Binder1

Guyana celebrates International Day of Monuments, Sites P17

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

Issue No. 3186

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

PPP will modify SARA Bill – Jagdeo

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Berbice teen dies after P14 slamming into utility pole

Page 3

…says Clive Thomas cannot solely determine what is State property

Region 1 man killed

by Police

Page 11

…pointed loaded firearm at cop

Herstelling man stabbed to death in rum shop brawl Page 10

VAT on education

Passing on hike to students inescapable in present form – T&T audit firm Page 7 ... says legislation can remove this burden

Gastroenteritis cases rise at Kwakwani P9 GECOM chairmanship

7 persons P9 shortlisted, 1 declines position …new list of nominees in weeks – Jagdeo

Fugitive driver caught, but escaped Police custody P12 ...with cuffs still on

Investigation launched into river degradation in P15 Region 7

Tax Director Gillian Wolffe-O’Neil and Tax Manager Saskia Carmichael (inset) from the Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) firm in Trinidad and Tobago held a discussion with business owners on understanding the implications of VAT and how it applies to businesses (Carl Croker photos)

End-of-Year report

Govt records $31.7B deficit for 2016 Page 3

AFC official Page accused 5 of sexually assaulting teen

163,000 P17 ounces gold declared

... for 1st quarter 2017

Essequibo cocaine bust

Wakenaam poultry farmer remanded to P11 prison

2

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

3

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, April 19 – 11:00h-12:30h and Thursday, April 20 – 12:00h-13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, April 19 – 09:50h-11:20h and Thursday, April 20 – 11:20h-12:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, interrupted by light rain showers in the late morning and early afternoon hours. Partly cloudy skies are predicted for the evening hours.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to north-easterly between 4.02 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 09:52h and 22:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 metres and 2.10 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 16:05h reaching a minimum height of 1.02 metres.

SATURDAY, April 15, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

02

03 07

21

23

27

5 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 06 12 15 19

23

LUCKY 3 7 1 3

4

Afternoon Draw

2

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03

04 06

09 10 11

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

PPP will modify SARA Bill – Jagdeo …says Clive Thomas cannot solely determine what is State property

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has made known its intention to implement several changes to the SARA Bill 2017, if the Party is reelected to office in 2020.

While noting that the Bill contained some good elements, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was also the General Secretary of the PPP, said his Party would remove the ambiguity about private property.

Jagdeo told a media conference on Tuesday that the Head of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Dr Clive Thomas, could not solely determine what was State property.

Further, the PPP intends to remove all the provisions that make the SARA Bill unconstitutional, Jagdeo said on Tuesday.

“So it might not be a total repeal, but making it constitutional and narrowing the definition of State property, so you don’t have a broad definition on that part,” he explained.

Jagdeo said his Party would also ensure that the head of the unit was ac-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

countable to someone else, as opposed to leaving it to have him to make his own decisions.

More importantly, however, the PPP plans to re-establish the Integrity Commission and provide it with the full powers to execute its mandate effectively and efficiently.

“Those are three elements that are going to be vital if we retain the law to make sure that we have clarity on those three elements,” the former President added.

The PPP will ensure that all public officials submit their statements to the Commission, Jagdeo said,

and in cases where they do not, action will be taken against them.

Jagdeo lamented the fact that the current Administration did not submit statements to the Commission, but moved swiftly to pass the SARA Bill to recover stolen property.

“So, how can you shut down the Integrity Commission and then say you want to strengthen public accountability...You know what we did? We did not …we gave them a free pass. We did not take criminal action against them, which we should have done.”

The PPP had expressed concerns about this legislation setting the stage for the creation of a parallel justice system.

It argued that the Bill would create an environment that encouraged the violation of individuals’ constitutional rights and undermine the rule of law, since it has conferred on a sole individual – the Director of SARA – who currently is Professor Clive Thomas, powers that are 10 times greater than those of the Guyana Police Force.

According to the Opposition, the Bill would create a series of new offences, the SARA Director has been vested with unparalleled powers to investigate the newly-created offences, and persons could be rid of their properties without ever being charged with a crime.

Government used its one-seat majority to pass the SARA Bill in the National Assembly last Thursday.

However, the PPP and other groups plan to file legal proceedings to disallow the setting-up of this agency.

End-of-Year report

Govt records $31.7B deficit for 2016 T

he Guyana Government recorded a fiscal deficit of $31.7 billion for the year 2016, approximately 4.4 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is according to the Finance Ministry’s End-of-Year outcome report, which was released on April 13.

The report noted that the deficit was smaller than the expected $38.4 billion, or 5.4 per cent of GDP, which had been projected during the presentation of the 2017 Budget. The report put this difference down to lower expenditures.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

“The smaller-than-projected deficit was due to lower expenditures, particularly current expenditures, coupled with higher-than-projected revenues and grants.”

The report added that tax and non-tax revenue collections in 2016 were $177.3 billion. According to the report, this amounts to $2.5 billion, or 1.4 per cent, more than the 2017 Budget projects.

“Tax revenues rose to $151.7 billion in 2016. Total non-tax revenue increased to $25.5 billion, in line with projections at the time of the presentation of the 2017

Budget.”

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was shown to have remitted $42.3 billion in 2016, which the report admitted was $274 million below projections of the 2017 Budget.

Already, the Government has introduced a number of new tax measures which it says would widen its tax base. Some of these measures, such as the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on private tuition and on basic utility services over a stipulated threshold, have prompted street protests.

TURN TO PAGE 5

4

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, april 19, 2017

Views Fort Nassau 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

Venezuela food crisis stark reminder of Guyana’s past

T

he long food lines, the stark hunger etched in hopeless faces staring at a future difficult to contemplate is a graphic portrayal of Guyanese in past times, but this time these faces are Venezuelan.

Guyanese fled similar circumstances in Guyana to carve a niche for themselves in a more prosperous neighbouring country, only to face such survival desolation in their adopted homeland decades later.

Venezuela’s contracting economy and the consequential degeneration of the quality of life in that country, to the extent that one of the most basic survival needs – food, has become difficult, almost impossible, to obtain, has brought Guyanese who migrated to that country to the point of making hard choices.

Leaving one’s home in which one has invested years of endeavour to attempt to create survival regimes in another country is a very difficult proposition. It happened to Guyanese when they became refugees fleeing to other countries to escape the oppression of the PNC era in government.

For those who fled to neighbouring Venezuela, Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles, at the conclusion of a heads of missions conference held recently at the Pegasus Hotel, painted a harsh picture, where Guyanese living in Venezuela are turning to their original homeland for succour from their current plight.

Approximately 250,000 Guyanese are currently domiciled in Venezuela, according to Miles, with many of them trying to ride out the crisis, because many of them have no links remaining in the place of their birth.

However, some are finding the food crisis and socio-political upheaval difficult to cope with and are seriously considering returning home to Guyana.

However, there are many hindrances to reintegration into a Guyanese society, mainly because of the difficulties their children, many of them born and raised in a Spanish-speaking country, would face in an Anglophile school environment.

At present, there is a thriving cross-border trading in goods for food, with Guyanese resident in Venezuela, as well as Venezuelans, trading and/or selling their precious household items to Guyanese in bordering communities, dirt-cheap, for food.

The depreciation of Venezuela’s economy is projected to worsen with the plummeting oil revenues, Venezuela’s only solid export and foreign currency earner.

Many Guyanese have already returned, but even Guyana’s economy is contracting under another PNCled regime and, except for gold, all sectors of the country that were main foreign currency earners are slowly being killed, with the expectation by Government that oil would replace them.

Guyana is no bed of roses anymore, and there is a constriction of its fiscal spaces, to the extent where even welfare services, health services, education, et al, are once again being negatively impacted, with punitive tax regimes imposed on an already overburdened public, so it would present great difficulty for the country to absorb refugees on any great scale, because even resident Guyanese are finding difficulty in surviving the current social impacts of the punitive policies of the coalition Government.

Given the current trends and signs, one can envisage the return of this country to a time and place where the most basic survival items, especially food, was difficult to acquire, but this time, with Venezuela’s economy unable to withstand another influx of Guyanese refugees, where would Guyanese refugees run?

In observance of International Day for Monuments and Sites 2017, the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture in collaboration with the National Trust of Guyana held an exhibition under the theme: “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism” at the Guyana National Museum Gardens, Georgetown on Tuesday. In photo is a model of Fort Nassau, which is nested approximately 88 kilometres up the Berbice River. Once the capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice, Fort Nassau is now a 17th century ruin of a seat of government, which is now also known as the base from which the famous 1763 rebellion had its origins (Dexter Ceres photo)

No CoI can change facts Dear Editor, The history of Guyana records that the Amerindians were the first people here, in what is now known as Guyana. No Commission of Inquiry can change that fact.

The recent establishment of a Commission of Inquiry

by President David Granger to “examine and make recommendations on resolving issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands along with Amerindian Land Titling issues” has resulted in a vehement and bitter outcry among our Indigenous people, including their elected village councils, indigenous groups, the National Toshaos Council, and supporters and members of the People’s Progressive Party.

A majority of the Guyanese population view the establishment of this Commission as both a transgression of the land rights and “an expression of gross disrespect for the Amerindian people of Guyana” -- whose fast growing population, numbering over 70,000 living in over 200 villages/communities -accounts for almost 10% of Guyana’s population.

What land issues and uncertainties is the

Government talking about?

The only issues and uncertainties would be the Government’s position with respect to moving the land titling, land extension and demarcation processes forward.

May I remind the Government that the rights of our Amerindian people to their traditional lands and resources are clearly set out in the Constitution of Guyana and in the Amerindian Act of 2006?

May I also draw attention to the fact that the Amerindian Village Councils, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, and the National Toshaos Council, elected bodies, are empowered to promote and protect these interests and rights?

In fact, the Constitution specifically makes provision for our Amerindian people, so that while the issue of reparations and repatriation of African lands is important, these are two distinctly separate issues that must be addressed separately.

Is the CoI a Trojan Horse plan and nefarious attempt to usurp the role and functions of these constitutionally established bodies which deal, inter alia, with Amerindian land rights?

How disrespectful can we become?

The idea that Amerindians should be recognised as owners of their land began to gain momentum in the years just preceding our country’s independence, on May 26th, 1966, thanks primarily to the advocacy of Guyana’s first Amerindian Parliamentarian, Mr Stephen Campbell, and leader of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Our history records that there was a hiatus in terms of the political effort of the Government of the 1964 to 1992 epoch to move this process forward.

Our Amerindian people did not have to wait until 2017 for an ill-informed and lethargic APNU/AFC Government to set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate what is already known with respect to Amerindian lands and land rights. Indeed, while the PPP/C Government worked with the Amerindian leaders and the Amerindian people to provide improved social services and physical infrastructure, and so create for them wider choices in respect of goods and services available to them, we did through a consultative process; and by providing

the required resources, enact Legislation, formulate policies and programmes, and facilitate the required activities to give recognition and protection to the rights of our Amerindian people, including their rights to the lands they own and occupy.

When the PPP/C demitted office in May 2015, some 98 Amerindian villages had received grants of title to their lands, and the process of consultation with additional communities that had met the qualifying requirements for titling was a work in progress in order to ensure that legislative and procedural requirements were being met; and the villagers understood and were satisfied with the process.

This is what the APNU/ AFC Coalition Government should be pursuing with the respective village councils, the National Toshaos Council Executive and the Indigenous People’s Commission; not setting up another CoI so as to reward cronies.

While in some countries Amerindian people have only rights of use of the land, in Guyana they own the land.

No Commission of Inquiry can change that fact.

Sincerely, Norman Whittaker

An appeal to His Excellency

Dear Editor, Please publish this letter as an appeal to His Excellency, President David Granger, to review the performance and conduct of some ministers of Government, and take appropriate actions to engen-

der national confidence in the economy and security of the people and nation.

The buck stops with you, Mr President, as the Executive Leader of Guyana.

Citizens are aware of the widespread perception and belief that the sit-

uation in Guyana is deteriorating. This is causing much anguish for the people, who look for redress through active and timely interventions. There is also the widespread perception and belief that the performance of some ministers is

at best third rate and mediocre. This must be a source of grave embarrassment to you, as President.

The conduct, behaviour, and performance of some ministers leave much to be desired. continues on page 5

wednesDAY, april 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Agricola duo remanded “Grey Boy” charged again AFC official for Crum-Ewing’s murder accused of sexually for armed robbery …as DPP reopens case assaulting teen

Murdered: Courtney Crum-Ewing

T

he prime suspect in the execution of Courtney CrumEwing almost two years ago was remanded to prison after stirring an hourlong drama in the Police Outpost at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday afternoon.

Upon arrival at the courts, Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues stubbornly refused to enter the courtroom and opted to remain in the outpost area, creating a racket as seemingly powerless armed officers stood nearby, withstanding his tantrums. Magistrate Judy Latchman went downstairs in a futile effort to persuade him to attend the hearing.

It was only upon the intervention of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who went to Rodrigues and informed him about the reopened status of the case by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, that Rodrigues terminated the ruckus.

The Magistrate then ordered Rodrigues to return to court on April 25, 2017 and remanded him to prison until then.

Based on reports reaching Guyana Times, the ac-

Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues

cused was arrested on Friday last at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown.

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

Subsequently, the DPP ordered the case reopened one month ago. The sole purpose of this remit according to the DPP’s chambers is to take further evidence from Police witnesses and to rule on the voluntariness of all oral statements of the accused.

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes was appointed as a Special Prosecutor in the case.

Crum-Ewing was gunned down in 2015 as he encouraged persons to turn out to vote for the election.

Rodrigues is no stranger to the courts as a previous case of illegal gun possession was ruled in his favour shortly before the the murder charge against him was dismissed. According to reports, ballistic tests on the hand gun found in Rodrigues’s possession proved that the weapon was one and the same used to murder Crum-Ewing.

A

n Alliance For Change (AFC) executive member is being accused of sexually assaulting a Corentyne, Berbice teenager.

Reports are the teen in a statement to the Police said that the official on three occasions assaulted her. She also said in her statement that on other occasions she was inappropriately touched by the man.

Ministry of Public Security; the unsatisfactory and wasteful expenditure in the health sector under the Ministry of Public Health; and the unsatisfactory situation in the agriculture sector under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Some ministers appear not to understand their constitutional functions, and they micro-manage and get involved in management/ administration of operational matters, instead of

T

Demerara, on April 4, 2017.

Attorney-at-Law Stanley Moore told the court that Ray was a gold miner while Maraj was a fish vendor and they permanently resided in Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

Prosecutor Arvin Moore did not hesitate to object to bail, considering the nature of the offence and the penalty attached to such a felony.

The men were refused bail accordingly and were scheduled to return to court on May 8, 2017.

Govt records $31.7B...

FROM PAGE 3

Expenditure

Meanwhile, total Central Government expenditure was shown to amount to $216.8 billion for 2016, $4.2 billion lower than projected at the time of the presentation of the 2017 Budget.

There were a number of reasons for this.

“Total non-interest recurrent expenditure amounted to $163.4 billion in 2016, marginally less than the $166.7 billion projected at the time of the presentation of the 2017 Budget, due to lower-than-projected spending for Other Goods and Services and Transfer Payments,” the report stated.

“Other Goods and Services totalled $46.8 bil-

An appeal to...

One can point to several recent examples in words and actions of some ministers, including the following: attacks and intimidation of the Judiciary, and direct attacks on judges; financial management of the economy relating to actions by the Ministry of Finance; rising crime rates, which are engendering fear and anxiety for the security of citizens and the business community, relating to actions/inactions by the

This newspaper was told by a source close to the investigation that the official is a co-host of a television programme in Berbice.

The teen, in her statement, also alleged that the official promised to assist her in setting a business where she can trade mercury.

When contracted, B Division (Berbice) Commander Ian Amsterdam said he was yet to be briefed on the report.

wenty-year-old Antonio Maraj and 24-year-old Dexter Ray were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and charged for robbery under arms on Tuesday morning.

This newspaper understands that the two men allegedly robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Simone Beaton of one digital tablet and a quantity of gold jewellery, among other items valued a total of $1,455,000, at McDoom, East Bank

lion for 2016, slightly less than the $48.8 billion projected. Transfer Payments totalled $67.3 billion in 2016, marginally less than the anticipated $68.8 billion.”

Constitutional agencies

The report revealed $686.8 million as the unspent sums from constitutional agencies. One of the reasons the report attributed this to was several projects not being executed owing to “setbacks” in the tender process.

This comes after constitutional agencies received more than $7 billion in lump sums for the year 2016.

At the time, the National Assembly had approved the

from page 4

concentrating on their policy direction role. Article 115 of the Constitution of Guyana defines the responsibilities and functions of ministers and permanent secretaries, the accounting heads of ministries.

The view is widespread that there should be radi-

cal changes in the Cabinet – a cabinet reshuffle, dropping some ministers and bringing in some high-level technocratic skills into the Cabinet and Government.

Yours faithfully, Joshua Singh

allocations following contentions over the estimates, resulting in a number of proposals for funds being cut.

Employment costs, according to the Finance Ministry’s report, totalled $49.4 billion in 2016, exceeding the $49 billion that had been anticipated.

“Central Government capital expenditure amounted to $46.6 billion, slightly below the projected year-end position of $47.6 billion, due largely to continued slow

implementation of our loan portfolio, which declined by 12 per cent.”

The data submitted in the End-of-Year outcome report represents an update on the data which had been read by Finance Minister Winston Jordan in the 2017 Budget presentation last year. When that budget was read, the data Jordan had quoted at the time only reflected projections since the budget was an early one.

6

wednesdAY, APRIL 19, 2017

Page

Foundation

– but is waiting for bigger rewards always the best option?

Part

By Katherine Schreiber and Heather Hausenblas, PhD

T

here is a long tendency of behavioural interventions, ranging from promoting healthy eating to reducing drug dependence, to appeal to willpower,” University of Berkeley researcher Ming Hsu added in the press release. “For example, 'commit to be fit' or 'don't do drugs.' Our findings highlight the potential benefits of interventions that change the nature of the impulses themselves by encouraging people to imagine the consequences of their choices."

Future research may wish to investigate whether folks who are more creative, and thus may have more colourful imaginations, are better able to imagine various consequences and thus make more informed decisions.

Equally important, however, is to factor in the con-

guyanatimesgy.com

sequences of scarcity and desperation that may undermine even the most imaginative and patient person's decision-making skills. If someone has little to no savings whatsoever and lives pay cheque to pay cheque they may not have the luxury of waiting until a later date to receive a larger sum of money than what they would be given im-

med i atel y . ( T h o u g h perhaps they may make a

greater effort if the amount of money to be gained at a later date is substantially larger.)

Additionally, one has to factor trust into the willingness to wait equation. If I don't know your character and you are handing me a $100 bill now but saying that if I

forgo this amount for a future payout of, say, $200, I certainly wouldn't agree unless we signed a contract. Even then, how

2

could I trust I wouldn't have to take you to court to obtain this promised fee?

(Also: is that before or after taxes and will the $200 still be in cash? Okay, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.)

All this isn't to knock the upsides of deploying imagination when we're choosing between several rewards. But it's a reminder that there are numerous reasons people may not want to (or be able to) wait to obtain a larger sum of money — factors that go well beyond mere willpower or the ability to imagine it reframe options. If folks do indeed envision all the consequences of their options and choose not to wait for a larger reward to be delivered at a later date, this may not always mean they are making a misguided decision.

Sometimes, you do just need to make rent. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

Examinations season C

XC examinations have officially started. Thousands of Guyanese are about to write what many consider to be the crowning jewel of high school examinations, CSEC and CAPE. Nerves are high, and everyone is probably worried about how much they know, and how much they still need to know. I think it’s important to remember that everyone is equally as nervous as you are. It is as though we never believe we are ready for an examination until we actually write it and we see that we were prepared when we pass.

There is a lot of pressure placed upon students writing these examinations, Ashley Anthony to the point where some teenagers begin to see the examinations as a determination of their self-worth and ability to succeed in life. And although examinations are important, your entire identity shouldn’t hinge upon your performance in them. Of course, you should aim to do you best, but you shouldn’t place so much pressure on yourself that it becomes unbearable.

That being said, if you’ve got a lot of last-minute studying to do, it’s time to get started. Although pretty much everyone advocates for studying continuously throughout the year, often times this isn’t exactly possible.

For example, you might not have been taught something until right before the exam, you might have been stuck doing tonnes of SBAs (or IAs, for CAPE students), and didn’t get the time to study before this, or maybe you just had a really severe lack of motivation. Whatever the situation was, it isn’t going to change the date for your examination.

One of the best ways to achieve last-minute studying is to plan it out. CSEC and CAPE examinations usually have a few days or breaks in the schedules (which vary depending upon the subjects you’re writing). If you are familiar with your timetable, and you know when your breaks are, these can be utilised to push in any last-minute studying you need to do. If you haven’t already, now is the time to work through past papers.

Although textbooks might be able to provide questions that test specific objectives, it’s always good to become acquainted with how the questions are asked by the examiners themselves. From my experience, examination questions are usually more involved than generic textbook questions, combining multiple objectives into one. To be sure you’re on the right track, check out the subject reports for those years. Finally, don’t simply learn what your teacher has taught you and assume that you’ll be prepared. Teachers can make mistakes too. Take the initiative and check the syllabus to be sure that you’ve covered every single objective within it to the specified detail.

Good luck to everyone writing CSEC and CAPE this year – power through. And if you think the stress and the late nights are testing you, remember that it doesn’t get easier. You have to be able to overcome this to move on to more difficult challenges like university or your first job.

news

7

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

VAT on education

Passing on hike to students inescapable in present form – TT audit firm ... says legislation can remove this burden

A

Trinidadian audit firm, in collaboration with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), hosted a seminar on Value Added Tax (VAT) on Tuesday where among the topics covered was VAT being placed on private education and the difficult position these schools have been placed in.

Speaking at the event were Tax Director of the Trinidad audit firm KPMG, Gillian Wolffe-O’Neil and the firm’s Tax Manager, Saskia Carmichael. According to the officials, who are both Attorneys-at-Law, the 14 per cent VAT, which private schools have to now pay will have to be passed on to stu-

“VAT is charged on the selling price, so this is recovered from the consumer,” Wolffe-O’Neil added. “So now it is going to be more expensive in the hands of the consumer.”

In an interview afterwards, Wolffe-O’Neil was asked about best practises and whether there was any model in Trinidad and Tobago for similar tax measures. As it turns out, her country is completely free of any such measures.

“We have legislation that basically says all education services and tuition, they’re exempt from VAT. So I understand your situation, your private schools charge VAT, but (in Trinidad) pri-

The gathering at the seminar on Tuesday

dents and parents.

They stated that the system was so designed to be activated once the school’s annual income exceeded $15 million. VAT, thus, is not supposed to be an additional cost to the business, once done correctly.

“There is no distinction for VAT purposes. Once you are making over the $15 million threshold, regardless of how much students your teaching, you will be subject to VAT,” Carmichael said.

vate and public fall under what you call the Education Act and they’re all exempt.”

She also spoke about categorising the VAT as a tax deductible in order to not have to pass on the expense to consumers. According to the Tax Director, who is a member of the local and Trinidadian bars, at the end of the day, the consumer would bear the cost.

“If, in fact that institution that you’re talking about is a private institution

and must charge VAT, it will pass on the VAT to the consumers. The consumers will bear the cost. But the institution itself will be able to claim back all input VAT on its expenditure.”

Meanwhile, GCCI President Deodat Indar, in his opening remarks at the occasion, said the business community had taken stock of the various tax measures when they were first announced in the 2017 Budget.

He stated that while taxation has historically been used either to build up industries or stymie them, the VAT measures have serious ramifications for the various sectors in Guyana.

Defence

During an interview with the press last month, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had defended the tax measure. He had suggested that with regard to poorer students, the school and parents could work out some cost-sharing mechanism.

He was reported in the media as saying that the institution could later represent this to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as an expense that would be deducted against VATable income.

“Go the route of absorbing the VAT. They will just write it down as a tax deductible (and) it will become an expense, so it just reduces income that GRA can tax, it is a win-win for everybody.”

Minister Jordan had also suggested that these schools could follow the models of other institutions with re-

gard to VAT. He had identified GTT and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as examples of places which absorbed the VAT.

Protest

Tax Manager Saskia Carmichael

The issue of VAT on education has been a thorny one, prompting street protests outside the GRA and the Finance Ministry against the measure since it was implemented.

Government had said that VAT would be reviewed for the 2018 National Budget, for which prepara-

tions would commence in June.

Following that announcement by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, distraught and disappointed stakeholders stormed out of a recent consultation.

The concerned stakeholders are not satisfied with Government’s decision and have pledged their commitment to continue to oppose the education tax.

In fact, a protest is scheduled for today outside the Ministry of the Presidency.

8 news

wednesdAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Riding with hounds…

Y

…on SARA

ou don’t need flambeau to see in daylight. So those who could actually announce “SARA – a bold and vital instrument” after the Bill had been passed last Thursday night, had to have some defect in their eyes. Or maybe closed them as they strove mightily to ride with the hounds and run with the hares? After 50 years of “independence” can we still disjuncture means from ends and pretend that the former doesn’t inevitably colour – if not actually become – the latter??

Of course, we need laws and institutions to go after corruption and pilfering of State assets. But didn’t the SARA raid on the Enmore NDC – even before the Bill had been passed – suggest a portent of ominous things to come? When an administration aggressively challenges the Constitution – and its decades-old interpretation – to appoint a “fit and proper” GECOM Chair, can we accept its cavalier dismissal of the GHRA’s call for SARA’s Director and Deputy to be “ring fenced”?

Folks have given their lives so that the Executive shouldn’t traduce the rule of law to oppress the citizens of Guyana. So, do we need to be reminded that while some may believe the PPP Opposition are the scum of the earth, they’re still Guyanese? And that whatever law we’ve crafted – whether ad hominem or not – to “get them”, these can still be used against the rest of us? First, they came for the PPP….We have to look past our personal bitterness and look to the future of the Republic.

How can we pretend the Director isn’t a “creature” – as a past leader of the PNC once put it – of the Executive by having his appointment be approved by a “majority” of the Legislature – as opposed to being appointed by the Executive? Back in primary school, we learnt the theorem – “things equal to the same thing are equal to one another”. So, if the Executive all sit in the legislature – including the official rep of the President – isn’t separating them a distinction without a difference?

Who do you think you’re fooling, you sneaky thing!!??

The referendum in Turkey and its fiddling should alert us to the new wind that’s blowing like the old wind that ushered in a slew of authoritarian rulers like Burnham back in the seventies. As citizens who painfully emerged from authoritarian excesses, we have to develop a wellnigh reflexive rejection of its practices whenever they pop up.

The people placed in charge of SARA, the modus operandi adopted, and the powers conferred demand we take a stand.

To do otherwise is to court certain (democratic) death.

…no more

It was unfortunate because the Burnhamite dictatorship laid us so low, so many of us had to flee to foreign shores. Of course, we did better than back in Guyana! Every other place than Haiti was doing better than us. How could we not? But now that things are unravelling in some of those places, our Guyanese compatriots are between a rock and a hard place. This was highlighted recently by our new Ambassador to Venezuela – Ms Cheryl Miles.

Venezuela is now probably in as big a fix as we were during Burnham’s days. But your Eyewitness thought the Ambassador should’ve gone beyond merely pointing out some citizens are returning home. With the Venezuelans also coming on aggressively against us over the oil in our waters, it’s only a matter of time before Guyanese there will be targeted.

We need to have a policy in place to bring back our citizens and resettle them in their native Guyana. We are our brothers’ keepers!!

…or the wind

Prezzie said we’re the only people in the Caribbean who fly kites on Easter. In the spirit of historical accuracy and Caribbean solidarity – lest we be told “Go fly a kite!!” – we have to point out that so do the Bermudans.

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

news

9

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM chairmanship

7 persons shortlisted, 1 declines position …new list of nominees in weeks – Jagdeo

C

onsultations with potential candidates for the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are still ongoing, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has revealed.

Jagdeo did not confirm nor deny reports that a list has already been put together by civil society groups.

“It would be premature to confirm those are names I spoke to or to submit as part of the final group of six,” he said, while explaining that persons had called him to confirm the details.

A recent article published in another section of the media stated that the new nominees included: Retired Justices Claudette Singh and BS Roy; PPP Member of Parliament and GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shaddick; Attorneys Timothy Jonas and Kashir Khan and Annette ArjoonMartins.

The Opposition Leader told media operatives on

Thursday, during his weekly press conference, that from his list of nominees, one person had declined the offer to be placed on the new list. The list now has seven persons.

“I suspect that within a week or so, I would have completed the consultations…if I can’t go through process by the end of the week, then by Monday,” Jagdeo said.

Last year, Jagdeo had submitted his first list of nominees after extensive consultations with various stakeholders for the position of GECOM Chairman.

The names on the list were: Governance and Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh; Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram; businesswoman and former broadcast executive Rhyaan Shah; Retired Major General Norman Mc Lean; business executive Ramesh Dookhoo and History Professor James

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Headquarters

Rose.

However, in January 2017, President David Granger officially responded to the Leader of the Opposition, stating that the nominees submitted for consideration for the post were “unacceptable”.

Granger had justified his decision to refuse the list of nominees submitted by Jagdeo, stating that Guyana’s Constitution asserts that a current or sitting judge or someone eligible to be a judge in Guyana or the

Gastroenteritis cases rise at Kwakwani

T

here has been a reported increase in cases of gastroenteritis at Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Chairman of the Region's Health Committee and a doctor attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), Dr Gregory Harris has indicated.

He was at the time responding to questions posed

by Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who lead the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, on a visit to the medical institution recently. Dr Persaud had sought to enquire if there were issues as it related to access to medication at entities in the Region. Dr Harris responded that as it related to the recent issue of the increase in gastrointestinal cases in the community, access to relevant drugs has been made possi-

ble through Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Pansy Armstrong. As a result, he noted that there were no issues with accessing medication to treat those patients.

The Kwakwani and Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) at Wismar, Linden are associate centres of the LHC. The LHC is also responsible for the distribution of drugs to the institutions.

"Most recently, we have an increase of gastro in Kwakwani and what we did, we wrote the RHO and she gave us access to drugs," Dr

Harris noted.

Last October, there had been an increase in the number of children treated for diarrhoea and vomiting at the LHC, although officials at the medical institution had indicated that the numbers were not alarming.

The patients were from areas across the Linden community. Chairman of the Board of the medical institution, Mortimer Mingo had asserted, at the time, that the Hospital was equipped with the required drugs to treat such cases.

Commonwealth Caribbean is preferred to be appointed as Chairman of the electoral body.

But legal adviser and Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall, who also served in the capacity of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, explained that the Constitution clearly contemplated two categories of persons for the post: “Firstly, a High Court

judge or an Appellate Court judge, a former High Court or an Appellate Court judge or a person qualified to be a High Court or an Appellate Court judge. Secondly, or (disjunctive), any “fit and proper” person. However, from whichever category the persons come, they must be acceptable to the President,” Nandlall had said in a statement to the media shortly after the President’s announcement.

In this regard, he

had contended that the President’s rejection of the names on the grounds that the persons did not meet the constitutional requirements was “wholly untenable” and the PPP would explore its available options, including moving to the Courts to challenge the President’s decision. Granger, who is a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress, had accepted the nomination to serve as GECOM Chairman several years ago.

Both sides have been very vocal on the issue, with the President stating that what obtained in the past was a mistake and the right way was now being chartered, while the Opposition posited that Government could be looking to unilaterally appoint someone who would be beneficial to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, especially in the run-up to the 2020 elections.

10 news Herstelling man stabbed to death in rum shop brawl A wednesDAY, april 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

41-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday morning after he was badly beaten with a piece of wood during a rum shop brawl on Sunday.

Balwan Ramsarran, called “Fry”, a father of two, was allegedly the victim of a revenge attack.

The incident reportedly occurred around 17:30h as Ramsarran was consuming alcohol at a rum shop in the Herstelling Squatting Area.

He was approached by a well-known group of young men, who would usually taunt him whenever he was drunk. However, he refused to be bullied and as such, got into an argument with the group.

The dead man's sister related that one of the young men from the group left his friends arguing with the victim, but subsequently returned with a piece of wood.

Ramsarran was reportedly dealt several lashes

Dead: Balwan Ramsarran

across his head and body and left on the road to bleed.

Guyana Times was told that Ramsarran was approached by the assailant while outside of the shop.

The man reportedly approached the now deceased, but it was still unclear what was said between the two. The man proceeded to dealt Ramsarran several blows about his body.

The perpetrator, known as Kishan, reportedly

dropped the piece of wood and made good his escape.

Ramsarran fell to the ground in an unconscious state, but was later picked up and rushed to the Diamond Hospital by his teenage daughter, who was called to the scene.

As a result of the seriousness of his injuries, he was later transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to his relative, Devnan Winters, the now dead man never regained consciousness.

Winters said after speaking with the rum shop owner who witnessed what transpired, he was told that the assailant just went to the premises, approached Ramsarran and started to beat him with the piece of wood.

“She told me that before she could even react, the man did what he had to do and he escaped,” he stated.

Winters added that it seemed as if Ramsarran and Kishan had some old grievance which the family

did not know about.

The sister of the deceased, Parbattie Ramsarran said after her brother was transferred to Georgetown Hospital, they were told by doctors that he was declared brain dead as a result of his injuries.

She added that after inspecting her brother, she noticed that he received injuries to his head, to his temple, his stomach and his neck. He was also said to be profusely bleeding from his nose and mouth.

The grieving woman told this publication that when she first saw her brother, she was shocked to see his condition.

“When I saw him, I started to scream because all over his body was bandaged up and he had tubes all over, so I started to holler down.”

The family of Ramsarran is calling for justice as the assailant is known to be a troublemaker in the area.

The Police have since launched a manhunt to capture the perpetrator.

Suspect cleared of Laing Lethem man stabbed to death Avenue execution charged

A

31-year-old security guard attached to the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Lethem branch is now dead after he was stabbed in North Rupununi in the wee hours of Tuesday.

This is according to Police F Division (Interior Locations) Commander Rabindranauth Budhram.

Based on reports received, the now dead man, Hemchand Persaud of Lethem, had been imbibing on Easter Monday with

friends and family, and was walking along the main access road in North Rupununi with two females around 01:55h when the incident occurred.

Reports are that Persaud was attacked and stabbed once to his abdomen by a lone perpetrator. The suspect then fled the scene using a motorcycle.

The injured man was taken to a medical facility where he later succumbed.

Investigations are continuing.

for armed robbery

J

ust over two weeks after he was cleared of the Laing Avenue murder of Orin David, Negus Lamaizon once again found himself before the courts and was remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate for four counts of armed robbery.

Lamaizon and Kurt Taylor were jointly charged with robbing four persons at gunpoint when they crashed a farewell party on Regent Road, Georgetown, on April

10, 2017.

The particulars of the charge stipulate that the two men, in the company of others while armed with a gun, robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Adidre Liverpool of gold jewellery valued $220,000 and relieved Robin Tibruce of a cellular phone and jewellery, valued $349,000.

Two other VCs, Lester Andrews and Quacy Waldron were robbed respectively of one Samsung smartphone valued $160,000 and of one Blu cellphone valued $30,000, on the same day at the said location.

The bail application made by defence counsel Adrian

Flying high S

atiricus and the fellas were exhausted. They were literally sprawled at the back of the Back Street Bar guzzling their beer between long breaths taken very carefully to make sure they didn’t choke. It was late in the afternoon of Easter Monday and they had done their duty by their families to get their kites up, up and away!! No beers had been allowed -- only Kool-Aid to wash down the baskets of “aloo ball”, boiled channa and cheese sandwiches the wives had served up.

“Budday! Me t’ink me get too ole fuh dis kite flyin’,” groaned Bungi.

“Well, I told you the tail on your son’s kite was too heavy, but you didn’t want to listen!” pointed out Satiricus.

“So, what’s your excuse, Sato?” asked Hari slyly. “Your daughter’s kite was plunging like a Kamikaze Pilot on steroids!!”

“That was the plan,” smiled Satiricus as he took a swig.

“You see many kites she brought down?”

“Yes…including my son’s,” said Hari sourly. “It’s a good thing he didn’t catch her’s with his razor-blade tail!!”

“OK…OK…Sato. Na ansa da,” interrupted Bungi. “Tell abee wha’ happen to yuh leada Nagga Man Thursday night.”

“What you talking about?” asked Satiricus truculently.

“How come Nagga Man na get fuh talk ‘bout de SORO Bill?” Bungi wanted to know.

“He didn’t want to,” answered Satiricus rather sharply.

“I thought Trot Man cut off the debate,” observed Hari mildly. “Wasn’t that Nagga Man’s job?”

“That wasn’t it,” insisted Satiricus. “Nagga Man doesn’t give much importance to being the Prime Moocher.”

“Really?” asked Bungi sceptically. “Suh how come ‘e always wan’ fuh talk afta Jagdesh?”

“Oh!!” exclaimed Hari. “Is that why Nagga Man didn’t mind being cut off? Because Jagdesh wasn’t in the Assembly?”

“Nah!” insisted Satiricus. “Wasn’t that.”

“So what was it?” persisted Hari. “This is Easter Monday, you know!”

“He and Rum Jhaat wanted to get in as many free drinks in the MP Dining Room as they could,” confessed Satiricus.

Thompson was rejected by the Magistrate after she failed to find special grounds on which to grant same.

Lamaizon and Taylor are expected to return to court on May 8, 2017.

The murder charge against Lamaizon and Samuel McIntyre were dismissed by city Magistrate Dylan Bess on March 30, after the prosecution failed to establish a pri-

ma facie case against the two in order that they may stand trial at the High Court. This was largely owing to insufficient evidence and the failure of the 13 witnesses to positively identify the accused men as the persons who shot the deceased.

Two other suspects in the shooting are currently undergoing a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) before the courts.

news

11

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo cocaine bust

Region 1 man Wakenaam poultry farmer killed by Police remanded to prison

A

San Souci, Wakenaam resident was on Tuesday remanded to prison for trafficking of narcotics.

Andrew Kenneth, 30, made his first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate's Court.

Dressed in a white long-sleeve shirt and grey pants, the father of three denied the charge.

The prosecution contended that on April 13 during a Police raid at Aurora, Kenneth was found in possession of five kilograms of cocaine.

His Attorney, James Bond, in a bail application, told the court that Kenneth was a Community Development Officer (CDC) in the North West District and also a poultry farmer.

In establishing special reasons for bail, Bond said his client was one of three occupants in a hire car in which the drug was found.

He said his client was not the owner of the vehicle nor the driver at the time the substance was found.

The lawyer told the court that the drug was found in the handle of the car.

However, Police Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack objected to bail on the grounds that there were no special reasons put forward to the court.

He said Kenneth signed the cautious statement admitting that the substance was his and that he found it in the Shell Beach area in Region One (BarimaWaini).

According to the Prosecutor, the suitcase

in which the substance was found belonged to Kenneth, who admitted to this fact also in his caution statement. The suitcase, the Prosecutor stated, also had clothing belonging to the poultry farmer.

In response, the defence lawyer said that his client was forced by Police to sign the statement. Bail was refused by Magistrate Scarce on grounds that there was no special reason put forward to the court. Kenneth will return to court on May 18.

– pointed loaded firearm at cop

A

Yarakita, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) man was on Tuesday shot dead by a Police Constable.

Dead is Shaka Bourne.

Reports are the now dead man pointed a loaded firearm at the Police Constable, who was responding to calls made by residents of threats being made.

Guyana Times understands that the Constable, who was armed with a service revolver, responded about 19:45h.

This publication was told that the Policeman went to Bourne’s home at Yarakita Village, and upon noticing the cop, the suspect immediately drew a loaded unlicensed revolver, threatening to shoot the Constable.

According to a state-

ment from the Guyana Police Force, the Policeman “instinctively discharged a round from his service revolver hitting him in the head”.

After being shot, the man was disarmed by the Constable, picked up and rushed to Mabaruma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is presently at the Hospital’s Mortuary

awaiting a post-mortem examination. The Police have since recovered a .38 revolver that was loaded with five rounds. Both the dead man’s weapon and the Constable’s service weapon were lodged at the Police Station. An investigation has reportedly been launched into the incident

by Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram.

12 NEWS

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fatal accident of Courts manager in Essequibo

Fugitive driver caught, but escaped Police custody – with cuffs still on

A

fter months of hunting for the fugitive driver involved in the fatal accident of former Courts Manager

Chandanie Dass, Police on the Essequibo Coast last week managed to apprehend the now 21-year-old driver, Nicklous Singh.

Acting on a tip-off, Police ranks nabbed the suspect at his parents’ home in Annandale Village, Essequibo Coast.

He was arrested by ranks attached to Police G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands), and handcuffed. However, he escaped from custody with the handcuffs still on and is once again on the run.

This newspaper understands that Singh was in Police custody earlier in November 2015, and was granted $150,000 bail. He signed a document to return to court, but was a no-show on November 18, 2015 at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The then Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue asked for an arrest warrant to be issued for the defendant, after he repeatedly failed to attend court. The case had been adjourned on numerous occasions on account of the suspect’s absence. The particulars of the offence stated that on Saturday, August 2, 2014, on the Annandale Public Road, Essequibo Coast, the accused drove motor vehicle PRR 9027 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Chandanie Dass.

The question that now remains is if the parents of Singh should be charged for harbouring an individual wanted by the Police.

Justice

Dass, a 32-year-old manager of Courts Essequibo

Dead: Chandanie Dass

Branch, lost her life tragically after the vehicle collision on August 2, 2014 caused by the allegedly drunk and unlicensed Singh.

Dass was driving motor car PSS 3067 south on the Annandale Public Road when the vehicle driven by Singh (PRR 9027) slammed into her. She was returning from a wedding reception, along with her cousin, Ponnai Dass. Both women were pinned in the wreckage after the accident.

They were pulled out and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital by residents of the community.

Dass, who sustained extensive spinal and other injuries, succumbed on August 4, 2014 after she was airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. She was described as a very hardworking and determined young

woman. The father of the deceased, Dhanraj Dass, said he would like to see justice done in his daughter's case. Ponnai Dass survived the accident, but still cannot come to grips with the entire situation. Other persons who were injured in the accident were Kevin Kumar, Shane Kumar, Linden Marks, Krishna Ramsamooj and Anthony Hanes.

Although the accident happened in 2014, Singh was not officially charged for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. The file was, however, sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice, which has since been given. The matter was called on November 18, 2015 where Singh was officially charged in absentia (he was absent from the hearing).

Singh had made his first appearance in the case on August 18, 2015 at the Charity Magistrate Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, charged for being an unlicensed driver and for breach of insurance. He was fined $30,000 for being an unlicensed driver after he pleaded guilty. For the offence of breach of insurance, the penalty imposed was an order for him to be disqualified from obtaining a driver's licence for six months.

(Indrawattie Natram)

news

13

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Jamaican woman now world’s oldest person

E

ven after living 117 years, Jamaican Violet Mosse Brown is as fit as a horse, witty, humble and still hardworking.

Not once in her quiet life did she imagine landing in the world’s history books as the oldest woman, but she is overjoyed at having done so.

“I feel good, I feel happy to be the oldest person (in the world),” Mosse Brown, affectionately called Aunt V, told the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

Mosse Brown, who was born on March 10, 1900, entered the pages of history as the oldest person on Earth last Saturday, after the passing of the previous oldest, Italian Emma Morano, who was born on November 29, 1899.

“I did not feel I would become the oldest person. I feel I would pass long ago. Thank God for whatever He has given to me,” declared Mosse Brown, who remarkably suffers from no ailment.

Longevity seemingly runs in her genes. According to the Jamaica Observer, both her parents lived to 96 years old and her oldest son, Harold Fairweather, turned 97 on Saturday.

Mosse Brown jokes that she is healthier than Harold and her other four children.

“I had six children; one died, five alive, but them all sick. Them sick more than me,” she said with a laugh.

The supercentenarian, who still eats everything except chicken and pork, credits her long life

Violet Mosse Brown, the oldest woman alive, has no illnesses (Photo credit: Jamaica Gleaner)

to her deep faith in God and hard work.

She worked as a cane farmer and also operated the only bread

shop in her community. Mosse Brown was also a music teacher and seamstress.

Her hard work was undergird-

ed by her deep faith in God. At 13, she was baptised as a member of the Baptist church, serving in virtually every capacity.

“I spent all my time in the church – from a child right up,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jamaicans have been celebrating Mosse Brown’s achievement.

She has emerged a star in her Duanvale community, just a stone’s throw away from the hometown of track legend Usain Bolt.

“Trust me, we feel proud. That lady is great. She is good. She mek wi feel proud in the district as the oldest person in the world come from Duanvale here,” resident Renford Weir told the Jamaica Observer. (Caribbean360.com)

Marginalised groups anticipating referendum on LGBT rights

F

ollowing a commitment made by the Granger Administration, marginalised groups in Guyana are anticipating a referendum on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights locally.

Responding to a petition submitted to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on the matter of human rights violations against young persons in Guyana, the coalition Administration pledged to work to address issues of discrimination against marginalised groups.

In its documented response, seen by Guyana Times, the Government said the issue of repealing

of laws that criminalise homosexuality was brought to the attention of the legislative arm of Government on several occasions and it was deemed unfit for the legislature to decide on the matter.

As such, the Government said it was recommended that the matter be taken to a vote, where the people of Guyana will decide by a referendum these matters.

“His Excellency, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier Ret’d David Granger has contended and signalled his support for the reformation of the laws with respect to the LGBTI [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex] community.

With this Executive support, efforts will be made to advance the cause and strengthen the implementation, enforcement and the system of the protection of every Guyanese citizen, including the LGBTI community,” the document outlined.

In relation to the issue of access to employment, Government maintained that no person should be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation since everyone has a right to work, pension and gratuity.

“Article 149A of the Constitution promotes equal employment opportunity to all by advocating the right to work.

Article 149A states that “No person shall be hindered in the employment of his or her right, that is to say, the right to free choice of employment”,” the Administration cited in its response.

The Government said it has one position on the cross-cutting principles of discrimination towards members of the LGBTI community, whereas, its policymakers believe the principle of universality admits no exception.

“Human rights truly are the birth rights of all human beings. As such, we are committed to implementing the rule of law,” Government emphasised in the report.

The A Partnership for

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration reminded that such commitments were also made in its elections manifesto.

“As indicated in the manifesto, we are committed to putting in place measures which will ensure that all vulnerable groups in our society, including women, children, persons with disabilities, rural and Indigenous women, youth, the elderly and the sick and pregnant and those marginalised because of sexual orientation, are protected and are not discriminated against,” Government stated.

A delegation from the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) attended a themat-

ic hearing of the IACHR in March in Washington, DC, to present on the human rights situation affecting young persons in Guyana.

The GEF delegation presented on rights abuses against young persons in Guyana, primarily on the lack of implementation of policies and laws that would develop youth in Guyana, protect young people’s rights and citizen security in the State, with emphasis on the deficiencies of Guyana’s new National Youth Policy in addressing these rights abuses against young people. Government’s report was in response to the presentation made by the GEF delegation.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, april 19, 2017

News

Berbice teen dies after slamming into utility pole …following drinking spree

A

West Berbice farmer is now dead after he and a neighbour crashed into a utility pole

following an Easter Monday drinking spree.

Dead is 16-year-old Dave Kumar Williams of Bath

Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), who was the pillion rider of the motorcycle that crashed.

The rider, Leon Norton, 21, also of Bath Settlement, was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital in crit-

Dead: Dave Kumar Williams

Injured: Leon Norton

ical condition and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

In a statement, Police said that about 05:30h on Tuesday Williams died while receiving treatment at the New Amsterdam Hospital, after the motorcycle he was being towed on crashed into a utility pole about 00:45h at Cotton Tree Public Road, WCB. According to the Police, investigations revealed that motorcycle CF 9832, ridden by Norton, was proceeding north allegedly at a fast pace when he lost control and crashed into the utility pole on the western side of the road. They were picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where, while being treated and prepared to be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, Williams succumbed.

The dead man’s cous-

in, Natram Sukdeo, told Guyana Times that he and Norton were neighbours and on Easter Monday morning, the two went into the village using Norton’s motorbike.

Sukdeo related that later in the day, Williams asked him for money and claimed that they were going to Williams’s sister in the next village. According to Sukdeo, he instructed them to leave the bike and walk, but they promised to be back shortly.

However, the two went on a drinking spree and ended up at Rosignol village, some 10 miles away, where they visited several bars.

About 00:30h on Tuesday, they left for home, but less than a mile after they started the journey, Norton, in trying to navigate a turn, lost control and ran into the utility pole.

Police are still investigating the incident. (Andrew Carmichael)

Cocaine in shrimp case dismissed

T

he 51-year-old fish trader of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD) who was before the courts on charges of cocaine possession had the charge dismissed at the Leonara Magistrate’s Court.

Mohammed Ali, called “Phanta”, a father of three, was accused of being in possession of 51.626 kilos of cocaine on May 10, 2015 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, for the purpose of trafficking.

The State’s case stated that on May 10, 2015, one of Ali’s employees transported the illegal substance to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) concealed in 40 boxes of frozen shrimp.

It was alleged that while

the employee at the Airport, Ali made contact with him and ordered that he cancel the arrangement and return with the boxes. This, however, roused the suspicions of ranks of the narcotics branch of the Police Force. The ranks searched the boxes and the cocaine was found. The drug was intended to be loaded on to a Caribbean Airlines flight.

Ali was then contacted, told of the offence, and later charged.

However, on Tuesday at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the elements of possession. Ali was represented by Attorney Bernard DaSilva.

wednesDAY, april 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

Investigation launched into Ruimveldt teen charged for attempt to smuggle river degradation in Region 7 marijuana into prison T A

he Natural Resources Ministry has ordered an investigation into reports of river degradation from gold mining in Paruni and Mazaruni, both villages in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

It was a report compiled by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) regarding environmental degradation owing to gold mining activities that prompted the action, the Ministry said on Tuesday.

“We can confirm that the Minister of Natural Resources has ordered a team comprising officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry’s Compliance Division be dispatched into the affected areas in Puruni and Mazaruni in a matter of days, with a view to ascertaining the severity of the impact and the accuracy of the reports and putting in place urgent corrective measures,” the Natural Resources Ministry said in a statement.

As part of its 2017 programme, the Ministry has made the issue of compliance in all natural resources operations a high priority, noting that the Compliance Division, which was created in 2016, is now being staffed. This notwithstanding, the Compliance Division has already been integral in a number of recent compliance enforcement campaigns in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which have resulted in the shutting down of a number of mining operations, including river mining, owing to environmental infringements, the Ministry noted.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman is said to have tasked the Compliance Division to work with other relevant stakeholders and agencies

As part of its 2017 programme, the Ministry has made the issue of compliance in all natural resources operations a high priority

on a rapid assessment of the situation in order to formulate long-term remedial policy adjustments. This action, the Ministry said, is in addition to the plans Government has for encouraging and enforcing compliance with relevant laws and regulations and for technical interventions, including the use of dredge tracking technology and drones.

“At the inception meeting of the new Board of Directors of the GGMC on Thursday, April 13, 2017, Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Raphael GC Trotman, MP, charged the members of the Board to focus on Environmental Management with sensitisation in the first instance and more proactive initiatives for monitoring of water quality,” the Ministry related.

It said Government recognised that mining has been for decades, and would continue to be, one of the mainstays of Guyana’s economy, and it would not shirk its responsibility to ensure that it was done in a manner that respected the environment. The statement said that as a nation, Guyana’s efforts have not been as effective as required; especially in the area where mining effluents from both within Venezuela and Guyana combine to af-

Miner jailed for ganja trafficking A gold miner was on Tuesday morning slapped with a threeyear jail sentence, and ordered to pay a whopping fine of $3.2 million by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Eon Simpson pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that on April 13, 2017 at Itaballi Police Checkpoint (Region Seven – CuyuniMazaruni), he had in his possession of one kilogram of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The unrepresented man

readily admitted to the offence, explaining that he was driven to traffic the illicit drug owing to the financial situation of his family.

He said he had a oneyear-old son with his fiancée, who was currently four months pregnant.

According to the prosecution, Simpson’s vehicle was stopped and searched as per routine at the checkpoint and the substance was found in a black plastic bag amid his luggage. He was then transported to the Bartica Police Station, where he was charged with the offence.

fect our rivers.

“The Ministry is, therefore, appreciative of the vigilance of agencies such as the GHRA, and we commit to holding environmental stewardship in high regard as outlined in the Ministry’s Mission Statement: ‘To

develop, implement and oversee policies for the responsible exploration, development and utilisation of natural resources whilst ensuring the protection and conservation of the environment and advancing the green economy’.”

remorseful teenager of River View, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is now incarcerated following a failed attempt to smuggle some 264 grams of cannabis into the Camp Street Penitentiary.

The charge stated that 18-year-old Travis Farley on April 14, 2017, at the local correctional facility was in possession of the said narcotics.

Defence lawyer Adrian Thompson argued “no knowledge” on behalf of his client, contending that one could not be in possession of something he did not know about, further explaining that the teen was given a package to deliv-

er to the prison and could not have been reasonably expected to be aware of its contents.

According to Police, the narcotic was discovered in a baby powder bottle among several other articles during a thorough search conducted by the Chief Prison Officer.

The court heard that the prosecution’s file was still incomplete owing to an outstanding analyst report. Bail was denied

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to the shock of the accused’s mother who uncontrollably broke down in the courtroom. The matter will continue on May 15, 2017 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

16 News

wednesDAY, april 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Little confidence that SARA is designed to prevent abuse of State assets

I

n principle, the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) is a positive development.

Anytime, we have a mechanism in place to preserve, protect and recover State assets, it has to be viewed as a good thing.

Of course, abuse and theft of State assets is a crime and there are laws that prevent such abuse and theft. But if making it easier to preserve and recover State assets is the motivation to establish a special agency, then national Dr Leslie Ramsammy support should be a major priority for the Government and the Opposition.

For one, it is imperative that SARA be implemented in an environment of trust. There are examples of such specialised agencies in many countries where recovery of State assets is just an excuse for Governments to pursue political intimidation and vindictiveness against their opponents. The Agency, far from operating to protect and preserve State assets, becomes a "creature" for the Government to harass, humiliate and prosecute existing and potential political opponents.

In Guyana's case, such a concern was expressed by the Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) in and out of Parliament. The PPP is not singular in its trepidation about the SARA Bill. Concerns have also emanated from the Private Sector Commission and the Guyana Human Rights Association. The independent political commentator, Ralph Ramkarran, a former Speaker of the National Assembly and a person who has become an unofficial spokesperson for independents in Guyana, while conceding that an agency that is designed to recover State assets is a good idea, expressed the need for national support. He argues that it is incumbent on the Government of the day to create an enabling environment for national support. These concerns have largely been ignored by A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) which has railroaded legislation to establish SARA. The suspicion that APNU/AFC is motivated by sinister intentions in creating a State agency to preserve and recover State assets was intensified when the SARA Bill was passed by the Parliament of Guyana last Thursday without a full debate.

It was passed after APNU/AFC used its one-seat majority to shut down debate on the Bill. Embarrassed and cringing from the Opposition's effectiveness in exposing the weaknesses inherent in the legislation and the plausible case the PPP made that the legislation is more designed as an instrument for political victimisation and vindictiveness, APNU/AFC obscenely aborted the debate. The speakers from the PPP who did get a chance to speak clearly made APNU/AFC uncomfortable as they exposed the real motivation – creating a legal instrument for the Government to pursue political intimidation. Rather than provide answers, APNU/AFC decided to shut down the debate, preventing several speakers from the Opposition speaking.

Further, APNU/AFC missed an opportunity to garner support and inspire confidence by not agreeing to send the SARA Bill to a Special Select Committee. The long and extensive Bill is one of the more consequential Bills presented in the 11th Parliament so far and would have benefited from consideration in a Special Select Committee. It would have provided an opportunity for public contributions and hearings. APNU/AFC's rejection of this approach in Parliament germinates the suspicion that APNU/ AFC is seeking another political instrument to carry out political vendetta. Incidentally, the 11th Parliament rarely uses the Special Select Committee anymore, even though the 6th to the 10th Parliaments made extensive use of Special Select Committees in the consideration of Bills.

APNU/AFC insists that no one should worry since the Bill will also apply to APNU/AFC. The problem is it is APNU/AFC which is presently abusing the powers of Government to intimidate and harass its opponents. It has used SARU – the State Assets Recovery Unit, in the Ministry of the Presidency, as a State tentacle for "thuggish" behaviour and making wild, reckless statements that show political biasness. APNU/AFC has used the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), another State entity, which was supposed to be dedicated to thwarting money laundering, to intimidate and humiliate political opponents. These entities have been used as political "creatures" to spread fear as they intimidate citizens with no and little credible evidence. They operate by condemning people as guilty even before any evidence and even before any charges have been laid.

In such an environment, trust and confidence that such an agency will be used legally to preserve and recover State assets is low to non-existent. This is even more pronounced when one considers that the people in control of SARA will be people appointed by APNU/AFC. There is no provision made to ensure that people appointed to SARA will be people with broad support, since all appointments will be made by APNU/AFC. It is such arbitrariness that leads to vulgar actions like the seizure of assets belonging to the Enmore NDC, the arrest of a businessman and illegal excursions to spy on people's bank accounts.

news

17

wednesDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana celebrates International Day of Monuments, Sites

G

uyana joined a number of countries around the world in the celebration of International Day of Monuments and Sites as the National Trust of Guyana partnered with the Education and Business Ministries to host a commemorative exhibition on Tuesday.

The event at the Guyana National Museum’s Garden was in keeping with the annual effort to recognise and raise awareness for the conservation and protection of the cultural and historic heritage of Guyana.

On April 18, 1982, the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) hosted a symposium, which gave birth to the establishment of a specific day to celebrate monuments around the world. However, it was not until the following year that the UNESCO General Council approved the recommendation, officially instituting April 18 as the International Day of Monuments and Sites. This move was taken to encourage local communities and individuals throughout the world to consider the importance of cultural heritage in their lives, identities and communities and to promote awareness of its diversity and vulnerability, thus giving rise to efforts of protection and conservation. Many

A section of the exhibition at the Guyana National Museum’s Garden

countries, including Guyana, have since used this day to celebrate the world’s cultural heritage, while highlighting their own monuments and sites.

For a number of years, Guyana has joined in the international effort by hosting a day-long exhibition at the Guyana National Museum’s Garden, which is in itself a historical site, formerly housing the Lily Pond.

On display were aspects of Guyanese heritage, both cultural and natural, which included tangible and intangible historical relics and items from various museums across Guyana. Abandoned forts, historical replicas and elements of language and folklore were among some of the aspects of Guyanese heri-

tage that were highlighted at the showcase.

Present at the exhibition was the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Trust, Nirvana Persaud, who told Guyana Times, “I think it’s quite an interesting display, because there is so much here (at the exhibition) to take it.”

She explained that adding to the commemoration of the international day, “the idea is that we raise awareness for protection and perseveration of our monuments and cultural heritage”.

Persaud went on to say that “over the years, we (the Guyana National Trust) have been working towards ensuring that our heritage is safeguarded, but, more particularly, that people are

sensitised and aware of it.”

She noted that the National Trust has been actively involved in the rehabilitation and restoration of several historical monuments, sites and landmarks throughout the country, such as the ongoing restoration work being done on the St George’s Cathedral. Other initiatives are in the pipeline, including an ongoing collaboration with the European Union for enhancements to City Hall and other undertakings which will see the development of historical forts and monuments as well as the installation of signs to raise awareness of the significance of these sites.

Through these efforts of the national heritage body, Guyana has been recognised in the past year for the strides made towards the preservation of heritage, earning the country a gold medal as the South American frontrunner in this regard.

The exhibition in commemoration of International Day of Monuments and Sites is hosted annually as part of the partnership between the Trust and the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture. However, this year, the Tourism Department of the Business Ministry joined in the initiative in accordance with the theme, “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism”.

163,000 ounces of gold declared – for 1st quarter 2017

T

he Natural Resources Ministry could be moving along its projected path to see an overall gold declaration of 700,000 ounces this year, as already some 163,000 ounces has been declared for the first quarter.

This is according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who, speaking recently in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) about the works of his Ministry, revealed that 163,000 ounces of gold has been declared for the first quarter of 2017.

According to Trotman, the 2017 budget has set the target of 694,000 ounces of gold, but the Ministry is aiming for 700,000 ounces.

Last year’s unprecedented declaration earned the country US$730,915,229.

The country recorded the highest gold declaration with 713,000 ounces.

Small and medium-scale miners accounted for some 70 per cent, while Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources, large gold-mining operations, contributed the remainder.

The Guyana Gold Board recorded 451,490 ounces of gold in 2015, surpassing

the 380,000 ounces targeted.

In December last year, Trotman said his Ministry would be aiming for 700,000 ounces in gold declarations for this year. He said the Government was looking forward to all miners producing and declaring high numbers in 2017, and pledged to continue to support the industry.

According to him, back in 2016, the Finance Ministry had projected a gold declaration target of 550,000 ounces, an increase of 21.8 per cent over the previous year’s target.

However, the Ministry, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), privately worked towards a different target, which was 650,000 ounces.

“As announced in the National Assembly recently, we surpassed that target. Today, I am ecstatic to announce that declarations stand at an unprecedented and whopping 690,000, the highest gold declaration figure in any calendar year in the history of gold mining in Guyana,” Minister Trotman declared.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, April 19, 2017

ARCHIE

If you want to make a change, look inward. Self(March 21- improvement will bring the April 19) highest returns and keep you out of trouble. Use common sense and set realistic personal goals.

ARIES

Try something different. Let

TAURUS your creative imagination take (April 20- control and help you discover May 20) attributes you didn’t know you

dilbert

had. Observation will help you ward off unpredictable individuals and situations.

Offer only what you can GEMINI and refuse to give in to some(May 21one trying to coerce you into June 20) helping or paying for things that aren’t your responsibility. Focus on personal improvements.

Joint ventures are probably best avoided. Stay away (June 21- from anyone promising you July 22) the world with little to back his or her words. A loss is likely if you mix money and emotions.

CANCER

Peanuts

Business partnerships or LEO working alongside a colleague (July 23who doesn’t agree with you Aug. 22) will be difficult if you don’t set guidelines and make suggestions that promote compromise on both sides.

Calvin and Hobbes

Emotional matters will VIRGO escalate if you aren’t careful (Aug. 23Sept. 22) what you say or how you treat someone you deal with daily.

Show greater sensitivity toward your peers, friends and family.

Sensitive issues will be LIBRA difficult to broach. Think care(Sept. 23fully before you say something Oct. 23) that may offend someone.

Less is more when it comes to emotional matters. Offer love, not discord.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

An emotional situation SCORPIO is best handled cautiously.

(Oct. 24Saying the wrong thing will Nov. 22) hurt your reputation, status or chance to get ahead. Listen rather than react.

Look for new opportunities SAGITTARIUS at networking functions or (Nov. 23- by reconnecting with former Dec. 21) co-workers. A change will do you good. Start with personal improvements.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Emotional matters will CAPRICORN escalate if you take on some(Dec. 22one who doesn’t share your Jan. 19) beliefs or opinions. Having an open mind is good, but don’t give in to manipulative tactics.

Emotions will spring up AQUARIUS out of the blue and could re(Jan. 20sult in a costly error if you arFeb. 19) en’t careful. Stay focused on what is doable, not on the impossible. Be smart and gather information.

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

Personal partnerships PISCES (Feb. 20- should be handled with care.

March 20) Go out of your way to accommodate someone in need or a cause you want to help. Your dedicated service will help you advance.

wednesDAY, aPRIL 19, 2017

Gayle force

Les Harris Teachers T20…

Jamaica, Trinidad record convincing opening wins

tames Lions

‒ passes 10,000 T20 runs on the way

R

oyal Challengers Bangalore put the brakes on their three-match losing streak after they defeated the Gujarat Lions by 21 runs in Match 20 of VIVO IPL 2017. Asked to bat first, RCB were powered by a century partnership between Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli to 213-2 – the highest total of the season. In the second half, the RCB bowlers defended the score by restricting the home side to 192-7.

Virat Kohli set the tone for RCB as he collected four boundaries off Dhawal Kulkarni and one off Basil Thampi in the first three overs. In the fourth over, Gayle collected a single off Basil Thampi to become the first batsman to score 10000 runs in T20 cricket.

With the burden of an impending milestone off his shoulder, the Jamaican opened up.

The first ball after he h a d reached the milestone, the left-hander deposited a Thampi delivery into the stands behind the long-off boundary. There were a couple of quiet overs then as RCB reached 45-0 at the end of six overs.

Ravindra Jadeja was introduced into the attack in the eighth over, and Gayle tore into the spinner, collecting back-tob a c k boundaries a n d consecutive sixes.

The l e f t- h a n d e r should have been dismissed in that over when he miscued a wide delivery and Brendon

McCullum took a stunning onehanded catch at long off; but after taking the catch,when McCullum tumbled over, the brim of his hat Brendon McCullum

19

brushed the boundary cushion and it was ruled as a six.

Gayle brought up his halfcentury in the tenth over when he deposited Shivil Kaushik into the stands; the Jamaican got to the milestone off 23 balls. In the following over, he hit Dwayne Smith for two sixes – in the process bringing up the century opening stand.

The RCB openers were separated in the 13th over when Basil Thampi, bowling from round the stumps, landed a full delivery which Gayle missed while attempting to work through the leg side and was trapped LBW; the left-hander, who had struck five fours and seven sixes, made 77 from 38 balls.

Virat Kohli, who set the ball rolling, settled into playing second fiddle once Gayle took over. The RCB skipper played some exquisite strokes on both sides of the wicket and brought up his second half-century of the season; he made 64 from 50 balls, which included seven fours and a six before he hit Kulkarni down the throat of Dwayne Smith in the sixteenth over.

Cameos from Travis Head (30* from 16 balls) and Kedar Jadhav (38* from 16 balls), who added 54 runs in 4.1 overs, took RCB past the 200-run mark and eventually to 213-2 – the highest total of VIVO IPL 2017.

After learning that change of pace deliveries were hard to get score off, RCB handed the new ball to Pawan Negi and Yuzvendra Chahal. That move reaped rewards early on as

Chahal picked up the wickets of Dwayne Smith and Suresh Raina in his first two overs and reduced the hosts to 37-2.

Not affected by the loss of wickets at the other end, Brendon McCullum slayed the RCB bowlers. The Kiwi batsman celebrated the 10th anniversary of the magnificent 158* he scored on the opening night of the Indian Premier League with a strokefilled half-century; he reached fifty in style, depositing Negi into the stands behind squareleg. McCullum was briefly supported by the returning Aaron Finch, asthe third

J

amaica and Trinidad and Tobago started their campaign in the Les Harris Teachers T20 Cricket Tournament positively with comprehensive victories against Guyana and Bahamas respectively at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) here in Georgetown on Tuesday.

The lads from The Land of Wood and Water were too good for the players coming out of the Land of Many Waters thus recorded a comfortable 83 run victory while Trinidad and Tobago defeated Bahamas by 95 runs on a hot day in the capital City.

Chris Gayle Gavaskar Malachi

wicket pair added 66 runs before the latter was beaten in the air by Pawan Negi and stumped. Lions 103-3 in 9.4 overs.

McCullum carried on to make 72 before he became Chahal’s third victim in the bowler’s final over; the Lions opener had struck two boundaries and seven sixes during his 44-ball stay at the crease.

Despite Ishan Kishan’s late heroics – the teenager smashed 39 from 16 balls, the Gujarat Lions could only reach 192-7.

The RCB bowlers were brilliant on the night. Negi wasn’t afraid to toss the ball up, extracted turn off the surface, and finished with figures of 1-21. Chahal’s three big scalps included Dwayne Smith, Raina and McCullum; the leg-spinner finished with figures of 3-31. (IPLT20)

SCOREBOARD

Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (20 overs maximum) CH Gayle lbw b Basil Thampi 77 V Kohli*c Smith b Kulkarni 64 TM Head not out 30 KM Jadhav† not out 38 Extras (lb-1, w-3) 4 Total (2 wickets; 20 overs) 213 (10.65 runs per over) Did not bat SR Watson, Mandeep Singh, STR Binny, P Negi, AF Milne, S Aravind, YS Chahal Fall of wickets 1-122 (Gayle, 12.4 ov), 2-159 (Kohli, 15.5 ov) Bowling DS Kulkarni 4-0-371 (w-1), Basil Thampi 4-0-311, AJ Tye 4-0-34-0, RA Jadeja 4-0-57-0, S Kaushik 3-0-36-0 (w-1), DR Smith 1-0-17-0 (w-1) Gujarat Lions innings (target: 214 runs from 20 overs) DR Smith c Mandeep Singh b 1 Chahal

BB McCullum c Milne b Chahal 72 SK Raina* c Watson b Chahal23 AJ Finch st †Jadhav b Negi 19 KD Karthik† c Kohli b Aravind 1 RA Jadeja run out (Negi/†Jadhav) 23 Ishan Kishan c Chahal b Milne 39 6 AJ Tye not out Basil Thampi not out 0 Extras (lb-2, w-6) 8 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 192 Did not bat DS Kulkarni, S Kaushik Fall of wickets 1-1 (Smith, 1.2 ov), 2-37 (Raina, 3.6 ov), 3-103 (Finch, 9.4 ov), 4-106 (Karthik, 10.6 ov), 5-137 (McCullum, 14.4 ov), 6-165 (Jadeja, 17.4 ov), 7-191 (Ishan Kishan, 19.4 ov) Bowling P Negi 4-0-211 (w-1), YS Chahal 4-0-31-3 (w-1), S Aravind 4-0-53-1 (w1), AF Milne 4-0-43-1 (w-3), SR Watson 2-0-240, TM Head 2-0-18-0

In the first challenge, the Jamaicans won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch that was conducive for batting.

They scored a mammoth total of 184-6 from their allotted 20 overs. Gavaskar Malachi was their principal scorer with 63 inclusive of six powerful hits over the boundary and four fours. He received invaluable support from former First class player Keith Hibbert, who played aggressively for 49 and Dwight Stewart 29.

Fast bowler Kevin Paul and Festus Benn claimed two wickets apiece for the hosts while the other bowlers were hammered to all part of the

Keith Hibbert

ground. Inconceivably, talented all-rounders Ranole Bourne neither Darnell Douglas was given a chance to bowl.

In their reply, Guyana folded for 101 with only Douglas 51 and Bacram Samaroo 18 making it to double figures.

Jamaica skipper Carl Brissett 4-8 spearheaded their bowling

Darnell Douglas

attack while Malachi 2-13 and Gerald Morgan supported with two wickets apiece.

In the afternoon clash, Trinidad batted first to record a competitive total of 169-4 from 20 overs then dismissed Bahamas for 74 in 15 overs.

Christopher Siewsankar, who batted at number three, was the leading scorer for Trinidad with 60, including two sixes and three fours. While his colleagues Lester Hanooman 27, Vinood Maharaj 26 and Kirti Kalpoo 19 chipped in.

Maharaj and Kalpoo added 41 for the first wicket, before the latter was removed making way for Siewsankar, who joined Maharaj to add 29 for the

Carl Brissett

second wicket. After Maharaj was sent packing Siewsankar and Hanooman joined forces for the biggest partnership of the match which was worth 93 runs.

That combination set the platform for the Trinidadian bowlers to defend a competitive total and they did, dismissing their counterparts for a paltry 74.

Dehan Seeram collected three scalps while Siewsankar returned to take two to close off a good day at the office with bat and ball.

When Bahamas was in the field, Lee Melville, John Dolphin and Hinchand Rampersaud bagged a wicket each.

The tournament is set for Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground at Camp Ayanganna today with host Guyana looking to bounce back, after their first round defeat, in a keen contest with Trinidad and Tobago while Bahamas will face Jamaica.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, april 19, 2017

Hetmyer, Singh deserve Test call-up G

uyana Jaguars batsmen Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh have been included in the West Indies Test squad to take on the visiting Pakistanis in the first of three Test matches beginning this Friday at Sabina Park in Kingston Jamaica.

As news spread, Guyana Times Sport sought comments from the Man in the Street who were asked “What do you think of Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh’s selection to the West Indies Test team?”

Michael Smith Bahamas About Hetmyer, I think he is a budding cricketer and is

Kemar Cox Jamaica “Both players are very good players and I really think they have done enough to get selected. As a West Indian I would like to see these players get their fair chance to play their game and show they belong there. They have already done enough to which I think they should represent the region.”

Malcolm Ramlogan Trinidad and Tobago “I think this is a step in the positive direction, I believe Shimron Hetmyer showed a lot of class in the west indies under 19 world cup and in previous years, also Vishal Singh who has showed time and time again that he has a lot of runs in the bank. He has campaigned a lot in Trinidad and Tobago and I know personally he is a very capable batsman and I’m sure if he is given the opportunity like in the A team and all those other teams that he is more than capable of handling batting at the senior level.”

good that west indies finally investing in youths because that young man was a captain for the Under 19 team and he led the fellas well. He has good temperament and I think it is good he is getting his chance and I think this holds well for the future of West Indies cricket. Vishal Singh is excellent in his hundred against Pakistan in the warm up, I watched some clippings of that and he also showed some good temperament so its excellent the young man go out there and bat, the future is bright for these young men and west indies cricket.

I think it is good they give youngsters a chance and they keep on giving youngsters the opportunity.

Darnel Douglas Guyana “I thought it was a good inclusion for the two Guyanese, Shimron Hetmyer and Vishal Singh, I mean it might came to some persons as a surprise that they were both selected to be in the team but having said that their performances would have merited their selection. Hetmyer is a very good young talent hits the ball very hard and is something West Indians would like to see more often at the international level. Vishal who we know as cheesy is someone who works very hard, someone who takes the singles on, the twos; he is not a boundary hitter so he is someone ideally suited for test cricket.”

Renole Bourne Guyana “I think the selection of Shimron Hetmyer and Vishal Singh is a good stepping stone for both of them. It shows that a lot of talent is still in Guyana and a lot of people still putting effort into the cricket in Guyana and I think if they should continue doing that there are many more people that will have an opportunity to showcase their talent and they can also reach to the highest level. I think this is the beginning of a new era and they should continue what they would have been doing all the time to get selected.”

Communication Studies scholarships named in honour of 5 media stalwarts T

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), through the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communications (CARIMAC), on Tuesday April 18, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for five bursaries to begin September 2017.

The five bursaries are being named in honour of five Caribbean media stalwarts.

The honourees are the late Roy Lawrence and Tony Cozier; Tony Becca, Headley Samuels and Joseph Perreira.

Head of CARIMAC, Professor Hopeton Dunn says “the programme is geared towards affording students with a specific interest in cricket as they pursue further education in Media/ Communications programmes to include undergraduate studies in Integrated Marketing Communication, Journalism (Radio, Television, Print and Online) and Digital Media Production. This relationship is for three years.

Professor Dunn also noted that the MOU has prompted CARIMAC to add two new courses in the short term – Cricket Commentary and Analytics and Sport Culture and Caribbean Media. This the Professor says will begin for the new academic year.

WICB President, Dave Cameron says “the investment is for US$150,000 over the period and the students who get selected for the bursaries will have access to work experience in WICB’s international and regional series and with other

partners where applicable.”

Cameron noted that “it was important that two of the oldest Caribbean institutions partnering for such an important programme, is a signal of the commitment of the WICB to continue on to facilitate the growth of cricket across the region. Education forms part of that role.”

The selection criteria for the programme has been prepared and the five students will be selected shortly.

The programme in

commentary, broadcast media and photography. The programmes of study are attached to the scholarships based on the field that the stalwarts were best known in or made highly notable contributions to.

The Cozier Scholarship Geared towards students pursuing undergraduate studies in Journalism (Television) Tony Cozier, the “voice of West Indies cricket” covered the game for over 50 years.

The Becca Scholarship Geared towards students pursuing a BA in Journalism (Print) Tony Becca is a sports writer/ editor for first the Daily News and subsequently The Gleaner.

He is also a life member, trustee and former president of Melbourne Cricket Club. A celebrated sports journalism career spanning more than six decades Tony Becca highly regarded internationally as one of the most knowledgeable

The Headley ‘Delmar’ Samuels Scholarship Geared towards students pursuing a BA in Digital Media Production Headley ‘Delmar’ Samuels – Jamaican - , one of the world’s most recognized cricket photographers, has captured several World Cups through the eyes of his camera lenses. He was a freelance photographer for many years however it was World Cup 1979 that captured his imagination and lured him

Tony Cozier

Tony Becca

Roy Lawrence

Headley ‘Delmar’ Samuels

collaboration with the University of the West Indies, is geared towards affording students with a specific interest in cricket partial funding towards one of UWI’s Media/ Communications programmes: BA- Integrated Marketing Communication BA- Journalism BA- Digital Media Production The scholarship programmes are in honour of 5 stalwarts who made significant contributions to the sport through journalism,

He was the editor and publisher of the West Indies Cricket Annual for over 20 years and the Red Stripe Caribbean Cricket Quarterly for a decade.

Cozier reported on all major events in world cricket during that period and was globallyrespected for his outstanding work as a journalist, writer, historian, radio commentator and television analyst. The legendary cricket journalist, died May 11 2016. He was 75 years old.

scribes of the game, was inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame in Hartford, Connecticut October 1 2005.

into cricket. Delmar has been a professional photographer for the past forty-four years and started covering West Indies cricket for the past thirty-seven years. In 2006 he celebrated a most important milestone of reaching his 150th Test match WI vs India.

The Roy Lawrence Scholarship Geared towards students pursuing a BA in Journalism (radio) Roy Lawrence died some years ago in Harrogate, Yorkshire, where he settled with his Canadian-born wife. Employed by the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. (commentator)

The Reds-Perreira Scholarship Geared towards students pursuing a BA in Journalism (Radio) Joseph “Reds” Perreira -

Guyanese - a famous radio commentator and sports administrator in the Caribbean.

Reds has covered 145 Tests and over 300 ODIs. It was Reds who broke the story of West Indies flying out to South Africa for the rebel tour. It was breaking news before breaking news became a fad, and a development that tore the Caribbean apart. On ABC a 45-minute programme with Reds ringside he did the Foreman v Frazier in Jamaica.

Foreman v Ali. Perreira was on the St Lucia World Cup

Joseph "Reds" Perreira

committee for the 2007 tournament and the sports lover in him thought about a great idea that would help sports in the region. Reds is perhaps best known as a cricket commentator.

He has also been a successful sports administrator in Guyana and for the seven islands that form the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and there is no sport in the region that his life has not touched in some measure.

21

YELLOW PAGES WEDNesday, april 19, 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 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 654-2732 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: 2201630, 638-1829.

Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 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 Eccles – 5.5 million, Providence – $5.5 million, Farm - $3.5 million, Serious contacts only: 697-6769.

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

property for sale Property for sale 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/WHATSAPP NAVIN: 1-347517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30.

Contact Tel: 624-7341, 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: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

services TFA Video Production. Video recording of weddings, birthdays, conferences, advertisements, digital photography.

Call: 684-2999/624-4668 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: 694-8322 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: 682-7439, 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: 6524444 / 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

WANTED

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

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

TO LET 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 BLOCKAGE , 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”

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35

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

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, april 19, 2017

Caribbean Cadet & Junior Table Tennis Championships 2017…

Guyana secure 3 silver & 7 bronze medals ‒ Greaves cops lone individual medal

T

he 22nd Caribbean Region Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Cadet & Junior Championship came to a close on Tuesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the local contingent had a commendable outing at the event where they managed to bag three silver and seven bronze medals.

The success story for

her bronze which she shared with Cuba’s Shelly Machado.

In the overall results of the championships, Dominican Republic were rampant in both the under-15s and u-18s categories, storming to a total tally of 12 gold medals, four silver medals and eight bronze medals. Barbados (1 gold;1 bronze), Trinidad and Tobago (1 silver; 1 bronze), Aruba (2 bronze) and Cuba

under-15 doubles via silver from the combination of Jamal Nicolas and Terrance Rausche while teammates Tyriq Saunders and Isiah Layne had to share the third spot with Dominican Republic’s Steff Gutierrez and Ronaldo Tejada; Barbados pair of Ramon Maxwell and Rashon Goddard came first.

In the female section,

Kaysan Ninvalle and Martin copped third along with Niran Bissu and Thomas; overall the girls team finished in second place while the boys’ A-team got third.

In the under-18s section, both the boys and the girls finished in fourth position, while Greaves and Jamaail Homer won silver in the doubles.

The other countries to participate in the fiveday event were St. Lucia, Suriname and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Proud moment! Priscilla Greaves collects her bronze medal and trophy from Sport Director Christopher Jones

YWCC proud of Hetymer’s Test selection T

The Dominican Republic carted off the lion’s share of the awards on offer at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Tuesday

Guyana would have to be girls’ under-18 player Priscilla Greaves who managed to secure the country’s lone individual medal via

(2 bronze) were the other countries that earned a spot on the podium.

The team success came for Guyana in the boys

Nevah Clarkston/Abigail Martin had to share third place with Selanas Jackman and Thuraia Thomas.

In the mixed doubles,

Dozens attend

wenty year old Shimron Hetmyer’s selection to the West Indies Test squad to take on Pakistan in the Caribbean is hailed as a victory for the Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC), according to the club’s former President Anil Beharry.

Hetmyer and fellow Guyanese Vishaul Singh was called to be a part of the 13-man squad which will be led by Jason Holder in the Q Mobile Cup Test Series starting on Friday at Sabina

ongoing Digicel Regional Four day Tournament and on the West Indies ‘A’ team’s recent tour to Sri Lanka.

Beharry, also former President of the Berbice Cricket Board, described Hetmyer as very humble and extends his congratulations to the young cricketer.

Beharry assisted in mentoring Hetmyer while he played for the YWCC in Berbice.

“I am very elated and I must say congratulation to both of them….Shimron is extremely talented and a

Sheltez development programme

I

Participants of the Sheltez Tennis Camp working on their rally with Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan

n its Fourth year the Sheltez Tennis Club, formerly known as Park Players Club, Easter vacation introductory development and enhancement programme remain high on the agenda for youths willing to learn and enhance their skill in lawn tennis.

On Tuesday at the National Racquet Centre this was evident as 28 young players age 4 to 16, most of them in a new interest while others club players looking

to enhance their skills, were busy going through basic tennis drills to ensure they improve at the end of this two week Easter Vacation Camp.

According to the event facilitator Shelly DalyRamdyhan, the event has seen a consistent participation of 28 children since its commencement on April 10 and she is pleased with the urge of the young participants.

Daly-Ramdyhan is being

assisted by national men’s champion Anthony Downes and top junior player Kalyca Fraser on a daily basis.

There are three overseas participants in the programme, two from The Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the other from Canada.

Homesafe Security is the sponsor of the programme.

Sessions are expected to close on Friday but there will be another development programme in July-August.

Shimron Hetmyer

Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

Hetmyer and Singh’s selection came after stunning performances against the Pakistanis recently while playing for the West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI. The left-handed batsmen gained selection to the WICB President’s XI after consistent performances for the Guyana Jaguars in the

natural born cricketer and he will definitely move to the highest level and consistently perform,” he said.

He added that Hetmyer can earn a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since he believes that he is capable and ready to extend his boundaries.

“From the first time I saw Hetmyer, at age 6,

Anil Beharry

he was taller than his age group, supremely talented than his age group and that is why we dragged him in to the club structure…at the age of 11 he made the Berbice Under 15 team, at the 14 he made the Under 17 team and at 16 he made both Berbice and Guyana’s Under 19 team,” Beharry reminisced.

He noted that Hetmyer scored his first century at the age of 16 while representing Berbice at the InterCounty games, where he had difficulties participating since there were issues with him leaving school and as a result he had to sneak out without anyone’s knowledge. He was later selected to as a member of the Guyana Under-19 squad and later led the team at the ICC Youth World Cup. “I just spoke to the President of the Young Warriors Cricket Club, Rafeek Hasim, and he asked me to extend his congratulations to Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh on behalf of the club,” Beharry said.

The West Indies first Test 13-man squad also sees a return for Kittitian Kieran Powell while Marlon Samuels, Leon Johnson, Darren Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite and Jomel Warrican who were part of the recent Test side were overlooked. The full squad reads; Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, april 19, 2017

23

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football…

Melanie ‘B’ crowned new East Coast Champions W

atched by a massive crowd at the Haslington Market Tarmac on Monday evening, Melanie ‘B’ rose to the occasion to win the fifth annual East Coast of Demerara Zone Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Championship by defeating Plaisance ‘B’ 1-0.

From the blow of whistle, it was a back-and-forth tussle between both sides for possession, which treated the partisan fans to a riveting showcase of nimble footwork.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 12th minute when Amoniki Rogers slipped the ball

into the box, amidst the frenetic defending by Plaisance ‘B’.

Rogers’ goal meant his team walked away with the $400,000 cash prize and the championship trophy. On the other hand, despite a spirited effort from Plaisance ‘B,’ they were forced to settle for $150,000 and their accolade howev- Champions! Melanie ‘B’ players are all smiles as they er, both teams have collect their spoils after winning the championship booked their spot in the National Championships.

Meanwhile, in the third place fixture, Buxton edged former champs Beterverwagting (BV) ‘B’ 1-0 via an early goal by Kevon Assaye in the 3rd minute. Buxton pocketed $100,000 while BV ‘B’ won $75,000 and the respective trophies.

In the semi-final matches, Mealanie ‘B’ won 2-0 on penalty kicks against BV ‘B’ after the match ended in a scoreless draw.

For Plaisance ‘B’, their passage to the final came as a result of a Vincent Thomas 34th minute goal which gave them a 1-0 victory over Buxton.

Amoniki Rogers (centre) played a well-rounded game for Melanie ‘B’ in steering them towards the title Banks DIH Guinness Brand

EBFA hosts Coaches Awareness Workshop

Manager Lee Baptiste in speaking to this publication after the matches expressed great delight in the success of the event. Baptiste felt the change of dates to Easter Monday help facilitated a tremendous turnout by patrons.

With zones in Georgetown,

West Demerara/East Bank of Demerara and Berbice also completed, the Brand Manager disclosed that the Mining Town of Linden will host the next leg beginning on April 23 and culminating on May 5 with the grand finals.

In closing Baptiste expressed great appreciation for the support of Colours Boutique and to the Guyana Police Force. Colours Boutique has been outfitting the teams in the tournament for the past three years while the Guyana Police Force aided in the event being incident free.

BV ‘B’ (orange top) tried desperately to secure a third place spot but Buxton mounted a sturdy defence at the Haslington Market Tarmac on Monday night

Dru Bahadur severs ties with GCB

‒ new club Diamond Upsetters get support

Dru Bahadur (fifth from right) was very active during his tenure at the GCB

T

Winston Benons hands over one of the balls to a female member of the Diamond Upsetters FC as the other club members display the FIFA branded bibs and tee shirts

T

echnical Advisor to the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Winston Benons recently held a Coaches Awareness session with the chief tacticians attached to clubs affiliated to the association.

Held at the Diamond Community Centre, Benons said that the session was aimed at reaffirming a number of important components of the sport that must be upheld and improved upon by the Coaches.

“This is one of my regular sessions with the coaches as I seek to ensure that they are on top of their game at all times as they work towards improving the overall abilities of the players attached

to the various clubs in the association.”

Among the areas Benons dealt with were Change in Culture where he reminded the coaches that they are required to spearhead the change; Respect for the game, players, parents, community and self; Players Safety; Players Rights; Coaches Behavior; Coaches and Parents Relationship and Child Abuse Awareness, among others.

Meanwhile, Diamond Upsetters, a new club that has been formed in the Diamond Community was presented with balls, FIFA branded bibs, tee shirts, boots and cones compliments of the EBFA and Benons.

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Dru Bahadur has officially resigned from his top post which is responsible for the governing of cricket in Guyana. His resignation come across as one that was done ‘secretly’ since he has exited his office since February, approximately two months ago but it is now reaching the public’s domain officially.

Bahadur has been a member of the GCB for six years, approximately two years spent as Secretary before becoming President approximately four years ago.

According to the Accountant who has been operating a business, D. Bahadur &Co. Chartered Accountants for more than 15 years, he cannot remember the exact date that he resigned but it was sometime in February. “I have officially resigned from the GCB I cannot remember the exact

date but it was sometime in February,” Bahadur stated.

He insisted that the main reason for his resignation was solely due to business commitment, pointing out that his workload has increased recently so finding the time to function in two capacities would have been a bit difficult and due to this, in the best interest of Guyana’s cricket was for him to step down so someone with the necessary time could do the job.

When questioned about his achievements whilst in office and some of his disappointments he said: “When I was elected as President it wasn’t about me it was about what could be done of Guyana’s cricket and I think the result speaks for itself.”

In a follow-up question when asked if he is satisfied with work done during his tenure, Bahadur said he is quite satisfied and quite frankly if the situation was a bit different he would have

still been the President but because he sees Guyana first and not his self so he decided to call it a day.

After submitting his resignation he is uncertain why it was not release by GCB but suggested it was not released due to their busy schedule of dealing with the international fixtures between West Indies and Pakistan held here recently.

His resignation comes at a period when concerns are arising about the way in which GCB functions, especially with them not holding any election since Bahadur was elected.

In the absence of a President which one of the vice-president will ascend to the positing of acting president and when will there be an election to elect a president?

Bahadur’s resignation could also see infighting among elected members as to who should fill his position until an election is call.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean Cadet & Junior Table Tennis Championships 2017…

Guyana secure 3 silver & 7 bronze medals

Pg 22

— Greaves cops lone individual medal Team Guyana! Seated (L-R) President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association Godfrey Munrore, Priscilla Greaves, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Guyana Olympic Association Charles Corbin

Gayle force Pg 23

Dru Bahadur severs ties with GCB Dru Bahadur has serverd Guyana's cricket for the past six years

tames Lions — passes 10,000 T20 runs on the way

Pg 19

Chris Gayle is the only member of the elite 10,000 club

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.