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Issue No. 3007

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, October 14, 2016

PRICE

President’s address to Parliament

Govt inherited depressing financial landscape Page 2

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GPL contracts Canadian company P11 to improve operations

P3 Norton apologises to Parliament 2 months later …regrets inaccurately saying NEW GPC was paid to store drugs during the prequalification period

Bartica resident P10 robbed, shot dead Gafoors fire

President David Granger addressing the 43rd sitting of the 11th Parliament on Thursday, in the presence of the Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland and members of the National Assembly except for the Opposition, who opted to boycott his presentation

Opposition Leader labels President Granger’s address a “desecration of House”

Overseas P9 private investigator hired to conduct probe

Page 7

“Crapo” leaps to freedom P8

...“Granger remains aloof of policies and decisions of State”

5 homeless after Corentyne fire Page 13

Blueberry Hill man found stabbed to death in home Page 3

Missing P10 Timehri man found dead on Craig sea dam

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

President’s address to Parliament

Govt inherited depressing financial landscape tional obligations and court judgements,” Granger said, adding that the absence of a policy to provide employment opportunities for youth and to reduce extreme poverty and the failure to energise the manufacturing sector helped to weaken the economy.

GuySuCo

President David Granger speaking to Government MPs after the Opposition boycotted his address

D

espite being in office for almost a year and a half, presenting two national budgets and another due for December 2016, President David Granger on Thursday used an address to the National Assembly to complain about the state of the country’s economy back in May 2015 when his A Partnership for

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition took office, describing it as a depressing financial landscape.

Addressing the National Assembly in the absence of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic which boycotted the President’s address to the 65-member legislature,

Granger said the economic legacy that his Government inherited was characterised by a lack of strategic planning and whimsical decision-making.

“Your Government entered a depressing financial landscape in May 2015...

Economic mismanagement was accompanied by huge debts for unpaid interna-

The Guyanese Head of State singled out the financial troubles faced by the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), which he said owed $89 billion in debts, forcing the Government to divert money from economic and social programmes to rescue the ailing Corporation with an immediate injection of $12 billion and an additional $11 billion in 2016, making it a $23 bil-

lion bailout in 18 months.

“These transfers exclude the servicing of GuySuCo's debts in respect of the Skeldon Estate Modernisation Project – a monstrous and monumental US$200 million mistake and, probably Guyana’s single most costly industrial catastrophe of all time,” he stated.

Rice

He said that rice farmers “were not spared the previous Administration’s reckless mismanagement.”

“The PetroCaribe Fund – used to meet payments to farmers for rice and paddy shipped to Venezuela – contained less than US$1 million in May 2015. Your Government was forced to make available nearly $4 billion immediately so that poor paddy farmers could be paid,” the President claimed.

Judgements

He also spoke of a number of liabilities which he said his Administration inherited including a $7 billion in favour of NH Elias for the East Bank Demerara Road, the $1.3 billion in favour of Rudisa Beverages, judgement in favour of Trinidad Cement Limited, settlement for $1.4 billion with B K Tiwari on Haags Bosch Project and several other judgements that will cost the State over $1 billion.

“Your Government, also, was obliged to provide another $5.4 billion bailout the National Insurance Scheme as a consequence of the previous Administration’s irresponsible CLICO investment,” he stated.

Granger however noted that despite these challenges, his Government managed to give public servants pay increases, raise the income tax threshold from $600,000 to $660,000, increase the minimum wage from $39,520 in May 2015, to $55,000 in January 2016 while Old Age Pension and public assistance were also increased.

“These benefits, taken together, augmented workers disposable income significantly,” he stated.

The President also spoke of his Government’s intentions to improve the quality of life for Guyanese, including greater access to public service, declaring that citizens should not have to leave their respective regions to access public service.

According to the Head of State, his Government’s overarching objective is to ensure a ‘good life’ for all of citizens and has chosen a ‘green’ pathway to achieve a higher quality of life. He went on to outline his ‘green agenda” which encompasses a comprehensive, multi-

President Granger addressing the National Assembly

sectorial development programme.

Public security

The President also outlined his Government’s plans for the security sector which includes the establishment of several anticrime agencies to uproot the causes of crime and its links with transnational crime.

“We established a National Security Committee.

We are in the process of establishing a new National AntiNarcotics Agency (NANA) to address the mother of all crimes – the trafficking in narcotics. We will establish a new National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to ensure better surveillance of our borders and coasts,” Granger stated.

He added that a decision was also taken to re-engage the United Kingdom with a view to restoring the aborted Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP).

“The Plan will commence soon with the arrival of experts from the United Kingdom to advise us on crafting a national security response to domestic and transnational crime – including narcotics-trafficking and gunrunning,” the President explained.

He said too that increased aerial surveillance over the maritime zone over the past year led to a reduction in the incidence of piracy as he pledged to expand the Guyana Police Force’s Marine wing.

Among the other areas the President examined are his Government’s legislative agenda, public trust and its aim to fulfil its campaign promise of a good life.

“We aim at the development of a cohesive society in which confrontation is replaced by cooperation.

The removal of inequalities based on geography and ethnicity will lay the foundation for a better ‘quality of life’ for everyone. We will work to reduce prejudice and violence. We will fashion a multicultural society characterised by tolerance and mutual respect,” President Granger declared.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 14 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, October 15 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 14 – 14:50h-16:20h and Saturday, October 15 – 15:30h-17:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light to heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout most of the day, with sunny weather can be expected in the late afternoon hours. Clear skies are expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-easterly and between 3.13 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 02:53h and 15:16h reaching maximum heights of 2.67 metres and 2.77 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:48h and 21:12h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.41 metre respectively.

Norton apologises to Parliament 2 months later

…regrets inaccurately saying NEW GPC was paid to store drugs during the prequalification period

M

ore than two months after he was found to have misled the National Assembly, Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton has finally apologised to the House over his remarks which had purported that Government had paid the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) in excess of $19 million for the storage of drugs and medical supplies.

A repentant Public Health Minister used the occasion of ‘Statements by a Minister’ to offer the apology to the President, Prime Minister, Speaker and other members of the National Assembly when the House came out of its annual recess and convened on Thursday.

The apology was however informally rejected by sections of the political opposition, some of whom heckled that he was in fact encouraged by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamotoo to make the misleading statements, in addition to offering a

‘Donald Trump’ apology In offering his apologies, Dr Norton told the House, “as Minister of Public Health, I know the high standard of duty and care expected of me and the staff of Ministry, I take fully the responsibility for this unfortunate episode and give my full commitment that it will not re-occur.”

Recalling the genesis of the sordid state of affairs— for which the political opposition had threatened sanctions—Dr Norton drew reference to the House’s consideration of the Financial Papers on Monday 8 August, 2016, where he was questioned extensively by the political opposition.

According to the Public Health Minster, “in the process I gave answers that were in some parts based on personal knowledge and ability and in other parts based on information and advice presented to me.”

He conceded that “since that day I have come to the firm position that the an-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

swers given to two questions relating to the payment to NEW GPC and for the storage of drugs in the bond at 29 Sussex Street were not accurate, as these were based on information supplied to me.”

Following the inaccurate disclosures by Dr Norton, it was revealed that the ministry did not pay NEW GPC one cent for the storage of drugs and medical supplies during the pre-qualification period.

Dr Norton had also told the House that the ministry at the time had already

begun utilising the Sussex Street building the Ministry was renting for in excess of $12.5M monthly, but this turned out not to be the case, since the building had not been completed at the time.

That Sussex Street, Georgetown, building was discovered to be owned by Linden Holding Inc, whose principal was one of the coalition Government’s key financiers, Larry Singh, and was further not deemed to be adequate for the storage of the nation’s drugs and medical supplies.

Head of State David Granger subsequently ordered an investigation of the transaction by a Cabinet Subcommittee which found that the contract should in fact be renegotiated since the rental fee was deemed to be too high, in addition to other concerns raised.

Minister Norton in appealing to the National Assembly said in the circumstances he wishes to “express my sincere and profound regret…”

Blueberry Hill man found stabbed to death in home peared to be no sign of forced entry at the man's residence.

No one could recall hearing or seeing anything to indicate that something was amiss. Other reports indicate that the body was discovered with a knife lodged in the region of his heart.

The male friend was reportedly taken in by Police for

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Dillon Stellingburg’s body was discovered in his home in Blueberry Hill

13 20

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

olice in Linden are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Blueberry Hill, Wismar, resident whose body was discovered in his home on Thursday morning.

Dead is Dillon Stellingburg, 49, who lived alone in the upper flat at Blueberry Hill Squatting Area, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

His body with multiple stab wounds was reportedly discovered at approximate-

ly 06:00h by a male friend who, according to neighbours, would usually check in on him.

One neighbour reported that it was during a routine check by the friend that the gruesome discovery was made. The deceased had not been seen for several days.

This newspaper understands that Stellingburg usually worked in the interior and would often be gone for lengthy periods.

According to persons who live in the vicinity, there ap-

questioning and was said to be assisting with the investigations.

Police stated on Thursday that they were made aware of the discovery after someone called to report the incident on Thursday morning.

Stellingburg leaves to mourn two children.

Investigations are ongoing.

4

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friday, october 14, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Celebrating Rural Women

T

he United Nations (UN) International Day of Rural Women celebrates and honours the role of rural women on October 15 each year. It recognises rural women’s importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide.

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on October 15, 2008. This Day recognises the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.

The idea of honouring rural women with a special Day was put forward at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. It was suggested that October 15 be celebrated as “World Rural Women’s Day,” which is the eve of World Food Day, to highlight rural women’s role in food production and food security. “World Rural Women’s Day” was previously celebrated across the world for more than a decade before it was officially a UN observance.

The UN recognises rural women as key agents for achieving the transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. However, limited access to credit, healthcare and education are among the many challenges they face, which are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change.

Ensuring their empowerment is key not only to the wellbeing of individuals, families and rural communities, but also to overall economic productivity, given women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.

Rural women, the majority who depend on natural resources and agriculture for their livelihoods, make up over a quarter of the total world population, the UN reports.

In developing countries, rural women represent approximately 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force, and produce, process and prepare much of the food available, thereby giving them primary responsibility for food security.

Bearing in mind that 76 per cent of the extreme poor live in rural areas; ensuring rural women’s access to productive agricultural resources contribute to decreasing world hunger and poverty, and make rural women critical for the success of the new Sustainable Development agenda for 2030.

Many people, government agencies, community groups and non-governmental associations around the world celebrate the Day reviewing and analysing rural women’s role in society, particularly in areas such as economic improvement and agricultural development.

Often working longer hours than men, rural women are also the caregivers who look after children, the elderly, and the sick. In addition, many rural women are small business entrepreneurs and investors who dedicate most of their earnings to the wellbeing of their families and societies.

But despite some progress, most rural women and girls are still struggling. They typically face more obstacles than men in gaining access to public services, social protection, decent employment opportunities, and markets and other institutions.

The UN proposes that if women had the same access to resources as men, they could increase farm yields. When women are empowered – economically and socially – they become leaders and agents of change for economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development.

Much remains to be done for women in Guyana, particularly for the poor and those with limited education who are unaware of their rights. Rural women’s social and economic advancement must be promoted within the framework of national plans for social and economic development.

The renewed goal, moving forward, should be empowering rural women in Guyana to improve their standards of living through training, cultural exchange, access to credit and networking.

As the nation marks the Day of Rural Women, there should be a renewed commitment to pursue the many things that still need to be done to promote the welfare of all Guyanese women. "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promises to leave no one behind. To deliver on that, we must help rural women to thrive, and to access the support and information they need, so that they can fulfil their potential without leaving their communities." - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Women ending poverty and providing for their family “Rural women make up nearly half the agricultural labour force around the world. They grow, process and prepare much of our food.

They are the backbone of rural communities, and in many households they have the key responsibility for food security, education opportunities and healthcare,” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has noted in his message for World Rural Women's Day, being observed on Saturday (UN Women photo)

‘Fresh water professionals’ peddling nonsense need to get their facts straight

Dear Editor, On two consecutive Sundays – September 25 and October 2, 2016 – the Alliance For Change column in the Kaieteur News reported that due to the shallow depth of water in the Demerara Ships Channel, large vessels could not enter Port Georgetown; as a result of which cargo had to be shipped in small quantities on smaller vessels, making more voyages which lead to increased costs to the business community.

This is quite true.

However, the September 25 edition stated in part: “The large cargo ships get stuck

in the navigational channel, even at high tide”, while the October 2 edition states, “the slightly larger cargo ships get stuck on sand banks and in the mud when they attempt to navigate the Demerara Navigational Channel even at high tide”.

The undersigned is at this time concerned only with the above statements mentioned in the two columns. Let me state categorically that at no time did any vessel, large or small, under the guidance of a licensed MARAD pilot, get stuck while attempting to navigate the Demerara Channel.

Further, no MARAD li-

censed pilot would attempt to pilot a vessel in the Demerara Ships Channel when the draught of the vessel is more than the depth of the water in the channel, unless the vessel conforms to certain established criteria which would guarantee safe passage while, at the same time, the difference between the draught of the vessel and the depth of the water in the channel is within certain parameters on a rising tide.

The fact is that there are no sand banks in this channel, and the mud at the bed of the channel is what is described locally as ‘sling mud’, an extremely soft mud.

All of the ‘fresh water professionals’ who seek to misinform the Public Infrastructure Ministry and peddle nonsense are advised to get their facts together and refrain from misleading politicians, the local and overseas business communities as well as the general public.

This type of misinformation can have a negative impact on the nation’s economy, as international ship owners and operators would be skeptical to list Guyana as one of their ports of call.

Sincerely, Captain R E W Adams

PUGWU wants amendments to Guyana Trade Union Recognition Act Dear Editor, The People United and General Workers Union (PUGWU) on September 30. 2016 via email made submissions to the two Parliamentary political parties (APNU/AFC and PPP/ C) and President David Granger of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, urgently requesting that the parties (MP) of the National Assembly on the next sitting of the National Assembly (tentatively set for October 13) table and pass a Motion that will pave the way for the Parliament to amend modify the Guyana Trade Union Recognition Act CHAPTER 98:07.

Present Union dues deduction and remittance procedures used in Guyana: The present union dues deduction and remittance that is conducted in

Guyana through Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) made between Companies and Trade Unions is being done based on the principle of the union being issued with a Certificate of Recognition by the Guyana Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board but this principle is not law. In some instances companies ask trade unions to give up items from the CLA before they grant the union's request for deduction and remittance of union dues.

Whenever a union gives up an item(s) from its CLA. Every item(s) given up by the union is a loss for the workers.

Trade unions are mandated in keeping with their registered constitutions, rules to issue union dues form that will provide for membership and month-

ly weekly and fortnightly dues.

It is at the discretion of an employer whether to allow the union executives or its representatives (who are not employed by the employer) to visit, and if allowed to visit the worksite the employer decides the number and which union executive officers or its representatives (to visit), the time period and place for any meeting(s). Also the frequencies of the meeting(s).

Proposed Amendments

Check-off of union dues An employer to deduct dues of a registered trade union from an employee’s wages if that employee has authorised the employer to do so and remit dues to the union.

Union dues form - a registered trade union to print and furnish membership

dues forms after it is approved by the union in accordance with the provision of the union’s registered constitution.

Agency Shop Agreements - A recognised trade union and employer to conclude a collective agreement that provides for an Agency Shop deduction and remittance.

Trade union access to the workplace - Any officebearer or official of a representative trade union is entitled to enter the employer’ s premises in order to communicate with an employee who comprises the trade union bargaining unit and generally to provide service to members.

Some of the benefits that the proposed amendments will bring to workers and their unions. continued on page 5

NEWS

5

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

APNU/AFC’s financial mismanagement exposed in 2015 audits …find overpayments, breaches of laws skyrocketed

F

inancial mismanagement in the form of skyrocketing overpayments, a failure to adequately expend allotted funds, the continued abuse of the Contingencies Fund and repeated breaches of the financial laws and regulations were the hallmark of the 2015 Auditor General Report—the first such audited accounts of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

The report was tabled and made public by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, when the House returned from its annual recess on Thursday.

Prepared by the Audit Office of Guyana under the aegis of Auditor General Deodat Sharma, it was found that during 2015, the APNU/AFC Government abused the Contingencies Fund through a total of 11 advances for which the requisite laws did not cater for.

According to Auditor General Sharma, the 11 advances used to abuse the Contingencies Fund amounted to in excess of $600 million with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) being the biggest recipient of almost $300 million.

On the matter of the APNU/AFC Government

breaching the financial laws of Guyana, the Auditor General found that the expenditure of Government was in fact overstated by more than $2.5 billion in respect of 16 ministries due to breaches of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. With regards to the Procurement Act, the Auditor General found that 11 ministries had breached the laws with respect to the appointment of regional tender boards and the basis of awards of contracts, among other breaches.

Furthermore, the Auditor General in his report observed too that more than 50 per cent of the agency’s recommendations to stem the repeated violations had not been implemented.

“Overall, I am concerned with the lack of action towards the implementation of these recommendations; since 56 per cent of the recommendations have not yet been implemented.”

Sharma, in his 2015 Audit report, observed too that “in many instances, recommendations are repeated each year without any appropriate action and as a result, weaknesses and issues that impacted negatively on government’s governance and accountability mechanisms continue to oc-

cur.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to the overpayments made by Government, the Auditor General found that “the number of occurrences increased and so did the value of overpayment on contracts, which was $35.7 million in 2015 compared to the $31.3 million in 2014.”

The Auditor General found too that there was a 52 per cent increase in the value of overpayments on net salaries and deductions in 2015 when compared to the previous year.

“There were significant increases in 2015 as it relates to breaches of the relevant legislation, especially the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and the stores regulations,” according to AG Sharma.

Moreover, It was found that there was significant overpayment on 31 contracts including some $20 million that was overpaid for works. Inclusive of prior year overpayments, the Auditor General found that Government was unable to recover almost $400 million.

“As stated in my 2014 report, this trend continued, coupled with no evidence to suggest disciplinary action of any kind had been meted out to engineering or other staff involved in the assessment of works in prog-

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

ress and the certification of progress payments is of concern and hints at management’s perceived inaction/inability to remedy the current situation.”

Meanwhile as it relates to the financial management of the nation’s coffers with regards to current and capital spending, the Auditor General found that the APNU/AFC regime was unable to effectively manage this task.

The report further detailed that in relation to the collection of funds, there

PUGWU wants amendments to...

Check-Off of Union Dues

With the employer legally mandated to deduct authorised workers' union dues and remit same to the union, this will ensure a timely and orderly delivery of deducted dues to the union and will ensure the smooth operation and delivery of services to members and workers who fall within the union bargaining unit. Similarly as employers are legally mandated to deducted workers (PAYE) and to remit same to Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Government.

Dues Deductions Form

Prior to signing the union dues deductions forms, the workers are given a detailed explanation on the rules, the union's purpose, and representation policies, to such worker(s) and the general services and benefits the

union will provide within the context of the agreed to be paid union dues.

Agency Shop Agreements It is extremely unfair for some workers (union members) to pay union dues, while others are not paying but are enjoying and benefiting from the dues paid by members to the union to conduct said functions etc therefore it is important for non-members to equally share the expenses arising from the before mentioned functions and services to be provided by the union.

With the maximum income to be acquired from union dues plus agency shop dues, the union would be able to provide a greater service and provide more benefits eg training and capacity building etc.

Trade Union Access to Workplace

To have a very healthy industrial relations environment, it is an imperative that the union executive representatives be given access to visit the worksite(s), this will provide the following benefits: (a) The union executives will get a first-hand insight of the general working conditions and where there are deficiencies will make recommendations to the Company site managements for corrections and improvement. (b) Being on regular site visits the Union executives will be able to deal with issues, grievances, industrial accidents or death that can lead to serious industrial un-

was a shortfall of close to $1 billion in the current revenue while on the Capital returns there was a negative variance of some $5.5 billion, “which were primarily attributed to project loans that were below approved estimates on the account of timing issues in the execution of some projects, delay in implementation of key infrastructure projects.”

On the other hand, in so far as the APNU/AFC Government’s ability to spend its allotted funds, AG Sharman found that with respect to the recurrent expenditure it was unable to execute its mandate coming up short to the tune of some $26 billion.

According to the Auditor General, “this shortfall was mainly due to the $20.3 billion under Public Debt, for servicing of loans which was not utilised; $2.1 billion under GECOM for the hosting of Local Government Elections which was not held (in 2015); and $1.3 billion under the Ministry of Finance; $280 million under the Ministry of the Presidency, and $658.4 million under the Ministry of Health for Activities not fully executed.”

Additionally, as it relates to its capital programme for 2015, the Auditor General found that, much like the admission of

the Minister of Finance, Government at mid-2016 was unable to utilise some 50 per cent of its budgetary allocations, a situation which obtained the previous year.

According to the Auditor General, “Central Government failed to achieve their anticipated levels of capital expenditure activities during 2015 with actual capital expenditure being approximately 79 per cent of the approved allotment of $39 billion resulting in a shortfall of $8.4 billion.”

The Auditor General also highlighted that this massive shortfall in spending was attributed primarily to delays in the implementation of key infrastructure projects.

“This unsatisfactory situation resulted in the return of disbursements totalling US$5.3 million equivalent to G$1.1 billion, which was requested by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).”

The monies repaid to IDB as a result of the failure of the APNU/AFC Government to implement its projects were directly related to the road network upgrade and the expansion programme and sustainable operation of the electricity sector and improved quality of service project.

FROM PAGE 4

rest for which the union executives would meet with the workers branch officers and site management in an effort to defuse the impending industrial unrest.

A trade union cannot make effective and productive representation and negotiate proper draft CLA (including unproved working conditions for its members workers who falls within the union bargaining unit) if the union just meet with the employer and conduct the meeting without first visiting the work site in which its members work so as to get a firsthand look and assess the conditions that the said workers

are working under.

Sincerely, Micah Williams

6

friday october 14, 2016

Page

BY MATTHEW MCCABE

E

very father has undoubtedly heard the phrase “daddy’s little girl.” This popular saying speaks volumes about the importance of the relationship between a father

guyana-times.com

Foundation

and his daughter. While some men may look forward to having a son to do “masculine” things with, such as playing sports, hunting, or handy work around the house, there is much that a father can teach his daughter, as well.

How! and when? to talk to your children about SEX

The importance of the father-daughter relationship has been highlighted time and again by researchers. For example, Family Studies found that fathers can impact their daughters well into adulthood by simply taking an interest in

By R Scott Gornto

P

daughter, change her diaper, and share in the feeding duties. By making the effort to be present for your daughter, even in those early days, you will have a lasting impact on her life.

their lives. A recent study found that when fathers encourage and promote the academic and athletic achievements of their daughters, the girls were more likely to grow up and experience career success and financial well-being.

Dr Gail Gross noted in an article published on the Huffington Post that fathers have important roles to play in the life of their children.

For girls, a father who is kind, loving, and gentle will provide a guiding light for her when she is older. These adult women will in turn look for partners who share these qualities.

Given the importance of the father-daughter relationship, what can you do to nurture that special bond with your daughter?

Play sports or a game around the house. Whatever it is, be there to provide your daughter with a primary playmate. When you play with your daughter, she sees you as her primary playmate and has the opportunity to feel

Be present

Find a daddy-daughter project

All new parents feel overwhelmed at first. With no training or certification, you’ve been handed control of another human life. When you learn that you’re having a daughter, you can nurture that bond immediately by simply being present. Your spouse will bear the brunt of some of the care, but be present to soothe your newborn

Play together

like the centre of attention.

If you take the time to teach her the rules of a sport, for example, you can build on that relationship by taking her to a game to see it live and encouraging her to get involved in that particular activity herself.

If you’re noticing a theme here, it should be that time together is vital. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you do something. Carve out time in your week together to undertake a daddy-daughter project. It can be anything from helping her with her diorama for a school assignment or fixing something that is broken.

Showing an interest in her activities or taking time to teach her something shows your love and deepens your bond.

Take a vacation

Last but not least, life is not all about learning experiences. The best opportunity you may have to connect with your daughter is on a vacation. Take her to an amusement park or go camping for the weekend. The key to this activity is the chance to really talk to your child.

Taking a vacation together provides you both with the opportunity to move beyond the distractions of everyday life and spend time gaining a better understanding of one another.

Any man can father a child, but it takes a real man to be a dad. Your daughter’s future will benefit immensely from your presence in her life at all stages. Provide her with a good role model and be there to support and encourage her. If you do these things, you’ll nurture that father-daughter relationship. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

atrick Carnes, a noted expert in sex addiction, believes that a “tsunami” is inevitable with regard to the impact of Internet pornography on today’s children and youth.

Research estimates that 90 per cent of children today first learn about sex through viewing pornography. Other research reveals that a child’s first exposure to porn happens around nine years old. And this isn’t just a boys-only problem.

Though pornography use is more prevalent with boys, girls are viewing it as well.

Aside from the many problematic issues with our children being introduced to porn at such early ages, porn as sex education leads to deeply embedded ideas about sex that could haunt, mystify, and stymie a child well into their adult years.

For instance, mature adults understand that sexuality is about more than just exchanging parts of your body.

Sexuality finds its fulfilment and meaning in true connection and intimacy that takes the other person’s full personhood into account. In addition to being attracted physically, a person who’s capable of expressing his or her full sexuality also regards the other person’s intellect, emotions, spirituality, etc. When children are led to believe that porn equals sex, they receive an incredibly myopic vision of what sex can and should mean.

Several years back, I heard a sex therapist educator describe the state of sex education in America as being relegated to choosing from just two options: abstinence or safety. She then compared sex ed to driver’s ed.

What if driver’s ed only had two choices: no education or simple safety training? She likened abstinence to an adult refusing to talk to their child about how a car actually works: “You’ll figure it out once the time is right.” She compared safe sex to an adult just telling a child about the car’s safety features and nothing else: “There’s an airbag in there. Good luck.”

But that’s not how driver’s ed is conducted.

In fact, our teenagers are required to endure months of classes by professionals, plus parental involvement, before being granted a licence.

The breadth and depth of today’s sex education, from both institutional and familial levels, pales in comparison.

And in many cases, there’s an underlying, subtle current of shame running through every sex ed conversation, most often due to a parent’s own shame or awkwardness about approaching the subject with their children. But when given so little information about such a tantalising subject, and when shame or awkwardness marks the conversation with a parent, where’s a curious child to turn?(psychologytoday.com) to be continued

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Opposition Leader labels President Granger’s address a “desecration of House” ...“Granger remains aloof of policies and decisions of State”

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has rejected outright, the latest offer of conciliation across the aisle by Head of State President David Granger, saying he is not only aloof and out of touch with reality, but is in fact not serious about.

“The President does not mean it, he just says these things that sound good,” declared Jagdeo, who was at the time weighing in on the President’s offer of an ‘olive branch’ minutes after he would have launched a scathing attack on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) while in office.

Granger was at the time addressing the National Assembly on Thursday, as the House reconvened following its annual two-month recess.

Jagdeo suggested that Granger’s offer of a renewed conciliatory approach in building bridges between government and opposition was, “an almost after thought.”

He lamented the fact that Granger used his address to Parliament to label the PPP/C as criminals and responsible for many of the current economic and social woes being experienced but still, “thinks there is room for us to work; he has said this many time, it’s all rhetoric.”

Explaining his party’s decision to boycott the President’s address to the House, Jagdeo told the media that this course of action was a principled one in retaliation to Granger’s decision to abuse his Executive Power when he suspended Carvil Duncan— the holder of a number of Constitutionally protected offices.

According to Jagdeo, the PPP/C thought it necessary to send a strong signal to the President that Constitutional protection must not be treat-

ed with lightly and, “we believe the whole affair surrounding Carvil Duncan has been treated in a cavalier manner by Government.”

In fact, he called the development “ominous for future of our democracy.”

Executive interference

He accused the President of interference when he first called on Duncan to resign with the inducement of a monetary package and when this was refused, he suspended him.

The former President questioned if this was the fate that befell Duncan who was endowed with constitutional protection, what obtains with the ordinary citizen employed as a waitress or a farmer placed in a similar position.

“This is direct interference by the Executive in trying to get a constitutional post holder to succumb to their will,” said Jagdeo.

With regard to the PPP/C sticking firm to its decision to walk out on the President ahead of his presentation, Jagdeo said had his party stayed, it would have eventually still opted to boycott the President’s speech given its content. ”The President cannot be doing this and come to this Chamber, the birthplace of our laws and clothe himself in democratic garb which he sought to do today… it runs counter to everything they have spoken about in the past,” according to Jagdeo.

Desecrate Parliament

According to Jagdeo, what the President did through his speech was to desecrate the hallowed chambers of Parliament Jagdeo, following the President’s address, met with members of the local media corps in the Parliamentary Committee room to rub-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the media

bish the presentation by the President calling some of his proposals not only ominous but downright dangerous.

He pointed to the legislative agenda outlined by the President and singled out the proposed amendments to the Immigration Laws and another to make provision for a National Registration Bill.

Jagdeo said the two Bills on the face of it were cause for immediate concern. He drew reference to the PPP/C’s imputations of a sinister move afoot with regard to the possible rigging of any future national and regional elections.

“This could have a huge impact on elections in the future,” Jagdeo said, as he noted that fresh in the minds of some were the administration of the People's National Congress and its management of General Elections locally.

“Those days are still fresh in the minds of some people,” Jagdeo said.

He recalled, too, a recent announcement by Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, about the need to import some 300,000 birth registration forms.

Sinister thing

On the matter of the National Registration Amendment Bill to include greater use of biometrics,

Jagdeo said this is supposed to be a function of the independent Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) adding, “this is a very sinister thing” Turning his attention to the substantive attacks launched by Granger, the Opposition Leader sought to point out that it was illustrative of how “aloof the President is…He comes routinely and speaks about all sorts of issue that have very little relevance to people life.”

Describing Granger as out of touch with reality, the former President observed that his presentation began with a hostile attack on the PPP/C, referring to its time in office as the decade of trouble.

The troubles, according to Jagdeo, were laid squarely at the feet of the PPP/C and not at the feet of the ‘drug dealers’ the ‘insurgents’ or ‘freedom fighters’ that had laid siege to Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

These groups, he said, were randomly killing citizens and members of the disciplined services but this was not acknowledged by Granger.

Jagdeo recalled too that there was not a single word of condemnation from the PNC at the time—the party now headed by Granger.

Jagdeo also used the occasion to take to task Granger’s suggestion that during that period there was the uninvestigated murder of a sitting Minister of Government— the late Agriculture Minister, Satyadeow ‘Sash’ Sawh.

The former President dismissed this assertion by the President as “not true” saying that a person was in fact charged and placed before the courts with the murder of Minister Sawh. “The police have a full file,” said Jagdeo.

Colonial stooge

The President in his addressed also lambasted the then PPP/C government for its abandonment of the British-funded security sector reform project.

Jagdeo was adamant that the abandonment of this project was in the interest of the nation and that Guyana was no longer going to be a stooge of colonial powers.

“I said once I am president that is not going to happen so there was a reason for this, we not going to trade our sovereignty for this colonial power to put conditions that may harm our community or create problem with neighbour.”

He was making reference to the British Government’s then insistence on staging a live fire exercise close to the border with Venezuela.

Jagdeo also sought to lash out at President Granger’s talk of inheriting a parlous and grizzly economy

and pointed to the fact that Guyana has not only enjoyed sustained growth over the past 10 years but would have also significantly reduced its debt to GDP ratio—to the third lowest in the hemisphere. The President’s assertions according to Jagdeo, aptly demonstrates how out of touch with reality he is and suggested his belief that Granger himself may not be in agreement with much of what he espouses.

He questioned how President Granger could on one hand bemoan the state of the economy then on the other speak of many of the initiatives instituted by his administration such as increases in public servants’ wages and salaries, among other benefits such as old age pension.

According to the former President, now Opposition Leader, many of the proposals that have been touted by the current President are in fact projects that would have been borne out of the PPP/C administration.

He drew reference to the president’s adumbration of ICT and environmental projects, all of which were started under the PPP/C but now adopted as its own by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

“How could a President not know that his entire government is operating in a manner on policy that are so opposed to the broad statements that he made….

Maybe he does know but this is part of the show to dupe the people,” Jagdeo concluded.

8 news

fridAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

“Crapo” leaps to freedom

H

amid Latiff also called “Crapo” of Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, who reportedly stabbed his reputed wife’s brother to death outside a wedding house in 2013 has been freed of murder.

In dramatic scenes outside the High Court on Thursday, Latiff leaped to freedom after he was cleared of the November 8, 2013 murder of Mulchand Murilall, 16.

Murilall was reportedly defending his sister Bhagmattie “Vashtie” Murilall against Latif with whom she shared a relationship. Latiff’s acquittal for the fatal stabbing followed a unanimous decision by a 12-member mixed jury after a one hour deliberation on Thursday afternoon.

The jury foreman told the court that his team collectively found the defendant not guilty on the charge of murder. On a possibility

Mulchand Murilall

Hamid Latiff

of the lesser count of manslaughter, the jury was also unanimous in their decision that the accused was not guilty of the indictable crime.

After the decision was handed down, Justice JoAnn Barlow encouraged the former murder-accused to use the opportunity to avoid trouble, pointing out that sometimes, “trouble comes

and finds you”.

After being freed, Latiff brushed past his relatives and with great exuberance swiftly proceeded to his waiting car after two years of incarceration for the capital offence.

Throughout the weeklong trial, a number of discrepancies were found in several witness’ statements.

The court took particular

note of the lack of credibility in the testimony of Latiff’s reputed wife Vashtie, who attempted to cover up the fact that she shared a relationship and a child with a police officer who was present at her brother’s murder scene.

In the summation of tendered evidence in the trial at Thursday morning session, Justice Barlow also stressed the lack of credibility when Vashtie claimed that her relationship with the officer only began in December 2015 when in fact, the police officer had fathered her son over a year ago.

During the trial, Vashtie told the court that the child’s birth was never registered but medical records proved otherwise. Under crossexamination by Defence Counsel Bernard De Santos, the woman denied that she had formed a relationship with the officer while she was still with Latiff. continued on page 9

Eyew tness

The fire...

N

...that time

ow that the trial of the Bartica Massacre 5 has finally started, your Eyewitness was forced to revisit those gory days. It escalated with the Mashramani Jail Breakout in 2002 and finally ended with Fineman and the remnants of his gang dying in a blaze of gunfire in August 2008. Those were no days of wine and roses – but six long years during which many thought we'd end up like those "Banana Republics" we used to snicker at!

But we still don't really know who was behind it all, do we? The fire began building slowly after the 1997 elections and picked up steam during the PNC protests demanding a "forensic audit" of the election results.

But when the audits showed there was nothing wrong electorally – the protests still forced Janet Jagan from the presidency. Plus a complete overhaul of the Constitution – including a reduction of the powers of the Burnhamite Presidency.

But this simply encouraged Hoyte to launch his infamous "slow fyaah...mo' fyaah" strategy, which segued into the jailbreak. So, the Bartica Massacre – 12 dead, along with the Lusignan Massacre – 11 dead and the Lindo Creek Massacre – 8 dead, all in 2008 were really all part of a violent uprising to oust the PPP since the beginning of 1998.

Blackie London, the notorious bandit, killed in 2000, begat Andrew Douglas, a member of his gang as the leader of the Jailbreak 5 and he in turn begat Fineman Rawlins, a member of HIS gang, as his successor. It was a decade of war against the State through terroristic acts against the civilian populace as well as the Guyana Police Force. In that decade, more police died under fire than in the entire 180-year history of the Force. Three policemen died at Bartica.

So the trial of the accused in the Bartica Massacre isn't just about justice for the dead of Bartica, but for all Guyana. A state is created by the citizens for their protection and when that state comes under attack, all the people of the country are under fire. If for nothing else that if the state falls, anarchy reigns and the law of the jungle becomes the norm. The charge of "terrorism" that the gunmen face is particularly important, since this was the modus operandi of the gunmen from the moment they started their "operations" from within the village of Buxton.

Our law against terrorism was hurriedly crafted and passed during the onslaught against the State and described its fundamental characteristic: the use of violence against innocent citizens simply to make a political statement against the State.

Who was it that said, "Bun dem"??

...against making the law an ass

This Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, is something else. After a year of closing his eyes to the blatant dictatorial actions of the Georgetown Town Clerk, who is under his Ministry, he finally wrote a letter patting him on the wrist. And that was that...even as the highhandedness of King continues.

Anyhow, asked why the Local Government Commission, supposed to replace him in supervising the Town Clerk and suchlike, isn't in place – and the PPP has nominated its three members – this is the best Bulkan could do.

He quoted Section 4 (1) (b) of the Local Government Commission Act of 2013: "the Local Government Commission shall include, “three members appointed by the President acting on Advice of Leader of the Opposition after consultation with other Parliamentary parties."

Then said he's waiting on the PPP to consult with "other parliamentary parties". But haven't the "other parliamentary parties" formed the government and should've nominated THEIR four members? !!

Is this guy for real??

...and disasters

Yesterday was "International Day for Disaster Reduction". We suggest that Guyana's contribution should be for the Government to remove the entire lot it's placed in charge of Agriculture.

And since, like with fishes, institutions start stinking at the head...let’s start there!

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

news

9

friday, october 14, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Gafoors fire

Overseas private investigator hired to conduct probe

W

ithin a span of a few hours after reopening his bond, which was razed by a fire just four months ago, Abdool Sattaur Gafoor watched as the new bond went up in flames. Believing that there was nothing within the bond that could have started the fire, Gafoor has hired a private investigator to investigate the matter.

The Chief Executive Officer of Gafoors on Thursday announced that an overseas-based private detective has been hired to work along with the Guyana Police Force, in finding out what started the fire.

Gafoor stated that based on the negative publici-

ty that the second fire has brought on, he is confident that the private investigator will prove that it was not negligence that caused this disastrous fire.

He explained that when the Gafoors Houston Complex was almost destroyed by the first blaze in May, it was due to the lack of fire prevention measures.

However, this time around, he affirmed that all recommendations made by the Guyana Fire Service were adhered to and implemented.

The company’s CEO expressed disappointment in the Chief Fire Officer’s remarks to the media earlier this week, saying “it’s the

same crap… not enough diligence”.

He stated that it was not “totally incorrect” that there were combustible items in the bond; explaining that there were a few cans of paint stored, “but it was not for commercial use, it was there to paint the building”.

Gafoor added that after the first fire, the company had flown in an expert from the United Kingdom, who provided “practical solutions” to prevent the occurrence of another fire.

He pointed out that despite what persons might think, he did everything within his power to prevent another fire and so it

“Crapo” leaps to freedom ...

from page 8

The witness had also admitted that she did not see the stabbing of her brother as she was some distance away, hearing tassa drums.

However, Bhagmattie “Vashtie” Murilall did claim that she heard someone in the distance say “ow” on that fateful night.

It was also revealed that the officer, with whom Vashtie has shared a relationship, was the first police rank to arrive on the scene after her brother had met his demise. However the jury had to consider the fact White (father of the said child) also “covered up” the relationship with Vashtie as well as the existence of their child.

The jurors also considered that while White did not actually conduct investigations of the crime, he preserved the evidence until the police detectives had arrived on the scene.

The testimony of Safraz Hussein who was said to be a valid witness also had credibility issues as he withheld the fact that he was using “ganja” on the night he witnessed the stabbing. Hussein who was 18 at that time testified that he actually saw when the deceased teenager was stabbed. However jurors had to consider that in the lower court, he had told the presiding Magistrate that he only smoked cigarettes.

Before the jurors were allowed to deliberate, Defence Counsel De Santos reminded the court that his client “did not admit to anything” nor was he bearing any responsibly for Murrilall’s stabbing. This was premised on the unsworn statement that Latiff gave when he had taken the stand. The defendant claimed that he was attacked with “a paling stave affixed with nails” but however declined claiming selfdefence. Despite this, Latiif had testified that it was another witness, Rajesh “Alligator Man” Liloutie who had inflicted injures the teenager suffered after “the boy jumped between” the two of them (Latiff and Liloutie).

Justice Barlow had reminded the jurors that they would have not been making a determination on whether or not “Alligator Man” caused the boy’s death but that they should focus on the facts surrounding the accused. Latiff had also alleged that it was Liloutie who threw the young man overboard.

However the court learnt that police never investigated that version of events. Rather, the investigators placed prime emphasis on the version that “Crapo” stabbed the boy.

Meanwhile Liloutie had earlier testified that he

had seen the former murder-accused “shove something” in the deceased’s body after which Latiff had thrown him overboard. The court had however heard that “Alligator Man” had not seen what “Crapo” had shoved into the murdered man’s body.

The 12 jurors who freed “Crapo” were told that the pathologist did not find water in the victim’s body.

In 2013, it was reported that an argument had ensued between Latiff and Murilall which led to the young man being fatally stabbed to his chest and under his left arm.

Sometime after the stabbing, Latiff was nabbed by Police at Springlands while allegedly trying to escape to neighbouring Suriname.

CEO Abdool Sattaur Gafoor

shocked him when he realised that in “just 10 hours after we opened the bond, it burnt down”.

The most recent fire, he said, has placed a lot of financial strain on the company, noting that he feels disappointed and frustrated since he has always chosen

to be at peace with everyone. He stated that he has treated all of his employees fairly, he has paid his taxes and he has opted to distance himself from politics.

He is unable to understand what could have caused the fire. He lamented that all of his stocks for the Christmas season were destroyed, and that although he has insurance for the building and the stocks, he was not insured for the profits lost.

Therefore, he stated that the Board of Directors has taken a decision to be acted upon in the event of a third fire, but he was not prepared to say what the decision was.

“Within 64 years there has never been a fire,” he lamented.

“It was literally impossible for it to take place,” he said, adding that Monday’s fire left him totally “lost for words”.

“If you were in my place,

what would you do if there was a third fire? It’s not that easy to start back again,” he said.

Officer-in-Charge of Operations at the Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman has indicated that the department was also baffled by the fire since there was no electricity or any heat source to start the fire.

He stated that the materials stored in the bond were tiles, white cement and a small amount of Christmas decorations.

“So we want to know how it could propagate at that level. No electricity, if you look it is a bond that was constructed based on the last fire that they would have had. But because I think they cramp for space make they use the bond. No electricity, no form of heat source that dwells within, so we will have to dig deep.

Nobody was inside,” he said, adding, “it started in

10

guyana-times.com

Friday, october 14, 2016

News

GOGA unaware of fraud allegations against President – as audit points to forged signatures, overpaid preferred contractor

A

Police investigation had been recommended into alleged fraudulent financial and corrupt practices by Bobby Gossai – then Secretary to the Guyana Gold Board – by auditors earlier this year, following a probe into reports of a multibillion-dollar fraud being perpetrated at that entity.

The audit conducted by Chartered Accountants Ram & McRae had found that Gossai – who was employed under questionable circumstances by then Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud – engaged in a scheme to defraud the State and, as such, “we, therefore, recommend that the transactions be referred to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Police for full investigations”.

Gossai was on Tuesday

introduced as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly-formed Guyana Oil and Gas Organisation (GOGA), after which a section of the media reported that he was in fact implicated in the Gold Board probe for allegedly forging a signature.

GOGA Director Nigel Hughes immediately issued a public missive on behalf of GOGA, saying that the organisation was unaware of the allegations against Gossai.

According to Hughes, “The Board of Directors of GOGA was unaware of the specific contents of the Audit Report referred to in the article….The Board of Directors has since secured a copy of the Audit Report and will be considering the contents of the report as a matter of urgency.”

Hughes pointed out that Gossai was retained by the Board of Directors of GOGA as CEO and his employment was part of the start-up process; further, he was currently on a probationary period.

According to the Gold Board Report, referred to by sections of the local media and the GOGA Director, then Natural Resources Minister Persaud flouted the laws and had on occasions given or transmitted instructions to management on operational issues, such as matters relating to contracts.

“We understand from discussions with management and members of the Board that instructions came by way of Mr Bobby Gossai, Senior Policy Analyst/ Adviser in the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment who was named by the Minister as

Missing Timehri man found dead on Craig sea dam T

he decomposed body of a labourer was on Wednesday found on a sea dam in Craig Village, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The body was later identified as that of 53-year-old Infant Forrester, also called “Bolt and Nut”, of Timehri, EBD. The man’s body was spotted by fishermen in the area, who quickly alerted residents who in turn contacted the Police. Guyana Time

s understands that the man was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre about three weeks ago by one of his employers, but was not seen since.

Dexter Forrester, the dead man’s son, reported that his father was not a troublemaker but was an alcoholic. In addition, he would suffer seizures on a regular basis. The younger Forrester also claimed that they searched for his father,

but came up empty handed.

He noted that he was at work when he received a call from a friend informing him that a body was found at Craig, EBD. He immediately rushed to the scene, but by then the body had been removed and taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

The younger Forrester visited the mortuary and it was then he positively identified the body as that of his father.

The President and CEO of the newly formed Guyana Oil and Gas Organisation

Secretary to the Board…

In our opinion, the Act does not give the Minister the power to name or nominate the Secretary to the Board and the Minister’s action amounted to a usurpation of the Board’s authority.”

With regard to the fraudulent transactions that Gossai would have been a party to, the Gold Board probe had found that 12 questionable payments had been authorised by him to Safewatch Inc. “Of 12 payments made to Safewatch Inc during 2014, three of these amounting to $16,021,120 were made on

quotations.”

One such payment of $4.3 million for the purchase and installation of a Dell server was approved for payment

by Gossai.

It was found too that a contract with Safewatch for servicing of the phone system at a cost of $180,000 plus VAT per month was signed by the Assistant General Manager, Ms Seelochan who “indicated that she was acting on the direction of the Company Secretary when the contract was signed”.

According to the report into the fraudulent practices at the Gold Board, no evidence was noticed of the Board authorising or “ratifying this contract which, in our view, is unnecessary”.

That contract has since been terminated and the auditors did recommend that “steps should be taken to recover the amount of $2,436,000 paid for this fraudulent service”.

The auditors found too that VAT was included on the total invoice value of all invoices and quotations submitted by Safewatch Inc, including that for the supply

of computer items, but computer equipment such as the server purchased are zero rated for VAT purposes.

“In any case, our enquiries confirmed that Safewatch Inc is not registered for VAT in Guyana and cannot charge VAT on any goods/services provided, regardless whether goods or services would otherwise be subject to VAT,” the auditors said. There were also questions that had arisen with regard to shipping and customs fees that were charged

by Safewatch Inc, but no details were provided.

“The shipping and customs fees on two of the invoices and one quotation amounted to $1,388,235. The … quotation did not provide a breakdown of cost.”

The auditors had found that “it is apparent that these transactions contained elements of VAT fraud for which the Value-Added Tax Act imposes serious penalties… We, therefore, recommend that the transactions be referred to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Police for full investigations into this company.”

Bartica resident robbed, shot dead

A

n investigation is ongoing regarding the death of a 24-year-old man who was found dead at 16 Miles, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) at approximately 17:30h on Monday.

Reports indicate that Abrahama Mohammed Khan was in the process of trans-

porting a large quantity of raw gold for his employer, when he was robbed of the gold and the motorcycle he was travelling on.

According to a foreman attached to the mining operation that was travelling with Khan, the gunmen then shot him to his neck. However, as they began to fire gunshots

in his direction, he fled the scene.

A source close to the investigation told Guyana Times that the foreman was apprehended by the Police for three days following the incident.

Khan leaves to mourn his wife, two-year-old son, unborn child and other family and friends.

friDAY, october 14, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

GPL contracts Canadian company to improve operations

G

uyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is looking to boost its efficiency and capacity with the help of a Canadianbased firm, Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) Ltd, which specialises in upgrading power companies around the world.

The three-year contract will see the company providing training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to GPL’s management. MHI will support GPL in its performance of key business areas to improve the utility company’s capabilities for providing an efficient, reliable, and sustainable service.

This project falls under the Management Strengthening Programme (MSP), which is a component of the multimillion-dollar Inter-American Development Bank/ European Union (IDB/ EU) funded Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP).

The project is divided into three components – the management strengthening programme valued US$7.3 million; improving operational efficiency at the cost of US$4.3 million; and some US$43 million to be spent on improving the company’s infrastructure in order to target loss reduction.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Chairman of GPL Board Robert Badal explained that the project is to improve the operational efficiency of GPL’s management, the reliability of the grid and to also reduce the high losses.

He disclosed that the company’s level of losses is pegged at around 29 per cent, hence, the money injected will be used on mea-

MHI representatives along with GPL Chairman Robert Babal, acting CEO Renford Homer and PUUP Project Coordinator Donald Nurse

sures to reduce the losses incurred with the procurement of some 54,000 smart meters that can be read remotely, among other steps.

Electricity theft

Moreover, he outlined that electricity theft is one of the major contributions to the losses that company incurs. To this end, the GPL Chairman urges persons to report incidents of electricity theft.

He said the main goal is to reduce losses from the existing 29 per cent now to around 27 per cent or 27.5 per cent.

According to the Chairman, curbing electricity theft is an ongoing process and the company’s Loss Reduction Department has been working assiduously on the matter. He noted that officers from that section usually go out to inspect meters that are defective in order to prevent theft.

He added too that there are systems in place to monitor individual customer’s consumption so if there is a drastic decrease then they will look into it. However,

the Chairman recognised the need for the department to be strengthened, noting that this will be done under the Management Strengthening Programme.

Furthermore, Badal added that as part of the more targeted approach, GPL’s Information Technology (IT) section will be expanded.

“So it’s a continuous process… the losses (GPL incurs) are a combination of issues and we can’t improve on any of this until we improve GPL’s executive management,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the Head of the GPL Board posited that there has been a progressive improvement in the delivery of power over the last three years, with the Infrastructural Development Programme having a big impact on the grid.

Efficient generation

“Currently we have no deficit in generation, it is very efficient. Our focus here is improving management competence and the grid further,” he noted.

Badal pointed out that

GPL’s full capacity is some 140 mega watts and only 114 mega watts are being consumed. He added that while 95 per cent of the blackouts are not generation issues, there is still need to improve the system.

“Rest assured we are improving generation but no amount of generation could ensure complete reliability without an efficient grid…

We are moving forward but progressive sometimes takes time especially in a capital intensive environment,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Contract Manager of Manitoba, Scott Russell, said that during the company’s tenure here, it will be working to support GPL’s key management through a combination

of classroom-based training and on the job training.

He explained that MHI staffs its projects with seasoned energy sector professionals in key consulting roles around the world and with many years of operational utility experience in both developed and developing countries.

The team that will be coming to Guyana will include seven full-time utility specialists and eight shortterm training support specialists. These specialists will work in partnership with GPL staff to achieve the utility’s objectives by couching them in specific areas.

Russell sought to clarify that the experts from MHI will have no authority what-

soever over the GPL managers whom they will be coaching during their three-year tenure here. “Our mandate is to provide guidance and coaching, not to make decisions. We aren’t in any formal place of authority, we are just here to provide coaching to persons in senior positions (within GPL).

Currently, MHI is conducting a needs analyst, from which the Canadianbased team will determine where GPL is and what has to be done going forward to improve its services.

As a subsidiary of a Canadian energy utility, Manitoba Hydro, MHI offers clients over a century’s worth of best practice experience by helping them to deliver electricity and natural gas efficiently, effectively, and in a sustainable manner.

In operation for over 130 years, Manitoba Hydro is a vertically integrated, Government-owned Canadian Provincial Crown Corporation. The corporation holds in-service assets in excess of US$17 billion, generates over US$2 billion in annual revenue, and employs over 6500 utility staff.

Manitoba Hydro is a major energy utility that is intimately involved in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of electricity and gas infrastructure.

12 news

friDay, october 14, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Guyana elected member of PAHO’s Directing Council General Committee

P

ublic Health Minister, Dr George Norton was among the panel of Health Ministers and other officials who met during the last week of September at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) office in Washington, DC to discuss ways in which public health challenges can be tackled across the Region.

Dr Norton was accom-

panied by Dr Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Public Health Ministry, to the 55th Directing Council, where Guyana was elected a member of the Directing Council General Committee along with Jamaica, Grenada and Honduras.

Meanwhile, regional health representatives attended the 13th Meeting

Ice cream vendor on bail after threatening nephew

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n elderly ice cream vendor was granted bail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before a city Magistrate on a charge of using threatening language against his nephew.

Brian Chung Hung, of 58 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It was alleged that at Robb Street, Lacytown, he made use of threatening language towards Troy Wills causing a breach of peace.

The Virtual Complainant was a no-show at the court.

The defendant was placed on $5000 bail, and was

Brian Chung Hung

scheduled to make his next court appearance on October 25, 2016.

of the Council on Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which focused on matters such as chemical risk and thermo-nuclear risk management and infectious diseases.

Discussions were also held on the Caribbean Cooperation in Health Priorities and Regional Public Goods, Management, Governance and Resourcing and the Regional Health Strategy. Countries were encouraged to take local ownership of moving the COHSOD agenda forward by ensuring support at the highest policy level.

Caribbean Member States have committed to developing National Polio Preparedness and Response Plans in order to achieve the required 80 per cent target coverage for all the surveillance indicators for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP).

Countries were advised to integrate the surveillance for polio with the neurological manifestation of Zika.

Following the recently commemorated Caribbean Wellness Week, at which Non-Communicable

Diseases (NCDs) were topical over the past few years, discussions continued along this path. New initiatives for preventing NCDs and treatment methods were explored. Countries were also encouraged to implement health finance reform inclusive of increased taxation on harmful products such as foods high in sugars, salt, fat, alcohol and cigarettes.

In addition, the Region’s achievements in relation to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV were addressed. It was recommended that countries strengthen the data collection for HIV and syphilis, and integrate available data sources to provide timely monitoring of maternal child health programme performance within the context of existing national information systems.

Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the Directing Council, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Dr Margaret Chan declared Latin America and the Caribbean measles free.

Norton Street woman remanded for allegedly setting house ablaze

Arson accused Naomi Williams being escorted out of the court

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25-year-old mother was remanded to prison when she made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman for allegedly setting a house on fire.

It was alleged that on October 9, 2016, at Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Naomi Williams, of Lot 62 Norton Street, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the dwelling house of Phillip Narine valued $1.6 million.

It was further alleged that on the same day, she damaged a number of household items valued a total of $1.3 million, also property of Narine.

The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the penalty attached to the crime and value of the items.

As such, bail was refused and Williams will make her next court appearance on October 25, 2016 for statements.

For equality in Guyana

W

ith last year's change of government, the call for "equality" reverberates in the air once again, just as it did in 1993 from "the other side" when I wrote the following: One challenge in securing "equality” is inherent in the protean nature of the word itself. While we may agree with the statement, “we are all equally human”, what Ravi Dev does it mean? We are not equally tall, strong, intelligent or beautiful. So whither equality? Equality, from this perspective, has therefore to be contingent on the context or criteria wherein we speak.

For instance, government-sponsored initiatives promoting equality should be concerned that all the state offers should be done equally to its citizens. The state was founded to secure the rights of all citizens, so when discussing equality from a national perspective we should ask in which way are the citizens of a country equal. Here I think there would be broad agreement that if we are all citizens, we should be equal in the possession of the rights guaranteed by the state. Ideally, it follows then that if particular citizens do not have rights or equal rights, then the state has failed.

From a group standpoint, this equality of rights by each citizen translates into a proportionate share of the power in a society. This is a very important connection because ultimately it is the power exercised by the competing groups that shape the contours of the political and other struggles in the country. Power is ultimately grounded in the possession of rights.

But citizens classify themselves by any number of criteria - gender, class, ethnicity, etc. If rights were equally distributed to all citizens then no matter how we categorise groups, each group would have equal rights and thus equal power.

However, if the rights were denied to members of a particular classification while others enjoyed those rights, the deprived group is said to be oppressed in that it does not have an equality of power. In human societies, oppression has been perpetuated on all fronts: thus a poor woman may be oppressed simultaneously on the basis of her gender, class, ethnicity, age, religion, and race. This is called "intersectionality".

Each of these forms of oppression is ultimately debilitating, in that they cause pain, suffering, and stifles the humanity of the victims; societies have to prioritise their activities since resources are limited. In Guyana there is a general consensus that the racial cleavage is the most salient in terms of actual potential demand of rights of groups. It is for this reason that while we support efforts to eliminate all forms of oppression, we believe that we must get a jumpstart on the goal of racial equality.

"Discrimination" is the selection of an individual or a group for treatment not accorded others equally situated.

It is commonly described as a form of oppression but sometimes when the treatment is positive, to correct past discriminatory behaviour, it is called "affirmative action". This can be used to ensure effective "equality of opportunity".

Even if we are to limit our field of endeavour to the rights of all citizens, this leads us to other problems. For instance, since men are not endowed equally - physically or mentally - equality of rights will lead to material inequalities as those who are better endowed with the badges of societies' success forge ahead.

This dilemma has led some to extend their definition of equality to mean, additionally, equality of results, but this has proven chimeral and contentious.

Between "equality of opportunity" and "equality of results" lie the efforts of the individual, conditioned by their culture to make their dreams become real.

In Guyana there are expectations that "equality" means equality of results. In addition to rejecting the intrusive utopian state, since we know that will fail based on our own history, leaders have to be brave enough to confront and overcome the cultural challenges at the individual and group levels.

There is, after all, the inevitability of group comparison.

Are we prepared for five years down the line when some groups own "all the big houses and big cars and big businesses"? How equal is equal?

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Agriculture Month observances

Students benefit from open day at agricultural agencies

A display of tambaki and other fish reared in fresh and brackish water at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, Mon Repos

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tudents from Georgetown and East Coast Demerara schools on Thursday benefited from open day activities held at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station.

Head of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth said the activities, though organised as part of the activities for Agriculture Month, were intended to expose the public and students in particular to the work of the various entities, a Government Information Agency (GINA) report stated.

“They might be reading about it, especially from doing their School Based Assessments (SBAs) and whatever, but we want them to have the practical side of it. To actually see demonstrations being done and the actual structures and systems that are in operation,” Dr Homenauth explained.

At NAREI, demonstrations included both field and

laboratory activities which the Agency conducts in the execution of its mandate to aid in the development of sustainable agriculture.

Detailing some of the exhibits on display, Dr Homenauth said the agency was continuously working on the development of solutions to common, local agricultural problems and was happy to expose students to the new methods and the benefits they bring to the farming community.

“You’ll see for example the demonstration on the management of acoushi ants.

We have been talking about how we intend to, in the long term, control the red palm mite fly using natural enemies instead of the use of chemicals alone. Since seeing is believing, they actually see the work being done,” Dr Homenauth said.

Further, he stressed the importance of science in agriculture and said open day activities were also designed with this in mind. He is of the view that students must

be able to have a practical experience of science in agriculture.

“So for agriculture they must also know that they need a background in science as well, because it is science that runs agriculture anyway. Most of what we do here is science-based and that is what we want the young people to become familiar with,” the CEO encouraged.

Over at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, students and teachers were treated to a guided tour and discussions on the importance of aquaculture in providing a reliable source of fish protein given the reduction in the country’s oceanic fish stock.

Among the species displayed were the tambaki, a freshwater fish native to neighbouring Brazil, the Jamaican red tilapia, the grey tilapia, the Arapaima, basha and other local fish species.

Students were exposed to information on methods of cultivating fish stock, harvesting fish and the preservation of fish and fish products for export.

Open day activities were also held at the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

Agriculture Month is observed in Guyana during the month of October. This year’s observances will see several activities being held across the regions to promote agricultural awareness.

5 homeless after Corentyne fire

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ive persons are now homeless after a fire destroyed their home at Number 69 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Wednesday evening.

Reports are that the fire started on the upper flat of the two storied building around 20:30h; it is believed to be electrical in nature. A middle-aged couple, their daughter and her two children occupy the home.

At the time of the blaze, one of the couple’s sons was visiting. According to Seekumari Dauroop, 58, they were all under the house when the flames were seen in the upper part of the building through the floor.

“Me hear like something ah crack… an so me sent up mi son fo see wha going on and when he go up he say, ‘Mummy! Mummy fire!’ when he come down, he get two bucket water but that couldn’t do nothing so we ent save nothing,” a tearful

The family now left destitute as a result of the fire that ravaged their home

Seekumari said.

Her husband, Ramcharran, 63, estimated his losses in excess of $3 million. He said the home was equipped with two furnished sitting rooms, three bedrooms. A generator, washing machine, three gas stoves, refrigerator and a music system were a few of the items destroyed.

His daughter Gashmarie said the fire started in the middle bedroom in the vicinity of where the fuse box and main switch are. She explained that it was moments after the fire started, it was discovered but they could save nothing.

According to a source from the Skeldon Fire Service, they responded with one unit and encountered difficulty sourcing water because of the current dry weather. The source said the water they arrived with was inadequate since the fire had engulfed to building when they arrived.

Meanwhile, the family is currently being rescued by a neighbour. The Dauroop’s have been renting the building for the past three months and estimate damages in the vicinity of $3 million.

So far this year, 38 buildings have been destroyed by fire in Berbice compared with 24 for the corresponding period last year.

Currently, the Guyana Fire Service is observing Fire Prevention Week under the theme, ‘“Fire Safety, a National Priority – Get Involved’.

In Berbice, firefighters operating out of fire stations at New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corriverton and Onverwagt have so far responded to 273 fire calls as compared to 255 for the corresponding period last year.

Fires this year have so far claimed the lives of two persons on Berbice, a similar number for the corresponding period last year.

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guyana-times.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

News

PSC Chairman’s suspension is ominous WBD man killed during robbery at West Ruimveldt for the future of democracy – Jagdeo

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ours after being shot by two men on pedal cycles, a West Demerara man succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Twenty-four-year-old Wayne Jason Wharton, of Lot 277 Onderneeming, WBD, was shot to his back by the two men during an apparent robbery at West Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

From information gathered, the young man was standing a short distance from his mother’s home when he was attacked by the two armed men. They reportedly relieved him of a gold chain he was wearing at the time.

After being shot, he was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died shortly after midnight.

The Police have arrested two men in connection with the murder. One of the men was reportedly found to be sporting a gold chain similar to the one that belonged to the now dead man.

Ocia Leung, a sister of the dead man told Guyana Times, that she was at home when she received news that her brother was shot and injured. “I hear

O

Dead: Wayne Jason Wharton

that he de standing when two boys come up on bicycles and try to rob he, but he run… is when he run, they fire a bullet and it hit he to he back”, she added.

The sister further stated that two other persons were on the road, but after they saw what was happening, they ran to safety.

Since it was after 20:00h, those who were indoors could not have recognised any of the men.

Leung said her brother had a stall in “Parliament View Mall” and lived an honest life to make ends meet.

The Police are continuing their investigation into the fatal shooting.

Only on Tuesday, 25-year-

Dead: Gregory Garraway

old Gregory Garraway, of Charlestown, Georgetown, succumbed to a gunshot injury to his chest, which he sustained during a robbery.

The young man, who worked at Nigel’s Supermarket, was on his way home with a younger brother when they stopped just outside a Mandela Avenue hangout. He was reportedly making his way across the road to make a purchase when he was accosted by a man who grabbed his chain and fired a shot at him.

The young man fell to the ground and was rushed to the hospital, but died there. The gunman has not been apprehended.

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the suspension of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Carvil Duncan is ominous for the future of democracy in Guyana.

Jagdeo stated that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarians’ boycott of President David Granger’s speech in the National Assembly on Thursday was aimed at sending a “strong signal” to the President and the Executive that constitutional protection should not be treated lightly.

He opined that the racket surrounding Duncan’s charge has been treated in a cavalier manner by the Administration – one that is ominous for the future of democracy.

“Carvil Duncan for whatever he is has constitutional protection by virtue of the offices he currently holds and we believe in the doctrine of the separation of powers, the foundation of our democracy. So when the Executive deals with people who are protected by the Constitution they have to deal in a manner that is prescribed not in a manner that directs people or intimidates them,” he expounded.

He added that the PPP/C holds the opinion that the suspension of Duncan does not exhibit a “fair treatment that is required in this case”.

He stated that the establishment of a tribunal and the alleged bribery and threat made by the President are an affront to natural justice; a threat to the presumption of innocence because the court is still hearing the case.

“The indecent haste to get rid of Carvil Duncan is unbelievable but by itself may not mean much but Carvil Duncan has all these constitutional protections so what about ordinary citizens,” he noted, questioning who will protect the ordinary man if the Government can swoop down on a person

Carvil Duncan

that has constitutional protection and suspend them without a decision from the court on allegations levelled against him.

“If the Government can get away with dealing in this manner with a constitutional post holder then it can get away with anything,” he said, adding that the “President cannot be doing this and then come to this chamber, the birthplace of our laws, the birth place of our Constitution and clothe himself in this democratic garb which he sought to do today”.

“And that is why we had to send a strong signal,” Jagdeo affirmed.

Duncan will be moving to the High Court to challenge the authority of a tribunal which will determine whether he should be removed from his post.

On Monday, Duncan and his lawyer Anil Nandlall were seen exiting the tribunal at the Training Centre of the Ministry, although it was still in session. Duncan excused himself from the hearing, since his application for the hearing to cease was overruled.

Duncan will move to the High Court on three grounds: that there are criminal proceedings pending in the Magistrate’s Court, Duncan never received a letter from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo calling on him to show cause

why the tribunal should not be established, and that his client has been called before tribunal whose Chairman is a sitting High Court Judge – of whom Duncan exercises supervisory jurisdiction over.

According to Article 144 of the Constitution, Duncan is entitled to a presumption of innocence. His Attorney Anil Nandlall stated that to establish a tribunal to investigate his removal from office on the mere institution of a charge before the determination of any guilt is an infraction of that constitutional protection “which guarantees him innocent until proven guilty”.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the tribunal was set up to inquire, investigate and recommend whether Duncan ought to be removed from office for inability to perform the functions of the said office, after he refused to gracefully vacate the office.

Harmon has since rejected claims that the Government offered money in exchange for his resignation as Chairperson of the PSC in light of his court charges.

He indicated that meetings were indeed held where Duncan was “gracefully” asked to vacate the positions he currently holds on several constitutional service commissions given his current trial for allegedly stealing $984,900 and conspired to steal $27,757,500 from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Harmon’s statement was prompted after a letter was released last Saturday by Duncan, with damning allegations of bribery and innuendos made by President David Granger.

Duncan was charged and placed before the courts over the alleged theft of monies from the GPL. He was placed on $1 million bail in February last after he had appeared in the Magistrate’s Court charged with larceny after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Thailand's King Bhumibol Hurricane Nicole hits Bermuda M Adulyadej dead at 88 ajor Hurricane Nicole slammed into Bermuda on Thursday, lashing the tiny British archipelago with 120 mile (195 kilometer) per hour winds as the storm's eye passed over, US forecasters said.

It was a classified as an "extremely dangerous" Category Three storm when it hit, just two notches shy of top intensity level on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Before it hit, National

T

hailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longestreigning monarch, has died after 70 years as head of state.

The 88-year-old king was widely revered but had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances. He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch, the Prime Minister has said.

After two days of speculation and rumours surrounding the king's deteriorating health, the palace announcement confirming his death finally came early on Thursday evening.

In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said Thailand would hold a oneyear mourning period that flags would fly half-mast

U

The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej

and all entertainment functions must be "toned down" for a month.

The king's death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014. A palace official, speaking to crowds outside the hospital, said the body of the king would be moved to the Temple

of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok on Friday.

King Bhumibol was widely respected across Thailand, and thought of by many as semi-divine. Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the Bangkok hospital where he died, stricken with grief at the news. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the honour was "well-deserved".

Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, said Dylan had been chosen because he was "a great poet in the English speaking tradition". The singer is due to perform later at the Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas.

Dylan – who took his stage name from the poet Dylan Thomas – had long been tipped as a potential prize recipient.

Few experts, though, expected the academy to extend the award to a genre such as folk rock music.

Former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion is among those to have previously praised Dylan's lyrics, saying his songs "work as poems".

"They have often extremely skilful rhyming aspects to them," he told the BBC. "They're often the best words in the best order."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

N

ew Jersey governor Chris Christie is facing an official misconduct complaint stemming from the closure of lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge in 2013.

A judge signed the summons on Thursday, sending the case to the Bergen County prosecutor’s office, which will decide whether the case will lead to an indictment. The Republican governor appointed the Prosecutor.

Municipal court administrative specialist Jessica Lemley said a complaint of official misconduct would mean Christie – currently a key aide to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump – is accused of knowingly refraining from performing a duty imposed on him by law or clearly inherent in the nature of his

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Dwayne Campbell of BookFusion gets his award for Start-up with the Most Growth Potential

products and services at the one-day event, which is designed to connect start-ups with investors, mentors and thought leaders.

This was the fourth year that the IDB organised Demand Solutions and the third year of Venture

Night in partnership with the Blum Centre, part of an effort to encourage out-ofthe-box thinking to promote equitable economic development and growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Two former Christie appointees are on trial accused of orchestrating the lane closures as political retribution against the mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie’s reelection bid

office.

Official misconduct carries a possible sentence of five to 10 years.

Christie’s spokesman said the ruling was being appealed. He said that the governor had no knowledge of the so-called Bridgegate plot and that case had already been “thoroughly investigated”.

Christie has faced repeated questions for the past three years over his role in the illegal lane closures of a road in Fort Lee leading into the George Washington Bridge, connecting New York and New Jersey, which created a large traffic jam. He has apologised to the family of a 91-year-old woman who died during the lane closures when an ambulance took seven minutes to reach her. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Nigeria's Boko Haram frees 21 kidnapped Chibok girls after 2-1/2 years

Jamaican start-up wins J IDB award for its potential A

Jamaican with an open global eBook platform for publishers and readers in the Caribbean got the InterAmerican Development Bank’s (IDB) nod as having some major growth potential.

In fact, Dwayne Campbell from BookFusion got the award for startup with the Most Growth Potential out of the 12 startups from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Mexico who participated in a Venture Night that closed the IDB’s most important innovation event, Demand Solutions Ideas for Improving Lives last week.

This was after the entrepreneurs all pitched their start-ups’ innovations to an audience of more than 300 people and a jury composed of leading specialists at the event in Washington, DC. They had been selected from over 500 candidates to showcase their innovative

and rain hit the islands, and airlines have cancelled flights.

The NHC warned that a dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as six to eight feet above normal tide levels, accompanied by "large and destructive" waves.

The hurricane will also spread surf swells north along the East coast of the United States over the next few days, and could also spawn tornadoes, it said.

Bridgegate: Chris Christie misconduct complaint to be reviewed for indictment

Bob Dylan wins Nobel Prize for Literature S singer Bob Dylan has been awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature, becoming the first songwriter to win the prestigious award.

The 75-year-old rock legend received the prize "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition".

The balladeer, artist and actor is the first American to win since novelist Toni Morrison in 1993.

President Obama said

Security Minister Jeffrey Baron expressed confidence that Bermudians were ready for the storm.

The hurricane was expected to pull away from the archipelago in the afternoon, but forecasters warned it would whip the islands with hurricane force winds on its way out.

Authorities in Bermuda closed schools and Government offices on Wednesday. Buildings were boarded up as heavy wind

ihadist group Boko Haram has freed 21 of more than 200 girls it kidnapped in April 2014 in the northern Nigerian town of Chibok, after mediation

by Switzerland and the International Red Cross, officials said on Thursday.

Around 270 girls were taken from their school in Chibok in the remote North-eastern Borno state, where Boko Haram has waged a seven-year insurgency aimed at creating an Islamic state, killing thousands and displacing more than two million people.

"I met them about an hour ago and I can confirm they are in good health," Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said after meeting the 21 released girls, who were brought from the North-eastern city of Maiduguri to the capital Abuja.

Their release, a boost for the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari, came after the Red Cross and the Swiss Government brokered a deal with the group, officials said.

Dozens had escaped in the initial melee in 2014, but more than 200 girls

are still missing. The kidnapping prompted outrage worldwide and the girls' plight was publicised using a Twitter hashtag, #bringbackourgirls.

A picture released by a

presidency official showed one of the girls holding a baby when they met Osinbajo. Officials have accused Boko Haram of having married off the girls to its followers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 News

friDay, october 14, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Attacks on Duncan are a lesson to "black" PPP supporters – Edghill

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p p o s i t i o n Parliamentarian Bishop Juan Edghill unapologetically declared that the attacks by government on trade unionist Carvil Duncan are an attempt to send a signal to Afro-Guyanese who are supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); and he indicated preparedness to challenge anyone who contends otherwise.

“It is about him being a black man that is supposedly a supporter in their eyes of the PPP and it is a way of teaching black people a lesson, that to support the PPP, this is what we will do with you,” Edghill expressed during a public forum on corruption at the Sleep Inn Hotel on Wednesday evening, following the announcement of Duncan’s suspension from his constitutional posts by President David Granger.

Edghill said Duncan is being used as a “sacrificial lamb for public display” to warn black people who dare subscribe to ideologies other than those promoted by the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

“It could be Bishop Edghill next or it could be some other black person who they believe has deserted the tribe and that is where racism exists in Guyana,” the former government minister opined, and continued: “If any of the black activists want to take up a debate on this they have to show that they have moral standing. Why were they silent when the tribunal was established and the

Opposition MP Bishop Juan Edghill

Carvil Duncan

court case still ongoing?”

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Parliamentary Opposition registered its concerns over the breach of the rules of natural justice in the establishment of a tribunal whilst a court case in ongoing.

“Its work will violate Mr Duncan’s constitutional presumption of innocence and is without due process.

The implications and consequences, which flow from all of this is not only destructive to our democratic ethos, but is a frightening unleashing of Executive power on a high constitutional office-holder. One can only imagine what will be done to the ordinary citizens of this land in due course,” the Opposition expressed.

President David Granger recently ordered Duncan on suspension from his post as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the tribunal.

Effectively, he is also suspended from performing the Constitutional functions as ex-officio of the Judicial

Service Commission, the Police Service Commission and other functions as exofficio of the Commissions of the board of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Duncan is on trial for allegedly stealing $984,900 and conspiring to steal $27,757,500 from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

He claimed that the President and State Minister Joe Harmon offered him a “financial package” to vacate his offices and after he refused, the tribunal was established to investigate and recommend his removal from offices for inability to discharge his function and/or misbehaviour.

Following the first hearing of the tribunal on Monday, Duncan took a decision to withdraw his participation from the proceedings after his attorney’s objections were overruled

by Chairperson, Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire.

Duncan through his Attorney, Anil Nandlall, has since moved to the High Court to challenge the authority of the tribunal.

Several Lindeners fined for DUI offences

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everal Lindeners were fined for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol on Wednesday when they appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool.

The offences all carried a fine of $7500 with default sentences ranging from a week to two weeks in prison. Neil Patterson was fined for the offence when he was found guilty of driving pickup PJJ691 along Sir David Rose Avenue, Mackenzie, on Thursday 6 August, while his breath alcohol level was 110 micrograms, which is above the prescribed limit. Failure to pay the sum will result in a default sentence of a week in prison.

Floyd Wilson was also fined for the offence of DUI. The court heard that on Sunday 9 October, he drove car PSS9186 on the Kara Kara public road, Mackenzie, with his breath alcohol level at 42 micrograms. Failure to pay the sum will result in a default sentence of two weeks in prison.

Additionally, Victor Edward of Speightland, Mackenzie, was charged and fined in relation to the offence. Facts of the case indicated that he drove car PPP9272 on Greenheart Street, Mackenzie, on Wednesday 5 October, while his breath alcohol level was 139 micrograms.

Failure to pay the sum will result in a default sentence of two weeks in prison.

Meanwhile, Richard Gomes of South Amelia's Ward, Mackenzie, was also fined in a DUI offence: The charge against him read that he drove a car along the Kara Kara Public Road on October 9, while his breath alcohol level was 72 micrograms. Failure to pay the sum will result in a default sentence of two weeks in prison.

Also fined in connection with DUI was Ray Murray of Central Amelia's Ward.

The court heard that he drove car PNN3235 on Greenheart Street, with his breath alcohol level at 67 micrograms. The fine carries a default sentence of two weeks imprisonment.

his breath alcohol level was 45 micrograms. The fine carries a default sentence of two weeks in prison.

Ras Marcus Mckenzie of Central Amelia's Ward was also fined $7500 after he was found guilty of driving car PNN5490 along the Kara Kara Public Road on Sunday 9 October while his breath alcohol level was 98 micrograms.

In addition, Dwayne Oudkerk also of Central Amelia's Ward was fined when he was found guilty of driving car PNN3417 on the Washer Pond Road, Mackenzie, on October 7 while his breath alcohol level was 40 micrograms.

Failure to pay the sum will result in a default sentence of two weeks in prison.

Jillian Benjamin of

Similarly, Patriece McPherson of Old Kara Kara was fined in connection with driving a vehicle while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit.

The court heard that he drove van PHH3551 on Greenheart Street on Wednesday 5 October while

Noitgedacht was also slapped with a fine after being found guilty of driving motorcycle CG2778 along the Washer Pond Road while his breath alcohol level was 43 micrograms.

Failure to pay the fine will result in a default sentence of two weeks imprisonment.

Poor garbage collection

by NA municipality

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ore than 5000 households of New Amsterdam, Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) are made to use the single garbage tractor and trailer available by the New Amsterdam Municipality.

What is even more is that the vehicle encounters regular mechanical problem that has resulted in a pile-up of garbage in the country’s oldest town. Bins are overflowing and residents have resorted to disposing of solid waste along road shoulders around the town.

In light of the poor service being currently providing, the Environmental Health Department is appealing to residents to have a second garbage receptacle in their yards.

Municipal Health Inspector, Ackloo Ramsudh, stated that the department is appreciative of any efforts by individuals who want to take their waste to the dump site at Esplanade.

“Those waste that are taken there will be accepted free of charge,” Ackloo told this publication.

He noted that it is the department’s desire that they service each household on a

Municipal Health Inspector Ackloo Ramsudh

weekly basis but because of constraints, it is struggling to maintain even a monthly service: “For example, we have a compactor truck that is not working. We recently acquired a skip bin mechanically-operated tractor that developed some problems also and these are situations that we find are not within our control. We are asking residents to be patient with us.”

Meanwhile, skip bins have been placed at perceived strategic locations in the town is to assist with residential waste. “Persons would have been produc-

ing waste…building up in their yard and they do not have the means to take it to the Municipal dumpsite.

We have noticed that those skip bins are being misused by commercial entities; we have noticed that on some occasions those bins have been set afire and this will eventually damage the metal,” Ramsudh added.

Despite being handicapped, the Environmental Health Department is taking a proactive approach to ensure that persons do not use the current situation as an excuse for dumping their waste on the street.

“One of the interventions that the Municipality has taken is to inspect the yards of persons and to ensure that they have a receptacle to collect their waste and if those persons do not have a receptacle then those persons will be fined. We recognize that persons who do not have a receptacle are the persons who are responsible for littering indiscriminately,” the Health Inspector stated.

The fine will start at $3000 for first-time offenders after they would have been given a written warning.

guyana-times.com

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fter a three-year hiatus, Miss India Guyana under new directorship has made a massive impact at the Miss India Worldwide pageant which was held in the USA on Sunday last. The pageant week of activities and competition took place from October 3 to 9 with the grand finale on the last day at Royal Palace Albert Hall, New Jersey.

Guyana was represented at the event by reigning Miss India Guyana, Brittany Singh who was successful in placing in the top 10 and was awarded the Miss Photogenic prize.

In addition, for the time Guyana was also represented at the Mrs India Worldwide pageant by Samantha Singh who stunned the judges with her confident smile and was awarded the title of Mrs Beautiful Smile 2016.

Both ladies participated in various activities leading up to the grand finale including dinners, river tours and more importantly rigorous training sessions with Bollywood’s choreographer, Sandip Soppakr and international model, Alisha Raut.

Reports out of the United States revealed that the Guyanese beauties

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he Ishara D a n c e Troupe is once again hosting its dance production entitled Ishara 4 “Centre Stage – A journey of exciting masterpiece” at the Theatre Guild on November 5. This year’s production promises to feature stylish costumes, playful and energetic dance routines, modern and classic music and most of all, drama and comedy that will leave the audience wanting more.

In addition, reigning Miss Global International Guyana Poonam Singh will make an appearance and will obviously mesmerise the audience with her melodious voice.

Also, Seema Boodram and the Nirvana Society will also be featured during the twohour long show.

friday, october 14, 2016

stood out throughout the week with their personalities, wardrobe and overall performance.

The trainers were also impressed with their knowledge of international pageantry and more so, their graciousness on the catwalk.

However, the contestants in the Mrs India Worldwide Pageant impressed the judges during the evening gown segment which was held on October 6, while on the same night Brittany took part on the talent competition in the Miss India Worldwide pageant.

Brittany’s wardrobe was a combination of designs from Derek Moore and Rishma Persaud.

Her evening gown was designed by Jason Shurland while her Indian wear was done by Derek Moore. On the other hand, Samantha’s evening gown was designed by Randy Madray and Indian wear by Derek Moore.

The Miss India Guyana organisation wanted to change the trend of fashion for Guyana at Miss India Worldwide by showcasing its local designers and talent.

Meanwhile, the Miss India Worldwide title was won by Miss USA, Karina Koli, of Chicago while Namita Dodwadkar of New York copped the Mrs India Worldwide title.

With all that is planned, the audience will be entertained from the beginning to the end. This is promised by leader and chief chorographer of the Dance Troupe Shivanie Latchman.

When asked about what patrons can expect, she noted that “I am all about living my dreams on stage and with the audience’s encouragement and kind words I’ve been able to accomplish just that. It gives me great pleasure to do what I do. I am a big believer in giving back to society”.

She added that the proceeds from the event will go towards a humanitarian cost. This year, the group has chosen to donate towards the Nirvana Society Senior Citizen Programme and the less fortunate children who need basic necessity.

Tickets for general admission cost $1000 while tickets for reserved seating will cost $2000 and tickets for children will cost $500. Tickets are available at MTV Head office Oronoque Street

or any of the cast members. Also those interested can contact the leader on telephone number 622-0601.

The Ishara Dance Troupe was established in 2008 and has been creating a storm locally and internationally with its magnificent dance routines. Performing in Trinidad, Suriname and across the length and breadth of Guyana has definitely been some of i t s

achievements.

Not to mention, the members were part of several productions and have performed with several Bollywood stars.

Over the years, the dance troupe has participated in events to celebrate national holidays, raising funds for charitable organisations and its recent dance production to celebrate the year’s long hard work and dedication of its troupe members.

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guyana-times.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

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he 26th anniversary of the Friends of Mustard Seed Communities in New York was recently celebrated in grand style with a multilayered gala, held in the elegant grand ballroom of The New York Hilton, in New York City.

The afternoon started with a silent auction, then moved into a cocktail reception, a lavish three course luncheon, awards presentation, and finished off with an address and update by Reverend Monsignor.

In addition, the audience was entertained by the Braata Folk Singers of Jamaica but the event was highlighted with a spectacular fashion show titled `Fashion Facts & Fantasy.’

Guyana’s premier fashion designer Sonia Noel was one of the five featured designers whose creations were showcased on a dramatic multilevelled catwalk. Noel’s bold and bright tropical colours in yellow, gold, orange and mauve were shown with early tones in the beige and brown family.

There were her signature black and white ensembles and some dramatic cat suits with leopard and tiger print trimmings. The Guyanese designer’s off-shoulder dresses and flowing poncho tops with lattice work ?highlights were a big hit with the appreciative audience. ?Malchijah hats by Marcus Killikelly who is also a Guyanese complimented the fabulous outfits.

Other participating designers were Lane Bryant featuring the new creations of ‘Project Runway alum Christian Siriano, New York based designer Carlton Jones, Pratt Institute Professor Adrienne Jones who showed her ‘Brown Baby’ collection and young Jamaican hip-hop menswear designer David McBean who premiered his ReVlution collection.

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s Guyanese usher in the ‘Festival of Lights’ – Diwali – on Sunday, October 30, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), in keeping with its more than 40-year-old tradition, will be hosting grand motorcades and cultural programmes across the country.

On Saturday, October 22, the East Bank Demerara Praant motorcade will be held at the Diamond Market Tarmac. On Sunday, October 23, motorcades will be held at Canje ground, East Berbice; Bath Community Jyotika Tangri Kushal Paul Centre ground, West Berbice; Port Mourant Community Centre ground, Central Corentyne; and present SAREGAMAPA 2016 winner Kushal Paul and finalist Tagore High School, Upper Corentyne.

Thereafter, the Essequibo Praant will host its motorcade Jyotica Tangri.

Both of these outstanding singers will make their way from on October 27 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

On Friday, October 28, the West Coast Demerara Praant’s India especially for the cultural programme at LBI and will be performing a wide selection of popular songs. motorcade is fixed for the Oceanview Mandir compound.

Following the motorcades, Diwali will be celebrated on The final and largest motorcade will be held on the eve of Diwali – Saturday, October 29. The beautifully decorated floats Sunday, October 30. The GHDS is holding its ground that Diwali depicting various aspects of the festival will leave the Shri occurs on the 15th day of the dark fortnight in the auspicious Krishna Mandir, Campbellville, Georgetown, and make their Hindu month of Kartik on Amawasya or new moon day.

The Hindu Day is a lunar day. It runs from sunrise on one day way along the Seawall road to the La Bonne Intention (LBI) to sunrise of the next day. The day gets its name from the tithi Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, where there prevailing at the time of sunrise. Amawasya is registered at the will be a spectacular stage programme.

In addition to the Dharmic Nritya Sangh and top Guyanese sunrise on October 30 and, as such, that day is deemed to be singers, the Sabha, in collaboration with ZEETV and Digicel, will Amawasya. This is the darkest night of the year.

ll preparations are in place for the hosting of the 6th annual Duck Curry Competition this Sunday at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice. The event will see the winners carting off more than $1 million in cash and prizes.

Word out is that the reigning champion, Viyjmol Saroop, is coming strong to defend the title but 19 others are hoping that they can cook their way to impress the judges. The entries in this year’s competition are from Berbice, Demerara and Georgetown.

The winners will walk away with $275,000 while the second place winner will pocket $175,000 and third place winners will collect $125,000. The fourth place winners will receive $100,000.

The participants are to take to the venue a minimum of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of duck meat which must be marinated and cooked at the venue. They are also required to take along their cooking utensils and ingredients.

The organisers of the event will be given a ready-to-use stove. The cooking kick starts at 11:00h but the judging will commence at 14:30h.

However, as the sun sets, the party commences with the stage show featuring International Chutney Monarch finalist, Nishard M and Guyana’s own Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo. In addition, the winners from the Amateur Deejay Competition – Selector Keston, Deejay Vibes and SmiDJit – will spin a few tracks to entertain the crowd.

There will also be several other attractions for the entire family.

Admission to the event is absolutely free.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

guyana-times.com

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hutney lovers on the Westside are urged to be prepared for one of the most exciting shows to be held there after quite some time. Several chutney shows were previously held and they were extremely entertaining and this time around will be no different.

Come Saturday, November 26, the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, will come alive when Aamir Khan and Deejay Stress host ‘Chutney Fete’. The event will feature some of the best in the chutney business, including reigning International Chutney Monarch Kris Persad, also called “KI”, Nishard M, Master Saleem and Sally Sagram from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Guyanese cast includes Steven Ramphal and Pooran Seeraj of the Shakti Sting Orchestra, as well as Aamir Khan and the Dax New Generation Band. Tickets for the event are expected to be released shortly and will be available at regular locations in Georgetown, on the Westside, East Bank and East Coast Demerara.

Also, ticket will be available in Essequibo and Berbice.

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ational Drama Festival 2016 is set of take the stage in October and once again Digicel is throwing its support behind the performing arts.

The Drama Festival is expected to engage over 1000 persons including school children, young people and adults from across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Digicel is once again pleased to be associated with the drama festival.

“It gives us the opportunity to invest and maintain our mandate to foster youth and cultural development. We are once again pleased to be associated with and look forward to since drama can be a positive way in which youths can express themselves while at

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Administrator (ag) National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, Margaret Lawrence; Director of Culture (ag) Tamika Boatswain; Digicel’s Sponsorship Executive Louanna Abrams; Drama Coordinator Unit of Allied Arts, Loraine Barker King and Lavon George

the same time develop their passions,” Digicel’s Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Abrams stated.

Acting Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain representing the Education Ministry, through the Department of Culture, expressed her sincere thanks to the cellphone company for their sponsorship initiative to help the Ministry promote the arts especially in the interior regions of Guyana seeing this as a development and a part of Guyana’s culture.

Boatswain expressed that investments like these are significant and hopes for continued support in the future with prospects of taking the National Drama Festival to the international stage. This year’s Drama Festival has seen a great

response so far with more than 49 expressions of interest spreading from Regions One, Two, Nine and 10.

The National School of Theater Arts and Drama is hoping to get as many regions included in the Drama Festival this year. In the coming weeks there will be outreaches in St Cuthbert’s Mission and New Amsterdam to create a heightened awareness of the festival this year.

The entries for participation in the Drama Festival will close on October 21.

The preliminaries will be held between October 30 and November 12.

The school finals will be held from November 14 to 18 at the Theatre Guild while the adult finals will be from November 19 to 27 at the National Cultural Centre.

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ll preparations are in place for the highly anticipated second annual “Bell West Big Night and Vehicle Sound Off” this Saturday evening at the Bell West Community Centre ground, West Bank Demerara. Thus far, several music systems are tuning their basses and ranges for the clash which is expected to be off the hook. Those ready for the showdown are Big Life Sound, Power Sonic and others.

In addition, several vehicles that are known for their high quality sounds have already registered and promise patrons will get their money’s worth.

The vehicle sound off will be judged in four categories – Mini Extreme Car, Extreme Car, Mini Extreme Bus and Canal Number Two Sound Off. The event is expected to be sizzling hot and also tasty since there will be the juiciest Bar-B-Que on sale. Also, there will be lots for the entire family, especially children, who can participate in several attractions including bouncy castle, merry-goround and others such as face painting.

Admission to the event is $200 with Bar-B-Que being sold for $1000.

Bell West Big Night and Vehicle Sound Off is promoted by Hype Entertainment.

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he place to be this weekend is the Wales Community Centre ground for a two-day event of fun, music, cars and bikes and stiff competition.

On Saturday, the twoday affair kicks off with the an exciting car and bike show which will see several decorated vehicles being judged to determine the best of the best. This will be the final showdown for 2016 at Wales.

The night gets even b e t t e r with at least four deejays spinning tracks

to please the patrons. The deejays are from four of the best sound systems on the Westside and include Big Life Sound, Power Sonic, Determined Family and Hill Rock. On Sunday, the action continues with the Village Day. Several planed activities are in store for those in attendance.

The cricket competition is all set and ready with several teams on the Westside competing for top honours. Following the cricket, the football teams will take to the field for an intense and competitive knock out competition.

Winners of the cricket and football matches will cart off big buck and trophies.

There will be other attractions including on the spot Bar-B-Que, Live Music and fun games for the entire family. Admission to the event cost $500.

This is one event that you don’t wanna miss… and it’s at the Wales Community Centre ground.

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friday, october 14, 2016

West Indies A closing in on series levelling victory

– Cornwall snares another 6

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Flashback! Raynauth Jeffrey edges Alonzo Greaves to win the ounce of gold in the 2015 edition of the race

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or the fifth year in succession, the top riders in the country will competing for the top prize of one ounce of gold in the annual Mohamed Kadir Memorial 80mile Road Race on Sunday.

The top wheelsmen will pedal off the familiar starting point, Homestretch Avenue from 07:30h with cyclists proceeding to the Linden Soesdyke Highway. Cyclists contesting in the Seniors, Juniors and Veterans U-45 will turn back at Dora (Coca Cola Sign) while Veterans Over-45, Juveniles and Mountain Bike races would proceed to Silver Hill before heading back to the point of origin for the finish.

Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey would be looking to make it back to back victories but solid competition is expected to come from his Team Cocos teammate, Stephano ‘Sunny’ Husbands, who won the Victor Macedo Memorial Road Race in September, Hamza Eastman, Raul Leal, Shaquille Agard and Silvio Innis as well as 2014 winner Michael Anthony.

Junior Andrew Hicks will also be aiming to defending his title in the juniors against

the likes of National Road Race Champion Christopher Cornelius, Raphael Leung and Dwayne Gibbs Jr. In the Veterans Under-45 Horace Burrowes can expect stern competition from top ranked Junior Niles, Ralph Williams and Lear Nunes. Andrew Spencer, who won the Over-45 Veterans in the last road meet, is excited to try dethroning Ian Jackson in that category. Juveniles, Adealie Hodge and Zaman Khan are in top form and will be aiming for the position taken by Deeraj Garbarran in 2015. Also, all eyes will be on Ozia Macuallay in the Mountain Bike category was Ozia Macullay who has been unstoppable in recent times.

The event is organized by Flying Stars Cycling Club and is sponsored by Kadir Enterprise out of Bartica.

The prizes include one ounce of gold and trophy for the top rider while the other seven positions will receive cash prizes.

Ten prime prizes are also up for grabs. Cash prizes will be given to the first four juniors, first three veterans U-45, Veterans O-45, Juveniles and Mountain Bikers.

Alanzo Greaves birthday classic turns

Flashback! The top prize winners along with Greaves (red top) and his family members pose for a photo opportunity

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he inner-circuit of the National park will yet again be hive of activity this Saturday when the third annual Alanzo Greaves birthday classic pedals-off from 11:00h.

The race will cover 30 laps and there will be a $2,000 prime for every lap; first to third place will cop $12,000, $10,000 and $8,000 respectively.

Gerron Williams, Raynauht Jeffery, Hamza Eastman, Mark Harris, Jamal John, Orville Hinds Marlon Williams, Raul Leal Paul DeNobrega and Michael Anthony are just some top cyclist that will be participating in the highly competitive event.

When Guyana Times Sport spoke to Greaves on Thursday he explained that the event is billed to be yet another thriller, however, due to currently severing a 12-month ban by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Agency (RADO), which is scheduled to finish on November 1, 2016, he cannot officiate the event; as such, the event will be sponsored and organized by Roraima Cycling Club.

Last year’s event saw wheelsmen Gerron Williams and Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams finishing one-two in the 30-lap fixture after pocketing 20 of the 25 sprint prizes between them.

f f - s p i n n e r Rahkeem Cornwall snatched a fivewicket haul and Test opener Rajendra Chandrika and wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton lashed their second half-centuries of the game, as West Indies A produced a telling performance to put Sri Lanka A on the ropes on the penultimate day of the second fourday “Test” here Thursday.

At the close,

Sri Lanka A were struggling on 36 for two in pursuit of 481 for victory at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – still requiring an improbable 445 runs on Friday’s final day to win the contest.

Earlier resuming on 128 for four, they were bundled out for 245 in their first innings as Cornwall ripped through the innings to finish with six for 91.

Wicketkeeper Niroshan

Dickwella top-scored with 88, captain Dimuth Karunaratne got 68 while Asela Gunaratne chipped in with a vital 46, but the hosts lost their last five wickets for just 25 runs in a swift collapse, about 25 minutes after lunch.

Yet again, Cornwall spearheaded the Windies attack, taking four of the last five wickets to collect his second five-wicket haul following on from his eightwicket innings haul in t h e openi n g

Rakheem Cornwall

SCOREBOARD Stumps - Day 3 West Indies A 1st innings 509/9 dec.

Sri Lanka A 1st innings (overnight score) 128/4 FDM Karunaratne* c Brooks b Cornwall 68 WIA Fernando lbwb Roach 7 HDRL Thirimanne c †Hamilton b Joseph 3 ARS Silva c Brooks b Joseph 0 KIC Asalanka lbw b Cornwall 1 N Dickwella† c Singh 88 b Cornwall DAS Gunaratne c Hetmyer 46 b Cornwall SANJ Fernando c Hetmyer 7 b Cornwall JDF Vandersay b Cornwall 0 0 CBRLS Kumara not out AM Fernando c †Hamilton b Johnson 6 19 Extras (b-8, lb-6, nb-5) Total (all out; 72.5 overs) 245 Fall of wickets 1-19 (WIA Fernando, 4.5 ov), 2-32 (Thirimanne, 14.6 ov), 3-36 (Silva, 16.1 ov), 4-37 (Asalanka, 17.1 ov), 5-134 (Karunaratne, 41.5 ov), 6-225 (Dickwella, 65.6 ov), 7-235 (SANJ Fernando, 69.3 ov), 8-235 (Vandersay, 69.5 ov), 9-238 (Gunaratne, 71.1 ov), 10245 (AM Fernando, 72.5 ov) Bowling: KAJ Roach 13-5-31-1, DE Johnson 10.5-3-31-1, RRS Cornwall 30-5-91-6, K Joseph 11-1-39-2 (5nb), G Moti-Kanhai 8-0-39-0

West Indies A 2nd innings R Chandrika lbw b Asalanka 68 KOA Powell c Asalanka b Kumara 2 SO Hetmyer lbw b Vandersay 28 SSJ Brooks* not out 53 JN Hamilton† not out 56 9 Extras (b-7, lb-1, w-1) Total (3 wickets dec; 41 ove rs) 216 Did not bat: RRS Cornwall, DE Johnson, G Moti-Kanhai, K Joseph, VA Singh, KAJ Roach Fall of wickets 1-4 (Powell, 3.5 ov), 2-69 (Hetmyer, 19.1 ov), 3-136 (Chandrika, 32.3 ov) Bowling: AM Fernando 4-0-18-0, CBRLS Kumara 7-1-391, KIC Asalanka 15-0-63-1 (w1), DAS Gunaratne 4-0-80, JDF Vandersay 11-1-80-1 Sri Lanka A 2nd innings (target: 481 runs) FDM Karunaratne* lbw b Johnson 3 HDRL Thirimanne c Chandrika b Roach 4 18 WIA Fernando not out 11 ARS Silva not out Extras 0 Total (2 wickets; 11 overs) 36 To bat: KIC Asalanka, SANJ Fernando, AM Fernando, DAS Gunaratne, CBRLS Kumara, N Dickwella†, JDF Vandersay Fall of wickets 1-7 (Karunaratne, 1.1 ov), 2-7 (Thirimanne, 2.1 ov) Bowling: KAJ Roach 4-1-13-1, DE Johnson 3-1-4-1, RRS Cornwall 3-0-14-0, G Moti-Kanhai 1-0-5-0

Rajendra Chandrika

“Test” in Colombo.

With a healthy first innings lead of 264, West Indies A then raced to 216 for three declared, with Chandrika stroking 68 and Hamilton a whirlwind u n beaten 56 off just 30 deliveries.

C a p t a i n Shamarh Brooks also gathered an uptempo unbeaten 53 off 63 balls while Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with 28.

Left-hander Kieran Powell fell cheaply for two with the score on four in the fourth over of the innings but three successive half-century partnerships put the visitors in command.

The right-handed Chandrika put on 65 for the second wicket with Hetmyer who carved out five fours in a busy 37ball knock before falling on the stroke of tea, lbw to leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.

After the break, Chandrika added a further 67 for the third wicket with Brooks, as West Indies A controlled the final session.

All told, Chandrika struck five fours and a six off 110 deliveries while Brooks hammered three fours and two sixes in an enterprising knock.

When Chandrika was lbw to teenaged off-spinner Charith Asalanka, Brooks and Hamilton combined to plunder 80 off 51 balls in an unbroken fourth wicket stand which stunned the hosts.

Hamilton, who made 99 in the first innings, was the main aggressor, lashing five fours and four sixes.

Left with 11 overs to negotiate, Sri Lanka A slumped to seven for two with seamers Delorn Johnson and Kemar Roach removing both openers cheaply.

Avishka Fernando, on 18, and Roshen Silva, 11, then added 29 to prop up the innings. (Windiescricket)

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YELLOW

sports

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No more Walter Moore in international football

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Walter Moore

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fter playing 17 years for Guyana, talent defender Walter Andre Moore has announced his retirement from International Football on Tuesday after the Golden Jaguars were booted from round three of the Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup by defending champions Jamaica.

Speaking to the media, Moore said, “I Have been playing for Guyana since 1999 and I have played at every level and I think it is time for me to step away and give some of the youngsters an opportunity, to progress on the national scene”.

He added, “Me stepping away from the game does not mean I’m turning my back on Guyana football, I will look at it from a different perspective and help the younger ones in contracts and try outs in Europe”.

Moore, who made his first appearance for the senior team in 2004, says it has been a pleasure playing

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could have for Guyana football in terms of playing now its time for me take it to a next level and help the kids get an opportunity to live a professional life I was given the opportunity.

The left back further stated, “It was not the loss, I was thinking about it for a while, I have dedicated most of my life to Guyana football, sometime you need a

Another exciting Trophy Stall Open tees off at Lusignan

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for the Jaguars.

It has been a pleasure, we have had one good and some bad times but everyone good story must come to an end and I think this is the end for me”, the 32 year old emotionally stated.

Quizzed as to whether the loss was a determining factor in the retirement he responded saying, Not really, I think I did everything I

new challenge it is time for me to focus on my professional career I got a few offers at the end of the season; I’m 32, the body can’t take the travelling and playing day in and day out and that made my decision much easier”.

In March 2015, Moore signed a two-year contract with Finland based club FF Jaro and has played extensively in Trinidad and Tobago TT Pro League, for North East Stars and Caledonia AIA. He was part of the Caledonia team which won both the Trinidad and Tobago Cup and the Trinidad and Tobago Pro Bowl in 2008.

Moore was loaned by Caledonia AIA to Charlotte Eagles of the USL Pro league in April 2011 Moore has played left back for the Guyana national football team since 2004.

He scored his first international goal on October 13, 2010 in a 2010 Caribbean Championship game against the Netherlands Antilles.

O

utstanding for his resounding support to sport through sponsorship and donations, Managing Director and Proprietor of The Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, continues to demonstrate his commitment to the development of golfing in Guyana.

Sunich, who is currently the Vice President of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), has sponsored yet another annual Trophy Stall Golf Tournament which will tee off on Saturday, October 15 at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The Trophy Stall is a leading supplier of trophies in Guyana, and the tournament is always eagerly anticipated by the golfers. In 2014, the tournament was played utilizing the Flights format and was deemed a resounding success with golfers getting adequate game preparation for the Guyana Open that followed shortly after. Sunich and Trophy Stall have been sponsoring golf tournaments f o r some seven years n o w , while the associ-

ation with Lusignan Golf Club by means of trophies – whether gifts or purchases – go back a remarkable 17 years.

Last year’s Trophy Stall tournament was conducted under the open medal Play system with Roberto Grissi 27/63 walking away with top honours. In second place was Laksmana Ramroop 26/63 while Richard Haniff 16/65 finished in third place and Sam Harry 11/67 fourth with the Best Gross.

Nearest to The Pin (16”) was Kassim Khan. Other close contenders were Deanand Bissessar 28/69; Mahendra Bhagwandin 23/71, and Mark Lashley 24/71. Keen rivalry this weekend is likely to bring new winners in the top places.

Club President Oncar Ramroop thanked Ramesh Sunich and The Trophy Stall for continuing to include golfing in his annual contributions to the many sport disciplines in Guyana.

Tee-off is scheduled for 12:30h and the public is invited to view this tournament free of cost.

For those interested in understanding and learning the game, here is a quick brief on Handicaps.

A handicap is the number of points the player gets as an advantage, and is subtracted from the player’s gross score to determine his or her net score, which is

President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Oncar Ramroop (left) receives a trophy – the symbol of Trophy Stall’s sponsorship – from Ramesh Sunich

used to evaluate how winners are placed. For example, consider two players of handicap 10 and 20.

If they both score a gross of 80 strokes, then the 10 handicap player is given a net of 70 strokes, while the 20 handicap player is given a net of 60 strokes. Thus the higher handicap player would win.

But generally, the lower the golfer’s handicap the more skilful the golfer is, so that though the handicap is low, a golfer can still outperform the player with the higher handicap. Consider two players one of handicap

5 and the other of handicap 25. If the lower handicapper scores a gross of 70 (which is typical) giving him or her a net of 65, and the 25-handicapper scores a gross of 100 (which is also typical) giving him or her a net of 75, then the 5-handicapper has outperformed the 25-handicapper even though there was a 20 points advantage given to the higher handicapper.

So the handicap helps to give a measure of comfort to the weaker player, that he or she can still enjoy the game and have a chance of winning, though competing against more skilful golfers.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friday, october 14, 2016

West Indies toil day & night Hope, Powell earn maiden ODI call-up in historic Dubai Test ― Azhar, Aslam put on double century opening stand

P

akistan dominated the first day of their 400th Test, piling on 279 for 1, after Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and opted to bat. Openers Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam made the most of the batting-friendly conditions in Dubai, sharing a double-century stand, before Asad Shafiq came in at No. 3 and lent his weight to a batting effort that deflated West Indies.

In theory, both teams were in uncharted territory, playing their first day-night Test - and the second overall - at a time when the concept is still new, with the behaviour of the pink ball under scrutiny. In practice, the ball did not do much in the afternoon heat and, while there was a bit more for the West Indies bowlers under lights, they did not do enough to threaten the batsmen for sustained periods.

The pink ball offered very little swing to the new-ball bowlers and very little reverse-swing as it got older. On both counts, West Indies did not help their own cause.

At the start of the day, both Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder were too short to give the new ball a chance to swing. Miguel Cummins bowled fuller, but not consistently enough. As the ball grew older, West Indies seemed uninterested in keeping one side shiny to extract reverseswing.

Azhar was fluent almost from the outset, marrying a tight defence with a number of sumptuous drives.

One such drive, wide of midoff off Roston Chase’s bowling, brought up his 11th Test century, off 184 balls.

He didn’t stop there, walking off at stumps on an unbeaten 146. His opening partner, Aslam, was the more circumspect of the Sami Aslam watches the ball roll back onto the stumps after two, but both batsmen were very strong scoring 90 on the cut when the bowlers dropped edge, but the ball fell short of Kraigg Brathwaite at secshort. ond slip. Cummins generated the other in his second spell Aslam often skipped out to the when Azhar slashed a short, wide delivery towards Leon spinners to hit them down the ground, Johnson at gully; the ball burst through Johnson’s hands but was equally impressive when leav- and raced away to third man for a boundary. ing balls outside off. He also used the If the bowling was not sufficiently penetrative, the desweep shot quite effectively, but it was cision-making was also puzzling at times. West Indies that shot that led to his eventual used six bowlers before tea, but there was no discernible downfall - he got a bottom-edge onto logic in the manner in which they were used. Brathwaite the stumps off Chase to depart for 90 bowled three overs of gentle offspin before either Devendra and end a 215-run opening stand.

Bishoo or Chase was introduced. By the time Bishoo was T h a t brought Shafiq to the called upon, in the 21st over of the chase, Azhar and Aslam crease at No. 3. Though Shafiq has had grown in confidence and were finding the boundary m o s t l y batted at the No. 6 posi- with increasing regularity, pouncing whenever the bowltion in international cricket, he is ers erred. a regular No. 3 in domestic crickThe one spell that came close to being penet. Moreover, the adjustment from etrative was Holder’s spell immediateNo. 6 to No. 3 is minimal when ly after the tea break. With a bit more the openers have consumed bounce and carry under lights, Holder more than 6 7 overs and the bowled with more intensity, troubling pitch has no terrors. Shafiq Azhar with some well-directed bounctook his time to settle into his iners. Azhar fended a few of those in the nings and calmly accumulated air, but got away with it due to the 33 runs, before walking back lack of close-in fielders. undefeated at stumps.

When Holder went up for a big lbw While the first ball held its shout against Azhar and reviewed shape for the full 80 overs, it the not-out decision, West Indies was quite discoloured and tattered lost their first review. Replays by the time the second new ball was showed ball would have missed due. Holder, who had looked increasleg stump. Thereafter, Gabriel ingly unimand Cummins also found more pressed with pace, the former bowling some the state of good bouncers to the older ball, Aslam. Bishoo took that new also creatball immedied his closately. Like the est opportuPakistan 1st innings first new ball, nity under Sami Aslam b Chase 90 though, it did lights, wrapAzhar Ali not out 146 not offer much in ping Aslam 33 Asad Shafiq not out the way of swing on the pads, Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-1, nb-6) 10 and the secondbut the not-out Total (1 wicket; 90 overs) 279 wicket partnerdecision was upTo bat: Babar Azam, Misbahship steadily held upon review ul-Haq*, Sarfraz Ahmed†, when HawkEye inMohammad Nawaz (3), Wahab swelled to 64 Riaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad by the close of dicated that the ball Amir, Sohail Khan play. would have gone down leg Fall of wickets 1-215 (Sami Aslam, It was with the angle.

67.5 ov) Gabriel who Such fleeting moments of Bowling: ST Gabriel 14-2-55-0 had generatencouragement were all West (nb-6), ML Cummins 16-2-62-0 ed the first of Indies had to cling to on a de(w-1), JO Holder 15-4-30-0, flating opening day in which KC Brathwaite 8-2-21-0, D Bishoo two half-chances for West 16-3-45-0, RL Chase 21-2-63-1 the pink ball did not misbeIndies in the have and the bowlers were West Indies team largely unthreatening.

KC Brathwaite, LR Johnson, DM first session. In (ESPNcricinfo) Bravo, MN Samuels, J Blackwood, his second over, RL Chase, SO Dowrich†, JO he seamed one Holder*, D Bishoo, ML Cummins, away from Azhar Azhar Ali brought up the first day/night Test century, his 11th overall ST Gabriel to induce an outside on day one

S

hai Hope and Rovman Powell are the new comers named in the West Indies One Day International squad to play in the tri-nation series in Zimbabwe against the host and Sri Lanka in November.

Hope was included at the expense of experience wicket keeper batsman Denesh Ramdin while Powell replaces Kieron Pollard.

Both Pollard and Ramdin had poor returns in the recently concluded limited-overs series against Pakistan in the UAE. Pollard managed 43 runs in the three T20s, and bowled two overs, going wicketless. In the three-match ODI series, which West Indies lost 3-0, Pollard scored 42 runs at an average of 14.00. He took one wicket in the 12

Rovman Powell

overs he bowled across the three matches.

Ramdin, who was recalled to the ODI squad, compiled 79 runs at 26.33 in the three ODIs and did not feature in the T20s. Browne’s selection panel had dropped Ramdin from the squad for the four-Test series at home against India earlier this year. Ramdin made the news public on Twitter before the squad was announced, and was subsequently sanctioned by the WICB. Meanwhile, the Jamaican all-rounder Powell impressed in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) earlier this year and has since been rewarded with international call up for T20s in the UAE against Pakistan and now for the upcoming ODI series.

Hope on the other hand has featured in Test cricket but is yet to impress and his selection came as a surprise.

The remainder of the squad featured in the ODIs against Pakistan where West Indies lost 3-0.

The squad reads-Jason Holder (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels.

SCOREBOARD

Shai Hope

guyana-times.com

friday, october 14, 2016

23

New GFF TD to focus Jones pleased with CAC investment on youth development

Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde (right) officially introduces the new Technical Director, Ian Greenwood on Thursday at the Federation’s Secretariat

R

ecently appointed Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Ian Greenwood has revealed that his focus will be on creating a national football plan, starting with youth development.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Federation’s Secretariat, Greenwood stated, “My focuses are on youth development, grassroots and coach education, my belief is that if we can get the foundation correct, over time it will improve the overall football infrastructure in Guyana”.

Greenwood, who is replacing Canadian, based Guyanese Claude Bolton who resigned in March of this year, has signed a four year contract which he hopes to see “big improvements as a football federation.”

Greenwood is an English UEFA-Qualified Coach, with over 10 years of coaching/management experience at various levels of the sport including the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-18 and U-21 teams at Leeds United Football Club and seven years’ experience in coach education.

Having being part of such prestigious institutions, the

31 year-old was quizzed as to why he chose to accept the offer in Guyana.

He responded saying, “my biggest reason was that I was looking for a new project, my contract a Leeds United came to an and I was looking for a project that I see as a long term, all the things going on in Guyana football are all geared towards the future.”

The Englishman added,” my biggest thing was coming to a place where I can create a philosophy, from a football fit its really good fit for me, as a Caribbean nation we need to push and qualify for tournaments.”

As part of his job in England, he designed club curriculums and technical programmes.

He also supported squad and team management at various levels of the academy to progress players to the first team and youth international squads.

Quizzed on his impression of football Guyana he stated that it has “fantastic amount of potential, but the thing we need to focus on is the structure and guideline of development of football, we need to understand how we want our football.”

Greenwood further explained that, “Say for example you understand a Dutch or Brazilian style of play, we need to develop our own style of play and what we expect from our players, this is the biggest thing we need to understand.”

Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde expressed his excitement over the federation acquiring the expertise of Greenwood since he hopes he can finally see substantial progress in youth football.

Forde posited that, “they have been talks of having a youth development programme over the years but several failed; Mr. Bolton came and did some exceptional works, the foundation is very critical for the development for the sport an I’m very positive about the future of Guyana football”.

The President revealed that TD’s financial package will be handled by FIFA and that “every aspect of football review is subject to Greenwood’s review, and he will be involved at levels of football.”

According to FIFA regulations, the TD and National Coach cannot be the same, however Forde explained that subject to the Federation’s approval the Technical Director will be part of all levels of football since “we simply cannot have a national coach philosophy which is different from the philosophy Mr. Greenwood may have, we need to have one Philosophy.”

Greenwood, who has a MSc Degree in Sports Coaching, has also been involved in coach education in the capacity of Club/ Professional Coach Mentor as well as Lecturer at the following institutions – Leeds City College, Huddersfield Town Football Club, The Football Association and Leeds Beckett University.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (centre) strikes a pose with the well decorated Guyana CAC bodybuilding team

F

ollowing Guyana’s record showing at the 2016 edition of the Central America and Caribbean Championships (CAC), Director of Sport, Christopher Jones openly expressed his pleasure in the investment made by the National Sports Commission (NSC) into sports, more so, the bodybuilding team, who returned from Dominican Republic with five medals.

The statement was made at a courtesy call paid by the team to the Director of Sport at his National Sports Commission Office on Wednesday.

Jones was adamant of the fact that sports in general were bringing home the accolades but more particularly, in the discipline of body building.

“The government of Guyana is committed to contributing to the development of all disciplines… we would have recognized overtime that many of the disciplines we would have sent abroad came back very successful but bodybuilding is noteworthy to mention.

Every time they participate in a regional or international tournament they return with awards” Jones mentioned.

The Director of Sport further indicated that the

Government of Guyana through the NSC is pleased to have invested in the team who ventured to the CAC in the Dominican Republic and renewed their pledge to investment in sports.

“The National Sports Commission is proud to contribute to their travels because we knew they would be representing the Golden Arrow Head to their best and the old saying goes ‘the

proof of the pudding is in the eating’ and we can see here that for the National Sports Commission the returns are great.” The Director of Sport said. As the team returned, the Guyanese contingent would have set a new national record for the land of many waters with a total of five medals, marking the best bodybuilding outing for the country in the event. In the top bracket was current Mr. Guyana Kerwin Clarke returning with Gold while young Emmerson Campbell copped silver and veteran, Devon Davis flexed his way to bronze.

Gold and silver were also won by Brue Whatley who is based overseas.

According to President of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Keavon Bess, the country will now be represented at the 9th Annual Darcy Beckles Classic on Saturday with all athletes flying out on Thursday for the showing at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, Saint Michael, Barbados.

RHT Bakewell/Nasir Memorial 5/5 Cricket…

D

espite heavy overnight rain which delayed the start by play one and half hour, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S hosted a highly successful Nasir Memorial 5/5 Cricket tournament at the Area ‘H’ Ground recently.‘ The tournament was reduced to four overs per side after the delay and an inspired Young and the Restless Cricket Club of East Canje claimed the title after easily defeating Rising Star of West Demerara by 17 runs in the finals before a massive and colourful crowd.

Led by a quick-fire 25 from captain Vikesh Singh, rattled up an imposing 58 for support from his opening partner Sase Sukhdeo who scored 20. In response,

Rising Star could only muster 41 from their 4 overs as Singh returned with the ball to take three wickets for 10 runs in his one over.

Young and the Restless had earlier drawn the bye to the finals while Rising Star got pass Kendall Union ‘A’ by eight wickets in the semifinals. Kendall Union ‘A’ batting first were restricted to 29 for 3 and the visiting West Demerara reached 32 for 2 off 3.2 overs to win easily. Earlier in the first round of matches, Fyrish defeated Kendall ‘B’, Kendall ‘A’ got passed Bush Lot New Generation, Rose Hall ‘B’ lost to Rising Star, RHT ‘A’ squeezed past Goed Bananen, Courtland was defeated by Young and Restless while Toopoo surrendered to

Rose Hall Canje.

In the second down, Kendall ‘A’ defeated Rose Hall ‘A’ by eleven runs, Rising Star created a major upset by defeating Rose Hall Canje by 8 wickets, while Young and Restless booked their place in the finals with a 13 runs victory over a dejected Fyrish Cricket team. The winning

team received a prize package of $70,000.00 and the Nasir Memorial Trophy while the loosing finalists, the third place team and the Man of the Finals received cash prizes. At the presentation ceremony, Secretary/ CEO of the RHTY&SC, M.S proudly announced that the Nasir Tournament was the 150th cricket tournament or-

ganised by the Club and noted that it was part of an effort to promote the Say Yes to Sports Message.

The RHTY&SC, M.S he noted felt privileged to honour the late CEO of Bakewell, Naeem Nasir as he was a remarkable friend of the Club and someone who played a Major role in its development. Bakewell he noted has invested millions of dollars into numerous programmes of the RHTY&SC and the sponsorship of its Under 17 and Second Division cricket teams. He issued a challenge to the top three teams to use a part of their prize package to make a positive difference in the lives of less fortunate students in the area that plays cricket. The long standing Secretary/CEO ex-

pressed gratitude to Rajin Ganga and Annetta Nasir of Bakewell for sponsoring the tournament and pledged that the RHTY&SC, M.S would continue to uphold the high tradition it has set itself in the past. The Nasir Memorial Cricket Tournament is the 311 programme/activity for the RHTY&SC, M.S for 2016 as it strives to fulfil its revised target of 400 by midDecember, 2016. The Club in late September has surpassed its initial target of 300. Twelve teams took part in the tournament which was the 150th cricket tournament organised by Guyana’s most dynamic youth and sports organisation since its formation in 1990 by the ST. Francis Community Developers

friday, october 14, 2016

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

West Indies toil day & night in historic Dubai Test ― Azhar, Aslam put on double century opening stand

Pg 22

Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam played sensibly for the opening stand of 215

Dubai hosts the second-ever day/night Test match, the first for Pakistan and West Indies

New GFF TD to focus on youth development Pg 23

Ian Greenwood

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