Binder1

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

Issue No. 3198

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, May 1, 2017

PRICE

Wound of trade union movement still deep – GTUC President

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Chronicle: Executioner P13 of Opposition's reputation – Ramkarran

Page 3

...unions need to regain confidence of members

16-year-old student stabbed to death at Covent Garden school fair

GPSU election

Ballots counted, results expected

by Wednesday

Page 14

Page 7

Opposition Leader P15 conducts Essequibo outreaches

– despite allegations of voting irregularities

1 dead, P10 several injured in ECD smash-up

Cyclist killed on BV Public P11 Road Bevy of Beauties: Three of the delegates of this year’s Miss India Guyana were snapped by Guyana Times’ photographer Carl Croker in the Botanical Gardens during their photo shoot on Sunday. At right, talented dancers perform a scintillating piece on stage during the National Drama Festival held at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday evening

Despite challenges faced by working class

Battling the current economic woes

"There is still Guyanese workers fearful, apprehensive bread with about future justice" Page 9

– Govt in May Day message

Page 9

– PPP in May Day message

AFC sets up committee P10 to review Cummingsburg Accord

– reaffirms strength, cohesion of coalition

2

monDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

3

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

Monday, May 1 – 08:30h-10:00h and Tuesday, May 2 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 1 – 07:45h-09:15h and Tuesday, May 2 – 08:35h-10:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers sometimes accompanied by thunder can be expected throughout the day, while cloudy conditions and light rain showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:59h and 20:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.35 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 14:07h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

08

12 13

16

17

28

14 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 04 15 16 22 LUCKY 3 3 0 4 Afternoon Draw

23 3

2

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 04

07 11

14 17 19

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

Wound of trade union movement still deep – GTUC President …unions need to regain confidence of members

By Samuel Sukhnandan

A

lthough trade unions have come together to host one May Day Rally again this year, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Coretta McDonald believes that healing the wounds of the movement in Guyana still requires extensive work and time.

While acknowledging that there have been efforts to rebuild and establish a unified movement, McDonald said the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the GTUC still operate independent of each other, following a split in 1988.

FITUG, whose members include the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), had up to 2015 maintained a separation from the GTUC. However, the GTUC President said one of the first steps to address this issue began last year when both bodies decided to host one May Day rally for the first time in over 25 years.

“We still have a deep wound. There has been some bit of healing beginning in 2015. It was a major leap in helping to heal that wound. We hope that the trade union movement would be able to stand on its own footing soon,” the GTUC official told Guyana Times on Sunday.

McDonald said it must be recognised that the goals and objectives of every trade union were the same and the only difference that existed was “personality issues”, which, “we are hoping at some point we would be able to decide and put aside political differences”.

She continued: “When it

Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) President Coretta McDonald

comes to workers and workers’ rights, politics can’t help us there. We have to sit together as a trade union movement and ensure that workers receive the best.”

McDonald noted too that unless the fractured trade union movement was unified and the apparent rivalry between union leaders ended, it would continue to be disrespected.

The strength of the trade union movement, according to her, depends on each union joining forces together with their partners under one umbrella body.

There has been a gradual decline of trade unions’ strength owing to changes in the Public Sector and the industrial relations climate, among other issues.

Challenges

Highlighting some of the challenges being faced in the movement, the GTUC President told Guyana Times that sound leadership was of paramount importance to any strong union. However, this was lacking in some instances in unions across the country.

“In many of the unions, you have leaders there, who for whatever reasons, they are not that strong to command their members and you would have quite a lot of people, who are not interested in becoming members of the union, because they see them as very toothless,” she opined.

To reverse this trend, McDonald said unions have to begin retraining their leaders and look at more attractive ways in which they could get people to join the movement.

She said, “What we have to do is work on regaining the confidence of your members. We have to first, as leaders, sit together and work together, so when our members see the leaders working together,

then members would want to follow suit.”

Outside of that, McDonald said unions would also have to plan programmes for training so that they can build capacity within the respective bodies. “And when that is done, our workers are going to be confident and be able to understand what their rights and responsibilities are. Where they should go and where they shouldn’t.”

She also recognised that there has been a slight decline in membership at the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers Union (GPTWU) and GAWU owing to cuts made to the labour force in their respective sectors.

Activities to observe May Day 2017 began on Sunday, with a church service at the St James the Less Church on David Street in Kitty, Georgetown. A wreath-laying and tribute ceremony to pay homage to the Father of the Trade Union Movement, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow at the forecourt of the Parliament Building also took place on Sunday.

Today, the usual rally will feature addresses by leaders of FITUG and GTUC, as well as representatives of the Government and the Opposition.

This year’s celebrations will be observed under the theme: “Organising – Necessary Pre-requisite In Building A Strong United Trade Union Movement.”

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Labour lost

T

oday is “Labour Day” – a special public holiday set aside for the workers of Guyana to reflect on their condition and to bring their concerns to the rest of the populace. The day may seem anomalous to some, since, in theory, one or more persons in every family have to be working to support themselves and their families, so the concerns of “labour” ought to be apparent to all.

But the “day” becomes understandable when the development of “labour” is viewed from a historical perspective. We can begin from the cavemen when each person grubbed for food and provided their own labour for their sustenance. Things changed when we moved on to a settled mode of living with the introduction of “agriculture” to provide for our daily bread.

Henceforth, some individuals would co-opt, via various strategems, others to work for them. “Labour” became reified as something outside the living, breathing persons providing it. From the West we can proceed, almost teleologically, from slaves to serfs, to servants, to “workers” who sold their “labour” that now became a “commodity”.

For us in the Caribbean, the use of “labour” on the plantations ignored the previous teleology and insisted on recapitulating the process all over again: slavery, indentured labour and finally “free labour”. As to how “free” the individuals were (and are) has now become the question of the age. Marx highlighted the paradox: “with the free labourer, free in the double sense, that as a free man he can dispose of his labour-power as his own commodity, and that on the other hand, he has no other commodity for sale.”

This dilemma of “free labour” is presented quite starkly in Guyana today with sugar workers, but, by some strange alchemy, their plight has not received the notice of, say, that of the workers who were asked to pay exorbitantly for parking for their vehicles in Georgetown. Even though sugar was the reason why Guyana was colonised and became a state through the revenues it generated for the investors from the colonial power, it is still not a point to be remarked that not a single sugar worker since the seventeenth century has ever become wealthy out of the wages paid for his or her labour.

By definition, to be a sugar worker was to be poor and live at a subsistence level. If one were to ask why this was so, the “educated” among us – especially the economists who are supposed to have specialised in this area –- would more or less retort, “Duh! The ‘economics’ of sugar forbid higher wages to be paid to workers.” It was accepted – and still accepted – that managers and consultants and commissions of inquiries had to be paid super salaries – but not the workers.

If we were to seek further explanations, we would be told that it was a matter of “supply and demand” of the labour commodity provided by sugar workers, even though managers of the sugar industry regularly complain they cannot obtain enough labour. Uitvlugt, on the West Coast of Demerara, for instance, is one of the three sugar estates the Government says will survive the axe that is presently being wielded, but at the same time complain Uitvlugt does not have enough “labour”. And it refuses to raise wages to attract that needed commodity that the economic theories insist is the solution to the problem.

Today, the trade unions that represent the interests of “labour” are supposed to be marching in the streets to show their solidarity in highlighting the concerns of their constituency. From any rational standpoint, it would appear obvious they should all focus on the travails of that segment of labour where the contradictions of labour are most stark: sugar. But this would never occur, as it has not over the past century since the first trade union was launched.

There is “labour” and there is “labour”, but sugar “labour” is beyond the pale.

South Koreans walk beside colourful lanterns as they celebrate the forthcoming birthday of Buddha born approximately 2561 years ago. As the exact date is unknown, South Koreans celebrate the birthday on the full moon in May (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

GuySuCo is not getting out of sugar!

Dear Editor, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) wishes to respond to another of Dr Leslie Ramsammy’s letters, this one published on 21 April, 2017 (in two of the daily newspapers) under the titles: ‘The reality is that sugar cane fields are being abandoned’ and ‘APNU+AFC/GuySuCo machine must stop lying’.

This time, Dr Ramsammy commenced his missive with the statement, “Here are the facts: Wales Sugar Estate is closed and hundreds of sugar workers are unemployed. Skeldon Sugar Estate has had its first crop operations suspended, no planting has occurred and no harvesting has taken place. Skeldon is essentially closed. Enmore Sugar Packaging Plant has suspended its operation. LBI cane cultivation has ended and no planting has taken place at Enmore. Enmore/LBI has closed. The ethanol plant at Albion has not been used since 2015. The Providence cane fields have been abandoned”.

With reference to the hundreds of workers from Wales being unemployed, about 375 cane harvesters from that estate were encouraged by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) not to work, but to request severance instead.

On the point of Skeldon Estate being closed, a more appropriate question that should be asked is: “Why was Skeldon Estate closed?” This problem did not happen overnight. Dr Ramsammy should review the Wartsilla report that was submitted in 2016.

In relation to the Enmore Packaging Plant suspending its operations, GuySuCo would like to state that the plant is in operation. However, it is constrained by the poor production performance at the East Demerara Estate.

The ethanol plant at the Albion Estate is a demonstration plant, and not a commercial producer.

The author proceeded to accuse GuySuCo of lying, providing alternative facts that put a spin on the closure by calling it re-engineering. The Corporation is again disappointed that Dr Ramsammy has been so casual and almost pedestrian in his analysis of the complex challenges which the Corporation faces. His approach explains why the current management of the Corporation has had to undertake to do the strategic thinking necessary for redesigning the Corporation’s future viability.

The Corporation also takes Dr Ramsammy’s allegation of lying very seriously.

The author refers to the rationalisation of the sugar industry as if it is a new approach in Guyana.

However, the history of Guyana shows that sugar played a major role since the 17th century, during which sugar estates were located mostly in the Essequibo area. Sugar plantations were extended to Demerara in the 18th century.

By the early 19th century, there were about 400 sugar plantations, but re-engineering of the industry started since the 19th century. By 1829, the sugar plantations had been reduced from approximately 400 to 238; to 138 by

1890; to 39 by 1922; to 18 by 1967; to 11 by 1976; by 1978, there was a further reduction to 10. In 1897 there were 62 sugar factories. By 1928 this was reduced to 21, and by 1978 there were 10.

By 2010, there were 4 estates in Berbice – Skeldon, Albion/Port Mourant (Port Mourant Estate was closed in 1955, hence the name Albion/Port Mourant), Rose Hall and Blairmont.

In Demerara, on the East Coast, there were 2 estates - Enmore and La Bonne Intention (LBI)/Ogle Estate. In 1987, the factory at Diamond Estate was closed and the canes from the cultivation were absorbed by Enmore and La Bonne Intention (LBI)/Ogle Estates. The LBI/Ogle factory has since been closed, thus what were Enmore and LBI Estates is now the East Demerara Estate.

On the West Demerara, there were 3 estates: Leonora, which closed in 1986; Wales, which ended sugar production in 2016; and Uitvlugt, currently in operation.

Therefore, re-engineering of the sugar industry in Guyana started since the 19th century, having been influenced and impacted by changing global and regional trends over the years.

The year 2017 is therefore experiencing a continuum of similar trends. A more progressive response

by Dr Ramsammy would be to objectively examine the challenges facing GuySuCo and its employees.

Additionally, in regard to the allegation made that GuySuCo is carrying out the wishes of the Government, is Dr Ramsammy implying

that any Government that has given GuySuCo G$32 billion in 2.5 years should not expect or seek to influence the future direction of the Corporation, to ensure that the Corporation and industry does what is necessary to return to economic and financial viability? Now, that would be irresponsible, Dr Ramsammy; would you not agree?

Further, is the good doctor suggesting that restructuring the largest corporation and employer in Guyana and the Caribbean would not create major shifts?

In concluding, there is nothing trivial about being a part of the management of GuySuCo at this point. Efforts are being made to ensure that the widest range of options and opportunities are explored in an attempt to find solutions, save jobs, secure livelihoods, and save the industry; and this demands serious and stable minds and a totally different level of consciousness from the one that caused the problem.

The prospects for GuySuCo to contribute positively to strengthening the agriculture sector and the economy as a whole are unlimited. The process, however, would be easier if the naysayers were to contribute in more creative and innovative ways for the common good.

Once again, we state that ‘GUYSUCO IS NOT GETTING OUT OF SUGAR!’ Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer, GuySuCo

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 1, 2017

5

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

Abysmal performance under GuySuCo’s IMC Dear Editor, The abysmal and unacceptable performance of GuySuCo’s IMC continues unabatedly, although the taxpayers of this country are required to pay these men millions per month. After 10 weeks of operation in the 1st crop 2017, at week ending April 22, 2017, the industry produced about 41,000 tons of sugar, or 55% achievement of its target, which is just over 74,000 tons.

At this time, according to the industry’s production plan, it should have produced about 66,000 tons of sugar. This means that sugar production is lagging by some 25,000 tons. It will take at least six weeks from here on, producing at 5,000 tons per week, to achieve the target.

In the first place, did GuySuCo have sufficient canes to produce the 74,000 tons it set itself to make? It is impossible to realise the

target, since cane harvesting would not be possible in the upcoming rainy season.

From the present grinding pattern, it is clear that the crop is coming to an end; and from all indications, the crop’s performance will be the worst in recent memory.

As I said before, the GuySuCo IMC is very consistent in delivering record poor performances. The highly-paid team delivered the lowest production in 25 years in year 2016 (last year), and is well on its way to deliver yet another record-lowest first crop production in 25 years.

Sugar recovery is extremely poor, and the IMC team members appear to be quite pleased with blaming everything under the sun, except themselves. Not so long ago, they took credit for the 2015 performance, citing good management and rewarding themselves with fabulous salaries and perks.

In the meantime, the IMC has a platoon of executive pensioners on excursion from estate to estate, swallowing scarce resources and not bring any value to the business. The overall performance confirms this. It is instructive to note that Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates have respectively achieved 67%, 77% and 79% of their targets as at week ending April 22, 2017. Will the Govt ask why such poor performance was recorded at all estates, especially those which His Excellency announced will be retained?

Editor, I am certain that GuySuCo and the IMC ‘boys’ are at this time considering what would be their scapegoat for the crop’s dismal performance. Undoubtedly, the upcoming rainy weather and the demotivated workers would be blamed.

Having taken such an inordinately long time to announce its crop target at the

beginning of the year, it is logical to assume that the IMC must have considered the impacts of the last El Nino and La Nina phenomena, workers morale, poor cane growth in the fields, etc, in arriving at the target of just over 74,000 tons.

If these variables were not factored into the schedule, it is proof that incompetence in GuySuCo’s management has reached new heights.

The volatile and poor relationship between workers and the GuySuCo bureaucrats is a direct result of GuySuCo’s irresponsible IMC causing workers to react in defence of their livelihoods. The IMC has effectively placed the Government in an embarrassing position politically, economically and socially; a position which justifies the closure of estates.

Yours sincerely, Sookram Persaud

Will the recommendations of the Public Service CoI be implemented?

Dear Editor, Kindly publish the attached letter on the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service. The report was submitted to President David Granger in May 2016 by Professor Harold Lutchman, Chair of the Commission.

The report was also circulated to Members of the National Assembly for debate and consideration. There was no debate following disagreement between the Government and Opposition on referring the report to a select committee of the National Assembly.

What is the status of the recommendations of the Report? The recommendations include (1): The enactment of a Public Service Law with related regulations and a code of conduct to create and develop a professional and politically neutral Public Service, with high integrity for effective management and administration.

(2): The Public Service Commission (PSC) being constituted always with suitably qualified persons of high integrity, to be fair and impartial in the execution of their duties, in line with the constitutional prescription that they exercise independent judgement and not be influenced by political and other external considerations and influences.

Clearly, the authorities should not appoint to the Commission members who have any conflict of interest.

The National Assembly and the Executive would have been negligent in the appointment of some members of the current Commission.

(3): The Constitution and other laws should be appro-

priately amended to empower the Public Service Commission to appoint Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers, to remove direct political appointments to Public Service positions.

(4): All appointments to Public Service positions should be by open internal and external competitions, to obtain and select the best suitably qualified persons from the job market, based on merit and free from political influences.

(5): Contract employment of low-level and general staff in the Public Service should end. However, contract employment in the Public Service should be restricted to high-level, professional, scarce skills not available in the Public Service, and for project work. No public servant who retires from the Public Service before attaining 65 years should be employed on contract, (6): There should be higher retirement ages of 60 and 65 for public servants, with corresponding higher Public Service pensions and NIS pensions.

(7): There should be a high level representative committee to identify, on the basis of merit, candidates to be awarded fellowships and scholarships.

(8): With the involvement of the GPSU, the Public Service compensation system should be reviewed and redesigned within the graded salary structure, but not in conflict with their collective bargaining negotiations, and taking into account pay for performance based on a merit system.

(9): The resumption of col-

lective bargaining in goodfaith encounters at negotiations and conciliation/ mediation. Failure at these levels to resolve issues in dispute requires reference to a mutually agreed arbitration tribunal, in keeping with the existing procedures or as recommended in the CoI to the National Assembly, based on the recommendations of a Salaries Review Commission for final determination.

(10): A Salary and Remuneration Commission be established to make recommendations to the National Assembly on remuneration for high level political and Public Service offices, including those of the President, Vice-Presidents, Prime Minister, Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Members of the National Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and Regional Chairpersons.

(11): The Public Service Appellate Tribunal should be appointed to adjudicate on disputes with the Public Service Commission.

(12): The Public Service

Ministry/ Department and the Public Service Commission should be constituted with professional personnel with high integrity, to rebuild trust and confidence in the Public Service.

The above recommendations are essential for good governance and management of the Public Service, fair employment practices, and developing a professional Public Service to serve the national community fairly. These recommendations speak to removing conflict of interest at professional and political levels; setting the procedure for finality of public negotiations, and having the National Assembly setting the remuneration of those in the governing authorities. Implementation of these and other recommendations would rebuild confidence and trust in our country for the good of all.I invite public response and debate on these recommendations of the CoI in the Public Service.

Yours faithfully, Joshua Singh

Trouble brewing at Kwakwani Secondary School Dear Editor, I wish to make the public aware of the many issues which have plagued the children and teachers at the Kwakwani Secondary School for quite a few months now.

Firstly, a high amount of voltage has been circulating in the school’s electrical system. This has led to many instances of electrical fire, sparking wires, and smoke being emitted from those wires in classrooms and in other sections of the building.

This is obviously a dangerous and hazardous environment for teachers and especially for students who attend the institution.

Moreover, reports were made in hopes that the situation would be rectified; but those reports have only led to the manifestation of a bigger problem -- electricity to the building has been disconnected.

There are many classrooms which are extremely hot. In addition, certain departments within the school -- for example, the Home Economics Department -cannot function effectively, since most of their appliances/apparatus use electricity. It is obvious that computers need electricity to work, which is a huge inconvenience to the Industrial Arts Department, bearing in mind that Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations are right around the bend and the first exam for the school, regrettably, is EDPM! Is my child supposed to sit at home with his/her personal examiner just to be able to use a computer?

Furthermore, the school

requires electricity to operate the pumps, which are the only means of getting water into the building. To date, learning has been affected by the stench emitting from unflushed toilets. Persons are forced to defer relieving themselves until they get home (this practice is detrimental to one’s health). Females utilise the washrooms at the risk of developing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Is this the Regional Democratic Council’s way of showing that they care about the schooling of our future leaders and their educators?

Finally, there is no work that can be done in the office, since there is no electricity to operate computers and printers. It would be absurd and primitively inconvenient to have to resort to putting pen to paper in this 21st century -- the age of technology. The deplorable conditions need to be addressed immediately, and I hereby plead with readers to put themselves in our shoes and in the shoes of our children in the campaign to have our problems rectified as soon as possible.

Yours respectfully, Concerned parent

6

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017

Page Foundation Questions Help your child get organised 1 2 3 and Answers M

ost children generate a little chaos and disorganisation. Yours might flit from one thing to the next – forgetting books at school, leaving towels on the floor, and failing to finish projects once started.

You’d like them to be more organised and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework. Is it possible?

Yes! A few children seem naturally organised, but for the rest, organisation is a skill learned over time. With help and some practice, children can develop an effective approach to getting stuff done.

And you’re the perfect person to teach your child, even if you don’t feel all that organised yourself!

Easy as 1-2-3

For children, all tasks can be broken down into a 1-2-3 process.

1. Getting organised means a child gets where he or she needs to be and gathers the supplies needed to complete the task.

2. Staying focused means sticking with the task and learning to say “no” to distractions.

3. Getting it done means finishing up, checking your work, and putting on the finishing touches, like remembering to put a homework paper in the right folder and putting the folder inside the backpack so it’s ready for the next day.

Once children know these steps – and how to apply them – they can start tackling tasks more independently. That means homework, chores, and other tasks will get done with increasing consistency and efficiency. Of course, children will still need parental help and guidance, but you probably won’t have to nag as much.

Not only is it practical to teach these skills, but knowing how to get stuff done will help your child feel more competent and effective. Children feel self-confident and proud when they’re able to accomplish their tasks and responsibilities. They’re also sure to be pleased when they find they have some extra free time to do what they’d like

to do.

From teeth brushing to book reports

To get started, introduce the 1-2-3 method and help your child practice it in daily life. Even something as simple as brushing teeth requires this approach, so you might use this example when introducing the concept: Getting organised: Go to the bathroom and get out your toothbrush and toothpaste. Turn on the water.

Staying focused: Dentists say to brush for three minutes, so that means keep brushing, even if you hear a really good song on the radio or you remember that you wanted to call your friend. Concentrate and remember what the dentist told you about brushing away from your gums.

Getting it done: If you do steps one and two, step three almost takes care of itself. Hurray, your three minutes are up and your teeth are clean!

Getting it done means finishing up and putting on the finishing touches. With teeth brushing, that would be stuff like turning off the water, putting away the toothbrush and paste, and making sure there’s no toothpaste foam on your face!

With a more complex task, like completing a book report, the steps would become more involved, but the basic elements remain the same.

Here’s how you might walk your child through the steps:

1. Getting organised

Explain that this step is all about getting ready. It’s about figuring out what children need to do and gathering any necessary items. For instance: “So you have a book report to write. What do you need to do to get started?” Help your child make a list of things like: Choose a book. Make sure the book is OK with the teacher. Write down the book and the author’s name. Check the book out of the library. Mark the due date on a calendar.

Then help your child think of the supplies needed: The book, some note cards, a pen for taking notes, the teach-

er’s list of questions to answer, and a report cover. Have your child gather the supplies where the work will take place.

As the project progresses, show your child how to use the list to check off what’s already done and get ready for what’s next. Demonstrate how to add to the list, too. Coach your child to think, “OK, I did these things. Now, what’s next? Oh yeah, start reading the book” and to add things to the list like finish the book, read over my teacher’s directions, start writing the report.

2. Staying focused

Explain that this part is about doing it and sticking with the job. Tell children this means doing what you’re supposed to do, following what’s on the list, and sticking with it.

It also means focusing when there’s something else your child would rather be doing – the hardest part of all!

Help children learn how to handle and resist these inevitable temptations.

While working on the report, a competing idea might pop into your child’s head: “I feel like shooting some hoops now.” Teach children to challenge that impulse by asking themselves “Is that what I’m supposed to be doing?”

Explain that a tiny break to stretch a little and then get right back to the task at hand is OK. Then children can make a plan to shoot hoops after the work is done. Let them know that staying focused is tough sometimes, but it gets easier with practice.

3. Getting it done

Explain that this is the part when children will be finishing up the job.

Talk about things like copying work neatly and asking a parent to read it over to help find any mistakes.

Coach your child to take those important final steps: putting his or her name on the report, placing it in a report cover, putting the report in the correct school folder, and putting the folder in the backpack so it’s ready to be turned in. (Excerpt from kidshealth) TO BE CONTINUED

My firstgrader is not doing well in school. His teacher says he's a good kid, not disruptive, but not a standout student, either. I worry that he may be falling behind.

I

How can I help him succeed?

– Kate

t’s great that you’re addressing this problem now, while your child is just beginning his schooling. Children who struggle in school year after year have a harder time getting back on track once their learning problems are addressed. You need to get to the root of the problem to learn how to help your son.

So, ask yourself: Does your child struggle to see the blackboard? He could need glasses. Is he anxious about going to school? Maybe there’s an underlying emotional issue.

It is hard for him to sit still and focus? He could have a problem paying attention. Talk to your son to see what may be getting in the way of learning. Then, schedule an appointment with:His paediatrician. The doctor can evaluate your son to see if there’s a physical problem (for instance, with his vision or hearing) or whether he might have a developmental or behavioural problem, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

His principal. Tell your child’s principal about your concerns and request a referral for an educational evaluation.

An educational evaluation can assess your son’s strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint any learning disabilities.

One you’ve identified why your son is struggling, take steps to help support him. Some children with learning disabilities meet with a tutor for a few hours a week to learn study skills that can help them compensate for their learning disability.

Others take medicines t o help cope with a behavioural problem, like ADHD. If needed, some schools develop a 504 education plan or individualized education programme (or IEP), which addresses a student’s needs and outlines things that can help the student improve.

These plans make guidelines that teachers must follow. Plans can include tutoring sessions, or the use of special equipment to help with learning, such as books on tape or laptop computers for students who have dyslexia.

With the right support, your child can adjust to any differences he may have and l e a r n new strategies that can help him improve and succeed.

(KidsHealth.com)

NEWS

7

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16-year-old student stabbed to death at Covent Garden school fair

S

ixteen-year-old Brian Charles Yearwood of Lot 69 Grove Public Road, EBD was fatally stabbed in the region of his chest, allegedly by a 17-year-old resident of Kaneville, EBD at some time around 20:00h on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the compound of the Covent Garden Nursery School on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), where the late Covent Garden Secondary School student had gone to attend a concert held by his school.

According to police reports, a policeman who had attended the concert with a relative responded immediately, and with the assistance of other persons, rushed Yearwood to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DoA).

Guyana Times visited Yearwood’s home, and his grieving mother, Beverley, related that she had dropped her son off at the school at sometime around 17:00h on Saturday, and then at around midnight was informed by one of his friends about his tragic death.

Dead: Brian Yearwood

“The lil boy (Brian’s friend) just run in the house and throw heself on the chair and just start crying.

Then he say, ‘Aunty, they kill Brian’. I didn’t believe him, so I pick he up and bring he outside, and we sit down and he tell me again, ‘Aunty, they kill Brian, he done dead’,” the woman related.

“So I ask him, ‘Where is Brian right now?’ and he said, ‘The police got him at the hospital, and he dead’. Is like then it sink in, and I just start screaming…I scream for (the tenants) upstairs, and continue screaming all the time,” the

distraught woman recounted.

She said family members immediately went to the hospital, where she saw her son’s motionless body lying on a stretcher.

This distraught mother explained that, up to Saturday evening, family members were not sure what had transpired at the school to cause her son’s death; but on Sunday morning, a few of Brian’s friends came over and related to her what had happened.

The woman said she was told that her son was sitting on a bench with a few other boys and another group of boys sitting opposite was teasing them. She said the boys sitting on the bench with Brian subsequently got up and moved away, but Brian remained there sitting. Seeing Brian alone, the other group of boys went over to his bench and began teasing him.

The woman noted that she was not told exactly what happened after that – whether or not her son had retaliated and angered the group -- but they began pelting him with bottles, and so he escaped.

“He got away from them and ran up to the guard hut.

There were some teachers standing there, so he ran and he stopped in front of the teachers. Maybe he was thinking that he was safe; but, in the presence of the teachers, those boys just run up, and one of them stabbed him. He plunged the knife into my son’s heart and pulled it out. Brian then run from there and he fall down at the fence,” the grieving mother related to this newspaper.

The 17-year-old suspect, a dropout student of

the same school, has since been arrested. According to the mother, she was made to understand that Brian and the suspects had been friends, but she is not sure what would have led to Saturday’s tragedy.

Brian had been a former student of Central High School, and had only transferred to the Covent Garden Secondary School in September last year. The 16-year-old was described by his family as an easy-going and jovial individu-

al. He leaves to mourn his parents and five siblings, along with other relatives and friends.

His body is at the mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination. Police investigators have since started collecting statements from persons who attended the concert and would have witnessed the fatal stabbing.

Nevertheless, the suspect remains in custody also assisting with investigations.

8

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fraud…

T

…and labour oday, your Eyewitness will be whipping out his snazzy red shirt and heading down to the mean streets of Georgetown. Even in the MayJune rains that have arrived a tad ahead of schedule – to march as one of the working stiffs. Solidarity forever!! Solidarity forever…And the union makes us stroooong!!!

Now, he’s always wondered why the working girls of our Garden City don’t come out to join in on the parade: they’d look so cute in their little red dresses!!

But then the Labour Unions are a tight little fraternity, aren’t they? Your Eyewitness is willing to wager his month’s salary that if a union of working girls were to apply via the Trade Union Recognition Act (1997), the gatekeepers won’t allow them in. And when you come down to it, that’s the problem with labour, isn’t it? – both here and in the rest of the world.

When our trade union movement was launched by ole Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow back in 1919 – hey! that’s almost 100 years ago! – it was not a coincidence it was done on the waterfronts. The strength of countries was weighed by how many TONS of merchandise shipped out. And if labour could flex its muscles there – then it could flex them anywhere!! But the world has moved on. While countries do ship minerals and what not – one firm on Wall Street gambling in derivatives can make more money than half of the countries in the world!! And all done by clicking a mouse on a desktop!!

Labour’s got to get with the programme – it’s got to convince those folks providing services THEY’re also labouring. It doesn’t matter they’re not mining bauxite or cutting cane – they’re the future. So, how about starting with those working girls, eh?? They labour.

Now don’t think your Eyewitness believe things with “knowledge workers” will be much different than with the “manual workers”. If we go back to that black and white movie with Marlon Brando from the 1950s about corruption and graft “On the waterfront”, is it any different from what’s happening from the pioneering organised “knowledge workers” in the GPSU? Yup! That’s right. Back in the day, Civil Servants wouldn’t be caught dead consorting with the likes of dock workers and cane cutters. The “great unwashed”!

But look where Patrick Yarde and his clique’s brought them?! But there’s a bright side to the shameful spectacle of Police called in on vote counting: the new knowledge workers we have to bring in to the red-shirt movement just has to learn the lesson from GPSU’s experience.

If you play with puppies, you’ll get bitten by fleas!

…in Oil Contracts?

Over the past two years, your Eyewitness has been honing in on the totally clueless actions of Raphael Trotman in the sector. Why didn’t he insist on Royalties AND share of profits? Why mamaguy the nation about “oil refineries”, oil facilities, and now “power plants from gas, etc...

Now, it’s not that your Eyewitness is so daft to believe graft and corruption that’re so apparent in every facet of this government’s operations wouldn’t surface – he just didn’t think it’ll come this quick. But an Economics Prof at UG just identified what looks like an irrefutable smoking gun on financial hanky-panky in two contracts Trotman signed.

The first one’s deceptively small – a $70,000 contract for a “desktop” evaluation of the prospects for the “power from gas” facility – using Exxon’s data!! But this was just a misdirection for a yet-locally unannounced one to a huge Aussie firm to “evaluate” Exxon’s development plan?

So, what it’ll do with that evaluation?? Tell Exxon to scrap its FPSO?? What’s the kickback?? …on feasibility study On a related matter, Transparency International’s complaining about Trotman’s stonewalling on Exxon’s feasibility study on our oil.

Wouldn’t TI’s evaluation – for free – be as useful as the mega bucks one from the Aussies??

But there’s no money to cream off with TI, is there??

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

9

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Despite challenges faced by working class…

Battling the current economic woes…

Guyanese workers fearful, “There is still bread with justice” apprehensive about future – PPP in May Day message

– Govt in May Day message

F

I

n Guyana, though sections of the working class face challenges, there is still bread with justice. There are no lines for basic items, no riots for food and no spectre of violence against protestors.

These are the sentiments expressed by the Guyana Government in its May Day message to Guyanese workers and their colleagues across the world.

Following is the full text of the May Day message from the Guyana Government: The Government of Guyana extends May Day greetings and solidarity to Guyanese workers and their colleagues across the world.

May Day comes this year with workers in several countries, including highly developed countries, fighting not only against big business but combatting fears of anti-worker and anti-immigrant administrations controlling state policies.

Elsewhere, workers and their families are victims of

wars, armed conflict, terrorism and threats of nuclear attacks. Millions of able-bodied persons have been rendered jobless, homeless and driven to the edge of starvation.

In many countries, including neighbouring states, there is social turmoil and workers face an uncertain future.

Our Coalition Government is rooted in a labour tradition and continues to identify with the broader vision of the Guyanese working people for racial and national unity, a stronger, vibrant and purposeful labour movement, defense of our nation’s sovereignty and realising the good life for all Guyanese.

In Guyana, though sec-

tions of the working class face challenges, there is still bread with justice. There are no lines for basic items, no riots for food and no spectre of violence against protestors.

On this May Day 2017 our Coalition Government urges all working people to maintain the partnerships with business and the state and to help realise the national goals of building a stronger economy, creating new jobs and distributing greater benefits to workers and their families. The Government of Guyana hopes that you enjoy May Day and use the occasion to reinforce your platform for better conditions of life.

PNCR underscores importance of unity in labour movement

O

n the occasion of Labour Day, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said it recognises the critical role that trade unions have played in the political, economic and social development of the country, and asserts that such a role can only continue if the trade union movement, as a whole, remains united and protects the interests of the workers of this country.

this country.

The Party also admonishes the trade union movement to recognize that the current era demands that trade unions must make necessary adjustments to cope with the existing and emerging challenges, so that they can survive and remain relevant.

The PNCR salutes the workers of this nation as we

struggle to create a more cohesive and prosperous Guyana wherein all can achieve the promised good life.

The PNCR asserts that such a society can only come about if the trade union movement, as a whole, is united and protects the interests of the workers of this country.

Solidarity forever!

Below is the text of the PNCR Labour Day message: The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins all Guyanese workers, as well as those of our region and the world at large, in celebrating Labour Day. This is usually the occasion when the workers of the world and the organisations which represent them take stock of their situations and conditions, and resolve to take strong and determined actions to ensure that their gains are preserved and that the fight continues for a better future.

On this occasion, the PNCR recognises the critical role that trade unions have played in the political, economic and social development of the country, and asserts that such a role can only continue if the trade union movement, as a whole, remains united and protects the interests of the workers of

As Guyana joins the world in observing Labour Day 2017, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is calling on the local workforce to unite and continue resisting those executive decisions that pressurise and heavily burden workers and their families.

rom slavery, indentureship, colonial times to present day, workers have scored innumerable victories and have radically transformed their working conditions. Today, the Guyanese workers have all the legal protection, rights and freedoms that workers enjoy almost everywhere. The struggle to accomplish these feats was long and hard.

Many were brutalised; many were jailed, and many paid the ultimate price with their lives.

These victories must be celebrated, sacrifices respected, and lives never forgotten.

However, according to the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), many of the gains won by these workers are now being threatened, and much of the progress made is being reversed under the current APNU/AFC coalition Administration.

“From our travels and meetings across this country, we are aware that the economic and political situation in our country is a matter of deep concern of, and worry to, workers and their families. Workers from every sector and people from all walks of life are apprehensive, not only about their daily existence, but, more importantly, about their future, their children’s future, and the future of our country. We are well aware that these fears and apprehensions are well founded,” the PPP said in its Labour Day message to the nation.

Following is the full text of the PPP’s May Day message: The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends greetings to all workers, labour leaders, and indeed to all Guyanese, on this important day. We recognise that it is the toil, sweat and sacrifices of our workers that are responsible for whatever achievements we have made, and successes we enjoy as a country and as a people. We further recognise that it is our workers that will be responsible for catapulting us to whatever heights we attain in the future.

From slavery, indentureship, colonial times to present day, workers have scored innumerable victories and have radically transformed their working conditions. Today, the Guyanese workers have all the legal protection, rights and freedoms that workers enjoy almost everywhere. The struggle to accomplish these feats was long and hard. Many were brutalised; many were jailed, and many paid the ultimate price with their lives. These victories must be celebrated, sacrifices respected, and lives never forgotten.

However, many of the gains won by these

workers are now being threatened, and much of the progress made is being reversed under this Administration.

From our travels and meetings across this country, we are aware that the economic and political situation in our country is a matter of deep concern of, and worry to, workers and their families. Workers from every sector and people from all walks of life are apprehensive, not only about their daily existence, but, more importantly, about their future, their children’s future, and the future of our country. We are well aware that these fears and apprehensions

are well founded.

Every productive sector is on the decline.

In the sugar industry, estates are being closed and thousands are being dismissed; in the rice sector, they are no new markets, and no competitive price is being offered for paddy; in the mining sector, small- and medium-scale miners can no longer afford the cost of production; in the forestry sector, there are no markets for logs; in the commercial sector, there is a drastic decline in trade and commerce. And we can go on. We appreciate the devastating impact which the draconian tax regime imposed by this Administration is having on the working and vulnerable people of our country. We recognise that taxes and VAT on electricity, water, education and health services are simply wreaking havoc on families across this land.

Politically, workers are operating in an environment where discrimination is rampant; their rights and freedoms to march and protest are threatened; the rule of law is under siege; and political witch-hunting and persecution have become institutionalised policies of the Government of the day.

Against this dismal backdrop, we stand strongly in solidarity with our workers as they face these various challenges. We urge them to stay resolute, to unite, to stand up for their rights; and to remember that the PPP is on their side in the struggle for a better life.

Happy Labour Day to all.

GAWU urges unity, resistance against harsh ‘executive’ decisions

Below is the full Labour Day message from that workers’ representative body: The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends warm and fraternal greetings to the workers of Guyana on the occasion of Labour Day 2017. This year, as workers in various parts of the country take part in marches and rallies, the GAWU is pleased to record that the observances are characterized by greater signs of unity in the trade union movement. Such togetherness is needed, especially at this time when our working people are confronted by increasing pressures and heavier burdens.

The GAWU is also saddened to record that, for the first time in a long time, Labour Day finds workers and their families in a state of great un-

certainty and having to contend with steadily declining living standards and an ever-increasing cost of living.

We see deteriorating economic circumstances serving to devalue our dollar and increasing the cost of imports. At the same time, additional burdens are (being) placed on workers’ backs with the taxation of previously untaxed essential goods and services; the introduction of new taxes; the hiking of extant taxes; the significant increases in the cost of Government fees, among other things. In such a depressing state, we see the promise of a ‘Good Life’ becoming increasingly elusive.

For the nation’s sugar workers, Labour Day celebrations are most bitter. Not only are they the only segment of the state’s employees to be denied pay rises and incentive payments, but now salt is being rubbed into the deep wounds inflicted on the heels of the closure of Wales, as thousands more stand to be gravely affect-

ed by the Administration’s closure and sell-out intentions for sugar. In totality, 9,000 workers will have their jobs lost, and thus (they will be) forced onto the breadline, resulting from the Executive’s ill-considered and seemingly ill-thought-out decision on sugar.

Aside from the workers, tens of thousands of poor, hard-working Guyanese stand to be affected, and scores of now vibrant villages will certainly experience falling standards. It seems, from our perspective, that the ‘Good Life’ is not applicable to this large section of Guyanese.

It is disheartening and perplexing that, in spite of the massive social and economic consequences that will attend the industry’s miniaturization, the Executive remains headstrong and seemingly unconcerned.

Clearly, it seems to us in GAWU that the Government has selectively ignored the advice of the International

Monetary Fund (IMF), which had warned that the societal effects of the sugar decision must be considered foremost. Such consideration is especially important when the alternatives proposed are seemingly non-starters.

GAWU reiterates its strong view that sugar can be saved and made sustainable. Key to such a feat, we hold, is a supportive Administration, a knowledgeable management, and committed workforce.

Indeed, the working people -- students, farmers, youth, pensioners -- are facing challenging and tough times. But, at the same time, we are also seeing increasingly the fight back and resistance to the harsh decisions being taken. This is indeed a positive development, and one that augurs well for our people; and (it) should be actively and widely supported.

As the workers and their organisations celebrate Labour Day, the GAWU looks to the unity displayed today being consolidated. This is a demand of the times in which we live, and is in the interest of Guyana’s working people and our nation’s future as well.

10 news

monDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

1 dead, several injured in ECD smash-up

A

n early morning collision between two minibuses has left a 53-year-old security guard dead and several others injured.

The accident occurred around 04:30h on Sunday at the Le Ressouvenir Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Clive Hercules of Lot 1615 Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD). The persons injured in the accident are: 45-year-old Winston Belgrave of Laing Avenue, Georgetown; and 37-year-old Jagdeo Singh, 24-year-old Caleb Henry and 21-yearold Raphael Khemraj, all of Lusignan, ECD.

1340 was driven by Singh with Henry and Khemraj being the other occupants.

It was reported that Belgrave told investigators that he was heading west along the East Coast road and while in the vicinity of Le Ressouvenir, he was blinded by two bright lights from a vehicle, which turned out to be minibus BPP 1340, coming from the opposite direction. He claimed that the oncoming vehicle then came into his lane, causing him to

was removed from the wreckage and later taken to the Woodlands Hospital. He was subsequently admitted in a semi-conscious state, but was said to be stable.

The Guyana Fire Service had to be summoned to free Hercules, who was pinned in the front passenger seat.

After some manoeuvring by the firemen, the injured man was taken out of the mangled minibus and also rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he

Dead: Clive Hercules

According to Police, Belgrave was driving minibus PTT 7715 and Hercules was in the front passenger seat, while minibus BPP

The buses involved in the accident

pull north which resulted in a head-on collision between the two buses.

As a result of the impact, both occupants of PTT 7715 were pinned down and sustained serious injuries.

The driver and two occupants of the other minibus, all of whom sustained minor injuries, were picked up by public-spirited persons and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Singh and Henry, whom were in the front seat of BPP 1340, were admitted in stable condition. Khemraj, however, was treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, Belgrave

was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body of the 53-yearold security guard is presently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem. When Guyana Times spoke to the distraught family members of the deceased, they disclosed that shortly after the accident, a stranger picked up Hercules’ phone and contacted them about their relative’s death.

It was then that they rushed to find the already dead Hercules.

The deceased leaves to mourn his wife, four children who are all abroad, and other relatives and friends.

AFC sets up committee to review Cummingsburg Accord – reaffirms strength, cohesion of coalition

L

ess than two weeks before the second anniversary of the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections which put the coalition Administration in office, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has announced the appointment of a special Cummingsburg Accord Review Committee (CARC).

The members appointed to this committee are: Dr Vincent Adams, Dr Rohan Somar, Marlon Williams, David Patterson, Joel Edmond, Sherod Duncan, a representative of Women For Change, and a representative of Youth For Change.

The members will appoint a chairperson from among themselves.

According to a statement from the party issued on Sunday evening, the CARC has been tasked with “studying the Cummingsburg Accord and identifying areas which may require strengthening and updating, along with discussion and negotiation” with coalition partner APNU (A Partnership for National Unity).

This decision was taken at the AFC’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting for 2017.

While the party is simultaneously reaffirming that the coalition Government remains strong and cohesive, and committed to the coalition’s ideals and principles and the Cummingsburg Accord itself, it nevertheless noted that the accord is a sunset agreement which requires early review ahead of the Local Government Elections of 2019 and the General and Regional Elections in 2020.

“The Cummingsburg Accord is an historic agreement which (created) the

platform for the APNU+AFC coalition coming to government in 2015. It has served as a guide to the coalition partners in government, and there have been good faith and a strong sense of mutual respect on both sides,” AFC Leader Raphael Trotman posited.

“Given that we are approaching our second anniversary in government, it presents an opportune time to engage in reflection and commence an early process of thorough, comprehensive and necessary review of the Cummingsburg Accord with a view to strengthening, updating and broadening the agreement as we look towards upcoming elections in two and three years’ time,” the Chairman added.

Trotman went on to say, “The CARC has been tasked with widely consulting with the party’s members and stakeholders -- to listen to their views and recommendations and examining the agreement itself; and present to the party’s NEC, at its next meeting, a preliminary report on the areas which in its view require further examination.”

Nevertheless, he reiterated that the party is keen on ensuring that it prepares adequately and comprehensively for future elections.

The second NEC meeting for 2017 was held on April 29 at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre in Linden, Region 10; following the first, which was held in March in Georgetown.

The party engaged in discussions on a number of high-level matters, which included the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education tuition, and agreed to the Linden Declaration.

news

11

monDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Adoption Board makes changes – Bond …does not discriminate based on sexual orientation

P

ersons desirous of adopting a child are now required to submit a sworn affidavit of income to the Adoption Board, according to the board’s newly appointed Chairman, Attorney-at-Law James Bond.

“We now require persons to have a sworn affidavit of income. Also, in terms of persons whom the adopter (has) listed as their support, they would also be required to submit an affidavit to say that they consent to be the support person for the adopter,” he said.

However, persons submitting false information would immediately be disqualified from adopting a child.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Bond said those changes were brought into effect following the board’s meeting on Wednesday last, and are part of the regularisation and streamlining of the adopting process.

The Adoption Board falls under the purview of the Ministry of Social Protection, and currently comprises six persons.

The board meets on the last Wednesday of every month and processes approximately nine applications at every sitting, according to Bond.

He also informed that persons from overseas, and even locally, who are adopting are not allowed to remove the child from the orphanage or care centres to enable a ‘bonding’. “Bonding must be in a controlled environment. This (measure) is for the safety of the child, (and came about) because we found that an adopter had come and was staying at a hotel with her son (the child who was up for adoption) for a number of days, and we frowned upon that.

We said bonding must be in a controlled and safe environment, where the security of that child must not be breached,” he said.

The adoption pro-

Cyclist killed on BV Public Road

P

olice in ‘C’ Division are currently investigating a fatal accident that occurred on the Beterverwagting (BV) Public Road, East Coast Demerara at sometime around 23:20h on Saturday, and resulted in the death of a so-far-unidentified male pedal cyclist.

Police information is that motor car PRR 5263, driven by a 25-year-old businessman of Good Hope, ECD, was proceeding east along the northern side of the B.V. Public Road when the cyclist allegedly rode out from the northern side of the road and turned east into the path of the vehicle. The cyclist allegedly collided with the left front side of the car,

and the resultant impact caused him to sustain head injuries.

Rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) by the driver of the motor car, he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting identification; which had not occurred up to press time on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the car driver remains in custody assisting with the investigations.

He has since undergone a breathalyser test that concluded he was not under the influence of alcohol.

Both the motor car and the bicycle have been lodged with the police.

Newly-appointed Adoption Board Chairman, Attorney-at-Law James Bond

cess begins with an application to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CH&PA), wherein the adopter expresses the desire to adopt a child. Following that application, the adopter is expected, through legal representation, to obtain the first order from the court, and this order puts the child

in the care of the Adoption Board.

“Once we would have obtained the first order, we have the legal processes, where you have to dispense with consent - that means the mom and the dad of the child must consent to the adoption; except if we can prove that they can't be found or that they have neglected or abandoned the child. Those are cases the court can dispense without consent,” Bond informed.

After the dispensation order is consented to, the adopter is then subjected to rigorous investigation, not limited to their finances, medical history and living arrangements.

Following the investigative process, the application is either given the green light, deferred, or rejected by the board; and once the green light is given, a sitting judge would okay the process.

At the end of the adoption process, the adoptee is, in the eyes of the law, given

all the rights of a biological child.

Anyone is eligible to adopt, providing they are 21 years older than the adoptee. However, relatives of the adoptee who have attained the age of 18 years are also eligible to adopt. “A male would not be allowed to adopt a female, except in exceptional circumstances which the board must satisfy itself of,” Bond informed.

“Single parents adopting multiple children, we tend to be cautious with that; because we look at the issue of dividing attention and resources among the children.

So we are guided by the basic universal principle of the welfare of the child,” he explained.

Asked about same sex couples adopting, Bond said the laws of Guyana do not recognise unions among same sex couples, and the board is guided by that. He added that the board would look at the application as a two-part application with-

out considering the sexual orientation, race or union involved.

“The Adoption Act does not speak specifically to whether same sex couples can adopt or not. We haven't crossed the border as yet; we have not encountered a case like that. Probably that is uncharted territory, but I can tell you this: in terms of the adoption process, we do not discriminate in terms of sex and sexual orientation,” Bond clarified.

Bond has been acting as Chairman for the Adoption Board since 2015, following the departure of former Chair person Clarissa Riehl, who is now Guyana’s Ambassador to Canada. He has recently been confirmed to the post.

The other members of the board are Geoffrey Sankies, Kashir Khan, Clonel Samuels-Boston, Punilall Latchman, Patricia Gray, and a representative of the parliamentary opposition.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CLC launches Climate Change and Food Security Institute

O

ne of Guyana’s oldest training institutions, the Critchlow Labour College (CLC), has moved to establish the Guyana Climate Change and Food Security Institute (GCCFSI) and the Centre for Agricultural and Environmental Studies (CAES) to afford Guyanese the opportunity to get involved in agriculture.

Academic Director and Head of the Institute, Bissasar Chintamanie, told Guyana Times on Sunday that following a review of its programmes, the CLC decided to offer more specific and relevant training for the agricultural sector – training opportunities that are de-

mand-driven.

He said the GCCFSI would aim to provide innovative and effective scientific contributions to reduce hunger and poverty, and achieve food security.

“Using a multidisciplinary approach through teaching, the GCCFSI will conduct research and provide policy advice in cooperation with national and international development organisations and partner with higher education institutes in the developing world,” Chintamanie explained.

According to him, the institute will also help Guyanese realise their full potential to create wealth,

Academic Director and CLC Centre for Agricultural and Environmental Studies Head, Bissasar Chintamanie

while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Starting September, the college will be offering the following courses: Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture, Certificate in Sustainable Forestry, Certificate in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Certificate in Sustainable Mining, and a Master of Science/Post-Graduate Diploma in Food Security and Climate Change.

Chintamanie said the teaching of these courses was organised in modules, ranging in number from 12 to 16. The delivery of materials will take a variety of forms, including lectures, classes, seminars and group exercises.

“Assessment is modular and involves coursework

and examinations. Classes are arranged in all three counties of Guyana. The nature of the assessment is determined by the objective of each programme and the aims of the modules,” he further explained.

According to Chintamanie, the new courses will provide students with the skills and tools for developing agricultural and environmental practices, policies, and measures to address the challenges that global warming posed to agriculture, food security, and the environment worldwide.

“These courses will provide students with a detailed understanding of the principles and processes of sustain-

able agriculture, sustainable forestry, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable mining, and climate change, including its social and environmental impacts,” he added.

It will also equip students who already have work experience in the sectors to implement the latest research in sustainable systems thinking, and will facilitate cutting-edge careers for those who want to enter the agricultural and environmental fields.

Chintamanie told this publication that with a per capita shrinking of agricultural resources, the task would be enormous, to maintain and upgrade the skills and competencies of the local labour force in order to overcome the predicted challenges of increased production and productivity of the sector.

“The sector needs to increase its human resource capabilities in different fields through the development of skills and capacities, as well as enhanced knowledge and information exchange between the actors involved in innovation, including farmers and their organisations,” he asserted.

Agriculture remains the mainstay of the rural populations and the most dominant of the country’s economic sectors, followed by mining. It has been a major contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP); exports; direct and indirect employment; and rural transformation in Guyana.

It is the source of livelihood for nearly 38 per cent of the population and contributes about 20 per cent of the GDP. Persons who wish to inquire about the courses as well as admission requirements could make contact with the CLC on 1-592-2262483.

13 Chronicle: Executioner of Opposition's reputation – Ramkarran F news

monDAY, May 1, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

ormer Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, has accused the state-owned Guyana Chronicle of continuing to serve as an instrument of public execution.

Referring to two recent reports in which the newspaper “convicted” persons for alleged wrongdoings, the respected attorney says that while it is a norm for police investigations and activities to be reported, the Guyana Chronicle has made it a policy to convict persons based on their involvement or connection with the Opposition or Opposition politics.

Writing in his weekly blog, ‘Conversation Tree,’ the former Speaker alleges that nothing has changed at the newspaper, as it has been a policy of that organ since in the 1960s to malign those whom it feels the State wishes to publicly execute.

Referring to the recent case involving former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who has been charged with larceny of law books, Ramkarran said the newspaper’s report not only lacked impartiality, but also sought to prejudice the trial by quoting what a public servant had said in contradiction to what Nandlall had said.

The newspaper had reported that Melissa Tucker, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, had said that Nandlall’s personal use of the law books was a “flagrant misuse of public funds.”

Former Speaker of the House, Attorney-at-Law Ralph Ramkarran

Referring to another article, Ramkarran said the Guyana Chronicle also “publicly executed” Registrar of Deeds Azeena Baksh, who has recently been accused of financial impropriety.

“Blatantly editorialising with intent to prejudice the outcome of the investigations, the headline screamed: ‘Evidence against the Registrar grows’,” Ramkarran stated.

The former Speaker has said that, from 1968, when the Chronicle was sold to the Government and renamed the Guyana Chronicle, press freedom at that organ has gradually diminished.

“The Guyana Chronicle became a major weapon of public executions in Guyana by way of targeting individuals whom the State wished to intimidate,” he recalled.

While he acknowledged that there was some resistance to this development during the time of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) Administration and after the 1992 election victory of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), he noted that the Guyana Chronicle always reverted to its original form.

President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Neil Marks, has only recently told Guyana Times that the GPA has placed on record the deterioration of the state media climate in Guyana. He said: “Ministers of the Government continue to dictate content to the state media, with some stories even being vetted by a senior Government minister.”

Marks also said the GPA recently had cause to note what he described as the “frightening development” of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan reportedly seeking to dictate the agenda of the state media by suggesting what should be the main news item in the Guyana Chronicle.

The GPA, Marks said, remains deeply concerned that, despite the public utterances of President David Granger to the effect that his Administration would not seek to control the public or private press, the Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Chronicle.

“This has to change if

the public utterances of the President are to be taken seriously,” Marks has asserted.

Reporters Without Borders (RWB), an entity that campaigns for media freedom and the rights of journalists, has indicated in its 2017 World Press Freedom Index that there

have been significant setbacks in Guyana. It has, in this index, ranked Guyana three places lower than it had been rated in the previous index.

Government is, however, contending that that report is deeply flawed.

A recent release from the Department of Public

Information (DPI) has said that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo – who has portfolio responsibility for information – is unaware that RWB had conducted any survey or inquiry into press freedom in Guyana, and questions whether its findings were based on credible sources.

14 news

monDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPSU election

Ballots counted, results expected by Wednesday

– despite allegations of voting irregularities information

By Jarryl Bryan

I

n the face of alleged irregularities, election officials have proceeded with, and completed, their count of the votes in the election of office bearers to serve the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

All the ballot boxes have been counted, and election results

are expected by Wednesday.

Presidential candidate Gregory Gaspar has been crying foul over election officials’ continued refusal to provide his side with the voters list, in order that his officials can ascertain how many persons had actually cast their votes.

Guyana Times understands that, by Sunday, all the box-

es had been counted but the Gaspar side’s demands have still not been met.

In an interview with this publication on Sunday, Gaspar related that none of the information requested, which includes eligible voters lists and statement of polls, has been provided.

“We have been asking for

and they have refused and continued with the counting. We wanted the list for the ballot boxes so we would know how many votes were cast. We also requested the final voters list,” he lamented.

“To date, we have not gotten it; and they went ahead and they counted. The boxes have been counted and we are awaiting the results of the elections. The final results of the elections will be released on Wednesday. All the boxes that were left to be counted were counted.”

Gaspar related that the only boxes that should have been counted at GPSU Headquarters were the boxes from Georgetown. The boxes that came in on Friday morning should have been counted in their respective regions.

There was, last Saturday, a standoff between the two sides over the information requested not being provided.

Guyana Times understands that police had to be summoned in one instance to pacify the situation.

In a strongly worded letter dated April 29 and addressed to Elections Officer Herman De Souza, Gaspar had complained that the voters list was requested on April 23, 26, 27, 28 and 29, but was never provided. In the letter, he also complained about ballot boxes being delivered without the elections officer or assistant elections officers being present.

The letter also raised the issue of Gaspar’s scrutineers not being able to view the statements of poll for outlying regions, such as Two, Three,

Five, Six, Seven and 10.

“Members are aware that this information is critical for validating the count of ballots cast for the respective stations/roving ballot boxes, and I therefore demand that this information be made available to each candidate contesting the GPSU elections for 2017, as well as the observers witnessing the count prior to the counting of ballots,” Gaspar wrote.

In addition, Gaspar expressed fears that voters were inadvertently disenfranchised. He stated that after the injunction restraining the holding of the election of office bearers for the Executive Council of the Guyana Public Service Union was discharged, De Souza had set the election for April 27, 2017.

“This action resulted in the disenfranchisement of several eligible voters of the Guyana Public Service Union, as ample notice was not given to all eligible voters.

Many of these voters indicated that efforts were made to have this matter addressed, but to no avail; and (they) have informed me of same,” Gaspar stated in his letter.

Gaspar also expressed concern about the condition in which some of the boxes arrived. In his letter, Gaspar mentioned his suspicion that a Region Three ballot box had been tampered with. He said allegations that votes from non-eligible voters were placed in the box should be reviewed before finalising the elections.

He also stated that, in one case, four ballot boxes

Incumbent President of GPSU, Patrick Yarde

from Linden, in Region 10, arrived with three seals broken. Gaspar related that he approached the elections officer earlier, but was told that they were given three seals for each box.

“The one that came from Linden only had one seal. The others were open and empty.

We asked how come, and we were told that someone who was working with the boxes emptied out everything and put them in one box,” he said, adding that this was a breach, as no one was authorised to breach the seal.

Asked yesterday whether he would accept the results if they were in favour of incumbent President Patrick Yarde, Gaspar said his team would have to “wait and see.”

For his part, Chief Elections Officer De Souza has stated that every effort had been made to ensure that the elections were fair and transparent. On Saturday he claimed that there was disruption from “some candidates” and their supporters, some of whom gained access to the GPSU Building without “proper authorisation.”

news

15

monDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Opposition Leader conducts Essequibo outreaches

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has, over the past weekend, been leading a team in outreaches along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, where he met with residents

in several communities and listened to their concerns.

During the two-day visit, Jagdeo went to Aurora, Middlesex, Adventure, Onderneeming, Johanna Cecilia, Golden Fleece, Reliance and Lima. He was ac-

companied by Party Central Committee Members Drs Frank Anthony and Vindhya Persaud, and Anand Persaud; and Members of Parliament (MPs) Yvonne Pearson and Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Representative Cornel Damon.

Before returning to Georgetown on Sunday, the Opposition Leader held a special meeting with businessmen, farmers and market vendors, among other persons.

Below are scenes from the visit.

16

MONDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

A

What the people say about

I SAY...

The crime rate

mid a crime wave that seems to be spiralling out of control, with citizens in every village and region worried and living in fear, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has maintained that the crime rate is down. In fact, the GPF only recently declared that there was a decrease in the rate of serious crimes of nine per cent. We asked a few members of the public if they agreed with the GPF and their views are as follows:

Lashawna Williams

Jenica Ferguson

“The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has lost the trust of

Maple Martinez

Candacie Holder

“I was not aware of any such announcement, but if that’s the case, it is both a positive and an interesting development, because, as a citizen, I’ll like to feel and know that I’m safe. The decrease is just the beginning of the journey as we have a long way to go. With this start, we can expect tremendous improvements in the future.

Nine per cent may not seem like a lot, but I think we’ve come a far way from the days when you open the daily papers just to see that someone got robbed or killed.

“If you were to look at what happened last year, the crime was high when the year started and then it dropped, so I think it’s the same thing happening this year. But I must say, the Police is doing a good job. They are catching plenty criminals. I know we already get a lot of murders for this year, but most of them getting solved. However, I expect the crime rate to go back up due to sugar estates being closed down and persons being out of jobs. The Police will have to do plenty work.”

“After hearing about the nine per cent decrease in crime, I had a relief. Although I’m not sure of the nine per cent reported decrease, I would say that from what I’ve seen there have been some sort of improvement with the Police Force in regards to their investigations and carrying out of arrests. With this being said, I hope they continue to improve and be efficient in the Force to ensure the safety of the nation.”

the majority of the country’s population due to rampant crime and the many unsolved cases. The Police Force has stated a nine per cent decrease in serious crimes; however, with the continuous misconduct and erred ways of high-ranking officers within the Force, persons are beginning to question the statistics provided by the GPF. Corruption within the GPF is widely perceived as commonplace, Police Officers are reportedly being paid under the table by criminal elements and/or either working alongside them.

Therefore, to some sections of society, the statistics provided by the Police Force seem to be a flawed one.

rate in Guyana. However, with the high number of crimerelated activities occurring in past weeks, it has led me to doubt the validity of the GPF’s claims. The country seems to be having an increase in crime in recent times and I believe it is due to the fact that GPF’s claim is only targeted to crimes that are reported. Unreported criminal activities, however, are neglected and many of these include crimes such as petty theft, abuse, teen violence, child pornography, etc. This is because the people have lost confidence in the justice system of Guyana and, in turn, choose to handle matters themselves or just leave it as it is. So, the claims made by the GPF should be reviewed and amended so that the public can know the truth.

that we have such a high rate of criminal activities for a country, whose population is less than one million is somewhat bothersome to me. There have been reports of the rates declining, and I’m certainly happy to hear that. Despite the fact that crimes are still being reported, I’d still hold unto the fact that change doesn’t happen overnight. I applaud the law enforcement officers for their work towards the betterment of Guyana and its people. However, Policemen and women should be aware that the safety of every citizen of this country is in their hands and, as such, a greater effort should be made to make sure that the rate actually does go down and that people see the change – not hear about it.”

Suvendra Koomal

“The Guyana Police Force has announced a nine per cent decrease in the crime

Marissa Foster

“It is safe to say that Guyana is not as modern as we should be in every way possible, but that’s okay since we are still a developing country. However, the fact

17

monDAY, may 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017

ARCHIE

A partnership will grow if you share ideas and plans. A (March 21- trip to visit an old, familiar April 19) place will spark an interest in reconnecting with someone you miss.

ARIES

Refuse to let anyone bully TAURUS you or talk you into taking on (April 20- something that will infringe May 20) on time you should be spending more productively. Learn to say no.

DILBERT

Look for the best deal, GEMINI idea or project, and get mov(May 21ing.

Actively following your June 20) dream will lead to greater confidence and success.

Play it safe and avoid being sorry. You may not agree (June 21- with what others do or say, July 22) but interfering or starting up a conversation that will end in controversy is best avoided.

CANCER

PEANUTS

You can be creative, but LEO if you don’t let the world see (July 23- what you can do, you won’t get Aug. 22) ahead. Step up to the podium and present what you have to offer.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Choose to be practiVIRGO cal.

Don’t let your emotions (Aug. 23Sept. 22) prompt you to spend rashly or invest in something that isn’t realistic. A snap decision will be costly. You cannot buy love or respect.

Emotional tension will LIBRA mount if you premature(Sept. 23ly try to address issues with Oct. 23) a personal or business partner. Take a moment to weigh all sides of a situation before commenting.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Show your emotions physSCORPIO ically, not mentally. Your ac(Oct. 24tions will make a difference Nov. 22) when dealing with situations that require less talk and more action. Follow your gut and make a move.

Gauge whether your emoSAGITTARIUS tions are to blame for your friv(Nov. 23- olous feelings or impulsive acDec. 21) tions. Rein in temptation until you fully understand your motive. Think before making a promise or purchase.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Set a steady pace with a CAPRICORN destination in sight. Stick to (Dec. 22your plan, budget and timeJan. 19) line. Implement a diet and exercise plan into your daily routine. Be a leader, not a follower.

Collaborate with others AQUARIUS and combine old and new (Jan. 20ideas. Use your skills and Feb. 19) experience in order to excel.

Financial gain looks promising, and love and romance will enhance your day.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Take care of your responPISCES sibilities before you take on (Feb. 20someone else’s. Be helpful, March 20) but not at your expense. If someone wants something, consider why and what’s in it for you.

monDAY, May 1, 2017

19

Powerlifting action

“Structural operations, focused returns on Sunday programmes main reasons for at Thirst Park Guyana’s success”‒ Hutson

A

ccording to President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, structural operations and more focused programmes are pivotal in the recent success of local athletes on the international arena.

At the time he made this comment he was responding to questions posed

by Guyana Times Sport on Sunday in relation to the recent success of two Guyanese athletes, who claimed silver at the Penn’s relay, Pennsylvania.

On Friday Emanuel Archibald gained silver in the Penn Relays College men’s long jump while top local female athlete Natrena Hooper followed up by capturing the college women’s high jump silver.

Archibald and Hooper’s accomplishments come less than two weeks after Guyana’s CARIFTA team would have performed beyond expectation, capturing eight medals during the process. Hooper was also in the mix of the success at the Games.

Hutson said the AAG has been organizing competitions in professional manner to ensure that it is in tune with future tourna-

ments.

“It is not just about hosting meets, These events must be intact with the tournaments the athletes are preparing for to get them organized and in competitive mode.”

According to the President, athletics generally has been striving upwardly in the past three to four years and it is evident

stands all the expenses.

He said the greater AAG make the local programmes then the standard of Guyanese living and studying overseas will have to improve. The way our local athletes are performing will raise the bar for foreign based athletes.

To maintain progress in the sport, Hutson inform that the AAG aims to inSome intense action is expected from all lifters come Sunday at Thirst Park

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

Natrena Hooper

Emanuel Archibald

in the quality of athletes and the medal halls.

In addition, he said the AAG has taken a burden off of athletes, who have struggled to gain support to participate at important meets overseas. The association

crease the quality of coaches here, like they did in January.

In January local coaches were exposed underwent the new Level 1 coaches’ course.

Hutson also commended the athletes for their

outstanding performances during the event.

Their performances are reflection of the foundation they would have gotten here since they are under a year on scholarship.

More so, the Fort Wellington boys’ 4x400m team of Godwin Humphrey, Rue Chester, Okemi Porter and Dave Torrington on Saturday struck gold in the High School boys’ 4×400 at the event.

The quartet clocked 3:24.41s to top the league of 11 teams and defend their title in the event. The team also improved their timing, shaving seconds off the 3:26.95s that they clocked last year in the same event.

T

his Sunday (May 7) the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) will host its Intermediate and Masters Athletes championships at the Banks DIH, Thirst Park commencing from 09:00hrs.

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

Mack has expressed gratitude to Fitness Express, a sports supplements and exercise equipment supplier, for once again showing its support for powerlifting development having come on board as the marquee sponsor of the championships.

At a simple handing over

of the sponsorship cheque to the federation, Jamie McDonald, Owner of Fitness Express said he was more than pleased to be partnering with eth federation for another year.

Athletes who would have competed at the Novice championships are welcomed to participate at the Intermediates and can also compete as both Masters and Open athletes or Juniors/Sub-Juniors and Open, based on their respective ages.

Athletes are being reminded that the current IPF Rules regarding athletes’ attire will be in full effect including the Singlet 4? Belt and Round Neck T-Shirt (Plain).

Lifters are also being urged to see 2016 IPF Rules for further details on requirements for both Equipped and Classic Lifting.

20

monDAY,may 1, 2017

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Warner fireworks

see Sunrisers to victory over KKR

S

u n risers

Hyderabad remain u n -

beaten at home in this season’s IPL after beating Kolkata Knight Riders thanks to David Warner’s century.

David Warner smashed a blistering 126 as Sunrisers Hyderabad recorded their highest IPL total in a comfortable 48-run win over leaders Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

Warner hit 10 fours and eight maximums from his 59 balls in a staggering innings as Sunrisers made 209-3, a score that proved too much for Kolkata to chase down.

The Australian - now the

top run-scorer in this season’s tournament - was supported by opening partner Shikhar Dhawan (29 off 30) before Kane Williamson’s brisk 40 from 25 helped the hosts past the 200 mark.

C h r i s Woakes (1-46) and Kuldeep Yadav (043) came in for the heaviest punishment for KKR, who fell well short in their chase to end on 1617 despite Robin Uthappa continuing his stellar form with four fours and as many sixes in his 28ball 53.

Warner cleared the ropes for the first time in just the second over and his relentless hitting saw his side to

a dominant position at 79-0 at the end of the powerplay.

He brought up his fifty from just 20 balls, while it took him only 23 more to reach three figures - not with a boundary, but via a scampered two to deep midwicket.

Williamson hit five fours in a useful innings that maintained his side’s momentum, which carried over into the reply as both KKR openers were removed with just 12 on the board.

Uthappa and Manish Pandey (39) launched a counter-attack for KKR, although a 45-minute rain delay halted their progress, Mohammed Siraj and Siddarth Kaul both returning 2-26 as Sunrisers moved to within a point of the leaders. (Sportsmax)

Kings XI thrash

Daredevils by 10 wickets forming excellently.

Corey Anderson (18) top-scored for Delhi, who had just three players in double figures.

His New Zealand compatriot Martin Guptill led the Kings XI response, putting on 50 from just 27 deliveries as he and Hashim Amla (16) were unbeaten en route to a fourth win of the campaign.

Sandeep removed Delhi openers Sam Billings (0) and Sanju Samson (5) for the loss of just five runs inside three overs.

He then had Shreyas

Iyer caught and bowled for six and Karun Nair (11), Rishabh Pant (3) and Chris Morris (2) quickly followed to leave Delhi’s innings in tatters.

Anderson offered some vague form of resistance but Sandeep’s final victim - Kagiso Rabada (11) - and Nair were the only other batsman to go beyond 10.

Guptill ensured Kings XI’s reply lasted only 7.5 overs, blasting three maximums and six fours to cap a dominant performance.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Between them, Sandeep Sharma and Axar Patel picked up six wickets and conceded 42 runs © BCCI

M

artin Guptill’s half-century ensured Kings XI Punjab needed just 47 balls to chase down Delhi Daredevils’ IPL-low first-innings total.

Delhi Daredevils set the lowest first-innings total in Indian Premier League history as they were bowled out for 67 in a 10-wicket battering at the hands of

Kings XI Punjab.

The Daredevils had won just two of their opening seven matches and produced a dismal performance with the bat in Mohali.

Sandeep Sharma starred with the ball for Kings XI as he took 4-20 to help rip through Delhi’s order, Varun Aaron (2-3) and Axar Patel (2-22) also per-

Delhi Daredevils innings (20 overs maximum) S Samson c Sharma b Sandeep Sharma 5 S Billings c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 0 K Nair* b Patel 11 S Iyer c & b Sandeep Sharma 6 R Pant† lbw b Maxwell 3 C Anderson b Aaron 18 C Morris c & b Patel 2 K Rabada c Marsh b Sandeep Sharma 11 A Mishra not out 4 Mohammed Shami c Sandeep Sharma b Aaron 2 S Nadeem c & b Sharma 0 Extras (w 5) 5 Total (all out; 17.1 overs)67 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Billings, 0.6 ov), 2-7 (Samson, 2.5 ov), 3-22 (Iyer, 4.6 ov), 4-25 (Nair, 6.1 ov), 5-30 (Pant, 7.4 ov), 6-33 (Morris, 8.4 ov),

7-59 (Anderson, 14.1 ov), 8-62 (Rabada, 15.3 ov), 9-67 (Mohammed Shami, 16.6 ov), 10-67 (Nadeem, 17.1 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-0-20-4 (2w), Natarajan 2-07-0 (1w), M Sharma 1.1-03-1, A Patel 4-0-222 (2w), Maxwell 4-0-12-1, Aaron 2-0-3-2 Kings XI Punjab innings (target: 68 runs from 20 overs) M Guptill not out 50 H Amla not out 16 Extras (w 2) 2 Total (0 wickets; 7.5 overs) 68 Did not bat: M Vohra, SE Marsh, GJ Maxwell*, WP Saha†, AR Patel, MM Sharma, VR Aaron, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan Bowling: Mohammed Shami 2-0-19-0 (1w), K Rabada 2-0-18-0 (1w), Morris 2-013-0, Mishra 1-09, Nadeem 0.5-0-9-0

SCOREBOARD

Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (20 overs maximum) D Warner* c Gambhir b Woakes 126 S Dhawan run out (Kuldeep 29 Yadav) K Williamson run out (Coulter40 Nile/†Uthappa) Yuvraj Singh not out 6 Extras (lb 2, w 6) 8 Total (3 wickets; 20 overs) 209 Did not bat: MC Henriques, NV Ojha†, Bipul Sharma, B Kumar, Rashid Khan, S Kaul, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-139 (Dhawan, 12.4 ov), 2-171 (Warner, 16.2 ov), 3-209 (Williamson, 19.6 ov) Bowling: Coulter-Nile 4-0-34-0 (1w), Yadav 4-0-30-0, Woakes 4-0-46-1 (1w), Pathan 1-0-17-0, Narine 3-0-37-0 (1w), Kuldeep 4-0-43-0 (2w) Yadav Kolkata Knight Riders innings (target: 210 runs from 20 overs) S Narine c Warner b 1 Mohammed Siraj

G Gambhir* c Rashid Khan b 11 Kaul R Uthappa† c Warner b 53 Mohammed Siraj M Pandey c & b Kumar 39 Y Pathan c Kaul b ashid Khan 12 S Jackson c Rashid Khan b 16 Kumar C de Grandhomme c Rashid Khan b Kaul 18 6 C Woakes not out Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 161 Did not bat: NM Coulter-Nile, UT Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Narine, 1.2 ov), 2-12 (Gambhir, 2.3 ov), 3-90 (Pandey, 10.6 ov), 4-109 (Uthappa, 12.3 ov), 5-130 (Pathan, 15.6 ov), 6-154 (Jackson, 18.6 ov), 7-161 (de Grandhomme, 19.6 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-29-2, Mohammed Siraj 4-04-026-2, S Kaul 26-2, Henriques 3-0-31-0, Rashid Khan 4-0-38-1 (1w), Bipul Sharma 1-0-10-0 (1w)

Boyce & Jefford Relay Festival rescheduled to May 7

T

he second edition of the Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival and Family Funday was rescheduled to next Sunday, May 7 at Eve Leary, Police Sports Club Ground.

The reason for the rescheduling of the event that was slated for Sunday April 30, was due to the persistent rainfall in the city for close to two days leading up to the event.

The following is announcement updated on one of the co-founders of the event, Edison Jefford, Facebook status yesterday; “Dear all, please be advised that owed to inclement weather over the past 48 hours that inundated the Eve Leary Ground, the Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day was rescheduled to next Sunday, May 7 at the same venue...”

The planned event received a lot of positive reviews and was anticipated by athletes and fans of the sport, unfortunately they will have to wait a week before it run off.

This year’s event will see the addition of the 4x200m and 4x400m mixed relays, which will involve teams comprising of two males and two females each. These two events will join the other eight already on the pro-

Edison Jefford

gramme.

The sum of $25,000 will go to winning team, $15,000 for the first runners-up and $10,000 for third place.

The cycle races will also carry prizes of $50,000 each with the same breakdown.

The two races will be a male Devil Takes The Hindmost and a female 2000m.

Elsewhere on the bill, there will be a “Kid Zone” with bouncy castles, trampolines, face painting and other attractions.

Four gate prizes of $20,000 in cash and household items will also be up for grabs.

In total, there will be in excess of $1 million to be won.

21

YELLOW PAGES monday, may 1, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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

Business Opportunity

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

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

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

Tel: 223-1217 Or 600-5759

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

CAR RENTALS

KEY CUTTing

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

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

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

Get your extra key today.

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

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

Tel: 225-5034

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

property for sale TWO (2) PROPERTIES IN DOWDING STREET KITTY FRONT LOT – 2 STOREY 1 FAMILY WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER 3 BEDROOMS; LOWER - KITCHEN, DINING, LIVING, TOILET AND BATH,

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

Contact: 610-8963 6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602 Two storey building. Four bedrooms upstairs, Three downstairs.

Transported property. 27 Austin St. Campbellville. Call: 624-4668 Subryanville Property for Sale.

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

Contact - Mortimer: 625-7669 or Richard: 624-1154 PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ENTERPRISE SCHEME. 1 LARGE FAMILY HOME, 4 BEDROOM, FULLY GRILLED, 2-CAR GARAGE, RESERVOIR, OVERHEAD TANKS AND WATER FILTRATION, ETC. CALL/WHATSAPewwP NAVIN: 1-347517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30. Contact Tel: 6247341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg. Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 6735546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

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

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

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

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

LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: - 6305073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D 1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2.

PRIEST NARASIMHA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRIT, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: 6827439, 650-0700. ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE) WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 664-2505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA. THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 652-4444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist.

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

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

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

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

Telephone: 227-1293. No pets Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 THREE STOREY 75 FT’X 30 FT BUILDING/BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCESS ST, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654, 225-0605 UNFURNISHED BOTTOM FLAT – 2 BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, KITCHENETTE, DINING/LIVING ROOM, PRE-PAID METER. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD – KITTY. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS OR SINGLE WORKING PERSONS. $55,000 PER MONTH. 2 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. RENT CONTRACT FOR 6 – 12 MONTHS. CONTACT 6930003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS)

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

FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223103 CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT – 624- 0033 COOK – 624-0033 PUMP ATTENDANT – 624-0033 OR 680-3863

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 3225738, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

For sale:- 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 6210552 now. Email: anew-life@ live.com

FOR SALE! 1 TOYOTA AVENSIS, PRR 825. $2.2M NEGOTIABLE. CALL TROY: 619-2975

SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGES, VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE, ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

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

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

FOR SALE. TOYOTA MARK II GX110. CONTACT RANDY: 6516985

1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-

CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST TOYOTA DYNA CANTER 612-1085/680-3863

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

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

• Two recent references required.

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

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

22

CPL Guyana’s sports tourism

By Akeem Greene

T

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, may 1, 2017

he Caribbean Premier League (CPL) enters its fifth year and it has continued to grow exponentially, now reaching the sunny state of Florida in the United States of the America. Themed “The Biggest Party In Sport”, the League attracts some of the best international cricketers from across the globe which has set the stage for a plethora of thrilling T20 cricket for Caribbean fans and those in the Diaspora.

The six-franchise League gives territories such as Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda (2013) great opportunity to reap tremendous financial income.

Each year, the National Stadium at Providence, which is the home ground of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, attract humongous crowds. With tournaments such as these, it is not only the sold out stadiums that warrant the prestige but it is a chance to showcase one’s country on the g l o b al market since television viewership would usually span each continent. But has Guyana been able to capitalise on the impact of CPL? Has it proven to be one of the precursors in efforts to develop sports tourism?

Financially, the answers are astounding. According to a 2016 report on the tournament, “the Guyanese economy reaped a US$15,447,309 windfall from the staging of its four pool matches, with the total contribution from the Hero CPL amounting to US$1,200,408. The overall visitor spend for the 2016 runners up was fractionally down by 4% to $2,306,392; however, there were gains for the Guyana Tourism Authority whose shirt sponsorship deal has almost trebled its media value since 2014, from US$2,123,005 to US$5,978,951 in 2016”.

It added, “Hosting CPLT20 in Guyana created 349 local jobs and filled 2295 hotel room nights.

With a combined TV audience in excess of 120 million

, a kaleidoscope for developing

for the four Guyana Amazon Warriors’ home matches, in all 50,304 fans attended matches at Providence Stadium during the 2016 season”.

In fact, the 2016 season

their disciplines to a larger and readily accessible audience.

Regarding the social media aspect, the CPL, over the years, has improved its presence on all the social outlets,

to advance the sector, since, according to CPL’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Pete Russell in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport last month, they are aiming to develop a

er to the game,” Russell revealed.

While the League is a catalyst for sports development, having adequate facilities becomes critical, which makes the support of

and Guyana is set to host four exciting matches in the month of August. The Warriors will clash with the defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs on the 17th followed by Trinbago

The Amazon Warriors have managed to create a special bond with their Guyanese home fans

was the tournament’s biggest yet, with over 134 million viewers tuning in globally to the biggest party in sport, representing a 44 percent increase from 2015.

Cumulative audience figures have risen steadily year on year since the tournament’s inception from 36 million viewers (in 2013), to 66 million (2014), 93 million (2015) and now to 134 million (2016).

The tournament gave Guyana an opportunity to now create a sustained sports tourism initiative, and in the words of veteran broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreria, ““Guyana has tremendous possibilities for sports tourism”.

Perreria’s words came while speaking on Saturday at the Guyana Tourism Authority seminar/workshop on Developing Sport Tourism held at the Guyana Pegasus.

“My own feeling is that Guyana has tremendous possibilities for sport tourism; you are sitting on a volcano of opportunities that you might not be conscious of,” he stated precisely.

The Guyanese native who now resides in St Lucia disclosed that the “rest of the Caribbean are involved in sports tourism” and believes it is time for Guyana to follow suit.

But how does Guyana get on par with the rest of the Caribbean and in turn, the world? “Reds” answer to that question was to get all stakeholders involved and utilise the new trend – social media – as much as possible since respective associations can help promote

creating not only a “stadium-filled” fan base but one via social networking which is vital in sports tourism.

More so, Perreria addressed the need for internal tourism, which could be a fruitful beginning since it is not necessarily about making money but creating the atmosphere that cultivates tourism.

This provides another chance for Guyana to use the League as a yardstick

hinterland cricketer.

“We want to do more: what we are looking to do in Guyana is a good example; we very much want to take the game into the hinterland. My big thing is to try and find a future Test cricketer that comes from the jungle; it is all about how we can develop the game in these regions; it is a great opportunity for us and we will be looking to initiatives to bring all these guys clos-

the Government and Private Sector vital.

The league not only generates per capita for the host country from the actual match days but also a pleasant fact that visitors will in-turn spend foreign revenue by shopping, staying in hotels or entertainment which will essentially provide an added boost to the economy.

The Hero CPL is set to bowl off on August 4,

Knight Riders on the 19th.

The three-time runners-up Warriors will then oppose Barbados Tridents the following day after which they play St Lucia Stars on the 22nd.

The 34-game competition, which will be staged in seven countries over a sixweek period, will conclude with the finals on Saturday, September 9, with the name of the host country set to be announced in due course.

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden Zone…

D

Quarter-final action on tonight at Amelia’s Ward

efending champions Team 25 will be among eight teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals when the quarter-finals of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Zone are held tonight at the Amelia’s Ward Tarmac.

Swag Entertainment will oppose Cherokee Park from 20:00hrs followed by Dave and Celina All-Stars against Young King at 20:30hrs.

Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets will then lock horns with High Rollers from 21:00hrs after which the defending champs clash with Amelia Ward Russians from 21:30hrs.

During the round-of 16 stage, Team 25 withstood a stubborn display by Coomacka to squeeze out a narrow 1-0. Tevin Crawford made the difference when he slotted home the lone goal of the game in the eight minute. Silver Bullets then mowed down Eagles by a 4-0 margin with Jermaine Lewis firing in a brace in the eighth and 18th minutes,

while Triston Ally and Damion Williams completed their tally with strikes in the 15th and 19th minutes respectively.

Swag Entertainment was another team that

the 15th and 16th minutes, while Colwyn Drakes added the other after two minutes of play.

Amelia Ward Panthers squeezed past Main Street Panthers 1-0 with Travis Watterton’s 17th minute

The Linden Zone has produced some intense rivalry thus far

registered an impressive win with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Goodfellas.

Shane Luckie led the way with a pair of goals in

strike separating the teams.

Cherokee Park edged Future Stars 1-0 through a Phillip Austin goal in the 17th minute, while High

Rollers derailed Dream Chasers pursuit of a place in the next round following a 1-0 win; Kendolph Lewis 14th minute goal made the difference.

Dave and Celina AllStars proved too strong for Amazings, who they defeated 3-0 with the veteran Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens, Keon Sears and Kennard Simon, the players on target in the third, seventh and 18th minutes respectively.

Young Stars beat Trainline Warriors 2-0 in a penalty shootout after regulation time finished 1-1.

Tshehedi Whitehead was on target in the seventh minute for Young Stars, while Kellon Adams equalised twelve minutes later for Trainline Warriors.

The winning team will take away $400,000 and the championship trophy along with the opportunity to play in the National Playoffs.

Second, third and fourth placed finishers receive $150,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 1, 2017

23

West Indies v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Bridgetown, 1st day…

Majestic Chase leads West

A

day that started with ominous familiarity for the West Indies ended in unexpected success as the hosts recovered from a middle order meltdown to post 286 for 6 at stumps.

Roston Chase was primarily responsible for the turnaround, an unbeaten 131 - just his second century - dominating the day, while Jason Holder’s unbeaten fifty helped run Pakistan ragged in a final session off which they scored 120.

Chase’s awareness around the crease was excellent, knowing exactly when to leave the ball. He was equally effective at adjusting his feet when facing the spinners, and was in position to take advantage when they dropped the ball either short or bowled

full.

The stroke that brought up his century was a fitting snapshot of how he had played: a delightful cover drive off an overpitched delivery from legpinner Shadab Khan, who had a particularly harsh introduction to the longest format. In the absence of Yasir Shah for most parts of the final session, he was summoned but failed to ring in any sort of consistency.

The evening session began, somewhat familiarly, with Holder joining Chase to play his part in yet another rear-guard.

With the West Indies top and middle order disappointing so regularly, Holder’s runs in the lower order have become essential to his side, rather than just an added bonus. To his credit, he delivers more often than not, and he gave Chase stellar support.

With Yasir clearly hampered by a back niggle and unable to

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings K Brathwaite c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir 9 K Powell lbw b Mohammad Amir 38 S Hetmyer c Azhar Ali b Mohammad Abbas 1 S Hope c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 5 131 R Chase not out V Singh c Younis Khan b Mohammad Abbas 3 S Dowrich† c Younis Khan b Shadab Khan 29 58 J Holder* not out Extras (b 4, lb 6, w 2) 12 Total (6 wickets; 89 overs) 286 To bat: D Bishoo, AS Joseph, ST Gabriel

Fall of wickets 1-12 (Brathwaite, 4.5 ov), 2-13 (Hetmyer, 5.3 ov), 3-37 (Hope, 16.1 ov), 4-102 (Powell, 32.4 ov), 5-107 (Singh, 35.4 ov), 6-154 (Dowrich, 49.6 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 22-4-52-2, Mohammad Abbas 18-4-47-2 (2w), Yasir Shah Shadab 25-2-83-1, Khan 23-3-90-1 3.91, Azhar Ali 1-0-4-0 Pakistan team -Azhar Ali, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Younis Khan, Misbah-ulHaq*, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Abbas

Indies' great recovery

bowl at full tilt, Pakistan were at times reduced to being a threeman attack. Chase and Holder were wise to the situation, ensuring they didn’t give a

w e r e waiting for a wicket to fall instead of actively hunting for one.

West Indies had perhaps

Jason Holder and Roston Chase turned the tables on Pakistan with an unbroken 132-run stand for the seventh wicket

wicket away easily and waited for the bowlers to tire. As they did, their intensity invariably dropped and for the first time all day, Pakistan looked like they

expected an easier ride after winning the toss and choosing to bat in favourable conditions, but a splendid new ball spell from both Mohammad Amir and

Mohammad Abbas put them on the back foot straightaway. The wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite, when it came, had a sense of inevitability to it, the righthander edging an Amir delivery that held its line. When Shimron Hetmyer fell flashing at a ball outside off stump soon after, the lack of experience was telling.

With the pitch seen as conducive to spin bowling, Misbah-ul-Haq turned to Yasir as early as the eleventh over.

There was sharp turn on offer for the legspinner right away, hardly a ringing endorsement of the wicket, what with this being the first morning of the Test. But with the under-fire Shai Hope having gone into his shell, Yasir pitched one on a length around middle stump.

Hope failed to get on the front foot in time, and the ball took the edge through to Sarfraz Ahmed as West Indies slumped

to 37 for 3.

A m i r provided Pakistan the next breakthrough, ripping a yorker into Powell’s toes that tailed in at serious pace, taking the slow pitch out of the equation. The umpire turned down the appeal, but Amir was sure, and HawkEye agreed with him. Wickets continued to fall as West Indies threatened to fold for a sub-200 total, as the hosts were reduced to 154 for 6. The players went in for tea soon after; the fans will probably have needed something stronger.

What they couldn’t have known was Chase and Holder would concoct the perfect tonic to soothe their disappointment in the final session, as the West Indies improbably finished the day on even terms. With the partnership standing at 132, and still unbeaten, the fans had better turn up tomorrow, too.

They certainly haven’t seen this before. (Cricinfo)

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

MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

CPL, a kaleidoscope for developing Guyana’s sports tourism

Pg 22

The fans have undoubtedly responded to the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) since it began in 2013

West Indies v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Bridgetown, 1st day…

Majestic Chase leads West Indies' great recovery Pg 23

Roston Chase struck 17 fours in a majestic knock to bail West Indies out of a hole (Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

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