among other achievements. He repeats this same

theme every year ad nauseum.

“But someone should give Hammie a plane ticket to South Africa. There he will see the fantastic cities like London, New York and Hong Kong that the fascist, white racists built in South Africa. How does Hammie feel about these men? They ruled South Africa with an iron fist and treated 22 million innocents Africans like animals.

“Burnham ruled Guyana for 21 years, yet every year, you have this mantra about Burnham’s precocity by Hamilton Green. Green cannot point to anything in a large ocean of Burnham’s perversities, immoralities, debaucheries, megalomanical (sic) propensities, and pathological display of arrogant and imperial power.

“Twenty one years are certainly not a fleeting moment. But Green only remembers the Linden Highway. Twenty one years are a lengthy period but Green only remembers the Demerara Harbour Bridge. I have the experience to live under Burnham’s rule and Green’s account is a ghost story. And ghosts do not exist.

“Because of the huge mountain of research materials that exists on Burnham’s rule, one is forced to question the sincerity of the metamorphosized (a term as you know, Burnham liked to use) or the new Hamilton Green. Green has a new bandwagon - the spiritual revival of the nation.

“But how serious should we take a national figure who had immense power under the worst Caribbean leader the Anglophone Caribbean gave birth to yet absolutely refuse to acknowledge the ill, wrongs, pain, suffering, humiliation, indignities and abuse he heaped upon his country.”

Sooba will be treated with all fairness – Bulkan

Amid the tumult following Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba being sent on leave, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has assured that the longstanding public servant will be treated with all fairness as it relates to the outcome of the situation.

Sooba was sent on vocational leave amounting to some 40 days, after a series of no confidence motion was activated against her at City Hall’s first statutory meeting since the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government took office.

The no confidence motion, which was tabled in April last year, was reactivated by Councillor Ranwell Jordan who moved to have Sooba “instructed to proceed on leave”. The request was granted by a grand majority and Sooba was immediately sent packing. There was a resounding series of applause following this action.

However Sooba did not take the matter too lightly, and requested a meeting with the Communities Minister. Sooba argued that the Mayor and City Council cannot send her on leave and

that she will only be taking advice from the Minister himself.

Following the meeting, Sooba claimed she was told that her services are no longer needed in City Hall. However, speaking to the Guyana Times on Saturday, Bulkan clarified that he told Sooba that a significant portion of the Council has expressed no confidence in her ability as Town Clerk and therefore, this will be taken into consideration when a decision has to be made in the future. “Initially, the Council thought that she was never suitable for that position,” he explained.

Asked whether or not Sooba will return to her post when her leave is up, Bulkan said it is too early to pronounce on the outcome. Bulkan assured that whatever the outcome may be, Sooba will be treated with all fairness. “I will not victimise her as a woman or as a public servant who served with the Council for a number of years. I will not encourage any unfairness,” he guaranteed. In the meantime, Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe has been appointed as Acting

Town Clerk. Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in a statement had since deplored the decision and manner in which the decision was taken to send Sooba on leave. “Mayor Hamilton Green and his Deputy Patricia Chase-Green have been the ring-leaders in the attacks against the acting Town Clerk since her appointment. Green had consistently launched a spate of attacks against female Town Clerks over the last few years, including Buellah Williams and Yonette Pluck; none of them were made to endure the level of humiliation, harassment, intimidation and abuse like Sooba,” the Party highlighted. In addition, the PPP/C claims that this desperate attempt to evict the acting Town Clerk stems from her effective management of the city finances and other resources, which prior to her appointment were being misused as personal property of members of Council. Sooba served 15 years as Legal Officer for the Council and 3 years as Town Clerk (AG).

Region Two farmers battled flooded rice fields

GITC hosts Public Awareness Day

The Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) hosted its Public Awareness Day activities on Thursday as students and lecturers came on board to exhibit the courses offered and previewed the description of the various tasks that students conduct within the Automotive Sector of the Institution.

When Guyana Times visited the Training Centre, students were rushed out to the public as they distributed numerous brochures and application forms, which provides a detailed description on the institution, pre requisites for entry, its fundamental aims and the areas that it specialises in.

In an interview with the Administrative Director, Dexter Cornett, he explained that GITC would normally indulge in public awareness by going to the various Secondary Schools targeting mainly the fourth and fifth formers, enlightening and encouraging them on the experiences they can be able to attain as it reflects on the traditional sector of the

institution which includes welding, plumbing, furniture making and also the wide range of opportunities that exists for trained automotive technicians.

Cornett further explained that this year, however, he has brought about a new initiative where the team decided to coordinate and distribute samples of all areas that they cover to the general public. “Currently, it is evident that, in compliance with the construction boom, one is able to see that the areas we offer here are important.

For instance, mechanic, everybody wants a car these days; welding, a lot of metal frames construction is ongoing, every house built persons wants it to be grilled; there is great need for masonry and contractors; even to furniture making is vital as well as plumbing. I would like to encourage persons to come on board and get qualified in areas that one is deem to earn tremendous benefits,” he said.

In speaking with a few students, they highlighted

the experiences they were able to attain during their lecture sessions thus far.

One of the brave and ambitious young men, Randy Khan, indicated that, “I am amazed at all the areas. I can proudly say that I have gained experience. And I would also like to encourage all the persons out there who are not occupied to come out on board and support GITC, a place that ensures that you are specialised in all networking sectors.”

GITC ensures that all its students are fully equipped as it relates to acquiring the knowledge and experience in the developing technology world. All students are required to obtain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average and a minimum attendance of 95 per cent in order to be eligible to graduate.

They also cater for full time and evening students, which provide a much flexible schedule for those that are currently working or pursuing other studies. Their benefits include allowance, work attachments, placement assistance, accident insurance, as well as a host of non-curricular activities.

The Guyana Industrial Training Centre was incorporated in 1966 as a private non-profit organisation; GITC is now a government centre with a mandate of providing industrial training to Guyanese citizens.

Their motive is giving meaning to education by relating training to specific occupational goals which will develop ability, understanding, attitudes, work habits and an appreciation of the meaning of work, as necessary contributions to successful employment.

What is Guyanese?

By Ryhaan Shah

It is a vexed question: What is Guyanese? It appears simple enough that being Guyanese identifies us as citizens of this country with all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our constitution.

When we complain of our neighbour’s loud music to the Police, for example, we are exercising our right and expectations as citizens to live in a noise-free environment. We belong here because our navel string is buried here and we cannot be expelled from this piece of bounded earth by anyone.

The vexation of the question lies in the idea that the Guyanese identity should trump all others and solidify us as one entity. The idea is always promoted as a solution to our race problem, that of the division between Africans and Indians.

But the next question, of course, is: what is the one identity being proposed? What is it to be Guyanese? Given that the status quo of the Caribbean region is African, we must assume that it means a loss of identity for the Indian who is expected to assimilate into the region’s African Caribbean culture.

In fact, the late Prof Rex Nettleford of Jamaica once said that the problem of the Indians in the Caribbean is that we have to learn to be West Indian. He was at the time a UN representative and he did revise his statement; but it provides an insight into the thinking that drives the idea that unity is uniformity even though such identity politics went out with colonialism.

Still, we heard Sir Shridath speak at the presidential inauguration of our “reality of oneness” in imitative Churchillian tones. A perfect

mimic man! V.S. Naipaul would have pricked his pomposity and returned him to the Burnhamist past where he and such ideas belong.

The world has always been plural, has always been a place of multiplicities. India and Africa are both identified by their tribes, clans and ethnicities that have their own languages and traditions. The Amerindians in Guyana are as richly plural within their single identity as First Peoples.

While the UN and our Constitution favour the multitudes of identities within us – citizenship, race, gender, creed, etc – the supporters of Guyaneseness persist with the idea that we must put aside these multiplicities and choose only the identity we share with each other – being Guyanese.

They believe our race problem will go away if we could all identify only with the common bond of citizenship.

But people are not onedimensional. Within a day, the identity of mother might be at the fore then that of being a professional at work then that of being a good citizen as we drive about the streets. And the racial violence that erupts does define us, and when it does it makes our racial identity both primary and primal because of the trauma of violence.

Given the universal acceptance of the plurality of states, the question arises as to why a particular section of our society persists in promoting oneness. Is it an insidious anti-Indian racism since the losers in the oneness paradigm will be Indians?

Is it a quest to evade the issues that give rise to the racial violence and so also evade the issue as to who are the perpetrators? Or is it that the proponents simply want to show us who is boss?

Cultural and ethnic diversity still only receive lip service in the Caribbean. Indians barely exist in the pages of our history texts or in the novels chosen as required reading for students.

When Burnham proclaimed those holidays of Phagwah and Deepavali, Youman Nabi and Eid, he was well aware that he was sharing out goodies that made him appear non-racial but which would never threaten his hold on power.

Despite such recognition, Indians are only ever exotica and tokens on the national stage. Critics of the President’s grand inauguration noted the lack of diversity in the audience and entertainment. There was no inclusivity in what should have been a Guyanese affair. That it was not makes the new government’s ring of unity very hollow.

When Bob Marley says, as he does in a documentary on his life and work, “Africa is we heaven because that is where we come from”, Africans everywhere feel proud of him and of their common origin.

And when I say that India is our heaven because it is the birthplace of the values that keep us strong, the UN agrees with me, and with Bob Marley, because it supports the idea that the cultural wealth of the world is its diversity in dialogue.

A section of the students at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre, Public Awareness Day

Argentina, Guyana pledge to strengthen ties

Argentina has pledged to further strengthen its relationship with Guyana and is looking forward to working with the newly elected A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

The Argentina Embassy in Guyana hosted a reception on Friday evening to celebrate the 205th anniversary of the May 1810 revolution in the South American country. The revolution marked the beginning of the long road in its struggle for national Independence, which eventually came about with the Declaration of Independence in July 1816.

During his remarks at the reception, Ambassador Luis Alberto Martino said he is looking forward to strengthen the relationship with Guyana under its new Government. On this note, he extended warm wishes from Argentina’s President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchne, to the newly elected President David Granger and his administration.

“It is the firm intention of my Government to

start a new phase of bilateral cooperation with the Government of Guyana, including all sectors of Government agencies, as well as the private sector, to build on what we have already started since the reopening of our Embassy (in 2013). There are several areas that I believe can be identified in order to develop a stronger bilateral cooperation; I see great potentialities, particularly in the areas of agriculture, health, sports, and culture, among

others,” he stated.

According to Ambassador Martino, they have already begun work in some of these areas. He noted that last year a team from Guyana visited Buenos Aires, following an invitation from Argentina’s Tourism Ministry, to participate in the International Tourism Fair of Buenos Aires, which took place in September 2014. The fair saw Guyana, for the first time, showcasing the great tourism opportunities this country has to

led an initiative in 1990 for Caricom to have a representative in the Rio Group, thus extending the scope of integration and setting the roots for the future constitution of CELAC, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

agriculture, mining, manufacturing and the evolving IT (information technology) sector in creating employment opportunities for our people,” the Minister outlined.

offer to international visitors.

Furthermore, the South American Diplomat outlined that he is in discussion with the local authorities to establish a blood bank in Guyana. He noted that an Argentine team of haematologists and other experts are scheduled to visit Guyana in the second semester of 2015, for a first assessment on the ground.

On the other hand, the Diplomat pointed out that Argentina has played and still plays an active role in the process of regional integration. However, he explained that before regional integration could become a reality, the country had to overcome conflicts.

Argentina, the Ambassador added, also

“On its part, Guyana plays a fundamental role as a ‘bridge’ in the integration process for being a part of various bodies in regional integration, Caricom, UNASUR and more recently, the MERCOSUR, as an associate member. In an effort to further construct this integration process, the Argentine Government has offered Caricom, through the Secretariat, to open a regional office in Buenos Aires,” he declared.

Meanwhile recently appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, lauded the progressed Argentina has made since the revolution, noting that the country has become one of the major economies in South America. He noted that his Government is committed to strengthen ties with all its regional and international partnership in efforts to further developed Guyana. “This Government intends to work closely with all sectors of society including our Diaspora to actively pursue policies not only in regional trade but of course in attracting foreign investors in the leading sectors of our economy including

Greenidge went onto highlight that as a small country, Guyana has adopted itself into regional groupings as a response to international challenges. Such groupings include the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and MERASUR (a common-market body of South American countries). Moreover, the Foreign Affairs Minister underscored that his Government is seeking to strengthen relations at the bi-lateral level with traditional partners, while at the same time develop new and mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, our two Governments have maintained very cordial relations and Government hopes to build on these relations through the promotion of a mutually beneficial bi-lateral cooperation programme,” mentioned the Greenidge.

The reception was held at the Marriott Hotel and saw several officials and newly appointed Ministers gracing the occasion. Members of the private sector, as well as other Diplomats, were also in attendance.

Argentine Embassy plans concert to celebrate Guyana’s Independence

Some of the performers scheduled to be at the event

To commemorate and celebrate Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary, the Embassy of Argentina in Guyana, in cooperation with the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, will be hosting a concert featuring a famous tango group which consists of three professional guitar players and two dancers. The concert will be held at the National Culture Centre on June 7, and begins at 20:00h. Entrance to the event will be free.

The guitar trio slated to

perform consists of Rodolfo Gorosito, Jose Cataldi and Armando de la Vega, who have all performed in several world famous halls such as Teatro Colon Opera House, Teatro Presidente Alvea and Turcuato Tasso Cultural Centre in Buenos Aires.

Alicia Orlando and Claudio Barneix, who are members of the Argentine National Tango Academy and solo dancers of the Astor Piazzolla International Foundation, are also scheduled to perform at the concert. The

duo has performed worldwide in countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United States of America, Uruguay, Panama and countless others.

The Argentina Embassy in Guyana, which was closed in 1991 and reopened in 2013, and the Ambassador of Argentina to Guyana, Luis Alberto Martino, had vowed to strengthen the two countries’ relationship in hopes to further strengthen the countries’ bilateral ties and develop areas of mutual cooperation.

A section of the gathering that attended the reception at the Marriott Hotel

Region 2 fishermen loosing $$ due to seaweed

fisherman stated.

Fishermen in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are frustrated and unsettled over a strange floating weed in the Atlantic Ocean which is severely affecting their catch. They have complained of loosing thousands of dollars in fish due to the seaweed.

The seaweed, which was noticed some three months ago at various seashores, has adversely affected the fishing industry within the region. The weed is suspected to have come from the deep floor of the Atlantic Ocean and is creating numerous problems in the fishing industry.

The livelihood of fish -

ermen have crippled due to the discovery of the seaweed, which is intruding their seines causing it to roll up as it drifts into the Atlantic Ocean. “It goes in the seine very well. Because of that now the seine is filled with mucky stuff and not fish. Every time we go on sea, close to $200,000 is invested,” one

Due to the strange looking weed, many fishermen are forced to stay home. Some are determined and venture into sea, however they sometimes return with no catch and nothing to invest. Their time is mostly spent clearing the weeds off their seine.

The floating seaweed has

Hindu organisation condemns attack on Swami Aksharananda

As public outrage continues to spew out over the attack on Swami Aksharananda, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless ServiceHSS) Guyana has also spoken out, condemning the acts.

In a letter to the media, the religious organisation stated that in the Hindu society, everything is treated with outmost respect, be it the living or non-living. Books, animals, parents, teachers and priests are all considered as God to Hindus. Hence, the HSS expresses its utmost condemnation of the attack that was made on Swami Aksharananda by a gang of men on Friday May 23, as he was making his way to Georgetown, via the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling.

“A vast section of the Guyanese and international community looks up at Swami Aksharnandaji – a Guyanese leading peace advocate, a leader and role model and is of the view that the verbal attack was totally uncalled for.

Swami Aksharananda

It clearly shows people don’t know the calibre of a Swami. Distinctly, a Swami is beyond description, but the following can assist in better understand who he/she is,” the HSS pointed out.

HSS remarked that Swamiji’s abuse was one that not only attacked his personal life but his ethnicity and religious background noting, without a doubt, that his approach towards the situation was a very conservative one

and a reflection of his lifestyle beliefs.

“Abuse in any form is argued to be based on arrogance and control. In Guyana, it is often seen that many ‘pick on’ the Indians, who are mostly Hindus and continuously torment them. But lets us remind ourselves, constant abuse in any form can lead to catastrophe, if one’s serenity is provoked. The hope of equality in race and religion has been focused on many of times before by many religious leaders and peace makers in Guyana, however when the time arrives for action, things are at a halt due to the disrespect and hatred that is transmitted from one race to another,” the organisation penned.

On this note, the religious body advises all Guyanese Hindus to hold on to what they believe in and refrain from being involved in such confrontations. HSS further quoted activist Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who has said, “We should meet abuse

by patience. Human nature is so constituted that if we take absolutely no notice of anger, arrogance or abuse, the person indulging in it will soon weary of it and stop.”

In addition, the HSS went onto explained that the term “Swami” means one who is established in oneself. In the scriptures, a Swami’s life is described as “atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha” which means one who strives for “the realisation of the self and for the benefit and good of the world.” A Swami is one who has set aside his personal and worldly pursuits, in order to devote all his effort to experience the highest spiritual realisation, and to the service of others.

A Swami is a spiritual and social guide, who, having dedicated his life to serve the society plays different roles at different times. A Swami is someone who is there for everybody. One who has made the whole world his family; hence he too, must be treated as family.

GTUC raps APNU/AFC Govt for “ministerial arrogance” ... campaign promises should just not be given “lip service”

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has expressed profound concern over what it called the growing levels of ministerial arrogance and troubling signs of intolerance which is being noticed at varying levels within the newly appointed David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change coalition Government.

The GTUC adopted the position after learning about

an issue surrounding an exchange of words between the Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency Ann Greene and the newly appointed Minister within the Ministry Simona Broomes on Friday.

“This recent development raises serious concerns in the GTUC over the nature of the industrial environment that will be cultivated. Whereas, it is important that functional superiors show authority. This must be exercised judi-

ciously respecting the rights of each employee to due process which includes the right to defence”, the release noted.

The GTUC reminded the newly appointed Government Ministers that it is less than three weeks since they were on the campaign trail promising to be different and offering themselves as a better alternative to the previous government.

The workers union said that the Ministers are also

reminded that better practices are not limited to areas of corruption and marginalisation but also to the ability to manage industrial practices.

“As a result, Ministers are reminded that their actions determine how persons perceive their ability to exercise stewardship of the Ministry under their portfolio and may unfortunately result in an unfair labelling of the entire new Administration”, the entity said.

resulted into many boats moored at the Paradise seawall and fishermen contemplating their next move. The seaweed has significantly affected the working of the fishing industry.

Local fish vendors had to increase prices due to the problem. However, line and hook operations and

the shrimp industry have not been affected. Fishermen are therefore calling on the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry to launch an investigation into the problem. Fishing is an economic activity in Region Two and creates, as well as, sustains the livelihoods of many.

Seaweed on the Atlantic Ocean shore

Fishermen cleaning the seaweed from their seines

New Govt reconsidering PPP/C Specialty Hospital proposal

Despite undermining the construction of a Specialty Hospital which was proposed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) while in Government, the new administration is now reconsidering the proposal.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times stated that his administration, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) has no qualms with the concept of the Specialty Hospital. He said its problem was with the suspected underhandedness the concept had the possibility of encouraging in the last administration.

The construction of a Specialty Hospital was part of an agreement between the Government of Guyana and India, for Guyana to use US$18 million through a line of credit to build the hospital.

The idea had come in for heavy criticism by the new administration during the 10th Parliament. The coalition had cut the $1.25 billion that had been budgeted for the hospital in 2013. The last administration had only escaped with $34.4 million as supplementary funding for the hospital in the 10th Parliament only by the absence of the coalition’s Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence when a vote

forts to get the facilities here on board.”

However, Minister Norton said measures need to be put in place to ensure that the Guyanese people will be able to benefit from it. He had expressed concerns about the cost being an obstacle for ordinary people.

Concerns had also arisen over whether this would have been a possibility when the initiative was first presented to them, he said that too much information was being kept that gave prece-

his ministry at the moment as he intends to place emphasis on the existing hospitals. He said these hospitals can be equipped with the same special equipment that a specialty hospital would have to enable all patients to have access across Guyana.

The Minister said the Linden Hospital is an example of such specialty being practiced as it has perfected maternal and infant health practices that has enabled them to not have any deaths in some time. “We have to

had been taken for the fund.

Minister Gordon said the continuing advancements in medical tools and practices have made it ridiculous for such a hospital not to be considered.

He said “it is expensive for us to have to send our patients from Guyana out to other (foreign) institutions to get these treatments done… thus we should make all ef-

dence to suspicions of duplicity.

The APNU/AFC administration had also expressed concerns over the distance that the Specialty Hospital would have been from ordinary people in all areas of Guyana.

Nonetheless, Minister Norton said that the Special Hospital is not a priority for

use this to analyse areas in the other hospitals where we are having problems,” said the Minister.

Nevertheless, the Minister said that negotiations will continue to make the Specialty Hospital work for the benefit of the people. He said much ground work and research is still necessary for this to be possible.

Govt claims CCPA Director was disrespectful

Amid public outcry over the arbitrary leave Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Ann Greene was sent on, the Social Protection Ministry sought to justify its position by relating their side of the series of events which led to the decision to send the official on leave.

In a press release, the Ministry explained that Greene was repeatedly unprofessional in her interactions with Minister within the Ministry Simona Broomes.

The release indicated that at no time was Broomes disrespectful in her interaction with Greene. “At no time did Minister Broomes engage in any confrontation with Ms Greene.”

This however, is contrary to what was reported by Greene.

Nonetheless, the Ministry in its statement explained that Minister Volda Lawrence and Broomes undertook a familiarisation tour of the Ministry and the various departments and

agencies therein on Monday and Wednesday, May 25 and 27 respectively.

The Ministry claimed that it was during this exercise that the CCPA Head refused to acknowledge the junior Minister.

“Ministers were introduced to the heads of each department and agency and this was followed by each department and agency head introducing Ministers to the staff within their respective department or agency… During the tour of the

Child Care and Protection

Agency; the head, Ms Ann Greene refused to acknowledge the presence of Minister Broomes. Ms Greene introduced only Minister Lawrence to the staff while completely ignoring Minister Broomes,” the release read.

Subsequently, during a meeting thereafter, the Ministry claimed that Greene conducted herself with “hostility, boisterously, belligerently and in a disrespectful manner towards Minister Broomes”.

“Ms Greene loudly and aggressively declared her unwillingness to work with Minister Broomes unless Minister Broomes submitted herself to demands and ultimatums made by Ms Greene… Minister Lawrence was forced to caution and reprimand Ms Greene for her unprofessional and disrespectful conduct,” the release sought to clarify.

As a result of her “unwarranted” conduct and attitude, the decision was taken to send her on annual

leave for a period of 36 days.

“The Ministry views Ms Greene’s conduct and actions as grossly unprofessional, constituting insubordination, contemptuous and untenable… The unwarranted conduct and attitude of Ms Greene towards both Ministers, but Minister Broomes in particular, and in full view of Ministry staff, has been deemed to be unacceptable…

Both Ministers Lawrence and Broomes have assumed their responsibilities in good faith and with a view to working harmoniously will all staff at the Ministry in service to the people of Guyana, particularly women, children and the vulnerable and abused,” the release read.

Further, it noted that Lawrence expressed her “sincere wish” that Greene will reflect on what transpired and (Ms Greene) will make every effort, on her return, to improve the manner in which she relates to her staff and the Ministers with whom she will have to collaborate.

Younge’s Take

Old age is no disease

It’s amazing how some of the young, middle aged and able bodied citizens in our society view the elderly and their existence.

A worrying culture is developing in Guyana where the elderly population is being victimized and discriminated against both directly and in a neo-subtle manner.

They are being treated as if they are outcasts and undeserving of life.

Sometimes, little or no respect is paid to them when they utilize public transportation to get about to either conduct business, run errands, collect their pensions, visit relatives or benefit from more modern forms of recreation.

The disrespect continues when they try to reprimand youths whenever they are acting out of line or in an unacceptable manner.

They are told by sometimes both the parents of the children they seek to rebuke and the youngsters that “you had their time”, “ya old man, relax”, “lady why you don’t shut up, you don’t understand what’s happening now”.

Additionally, the elderly is subjected to all sorts of emotional, physical and verbal abuse because many Guyanese youths and adults have become intolerant and inpatient with them because it would appear that they are becoming “senile” or “stubborn”, “wicked” or “old”.

That aside, what obtained in the lead up to and during this year’s regional and general elections is also indicative of how much the elderly is appreciated and valued.

All of the focus was on campaigning for the youth vote, encouraging youth to join the discourse and youth making changes.

The politicians forgot that the elderly population too has demands and would have loved to hear about policies aimed at improving their lives.

And no speaking about hikes in Old age Pension does not sum it up. They wanted to hear about improved health care for the elderly, special recreational facilities for senior citizens, laws aimed at exhibiting a zero tolerance policy for neglecting the elderly and inflicting emotional and verbal pain on them.

The elderly wanted to hear about the role they are expected to play in the transmission of morals and values to the youths.

They wanted a 100-day plan aimed at bringing back respect for elders in their homes and communities.

A social turnaround plan perhaps aimed at the rebirth of traditionalism in all of its forms while embracing progress and change which is concomitant with modernization.

A paradigm shift is badly needed to bring an end to the harm, some youth and adults are inflicting on the elderly. After all which society can exist without them. They have worked hard and long to build this country.

They have put their backs to the wheels, perspiring in the process and toiling to create this country which now seems to be demonstrating large levels of ungratefulness.

The government, civil society and the relevant stakeholders must act now to protect our senior citizens and the elderly population which could be described as “endangered”.

It is our duty to ensure that we appreciate the elderly; they are not a burden to us. They have carried us on their backs and now we have to carry them on our young backs until they are ready to sleep.

Guyanese must do a full analysis of some of the writings of Shakespeare if they want to understand the circle of life and the roles that all human being play if they manage to stay alive.

He contended that there were seven stages of life moving from Infancy through old age and finally ending with incapacity. He sees old age as a period when a man is a shell of his former self — physically and mentally.

He begins to become the butt of others’ jokes. He loses his firmness and assertiveness, and shrinks in stature and personality.

He also affirms that the final stage of incapacity occurs when the man becomes dependent on others for care and unable to interact with the world, he experiences “second innocence, and mere oblivion.

Old age therefore is no disease but just another stage in our life. Even if it is viewed as a disease, the cure has not been found and until we do, we need to cherish our elders.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton said the Specialty Hospital is not a bad idea

GECOM to look at Carter Centre’s recommendations

– no decision yet on release of disaggregated results

By Vahnu Manikchand

After receiving a preliminary report from the Carter Centre, one of the international observer missions that monitored the May 11 General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to take into consideration recommendations made as it seeks to improve and change some aspects of its operations in enhance the conduct of future elections in the country.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally, briefly told the Guyana Times on Friday that while he has received and read the report, he is yet to meet with the Commission to discuss the recommendations made and which ones, if any, the commission will implement.

“We have not begun anything… we are waiting on things to cool down first because as you know things are not quite fine as yet,” he related to this newspaper.

On Thursday, the United States-based Carter Centre released a detailed preliminary report on its findings

from observing the recently held elections. While the organisation stood by its initial conclusion on the electoral process, dubbing it free and fair, it nevertheless made several recommendations in areas it felt that can be enhanced to make the process even more transparent and efficient.

Recommendations were made to the Government, GECOM and even the political parties. In the report, the Carter Centre issued six suggestions to the Election Commission.

Among the recommendations were for GECOM to make available, at the earliest possible time, results from the polling station level. This will be in accordance with international best practices and will enhance the public’s confidence in the process and its outcome, the observer said.

GECOM’s Chairman could not say whether the Commission would immediately heed the advice of the Carter Centre as far as the release of the results are concerned as this had to be discussed by the Commissioners.

The Observe Mission further advised GECOM to re-

view its policy on access to information and the openness of the Commission’s meetings. “Ideally these should be open to media and observers. In any case, agendas should be published well in advance and decisions should be made public,” the report detailed.

Another area that the Carter Centre felt needed to be improved is the tabulation process.

According to the report, while the tabulation system is thorough, the slow pace of the process creates a vacuum of information that fuels suspicion and mistrust. “Guyana should consider a full review of tabulation procedures, possibly including steps such as a doubleblind data-entry system to enhance accuracy and confidence. Improved tabulation procedures and timely dissemination of information will increase trust in the overall process,” the Centre noted.

Other recommendations to the Election Commission include improved accessibility for voters with disabilities, neutral location of polling stations, and building confidence in the voters’ lists.

Public Health Minister impressed by Linden Hospital staff

The Linden Hospital Complex, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice), commissioned in 2009, has a reputation of being one of the better managed state health institutions, evident from the very positive comments made by Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, during a visit to the complex on Friday.

“I’m impressed; I think

the infrastructure of the hospital itself must be given credit. It is clean and I congratulate the staff for that…We have a staff whom I’m proud of, they seem to be happy and happy people do good things,” Minister Norton said after interacting with the staff.

However, he said that there are some areas where changes need to be made;

APNU/AFC 100-day plan…

The clock is ticking − PPP/C

It has been 14 days since the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) new Government took office and they have not yet fulfilled any of the promises they planned to deliver within 100 days of being in office.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in a release, sought to remind the new administration of its 100-day plan as it made clear its intention of holding the APNU/ AFC Government accountable for keeping the promises laid out in it manifesto. In its 2015 manifesto, the coalition promised to reduce the Berbice Bridge toll; grant salary increases to all public officers and old age pensioners; reduce VAT (value added tax) rate; es-

tablish passport, birth certificate and licensing offices in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden; reduce presidential benefits; among others.

The PPP/C has since maintained that the APNU/ AFC administration made all sorts of unrealistic promises, merely for political gains on the campaign trail, and that it has no intention or no plan of fulfilling them. “As the PPP/C said throughout the election campaign, the APNU/AFC had absolutely no intention of fulfilling these promises,” the PPP/C said in a release.

Further, the former ruling party pointed out that even the newly sworn-in Finance Minister attested to the impossibility of delivering those promises within 100 days. “The recently very talkative and media-

hungry Finance Minister Winston Jordan lets the cat out of the bag. He now discloses that he is now ‘considering the feasibility’ of keeping his party’s manifesto promises,” the statement read.

The PPP/C reminded that Guyana is counting down the days as they wait for the David Grangerled administration to start delivering. In the 100-day plan, the APNU/AFC promised to realise 21 things within 100 days of entering office; “…days have elapsed, and not a single one of those promises is anywhere in sight,” said the PPP/C. On that note, the PPP/C reminded the Government that the clock is ticking and that all of Guyana is ready to hold them accountable if they fail to deliver.

New Jersey Humanitarian Mission observes 49th Independence Anniversary

in New Jersey

for instance, in the operating theatre, there is need for an adjustment of the walls to prevent moisture fungus, which frequently appears.

“Apart from that we have an operating theatre with functioning air condition units and a standby of the same, good lighting…we need ventilators and every effort should be made to get all of these.

We need infusion pumps and various sizes of catheters for the babies and ECG (electrocardiogram) machines.” There is also the need for more incubators and dental chairs.

Additionally, there are young doctors who are interested in pursuing post-graduate studies, and according to the Minister, “that is a good sign”. The idea, he said, is to have local doctors pursue such studies in the areas they desire at the earliest time.

Over the past few days, the Minister has been visiting hospitals and health centres/posts, including the Bartica Hospital and health posts within that sub-district, and the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

In observance of Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary, the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj (HMNJAS) collaborated with New Jersey high ranking politicians of Washington DC, State and local officials and held a flag raising ceremony at Jersey City, New Jersey on Tuesday May 26, 2015.

Honourable Mayor of Jersey City, Steven Fulop, as well as members of the United States (US) Congress and other State and local dignitaries, were present at the ceremony where Guyana’s National Anthem was sung and the Golden Arrow head hoisted into the air as many proud US based Guyanese looked on. In his opening remarks Khemraj Ramchal, the first elected Guyaneseborn Councilman in the State of New Jersey thanked the HMNJAS once again for hosting the 49th Independence celebration at City Hall.

In a message conveyed to the gathered crowd by Parmanand Lutawan, His Excellency David Granger said, “I want to assure Guyanese, wherever you are, that you have a Government that cares about you and values your contributions to Guyana. We are here to bring our people together in a way that dismantles the barriers that have traditionally been used to keep our people divided and hinder the development of Guyana.”

Pandit Suresh Sugrim praised the Mayor and his administration for allowing Guyanese Americans to use the City Hall for this purpose, and to be a part of Guyana’s celebration. Mayor Fulop thanked the organisation for doing such a wonderful job in the State of New Jersey, as well as internationally.

The Mayor said that he did some research before attending the function and was impressed with the work of the organisation. He conveyed words of grat-

itude to President David Granger for sending a personal message to this event. The Mayor said that he is proud of the contribution of Guyanese Americans, and is also happy that the City has a Guyanese-born Councilman.

The President of the Essex County Freeholder expressed her support of the event and commended the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj for catering to the needs of the Guyanese immigrant population within Jersey City and the State of New Jersey in trying to address the many societal problems such as teenage pregnancy, gender based violence, and alcohol and drug abuse that seem to be prevalent. Guyana’s Deputy Consul General, Hon Mohamed Khan, spoke briefly on the importance of freedom and expressed his gratitude to all those who fought for it while urging everyone there to support the work of the HMNJAS both in the US and in Guyana.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton on his visit to the Linden Hospital Complex

Flag Raising that was held on Tuesday at Jersey City, City Hall

Grove-Diamond youth group hosts blood drive

Members of the GroveDiamond Youths in Development group, on Saturday, held a blood drive at the Blood Bank as part of an initiative to save lives.

The primary motive behind this plan was seen to enlighten the public about the importance of their social responsibilities and, at the same time, educate them on the purpose of the recently conducted blood drive, in which 23 persons donated.

In an interview with the President of the group, Chattergoon Jadoopat, he explained that donating blood is certainly a noble thought and one in which every individual should seek to progress towards in attempting to give back to the society.

Jadoopat highlighted that this initiative has been raised by the youths of the surrounding communities of the

tional programmes and explained to members of the public that the Blood Drive is totally safe and is being done by professionals at the Blood Bank, who are highly experienced in the health sector,” she said.

Addressing the challenges that the organisation has been facing over the past years, she stated that there is a dire need for donations. There are multiple acts the organisation wants to embark upon, but there are insufficient funds to carry out the relevant operations.

Persons are asked to kindly make their contributions to the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry or directly to the Grove-Diamond Youths in Development.

One of the proud donors of the event, Alicia Obraimola, indicated that, “I am so happy to know that I can be able to donate blood and, more im-

Grove and Diamond areas, as they sought to address the current issues in Guyana and develop strategies which will assist in the assorted sectors.

He further explained that the youths have been undergoing several training programmes which will ensure that they develop themselves significantly, and construct a patent view of societal problems that needs urgent attention.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the organisation Devi Ramcharitar, outlined that blood donation is a very touchy subject and, therefore, persons have been constantly raising questions as it relates to safety conditions and relevance of this act. “We did a lot of educa-

portantly, it will be going towards saving someone’s life. I would like to encourage member of the public to come on board and support this initiative.”

Healthy adults, who are at least 17 years of age and 110 pounds, may donate about a pint of blood. The most common form of donation is every 56 days, or every two months, depending on iron levels. Females receive 53 per cent of blood transfusions, whereas males receive 47 per cent.

Transfusions of blood and blood components have become an essential part of healthcare today. The increase in life expectancy, the creation of specialist intensive-care units, and the es-

sential and ongoing needs of certain patients suffering diseases that were previously considered to be incurable surely meant that the demand for blood continues to grow.

Recently, the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN), in collaboration with SEWAGuyana and the Cornelia Ida Mandir, conducted its 9th Annual Blood Donation Drive on May 2 and 3. It was yet another record-breaking voluntary venture, yielding remarkably 570 units of blood. In the quest of promoting these activities persons are encouraged to come on board and support the differing blood drives that may arise from time to time.

The Grove-Diamond Youths in Development group is a non-governmental organisation based in the GroveDiamond Area. It was founded in June of 2009 by a group of young and inspired adults with a common goal of community enhancement, education and promoting youths, so that their country could have a brighter and more harmonious future.

Remarkably, as part of the National Youth Awards which was held last year, the Grove-Diamond Youths in Development group was given awards for their service and tremendous achievements by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Apart from the conduction of Blood Drives, the organisation has been engaging in a host of activities such as feeding the orphanages, reaching out to the homeless persons, as well as various enhancement programmes which seeks to assist in beautifying the environment.

The members of the association expressed sincere gratitude to the Blood Bank for having them and also special thanks to all the persons that have been making contributions over the past years. They are of the hope that these persons will continue to provide their support, and also encouraging others to join the campaign as they help to address the many issues that the society is being plagued with.

GRA $6M stolen liquor… PGS ranks ID'd on CCTV

footage, name accomplices

Following the discovery of some $6 million worth of seized liquor missing from an East Bank Demerara warehouse of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) two weeks ago, ranks from the Professional Guards Service (PGS) have been caught red-handed and were handed over to the Police.

On the other hand, GRA has reiterated that it continues to hold PGS responsible for the loss and is awaiting the necessary response before considering any further actions against the security firm.

Additionally, the tax body outlined that a comprehensive audit is being conducted at the ware-

missing from the Eccles Warehouse Facility. The Commissioner General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur, has since assured that the agency will spare no effort in having the perpetrators brought to justice. He noted that the revenue body had previously installed CCTV monitoring system to safeguard against such

In an updated statement to the media on Saturday, the GRA disclosed that after reviewing the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the warehouse located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, a copy was handed over to the private security firm.

After reviewing the security footage, PGS positively identified personnel from its service as being actively involved in the criminal act.

Furthermore, the release disclosed that the suspects were since questioned and have named their accomplices. The questioning was done in the presence of their supervisors, officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and staff of the GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID). The suspects were subsequently placed in police custody.

Public Health Minister meets with Linden Hospital Board members

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, on Saturday visited Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and met with the Board of Directors of the Linden Hospital Complex. The occasion allowed for staff members of the medical facility to state their concerns as it relates to the provision of quality health services in the region.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry, Leslie Cadogan; Deputy Permanent Secretary Trevor Thomas and Regional Executive Officer, Yolanda Hilliman.

The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Linden

Hospital Complex and was the result of a request by the board to discuss pertinent issues before the life of the present group expires in June.

One of the main issues discussed was the matter of some staff members being employed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and others by the Linden Hospital itself. This, according to some members, is posing a problem as it relates to the management of the complex. Another issue addressed was the authority and legality of the board.

During brief remarks, after the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Norton said that the meeting confirmed that there are serious issues that need attention and clar-

ity, and that the board was tasked with the duty of deciding whether or not it will treat the hospital as a corporation, like the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), or a health authority, like the Berbice Health Authority.

“We’ve got two systems in place; there are deficiencies in these two systems. We hope the one that we will be arrived at here in Linden will learn from these two systems, and they will choose that which is best for them,” Minister Norton emphasised.

The Minister said that the Ministry is depending on the board, which he said is doing a good job in terms of staying together and trying to resolve issues, pertaining to the de-

livery of quality health services to the people of Linden and Region 10.

He said that the plan is not to “discard the old for the new or to break down to build up”, but rather to improve on what has already been established.

“We want to see legislation that will guide the Linden Hospital Complex on the order paper, on the statue of how the institution should function, its duties, regulations and authority, and we will once and for all regularise the health situation in Region 10,” Dr Norton noted.

The board agreed to meet and put forward a proposal and take it to the Minister, who in turn bring it before Cabinet.

house facility. “It should be noted that GRA’s Internal Audit Division is currently engaged in a comprehensive audit of the warehouse to determine whether other thefts may have occurred, and to ascertain possible weaknesses in the system of internal control that could have contributed to and prevented a more timely disclosure of such occurrences,” the GRA stated.

In addition, the external and the state auditors have also been briefed of the situation.

On May 13, during a routing inventory exercise, officers of LEID discovered approximately $6 million worth of foreign liquor

incidents, and this has significantly aided the investigation.

From all indications, this incident was orchestrated utilising the cloak of darkness in an effort to avoid detection of the activity and the identification of the perpetrators. Preliminary investigations have revealed that no current employee of the GRA is involved.

As a result, the agency is urging members of the public, including members of the press to avoid speculations at this point. As investigations continue, additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

GTUC raps APNU/AFC Govt...

It argued too that of further concern is the fact that an ill managed industrial climate and poor relations are likely to impact the quality of service provided by this Ministry.

The GTUC contended that in order to ensure that the campaign promises are not mere lip service, these new Ministers must deliver on their commitments and that of their Government to respect the rights of all Guyanese.

“GTUC urges tempering of arrogance since such only conveys newness or disregard for others perceived on a lesser level of authority”.

It advised that it has learnt that Minister Lawence has responsibility for Labour and therefore any action of hers inimical to the best interest of pre-

serving workers’ rights and due process are seen as ominous since this Minister will have to enter into bargaining and negotiations with labour organisations and will have to conciliate/arbitrate disputes and grievances.

“This requires skills, tolerance and an ability to hammer out positions that will result in fair resolve of issues.

Workers of this country are looking to this new Government for change that will see their rights upheld”, the union explained, before making it clear that “indiscriminate practices by the political directorate of the coalition will not be given a pass for where such behaviours were considered wrong under the PPP, they cannot now be acceptable under the APNU+AFC”.

The GRA warehouse located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara

President of the Diamond Youths in Development, Chattergoon Jadoopat and a menber of the group who participated in the blood drive

The "Health for All" agenda: vast opportunities and limitless possibilities

On May 28, former Minister of Health and former Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy delivered the Commencement 2015 address at the Harvard’s T H CHAN School of Public Health. This was not only an honour for Dr Ramsammy, but for all Guyana and Guyanese here and in the Diaspora. Here is Part I. Part II to follow in tomorrow’s edition.

Part I

Graduates, families and friends of the graduates, Dean Julio Frenk, faculty and staff of the Harvard T H Chan Public Health School, guests, it is a great privilege and honor to be invited to celebrate with you and to be here to congratulate all the graduates.

I extend my most profound congratulations to all of graduating students and wish all of you great success.

I have no doubt that your goal is to make the world a better place. I am hopeful you believe that it is possible our world can be better. My generation and ones before mine are proud that we did make the world better. It is now your op portuni ty to make an even better world.

where cancer medicines are caught in the struggle for better health and business making a hefty profit.

It is playing out with the new Hepatitis C medicine where the vast majority of people with Hepatitis C will not be able to affordably access medicines that could make lives better.

It is playing out when we consider that more money is spent in advertising by BIG FOOD for sugarladen beverages and saltfilled and trans-fat filled food than on lifestyle education.

As you take your place in the public health landscape, Health for All is not just about social justice. Public health and health care, worth more than $6T today, account for more than 10 per cent of the world’s economy. You will be challenged to navigate between being faithful to the social justice agenda and being lured into the world of big business.

While Big Business can be good for the world, the Right to Health cannot be compromised. Social justice and Health for All must never be short-changed because big business becomes the goal.

Better lives for people must always supercede the imperative of profits.

The sad truth is that the Right to Health is complicated by Business Imperatives. In fact, you will confront this situation in high prices that keep life-saving medicines away from millions of people. It’s playing out in India,

Big Food spent more than $400B on advertising annually and only $3.2B annually is required to ensure we rid the world of hunger. Let us make a call today for a law which ensures that for every dollar Big Food spends on advertising a matching dollar is placed in that country for health promotion.

Let us make a call for a global treaty, like the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), addressing the issue of too much salt and too much trans-fat in processed food that is making their way into the eating habits of too many people in the world.

The choice between Health for All and the Business Imperatives of Profits is a dilemma you will confront abundantly in the journey you have begun. This dilemma will loom large as countries grapple with fair trade rules and the operation of international law.

This is the dilemma confronting us between Health for All and Big Tobacco and the Right to Health and Big Food.

This is the dilemma we confront with the 90/10 Agenda that sees 90 per cent of the world’s research funding addressing is-

sues for 10 per cent of the global population. This is the dilemma we face when more money is spent by Big Pharma on advertising and lobbying than for access to medicines and commodities in developing countries.

Big Pharma has spent almost $3B on lobbying in the USA in the last five years, way ahead of the Insurance Companies in a distant second.

The business imperative drives our sloth in dealing with climate change and with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Intellectual Property Rights are implemented skewed towards business imperatives than in making technology and innovation more accessible around the world.

“Evergreening” is perverting the Intellectual Property Rights regime as a business imperative. Daunting? Yes, but consider the vast opportunities and the limitless possibilities in the pursuit of the goal of a better world where social justice dominates and Big Business is a team player. This is your agenda.

The "Health for All" agenda: vast opportunities and limitless possibilities

On May 28, former Minister of Health and former Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy delivered the Commencement 2015 address at the

Harvard’s T H CHAN School of Public Health. This was not only an honour for Dr Ramsammy, but for all Guyana and Guyanese here and in the Diaspora. Here is Part II. Part III to follow in tomorrow’s edition.

Indians dominate US Spelling Bee competition

Dear Editor,

Indian Americans have dominated the Spelling Bee contest over the last decade. This week, the finalists included a list of Indian American students.

Gokul Venkatachalam and Vanya Shivashankar were declared joint winners. They shared the title on Thursday

evening, making history in two different ways.

Ansun Sujoe, 13, of Fort Worth, Texas, left, and Sriram Hathwar, 14, of Painted Post, N.Y shared the honors last year.

An official of the Scripps National Spelling Bee told reporters: “I think it’s time to consider that the bee may be

entering a new era where the level of competition is so intense that we need to entertain this as a possibility every year.”

It is pointed out that the last 10 winners of the bee, and 14 of the past 18, have been of Indian descent, a run of dominance that began in 1999 with Nupur Lala’s vic-

tory, which was later featured in the documentary “Spellbound.”

A Jamaican kid had won the Spelling Bee once. Reports say that Vanya and Gokul each will receive more than $37,000 in cash and prizes. Each will also get a trophy.

Vishnu Bisram

From where do we proceed?

Dear Editor,

In light of several developments that took place in the month of May 2015, one can rightfully conclude that apart from being the most important period in Guyana’s history, it was the most eventful.

However, the celebrations of May Day, Arrival Day, and Independence Day (happy as these times maybe) will now be joined by a dark cloud rigged elections, as it will linger in this month for generations to come.

The 2015 elections will be remembered as the most controversial elections of the century. Everyone must have taken note of it. These are some items that made my list:

1. Biased MMU reports

2. Grueling campaigns

3. Disgusting racial slurs

4. Denial of several requests made to GECOM by PPP/C

5. Belittling of former President Bharrat Jagdeo by the GECOM Chairman

6. Polling day violence caused by mere rumors

7. Fully prepared slogans by GECOM yet ink and stamp issues

8. Turning away of electors by untrained Information Clerks at Polling Stations

9. Attempted denial of candidates to enter polling place

10. The issue of Mr Clement Rohee staining of his finger after voting

11. Practice of nepotism and favoritism in GECOM employment

12. Employment of politically aligned workers for elections

13. Worst GECOM pressers

14. Fake Statements of Polls

15. Late announcement of preliminary elections results

16. Shocking declaration that elections 2015 was free and fair

17. Proclamation of win by both major parties

18. Uncivilized and unruly Jubilations

19. ABC countries continued praising of GECOM

20. ABC countries support to APNU/AFC

21. Oil discovery

22. Sophisticated ousting of PPP/C out of office

23. Announcement of an elections results that left more questions than answers

24. Call for recount and denial of same

25. Hurried swearing in of a President

26. Inauguration celebrations that shows ethnic division

27. An ironic call for unity yet, through awards nominations, cultural items, and speeches and disposition demonstrates utter biasness.

28. The appointment of an aged Cabinet, with comical titles

29. Overnight rebirth of state media, which still confuses the idea of balance coverage.

30. The justified call for the GECOM Chairman’s resignation from poorly attended protests by PPP/C, pending court injunctions on elections 2015

The list can continue. I am sure every reader has their pick. Of paramount concern; this is for the benefit of nation, is where does GECOM move from hereafter?

It is evident that the current device enshrined with major responsibilities of managing the elections and the national register must be reformed immediately. It can no longer be trusted.

Any subsequent activities will be viewed with suspicion and deemed null and void. There are over 200,000 Guyanese who have lost confidence in GECOM. Therefore, an immediate reformation, reshuffling and revisiting of their modus operandi will only serve to boost confidence in the system.

As it is, GECOM’s operations are questionable. GECOM must make a huge step to regain public confidence.

Start by asking simple questions, who will want to be registered by an untrustworthy body? Who will want the current GECOM configuration to manage Local Government Elections?

A Wills

Former Health and Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, as he addresses the 2015 graduates of the Harvard’s School of Public Health

Some of the 2015 graduates of the Harvard’s School of Public Health

SunDAY, mAY 31, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Racist trolling casts pall over US spelling bee

Racist trolling on social media is casting an ugly pall over, of all things, the world's foremost spelling bee.

For seven years in a row, and for 11 of the past 15 years, the $30,000 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship has been won by American youngsters of Indian heritage.

Chances are as good as ever that another one will follow suit at this year's finals Thursday at the Gaylord National convention resort by the Potomac River outside Washington. They make up one in five of the 285 spellers, aged nine through 15, from all 50 states and seven foreign countries, who ran a gauntlet of local and regional contests to qualify for the big event.

One of them, Vanya Shivashankar, 13, who lives in Kansas, is back for a fifth time -- inspired no doubt by her sister Kavya, the 2009 champion. Last year ended in a tie between Sriran Hathwar of upstate New York and Ansun Sujoe from Texas after they failed to knock each other out after five rounds.

Their winning words, respectively, were "stichomythia" and "feuilleton". But on social media, the reaction from some of the nearly one million people viewing the finals live on cable television veered towards the xenophobic.

"One year I wish an American kid could win," read one of several dubious Twitter posts curated on Storify.com by tech journalist Jeff Chu.

"Not to be offensive... but how do kids from India dominate the American spelling bee?!?"

"The kids in the spelling bee should only be AMERICAN," declared a third. Such sentiments clearly rankle the organizers of the National Spelling Bee, whose longtime core sponsor is the Scripps media group.

"I look forward to the day, as do I think many of our South Asian participants, when they are called what they want to be called

-- Americans," bee director Paige Kimble, the 1981 champion, said Wednesday.

"The bee is one of the truest forms of meritocracy, and we support every kid no matter where they come from," Kimble added. "It's unfortunate that people have some not very nice things to say on social media."

Americans of South Asian heritage make up just one percent of the US population, but only a few are really into competitive spelling, said Northwestern University anthropology professor Shalini Shankar.

More often than not, those families hail from southern India and emigrated to America as highly

Man dies after shooting self with handgun

A46-year old man reportedly shot himself to the head on Saturday after leaving a suicide note behind.

Guyana Times understands that Sean Magal died shortly after administering the fatal blow to his head with the use of shot gun.

He is a gold miner and reportedly resides at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

PGS awards outstanding employees

The Officers stood firmly with their Executives as they uplifted their awards on Saturday at

The Professional Guard Services (PGS) on Saturday awarded 10 employees in its first Quarterly Presentation Award Ceremony for 2015.

The officers were honoured at the Kirkpatrick’s Garden Room, Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook, Georgetown. The awardees receive sums of $10,000 and were presented with awards by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Security Officer and the Chief Administrative Officer

of the PGS.

As they stood confidently and collected their awards, they were encouraged by the officials to continue the hard work and progress towards maintaining remarkable citizens, who have showed great interest in their commitments over the past years. Over the years, the Professional Guard Services Inc has been consistently awarding its employees for their service to the company.

Among those awarded

include Best Baton Sergeant Chandra Ramroop, followed by Best Inspector Mark Job, Best Armed Sergeant Winston Marshall, Best Shift Commander Akeem John, Best Cash In-Transit Commander Amita Baird, Best Department Bank and Factory Commander Devon Antigua, Best Cash In-Transit Driver Clifford Scott, Best Command Driver Wayne Abel, Best Radio Operator Marcia Hyman and Best Lieutenant Kenneth Mc Curchin.

educated professionals, notably in the tech sector.

"The kids that do make it are extremely talented by any standard, but even among Indian Americans they are really gifted," she said. They also keep in practice, thanks to a network of regular competitive spelling events on the margins of the usual scholastic fixtures, Shankar told AFP. And it's not just in spelling, either.

Seven of the 10 finalists in the National Geographic Bee earlier this month were Indian American, including the winner, Karan Menon, from New Jersey. Last year Swapnil Garg, from California, clinched the national Mathcounts challenge, which is more often won by high school students of Chinese ethnicity.

Only once has the National Spelling Bee actually been won by a nonAmerican: Jody-Anne Maxwell, whose 1998 victory made her a celebrity in her native Jamaica. Whatever their background, bee winners find themselves in pole position when it comes to going forward with their young lives.

Take the last white American champion: After his 2007 win, Evan O'Dorney collected gold and silver medals at the International Math Olympiad. He's now in his final year at Harvard. (Yahoo News)

19-yr-old remanded for two counts of armed robbery charges

A19-year-old from ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was refused bail on Friday when he made an appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court to answer to two charges of armed robbery. The accused is Odel Roberts who is alleged to have robbed both Karen Brandford and Anthony Jones within a week of each other.

According to the Police’s report, he robbed Jones on May 20 at Dennis Street, Sophia, while armed with a cutlass. He relieved the Virtual Complainant (VC) of a laptop valued at $200,000, a bag valued at $8,000, a charger which cost $2,000, and a textbook valued at $2,500.

Brandford was also robbed along Dennis Street on May 25. However, Roberts had changed his weapon of choice from a cutlass to a firearm. From this VC he took a handbag valued at $5,000, $20,000 cash, a gold chain valued at $100,000 and a calculator worth $3,000.

McPherson was not required to plead to either of the charges as they were indictable.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector John Singh told the court that the accused robbed Jones around 19:15h

while he was standing on Dennis Street to catch a bus. The defendant, armed with the cutlass, and two other males confronted him and removed the mentioned articles. Once this was done, Roberts escaped with his friends.

So too was the story when he confronted Brandford last Monday. Prosecutor Singh told the court that, about 20:30h along the same street, she was walking from the University of Guyana (UG) when Roberts approached her, told her to loose her handbag and not to make any noise. Brandford held unto the bag but released it when the accused pulled out a black handgun and pointed it at her.

The Prosecutor said the second VC reported the matter to the Police, like the first one, and the Police was able to arrest the assailant after receiving information from an eyewitness that had seen the first robbery.

When confronted with the charges, Prosecutor Singh said Roberts denied it, but once the Police finished their investigations they were able to arrest and charged him with the offence.

Magistrate Zamina Ally remanded him. He is expected back in court on June 22.

Police Officer fingered in theft of boat

– no action from Police

AWest Berbice fisherman is accusing law enforcement of not taking any action after he made a complaint that he was bullied and his boat worth in excess of $4 million was allegedly stolen.

Even though the incident occurred in December 2014, the fisherman says he is helpless despite several reports to the Police, noting that the boat in question currently operates form a port which he also uses.

According to Deraj Saywack also called “Jerry”, during December of last year, three men came to his De Edward Village, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) home and began to bang on his door while calling on him to open it.

He said although it was dark, when he looked outside he saw one of the men with a fire arm. The man identified the men at his door as his uncle, who was visiting Guyana from the USA; a local villager who he referred to as “Iron Roller”; and his cousin Harry Saywack, a Sergeant attached to the Coven John Police Station. “So ah had to open the door because they start to kick down the

door an where me dah is a kind of bushy area. They come in an say, Jerry you have to sign this paypa because you owe we. Ah tell dem that I can’t sign it because I ent know fo read and write.”

The frightened man said the men threatened to kill his entire family if he did not sign to document, so he eventually complied.

The 42-year-old fisherman told Guyana Times that after being bullied, he was taken from De Edward Village to the Adventure foreshore, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) where his boat was located.

He further related that on the way, they picked up a fourth person and as they got to the site where the boat was located, the keys for the vessel were taken from him. The fourth person was left at Adventure with a cellphone as the quartet returned to Adventure.

Saywack said the following morning, he made a report to the Blairmont Police Station and was advised that the report should be made at the Whim Police Station which is closer to Adventure Village. “When I

go the Whim, they send me back to Blairmont.

Then I go to Central [New Amsterdam Police Station] and they send me back to Blairmont. The Police at Blairmont send me back to Whim and when ah talk to the Police, they say me wrong to sigh the paypa.”

Meanwhile, the father of two noted that the morning after the incident, one of his workers reported that he was beaten, put out of the boat and it was taken away from that location. According to Saywack, to date, no statement has been taken from him. “Right now me ah see me boat, an no Police nah do nothing.”

The value of the boat together with the catch that was in it at the time is $4.3 million, Saywack claims. The fisherman told Guyana Times that he had borrowed $2 million from his uncle and has repaid $397,000.

Saywack is trying to get the authorities to investigate the actions of his cousin and also the theft of his boat. “Me get all the paypa fo de boat… an still the Police ent doing nothing,” the frustrated man related.

the first Quarterly Award Ceremony for 2015

Bettie Closs of North Carolina, spells her word, "osteomalacia" during the third round

Beepats flexing muscles with GBBFF

Beepats have decided to sponsor the Senior National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in a show of their corporate muscle.

At a press conference on Saturday at the Park Vue Hotel and Lounge, it was disclosed that the event will be sponsored under the company’s Nestle Supligen drink.

Brand Manager of Supligen, Treion D’Anjou gave reason for the company’s sponsorship of the

event, “Supligen is pleased to be associated with this competition, we believe in health and fitness and we hope that other companies follow in our footsteps,” D’Anjou stated.

President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Keavon Bess revealed that this year’s champion will be crowned “Supligen Mr Guyana”.

In addition Organising Secretary of the federation, Videsh Sookram noted that

the event set for July 18 at the Park Vue Hotel is turning into the most competitive one in the last decade.

Sookram also revealed that this year’s competition for the first time on the senior stage, the men’s physique category will be contested.

The top three athletes for each bodybuilding category will be rewarded while the overall champion will pocket $100,000, a trophy and a supplement hamper.

The winners of the Men’s

Physique, Ms Bikini and the Ms Body Fitness categories will take home $50,000 each along with trophies and supplement hampers.

The GBBFF also indicated that the prize money might increase once sponsors such as fitness express join the fray.

Barbadian 16-time CAC welterweight champion, Hostin Worrel will be the guest poser at the event as the Championships are scheduled for a 19:00h while admission will be $1500.

Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors through to semi-finals

− double header on today

Defending champions Slingerz FC and Fruta Conquerors clinched a semi-final berth in the 2015 edition of the Stag Beer West Side Cup on Friday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Slingerz, who are two time champions, defeated East Bank top club Grove Hi-Tech 2 – 0 while Fruta Conquerors needled Pouderoyen 2 – 1 in front of a vocal crowd.

Conquerors talisman, Jermin Junior struck just nine minutes into play with a rebound shot that rocked the net.

Odel Williams almost doubled the Georgetown club’s lead but his rightfooted volley went just wide of the top right hand corner.

Meanwhile, Junior

scored his second of the night in the 65th minute via a free kick with a curling shot that evaded Pouderoyen’s custodian. Clemente Browne then

nailed a consolation goal in the 88th minute to make the game seem closer than it really was.

Meanwhile in the feature contest, Dwayne Jacobs and skipper Tichard Joseph ensured that their club, Slingerz FC would advance to defend their title.

Jacobs scored in the 10th minute, rifling his effort into the roof of the net from point blank ranks after collecting a pass from the winger Dexroy Adams.

Thirteen minutes later, the ‘West Side’ champions’ captain netted from the penalty mark following an infraction within the area.

Action in the championship will continue today at the same venue with Pele opposing Uitvlugt Warriors from 18:00hrs and Ann's Grove battling Den Amstel from 20:00hrs.

The resulting winner will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth placed units will receive $300,000, $150,000 and $100,000 correspondingly and the respective accolade.

Financial incentives will also be given to the bottom four finishers, with the resulting fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth positioned teams walking away with $75,000, $60,000, $50,000 and $40,000 correspondingly.

Upon the completion of the first round, the semifinal matchups will occur on Friday June 5th at the same locale. Following the end of the final four stage, the grand finale will commence on Sunday June 7th at the same location.

EBSC hails

Chandrika’s elevation to int'l cricket

The Enterprise Busta Sports Club (EBSC) has hailed the achievement of one of its very own, Rajendra Chandrika, on his elevation to the senior West Indies team for the upcoming Test series against Australia.

The 25-year-old is one of two uncapped players- the other being Barbados wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich- to be included in the 14-man squad to face the Aussies in the first Test, starting June 3. Chandrika is a product of the EBSC, and the club said it is proud to finally produce a player who is worthy of being called to play international cricket. Should Chandrika make the final XI for the opening Test, he will become the first player from the club to play international cricket.

The club said it is enthused by what lies ahead for the elegant right-hander, noting that his call-up was just a matter of time, as Chandrika has always worked overtime on his

game.

The EBSC said the entire community of Enterprise is overjoyed by the selection, adding that all the hardwork of the executives and the great support for cricket in the village has paid off in a massive way.

Members of the club are now urging the young cricketer to refocus his efforts on doing the job at hand and up his game to make a smooth transition from First-Class to Test cricket.

Chandrika enjoyed his most productive season with the Guyana team in the just concluded Professional Cricket League Four-day tournament, finishing as the team’s second highest runscorer with 525 runs at an average of 35 with five half-centuries.

He further boosted his chances of a West Indies call-up with a solid 74 for the West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI against Australia in a three-day warm-up match, which concluded on Friday. (Avenash Ramzan)

Members of the head table during the launching

Rajendra Chandrika, seen batting here in the PCL Four-day tournament, is a product of the EBSC

Dwayne Jacobs

NZ hit back after Lyth ton, Cook landmark

Alastair Cook erased another long-standing entry in the England records books and Adam Lyth recorded a maiden Test century in front of an appreciative home crowd as the second Investec Test briefly settled back on to a more even keel. England’s approach was more in keeping with the steady rhythms of Test cricket but New Zealand continued to harry them, taking 3 for 9 late in the evening session to shake things up again.

New Zealand had toiled through much of the day, managing to remove just two England batsmen - one via a run-out - before rediscovering their sharpness with the second new ball. With the floodlights on, Headingley once again bestowed its favour on the bowlers and Trent Boult ended a tentative innings from Gary Ballance with a curling delivery that defeated his crease-bound prod. Tim Southee then removed Joe Root fifth ball with another outswinger; the Western Terrace was as quiet as it can ever have been at 6pm on a Saturday.

Ben Stokes, the hero of England’s victory at Lord’s, was then dealt with efficiently in the penultimate over, again caught in the cordon, as New Zealand roared back. England have not passed 400 in the first innings at Headingley since South Africa’s visit in 2012 and New Zealand, seeking to extend their unbeaten run in Test series and hold on to the No. 3 ranking, may still harbour hopes of forcing a

first-innings lead, with more unsettled weather forecast for Sunday.

Until those interventions, it had looked as if England would take a firm grip on the match. New Zealand’s innings, which finished with a few more fireworks on 350, lasted only 72.1 overs; at the same stage, England were a comparatively frill-free 215 for 1. After a fluctuating first day, England’s openers, Cook and Lyth, restored a sense of equilibrium, cruising past 150 in only their third innings together in comfortable batting conditions.

While they were in harness, England assumed the controlled, dominating mode of a few years ago, putting on a first century opening

stand at home since Cook and Andrew Strauss added 186 against India at Edgbaston in 2011 - the Test after which they went No. 1 in the world. They were eventually separated on 177 - England’s fourth-highest partnership for the first wicket against New Zealand - when Cook was trapped lbw trying to sweep Craig, after S Ravi’s not-out decision was overturned by the DRS.

A few weeks after James Anderson broke Ian Botham’s Test wicket-taking record - he took his tally past 400 on Friday - Cook overhauled the runscoring mark of Graham Gooch, one of his predecessors as England captain and a man who has contributed much wisdom and plen-

ty more throwdowns during Cook’s professional career. It moved him up to 13th on the list of Test run-scorers, at the age of 30 and with the potential for a few thousand more to come.

Lyth’s first significant innings for England was more fluent than that of his vastly more experienced partner, although he did weather a couple of difficult passages. Lyth spent 16 balls on 47 as New Zealand tested him with a series of short deliveries and then another 45 minutes in the 90s. He survived chopping the ball down on to his stumps, failing to kick the ball away as it deflected back off his pad - but the contact was gentle enough to leave the bails undisturbed.

Realising that the pressure was building, he skipped out to Craig and was lucky that Neil Wagner, the substitute fielder at mid-on, did not pick up the flight of his lofted shot and initially moved the wrong way. That boundary moved Lyth on to 98 and he reached his hundred with a more convincing stroke two balls later, sweeping high over midwicket before soaking up the applause of a boisterous crowd. When he was run out, after a careless call from Ballance, his disappointment at not being able to make an even bigger statement was palpable.

Cook began his innings 32 runs from passing Gooch. Yorkshire might be the bedrock of English cricket’s strength - and the performance of Lyth added weight to such local argumentsbut for peerless accumula-

tion, you need to call the Essex boys.

A crisp square drive half an hour after lunch took him past Gooch’s 8900-run mark, which had stood for almost 22 years. Once again his game has a sense of maximum-level security about it, the Cook machinery well oiled and in fine working order - although it was with a top-edged cut over the slips that he went past 50 for the 68th time in Tests.

SCOREBOARD

There was initially no let up in the pace of the game, as England paid dearly for the last two wickets in the first half hour. New Zealand continued to freewheel along, adding 53 runs to their overnight total in just 7.1 overs. Matt Henry clobbered Stokes for four off the fourth ball of the day and put Stuart Broad into the stands a deep midwicket before nicking another short delivery through to the keeper. He also managed to top-edge one pull into his own helmet and away for a couple more runs - a stroke symbolic of New Zealand’s dauntless approach. Craig and Boult then lashed a further 40 for the last wicket, as England persisted with a policy of trying to bounce them out.

Both took on whatever was thrown at them, with Craig striking another six down the ground off Stokes, before Boult played one slog too many and was caught at point. That gave Broad the colourful figures of 17.1-0109-5 and the least-economical five-for in Test history. (Cricinfo)

Arsenal win a record 12th FA Cup

Arsenal became the most successful club in FA Cup history as they outclassed Aston Villa at Wembley to earn Arsene Wenger a record-equalling sixth triumph.

The Gunners retained the trophy they won against Hull City a year ago to put Wenger’s total of wins alongside George Ramsay - who previously stood alone with the record for his victories with Villa between 1887 and 1920.

Arsenal’s 12th final victory was never in doubt as they dominated with a magnificent display, the only surprise being that it took until five minutes before half-time for their control to be rewarded with Theo Walcott’s goal.

Alexis Sanchez confirmed that superiority with one of the great FA Cup final goals shortly after the restart - a swerving, dipping 25-yard thunderbolt that flew high past startled Villa keeper Shay Given.

Villa were a shadow of the side that performed so impressively to beat Liverpool at Wembley in the semi-final, their flaws exposed ruthlessly as Per Mertesacker took advantage of an embarrassing lack of

marking to head the third.

Substitute Olivier Giroud’s fourth in the final moments only completed what was a harrowing day for Tim Sherwood’s side, who had travelled to Wembley high on optimism and expectation after an impressive run to the final.

It was a day of triumph for Wenger, as he added another FA Cup to his three Premier League titles in a game that was a sharp contrast to the tension of last year’s final, when the Gunners had to recover from

two goals down.

And Wenger recorded a tactical victory over Villa counterpart Sherwood, with his decision to use the pace of Walcott to take on Villa’s defence rather than the power of Giroud reaping rich rewards.

Sherwood’s big selection call - to play Charles N’zogbia ahead of Gabriel Agbonlahor - never looked like working. By the time the latter was introduced, just after Arsenal had gone two up, the horse had bolted for a Villa team that simply

never performed.

Arsenal’s season can now be judged as a success, with the trophy adding to a third-placed finish in the Premier League that assured Champions League football again.

This was a day of unrelenting misery for Sherwood and his players - watched at Wembley by owner Randy Lerner, who was sitting next to Villa fan Prince William.

They will have to regard Premier League survival as their success this term, which was the main priority

when the manager replaced Paul Lambert in February.

Villa ended the league season by being thrashed 6-1 at Southampton and losing at home to relegated Burnley and the ominous signs of those performances were flagged up once more as Arsenal’s pace and mobility ran them ragged.

Goalkeeper Given showed great athleticism to save from Laurent Koscielny, and Kieran Richardson blocked crucially from Walcott as he looked certain to score.

Just as it looked as if Villa

would somehow survive until half-time, Arsenal got the breakthrough they deserved, Walcott thumping a finish past Given at his near post after Sanchez headed down Nacho Monreal’s cross. Before Villa could regroup after half-time, Sanchez effectively settled the contest with a magical FA Cup final moment, sending a bullet finish high past Given with the keeper barely having time to react.

Villa, pretty much as they had looked from the first whistle, were shell-shocked and Mertesacker was allowed by Christian Benteke to rise unmarked and head in the third.

The formalities were completed with virtually the last kick of the game when Giroud turned in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross in front of a rapidly-emptying Villa end, with their supporters having had little more than a couple of halfhearted penalty appeals to sustain them.

Wenger took the applause of Arsenal’s fans before the trophy was presented - the manager who has had so many doubters delivering his answer with another piece of silverware. (BBC Sport)

Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth produced a huge opening stand

Arsenal celebrate FA Cup win

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Mere seconds separate Evolution’s trio...

Ambrose, Anthony win

A total of 51 riders entered the race, but only 43 took to the starting line on Saturday morning for the first stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, covering an approximate distance of 46 miles.

The cyclists braved a heavy morning downpour that battered the East Berbice area, and in the absence of several prominent local riders, as well as overseas competitors, Team Alanis’ Ambrose emerged as champion of the opening leg, pipping his rivals to the line.

The up-and-coming rider rode pass the chequered flag in a time of one hour, 41 minutes, 14 seconds (01h: 41m: 14s), with Jackson (01h: 41m: 17s), Akeem Arthur (01h: 41m: 19s), Stephen Fernandes (01h: 41m: 21s) and Hinds (01h: 41m: 51s) rounding out the top five finishers in that order.

Anthony, Marlon Williams, Leal, Akeem Wilkinson and Paul deNobrega followed with a bunch time of one hour, 41 minutes, 55 seconds (01h: 41m: 55s).

The starting pack for stage two from Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, covering an approximate distance of 60 miles of the country’s roadways, was reduced by four as they lined up for the tedious journey in overcast, but

heated conditions.

The race started at a frenetic pace with Team Coco’s Junior Niles leading a threeman pack that opened a sizeable lead, before they were caught by Anthony, Geron Williams and Mark Harris at Hopetown.

That connection changed the complexion of the race, as Anthony was joined by his Team Evolution’s teammates, Hinds and Leal, who then dictated the pace, finishing with conviction on Carifesta Avenue.

The trio crossed the line like it was an afternoon stroll, copping a bunch time of two hours, 18 minutes, 51 seconds (02h: 18m: 51s). Williams finished fourth. The event will conclude today with the final leg from Linden to Georgetown, starting at 08:00h. The race, which will finish in front of the National Sports Commission office on Homestretch Avenue, will cover an approximate distance of 62 miles.

Zimbabwe to go ahead with tour after suicide attack

The third and final ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan in Lahore will go ahead as scheduled after the visiting team had a meeting with PCB and security officials following what federal information minister Pervaiz Rashid said was a suicide attack near Gaddafi Stadium during the second match. Zimbabwe have, however, cancelled their plans to go shopping in the city, even as the security cover around the team has been beefed up.

Two people, including a sub-inspector, were killed and several people injured in the incident. The explosion was initially explained as an electricity transformer blast by police, in a bid to avoid panic. Initially, the

players were also told on the way from the stadium to the hotel after the match that it was a low-intensity transformer blast.

“The incident happened away from the main premises and nothing is affected,” a PCB spokesman had told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the meeting on Saturday afternoon. “The tour will go ahead as planned and the Zimbabwe team will continue with their usual activities today, though they are not training today. They will play the third match on Sunday and subsequently will fly back in the wee hours of Monday.”

Rashid had said that an attempt to attack the stadium was foiled by a police official, who lost his life while trying to stop the attacker.

However, Amin Wains, the Capital City Police Officer, said he was not in a position to confirm the nature of the blast.

“At this point of time its not possible for me confirm or say something conclusive that whether it is a suicide attack or cylinder blast,” Wains said. “All evidence collected says that most probably a cylinder blast took place in the threewheeler autorickshaw. We have sent all the evidence to the forensic lab to confirm the nature of the blast.

“There was a statement from the (federal) government which came without speaking to us whether it was a suicide or cylinder blast but as a city police chief within 48 hours we will share all with you. (Cricinfo)

Team Evolution’s trio Michael Anthony, Orville Hinds and Raul Leal (partly hidden) cross the finish line on Carifesta Avenue on Saturday afternoon (Photos: Avenash Ramzan)

Team Alanis’ Alonzo Ambrose won the opening stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam

GBBC’s plans to honour “Six Heads” must not be ignored

− public/private sector, Govt support critical

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

In the midst of the elections fever just over three weeks ago, Guyana lost one of its most famous sons, a national sports hero and an iconic figure in the sport of boxing.

Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis created much fanfare in his heydays, as his alias- earned from his powerhitting exploits in the ringwas as popular in Guyana as “Iron Mike” was across the globe.

His demise, following an accident just a few days before the national elections, had inevitably been lost among the plethora of political parties making a last ditch effort to sway the voting populace.

It is quite unfortunate that “Six Heads” passing had coincided with arguably the most intense elections in the country’s history, robbing the nation’s first world champion of a more elaborate send-off to the great beyond.

For this, many, including President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, are fearful that Lewis’ legacy will be easily forgotten.

However, as the head of the governing body for boxing in Guyana, and also

President of the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE), Abdool is intent on honouring the fallen hero in a massive way, much like the way other countries would recognise their champion boxers.

Sense of pride

On the evening of February 17, 2001, Guyana stood still as “Six Heads” entered the ring against James Page with the American’s WBA Welterweight belt at stake at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, U.S.A.

Less than an hour later, the country erupted in jubilation as Lewis became the new world champion- a first for Guyana- by knocking out his opponent in the seventh round.

Abdool reflected, “The pride that I felt for our country at that moment caused all at once a constriction in my chest that literally threatened to stop my breathing and a large lump in my throat the size of a breadfruit, which was certainly not reflected in all the hollering that I was doing.”

He added, “Six Heads” Lewis lifted me and every Guyanese that witnessed this fight to arguably the greatest moment of national pride that we will ever experience. He came to a door

GCC ladies in T&T...

that said “World Champions only- No Guyanese allowed.” He simply kicked it down.”

Six of Lewis’ compatriots followed suit soon after, earning the prestigious title of world champion as Guyana reigned supreme on the sport’s biggest stage.

“His singular achievement represented a culmination of all of the countless years of toil and effort of all who preceded him- our amateur ranks through which he had to come, our loyal and dedicated trainers, corner men, sparring partners, the Guyana Boxing Board itself and the many, many loyal supporters over the years,” Abdool reasoned.

He continued, “His spectacular seizing of the world

title was at last, justification for all the hard work over the years- a vindication as it were, that it had not all been in vain- that our great and unyielding belief that our fighters were among the very best in the world was finally proven and justified in spectacular fashion for all the world to see.”

For Abdool and the GBBC, “Six Heads” will forever be the “eternal hero”, as his name is firmly etched in the pages of the country’s history and indeed in the hearts of many.

“Guyana has lost a real and true hero- one who took not a brush, but a pair of gloves and beautifully painted one of the most glorious moments in our nation’s history. The Guyana Boxing Board strongly advocates that a national monument in the form of a life-sized statue be erected in a prominent location in commemoration of this Guyanese hero, as has been done in other countries in honour of their boxing legends,” Abdool suggested.

Support

Indeed, the construction of such a structure would be a constant reminder of the outstanding achievements of one of the country’s finest sons, and it would also

Guyanese open final visit with win over Checkers

After having lost to Checkers Hockey Club one goal to nil in their first round duel, the GCC ladies hockey team managed to reverse the tables with a 2-0 victory in their second round clash.

The GCC ladies, appearing in their third and final stint of matches at the Eastern Sports Complex in Tacarigua, Trinidad, were considered the underdogs in their first tie of the visit as they faced the powerful Checkers HC to whom they had lost in the first round four weeks ago.

In the mid-morning heat on Saturday, the GCC ladies began the match seemingly the more aggressive of the two sides. In keeping Checkers in their defensive half for most of the opening minutes of the match, GCC would squander several chances after well-orchestrated attacks mostly led by offensive dynamos Aliyah Gordon and Sonia Jardine.

GCC continued to enjoy greater success than their opposition for most of the first half and were finally rewarded in the 28th minute as striker Kerensa Fernandes unleashed a reverse shot that seemed to be marginally off-target to the right of goal.

Right wing Shebiki Baptiste however, seemed to

appear from nowhere with a courageous lunge to deflect the shot into the net much to the surprise of Trinidad national goalkeeper Petal Derry between the uprights for Checkers.

Checkers pressed higher up in the GCC side of the field in the second half of the match which brought them greater success and increased their share of possession. Despite earning

several penalty corners for their efforts, this risky tactic left Checkers vulnerable to the swift GCC counterattacks.

It was one such GCC attack in the 39th minute that saw overlapping right back Vanessa Pires drive a powerful pass into the scoring circle to striker Princessa Wilkie. Wilkie beat her defender to the ball and executed a perfect deflection

serve an inspiration to those budding boxers who wish to emulate or even surpass the Albouystown pugilist.

But, bringing this project to reality is easier said than done. A collaborative effort is certainly required and private/public sector support, along with that of the government, is crucial

in bringing the idea put forward by Abdool to fruition. The GBBC has expressed a willingness to work with persons/organisations in this venture. Ultimately, the aim is to preserve the legacy of a man who rose from the ghetto to earn the most sought-after accolade in boxing.

BCB congratulates Chandrika on Test call-up

Tinto the roof of the Checkers net to take the score to 2-0 in favour of the Guyanese. While Checkers pressed hard for the final ten minutes of play which included a powerful shot by Jessenia Luces off the GCC post, superb defending and especially goalkeeping by Briawna Gordon kept GCC with a clean sheet, giving them the well-deserved 2-0 victory at full time.

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has become one of the first organisations to offer congratulations to Guyanese opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika, who was on Saturday called to the West Indies squad to face Australia in the upcoming two-match Test series.

“The Berbice Cricket Board recently learnt of the selection of national senior opener Rajendra Chandrika to the West Indies 14 man squad to face the mighty Australians in the upcoming two-Test series. The board takes this opportunity to congratulate him on his achievement and wish him well in his international career. The board encourages

Chandrika to stay focus and grab this opportunity with both hands,” the BCB said. The release added that Chandrika’s selection will surely motivate other young cricketers in Guyana and the Caribbean.

“Chandrika also played a few matches in BCB cricket competitions and was set to represent Bermine, now Tucber Park, in first division cricket in Berbice. The board also wished to congratulate young and talented Barbadian wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich and wish him and the entire squad well.” Chandrika and Dowrich are the only two uncapped players in the 14-man West Indies squad for the series.

Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis was Guyana’s first world champion in boxing

Peter Abdool

GCC’s Aliyah Gordon (green) on the attack against Checkers

Opener Rajendra Chandrika was called up to face the Aussies next month

Caribbean Premier League 2015… Moody hails “unique” Caribbean atmosphere

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The Caribbean Premier League’s (CPL) International Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, has hailed the Caribbean region for its “unique” atmosphere, one that “cannot be replicated

what I think makes it pretty special.”

Moody also spoke glowingly of the on-field exchanges over the past two years.

“With regards to the cricket itself, what we’ve seen over the first two years of the CPL, there is a huge improvement in the quality

son three and beyond. The take-up so far with regards the interest in the CPL has been positive, so there are good signs already that the CPL is ready to party,” Moody reckoned.

Touching on the topic of marketing the CPL to other destinations that the League

anywhere”, as he shared his thoughts on the 2015 edition of the tournament, set to start next month.

The third installment of the region’s premier T20 showpiece will bowl off on June 20 and will run until July 26, and according to Australian Moody, the sixteam competition is geared for a huge take off.

The oomph beyond the boundary, coupled with the riveting on-field rivalry among local and foreign players, is enough reason to lead Moody to believe that the upcoming tournament will be a colossal success.

“Well, I think cricket in the Caribbean is unique and it cannot be replicated anywhere. There is a real spirit to the game in the Caribbean,” Moody, 49, said during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport

He continued, “You know the way people in the Caribbean embrace the game, the passion for the game is very unique to them, and the way they watch it. People in the Caribbean come to one, watch the cricket and two, it’s a real party atmosphere and they really embrace both elements of the experience…and that’s

of cricket that is played and a lot of that has to do with the development of the local talent in the Caribbean, but it is also the international influence that comes in. This year with the international players we’ve got coming in that’s only going to be bigger and better,” the former cricketer pointed out.

Moody was a former allrounder for Australia, playing eight Test matches and 76 ODIs. However, he never got a chance to exploit the T20 format, having retired from the game in 2000.

Since retirement, the man Adelaide has ventured into commentary, coaching, and is now a director on the CPL roster where part of his job is to ensure the tournament maintains the high standard fans and cricketers have grown accustomed to.

“Look, we’re very excited about season three, you know having had two successful years we not only have engaged the cricketing public of the Caribbean to an exciting new product, but we’ve also learnt a lot with regards both on and off the field workings, and we look forward to putting all those workings into place in sea-

Action in junior squash tourney heating up

Day three of the Woodpecker Products Junior National Squash Tournament, hosted by the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel produced a string of exciting matches across another evening that saw mostly dominant victories for the seasoned campaigners.

Playing at the Georgetown club, Akeila Wiltshire and Nyron Joseph opened their accounts with typically dominant 3-0 sweeps of Sarah Lewis and Matthew Phang respectively.

The featured game of the evening saw Ben Mekdeci and Alec Melville playing short of their best to produce an exciting finish, despite the 3-0 scoreline in favour of Mekdeci.

Samuel Ince-Carvahal and Dominic Collins battled to a 3-2 result, the former recovering from being two sets down to take the last 3 games 11/7, 11/3, 11/2.

Shomari Wiltshire held on to a 3-1 win over the battling Daniel Islam, despite trailing 1-0 after the first game .Alexander Cheeks prevailed over Anthony Islam in straight games (11/5, 11/7, 12/10) and the improving 12 year old Makeda Harding lost to Rebecca Low 3-0 (12/10, 11/6, 11/4).

In the other entertaining game played on Friday evening. Harding recovered to easily win 3-0 over Teija Edwards later that evening.

Also notable was Kirsten Gomes’ 3-0 victories over Geovanna DoSantos and Abosaide Cadogan without dropping a game.

The full scores read:

Girls: Kirsten Gomes defeated Geovanna DoSantos 3-0 (11/1, 11/1, 11/3), Kirsten Gomes defeated AbosaideCadogan 3-0 (11/6, 11/2, 11/2), Maya Collins defeated Adriel Lachmansingh 3-0 (11/1, 11/0, 11/0). Akeila Wiltshire defeated Sarah Lewis 11/3, 11/0, 11/1), Paige Fernandes defeated Beau Fernandes 3-0 (11/5, 11/7, 11/6), Makeda Harding defeated Teija Edwards 3-0 (11/2, 11/0, 11/0), Rebecca Low defeated Makeda Harding 3-0 (12/10, 11/6, 11/4), Haley Carpenter defeated Isabella Ramjohn 3-0(11/1, 11/1, 11/1), Madison Fernandes defeated Aliyah Persaud 3-0 (11/4, 11/3, 11/2).

Boys: Jason Gomes defeated Liam Carpenter 3-0 (11/5, 11/1, 11/2), Shiloh Asregado defeated Noah Rahaman 3-1 (12/14, 16/14, 11/7, 11/9), Demetrius DeAbreu defeated Kamir Khan 3-0 (11/5, 11/5, 11/3), Nathan Rahaman defeated Noah Rahaman 3-0 (11/2, 11/4, 11/5), Zach Persaud de-

feated James Mekdeci 3-0 (11/6, 11/6, 11/5), James Mekdeci defeated Gareth DaSilva 3-0 (11/5, 11/3, 11/0), Mohryan Baksh defeated Chad DeAbreu 3-0 (11/9, 11/9, 11/7), Zach Persaud defeated Gareth DaSilva 3-0 (11/2, 11/0, 11/3), Alexander Cheeks defeated Daniel Islam 3-0 (11/5, 11/7, 12/10), Michael Alphonso defeated James Mekdeci 3-0 (11/2, 11/3, 11/0), Samuel Ince-Carvahal defeated Dominic Collins 3-2 (8/11, 7/11, 11/7, 11/3, 11/2), Nyron Joseph defeated Matthew Phang 3-0 (11/5, 11/9, 11/0), Shomari Wiltshire defeated Daniel Islam 3-1 (5/11, 13/11, 12/10, 11/5), Ben Mekdeci defeated Alec Melville 3-0 (12/10, 11/4, 14/12), Kamir Khan defeated Mashal Allicock 3-0 (11/5, 11/1, 11/6), Lucas Jonas defeated Gianni Carpenter 3-0 (11/7, 11/7, 11/5), Nathan Rahaman defeated Louis DaSilva 3-0 (11/3, 11/2, 11/6), Ethan Jonas defeated Liam Carpenter 3-0 (11/2, 11/0, 11/1), John Phang defeated Nechemiyah Levans 3-0 (11/6, 11/2, 11/2).

is not currently reaching, Moody reasoned that the actual battle between bat and ball is the best form of advertisement for the game.

“If you’re playing a high standard of cricket on the field, it’s highly competitive and it’s played in the right spirit, you know that’s the best advertisement, whether it be locally or globally. Also, the take-up from the crowd is a great sell because the number of persons who have spoken to me about the Caribbean Premier League that haven’t been there live, they’ve seen it on television and they are talking about how the crowds really get involved and are very much part of the product. So it’s not only about the standard of cricket that is played, but it’s also about the local being involved and embracing the CPL,” Moody concluded.

When the CPL bowls off, the Barbados Tridents will put their title on the line against the two-time runner-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, 2013 champion Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks, newcomers St Kitts Patriots and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Akeila Wiltshire Nyron Joseph

Tom Moody: “I think cricket in the Caribbean is unique and it cannot be replicated anywhere. There is a real spirit to the game in the Caribbean”

Moody hails “unique” Caribbean atmosphere

Mere seconds separate Evolution’s trio after 3 stages

Amere six seconds separate the top three riders- all from Team Evolution- heading into the final leg of the 33rd annual Independence Three-Stage cycling meet, which commenced on Saturday. At the completion of the first two stages, it was all about Team Evolution’s dominance, which was massively pronounced by a 1-2-3 finish on stage two. After the tabulation of the stage times and the award of bonus times, the men in black and white uniforms are runaway favourites to dominate the top six podium spots today, unless, in the most unlikely of cases, they all decide to forfeit the race.

Guyanese Rajendra Chandrika in 1st Test squad to face Aussies

Uncapped Shane Dowrich and Rajindra Chandrika were poised for Test debuts after they were named Saturday in a 14-man West Indies squad to face Australia in the opening Test of the two-match series starting next week.

Both batsmen shone during the recent three-day game against the Aussies which finished Friday, gathering half-centuries for the West Indies President’s XI at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua.

The 23-year-old Dowrich, a wicketkeeper/batsman who hails from Barbados, was most impressive with two half-centuries in the contest.

He top scored with 78 in the first innings and struck an unbeaten 53 in the second innings on Friday as the game petered out into a draw. The right-hander was accomplished in both innings.

Dowrich, who has already played 43 first class matches, has played for West Indies A in the past.

Brathwaite also getting among the runs.

The right-handed Chandrika, 25, was a member of the Guyana Jaguars squad which captured the WICB PCL crown, scoring 525 runs at an average of 35. An opener, Chandrika could be used to partner Kraigg Brathwaite at the top of the order.

There was no room for Brathwaite, however, who was part of the Test squad for the England series. The 26-year-old was impressive during the three-day encounter, smashing a quickfire unbeaten 50 off 42 deliveries and taking three wickets for 39 runs to be the best bowler on show.

The side is captained by Denesh Ramdin and includes the 12 players announced last Sunday for the one-week training camp which ended Friday in Barbados.

West Indies face Australia in the opening Test at Windsor Park starting Wednesday, with the second Test set for Sabina Park in Jamaica on June 11.

Overseas-based Guyanese, pro cyclist Geron Williams is more than four minutes behind in fourth position with a time of four hours, four minutes, 43 seconds (04h: 04m: 43s), followed by Alonzo Ambrose (04h: 05m: 47s) and Ian Jackson (04h: 06m: 07s).

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Orville Hinds is the overall leader with a time of four hours, 35 seconds (04h: 35s), just one second ahead of Michael Anthony (04h: 36s) and six ahead of Raul Leal (04h: 41s).

He had a breakthrough year in the WICB Professional Cricket League, chalking up 615 runs at an average of 46, with two centuries.

Chandrika, meanwhile, gathered 74 in the first innings for President’s XI, one of five half-centuries, with Roston Chase, Jason Mohammed and Carlos

SQUAD – Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor. (CMC)

Flashback: From left; Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, CPL brand ambassador, Sir Garfield Sobers, CPL CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, CPL performance director, Sir Viv Richards, CPL COO, Pete Russell

Rajendra Chandrika

The peloton descends the Abary Bridge on stage two from Rosignol to Georgetown By AvenAsh RAmzAn