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Joint Safety and Health Committee established in Region 10 P10

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2833

Thursday, April 21, 2016

PRICE

Sale of GTT shares

Govt probing missing US$5M payment – Trotman – former President could not confirm payment Page 3

Chinese national robbed of $$M on Church Street Page 10

High alcohol tax misapplied

GRA admits pharma manufacturers penalised unfairly Page 12

Guyana, India sign US$1M MoU for set-up of ICT Centre

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Deadly prison riot

Guyana Bar Association walks out P9 of CoI

APNU/AFC to review P12 performance at impending summit

P7 Guyana slipping on commitments to FATF – Teixeira

Page 14

Wakenaam businessman’s murder

CCTV footage leads to arrest of Alberttown P10 man Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday

LBI shutdown

Decision was made by GuySuCo – Govt … willing to meet with workers Page 12

INTERPOL conducting TIP Needs Assessment in Guyana Page 2

Guyana P7 accredits new Peruvian Ambassador

Murdered P13 Good Hope rice farmers laid to rest

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thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

INTERPOL conducting TIP 1 arrested for former Needs Assessment in Guyana model’s murder

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team from the International Police (INTERPOL) was in Guyana last week to commence a project that aims at tackling Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and migrant smuggling.

The team, which was welcomed by the local Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, was in Guyana from April 9-13.

The visiting team comprised two officials representing INTERPOL and one officer from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

This Needs Assessment is the first of a three-phase INTERPOL Project to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the Caribbean.

The INTERPOL Team kicked off their mission with visits to Itaballi, Puruni and Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) during which they were accompanied by a team from the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons in Guyana.

The visit to Region Seven enabled the visiting team to experience the difficulties associated with travelling to interior regions in Guyana and policing these areas, to witness working conditions in the mines and the general conditions in which persons in the area lived. This experience facilitated the team from INTERPOL in making a general assessment of the risks and other difficulties associated with curbing occurrences of trafficking in persons in interior regions

in Guyana.

In addition, before returning to Georgetown, the INTERPOL team joined representatives of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons in conducting sensitisation on the issue in the Bartica Market, Arcade and Beach areas. This activity followed a similar Task Force ‘Roving Sensitisation’ activity conducted along the seawalls from the Seawall Bandstand to Vlissengen Road on Easter weekend.

The awareness activity

in Bartica saw vendors and customers alike engaged in discussion on the topic of trafficking in persons and were encouraged to report suspected cases; posters affixed to the walls of various market stalls, shops and other establishments; and brochures, flyers and other material bearing messages of awareness and the trafficking in persons hotline number distributed to individuals along the way.

The activity seemed to yield instant results as a re-

port was received soon after through the TIP hotline of suspected trafficking in persons in the area. A raid was subsequently conducted by ranks of the Bartica Police Station and resulted in eight females from The Dominican Republic being recovered from a house in Bartica. One suspect has since been arrested. The case is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Guyana Police Force.

However, subsequent to the visit to Region Seven,

the INTERPOL team met with the ministerial arm of the Trafficking in Persons Task Force, other Government officials, frontline officers and other stakeholders in the fight against trafficking in persons in Guyana. Discussions at these meetings afforded the INTERPOL team the opportunity to articulate the goals of their project and to gather more information on the operational and technical needs of the agencies involved in the fight against

trafficking in persons.

The Needs Assessment phase of INTERPOL’s project would be followed by a training phase and an operational phase. The training phase will see officers from different agencies in Guyana being invited to benefit from a number of regional training courses which will span a total of seven weeks.

Training will focus primarily on law enforcement, but there would also be sessions which would benefit trafficking in persons stakeholders from other agencies.

A ‘Training of Trainers’ would be one of the courses included. As such, those trained would be encouraged to return to Guyana to train others – both law enforcement and otherwise – in the topics learned. INTERPOL would also share a curriculum, to be contributed to by authorities in Guyana, which is intended to be added to the training programme at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre.

Meanwhile, the operational phase would see INTERPOL lending support to the countries being considered in the project in their local anti-trafficking in persons operations.

The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons eagerly anticipates the development of this project and looks forward to continued collaboration with INTERPOL, as well as other international partners, as it seeks to effectively combat this scourge of trafficking in persons in Guyana.

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man has been arrested in connection with the murder of former model, 25-year-old Simone Hackett whose body was discovered in a trench at Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, two days after she disappeared.

This was confirmed by C Division (East Coast Demerara) Commander, Marlon Chapman during a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday evening. He also noted that a post-mortem examination that was scheduled to be performed on Wednesday was not done.

However, a relative of the dead woman explained that indeed one man was arrested and is being questioned for her cousin’s murder.

The person, she added, is not the father of the woman’s child. A Police source has confirmed that ranks at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) have been briefed on the matter and are on the lookout for the man who works as a miner in the area.

It was reported that upon discovery of the woman’s body, her throat was slashed and at least three stab wounds were seen on her back. She reportedly left home on Saturday evening at about 20:30h to uplift a package that was reportedly sent by the father of her child from Mahdia, but never returned home.

She was to be the maidof-honour at her sister’s

Dead: Simone Hackett

wedding on Saturday last and she also missed her son’s birthday on Sunday.

Relative from the initial stage thought that something was amiss after they telephoned the woman and heard sounds in the background but when they tried to contact her later in the night, the phone went to voicemail.

Relatives are also of the opinion that the father of her son had a hand in her murder. The man would made threats towards the woman after she threatened to take him to court for child support. As such, her relatives are calling on the Police to arrest him but from reports received, he might have gone into hiding.

The woman’s body was discovered in a trench among vegetation by two school boys who were on their way to school.

news

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thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, April 21 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, April 22 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 21 – 16:05h-17:35h and Friday, April 22 – 16:35h-18:05h.

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning and midafternoon, while light rain showers are expected in the later afternoon hours. Light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 26 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:00h and 16:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.63 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:55h and 22:07h reaching a minimum height of 0.56 metre and 0.60 metre respectively.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS 04 05 09 14 22 27 20 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

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Draw De Line 02 04

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Government probing missing US$5M payment – former President could not confirm payment

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FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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Sale of GTT shares

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

recent visit to China

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon has revealed that Chinese company, Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group, has already repaid the outstanding US$5 million for Government’s shares in GTT, however, local authorities are yet to find a record of the payment.

In 2012, the Chinese company purchased Government’s 20 per cent shares in the local telephone company at the cost of US$30 million from the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL).

However, based on an agreement with the then People’s Progressive

Former President Donald Ramotar

Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, the company paid off US$25 million and had to two years to make the outstanding payment.

Datang failed to repay the outstanding amount within the agreed time and as such, upon its assumption to office, the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime undertook to recoup the monies; hence Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s recent trip to China. During the trip, Harmon was accompanied

by NICIL’s Legal Counsel, Natalia Seepersaud.

At the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman was asked about the outcome of the visit to which

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman speaking to the media on Wednesday

he responded by making the disclosure. “What I can say is that Mr Harmon has been able to retrieve some documents which tell a different story. That story being, of course, that the five million was paid so we are trying to track down to whom, how, where and when,” Trotman revealed to reporters.

While the Government spokesperson did not provide much details in relation to the information found on the payment by the Chinese company, he did hint it was made under the previous Administration when he said “that was before May 16, 2015”.

Nevertheless, Trotman noted that the Minister of State has provided Cabinet with a full report on the matter while NICIL is also looking into it. “The NICIL board, as far as I know, is considering the findings and that will be made public shortly,” he remarked.

It was reported that Datang had refused to make the payments within the stimulated time after it requested to have an additional Director on GTT’s Board.

However, the local telephone company rejected the request, saying that based on the amount of shares the Chinese company had, it is only entitled to one Director on the Board.

The PPP/C Administration had long maintained that the US$5 million was still outstanding to Guyana. In fact, when contact on Wednesday evening,

former President Donald Ramotar, under whose leadership the transaction was conducted, told Guyana Times that he is not aware of Datang making a payment on the outstanding amount.

However, he noted that if any such payment was made, it would have been paid to NICIL, with whom they had the transaction.

Meanwhile, at a press conference late last year, former Head of NICIL, Winston Brassington stated that efforts were afoot to recoup the monies.

Brassington had even defended selling the shares to the Chinese company, explaining that the share-offer was advertised more than 40 times locally and close to 30 times overseas. He added that Government had even written all the embassies and consulates and in the end, the highest offer received was US$7 million.

“We did consider the shares to be worth a lot more [than US$7M],” he said. So the sale of US$25 million upfront and US$5 million later was consid-

ered a good deal. We had other options from the Chinese which offered less money upfront and more money later. However, the Privatisation Board and the Cabinet accepted the position that maximised the payment up front. It was a good price, we believe,” the former NICIL Head stated.

Brassington had also credited the investor being brought via the Guyana Ambassador to China, Dr David Dabydeen.

Government used the money collected from the sale to partly finance the construction of the Marriott Hotel. Former CEO Brassington had disclosed that some US$15-US$20 million have been spent on building the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, by the State-owned Atlantic Hotels Inc. One observer noted that if Cabinet was given a full report, and that the purpose of the China trip was to engage Datang, did the Government team obtain from Datang officials evidence of the payment to NICIL? When the US$25 million was paid, it was made by international wire instructions, from one bank to another. The payment into NICIL’s bank account would have been easy to trace.

The observer noted that the Government should be more forthcoming on the trip given that Datang is a Chinese state-owned entity and the Chinese Embassy in Guyana is reported to have assisted in making preparations.

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guyana-times.com

thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Editorial

The Prime Minister and the media

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his newspaper has noted Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s objection to its article of 4-19-16 headlined, “US media censorship observation – PM claims US wants to damage image of coalition”.

The day before, on 4-18-16, the newspaper had received the US State Department’s 2016 Human Rights Report that was issued by Secretary of State John Kerry just days before. As it related to Press Freedom in Guyana, the Report stated: “Censorship or Content Restrictions: In August, the Prime Minister issued a directive that all headlines in the State-owned print media be first scrutinised and approved by his office before they are published. The directive was a response to a headline criticising the Government. The Prime Minister also serves as Minister of Information.”

On the same day, the Director of Public Information (DPI) issued a statement condemning “in the strongest terms” what it said were irresponsible allegations repeated in the media, alleging censorship in State media. It said such claims “are wholly false and baseless and (are) attempt to damage the image of the Coalition Government, which is trying to repair democratic institutions, including State media, that had been left in a shambolic state under the previous Administration.”

The DPI did not elaborate as to what and by whom the “allegations in the media” were made. The Times stated this in assuming the statement was in response to the US Report leading to the objected-to headline and story. On April 19, the Prime Minister, to whom the DPI reports, said the “irresponsible allegations” statement above was directed not at the US State Department’s Report but to two columnists, Dr David Hinds and Freddie Kissoon. He then issued a condemnatory statement on the Guyana Times article cited above: it was “calculatedly wicked, false and mischievous”.

But what is most instructive is the following day, the Office of the Prime Minister did issue the following statement explicitly on the US statement on the Prime Minister censoring the State media: “The Office of the Prime Minister makes it clear that at no time was any directive issued by the Prime Minister, the Office of the Prime Minister, or any other Government entity that headlines in any State media be scrutinised or approved before publication or broadcast.

Any such claim is false, baseless, and without any merit whatsoever.”

It then went on to enumerate a number of harsh denunciations against the previous Administration in previous US Human Rights Reports.

So it appears that when Dr Hinds accuses the Prime Minister of censorship of the State media, Mr Nagamootoo conclusively discerns in him a desire to “damage the image of the coalition”. But when the US Dept of State makes the identical observation, which the PM dubbed “false, baseless, and without any merit whatsoever”, it somehow is not “intended” to do the same “damage”.

But the fact of the matter is Dr Hinds was very specific with his accusations of “censorship” and they go far beyond the demand by Mr Nagamootoo to screen stories in the Chronicle, which he described as a “government” rather than a “state” entity. The Guyana Press Association took him severely to task for that assertion and described the move to intimidate and censor the Chronicle as “a retrograde and intolerable step”. Dr Hinds pointed out, “As a columnist, I have had my experiences of censorship. On two occasions, my column was not carried because they were critical of the Government. In other instances, sections of my columns which criticised the Government have been deleted.”

Last September, the respected veteran Caribbean journalist Rickey Singh, resigning as a columnist also as a result of censorship by Mr Nagamootoo stated, “The surprising nonpublication of my regular column in last Sunday’s Chronicle had a special focus on the misuse of powers by the “downsized” Prime Minister Nagamootoo who seems anxious to ensure compliance with ministerial edicts.”

Could it be Mr Nagamootoo’s accusations of the PPP being “Stalinist” might be projections of his own state of mind?

A professional juggler on Wednesday morning sought to bring cheer to passersby at the Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown (Dexter Ceres photo)

Political patronage obvious

by APNU/AFC Govt

Dear Editor, I refer to Guyana Times article (Fri, April 15th, 2016) under the caption “Harmon clears air on media attacks – says 34 political advisers appointed

by APNU/AFC…” I have been following the ongoing discussion in the local media on the matter of appointments of advisers to Ministers.

It is an interesting discussion with relevant questions such as who should appoint the advisers whether it should be the President or the concerned Minister?

Should the advisers be paid or their services be pro bono (honorific)? Should a transparent process be undertaken if taxpayers’ money is used to pay the advisers especially if these advisers are akin to public servants?

But much has been said about only one of the 34 appointed advisers, BK Tiwari who was appointed by Minister Joseph Harmon.

There is a startling hypocrisy about this entire situation whereby it seems like the new darling of the Government, Minister Raphael Trotman is given the favoured treatment for doing the exact thing and even worse without even getting a slap on the wrist, and certainly nothing like the public attack that is being unfairly meted out to Minister Harmon.

I make reference to

the advisor of Minister Trotman, a person by the name of Clayton Hall. For those who have not been following the news, a few years ago in the early days of the AFC as a party, Mr Hall had been the campaign/Finance Manager of the AFC. The records are there for anyone to peruse.

Mr Hall was hired by Minister Trotman (not the President) to be the adviser to him first when he was Minister of Governance, and now automatically transferred now that he is Minister of Natural Resources.

Hall is being paid handsomely as well – any quick check into the budget of the Natural Resources Ministry will show that he is being paid with benefits close to G$1 million a month when one adds up his salary, gratuity and other benefits. These all come from Guyanese taxpayers’ dollars. He regularly goes out on overseas travel to represent the Ministry and is paid again from taxpayers’ dollars.

All of this currently prevails and yet with the deafening silence from the transparency watchdogs (groups and individuals alike), no one seems to care. What hypocrisy. The Government should decide on one position and not varying positions based on the specific individual. As

an immediate action, I call for the immediate investigation into the appointment and future retaining of Clayton Hall as adviser to the Minister of Natural Resources and while this is being done, there should be an immediate suspension of his duties awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

This matter of advisers and appointments of such persons in positions like these is worthy of a Commission of Inquiry. If the results of the investigation show that there has been a double standard and there is a misfit either for purposes of lack of qualifications, experience or overall lack of competence, then there should be an immediate revocation of Hall’s appointment as adviser to Minister Trotman.

If the APNU/AFC Government is really serious about correcting the ills of the previous Administration, it should start by immediately ceasing the payment of advisers with taxpayers’ dollars and have them work pro bono or paid with other non-taxpayers’ financing.

It should be noted as well that Mr Hall is a retiree and is still employed

by Government in a public service role. Why our young people are not employed when so many are looking for jobs and are suitably qualified? The former cam-

paign manager for the AFC, Mr Clayton Hall has been reputed, at least from three recent accounts that came to my attention over the past week , of “persuading’’ miners specifically to “contribute” funds to his party.

This kind of practice should not be tolerated since the Private Sector deserves better . It is my view as well that Mr Hall was the main person responsible for giving Minister Trotman wrong advice on the matter regarding forest concession allocation causing him to erroneously say that all the forests have been allocated out with none remaining.

Interestingly, President David Granger said that the APNU/AFC Government does not indulge in the granting of political patronage.

To be frank, if Clayton Hall’s role and appointment paid by taxpayers’ dollars is not political patronage, then I don’t know what it is.

I do hope that these concerns are considered and addressed by the new Government as it looks to restore confidence in the Guyanese working people. For the betterment of all and not only a few or is Clayton Hall one of the 34 political advisers appointed by the APNU/AFC? Yours sincerely, Carl Lucas

Will love be shown for the Wales workers?

Dear Editor, There have been media reports that President Granger speaking at the launch of DDL’s 50-yearold rum said inter alia: the country’s rum industry is precious, and it must be protected and

preserved in the face of this peril.

He said that workers’ jobs and the livelihoods of those who indirectly depend on the industry are at stake, while the loss of foreign exchange and excise earnings by the rum

industry can result in “severe problems in our economy”.

The expression of our dear President regarding DDL’s workers has demonstrated his care and concern with respect to the employ-

ees and their families.

Will our President whose Government has placed Wales Estate at stake have similar love for the affected Wales workers.

Yours truly, Fredrick Yuvraj

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

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

It is time for City M&CC should rid city of stray animals Hall to get real!

Dear Editor, When one reads the newspapers, at times one is given the impression that the Town Clerk of Georgetown, Royston King is trying to become a standup comedian.

The most recent yarn is his revelation of a plan to introduce a canine section at the City Council to help bolster its security capabilities. According to King, the Council would be putting in place a new canine section to provide support and complement the work of the security division. At the City Constabulary? Now come on! Is he serious? Is it the same City Constabulary who were so callous to their fellow humans that they dismissed three of their members for becoming pregnant that we are entrusting with these special pedigree dogs? What will be next in the pipeline of bright ideas? An Air Wing for the Constabulary to monitor itinerant vending from above by chopper? Or will they consider a SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team to go after people who are littering?

The first question to ask King is where he plans to get these dogs from and how much he plans to pay for them. And where are the trainers coming from? Not

in-house. Where will they be kennelled? At City Hall?

Of course, it is my hope that he will not attempt to deploy some stray mutts from off of the streets, but rather use purebred German shepherds, Belgian shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Dobermans, or Rottweilers that are in perfect physical condition, which are breeds best chosen for police work as they are adaptable, versatile, strong, courageous and able to work under extreme climatic conditions.

But even at the level of the national Police, their canine division has seen a decline which was due mainly to economic circumstances, which have in turn had a negative influence upon the morale of the handlers.

After the initial acquisition cost, there will be maintenance training and general living expenses for the dog, including food and vet care.

Then there will be the need for specially converted vehicles to transport them outfitted with items such as temperature monitors and door-poppers.

One of the main challenges to the welfare of Police dogs here in Guyana is the generally poor quality of water they consume and the prevailing intense heat.

Will King buy water and install temperature control systems in their kennels?

Will the Council purchase proper food for the dogs when they constantly run out of cash? Or they plan to snag some meat from the Abattoir each day when the butchers are not looking? Cooked dog food is deficient in many important nutrients, while manufactured dog food, the ration of choice, can be considered expensive.

And what will be the responsibilities of these dogs?

Would they include locating lost persons; tracking criminals; searching for narcotics, explosives, crime scene evidence and lost property; VIP protection; crowd control, or will they just be chasing vendors and guarding the Markets and other municipal locations?

What will be the unit’s mission, its size and area of responsibility, and population demographics? What will be the types of terrain and probable areas of deployment, the types of law enforcement missions for which teams will be used, the number of installations, facilities or areas that can be more adequately protected because of the availability or use of the dogs?

It is time for City Hall to get real!

Best regards James McOnnell

Dear Editor, The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have an obligation under the law to collect and impound stray animals found on their own wandering around streets, roads or parks of Georgetown. These stray animals once they are collected should be taken straight to the municipal pounds or kennels. They should be given a quick health check and treated for any minor injuries they may have. Stray animals with serious health concerns or injuries should be taken to the GSPCA or a vet.

But this is simply not happening. The City Council has relinquished this statutory responsibility leaving hundreds if not thousands of stray animals to just roam freely through the streets of our capital.

Many of them, dogs in particular, are prone to carrying fleas, ticks and scabies, as well as a multitude of infectious diseases such as leptospirosis and mange, a skin disease that causes hair loss and infection.

Another concern for these stray animals is the fact that many of them are hunted, tortured, beaten to death, by persons of unsound mind or mischievous youngsters.

Back in 2011, the Home Affairs Ministry under Clement Rohee launched a stray-catching unit to com-

plement the municipality’s own, but this apparently was seen by the Council as an opportunity to give up entirely its responsibility. To make it worse it would complain that the Government wanted to control everything. Well, it is a new government, so why not take back your responsibility?

Based on their reliance or dependence on humans, and in some respect, their behaviour towards people, some strays exhibit a calm disposition when a human approaches, whereas there are those that are more feral which display highly aggressive behaviour: growling, barking, and attempting to bite. Indeed these types are particularly active during dawn, dusk, and at night much like other wild animals, travelling in packs

or groups looking for food scraps.

Surely, the Council cannot allow these strays to greet our visitors for Jubilee Celebrations of Guyana’s Independence. This would destroy all the good work done by the Ministry of Tourism and the Jubilee Planning Committee.

The Council should urgently retrofit some of its vehicles, assemble a team of drivers and stray-catchers and undertake an immediate programme to rid the city of the stray animals.

It should also set up a municipal hotline for citizens to report a stray animal and apply fines to persons who do not control their animals.

Sincerely, Jermain Johnson

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Page Foundation Orthopaedic problems in adolescents P

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, april 21, 2016

hysical health problems encountered during adolescence can affect the development of the body, if not treated. There are few anatomic regions, such as spine, knee and ankle, in adolescents which can get orthopaedic problems, such as OsgoodSchlatter disease, and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused due to injury or overuse of the knee which causes swelling and pain in the area below the knee, above the shin bone. The patellar tendon and the soft tissues surrounding it gets inflamed, because of the constant pulling of the area where the tendon joins the below knee. Usually, adolescents who participate in sports actively and are athletic, such as football, basketball, soccer, ballet and gymnastics, tend to get the Osgood-Schlatter disease. Boys of age 11-15 and girls of age eight to 13 are at greater risk. The reason why adolescents get this problem is that their bones grow faster when compared to the tendons and muscles in this age and because of this the muscles and tendons stretch and become tight.

The symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease are swelling of knee, tenderness below knee area and limping. The doctor will check the medical history of the patient and will conduct physical examination and diagnostic procedures such as taking an X-ray. The physician will decide on the treatment to be done by studying the overall health, age, medical history, tolerance for certain medications and extent of the disease. Treatment will include medications, rest, compression, elevation, neoprene knee sleeve and phys-

ical therapy. The main aim will be to control and limit the knee pain by cutting down on the adolescent’s physical activities. Usually the OsgoodSchlatter disease gets healed over a period of time and in very rare cases is a surgery required.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a problem which affects the hip joint.

There are three degrees of intensity of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, mild, moderate and severe. In mild slipped capital femoral epiphysis, only one third of femoral head slips from the thigh bone. In moderate, one third to half slips and in severe, more than half of the femoral head slips. The symptoms of this condition are pain in hip

The ball or head of the thigh bone, also known as femoral head slips from the thigh bone’s neck. Because of this the hip joint becomes stiff and painful. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is the most common disorder of the hip which can happen in both the hips or one and it is more common in boys when compared to girls.

Basically, adolescents of the age 10-18 years and who are overweight can be affected by this condition. The condition can arise over a time interval of few weeks or years.

The condition, if resulted because of trauma and is also called acute slip and if results after a period of time is called chronic slip. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is caused because of medications, radiation treatment, thyroid problems, and chemotherapy.

which increases upon movement, pain in thigh, knee and groin and limpness in the leg.

When an adolescent walks there will be a clicking sound in the hip and his/her legs will be turned outwards.

Apart from studying the medical history of the patient, the doctor will recommend diagnostic procedures such as bone scans, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and blood test. The bone scans will determine the arthritic changes and degenerative changes in the joints, which helps to detect tumours and bone diseases and the cause of pain and inflammation. The X-ray will give the inside picture of the bones, tissues and organs.

The magnetic resonance imaging provide detailed image of the structures within the body with the help of large

magnets. It is best if slipped capital femoral epiphysis is determined in the early stages, so that the femur bone’s head doesn’t slip off any further. The adolescent may need to undergo a surgery along with physical therapy.

Scoliosis in adolescents

Normally, a spine when viewed from rear should appear straight but if the spine is lateral or curved or sideways or rotated then it is affected by scoliosis. It gives an appearance as if the person has leaned to a side. According to Scoliosis Research Society the definition of scoliosis is the curving of the spine at an angle greater than 10 degrees on an X-ray. Scoliosis is a kind of spinal deformity and should not be confused to poor posture. Usually there are four common kinds of patterns of curves experienced in Scoliosis which are: Thoracic wherein the right side has 90 per cent curves, lumbar wherein left side has 70 per cent curves, thoracolumbar wherein right side has 80 per cent curves and double major where both right and left sides have curves.

In majority of the cases, as high as 80-85 per cent, the cause of the deformity is unknown, this is also known as idiopathic scoliosis. It is observed that females have scoliosis more commonly than males. According to some established facts, three to five children per 1000 has chances of developing spinal curves which is a number big enough requiring medical treatment.

There are three types of scoliosis that can develop in children namely congenital, neuromuscular and idiopathic. (childdevelopmentinfo.com) TO BE CONTINUED

How to spot injuries in young children

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oung children often cannot communicate when they have been hurt, but there are physical cues parents can look for in their children. Here are some common types of injuries and signs that a child may need emergency medical care.

Head injuries Parents should seek medical attention immediately

if a child seems much more cranky than usual after a head injury and shows signs such as: * Headache or persistent rubbing of the head * Neck pain * Increased drowsiness or an inability to wake up * Slurred speech * Nausea and vomiting * Blood or fluid in the ear, nose bleed * Seizure-like behaviour * A soft spot on the head that feels like it is bulging or unexplained swelling, large bumps, or bruises * Differences the way the child walks such as unsteady walking and balance, and poor coordination * Pupils are unequal in size * Loss of consciousness

* Altered vision * about A

Memory loss the fall trip to an Emergency Room (ER) is needed if a child under age two falls more than three feet, or a child more than two years of age has fallen more than five feet.

Eye injuries Eye injuries such as a black eye or bleeding in the whites of the eye are associated with a nosebleed. Parents should go to the ER if two black eyes appear after a head injury or has sudden vision changes such as double or blurred vision, or has difficulty moves their eyes. Parents can ask their child to follow a finger. If one eye moves and one stays straight or there is pain, it is a sign of possible significant trauma to the eye.

Mouth and tooth injuries Losing a baby tooth is not an emergency, but a dentist should examine the child within 24 hours. If a permanent tooth comes out, contact a dentist for instructions.

Fractures Fractures are the most common types of injury in infants and toddlers. These types of injuries can occur when children fall off of changing tables, beds, coffee tables, sofas, or from a falling height. The symptoms manifest themselves as immediate swelling at the point of injury, deformity, and reluctance to use that body part. The most common facture is the clavicle, while others occur at the elbow, wrist, legs, and fingers.

The five P’s According to The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, there are five Ps that are other signs that warrant an immediate trip to the Emergency Room: * Pain – extreme sensitivity and discomfort * Pallor * Paralysis – being unable to move an injured body part * Parasthesia – tingling or numbness * Pulse – not detectable or weak If these symptoms appear, parents should seek immediate medical attention for their children. (www.childdevelopmentinfo.com)

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thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Guyana accredits new Guyana slipping on commitments Peruvian Ambassador to FATF – Teixeira I

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eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on Wednesday expressed concern that the Guyana Government may be slipping on its commitments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in relation to implementing its Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

“Guyana is slipping on its commitments to FATF as it has no Financial Intelligence Unit [FIU] Director or Deputy Director and no AML/CFT Authority in place. The FIU is headless and therefore many aspects of the AML/CFT Act cannot be put into operation and if it is, it will be in violation of the law,” she noted.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently urged the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration to “promptly” address the deficiencies in its AML/CFT framework to ensure full compliance with FATF recommendations.

In December, Attorney General Basil Williams stated that there were still a number of recommendations the country needed to fulfil before it could become fully compliant with FATF and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) requirements.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Currently, Government is in the process of employing a Director and Deputy Director for the FIU. Teixeira, who is a member of a parliamentary committee in charge of overseeing this aspect, disclosed that a sizeable number of applications for the position have been received.

Thereafter, she said a sub-committee will be established to develop a score system to act as a guidline when reviewing the applications to determine which will appear on the shortlist for interviews.

Meanwhile, more amendments to the AML/ CFT Bill are slated to be presented at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly on May 4; however, Teixeira lamented that Government intends once again, to ramrod all

three stages during that one sitting.

The PPP/C Chief Whip explained that she received a call from the Government Chief Whip Amna Ally who informed her of Government’s intention to present the amendments at the upcoming sitting.

“She asked if we will support the amendments to the AML/CFT Amendment Bill with all three stages at one sitting on May 4… and our answer was a resounding ‘no’,” Teixeira stated.

She explained that the amendments are large and complex, and therefore, it needs to be reviewed extensively, especially considering that the PPP/C will be entering the parliamentary chambers with no knowledge whatsoever on what to expect.

Teixeira further explained that these pieces of legislation need to be reviewed and discussed comprehensively to ensure it is consistent with each other and that there is no contradiction.

n efforts to strengthen ties with its continental neighbours, Guyana has accredited its new Ambassador of Peru.

Ambassador Mario Lopez Chavarri handed over his Letters of Credence to Head of State David Granger on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Chavarri expressed his commitment to promoting integration and cooperation between Guyana and Peru to further strength relations between the two South American countries.

Meanwhile, in accepting the Peruvian Ambassador’s credence, President Granger noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Peru, the two countries have since enjoyed and maintained cordial relations.

“The Republic of Peru, through your appointment, is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relations between our two countries. Guyana and Peru share common interests, which provide a solid foundation for improved relationships at bilateral, regional and international levels,” he stated.

President Granger out-

President David Granger accredited Peru’s Ambassador to Guyana Mario Lopez Chavarri

lined that the two continental neighbours share interests in the democracy, peace, respect for human rights, sustainable developments, eradication of poverty and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Moreover, the Guyanese Head of State committed Guyana’s support towards the development of productive partnerships between the two Republics, especially in the area of fishing, mining and agriculture.

“Our two Republics are committed to regional co-

operation, as a means of achieving a higher standard of living for our peoples, through the sustainable exploitation of our natural resources,” Granger said.

In addition, he mentioned the two countries’ confidence in the Rule of International Law, particularly in the role of international judicial bodies, such as International Court of Justice to definitively settle territorial controversies.

Diplomatic relations between Guyana and Peru dates back to July 1971.

Labourer jailed for gun, ammo possession

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3 6 - y e a r - o l d Charlestown, Georgetown man was found guilty by Magistrate Dylan Bess on two possession of illegal arms charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Frederick Boyce, a la-

bourer, who was on remand, was found guilty of the charges which stated that on August 28, 2015 at 17:30h at Cemetery Road, he had in his possession one unlicensed Taurus pistol, along with seven live matching rounds of ammu-

nition.

During the trial, the Court was told that on the day in question, Boyce was stripped and searched by Police on patrol whose suspicions were roused and the illegal gun and ammo were found in his pants crotch.

Boyce, who was unrepresented, was found guilty of both offences by Magistrate Bess and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for each charge which will run concurrently. He was also fined $50,000 for each offence.

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thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS Brothers charged with Murder/ sodomy of 2-year-old purchasing stolen items Accused runs

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wo Danielstown Village, Essequibo Coast brothers found themselves on the wrong side of the law when they reportedly purchased stolen items.

Ricardo and Winston Chester appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Wednesday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

According to the prosecution, between April 15 and April 18, 2016 at Danielstown, they received from Albert Bharrat a 32-inch Samsung TV and two gas cylinders knowing same to be stolen. The items are valued at $122,700 and are the property of Sarwan Kumar.

The two men pleaded not guilty to the charge. Ricardo Chester told the Court that Bharrat approached him and asked him to pay a taxi for him and in return, he asked to keep the items.

Winston Chester on the other hand told the Court he had no knowledge that the items were stolen.

The VC, who was also in Court, told the Magistrate he had settled the matter with the two brothers. Magistrate Scarce cautioned the brothers about the seriousness of the offence and told them to be vigilant next time. The case was then dismissed and the brothers walked out of the courtroom, free men.

Meanwhile, Bharrat and a friend of his, Pollard (only name given), appeared before Magistrate Scarce on a break and enter and larceny charge.

The charge states that between April 15 and 16, 2016, the Richmond Village duo broke and entered the dwelling place of Kumar thereby stealing the Samsung TV, gas cylinders, a transformer, a pair of long pants, an elec-

trical iron and groceries, valued in total $164,200.

Both Bharrat and Pollard pleaded not guilty to the charge. Police Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack informed the Court that some of the items were recovered when Police swooped down on the two brothers that purchased several of the items.

The VC informed the Court that the parents of the duo pleaded with him to settle the matter and he has agreed. He then asked the Magistrate to dismiss the matter.

Magistrate Scarce, in cautioning the men about their behaviour, said that it has become a norm for Bharrat’s parents to settle matters of this nature for him. As such, he placed Bharrat and Pollard on a bond to keep the peace; any breach of the conditions of the bond will result in jail time.

Richmond man who stalked ex-lover on threatening language charge

T

wyane Smith of Richmond Village on the Essequibo Coast was on Wednesday granted $30,000 bail for using threatening language towards his ex-lover.

Smith made his first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

According to the prosecution’s case, on April 20, Smith made use of threatening language towards Simone Alves. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge,

and raised the question of why he would travel all the way to Onderneeming to abuse his ex.

However, the Virtual Complaint told the Court that Smith would make contact with his exes and when they ignored him, he would become abusive and hurl obscene language at them. She said on numerous occasions, he threatened to kill her and he has a history of abusing his exes. Additionally, she told the Court that she has moved on with her life and was getting married in August. She

pleaded with the Magistrate to stop Smith from contacting her.

The Court was also told that Smith was found guilty of a similar offence in the past and was jailed.

After listening to both parties, Magistrate Scarce granted Smith bail on the condition he report to the Anna Regina Police Station every Monday and Thursday.

He also warned him to refrain from contacting Alves.

The matter was adjourned to May10.

out of court after notguilty verdict

T

he teen who was accused of sodomising his two-year-old niece and murdering her in the process on Tuesday was freed by a 12-member jury at the High Court.

Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry dismissed the charge against Kevin Rankin after the jury unanimously agreed that he was not guilty of the act.

As the jury foreman read the not-guilty verdict, Rankin threw both arms into the air and shouted “yes” before running out of the courtroom, pursued by several relatives of the dead toddler.

Rankin was accused of committing the act on October 21, 2013 at Haslington Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD) when the toddler was left in his care.

At that time, Rankin was only 15 years old and had been at a relative’s home with the toddler while the child’s mother left to conduct some errands.

When the mother returned home, she was allegedly informed that something had been wrong with the child and she had died.

The woman then rushed the two-year-old to the CC Nicholson Health Centre at Nabaclis, ECD, before the child was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

During the trial, Defence Attorney Sandil Kissoon had argued that the prosecution’s case against his client was flawed since there were no photographs produced to the Court that had been taken of the scene where the crime allegedly occurred or even the house in which the alleged crime had taken place. He had posited that the investigations did not take any statement from any neighbour or eyewitness.

Meanwhile, State witness, Pathologist Nehaul Singh testified that an autopsy, which was performed on the body of the toddler, indicated that she had been sodomised. He told the jury that the two-year-old suffered abdominal trauma, including bleeding of her liver and spleen. Dr Singh revealed that the child had also suffered from concussions to both her head and neck which were consistent with a blow or fall.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Dr Singh acknowledged that the injury to the toddler’s chest cavity could have been also caused during the administration of CPR by someone who did not have experience in administering the life-saving technique.

It should be noted that Rankin had initially told the Court that he did not harm his niece on the day in question, but had taken her to a relative’s home for her “to play”. He said that was when she became sick, complained about chest pains, and subsequently became unresponsive. Given that the child was not breathing, his cousin tried to administer CPR, Rankin had said.

Eyew tness Conflating...

Y

...debts and reparations

our Eyewitness’ concerned about this US$450 million “grant” Britain’s flashing around the Caribbean for the last year – while ignoring demands for reparations. The folks in Jamaica – even the politicians who like their bread buttered – didn’t let British PM Cameron off scot-free like ours did – when he came like a Greek bearing gifts. They told him in no uncertain terms where he could get off with his refusal to apologise for slavery – and offer to buy off the Caribbean on their reparations demand with his “grant”.

They also reminded Cameron of his slaveowning ancestors who’d received compensation at “emancipation”. THEY were emancipated all right!

It’s reminiscent of the approach the British took at the abolition of slavery. They extracted the labour of African slaves through literally their “blood, sweat and tears”, for hundreds of years. Then used the mega profits – hey! That’s a given when you don’t have to pay for labour in a labour-intensive industry! – to jump out of feudalism and into their Industrial Age – from which their profits continue to flow.

But when it made economic sense to abandon slavery because “free trade” served their industrialising interests better – they “abolished” slavery. And tried to convince us they did it for “humanitarian” reasons.

Some humanitarians!! Rewarded the OWNERS of the slaves for their “PROPERTY” – that’s slaves, in case you forgot – and the latter got zilch. And now that folks have woken up to this historic wrong, and are demanding reparations, the British are trying to head us off at the pass.

When Cameron first came with his “grant spiel”, your Eyewitness called upon this Government to raise the issue of reparations with the local Ambassador – who waxed long and hard on how we’d “benefit”. Unless we do this, the British will claim we’re ungrateful when we insist on getting what’s rightfully ours – reparations. The Government was struck mute as they were suckered into already spending the money on projects like a new concrete Demerara Harbour Bridge – which’ll cost at least US$300 million. Out of a total of US$450 million for the ENTIRE Caribbean!

And as the British Ambassador once again whipped out the offer of the grant to the natives in Government, once again, your Eyewitness has to yell like Paul Revere of the US, “The British are coming! The British are coming! With their offer of “new grant” for “old reparations”.

There are some in Guyana, even outside the Government, who’ve lost sight of the prize. It is the British that profited from “legally” defining Africans as “chattel” and they cannot get away with denying reparations by saying “slavery was “legal”.

That’s called “bootstrapping” – and it ain’t legal.

...ambition with ineptitude

This burning of the rice farming couple – the aged Munirs – and shooting the young businessman from Wakenaam, Persaud, have awakened a lot of people to what this newspaper had long been saying – crime’s spiralling out of control in this country. When this was first pointed out, the National Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan got his buckta all in a knot and screamed “persecution!” He’d rather we reported on his 2am curfew of bars...the connection of which to crime, we’re still waiting for him to produce as he’d promised.

It’s rather ironic that a Government as top heavy with military and Police brass as this one, could be so clueless in handling the crime wave. But when you look at what’s going on...it’s not hard to understand why.

And we’re forced back to Ramjattan. He demanded this key Ministry for AFC’s support and got it over the professionals. Along with the mega salary and perks.

The beribboned bunch is just waiting for him to crumble under his ineptitude. Meanwhile, we’re stuck with the spiralling crime wave.

...Spirogyra or amoeba

Your Eyewitness would like to remind some in the media it’s the amoeba that gobbles up everything in its path. Spirogyra manufactures its own food, thank you!

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

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thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Teen escapes jail time

Deadly prison riot

Guyana Bar Association – fined for drug possession A walks out of CoI

BY SHEMUEL FANFAIR

“I

mproper, unethical” and “unprofessional” were the words Attorney and President of the Guyana Bar Association Christopher Ram uttered, as he marched out of Wednesday afternoon’s session of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the deadly Camp Street Prison riots. This walk-out occurred during the cross-examination of Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels who prisoners claimed gave the orders to lock the prison door.

The Attorney sought to make the correlation that Attorney Selwyn Pieters, who is representing the Joint Services and appointed by the State, is also representing Deputy Director Samuels .Ram grilled the witness over the supposition that Pieters’ counsel representation of Samuels is “a private arrangement” – a line of questioning that was discontinued by Commission Chairman James Patterson, who noted that divulging those details would violate lawyer-client privilege.

This did not however sit well Attorney Ram who pointed out a conflict of interest.

“Here it is we have an entity that is subject of this enquiry, set up by the President and the same Government providing legal counsel,” the Bar Association President expressed.

Attorney Christopher Ram walks out of Wednesday’s session of the CoI

At this point, it was Attorney representing the Disciplined Services, Pieters who now attempted to object to Ram’s continued line of questioning. This however prompted the Bar Association to interject before Pieters could raise any of his concerns.

“Mr Chairman, I am not going to take this interruption from the other side unless it’s a proper point of objection, we had enough from that side,” he noted. As Ram was subsequently allowed to proceed, he then asked Samuels if he was aware of any prisoner or survivor of the prison fire being provided with legal counsel by the State. Samuels responded in the negative.

When Ram attempted to ascertain the reasons behind Samuels being sent on leave, Attorney Pieters was swift in disallowing a response from his witness.

“Any personnel issues between Senior Superintendent

Samuels and the Ministry of Public Security and the Director of the Prison are matters that are private,” Pieters opined.

Ram then responded “The Bar Association will not sit down here and be interrupted; we have a serious problem in that we are not being allowed full opportunity to cross-examine. This is a matter that is in the press.

A statement made by the Minister of Public Security, he says that ‘him going on leave’, that is, Mr Samuels is a necessity at this stage.”

As he was not allowed to pursue this line of questioning, Ram then opted to withdraw from the CoI and reiterated that the decision has been taken since the Bar Association was not provided with a proper opportunity to examine the witnesses.

“We believe that the purpose and objective of this Commission is being seriously compromised,” he stressed.

Justice Patterson told

Scrap dealer murder

5 witnesses testify as trial continues

By Kizzy Coleman

T

he retrial into the murder of Akbar Alli, who was gunned down by bandits opposite King’s Solomon Enterprise on Brickdam, Georgetown, continued on Wednesday before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry and a 12-member jury at the High Court.

Rondell Bacchus, 29, of C Field Sophia Squatting Area, Greater Georgetown, is accused of carrying out the heinous act along with Andrew Morris, 34, of Lot 263 East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Bacchus, who is accused of committing the murder on July 24, 2006, was committed to be retried following the jury’s complaint that they could not reach a verdict and further directions from the Judge would not be helpful.

This decision came after the testimony of Rameena Bibi Hydar, the wife of the deceased who testified via audiovisual link (Skype), that she had positively identified Bacchus at an identification parade in Georgetown after the shooting.

Some members of the jury were in doubt about the evidence which was presented before the court and as such, the trial ended in a hung jury.

Justice Navindra Singh, who previously heard the case, had ordered the retri-

al for the next session of the Assizes, since the jury could not decide whether the accused was guilty or not guilty of the crime.

According to reports, on the day in question, around 13:00h, Alli withdrew about $2.1 million from a city bank and went with his wife to another city bank after which he proceeded to Brickdam to transact business with an auto dealer.

He had parked and along with his wife exited the vehicle when two men rode up on a motorcycle and snatched the bag containing the money which his wife had.

The men then rode away, but Alli gave chase, and one of the bandits shot him in the chest. The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he eventually succumbed.

On Wednesday, the Court heard the testimonies of five witnesses who were presented

by State Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy and Narissa Leander, and cross-examined by defence counsel Nigel Hughes.

Those testifying were Assistant Superintendent of Police, Trevor Husbands; Sergeant Lilin Scotland; Safdaar Hussein; retired Deputy Inspector Sydney Charles and ex-Police Officer Trevor Oswald.

Oswald, who conducted the identification (ID) parade

when the suspect was in custody, took the stand for the second time to give his testimony.

He explained that the eyewitness, the deceased’s wife, positively identified Bacchus as the perpetrator.

Attorney Hughes questioned the even-handedness of the ID parade, querying the characteristics of those in the line-up.

In response, Oswald explained that the men chosen to be in the parade were chosen because of the way they dressed and all were of the same ethnicity.

Hughes also accused the ex-Officer of misleading the Court, alleging that statements that he gave in the Magistrate’s Court some eight years ago were different from what he was currently saying in the High Court.

The Attorney questioned the way in which the parade was carried out, asking the witness if it was normal for the Police Officer who conducted the parade to know where the suspect was standing and to hold conversations with the eyewitness.

Oswald answered that it was a norm for Officers to do this.

Prior to the ex-Police Officer, the four other witnesses gave their testimonies.

The matter will continue today.

Ram that if he decides to withdraw, he may not be allowed to return. At this point, Attorney Pieters in cross-talk questioned Ram if he had consulted with the Bar Association’s Board or if he “unilaterally” made the decision to withdraw. In a show of frustration, Ram uttered: “You give me a break” and departed from the room, shutting the door behind him.

Earlier this week, questions over the lack of transparency were raised after the media and members of the public were barred from hearing the testimonies of Prison Service members Cleveland Hudson and another whose name was only give as “Officer Lyken.”

“Officer Lyken” was reportedly ordered by his superiors to take video footage of the prison riots, while it is being floated that it was Hudson who gave the orders to lock the prison doors.

Public Security Minister Kemraj Ramjattan when questioned on Monday, opined that the closed door setting is within the authority of the Chairman.

“The CoI is controlled by the CoI members… he has authority to do that. I suppose under the Terms of Reference and if he thinks it is a matter for security reasons, why not,” the Minister had noted. Following a period of rioting at the Camp Street penitentiary, 17 inmates lost their lives as a result of fire.

Charlestown teen was on Wednesday fined $3000 after he pleaded guilty to a possession of four grams of cannabis.

Trevon Jones, 19, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistratess Courts. It was stated that on April 19, while at Georgetown, he had four grams of cannabis in his possession.

In plea of mitigation,

Attorney Mark Waldron told the court that his client received the drugs from his friend and he only used it as an experiment.

Waldron pleaded with Magistrate Moore to take into consideration the fact that his client admitted to the charge and he in no way resorted to wasting neither his nor the court’s time.

Jones was ordered to pay a fine of $3000 for the offence.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, april 21, 2016

News

Teixeira blazes APNU/AFC Chinese national robbed for making businessmen of $$M on Church Street donate to Govt A

... “who the cap fits, let them wear it”

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usinessmen are being pressured into making donations to the Government to undertake national projects, including the D’urban Park development initiative and the construction of several wells in the Rupununi, according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Gail Teixeira.

Following confirmations from the Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) that indeed monies totalling $12 million were solicited from contractors, Teixeira contended that businessmen are being indirectly forced to make contributions out of fear of being blacklisted or becoming victims of politically-motivated boycotts.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Teixeira pointed out that businesses being approached by the Government for donations will obviously be stuck between a rock and a hard place since the implication of not abiding is rather obvious.

“There is always the impression given to the person who is being called to ask to donate, especially when a Minister or head of agency is doing that… if you don’t comply, abide, or behave a good boy or don’t contribute, you will obviously not be

PPP/C Executive Gail Teixeira

on the list of priorities and you won’t be considered (for projects). And every contractor or businessman in this country is saying that; this is not Gail Teixeira’s fiction or the PPP/C’s fiction,” she argued.

Initially, the PPP/C disclosed that “a certain” Government agency collected monies from contractors amounting to $12 million to carry out “certain works” and had expressed concerns about this development.

Shortly after, GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Richard Van West Charles called a news conference to confirm that the agency to which the PPP/C was referring is the GWI. However, Dr Charles had accused the Party of being reckless and mali-

cious for making such insinuations and he insisted that businesses were not threatened to donate monies.

“Two weeks ago I appealed to contractors and I appealed to them as citizens… I appealed to them to make donations for the drilling of wells in the Rupununi,” he said adding that there was “no threat of them being blacklisted.”

According to reports, GWI pledged its intention to return all funds that were donated.

Nonetheless, Teixeira also expressed concerns that Government had to resort to raising funds for construction of the wells instead of using monies that were allocated in the recently approved Budget 2016.

“A $230 billion budget was passed a month before with $195 million in the capital works for hinterland water development. Why, in less than a month, you are asking for donations which the capital works provided for,” she questioned.

Teixeira is demanding that the GWI provided more clarity on the matter, including to state whether or not the funds went into The Consolidated Funds and if the businessmen who donated received receipts.

Chinese national attached to China Harbour was relieved of a large sum of cash while in the vicinity of Church Street, Georgetown.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the man who is presently employed at the Movie Town construction site, Patterson, Greater

Georgetown, was parked in front of a supermarket on Church Street on Wednesday when a white motor car pulled up alongside him.

A long gunman reportedly exited the Premio motorcar and relieved the Chinese national of a haversack he was carrying.

Police sources confirmed that the man had just left a

city bank and was heading to the worksite when he was attacked and robbed.

No one injured during the robbery.

Police are also of the belief that the robbery might have been executed with the assistance of someone within the bank or within the construction company.

Police have launched an investigation.

Occupational Safety and Health observances

Joint Safety and Health Committee established in Region 10

Assistant Chief Occupational Safety and Health Officer within the Social Protection Ministry, Lydia Greene interacting with employees

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umerous employees within Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) were on Wednesday educated and informed about aspects surrounding the establishment of a joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee in the region. Present to facilitate the process, through an informative session, was Assistant Chief Occupational Safety and Health Officer within the Social Protection Ministry, Lydia Greene.

The session, which was held at the conference room

of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Mackenzie, Linden, was attended by employees of the RDC and the region’s Department of Education.

During the interactive session, the attendees were informed of the Act governing the Occupational Safety and Health Committee and its responsibilities in dealing with employees’ complaints, among other things.

Greene in her address to the small gathering noted that she was happy that the RDC was on board and that

the Committee was established.

It was noted that apart from dealing with complaints, the Committee would be responsible for setting up and promoting programmes to improve employee training and education.

Greene also established that under the Act, employers are responsible for ensuring workplace safety and health committees are enforced.

An employee who attended the session noted that it was very effective and enlightening.

Wakenaam businessman’s murder

CCTV footage leads to arrest of Alberttown man

A

n Alberttown, Georgetown resident was on Wednesday morning arrested and is being interrogated for the murder of Wakenaam businessman, Mahendra Persaud who was gunned down on Alexander Street, Bourda on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old suspect was arrested at about 03:50h by Police ranks. A Police source stated that the man is a known character to the Police and was seen in the CCTV footage of the shooting incident after it was reviewed by investigators.

Guyana Times understands that the Police uplifted and reviewed several pieces of surveillance footage from nearby businesses in the area where the incident took place. With the arrest of Alexander, the Police are on the hunt for one other man suspected to

Dead: Mahendra Persaud

be the shooter.

The 26-year-old businessman was shot about three times on Tuesday by a lone gunman who attacked him seconds after he exited a motorcar to transact business at a wholesale store.

He reportedly collapsed and was run over by a heavily tinted motorcar.

A man, who was seen changing the licence plates

of the vehicle after the incident was arrested. He is said to be assisting with investigations.

It was reported that after the young businessman was shot, licensed firearm holders who witnessed the incident discharged several rounds in the direction of the gunman who managed to escape on a motorcycle ridden by an accomplice.

The injured businessman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The gunman was not successful in relieving the Persaud of the bag containing the money he was carrying.

It was during him resisting the gunman that he was shot to the neck and stomach. The now dead man was described as friendly, nonconfrontational, funny and helpful. He only recently got married.

12 news

ThursDay, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

High alcohol tax misapplied

LBI shutdown

GRA admits pharma manufacturers penalised unfairly

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ears of seeking redress are coming to an end after the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) reportedly admitted that indeed, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies using extra neutral alcohol or neutral spirits are victims of paying a tax that was never intended for them on the purchase of the alcohol substrate.

After an article appearing in Guyana Times on April 15 detailed reasons why these companies are being wrongfully charged the Excise Tax, a meeting was arranged between the tax body and company representatives to discuss the matter.

Guyana Times understands that during the discussions, the GRA admitted that the two major pharmaceutical manufacturing companies – New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company Inc (NEW GPC INC) and Twins Manufacturing Chemists, are victims of a tax not intended for them.

Moves are currently afoot to rectify the situation.

According to the Excise Tax Act 2005, the tax should have only been charged on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, petroleum products, and motor vehicles.

However, since pharmaceutical manufacturers purchased alcohol of a particular category, they have been paying taxes for all those

years despite the fact that they were not involved in the production of alcohol for consumption. That is, “alcoholic beverages”.

Twins Manufacturing Chemists had explained to this publication that since the implementation of the Excise Tax, they have been lobbying but to no avail, or at the very least, an explanation for the inconsistency with what is stipulated in the Act and what is being practiced.

“Since 2007, we’ve been behind this… the issue is the Excise Tax, it ought to be removed for local manu-

facturers who are not producing alcoholic beverages,” a company official had said, noting that they never received a single response.

The company official had argued that the Excise Tax Act 2005 was not applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“People who are not manufacturing spirits and other alcoholic products, the category Twins and NEW GPC falls into, they are not using these alcohols to make spirits and alcoholic beverages, we are using it to make med-

icine, we should not have to a pay the Excise Tax, that is our position on the whole matter,” he had stated. As one analyst quipped, a “sin tax” was being applied to a “virtue product” Last year, several manufacturing companies expressed concern over the alarmingly high Excise Tax charged on the neutral spirits they would usually purchase from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and had consequently requested the Government’s intervention to alleviate the burden plaguing the local manufacturing sector.

Instead of getting relief from paying the 40 per cent in Excise Tax, manufactures were then forced to pay an incredulous 65 per cent in Excise Tax for the neutral spirits they buy locally for use in the production of their goods and services.

The alcohol purchased by manufacturers is referred to as extra-neutral alcohol or neutral spirits and is measured in Litres of Pure Alcohol (LPA). At the purchase strength of 96 per cent alcohol v/v (volume-volume percentage), it is considered only suitable for industrial use or further processing.

Efforts to contact the GRA and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin for an official comment on the matter proved futile as all calls to their phones went unanswered.

Decision was made by GuySuCo – Govt … willing to meet with workers

T

he decision to close operations at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Sugar Estate was not made

by Government but by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

This is according to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Raphael Trotman who said on Wednesday that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government inherited a plan that was already laid out by the previous Administration.

“As it relates to LBI, it must be reminded that the new Government inherited a plan that was already in place by the former Administration and it is not Government’s plan that is being executed but the management of GuySuCo,” Trotman said.

He was responding to questions by Journalists on Wednesday as he chaired this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

GuySuCo recently announced that the gates of the LBI Estate would be closed by May month-end.

Some 125 of the 846 workers are set to lose their jobs with this move to shut down LBI, the second sugar estate within a year.

Trotman, however, said that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder could soon meet with the affected workers.

He said every effort would be made to ensure every person was transitioned into the Enmore operations – a plan that has been rejected by some workers.

Trotman added that the integration of the LBI and

Enmore Sugar Estates was to rationalise the duplication of activities of staff, thus lowering the cost of production.

He advised the media that Cabinet was briefed at its last meeting by the Agriculture Minister on the merger of the Sugar Estates into one production entity.

Holder, outlining the rationale for the merger to the Cabinet, pointed out that it was necessary to prevent sugar production in East Demerara from going out of existence in the near future.

“It was also pointed out that the closure of the LBI Factory in 2011 resulted in the retention of many workers who were rendered redundant.

For example, GuySuCo has been paying 58 workers to operate a mill dock facility at LBI for the past five years while the facility is no longer being required,” Minister Trotman explained.

The Minister disclosed that at the LBI facility, of the 846 employees, approximately 125 of them are carrying out duplicate functions that are being undertaken by employees at the Enmore Estate. These include mill dock operators and workers at the field workshop, field laboratory, field office and stores.

“The integration of the two Estates will therefore rationalise the duplicated activities, thus rendering the cost of production lower,” the Minister stated.

Providing an update on the Wales Sugar Estate closure, Minister Trotman said that Cabinet was advised that the management of GuySuCo had a number of

meetings with the various stakeholders, including staff and cane farmers to explain the situation and plans for the location.

The most recent consultations were held on April 4 and 6, 2016 and included the high-level managers of GuySuCo as well as other managers, senior staff, foremen and other relevant stakeholders.

“Discussions were held on the non-viability of the Estate, the necessity of allocating funds to a more viable location and the arrangements to utilise the more expanded facility at the Uitvlugt Estate,” Minister Trotman said.

During the meeting, the vision for the future and related projects for the Estate such as aquaculture projects were discussed. Issues such as retention, training, pension, severance pay and transferability of staff were also discussed.

The LBI factory was closed under the former Administration in 2011 and the merging of those operations was expected to commence immediately; however, the integration process had been stymied for various reasons over the years.

This led to two operational departments at the Estates.

Earlier this year, GuySuCo announced the closure of Wales Estate by yearend and that some of the workers would be deployed to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate while others would be redundant.

GuySuCo and the Agriculture Ministry are yet to devise a plan for the future of affected sugar workers.

Notably, the closures of both Estates follow assurances by the Government that no estate will be shut down anytime soon.

In fact, following the announcement of the closure of Wales Sugar Estate, Government promised that no other estate would be shut down.

The closures also come on the heels of a multimillion-dollar Commission of Inquiry report which advised against the closure of any sugar estate or operation at this time.

News

13

thursDay, APRIL 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Murdered Good Hope rice farmers laid to rest The children of Bibi and Mohamed Munir conveyed gratitude to all those who supported them in this time of their grief, noting that the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), friends and neighbours played an integral part in assisting the family.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder who was also

BY RAMONA LUTHI

T

he elderly couple that was burnt to death in their East Bank Essequibo home by bandits was on Wednesday laid to rest.

Bibi Jamila Munir and her husband, Mohamed Munir were killed on Sunday last when bandits invaded their Lot 17 Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home and set it on fire during a botched robbery.

At the funeral on Wednesday, the atmosphere was both sober and sad, as hundreds turned up to pay their last respects to the couple.

Paying tribute to the couple, their granddaughter said the family has suffered a shocking blow and are still trying to come to grips with the death of their loved ones.

She described her grandfather, Mohamed Munir, as the “kindest, most hard-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo paying his respects at the funeral of the murdered rice farmers

working, most compassionate and gentle person” she has ever known and her grandmother Bibi Jamila Munir, as the “bravest woman in the world.” She added that her grandmother was a driving force in their lives and the lives of everyone in

the community.

Munirs’ granddaughter noted that her grandparents loved Guyana, and the family is praying that they get the justice they deserve.

She also recited a poem during which she broke down in tears.

APNU/AFC to review performance at impending summit

I

n less than a month, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition (APNU/AFC) will commemorate its first year in governance, as such, the coalition is expected to host a seminar to review its performance over the past 12 months.

This was revealed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Wednesday at the post Cabinet briefing which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“As we approach the first year in Government, there will be such a gathering where you can look at

seems to be building within the APNU/AFC Government after the AFC, the smaller party in the coalition, recently raised concerns about the amount of authority being vested to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Harmon has recently found himself in the midst of controversies following a recent trip to China. In this regard, the AFC had called for Harmon’s powers to be trimmed. The party had explained that the concentration of the powers of the office of the Cabinet Secretary, the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency and the effective Head of the

fore Cabinet during which President Granger encouraged the AFC Leader and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, and the party’s Vice Chairman, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, to voice their concerns.

“They gave their opinions, their views (and) were not hindered in anyway…

The AFC as a constituent member or a partner in a coalition may give its views and it has done so,” he stated. However, the Natural Resources Minister outlined that while the matter was raised, the issues raised by the AFC were not resolved.

APNU/AFC coalition to review past year's performance

the triumphs and the hills and the valleys, the lows and the highs of the coalition Government and the relationship between the parties,” he stated.

However, Trotman noted that no date has been set aside for the hosting of such a forum but assured that this event will take place within the coming weeks.

He did not say whether it will on or before May 16 – the date last year when the coalition was sworn into governance after being announced the winners at the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Tensions rising

Meanwhile,

tension

what is right and we have to demand that there should be security for lives and livelihood. What we work for, we should be allowed to use and we should be allowed to give when we want to give and somebody should not come and snatch it from us. Then when they don’t get it, kill us,” she lamented.

Shaddick said that her

Presidential Secretariat in a single person is a matter of concern and that in fact, the powers should be separated.

However, President David Granger had subsequently stated that Harmon’s duties and responsibilities are not too burdensome. “I don’t think that they are so burdensome that he cannot take all three responsibilities. I am standing by the duties which were assigned to him last May and this is what we have been working with for the last 11 months,” the Head of State told reporters last week.

Nevertheless, Minister Trotman revealed on Wednesday that the matter was brought up be-

In fact, he pointed out that such a resolution will have to be undertaken at a different forum. “The issue of the AFC views and the APNU views cannot be settled in Cabinet.

Cabinet is a governmental institution. The APNU and AFC will have to meet at some high level summit and work through those matters,” he noted.

The APNU and AFC signed the Cummingsburg Accord in February 2015 to contest the national elections. They went on to win the polls, taking 33 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly in a controversial election, which results have since been challenged in court.

Relatives and friends pay their last respects to the couple

present at the funeral expressed condolences on behalf of himself and the Government of Guyana to the family.

People’s Progressive Party’s Member of Parliament and cousin of the late Bibi Munir, Bibi Shadick, in her tribute said the couple would “forever be remembered by everyone as persons who cared for the community and wanted it to be better than it was.”

She added that the fate the Munirs met on Sunday last was one that she cannot accept. ‘’We have to stand up for

cousin was “not just a farmer” but she was also a “social worker, mother, sister, daughter and everything to everyone that needed her.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who also paid his respect to the couple, conveyed his condolences to the family. He described their departure as being “tragic and horrendous.”

Jagdeo relayed that from what he gathered from persons that knew the couple, it seemed as though the lives of these wonderful people epitomised hard work and commitment to cause. He said

that Bibi Jamila Munir was an executive member of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and knew what struggle was.

He added that “it is a pity that hard work is not recognised in this country, today since people can come in such a callous manner and try to snatch away one’s fruits of hard work, possibly killing them in the process.”

According to Jagdeo, the State should not be held responsible for every criminal act but they should indicate where their sentiments are directed as they should be on the victim’s side and not the perpetrator’s. ”We don’t see them (APNU/AFC) go to places where tragedies occur, right across this country, where people are grieving and they are sorrowful and they have their lives knocked out in callous manners. But we see negotiations in the prison with criminals and we heard about how many people were released from prison… We are still asking until today to see the records of those people who were released from prison and until now there is no attempt on the part of the Government to make those records public.”

According to reports, at around 23:15h on Sunday, several armed bandits invaded the couple’s premises but they managed to secure themselves in one of the bedrooms.

After not being able to gain access to the couple, the angered bandits then doused the house with gasoline and set it alight.

14

guyana-times.com

thursDay, april 21, 2016

News

Guyana, India sign US$1M MoU for set-up of ICT centre

T

he Government of Guyana on Wednesday signed a US$1 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Government via its High Commissioner in Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam for the set-up of an information communication and Technology (ICT) Centre of Excellence in Guyana.

This centre will provide training for Public Sector ICT professionals to ensure the availability of a highly skilled ICT workforce, equipped with the requisite expertise to meet the increasingly complex demands of the public and Private Sectors.

The MoU was signed at the Ministry of the Presidency by Minister of State Joseph Harmon in the presence of Floyd Levi, Head of the E-Government Unit; Vanessa Dickenson, Director, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Malcolm Williams, Director of Policy and Training, E-Government Unit.

Minister Harmon noted that the MoU caters for the creation and operation of an ICT Centre of Excellence, which will be based at the National Data Management Building at the University of Guyana Complex. During the first two years of the project, training of trainers will be completed, fol-

Deadly prison riot

Contraband: a multimillion-dollar business – Deputy Director of Prisons

By Shemuel Fanfair

D

eputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels is of the view that the loss of resale value from seized contraband items from the Camp Street Prison is responsible for the disdain inmates harbour against him. These comments were made on the sidelines of the Commission of Inquiry into the March prison riots.

When questioned by me-

tems in place to prevent them from carrying out those businesses [and] more than likely, they’re gonna be affected,” Samuels further observed.

In responding to assertions that he gave orders to lock the prison door, Samuels once again reiterated that he “was not there at the beginning of the exercise” on the day of the March 3 “big fire” which claimed the lives of 17 inmates.

The Attorney represent-

Continuing his testimony on Wednesday, Samuels provided evidence to show that he travelled to Bartica on March 2 and returned early on March 3. Under cross-examination, Samuels also disclosed that only prisoners on remand were housed in the Capital A section of the prison.

The Deputy Director told the Commission that it was he who told Acting Director of Prisons Carl Graham that

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam and Minister of State Joseph Harmon shake hands after the signing on Wednesday

lowing which the facility will be handed over to the Government of Guyana.

“The parties will cooperate in the identification of required areas of training, the establishment of a centre for training in ICT with two classrooms of 25 students each, in the provision of academic material to trainup to 500 students per year for two years, among others,” Minister Harmonsaid.

The Minister noted that the project will go a long way in the development of the human resources of the country. He noted that the prospects of such a centre are exciting.

“High Commissioner, I want to thank you for this privilege. This has been an

event that has been long in coming. It is a very significant moment in our history… The Government of India has persevered in ensuring that we have this centre established in Guyana. I am very excited about the prospects that this project will bring and I am extremely pleased to sign this agreement,” Minister Harmon said.

Minister Harmon said that he expects that the centre will be opened within the next three to six months. In the meantime, India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mahalingam, in brief comments, said that the centre provides an opportunity for the development of the country and the people of Guyana, which his Government was pleased to facilitate.

“We have been waiting for this for a long time and finally it happened.This is only the first step. There are a lot of things that we need to do.We need to correspond with each other. We need to make the facilities available on your end... I am sure that this is going to be a real good opportunity for Guyanese to have training on various aspects of IT management and we look forward to working together,” Mahalingam said.

Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels continuing his testimony

dia operatives on Wednesday, Deputy Director Samuels, who has 15 years’ experience in the Prison Service, revealed that at the Camp Street facility contraband was “basically a multimillion-dollar business”. He also explained that “for the last two years” since he has held the post of Officer in Charge, pounds of narcotics have been removed, causing inmates to incur significant losses.

“The record is there to show that I would have removed pounds of marijuana during raids and thousands of packs of cigarettes were found…if you do the mathematics based on the resale value in prison, those prisoners would have lost significant amount of cash and all those are reasons why they would not like a person like me around,” the Deputy Director of Prisons expressed.

“Many of them [prisoners] manage to maintain families, many of them manage to pay a lot of fees that are attached to their imprisonment while in there…I’m putting sys-

ing the Guyana Prison Service and Guyana Police Force, Selwyn Pieters, who was also present when his witness was speaking to the media, noted that video evidence would reveal that it was a much lower-ranked prison officer who uttered statements that the door should be locked.

Pieters explained, “There’s actually a video that exists, that shows when the door was locked, shows who locked the door, and showed who gave the order to lock the door and it was somebody way below Senior Superintendent Samuel’s rank – that was Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Hudson, and at the point in time where that order was given.”

The media was also told that at the time this order was supposedly given, prisoners were rioting and there was one “aggressive” prisoner “Shaka McKenzie” who was said to be “instigating prisoners” and the prisoners “rushed the door” with improvised weapons.

When asked if he would “opt out” of his position after all of the controversy associated with the riots, Deputy Director Samuels offered no comment.

the prisoners were trapped in the Capital A block. When asked about training in negotiations and crisis management, Samuels posited that “all officers are exposed to basic training”, but he could not speak to formal training.

With regard to the door being eventually opened to release the prisoners, Samuels conceded that indeed 10 minutes was too long.

When the cross-examination team attempted to corroborate the statements of witness Cleveland Hudson to that of Deputy Director Samuels, Attorney Pieters reminded Commissioners that Hudson’s testimony was done “in-camera” [away from the public].

At the afternoon session, Joan Ward-Mars, the Attorney associated with the Linden Legal Aid Centre who is representing two inmates, petitioned the Commission to have Deputy Director Samuels be recalled in-camera so that he could speak to statements which Hudson had made. These statements are at the moment classified as members of the media were disallowed from observing some of testimonies of prison officers.

2 arrested after gun, ammo find

A

man and a woman were on Wednesday arrested after Police ranks discovered an illegal firearm and matching ammunition in a boat that was in their possession.

According to Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Ivelaw Whittaker, the incident occurred around 10:30h. According to initial reports, Police ranks con-

ducted a search on a boat at Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

During the search, they unearthed an unlicensed 12-gauge shotgun along with 14 cartridges.

The ranks subsequently arrested the man and the woman.

The two suspects remain in custody and are assisting with the investigations.

news

17

thursDay, april 21, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

LGE hearing

Case reassigned to Justice Insanally A cting Chief Justice Yonnette CummingsEdwards on Wednesday reassigned the matter involving the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Government back to Justice Diane Insanally, on Government’s decision to appoint a Mayor and Councillors in Local Authority Areas, where there have been ties following the recently conducted Local Government Elections (LGE).

The court matter, which was first heard before Justice Insanally last week, was scheduled to be heard before Chief Justice (ag) Cummings-

Attorney and PPP/C Executive Anil Nandlall

Edwards on Wednesday. After the hearing Wednesday morning, the acting Chief Justice directed that the matter be sent back to the High Court Judge.

At a press conference following the hearing, Attorney Anil Nandlall said cases that are filed are public law cases and should therefore be heard by the Constitutional and Administrative Division of the High Court which is presided over the Chief Justice (acting).

He said when the cases were filed the Chief Justice (acting) was out of the jurisdiction and the matters were

Govt takes on completion of D’Urban Park

W

ith the recent appointment of the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s role as to take over the D’Urban Park project, the responsibility of funding the venture now lies primarily in the hands of the Government.

This was disclosed during the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday where Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, cited that the President has made all indications that Government should now fully take over the project financially.

This decision comes one week after several media reports about the shabby works that were being carried out at the multimillion-dollar project.

Meanwhile, Trotman said Government is ready to take up complete responsibility of the project, even as it is in the last few phases.

The comment was made after the Minister was questioned about the amount of money that Government has deposited into the project since it has been place under the administration of the Public Infrastructure Ministry only recently.

This is opposed to the project previously being a PrivatePublic Partnership where resources acquired for its completion was contributed by munificent organisations or individuals.

Trotman disclosed that since the appointment had been made by the Head of State, Minister Patterson along with his technical team, has been engaged in analysing

the site to determine the way forward.

Even though being the administrator of such a large project can be time consuming, Trotman vouched for Patterson citing that he would not neglect his other duties as Minister.

Patterson is scheduled to present to Cabinet during its next meeting, a comprehensive memo on plans for the project.

Meanwhile, during a separate meeting, Patterson met with a number of stakeholders that would be included in the project where he was briefed on the ongoing work at the site.

During this time, the technical team headed by Patterson also discussed their ground plans on what they are looking forward to doing within the next 21 days.

On Tuesday, President Granger had assigned Patterson with the full responsibility of overlooking the development project of the D’urban Park.

The President during this time made it clear to the public domain that the Government will be working tirelessly in

order to have the facility completed in the nearest time possible, while maintaining quality work so that the safety is assured.

Speaking on the appointment as overseer of the project, Patterson cited that the Ministry will be unwavering in fulfilling its given task despite any complications presented.

Patterson assured that the Infrastructure Ministry is more than competent of supervising the given project and will do so to the best of its ability so that ultimate quality is achieved.

The Minister additionally informed that the Ministry’s engineers and technical team has already visited the location to assess the current state and from this, will determine what needs to done.

With the rainy season quickly approaching, Patterson admitted that this may pose some difficulties in terms of the construction work process but nonetheless they will give it their best shot.

He gave surety that the project will be completed in the deadline that has been indicated by the Head of State.

Leave was also granted to me to file and serve Affidavits in Reply within seven days of receipt of the Affidavits in Answer. The matters were adjourned to May 6, for hearing.

“Nevertheless, we are still unclear before which court the matters will be heard as Justice Insanally continues to maintain that the matters should be heard by the Chief Justice”.

Nandlall said the entire episode is wholly regrettable

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

Acting Chief Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards

assigned to Justice Diana Insanally by the relevant official(s) in the judiciary with the authority to do so.

“When the matters were heard on April 6, Justice Insanally indicated that she was instructed only to hear the Orders Nisi and then to transmit the matters over to the Chief Justice (acting).

This Justice Insanally did and the orders granted reflect that the matters were fixed before the Chief Justice for the 20th of April, 2016, for continuation,” Nandlall said.

Nandlall said when he arrived at the Chief Justice’s Court on Wednesday, he was informed that the Chief Justice had re-assigned the matter back to Justice Insanally.

“When the matters were called before Justice Insanally, she expressed deep reservations about hearing the matters, contending that the matters should be heard by the Chief Justice and that she sent a note to this effect to the Chief Justice”.

Eventually, Nandlall said Justice Insanally heard the matters and leave was granted to the Attorney General to file and serve Affidavits in Answer within seven days.

same and taking the corrective measures”.

He said it therefore matters very little which Judge hears these matters.

“In my view, there is only one way that a fair and competent Judge can rule. I sincerely hope therefore, that these matters will be afforded a fair hearing within reasonable time”.

The matter under contention followed ties in the municipality of Mabaruma and then neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) of Woodlands/Farm, Woodlands/ Bel Air, the Malgre Tout and Industry/Plaisance, following the LGE elections.

Responding to those these ties, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan moved ahead and appointed a Mayor for Mabaruma as well as Chairmen and Vice Chairmen in the tied NDCs. This did not sit well with the Opposition, which maintained that the move had no legal bearing.

The Party later moved to the High Court and was granted an order by Judge Diana Insanally which saw the appointments being quashed. It also restrained the officials from acting in their appointed capacities.

Justice Diane Insanally

since Judges are expected to hear and determine matters which come before them irrespective of how controversial, political or emotional the subject matter is. After all, a Judge must be strong and resolute and must rule based upon the evidence and in accordance with law. No other factor ought to influence any judge in his/her decision making.

“The law in relation to these matters is crystal clear and beyond controversy. It is deliberately being misinterpreted by those who are bent on defeating the will of the electorate and trampling upon the democratic process. I also believe that they know that they are hopelessly wrong but ego and pride are preventing them from so admitting the

thursDAY, aPRIL 21, 2016

19

DVA Inter-school volleyball…

St Rose’s crowned Georgetown leg champions S

craping past Marian Academy in the most exciting match-up so far in the Demerara Volleyball Association’s (DVA) Inter-school championship, a well-oiled unit from St Roses High School, who turned in an unblemished performance in the Georgetown leg of the competition, walked away with top honours and earned themselves the top spot for the city teams heading into the regional finals.

Led by 6’4” Akil Vaughn, who once again put on a dominant performance, St Roses High School volleyball team treated their fans to the level of excitement fitting for the very boisterous home court crowd they were.

Wrapping up Wednesday’s play with a fighting 15-14 victory over Marion Academy and a dominant 25-8 victory over St Stanislaus College, the lads from St Roses completed the two-leg event unbeaten.

Queens College, who booked the second spot in the finals, having only lost to the eventual winners, began their day by brushing aside Saints 25-10 before they too ran into Marian Academy, lead by their Brazilian star player, 16-year-old Alexandre de Paiva Almeida

and had to pull out all their stops to eventually triumph by a narrow 17-14 margin.

Playing in what was the match to determine the final team to book a spot in the final, Marion Academy and Bishops High School entertained the spectators to a game with excitement fit to be a final.

Trading the lead on numerous occasions in the 10 minutes game, Marian Academy eventually booked the final spot practically in the last minute of play, despite a valiant effort from National Under-18 Table Tennis champion, Shemar Britton. Britton demonstrated that he is not only dominant on the tennis table, but also has a good understanding of volleyball and can become just as dominant given the right guidance.

In their other game of the day, Bishops, who barely missed a spot in the final, made light work of Guyana Trust College (GTC) by a 2215 margin. GTC, who won their only game against St Stanislaus College by a 1815 scoreline in a bottom-ofthe-table match, wrapped up the day’s play with one win and one loss after failing to record any victories in the first leg of the tournament.

St Stanislaus College,

St Roses skipper receives the trophy from a representative of Indesco

who turned out to be the punching bag of the tournament, despite a much improved performance from the first leg of the tournament, ended without any wins, going down to Trust College and St Roses.

Aim high

At the presentation of awards and addresses by sponsors and hosts of the tournament, the representative from Indesco, who is the primary sponsor for the Georgetown leg, expressed

her excitement with the level of commitment the players demonstrated and encouraged them to continue making strides to become better at the sport and possibly become national athletes.

General Secretary of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, Robert Millington, who spoke on behalf of the federation, shared the same sentiments, encouraging the students to stick to the game and one day they may see themselves representing Guyana at the international level.

He went on to speak of Guyana’s participation at the upcoming Under-19 and Under-23 South American Championships and urged them to set their eyes on possible selection to those teams.

President of the Demerara Volleyball Association, Trevor Williams, spared no effort in thanking the sponsors who made this tournament a reality and went on to tell the schools that his association intends to make them and school volleyball a focal point of his administration’s mandate.

Williams promised that in the near future the DVA will be rolling out a plan to

assist schools with technical development through their Physical Education teachers, whom he also praised for the evident work they have put in to bring their students to the level they currently are.

He further explained to the students that coming out of this tournament, DVA will be selecting a Demerara school team to represent Demerara against Berbice on May 7 in the GVF’s Intercounty school championship.

At the end of the event, a list of about 18 players was shortlisted and will join with a selection from the West Side and Linden zones to compete for selection to the Demerara School Team.

This leg is sponsored by Indesco Trading, while the West zone was sponsored

by Ancam Marine Supplies.

Talk is Cheap Travel Agency is the sponsor for the Linden zone, which will serve off on Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Digicel and the Guyana Volleyball Federation are also major sponsors for the tournament and the DVA wishes to extend special thanks to their efforts as they continue to foster good relationships for the development of volleyball in Demerara and Guyana at large.

Aaqib Javed steps down as UAE coach Barcelona crush Deportivo 8-0

F

ormer Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed has stepped down as UAE coach and is considering taking up the role of director (cricket operations) with Pakistan Super League franchise, Lahore Qalandars.

Javed, who has also served as Pakistan’s assistant coach, took up a three-year contract with UAE in 2012, replacing Kabir Khan. During his stint, UAE gained ODI and T20I status and qualified for the 2015 World Cup. They also played in the first round of the 2014 World T20, the team’s first appearance at a worldlevel tournament since the 1996 World Cup. “I have decided to resign from the UAE job and go back to Pakistan,” Javed told ESPNcricinfo. “I think I have done great with the team and now I don’t see anything left for me to do. They have the ODI status, played cricket at the highest level against big teams, and now it’s just a repetition and I don’t want to do it again. In an Associate

country like UAE, you do at a certain level and when you achieve every goal, then you start losing interest and there is no motivation left. So I decided to move on and try

He was also involved with the Pakistan national team with stints as bowling coach and assistant coach between 2009 and 2012. Recently, he was seen as a candidate for the

Under Aaqib Javed, UAE gained ODI and T20I status and played the 2014 World T20 and the 2015 World Cup

something different.”

Javed, who played for Pakistan between 1988 and 1998, has been involved in coaching over the last decade. He started with the Lahore Regional Academy and then moved on to stints as Pakistan’s Under-19 coach and head coach at the National Cricket Academy.

role of Pakistan coach, following Waqar Younis’ resignation, but he withdrew. He has said, however, that he will “definitely” consider coaching a Test-playing team if the job is offered to him.

“I am looking ahead to bigger goals now as I have done everything - being at no. 2 in the command, and recently

coaching UAE - so why not go beyond that. Something that kept me motivated when I joined UAE was that I knew I had to work hard to gather a broken team and get them to stand on their feet, so that was a new experience and I loved doing that. So now I don’t want to take up the old job and do the same things again. I am thinking beyond that and if I am offered [the role], I will definitely consider being a head coach of a full Test-playing nation.”

Lahore Qalandars executive Atif Rana confirmed the franchise has been in touch with Javed for a comprehensive role, which will be formalised later this week. “The deal hasn’t been done yet,” Rana told ESPNcricinfo. “We have been in touch with Aaqib for long and on Saturday we will be putting up his case in our board and will take a final call. It is partly true that we are interested to rope him in but there are a lot of discussions left before we formally announce.” (Cricinfo)

B

arcelona humiliated Deportivo La Coruna 8-0 to end a threematch losing run.

Luis Suarez scored four for the Spanish leaders, with the Uruguay striker bundling in the opener, then tucking in Lionel Messi’s pass.

Barca scored six in the second half - Ivan Rakitic fired in, before Suarez slid in for his hat-trick and then tapped in Neymar’s selfless pass.

Messi rolled in, then Marc Bartra’s solo goal and Neymar’s simple finish from close range sealed the rout.

Barca had let a ninepoint lead at the top of La Liga slip but victory on Wednesday was never in doubt from the moment Suarez scored his 46th goal of the season from a corner.

Suarez took his tally to 49 before the end of the night and also contributed three assists as Barca were utterly dominant.

Wins for Atletico Madrid

and Real Madrid mean that the title race remains tight. Barca are joined on 79 points by Atletico, with Real a point further back.

There are four games remaining.

‘We are not machines’

“We are human, we aren’t machines and we can all commit errors or have a bad game,” Suarez told Spanish TV station Movistar+.

“This is a demonstration that the group is more united than ever and desperate to win the league. It is still in our hands.”

Barca face Sporting Gijon, Real Betis, Espanyol and Granada in their final games.

“It was a spectacular result for us,” said manager Luis Enrique.

“We have a wonderful challenge ahead of us to retain the league title. But there are still four games to go and I’m sure it’s not going to be easy.” (BBC Sport)

20

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2016, Mumbai…

Krunal, Rohit reinvigorate Mumbai’s campaign R

ohit Sharma returned to a familiar batting position which has brought him considerable success to thwart Royal Challengers Bangalore’s designs on a flat Wankhede deck, in the process helping Mumbai Indians revive their campaign with a six-wicket win.

Promoting himself to open, Rohit made a 44-ball 62 as Mumbai overhauled Royal Challengers’ 170 for 7 with 12 balls to spare.

The manner in which he slid back into the crease to direct the ball with his wrists behind point, used his powerful forearms to flick, and danced down the track to pull the ball into the stands at long-on and deep midwicket with minimum effort showed he was in fine touch. He took charge of the chase along with Ambati Rayudu, who was anything but elegant yet equally effective during his 31.

Rohit Sharma made his 27th IPL fifty

The second-wicket stand of 76 in 55 balls laid the platform for Mumbai’s chase, before Iqbal Abdulla gave Royal Challengers a new lease of life by dismissing Rayudu and Rohit in quick succession, both to slogs. Mumbai were 109 for

SCOREBOARD Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (20 overs maximum) V Kohli* c Southee b KH Pandya 33 KL Rahul† c Harbhajan Singh b McClenaghan 23 AB de Villiers st †Patel b KH Pandya 29 SR Watson c †Patel b Bumrah 5 TM Head run out (Harbhajan Singh/†Patel) 37 SN Khan c KH Pandya b Bumrah 28 STR Binny c HH Pandya b Bumrah 1 HV Patel not out 0 KW Richardson not out 1 Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-10) 13 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 170 Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Rahul, 3.5 ov), 2-91 (Kohli, 10.2 ov), 3-93 (de Villiers, 10.6 ov), 4-99 (Watson, 13.3 ov), 5-162 (Head, 19.1 ov), 6-169 (Khan, 19.4 ov), 7-169 (Binny, 19.5 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 4-0-250, MJ McClenaghan 4-0-46-1,

JJ Bumrah 4-0-31-3, Harbhajan Singh 2-0-20-0 (2-w), KH Pandya 4-0-27-2 (4-w), HH Pandya 2-018-0

Mumbai Indians innings (target: 171 runs from 20 overs) RG Sharma* c de Villiers b Iqbal Abdulla 62 PA Patel† c de Villiers b Richardson 5 AT Rayudu c Richardson b Iqbal Abdulla 31 JC Buttler c Watson b Iqbal Abdulla 28 KA Pollard not out 40 2 HH Pandya not out Extras (w-2, nb-1) 3 Total (4 wickets; 18 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Patel, 1.1 ov), 2-82 (Rayudu, 10.2 ov), 3-109 (Sharma, 12.6 ov), 4-140 (Buttler, 15.4 ov) Bowling: VR Aaron 4-0-37-0 (1nb), KW Richardson 3-0-26-1, SR Watson 4-0-40-0 (1-w), HV Patel 2-0-20-0, Iqbal Abdulla 4-0-40-3 (1-w), STR Binny 1-0-8-0

3 then, needing 62 off seven overs - well on track as dew took effect. Jos Buttler and Kieron Pollard, who replaced Martin Guptill, flexed their muscles by hitting five sixes between them. While Buttler was out for 28, Pollard remained unbeaten on 40 off 19 balls as Mumbai recorded their second win in five matches.

Halfway into the first innings, Mumbai, who opted to bowl, were staring at a 200-plus target as Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers

feasted on some friendly bowling during the course of a 59-run stand, before the unheralded players rose to the occasion in what was billed as a battle of two heavyweight teams.

Krunal Pandya’s twin strikes to get rid of Kohli and de Villiers in the space of five deliveries stunned Royal Challengers, who had made as many as six changes to their XI. Shane Watson fell not long after, but Travis Head, on IPL debut, and Sarfaraz Khan lifted Royal Challengers from 99 for 4 to 170 for 7.

Frenetic action highlighted the first 20 minutes of the game. KL Rahul - opening in place of Chris Gayle who was away on paternity leave - was put through a short-ball test in a hostile burst by Mitchell McClenaghan, during which he was hit hard on the helmet. After the early jitters, though, he ramped and slapped his way to 23 before being caught in the slips. Kohli and de Villiers then counterpunched before the cluster of wickets resulted in a complete breakdown in momentum.

Head took his time to settle in, the nervous-

Kieron Pollard smashed 40 off 19 to hasten the victory

ness clearly showing as he pushed and prodded his way for nine deliveries before exhibiting his ball-striking power to swat Hardik Pandya for six over deep square leg in the 15th over.

Sarfaraz showed there is more to his game than just scoops and paddles as he milked the spinners. He saved his best for the final over, clubbing two sixes off successive deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah.

Mumbai lost Parthiv

Patel in the second over of the chase, but Varun Aaron’s third over, which went for 19, brought their innings back on track.

Once Royal Challengers’ uncapped Indian bowlers were summoned, a game that was only marginally tilted in Mumbai’s favour turned decisively in their direction. Abdulla’s wickets injected a touch of excitement, but any possibility of a close finish was firmly snuffed out by Pollard’s charge. (Cricinfo)

Hong Kong’s Irfan Ahmed suspended by ICC T

he International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Hong Kong all-rounder Irfan Ahmed for two years and six months after he admitted to breaching the ICC’s AntiCorruption Code. Ahmed has accepted the suspension and waived his right to appeal.

Ahmed has not been charged with any offence involving corruption. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit, however, established that he failed to disclose “full details

of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct that had been made to him

the ACU and suspected of making corrupt approaches to participants”. His pe-

Irfan Ahmed’s period of ineligibility will end in May 2018

between January 2012 and January 2014”.

The all-rounder was charged under Article 2.4.2 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code which states, “Failing to disclose to the ACU (without undue delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the AntiCorruption Code.”

Ahmed was provisionally suspended in November 2015 following an investigation by the ACU “relating in part to the activities of another individual known to

riod of ineligibility will take effect from the date of the provisional suspension (November 4, 2015) and will end on May 4, 2018.

Ronnie Flanagan, chairman of the ACU, said the suspension should serve as a reminder to participants of the need to comply with the code.

“It is pleasing to note that the investigation upon which these charges were founded originated from information that had been disclosed to the ACU,” Flanagan said in an ICC release. “This is a clear and welcome demonstration that

participants now more and more fully realise their own responsibilities in combating this scourge on the game through prompt and diligent reporting as required by the Code.

“However, it is also indicative of the worrying trend that those intent on corrupting the game are increasingly focusing their activities on Associate Member cricket and that the sport therefore needs to ensure that it is appropriately resourced and protected in that area.”

Mike Walsh, chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association, said the board supported the ICC’s fight against corruption. “The HKCA are pleased this matter has now reached its conclusion and fully support the continued fight against corruption in cricket,” Walsh said. “We echo the ICC ACU Chairman’s concerns about the recent attention paid to emerging cricket nations by illegal betting networks, and we stand with the ICC to reinforce their efforts in educating our players and officials about the very real risks currently faced by cricket.”

The 26-year-old Ahmed has played six ODIs since his debut in 2008, as well as eight T20Is, the last of which was in July 2015. He had been in the top bracket for centrally contracted cricketers in Hong Kong in 2014-15, but was not retained for the 2015-16 season. (Cricinfo)

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young South African cricketer has collapsed and died of suspected heart failure while training with his academy side in the Eastern Cape town of Alice.

Lukhanya Tsiki, 22, was taking part in fitness tests on Monday at Fort Hare Academy when he suddenly collapsed when his group took a break from their exercises.

Members of the academy staff endeavoured to revive him before he was transferred to the Alice Hospital where he passed away later the same day. The academy is run by former South Africa Test fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam.

“Normally at this time of the year, guys will do fitness. On Monday, we wanted to check where the guys were with fitness,” Ngam told ESPNcricinfo. “He was fine, he didn’t have any problems, he was one of those guys who could run the yo-yo [bleep test] up to 20. He ran 17 and after he

was finished, he took his shirt off and sat with his mates and coughed and collapsed. We took him to the hospital but it was too late.”

Tsiki was a student at the Fort Hare Academy, which has a partnership with Cricket South Africa, where he was studying a diploma course in Marketing

Management. He had previously represented Border Schools at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Under-19 national cricket week in 2010 and 2011.

“This is shocking news for the entire South African cricketing community,” said

CSA chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, “and on behalf of the CSA family I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his cricketing colleagues. We will do everything we can to provide counselling and support to his family as well as the staff and players of the Academy who have understandably been deeply affected by this traumatic event.”

Ngam added: “We are waiting on results on what could have been the cause.

He didn’t show any signs of anything being wrong.

He was not struggling to breathe and he didn’t have any known heart problems.

We want to make sure something like this does not happen again.”

Tsiki is survived by his brothers, Khaya and Cebo, and his sister, Neliswa.

Cebo represented SA Schools in 2007 and made his franchise debut for the Cape Cobras during the course of the 2015-16 season. (Cricinfo)

ICC to discuss multi-format points system

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he ICC is set to discuss the possibility of a points-based structure for international cricket at its forthcoming board meeting in Dubai.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the idea of giving points for each victory in a bilateral tour across all formats - as pioneered in the Women’s Ashes since 2013 - then translating the overall winner into a “championship” table will be one of the options debated amid wider discussions on how to bring greater context to bilateral series.

It has recently emerged that the ECB is in discussions with the PCB and SLC over adding the additional dimension of awarding an overall winner across formats to the upcoming series during the English season.

Earlier this week, SLC confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that it would discuss the proposal at a board meeting later this month.

Although the discussions at ICC level remain at an early stage, the governing body is aware that the international game faces increasing pressures from the expansion of T20 leagues and the lack of relevance to some bilateral series - especially outside of marquee contests such as the Ashes - is a key issue. A previous at-

tempt to launch a World Test Championship fell by the wayside and was replaced by the return of the Champions Trophy.

Current one-day rankings act as a qualifier for the Champions Trophy - World T20 champions West Indies missed the cut for next year’s event in England - and, as it stands, will also decide which teams from the 12 in the rankings join the qualifying event for the 2019 World Cup. But there is a desire to give more meaning to a greater number of one-day bilaterals which often take place with little more than individual series victories at stake, while the T20 segments of tours are often one or two matches tagged on at the tail end. A points-based structure would also mean that currently dead Tests with the series already decided - would potentially have greater meaning.

Cricket Australia’s team performance manager Pat Howard said that events in the UK, if they go ahead for the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, would be monitored with interest ahead of Australia’s next assignments, including a multi-format tour of Sri Lanka in July and August.

“We’ve noted the trial and we will see how it plays out,” Howard said, “before consid-

ering any changes to our current system, whether it be at home or in away series.”

If the concept were to be used during the English season, it would not replace any of the existing series trophies up for grabs.

Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, has previously spoken about how he sees the points system as a way of re-energising the international game.

“How do you encourage the public to re-engage with the international game? I believe you have to look at giving every match context… if it is a case of ‘just another Test match’ or just another five-ODI series between two nations, it loses some of its context and some of its meaning and that is something the ICC needs to look at,” he told the Cricket Paper last year.

“I personally think there is scope in linking up Test, ODI and T20 cricket in some sort of bigger world championship that involves all three formats. It’s an idea I’ve been a fan of for a long time.”

A report in British newspaper said that the ICC will also discuss creating windows in the international calendar for domestic T20 tournaments to take place so that they do not compete directly with international series. (Cricinfo)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

WICB and the way forward

CPL yet to sign off on Finals R ...“We’re trying everything possible to bring the games to Guyana” – Trotman

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL) is yet to sign off on the Finals of the tournament later this year.

After reports surfaced this week that Guyana was awarded the Finals, Guyana Times Sport sought clarification from Hero CPL, which had not made an official statement regarding the host nation for those crucial games.

When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, a source close to CPL revealed that nothing has been finalised.

“Nothing has been agreed or signed regarding the Finals, so there’s nothing to add at this point,” the source indicated. The source did not divulge further details. It is understood that Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have also submitted bids to host the Finals.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesman, Raphael Trotman, earlier on Wednesday indicated at a post-Cabinet press briefing that Guyana will host the Final, Semi-finals and four other games during the June to August tournament.

Trotman’s utterances came a day after Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, under whose ministry sport falls, declared to this newspaper that “yes, we have the Finals.”

Trotman said, “The initial request was in excess of [US]$2 million; we are still to confirm, but the last figure I know about is on or about $1.5 million package,

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

but the Minister of Finance is yet to conclude the discussion and negotiations with the organisers.”

It is understood that CPL was asking for US$4.5 million (G$932.4million) for the award of the Final-four, but last year it was reported that the Trinidad government invested US$3.5 million (TT$24 million).

This publication also learnt that the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise has injected US$2 million to ensure the games come to Guyana.

Outstanding sum

Trotman further stated that when government officials met with CPL personnel last year, a settlement was reached on the outstanding sums owed to CPL. “When we assumed office, we were told that there was outstanding bill of half million dollars which no documentation could readily be provided for.

Through interventions made from overseas, a group of ministers and others met with the CPL officials late last year and we managed to arrive at what we believe is a settlement [and] even though there was no documentation to support the claim of US$500,000 being owed, we believe that in the interest of cricket, good relations in the future of the sport that we should come to an amicable solution, so we decided that it would be paid in trances and also what I think was attractive to government was that the CPL organisers extended to us the offer of the finals and semi-finals and four games here.”

With Guyana celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary this year, Trotman believes hosting the Finals here would be a great addition to those planned celebratory activities.

“In our jubilee year, it would be a good fillip to the celebrations; we are doing everything possible to bring the games to come to Guyana,” Trotman said.

Quizzed on whether the Finals would be a good investment for the country, the minister said, “We believe, for the reasons I stated, this is our jubilee year, cricket of course, given the West Indies teams three feats we regard having international stars in Guyana and the festive mood, would be a good injection to our economy.”

Hero CPL 2016 is slated for June 29 to August 7.

estructuring in today’s sporting world simply means choosing the best model for the sport at the time.

This may best be defined by the resultant effect of an economic impact model which clearly states that revenue-sharing is vital for all stakeholders. In an ongoing effort, the WICB in its financials for the year ending September 30, 2015, reported a surplus (US$3.5 million) which resulted in the accumulated deficit being reduced to just under US$2 million.

The WICB has over the last decade commissioned several reports whose results have largely been implemented. The one recommendation that has not been favoured by the current or the previous board is the adding of another layer to the existing body. That has been the bane of contention in recent times with a few groups calling for the dissolution of the board.

In 2014, the WICB rolled out its franchise system, which sought to “professionalise the game and revolutionise how players are engaged.” This system added 90 professional players which play first class cricket in the 50-overs and 4-Day format in addition to a partner for the Twenty20 – the Caribbean Premier League.

Those leagues have shown tremendous potential from all involved. The opportunities for the next generation of players are to be discovered from this ongoing series of programmes.

This model has created the following: 15 men on retainer contracts; 11 women on retainer contracts; 90 players on first class retainers; and Regional women’s tournament.

The three main competitions in the domestic markets are the Super50, 4-Day

Professional Cricket League and the Caribbean Premier League – where players earn from a minimum of US$5,000 to a maximum of US$160,000.

The WICB realises the role it has to play in the constant changing environment in the business of cricket and just recently at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March set a team, led by Independent Director, Don Wehby to reassess all the reports and to make recommendations to make the organisation more efficient.

Full Circle Consultation

The Board will host its annual retreat (at the most suitable time) in the early part of the summer with

players, technical team, player representatives, management staff and directors to chart the way forward. The primary focus for this year’s retreat will be to find workable solutions with regards to re-engagement of players, and how they fit into the existing high performance programme and to determine the most affordable remuneration packages.

The Board in its latest response to all the reports and the most recent tabled by the sub-committee on CARICOM committed to (a) Look back at all the reports with a view to see which of the recommendations are suitable at this time; (b) Put in place a firm and/or indi-

vidual with the expertise to review the recommendations and manage the implementation and; (c) Meet with its stakeholders to effect the changes.

Winning World Titles

In under 100 days since the start of 2016, three teams from the West Indies in two formats won three world titles. That accomplishment has come as part of the high performance programme implemented just over two years ago. That there are small groups clamouring for the board’s dissolution is reason to ask…what more could a region want?

The acceptance of an average of 90 per cent of all the commissioned reports received have been implemented minus adding another layer of bureaucracy cannot justify calling for the board to be dissolved.

Instead the small groups should consider among other things promises made by governments to contribute to the growth of cricket by (a) Hosting matches/international series; (b) Continuing to facilitate development which aids in the growth of sport; (c) Creating a more enabling environment for movement around the region; (d) Revitalising cricket in the schools across the region and; (e) Assisting in the setting up of territorial academies.

The global sports industry is going through constant change and so are all the sporting disciplines. One thing that is sure though is that organisations are moving towards being more efficient in their structure to be able to ease decision-making and to create the most effective model for business.

The Board so far has lived up to its promises, and while that is being done, let’s trust the process. (WICB

Best details prolific off-field lifestyle BCCI appoints Rahul Johri as its 1st CEO

Tino Best: “I love girls – and girls love me…”

C

ontroversial West Indies cricketer Tino Best has revealed that he is a “man whore” who has slept with between 500 and 650 women.

The 34-year-old fast bowler claims to have bedded multiple women after his relationship with former partner Melissa, with whom he had his son Tamani, broke down.

In his new book, ‘Mind The Windows’, which is released later this month and has been seen by MailOnline, Best tells the story of how he would not be intimidated by any female and would approach any that he was interested in.

He wrote: “I love girls – and girls love me.

I reckon I’m the best-looking bald-headed guy

in the world. I joke about being the black Brad Pitt! Everywhere I went as a cricketer, I’d talk to girls, date girls and sleep with girls. I reckon I’ve slept with anywhere between 500 and 650 girls, all around the world.”

Best also revealed that there was a second motive for trying to pull girls on a regular basis.

When he first came into the Barbados team, he said that he was desperate to impress the rest of the squad and be accepted in their “brotherhood”.

He says that he would get “points” if he could pull a girl - thus earning respect in the changing room.

In the end, he became somewhat of a party animal and regularly swooned over the most gorgeous women around the world - some of whom he would take out.

He admitted: “I’d pick and choose who I wanted to date. I used to go on five or six dates a week, all with different girls. So, yes, I was a man whore. I’d have to juggle them round.

One on one day, another on another day. I was young and loving the lifestyle.”

But what does Best’s mum think of his exploits?

He explained: “My mum said she didn’t mind me having lots of girls – if I was careful. And there’s one thing I never did – I’d never lie to a girl. I’d always tell them straight: I don’t want a relationship and all I’m interested in is having fun. No relationship, no stress.

It was one bit of advice Floyd (Reifer, former team-mate) always used to tell me. You don’t have to tell girls lies. Just be honest.” (Mirror UK)

T

he BCCI has appointed media professional Rahul Johri as its first Chief Executive Officer.

Johri, who previously served as Discovery Networks Asia Pacific’s executive vice-president and general manager for South Asia, will take up his new role from June 1 and, according to the BCCI, will be responsible for “smooth functioning of operations, stakeholder management and building robust strategies for further promoting the sport.” Johri will report to BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur and will be based in Mumbai.

Korn Ferry, a Mumbaibased head-hunting firm, had been appointed by the BCCI to find the board a CEO, and Johri was chosen by the firm after a roughly four-month-long selection process.

The creation of the post of the CEO was a change recommended by the threemember Lodha panel in its report in January this year.

The panel had stressed the

Rahul Johri

need for the BCCI to separate its governance and management duties, with the CEO taking charge of the management side. It also made recommendations for a clear segregation of operational duties from the governance and policy-makers in the board.

The BCCI, however, had said the creation of the CEO and CFO posts was part of an initiative called ‘Project Transformation’ aimed at improving governance, and operational and financial

Media Release)

processes. The board had hired auditing giant Deloitte for this initiative in October last year, one of the first steps taken by its new president Shashank Manohar.

The Lodha panel, at the time conducting its hearings around the country, met with Manohar the day before he was elected BCCI president.

Thakur said Johri’s appointment would help strengthen the working of the board. “We welcome Rahul aboard and wish him luck for his new role at BCCI,” Thakur said in a press release. “In the past one year, BCCI has undertaken various initiatives aimed towards transforming the working of BCCI in order to make the functioning more robust. This endeavour is another initiative of the board aimed in the same direction and will mark one more milestone towards strengthening the professional working of the BCCI.” (Cricinfo)

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

23

Guyana’s rugby RHTY&SC cricket team honour team ready to outstanding law enforcement officers tackle Bajans on Saturday

Richard Staglon

A

s the road to World Cup qualifying begins for the national rugby team, the first test will be overhauling the visiting Barbados side on Saturday at the National Park Rugby Field.

Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference, captain of the team, Richard Staglon, said he is optimistic of the side’s chances of securing a victory because of the blend of experience and youth.

Staglon said, “I think we stand a good chance of winning, with the blend of youth and experience players; we have new coach who has bringing new ideas and adding lots of excitement among the players and the guys are gelling and have been playing good rugby so far.”

Coach of the team, Larry Adonis, explained that preparation has being going well, but most importantly, their tactics would need to be on point to secure a victory.

“We want to play more in their half because Barbados have a way of bringing somebody from England who kicks it on our half and keeps us pinned, so we want to try to keep it in their half as much as possible”, Adonis explained.

Peter Green, President of the Guyana Ruby Football Union (GRFU), explained that the mistakes of the past will not occur again and the main ultimatum is to top the group.

“We don’t intend to make [the] mistake that [we] did last year when we lost by two points. Once we have cleared these hurdles, Guyana will be facing the winner of the North Zone; at the moment, Mexico is number one team in the North Zone,” Green noted.

Green added because the Mexicans are ranked higher than Guyana, they will have to travel to play in Mexico once they top their group.

The President also made a strong call for persons to desist from utilising the field, especially during the rainy seasons, as it creates “lumps” on the field that can be extremely hazardous to players’ limbs.

After playing Barbados on Saturday, their next encounters are against Jamaica on May 21 and Trinidad on June 19.

The rankings for this year show that Trinidad is the top ranked team, followed by Mexico and Guyana. Scrum-off time is 16:00h.

President David Granger and Commander Ian Amsterdam pose with the awardees

S

ix outstanding law enforcement officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) ‘B’ Division on Sunday last were specially honoured when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), M.S hosted its first-ever “Tribute to Policemen” programme in conjunction with the ‘B’ Division and Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc. The honouring of the lawmen is a part of a ‘Say No to Crime’ programme between the Police Force and Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation.

The two organisations in 2014 launched the joint programme under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph and since then has worked together to make a positive difference in the lives of less fortunate youths.

To date, they have donated sport and educational equipment to clubs and schools, donated $500,000 worth of school bags and $300,000 worth of footwear to students and have also made donation to the Rose

Man Utd beat Crystal Palace 2-0

Three of the six own goals for Crystal Palace since returning to the Premier League in 2013 have been scored by Damien Delaney

M

anchester United moved one point behind fourth-placed Arsenal with four Premier League games remaining after a comfortable win over Crystal Palace.

Damien Delaney set United on their way when

he inadvertently turned Matteo Darmian’s cross into his own net.

Julian Speroni kept Palace in the game with a series of fine saves before Darmian doubled the lead by lashing home from 20 yards.

Arsenal, who have a game in hand, entertain West Brom today.

Darmian’s first goal for United sealed a highly satisfactory win for Louis van Gaal’s side on a night thousands of United fans decided to stay away. (BBC Sport)

Hall Town Police Outpost.

The six officers honoured were Corporal 20697 P. Wilburgh, Corporal 17200 D. Blair, Constable 21179 Melville, Special Constable 18403 Fraser and Corporal 21415 Narine. The awardees were selected based on their personal discipline, performance on duty, commitment and public image.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster noted that the joint cooperation between the two dynamic organisations is much needed as the GPF alone cannot alone be expected to stop crime and the factors that contribute to social ills.

The RHTY&SC, M.S, despite its very hectic list of

activities, would continue to work closely with the GPF and he offered congratulations to the honoured policemen for the high standard of their service.

He told them that because of their dedication, Berbicians have developed confidence in the Force.

Foster also disclosed that the RHTY&SC, M.S, cricket teams and the Police Force ‘B’ Division would be working together shortly on a massive Traffic Education Campaign, the second edition of the Edward B. Beharry Company Limited’s ‘Say No to Suicide and Yes to Education’ campaign and the hosting of several sport events.

These would include football, basketball, volleyball and cricket tournaments for youths in crime affected areas such as Angoy’s Avenue, Fyrish, Tain, Rose Hall Town and Hopetown.

Commander-in-Chief of Guyana’s armed forces and Executive President of Guyana, David Granger, handed over the award to the six officers, along with ‘B’ Division Commander Ian Amsterdam. Each of the awardees received a trophy, a Medal of Excellence and a collection of gifts. The club would like to express gratitude to Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc. and Sueria Manufacturing for their support of the programme.

thursDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

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

CPL yet to sign off on Finals ...“We’re trying everything possible to bring the games to Guyana” – Trotman Pg 22

Guyanese will have to wait a little longer to know if the CPL Finals will be hosted here

WICB and the Guyana’s rugby team ready to tackle Bajans way forward on Saturday Pg 23

Pg 22

West Indies won the World T20 titles in India to add to the Under-19s success at the Youth World Cup

President Peter Green (seated second left) with some members of the team and other GRFU officials

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