Guyana Times Daily

Puruni miners receive environmental training P17

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3154

Thursday, March 16, 2017

PRICE

Parking meter burden

SCS flouts Govt’s suspension order

…says it will continue business as usual Canal Number 1 beating

Not racial profiling – Police Page 7

... say men indeed stole car mirrors

Several homeless after fire destroys Tuschen home

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Charlestown woman jailed for narco trafficking P17 Page 2

Page 9

Making Mathematics fun

Pradoville 2 probe

Jagdeo P9 produces evidence to validate NCN’s tower removal …says Govt peddling misinformation

Sleepin Hotel prepares to reapply for casino P16 licence

Red House challenge

Court’s P13 jurisdictional ruling for next week

“Maths is a thing anybody can do it” was the message behind a Mathematics clinic organised by the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in the compound of its office in Kingston, Georgetown on Wednesday. In photo, students from various primary schools pay rapt attention to the Mathematics exercises being conducted at the different booths (Carl Croker photo)

Threats to PPP officials’ lives

Opposition Leader files Police report against SARU executive Page 3

Social ills on the increase at Charity – APNU/AFC Councillor Page 12

P12 CH&PA engages Police ranks on housing solutions New Demerara River crossing

P13

Several locations under consideration after feasibility study

2 news

thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter burden

SCS flouts Govt’s suspension order …says it will continue business as usual

D

espite a missive from Government to put a hold on the parking meter project in the city, Smart City Solutions (SCS) has maintained that it would continue upholding its part of the legal agreement with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), since it has not received any word from its partner in business.

The entity was responding to reports in the media which stated that Cabinet had recommended the suspension of the controversial contract.

“Smart City Solutions confirms that it has received neither instruction nor any official word in respect to taking any action to suspend the GeoPark project from the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown, which is the counterparty to Smart City Solutions in respect

Protesters outside City Hall

of the Georgetown Metered Parking Project contract,” the SCS said in a statement to the press on Wednesday.

It noted that it would continue to operate and enforce the GeoPark project in accordance with its obliga-

tions under the Georgetown Metered Parking Project contract.

Coming out of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Government that evening recommended that the contract be suspended. There

are also expectations that further consultations and a full review of the system and contract would be requested.

Despite calls from large sections of society, Government has consistent-

ly said that it could not interfere as City Hall was autonomous – although that position changed in January when Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said that the State would intervene only if necessary.

And even though amendments were made by Smart City Solutions, a visibly large proportion of the populace has rejected all but the scrapping of the contract.

Just two weeks after the introduction of parking meters in Guyana, citizens had gathered to protest the move. The crowd had consisted of business owners, workers, members of civil society and parliamentarians.

The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM), a lobby group, was instrumental in organising the protests. The protests also came after Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, who has been vociferous in his opposition to the project, staged a one-man protest outside Bishops’ High School, where a parking meter had been installed.

The protesters had listed several concerns with the project. Feasibility, transparency and the cost for parking were some of the foremost concerns about the City Council’s new method of taxation.

Meanwhile, the MAPM on Wednesday said it was very heartened by the recent recommendation of Government to suspend the

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

parking meter contract. It said while it believed this was a good first step, it would continue its public call to revoke the contract and by-laws in their current forms.

“MAPM would like to reiterate its position that we are not against a structured system for traffic regulation within the city, including measures to facilitate the orderly parking of vehicles and the need for the M&CC to increase their revenue base. However, the fact remains that this project is an imposition on the Guyanese people and did not benefit from a feasibility and social impact study and has breached Guyana’s procurement regulations.”

The MAPM said too that the by-laws which Government signed into law were oppressive and infringed on the constitutional rights of every Guyanese and sought to usurp the work of the Guyana Police Force.

“For these reasons, the MAPM will continue to reject this project in its entirety and will not accept any action less than a full revocation of the contract and the by-laws,” the group said.

Since the MAPM started its organised protests, several political parties which form part of the coalition Government have since come out and condemned the project.

This was done despite the very parties refusing to support the parliamentary Opposition when it brought a motion to debate the contentious project in the National Assembly.

news

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 16 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, March 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 16 – 06:40h-08:10h and Friday, March 17 – 07:00h-08:30h.

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 the day, with sunny weather prevailing in the later afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 06:37h and 18:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.61 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:14h and 12:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.53 metre respectively.

Threats on PPP officials’ lives

Opposition Leader files Police report against SARU executive E

ven as criticisms continue to mount against State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) Executive Member Eric Phillips over threats made against former President Bharrat Jagdeo and other top People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials and their families, the Opposition party has filed a Police complaint.

The report was made via a letter submitted by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall on behalf of the aggrieved parties which include: Jagdeo, several members of his former Cabinets and their respective families, 35 members of the Central Committee of the PPP and their respective families and 32 Members of Parliament of the PPP and their respective families.

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Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

The alleged threats referred to were made by Phillips in a March 10,, 2017 post on his Facebook page, in which he said: “...

Jagdeo need to be careful because if anyone in my family or SOCU or SARA’s families are killed or attacked or placed at risk because of his purposeful racist...he needs to understand that he, his Cabinet and their families (bar none) will be at the same risk... the only difference is that the response will be significantly disproportionate and very cruel.”

In the letter, which was seen by Guyana Times and dispatched-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

to the Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force, Nandlall enclosed a copy of the declaration made by Phillips, extracted from the social media site. “… Please consider this correspondence as a formal report for and on behalf of my clients who are requesting that you launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this publication and for criminal charges to be instituted as soon as possible, if necessary,” he outlined in the letter.

According to the former Attorney General, SARU has no law enforcement powers but purports to act as a law enforcement agency, with many of its members being leading politicians in the coalition Government. He pointed out that there were weekly outpourings to the media about investigations and outlandish findings of guilt of Ministers and top public servants of the former Government without any due process whatsoever or a scintilla of evidence in support of these baseless and reckless conclusions.

Nandlall further outlined in the correspondence to the Top Cop that SARU, which is funded by the Office of the President, do not take legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office, an independent, constitutional office, whose mandate is to advise the State on criminal matters and prosecute criminal charges on behalf

of the State.

The former Attorney General sought to highlight that recently officers of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) have been inviting businessmen into its office at the Office of the President, to interrogate them on tax evasion allegations— a matter on which they have no mandate whatsoever.

In short, the entire operations of SARU are unlawful and illegal, Nandlall said, adding that even SOCU has long departed from its initial remit and is now being used by SARU and the political directorate to investigate concocted allegations of criminality allegedly committed by the former President and now Opposition Leader, his former Cabinet and

SARU Executive Member Eric Phillips

the Opposition Members of Parliament.

To this end, Nandlall noted that these two units have been the subject of constant criticisms by the Leader of the Opposition and other members of the Opposition as well as civil

society. Moreover, he continued that it was against that backdrop that the Leader of the Opposition made critical remarks about these two units.

In fact, while on a recent public outreach programme in Berbice, Jagdeo was responding especially to Phillips’ incredulous allegation that 15,000 ounces of gold were stolen from Guyana monthly, under the last Government.

The former Attorney General posited that as a result of the declaration

by Phillips, his clients and their respective families are now exposed to the risk of being killed or suffering grievous bodily harm.

While recognising that Article 146 guarantees freedom of expression to every individual, Nandlall posited that the said Article is predicated upon the caveat: that is, Article 146 (3) “Freedom of expression in this article does not relate to hate speeches or other expressions in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person or class of persons.”

Phillips’ utterances come just days after former President Jagdeo and former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, among other top PPP officials were arrested and taken to SOCU’s headquarters for questioning as part of an ongoing probe into the acquisition of lands at Pradoville 2, East Coast Demerara.

Calling the move an attempt to instil fear in the Opposition, Jagdeo had vowed afterwards that the Party would not be intimidated into silence, in the face of poor governance.

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017

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

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

Consumers and a digital world

W

orld Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) was celebrated on March 15, and was used as an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers, to demand that those rights are respected and protected, and a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights. This year’s theme, “Building a digital world consumers can trust” was appropriate, as according to Consumer International, 40 per cent of the world’s population is currently online.

Digital technology is having a dramatic impact on consumers around the world, creating many new benefits, including better communication, access to information and greater choice and convenience. While consumers undoubtedly benefit from these technologies, there are questions about how to establish access to the Internet for the many consumers who are not connected, how to improve the quality of services, which online services and products consumers can trust and what happens to the data they share online.

It is estimated that by 2020, 52 per cent of the world’s population will be online — this means the number of people accessing the Internet will have grown by a third in just five years. Technology has given many consumers more choice, convenience and information, but important issues remain.

Guyana joined in the observance to mark the occasion, which brought together more than 200 member organisations in more than 100 countries to champion the rights of consumers everywhere. Undoubtedly, there are important issues to be addressed, for instance, people still are not sure what their rights to redress are when it comes to online sales. What is digital consumer trust and how can we build it?

During the launch of GTT high-speed Internet in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recently, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes pointed to the benefits to e-commerce, and encouraged persons from all backgrounds and professions to use the Internet as a way of finding online markets. She expounded on her belief that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) would deliver the transformation within the Guyana, noting too that enhanced connectivity would facilitate opportunities for business development, research and education. Certain services at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) are already available online and the Minister assured that the objective is to place every single public service online including applications for birth and death certificates; driver’s licences; business compliance certificates; and land, housing, mining and forestry permits among others.

While it is clear that efforts are underway to give those not yet connected a chance to do so, at an affordable cost, the challenge is in ensuring everyone’s data is kept safe and secure and to help consumers know which services they can trust. Integral to this is consumer protection and empowerment.

If Guyana is to progress along the digital trajectory, consumers will be required more than ever to give personal information such as bank account details, credit card details, email addresses, identity details or medical information when accessing goods and services online. When this information is lost, or stolen, the effects can be serious.

Consumers, therefore, need to be aware of their rights and what actions can be taken. Local consumer protection bodies in Guyana, including the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Public Utilities Commission and the Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission should be lauded for their continued efforts to sensitise the public on their rights and for dissemination of pertinent information.

These entities have also recognised that in this digital age, consumers need to be protected more than ever, and have charged service providers to find secure and reliable ways of utilising data and to address the challenges by developing strategies that will lead to a trustworthy digital world for all consumers. It is now up to businesses to create more reliable and secure means of conducting business.

Dinosaur robots acting as receptionists greet a hotel employee demonstrating how to check-in to the hotel during a press preview for the newly-opened Henn na Hotel Maihama Tokyo Bay in Urayasu, east of Tokyo, Japan. Japan's second robot-run hotel Henn na Hotel ('strange hotel' in Japanese) opened on Wednesday as the robot-staffed hotel near Tokyo operating company HIS Co said (REUTERS)

Finance Minister has committed political suicide Dear Editor, Within the context of his busted 2017 Budget, I could not help noticing the Finance Minister trying to say something sensible about the economy having to ‘right itself’ in the media on March 14, 2017.

One of the last things the Minister will come to realise during his tenure as Finance Minister is that Guyana has moved forward in how it conducts its business affairs.

Global business is now being run on what are called trust relationships.

This in itself in self-explanatory, and failure is costly, because breaches in this trust relationship among participants to negotiations usually results in a suspension of negotiations to pursue interests with other parties who respond appro-

priately to trust relationships.

One of the things about which the Finance Minister can be sure is that the high-handed manner in which he handled the consultations and presentation of the Budget 2017 has caused a fatal breach in the latent trust relationship between himself, the Private Sector and the people of Guyana. By forcing through the VAT policies within the budget, the Minister has effectively committed political suicide.

The Japanese are a fascinating people who regard trust and honour very highly. If one party to negotiations fumbles, he is considered to have ‘lost face’. If he is unable to ‘save face’, he honourably exits. In extreme circumstances where intense pride is involved,

seppuku is the final option.

This is the taking of one’s own life.

The Minister added in his remarks that, “If we ourselves don’t adjust the economy, then we are just going to have to hand it over to somebody else to do it.” One thing Guyanese can agree on for sure is that the VAT policies for 2017 are sucking on their welfare and consumption patterns. This has the effect of contracting national expenditure. The Minister’s idea of channeling these monies through projects back into the economy to stimulate it is nothing short of lunatic, because one billion dollars in the hands of consumers will be spent much faster and will be more beneficial to a wider cross-section of society than if it landed in the hands of two or three

businesses who won the Minister’s contracts.

Finally, the Finance Minister should realise that he has lost the confidence of the Private Sector. Even if he spends the one billion dollars he receives in VAT on his pet projects, the contractors sure as hell aren’t going to invest in the hope of getting increased business in an overtaxed economy with a Finance Minister schooled in taxing to spend.

The money therefore finds itself lodged in the banks accounts of these contractors, who look to the next contract. The Minister has had more than ample free advice to get things right.

It is very clear by now whether he and his policies will sink or swim.

Faithfully, Lance Cumberbatch

Feeling marginalised at UG Dear Editor, University of Guyana lecturer, Valarie Goorasammy Smith seems not to understand how to promote unity or fails to understand that along with being a Christian, she is also representing an institution which promotes unity and diversity.

As an English lecturer at the highest institution of learning in the country, she interacts with hundreds of students from all walks of life: culturally and religiously, but instead of being impartial and promote cohesion, she decided to rant about ‘false gods’ and the ‘negativities’ of Christians playing Phagwah last Friday on her Facebook page.

Editor, her page has over 4400 persons, hundreds of them students (both present and past) with many from the said religion she belittled.

On March 10, she wrote: “Why would we want to engage our God’s jealousy by taking part in another god’s celebrations? If you are a believer, then take a stand; if you are a true Christian, then take a stand! Do not say you are a believer who accepted Jesus in your life and then go out to partake in ‘the pagwah’ festival... you will be betraying the very Christ who you should represent! It is not in God’s will for us to have two gods... he said you will love one and

hate the other!

She continues: “Steer clear of the water and the colours... it is much more dangerous than you may think!”

Take heed lest you fall!”

As a University of Guyana lecturer, it is imperative to separate church from education, even if she harbours such thoughts, then it should be done in her place of worship or among her congregation, not on Facebook where she also shares course information with her students.

UG is not a Christian institution; lecturers are not being paid to teach the students about their beliefs.

The university is tolerant to all and opened to all faiths.

Goorasammy’s statement has implications, it can very easily make her Christian students feel privileged in her class and students with other beliefs, especially Hindus, feel marginalised.

What about those students who are staunch Hindus? Why should they be taught by someone so intolerant to their beliefs? Most of the English students are fragile teenagers, just out of high school, how is the university making them stronger members of society by having someone like this teach them?

Yours respectfully, UG student

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, march 16, 2017

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

Cooperation needed among Hindus in Guyana Dear Editor, It is not without notice that this year’s Phagwah celebration was once more tainted by confusion regarding the date and auspi-

cious timings for which the festival is to be celebrated.

It is, in my opinion Editor, that this confusion will continue to take place whenever a Hindu festival

Apology needed Dear Editor, The arrest and detention of former Head of State and now Opposition Leader of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, must be condemned by all civil and religious organistaions, as well as trade unions and Guyanese at home and in the Diasporas.

The arrest of Jagdeo is not in keeping with political respect for the former Head of State and office of the Opposition Leader.

I am calling on the Government of Guyana to offer a humble apology to the former President and let political maturity and humbleness prevail.

The former President along with former Ministers of Government were questioned by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) as being the recipients of house lots which is alleged to have been acquired below market price in Pradoville 2.

From all indications and signs, the arrest has nothing to do with stealing State assets as is being alleged by SOCU. Instead, the issue at hand, is simply, wanting to have the right price being paid for the house lots.

If all protocols were followed in the acquisition of house lots by the recipients of the same then the burden of proof remains on the

State to prove its case of stolen State assets against the value of the house lots awarded.

In keeping with respect for the former President and Ministers, a more respectable approach should have been and remain so, on the way forward, by SOCU in their attempt to recover what they deemed or termed stolen State assets.

Careful note must be taken of the approximate 20,000 comments and views on the said issue where the positive outweighed the negatives. I am appealing to our leaders in both Government and Opposition to desist from using words or actions that would only serve to further bring division among Guyanese. The once vocal voices of the representatives of the diplomatic community in Guyana has for some strange reason gone silent.

In my opinion, Sam Sittlington, the British citizen who is the advisor to SOCU is over stepping and his visible presence and pronouncement on the controversial Pradoville 2 recipients leaves more questions than answers of foreign ‘meddling’ in our internal affairs as a country and people.

Sincerely, Sherwyn Downer

Delano

has to be observed at the national level, since the Hindu leaders of this country have little or no cooperation among themselves and are all concerned with making a name for themselves even if it’s at the expense of Hindu unity and oneness. These leaders should learn to put aside their differences whether politically or ideologically and work towards the propagation of unity and peace, not discord and disdain for each other.

It is very sad, Editor, that many of these organisations which are now arguing over which date is wrong and which date is right, are otherwise very silent about the real issues that are affecting Hindus and Indo-Guyanese throughout Guyana. Where are these organisations when issues such as suicide and poverty wreak havoc in the homes of the Hindu?

Or when domestic violence and alcoholism continuw to destroy homes of the Indo Guyanese? Why are they not so vocal when proselytism continues to eat away the fabric of our religion?

These are the things that Pandits and Hindu leaders should seek to resolve and attack at the forefront! Not use their knowledge and position as Pandits to bring each other to disrepute! It is a ghastly thing to do!

Finally, Editor, I would like to state that although the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) is one of the leading organisations involved in the date fiasco and is also possibly the one responsible for all this confusion, this organisation and its leader, Dr Vindhya Persaud, should be given credit for the many things that they are doing for both Hindus and Indo Guyanese. This organisation continues to pro-

Was this a case of hand wash hand?

Dear Editor, The Public Health Minister made much about the donation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation of refrigerators to store the emergency supplies at the internationally acceptable temperature (‘ANSA McAL is only company to ever provide cold storage facilities for drugs’ – Lawrence ).

This disclosure by the Minister raises the troubling question whether her judgment to sole source was

compromised?

Did this benevolent, charitable act play a part in any way or cloud the Minister’s consideration to bypass Tender Board procedures and opt for the controversial sole source route?

Was this a case of hand wash hand? The Minister says she is not for sale.

It seems Public Health Ministers just keep blundering on.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

mote Hinduism through its various and consistent cultural programmes and promote awareness of the contributions of East Indians to the Guyanese society.

The Sabha also successfully runs an orphanage located at Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice and over the past years would have carried out several workshops and seminars aimed at suicide awareness and alcoholism.

This, dear Editor, is how you truly help Hindus, not by propa-

gating division and hatred for each other.

In conclusion, I would like to pose a question to all those leaders and organisations that would have vehemently argued about this date and that date: What have you and your organisation done to improve the lives of Hindus in Guyana?

“It is time we give jack he jacket.”

Yours faithfully, Yogeshwar Mathoo, BSc, Soc

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Foundation

Nursing mother, working mother

only teach self-esteem by modelling it, but because they are self-confident they are also empathetic. They respond to their children’s needs, and thereby help their children to feel secure, trusting, and confident in themselves and their world.Far more valuable than advice from relatives, friends, or experts is the knowledge within you that you are completely capable of caring for and raising your new baby.

Bruno Bettelheim, the child psychologist, writes in A Good Enough Parent that “acting on the recommendations of others cannot evoke in us the feelings of confirmation that well up in us only when we have understood on our own, in our own ways, what is involved in a particular situation,

- the essential guide for breastfeeding and staying close to your baby after you return to work

BY GALE PRYOR

B

guyanatimesgy.com

The role of breastfeeding in bonding reastfeeding usually plays an integral role in forming the deep attachment between mother and baby. Bottlefeeding mothers, of course, can also be securely attached to their babies. There are many tools in the attachment kit; breastfeeding is but one. It is, however, an extraordinarily powerful one.

Breastfeeding is designed by nature to ensure maternal-infant interaction and closeness. If done without schedules or other restrictions, breastfeeding guarantees that you and your baby will be in close physical contact eight to 18 times in every 24 hours. In fact, nursing mothers tend to be with their infants altogether more than other mothers. In the first 10 days after birth, nursing mothers hold their babies more than bottle-feeding mothers, even when they are not nursing. They rock their babies more, speak to their babies more, and are more likely to sleep with their babies. In Western society many women never hold a newborn until they give birth to their own, yet this frequent skin-to-skin contact and interaction soon make up for even a complete lack of familiarity with babies. The mother who immerses herself in her newborn, breastfeeding frequently and without restrictions, quickly learns to read her baby’s cues and to trust her own instincts. She extends the gentle give-andtake, the empathy, and the commitment of breastfeeding into the rest of her mothering. Nursing her baby provides her with a blueprint for sensitive parenting in the years to come.

Nursing couples need each other physically and emotionally. The baby, of course, has a physical need for milk. As scientists have amply documented, breast milk benefits every system in a baby’s body. Breastfeeding offers protection against allergies and respiratory infections, and perhaps obesity. Breastfeeding improves vision and oral development; breastfed babies have fewer ear infections;

breast milk is better for the cardiovascular system and kidneys; and babies’ intestinal immunity is enhanced by human milk. Juvenile diabetes is less common among breastfed than bottle-fed babies. Breastfeeding enhances a baby’s cognitive development, partially because it allows the baby more control in feeding – the ability to control one’s own actions appears to be essential in human development.

The composition of breast milk, too, appears to support optimal brain development. Indeed, recent studies have found that children fed mother’s milk as babies have higher IQs, on average, than those fed formula.

And, of course, a baby’s emotional need for love and reassurance is just as strong as her physical need for milk. Whereas most formula-fed babies are soon taught to hold their own bottles, the breastfed baby is always held by her mother for feedings. A breastfed baby enjoys not only the comfort of the warm breast, but caressing, rocking, and eye contact before, during, and after feedings. With all her senses, she drinks in her mother’s love.

The mother, in turn, has a physical need for the baby to take the milk from her breasts. The let-down of milk is relieving, satisfying, like a drink of water when one is thirsty. When your newborn begins to suck at your breast, or even just to mouth your nipple, the hormone oxytocin is released in your body, hastening the contraction of your uterus and inducing the let-down or milk-ejection reflex, which begins your milk flow. Called “the love hormone” because it is also produced during sexual intercourse and birth, oxytocin brings on a sudden feeling of contentment and pleasure as you breastfeed your baby. In this way you and your baby become a happy team at feedings, each amply rewarded by the other for her efforts.

The confident parent

and what we can therefore do about it.” Successful breastfeeding kindles these “feelings of confirmation” for the breastfeeding mother knows in her heart that she can nurture her child well.

Breastfeeding, in short, is much more than a feeding method.

Beyond providing perfect nutrition at every stage of your baby’s growth, breastfeeding is a language, subtle and intimate, between you and your baby, as well as a proud and marvellous expression of your unique abilities as a woman. When you return to work, breastfeeding will ensure that the bond between you and your baby cannot be weakened by your frequent separations. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

To be continued

ways for new

Successful breastfeeding not only tends to produce healthy, happy babies, it also creates confident mothers. Marianne Neifert, a paediatrician and mother of five, saw this in her practice. “I began to recognise the impact of early parenting experiences, such as breastfeeding, on long-term parental competency. A woman who received necessary support and information, which enabled her to breastfeed as long as she had planned, tended to look back on her experience with pride and satisfaction. Her confidence radiated to other areas of mothering, and she viewed herself as a competent and successful parent.”

Breastfeeding’s gift of confidence comes as you nurture your baby with your own body and mind. Parents who use formula often rely completely on manufacturers’ and doctors’ advice, and so develop little faith in their own judgment. And, whereas a breastfeeding mother generally leaves milk composition, temperature, cleanliness, and intake to nature, for the formula-feeding parent these are all subjects for worry and argument, which further erode her confidence.

Parenting styles differ enormously from family to family, and many different kinds of families produce wonderful children. Whatever their parenting style, mothers and fathers who are confident in themselves as parents tend to raise equally self-assured children. These parents not

Y

parents to get more sleep

ou have a baby and you’ve never been more tired in your life. Sure, you’ve heard the advice: Nap when the baby naps. Leave the dirty dishes, and don’t worry about the laundry – you’ll get to it eventually.

But the reality is that most days you need this time to take care of chores and other business. So what advice can you really use to get some sleep?

We invited BabyCenter parents to share their survival tips. One tried and true strategy is to share the nighttime feedings with your partner so you’ll both be guaranteed at least five hours of solid sleep.

Some families find that bringing their baby to bed with them is the key to staving off fatigue.

Pump and sleep “We started giving our daughter bottles when she was two weeks old. I would pump at 21:00h and then go to bed.

My husband would wake her

after those nights when it seems like nobody sleeps.” – April, mom of eight-year-old Jeffrey, six-year-old Erin, and twins Caitlyn and Ethan, 22 weeks.

One night on, one night off “My wife and I took turns getting up with our son every other night like clockwork for the first nine months. It was not pleasant, but was a decent survival tactic.” – Steve, dad of Daniel, three years.

“With our first daughter, my husband and I rotated nights.

For instance, he had Monday night and I had Tuesday night, and so on. It worked out great!

When I knew it was his night, I would help out more with getting everything ready for the night and he would do the same for me. We plan on doing the same for our next child.” – Keysha.

at 22:30h and give her the pumped breast milk. I got to sleep from 21:00h until 02:00h, when she woke up again.” – Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night’s Sleep, and mom of Caelie, 23 months.

husband and son sleep in a separate room so I don’t hear them get up for feeding and changing. We also take turns sleeping in on the weekend.” – Shari, mom of Kevin, 2 1/2, and Brian, seven weeks.

Rock-a-bye, baby “We had a cradle that rocked, and I tied a rope to it so I could rock it while I lay in bed when my son was a newborn. (I made sure the rope was out of his reach at all times.)” – Mollie, mom of Nicky, eight years.

Midnight power-snacking “The best way I’ve found to cope with disrupted sleep (the twins are on different schedules) is to have ‘power snacks’ when I’m up with the babies. Peanut butter and crackers, a glass of skim milk, yogurt, etc. The food helps me feel much better in the morning

Separate rooms “On the nights that I really want undisturbed slumber, my

Shift work “We’ve found that the best way to protect our sleep and make sure we’re functional for work is to take our daughter in shifts. My wife usually handles the first shift (22:30h to 02:30h), while anything after that falls into my territory (02:30h to 06:00h).” – Dan, dad of Mary Elise, 11 months.

Early to bed “Go to bed when the children do. This is hard for me because there’s so much that needs to be done, or I’d like to have that time to relax in peace and quiet – but do it!” – Diane, mom of Bridget, four, and Kelly, eight months. (www.babycenter.com)

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Canal Number 1 beating

Not racial profiling – Police ... say men indeed stole car mirrors

F

ollowing reports that two men – Dameon Gordon and Vernon Beckles – were beaten as a result of racial profiling, the Police think otherwise as they continue their investigations.

The two men were given a sound thrashing on Sunday evening, along the Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara, access road after they were allegedly caught stealing the mirrors from a car belonging to a resident during a Phagwah Mela in the community.

A senior Police rank told Guyana Times that while several persons were questioned in connection with the incident, no one was arrested. He explained that on the night in question, Gordon and Beckles travelled to the area with a member of the Guyana Defence Force and his brother-in-law. The GDF rank is reportedly friends with a woman living in the area.

Dameion Gordon and Vernon Beckles

However, due to the fact that no alcohol was sold at the function, a large group of residents had congregated at a popular show in the area. The Police source went on to say that the two victims along with the soldier and his brother-in-law went to take a few drinks.

Whilst there, the GDF rank met a friend who enquired about Beckles and Gordon. A short while after, one of the victims was seen “fighting up” with a mir-

ror and the owner of the car went to check.

As he approached the car, he realised that both of his mirrors were missing.

The Police stated that as the owner of the car looked around he saw Beckles and Gordon stooping down close to another vehicle and thought that something was amiss.

The owner of the car raised an alarm. By this time, he was joined by several “drunken” men and as

4-year-old dies in Tuschen accident

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Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), family is mourning the tragic loss of a four-yearold boy who was struck by a car on Tuesday in front of his home.

The dead child has been identified as Ramkaran Mohan, called “Ram”, of Lot 1088 Tuschen New Housing Scheme, EBE. He took his last breath while receiving medical attention at the West Demerara Regional Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Guyana Times understands the child was reportedly struck down while returning home with his five-year-old brother and teenage uncle, after they went to a shop obliquely oppose their home to purchase a ball.

Speaking with this newscast on Wednesday, the lad’s paternal grandmother, Bibi Nazmoon Khan, related to this newspaper that on Tuesday around 11:30h, Ram asked for permission to go buy a ball and his mother then asked the teenager to accompany him and his brother to the shop across the road.

At the time, Ram’s mother was watching them from the veranda and they crossed the road and went into the stop. She then went back into the house and seconds later, the teenager rushed upstairs informing them that Ram was struck down and was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

According to the grandmother, her adopted son along with the teenager

Dead: Little Ramkaran Mohan

who accompanied the brothers to the shop, related to them that he was standing at the corner of the road with each of the boys holding his hands, waiting to cross when the silver Toyota Primo, bearing registration number PVV 5084, struck the child.

“The boy was waiting to cross with the two lil boys because he see the car coming so he was waiting for it to pass before they cross but then she (the car driver) swerve into the grass corner and hook the child. She run over the child and she drag him, she didn’t stop.

The boy (teenager) had to run behind the car and stop the car, and then she knows that she had the child under the car,” the grandmother explained in tears.

Khan added that the woman removed the child from under the vehicle and had someone nearby drive them to the hospital. At that point the family was still unaware of the accident. However, by the time they arrived at the medical institution, the child was being seen by the doctor

and they were not allowed to see him.

According to the distraught woman, due to the severe condition of her grandson, he had to be transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he subsequently succumbed.

“When we reach at Best (West Demerara Regional Hospital), the doctor called us in and told us that the baby skull is damaged and his brains scattered. He said there is nothing they could do, that the baby is not breathing off his own,” the woman related.

Khan said that the doctors had Ram on a life support machine, feeding him oxygen to aid with his breathing; however, he was not responding to treatment. The distressed woman added that the doctors did not give up and were trying to put in a tube to see if the child would breathe on his own but unfortunately, they lost him.

The accident occurred at about 11:30h but four-yearold Ram died sometime around 15:15h.

The boy’s mother was too distraught to talk and was seen holding her youngest of two sons’ photo, crying uncontrollably. Meanwhile, the father expressed his anger at the way the Police Officers at the Leonora Police Station treated him on Tuesday night when he went to enquire about the case.

The female driver has since been taken into Police custody and is assisting with the investigations.

such, approached the vehicle that the victims were loitering around.

As they got closer to the vehicle, Beckles and Gordon started to inch away making them more suspicious as thieves. The mirrors were subsequently found hidden under another vehicle. As

the mirrors were retrieved, the two men started to run and it was at this time they were attacked and beaten by the mob, the Police source confirmed.

Upon realising that the two men were being assaulted, the GDF rank pleaded with the mob to stop and

the two men jumped into the nearby canal. The Police source stated that the two mirrors that were removed from the car are impounded as evidence. The GDF rank, he noted, gave a statement to cohobate that given by the owner of the car.

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Fatal accident

Brazilian pastor denied bail again A second bail application made for Brazilian senior pastor of the Universal Church, Haleno Luiz, was again denied by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, when he faced the courts on Wednesday.

Luiz was previously remanded to prison for causing the death of pensioner Maurice Moseley, by dangerous driving, after an unsuccessful bail application by his then defence attorney, Eusi Anderson, just over a week ago.

The Chief Magistrate on Wednesday declared that she was not satisfied with the address provided to the immigration office, which was the Church’s Wellington Street location, instead

Pastor Haleno Luiz

Dead: Maurice Moseley

of the accused’s Robb and Cummings Street home address, thereby denying bail.

Newly retained defence council, Mark Waldron, explained that his client’s ad-

dress is listed as Wellington Street because the church had applied for the work permit on the pastor’s behalf.

The Magistrate howev-

er contended that the accused is a flight risk as the Guyana-Brazil border remains easily accessible.

The court previously heard that on the day of the incident, Luiz was proceeding at a fast rate along Hadfield Street and had failed to slow down upon approaching the intersection at Smyth Street, subsequently colliding with Maurice Moseley’s motorcycle, killing him.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that the prosecution’s file is still incomplete, owing to outstanding post-mortem results.

Members of the Brazilian church swarmed the courtroom in support of the pastor while others surrounded the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in large numbers.

4 remanded for armed robbery

D

ellon Morgan, Mark Bond, Kasey Helligar and Roberto Sankar were on Tuesday remanded to prison for armed robbery

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The first charge read that the four men, on January 30, 2017 at Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, while armed with a dangerous weapon, robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Dexter Lowe of a 1.3 Taurus pistol valued at $179,000, along with $7000 cash.

In addition, the men, armed with a firearm, robbed Junior Cheong of $1,000,200, property of the said VC. The defendants were not required to plead to the indictable charges.

Morgan, Bond and Helligar were represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson. The court heard that Morgan was a 21-yearold construction worker residing in Kitty, Georgetown and the father of a one-yearold.

Bond, on the other hand, is a 46-year-old father of three and also a resident of Kitty, while Helligar is a carpenter by trade with two small children.

Thompson related that his clients were picked up 10 days ago in Kitty and were kept at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary; and the Sparendaam and Diamond stations during the said time, postulating that Bond and Helligar were

Accused: Roberto Sankar and Junior Stuart

never picked out during an ID parade, although Morgan was. He continued that it was not understandable why 10 days later, the investigation was still incomplete.

Meanwhile, Sankar’s defence counsel explained that her client was the Manager of a restaurant at Pigeon Island and did not at any point in time provide an oral or written confession to Police ranks, as stated in various news articles.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the gravity of the offence, the fact that a weapon was used in the commission of the crime, and the penalty attached to the felony.

In addition, he posited that Sankar was the mastermind of the crime and had admitted to his involvement. Magistrate McLennan denied bail in the absence of special circumstances and remanded the men to

prison. The matter was adjourned to March 21, 2017.

Bond and Sankar were escorted out of the courtroom, while Helligar and Morgan remained to answer to additional charges.

It was alleged that Junior Stuart, 31, of Kitty; Morgan; Helligar and Richard Seenarine, 29, also of Kitty, on March 4, 2017 robbed Aron Akbar of $80,000 cash.

The men on the same day allegedly robbed Esau Akbar of $7000 and one cellular phone valued at $15,000.

Bail was objected to by the prosecution based on the gravity and seriousness of the offence, and the fact that Stuart has pending matters of similar nature before the courts.

The Chief Magistrate denied bail and the men were placed on remand.

The matter continues on March 21 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Finally listening…

T

…on parking meter abomination? he Government just announced it has “recommended” to City Hall it “suspend” the parking meter contract the Mayor and her Gang of Four signed away with Smart City Solutions.

Carefully parsing their words, the spokespersons alluded to the separation of jurisdiction between the city and central government as setting obstacles in their desire to act more decisively. Yeah right!! So what’s really going on here?

First of all, this announcement is nothing more than another ploy to defuse a situation that is sooooo egregiously criminal, the Government had to APPEAR to be doing something before “something do it”. Like losing its support base!!Absolutely nothing will come out of this suspension. After the suspension and a few cosmetic changes to the contract – as before – the rape of the citizens of Guyana will continue.

Let’s cut to the quick on this matter – the Government has all sorts of arrows in its quill to handle the situation face front. Right off the bat, there’s the small matter of the Gang of Four violating the regs and not opening the contract for open bidding. This is the original poisoned tree and the bitter fruit it produced is irremediably also poisoned. Story done!

Just tell the Gang of Four to have the contract rebid.

If the Smart City contract is as good as the City Hall clique says it is for them and Georgetown, there should be no objections from their quarter for this request. Nobody will be able to match them and everyone comes out smelling roses. But we know this ain’t gonna happen. For the simple reason that this contract is so unconscionably in Smart City’s favour, they’re gonna fight this to the end.

And what they know is where the skeletons are buried and this is literally their “get out of jail card”.

The operators of Smart City are basically grifters as we pointed out before. They’ve sucked in the Gang of Four – and possibly some in the central government – into their scam so the threat is: Smart City goes down, they all go down. This bunch will not give up easily, since they won’t get such a gravy train easily again.

So, like we said before, the suspension of the contract will first and last have the protesters off the street – and this is what it’s all about. In three months, the Government is convinced the organisers would have irretrievably lost their steam because the object of their protest would have been removed.

What the protesters have to do is to make it explicit that what they are looking for is the CANCELLATION of the contract and a bidding process initiated.

NOTHING LESS WILL BE ACCEPTABLE.

…to Pradoville facts?

For years now, Pradoville II’s been touted by APNU/ AFC as the quintessential act of PPP’s corruption and “self-enrichment”. What were the claims based on?

At the centre – stated as absolute FACT – was Jagdeo and company moved an NCN transmission tower from the land at Sparendaam to make it available for the elite housing development.

AS a result of the millions expended to move the tower, the parties screamed the $5 million per acre paid for the land resulted in “unjust enrichment”.

Auditor Goolsarran figured the land should be worth $80 million per acre – most of it being the cost of moving the tower. What also raised peoples’ hackles was the “arrogance” displayed to move a State structure for personal reasons.

Now it’s revealed the tower was moved because it interfered with the expansion plans for Ogle Airport!!

But the damage is done, isn’t it?

Why let the truth stand in the way of prejudices?

…to Pradoville’s origins Well, you could’ve knocked your Eyewitness over with a feather. Henry Jeffrey just revealed it was he who introduced the first Prado as a Cabinet staple.

Leading to Pradoville I and II. Our former Principal of Kuru Kuru Co-Op College a bourgeois? Oi vey!

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

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pradoville 2 probe

Jagdeo produces evidence to validate NCN’s tower removal

… says Govt peddling misinformation

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ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo has proven that the disputed removal of the National Communications Network (NCN) transmitting tower did not form part of the cost of the development of the Pradoville 2 Housing Project, as he defended the prices at which the lands in the housing scheme were sold.

Jagdeo, owner of a property in the controversial housing scheme, railed against assertions that the lands were undervalued because the cost of removing the transmission mast was included in the net price.

The Opposition Leader during a recent press conference presented correspondences which predate the development of Pradoville 2, to prove that the tower was removed for the sole purpose to facilitate the Ogle International Airport (renamed the Eugene F Correia International Airport) Expansion Project, and not for the development of the housing scheme as perpetuated by others.

He slammed the coalition Administration for deliberately inflating the value of the house lots; an assertion which has been presented in the audit reports and being used by investigators even though public records verify that the tower was removed for the airport expansion initiative.

“Every time, including from the audits, the Government speaks, they convey the impression that

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

the sole purpose of removing this mast was for the establishment of the housing scheme and they put the expenditure of removing the mast and shifting it elsewhere to the development cost of the housing scheme. This is how it’s spun all the time… this is public record. They would have this information but why do they persist,” he explained.

The issue of the tower, which was since relocated to La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), came up for scrutiny during the ongoing probe of the housing scheme.

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has since arrested and detained several former prominent Government officials under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime, in connection to their role in the development of and/or purchaseof lots in the Pradoville 2 scheme.

In fact, after meeting

with SOCU officials at the Camp Road Headquarters on Wednesday, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told reporters that he was questioned about the transmission tower that was previously located in Sparendaam, on the East Coast of Demerara.

At the time, he was Prime Minister with responsibility for the aviation sector.

Hinds had explained that talks for the removal of the transmission tower begun in 2004, some seven years before it was actually relocated to allow for the airport’s expansion. He noted that there are documents to support this.

Public Communications Consultant of the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Kit Nascimento had also confirmed to Guyana Times on March 10 that the tower was indeed removed to facilitate the expansion project.

In a letter dated April 19, 2004, between Anthony Mekdeci, then Manager of the Ogle Airport and Rawle Edinboro, then Town & Country Planning Officer at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the removal of the transmitting mast was discussed.

“It is in the interest of the Airport that plans commenced to have this mast removed or reduced in height since in its present location, it penetrates the obstacle clearance limit of the new runway development and it is a hazard to aviation,” Mekdeci stated in the letter.

Several homeless after fire destroys Tuschen home

T

he Guyana Fire Service is probing the cause of a fire which destroyed a house at Tuschen Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday morning, rendering two families homeless.

The fire started sometime after 09:00h at the Lot 37 Tuschen Old Scheme house.

While it is unclear what may have been the cause of the blaze, Guyana Times was told that the fire reportedly started at the back of the wooden house where the kitchen was situated in upper flat, and quickly engulfed the building, partially destroying the apartment below.

A couple and their four children, ages 10 and under, occupied the upper flat

The raging fire at the Tuschen house on Wednesday morning

“I hear she keep saying ‘Oh God! Oh God!’ and then she shouted for me saying fire. When I rushed into my apartment and look, I could see the fire upstairs,” she re-

The destroyed building after firefighters managed to put out most of the blaze

of the house. At the time of the fire, however, only three of the children were at home with their mother, Loanna Weeks.

Kim Rodrigues, the downstairs tenant, who lives with her husband and sixyear-old son, related to this newspaper that she was outside doing laundry when she heard one of the children shouting for his mother upstairs and subsequent panicking cries from the woman.

lated, while adding that at the time the fire had already taken over the back of the house.

Rodrigues noted that she immediately started to remove whatever items she could have from her apartment while Weeks grabbed her children and rushed out of the burning house.

“The fire was so heavy at the top, she couldn’t save anything,” she added of her upstairs neighbour. The

woman noted that the fire service subsequently arrived and was able to douse the blaze but not before the entire wooden house was destroyed.

At the time when this publication was at the scene, Weeks had taken her children and left for a relative’s home a few villages away.

Meanwhile, the owner of the house, Claudette Singh, told Guyana Times that she was at home one street away when someone informed her about the fire. She said that by the time she arrived at the scene, the house was already destroyed.

Singh could not have said what transpired, noting that the tenant of the upper flat was not clear about how the fire started. “All me know is that people saying the fire start at the back at the kitchen… I don’t know how it start, I have to talk to the (upstairs tenant) to find out what really happen,” she stated.

According to the landlady, the family in the upper flat only moved in last October and the husband is currently in the interior working.

Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tribunal challenge

Carvil Duncan testifies in heated back-and-forth with AG

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he Carvil Duncan legal challenge against the tribunal that was set up to determine if he could remain in several constitutional posts while charges were being prosecuted against him continued at the High Court.

The matter is being heard by Justice Franklin Holder. Duncan, who was suspended as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), took the stand on Wednesday, when Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, grilled him for several hours about how mail was received at the PSC. A “did he or didn’t he” aspect of the matter relating to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was the high point of the near-

Suspended PSC Carvil Duncan

Chairman

ly three-hour court session. The Prime Minister had contended that he dispatched a letter to Duncan’s office informing him of the Executive’s decision to establish a tribunal to determine if he was fit to continue serving in his constitutional offices in light of several charges he was facing at the time.

Nagamootoo, who is expected to take the stand soon, had also disclosed that the letter, as required by the Constitution of Guyana, invited Duncan to show cause why the tribunal should not be set up.

But when Duncan testified on Wednesday, he held out that he never received the correspondence.

In light of this, AG Williams spent hours attempting to ascertain information regarding the procedures of how mail was received, handled, categorised and distributed at the PSC and to its Chairman.

“Are you aware that mail that comes to the Chairman is categorised as urgent or confidential?” the AG asked Duncan in court.

“All mails addressed to

Former Attorney General, Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

the Chairman of the Public Services Commission are handed to the Secretary of the Chairman…by one of the office assistants,” Duncan responded, in one of multiple exchanges between the two men.

“In my view, it’s totally irrelevant, because at the end of the day, even if the mail was received into the system at the PSC, the issue is that Carvil Duncan [didn’t] received the mail and the AG can’t seem to get that under cross-examination and [he] stayed away from that deliberately while confusing the whole issue with asking a whole set of irrelevant questions about where documents are stored,” the former Legal Affairs Minister told the media.

Justice Holder, in October 2016, suspended the work of the presidential tribunal following an injunction, which was filed

by Nandlall.

Nandlall had argued that the tribunal was an unlawful and unconstitutional course of action since Duncan at the time was not found guilty of the charges.

However, President David Granger had suspended Duncan from several constitutional posts, which included being a member of the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

Subsequently, city Magistrate Leron Daly dismissed one of the charges against Duncan. Duncan was facing a charge which stated that on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown, he stole $984,900, property of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Duncan still faces a conspiracy charge which stated that between May 7 and May 8, 2015, he conspired with then Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of GPL, Aeshwar Deonarine to steal $27,757,547, property of the power company.

Duncan had also alleged that he was offered money by both the President and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to vacate his offices, a claim which the Government had denied.

The High Court matter will continue next Thursday before Justice Holder at 09:30h. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Duncan revealed that mail “received downstairs” was not computerised.

At several intervals, Justice Holder had to intervene and clarify many of the statements that the witness disclosed in court.

At one point, the AG angrily expressed that Anil Nandlall, who is representing Duncan, was “trying to prompt the witness”, and Nandlall repeatedly objected to the AG’s line of questioning, suggesting that the AG was asking the same questions in repetition.

After the matter was adjourned, Nandlall, the former Attorney General, remarked that much of Wednesday’s session was “wasted in trying to understand the mailing system at the Public Service Commission”.

Speaking with members of the media, Nandlall pointed out that AG Williams should have asked questions relating to the letter that Duncan was said to have received.

Nandlall also disputed the materialness of the questions regarding the mailing procedures at the PSC.

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Still no repairs to Coomacka bridges – Councillor

The real burden of

exams

W

ith National Grade Six Assessments around the corner, the pressure is proving too much for both children and parents, as they make the final push towards the finish line.

Many of these children have been under the cloud for a full 12 months now, some with Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal very limited recreational time and even withdrawal from their favourite sports. At the tender age of 10 or 11 years old, they are expected to undergo a prolonged study regime focused on an end goal that only the smallest percentage of pupils can hope to reach with the limited numbers of respectable school places available. So, after all that stress there is a strong possibility they will then be dealing with disappointment.

Around the world we are being exposed to information about the adverse effects to the mental health of children, some as young as six blighted by exam stress. There is no surprise then when we hear of the growing number of primary school children who are self-harming and even attempting suicide. These incidents may seem to be more common far away, but trends travel and the one thing those children have in common is undue and mounting stress.

Ironically, mental health issues are probably the biggest barrier to academic progress, and these pressures facing our young people are the biggest cause of those issues.

Although we all accept that tests are a key part of monitoring and ensuring young people master the skills they need to reach their potential and succeed in life, prolonged periods of revising and testing cause burn out.

In an environment where education is given the most attention and many feel it is the only way to measure success, parents and children alike can become obsessive in their efforts. Irony plays its part for the second time here as we look at the physiological factors. There are only so many consecutive hours of work the brain can manage before the intensity of our focus crashes. The reality is two to three hours for most people. When you continue to work after that time you will be in a low focus state, wasting hours that could be used to revitalise focus, get much needed rest and recreation and be in a more productive state to return to study.

In real terms, if a child spends from 06:30h in the morning in lessons before school, then attends school with after school lessons on top, there will be many more hours of low focus study that productive ones. There is only so much the brain can take in and retain in a day. If a child is given adequate time away from study, the fresh two to three hour session will be as productive a whole day of work. Hours studied can never equate to information covered and retained if those hours are not fully productive ones. The best way to study is to maximise intensity in order to minimise time and allow for other activities and ample rest. Parents are also feeling the strain either financially, emotionally or under the investment of time. Even those who try not to put pressure on their children are unwittingly translating the importance of these tests in their actions and comments. The best intentions may not come through when a child doesn’t want to disappoint their hard working parents. Young people will be feeling the pressure from school already and most likely from their peers as they compete for a place in the top 100. For many ,it really is a life changing moment if their circumstances mean it is their only hope of a decent education, for others it may be a status call or a tradition not easily broken.

Our education system allows very little in the way it is delivered and assessed for the unique learning capabilities and preferences of our individual children. To place a standardised version to measure success is probably one of the most illogical things a system could do. Until there are other yardsticks of success applied to our talented, diverse, gifted young people we need to ensure that they know their worth to us cannot be defined by a score card; by a result of a test designed by someone who has never met them, has no idea of their strengths, of their gifts, of their unique personality. We need them to know there is no condition of worth based on how they perform for a few hours on a couple of days, which in context is a drop in the ocean of their lives. Take time to tell them.

W

hile rehabilitation works are presently being executed on the Coomacka access road at Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), residents and officials are concerned that there has been no movement so far to repair the dilapidated bridges within the remote community as well as those of its immediate neighbours.

Regional Councillor and Chairman of the Coomacka Community Development Council (CDC), Dexter Harding recently alluded that no rehabilitative work has been carried out so far on the bridges, as he urged fellow Councillors to make the necessary representation to facilitate this development.

"As for the bridges, (there has been) no movement on the bridges...As a Council, we need to keep probing the necessary authorities so that we can get movement, because if something happens, I know I would be the first person to be blamed," Harding said.

While he praised the work presently being executed along the stretch of road, Harding called for work to commence on the bridges,

A section of the collapsed revetment

which were in urgent need of repairs.

Last August, heavy downpours of rain resulted in the collapse of the revetment work on the main access bridge at Coomacka, which caused intense flooding in the small farming community.

Following several complaints, protests and strike action by residents in mining communities across the Region over the deplorable

state of access roads and internal bridges, Ministers of Government and regional officials visited the communities back in January to get a first-hand look at the situation.

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson and Indigenous People's Affairs Minister Sydney Alicock, along with regional officials, visited the affected areas, including Coomacka,

Three Friends, Yaribo and Old England/Syberian where they met with residents.

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Flatts also visited the communities where he assessed several issues. Local engineers and contractors also formed part of the visiting team. During the visit, several faulty bridges within the communities were examined and assessed, with the aim of carrying out major rehabilitation, as residents got an opportunity to present their concerns.

Harding also recently expressed concern over the condition of the community's river which has been affected by massive erosion.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian has asserted that as a result of the erosion, which was undoubtedly caused by heavy rains, the situation has become worse, with approximately half of the river becoming impassable.

The NDIA CEO had also assessed the situation during his visit to the Coomacka community.

Sophia taxi driver charged with attempted murder, robbery

A

Sophia taxi driver was charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of robbery under arms and one count of attempted robbery when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday afternoon.

It is alleged that Samuel Adams, in the company of another, on February 3, 2017, discharged a loaded firearm at Christopher Marks with intent to murder him.

In addition, on the same day at Mandela Avenue, armed with a firearm, Adams attempted to rob Ramroop

Ramnauth of his valuables.

Finally, the accused on December 6, 2016, at Urquhart Street, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the Finance Ministry, with intent to commit murder, discharged a loaded firearm at Virtual Complainant (VC), John Bryan and robbed him of some $3 million.

Adams’ lawyer, Dexter Todd, told the court that his client was held for 12 days in police custody post-arrest.

He related that he was only aware of one charge against his client – the Urquhart Street armed robbery charge.

Todd further stated that his client was not informed of any other charges against him, despite reporting regularly to an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Adams had reportedly loaned his car to another individual, who was arrested in connection with the December robbery. He continued that when Adams visited the Brickdam Police Station to enquire about his vehicle, he was also arrested.

Todd said the Police sought to incite his client to act as a Police informant, but upon his refusal, he

was allegedly assaulted by Police ranks and dealt several punches to various parts of his body. The Attorney claimed that the ranks even threatened to shoot his client.

Meanwhile, Adams stood in the prisoner’s dock sobbing vigorously.

The prosecution told the court no report was made of the alleged beating.

Bail was objected to, based on the nature of the offences and penalties attached.

The Magistrate denied bail for Adams, who would again face the courts on March 22.

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Draft strategic plan

Social Cohesion Ministry to host final round of consultation

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lans to promote social cohesion will soon be executed as Government wraps up the final leg of its consultations on the strategic plan.

At a one-day event scheduled for today at the Marriott Hotel, individuals who previously participated in consultation forums across the country will assemble to validate the contents of the document, the last step before the policies and strategies are implemented.

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton, during a press conference on Wednesday, explained that the selected constituents from all 10 administrative regions and municipalities across the country would give their final views on the draft plan.

Thirty social cohesion sensitisation and strategic plan consultations have been held with a number of stakeholders, including Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs); Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs); Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); civil society; the Guyana Police Force (GPF); cultural and political groups; the Private Sector; health workers and vulnerable groups.

Following this exercise,

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton and Programme Coordinator Sharon Patterson

the Ministry will move to finalise the plan, which will inform the focus and direction for achieving social cohesion in Guyana.

Programme Coordinator Sharon Patterson explained to the media that after the document was finalised, the Ministry would continue its engagements with stakeholders as they move onto the implantation process.

Some activities would include strengthening capacities of regional and municipal officials, as well as empowering and connecting with various institutions.

The Social Cohesion Ministry was established upon the assumption of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition to office.

The first Social Cohesion Minister, Amna Ally, was tasked with devising programmes and strategies that would foster unity among Guyanese.

The Social Cohesion Strategic Plan drew from the inputs made at the Social Cohesion Roundtable event in September 2015 where five key themes were identified: economic equity and opportunities, citizen safety and security, social inclusion and tolerance, inclusive and participatory governance, and harmonious ethnic and race relations.

The development of the strategic plan received both financial and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Social ills on the increase at Charity – APNU/AFC Councillor

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here have been an increase of social ills in the fast-growing community of Charity in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and according to Government Councillor Julian Cummings more social work needed to be conducted in the area.

Cummings was at the time speaking at the monthly statutory Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting held on March 14 at Anna Regina.

Cummings, during his address to his fellow Councillors, stated that child labour was prevalent in the area and the Education Department through its welfare section needed to step up on its truancy campaigns.

"Every day you go Charity, you see teenagers who are supposed to be in school are involved in laborious work; they are robbed of an education, the social ills increasing," Cummings said.

With that, he said that youths were unemployed and as such, were constant-

APNU/AFC Councillor Julian Cumming

ly involved in unlawful activities. He, therefore, called on the Commander of G Division (Essequibo Islands and Coast) to pay keen attention and to conduct frequent patrolling in the area.

He said often youths were involved in drugs and allegedly, young girls were trafficking same. Cummings said he believed that focus needed to be placed on the area to get youths off the streets and educational programmes needed to be imple-

mented to get them involved meaningfully.

"It's wrong to have children working; they need to be in school, no jobs for them. They are being pressured; education officers need to clamp down on this; especially [at] Xenon Street children are seen loitering and involved in illegal activities," the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Councillor stated.

After Cummings’ comments on the topic, Head of the RDC, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that indeed the area required more attention. He, therefore, called on the Education Department officials to be more visible in that community. A request was also made for RDC and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Councillors to conduct frequent outreaches in the areas, reaching out to persons and youths through community engagement.

CH&PA engages Police ranks on housing solutions

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even hundred and sixty eight families are expected to be housed in the first phase of the implementation of Government’s’ new housing programme.

Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are among those targeted to benefit.

Minister within the Communities Ministry with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson and a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Wednesday engaged Police ranks stationed in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) on Government’s Housing Solutions for State employees. The sides met at the GPF’s Training Centre at Camp and Young Streets, Eve Leary, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release.

The Minister’s team com-

The Minister said Government will be maximising the use of its available service lands to offer a range of housing solutions that will cater to their needs, and those of other low-, moderate-

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force at the Communities Ministry’s housing engagement at the Officers’ Training Centre at Camp and Young Streets, Eve Leary

prised CH&PA’s Operation Director, Denise Tudor-King and acting Project Director Omar Narine.

“We have come to you today [Wednesday], to share the new vision of this Government, and to let you know that we are working on your behalf and we are working to ensure that each of you own your home,” Minister Adams-Patterson told the ranks.

and middle-income persons, the release stated.

Adams-Patterson stated that the CH&PA’s focus right now is to build duplexes and townhouses. She explained that these types of houses will accommodate a larger number of families as compared to giving house lots.

Meanwhile, the ranks heard from Narine that initially 265 buildings will be constructed and that these will be divided into 768

units, each housing a family.

Narine explained that each duplex will house two families and each townhouse, six families. Narine said that CH&PA will be constructing in the areas mentioned in the table above.

He explained that the townhouses’ dimension will be 22x26 square feet and the duplexes, 20x40 square feet.

He said that both housing options provide for units comprising two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen and indoor toilet and bath.

The engagement with Police ranks is part of an ongoing exercise organised by the CH&PA, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Association. The exercise is in fulfilment of a commitment made to the Association to address with urgency the housing needs of Policemen and women.

As per this commitment, CH&PA in 2016, met with ranks in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and allocated house lots at prices ranging from $92,000 to $1.5 million.

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thursDAY, march 16, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Red House challenge

Court’s jurisdictional ruling for next week

Red House currently houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc

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ewly appointed Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, is expected to rule on the Red House lease challenge on March 24.

After another brief appearance by the parties at the High Court on Wednesday, it was disclosed that come next week Friday, a ruling will be made on whether or not the court has legal jurisdiction over the case. CummingsEdwards, who was recently appointed acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, had begun presiding over the matter when she was in the post of acting Chief Justice.

Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams is representing Government while his predecessor, Anil Nandlall, is representing the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc which is challenging the State’s decision to revoke the Red House lease.

In February, AG Williams presented arguments which supported his claim that the court has no jurisdiction over the case since the lease was revoked by President David Granger. Williams had noted that no civil action could be brought against the Head of State if he executes the functions of his office, under Article 182 of the Constitution.

However, Attorney Nandlall had noted that many of the Minister’s con-

tentions were without merit, deeply flawed and frivolous.

Nevertheless, Williams had also expressed that the Red House lease is invalid and therefore could not be pleaded in any court of justice, further arguing that the case should be thrown out because the applicants failed to make full and frank disclosures before the court. But Nandlall in refuting the AG’s contentions had noted that the Minister’s arguments were premature at that stage. Nandlall had also accused the AG of pressuring the Chief Justice by signifying on several occasions that the President has a special interest in the Red House proceedings.

“The Attorney General continues to use the name of the President in his presentation to the court in a manner that is clearly intended to place pressure on the Judge.

He said to the Judge on more than two occasions, that the President is anxiously awaiting a determination of this case because the President wants to house the National Trust in that building,” the former Legal Affairs Minister had explained.

Last year President David Granger gave the occupants of the Research Centre 48 hours to vacate the premises. In response, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo labelled the President’s decision as “unconscionable and vindictive”.

Guyana observes 104th anniversary of Rose Hall Estate Martyrs

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he lives lost on March 13, 1913, at Rose Hall Estate, Canje, Berbice, were honoured on Wednesday with a wreath-laying and tribute ceremony attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Region Six Chairman David Armogan and descendants of the slain freedom fighters.

The ceremony was also attended by several Government officials including Agriculture Minister Noel Holder; Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes; Junior Education Minister, Dr Karen Cummings; and Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton.

On that faithful day, the 15 martyrs were all shot by colonial Police on the high bridge leading to the Estate, because they protested and refused to work on days for which they were granted leave. Harvesting ended on January 27, 1913, and the

Administrative Manager told the immigrant workers that they were to clean their surroundings.

On January 28, the Manager reportedly changed his mind and ordered them to go to work because he had some planting to do. Some were inclined while others were dissuaded from following the orders. Seven men were served summonses to attend court. The Manager asked that they pay for the cost of the summons.

The workers agreed to pay it in instalments but the Manager rejected the suggestion. The problem escalated from this point.

Among those gathered was Dr Fred Sookdeo, whose grandfather was one of the 14 men and one woman shot. The dead were Badri, 26; Bholay, 33; Durga, 72; Gafur, 27; Jugai, 30; Juggoo, 37; Hulas, 25; Lalji, 45; Motey Khan, 26; Nibur, 75; Roopan, 25; Sadulla, 23; Sarjoo, 21; Sohan, 33; and the lone female, Gobindei,

32.

The Prime Minister noted that the 15 were not even known by a second name.

“The names they had was just a tag on the workers who came to these shores to make a living through hard work and were rewarded with death.”

He noted too that their lives did not go down in vain and they were not the only ones in the sugar industry who made the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of the sugar industry.

On June 16, 1948, five sugar workers were shot in the back and killed by colonial Police at Enmore as they protested for better working conditions.

In 1872, at Devonshire Castle, along the Essequibo Coast; Non Pareil in 1896; Friends in 1903; Lusignan in 1912; Ruimveldt in 1924; Leonora in 1938 and 1964; were dates and placed where sugar workers were killed for standing up for their rights as workers.

MPI to take stance on destruction of hinterland roads

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he Government of Guyana, through the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) has taken a firm stance against mining and mining-related operators who cause significant deterioration to roads in the hinterland regions.

This move by the Ministry comes in light of concerns raised over the misuse of hinterland roads, which is in contravention of the Road Users’ Agreement.

As a result, the Ministry will be taking a firm stance against defaulters.

According to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, significant sums of monies were expended in the hinterland regions last year for the rehabilitation of roadways. In fact, some $54.5

A truck stuck on a hinterland road

million was spent in 2016 to repair the Puruni-Itaballi corridor. This corridor is still under maintenance.

Furthermore, in 2017, $100 million was allocated to improve the Puruni-Pappishou corridor.

These corridors would

have been targeted for rehabilitation with the intent of improving comfort and safety, particularly for those living and working in the hinterland regions. Gold and diamond miners were also specifically taken into consideration due to their sig-

New Demerara River crossing

Several locations under consideration during feasibility study

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he first phase of the feasibility study for a new Demerara River bridge crossing has been completed with several locations identified.

Infrastructure Public Minister David Patterson, along with a team from the Ministry, and General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Rawlston Adams, met with LievenseCSO on Monday, where they discussed the study.

Arie Mol of the Dutch company, led the presentation of the study which began in January this year. In his presentation, Mol touched on a number of points, including river/marine traffic, river modelling, and economic and environmental considerations. He also highlighted a number of

In photo, Arie Mol (second right) highlights location information to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson (second left), Ministerial Advisor Kenneth Jordan (right), and DHBC General Manager Rawlston Adams

possible locations for the new river crossing, including New Hope, Peter’s Hall, Eccles, and Houston, with lengths ranging from approximately 580 metres to just under 2000 metres.

A more detailed presenta-

“So in paying tribute today to the Rose Hall Martyrs, we must also proclaim that the sacrifices of all other martyrs, all other victims of colonial plantocracy have not been in vain.

The history of bitter sugar goes back some 300 years and is linked to colonial imperialist greed and conquest.”

He said March 16, 2017, marks 253 years since 1764 when over 80 African revolutionaries were condemned to death and were executed in horrible ways.

Many were burnt to death on slow fire; some were hanged, and others were ripped apart on the rack.

Slavery finally ended in 1838, the same year the first batch of East Indians arrived, Prime Minister Nagamootoo reminded.

Also addressing the gathering were the Regional Chairman, Minister Ramjattan and Dr Fred Sookdeo, whose grandfather was one of the 15 martyred.

tion of the feasibility study is expected to be made at a later date. Additionally, draft reports will be made to Cabinet and then open to consultation by the second week of April.

The feasibility study,

which costs $146.3 million (US$706,091) and approved

by Cabinet last year, following a proposal submitted from Dutch company, for it to conduct the feasibility study and design of a new bridge across the Demerara River, linking Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The study is expected to be completed in July.

The contract between the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) and the Dutch company was signed on December 9, 2016, during which Arie Mol, Advisor to the CEO of LievenseCSO, committed to ensuring that all schedules are met and completed on time.

Floating at 1.25 miles, the Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the

eastern and western banks of the Demerara River. It facilitates the daily movement of a large numbers of vehicles, people and cargo. The structure was built in the 1970s, but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years. However, some 37 years later, it is still floating.

In 2013, the Bridge Corporation, in collaboration with the then Public Works Ministry, had carried out a pre-feasibility study. That study concluded that a ‘fixed high level’ bridge was the best option to pursue.

The study considered the model, the tender documents and the sites proposed, and it will also make the final pronouncement on whether or not the construction is something that the country can go forward with.

nificant contributions to Guyana’s economy and the development of our country.

However, the Ministry’s efforts are being counteracted by operators of private mining or mining-related businesses who choose to use overladen trucks on the roads and engage in other forms of misuse. As a result, the lifespans of these roadways have been significantly reduced, thus compromising the safety standards initially set.

It must also be noted that the misuse of these roads are in contravention of the Road Users’ Agreement with the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), the Public Infrastructure Ministry, and the Natural Resources Ministry.

While the agreement notes that the Government of Guyana will use its best efforts to keep the road maintained in good condition at all times, road users must play their part by adhering to stipulations such as the prohibition of vehicles weighing more than 60 tons crossing Itaballi-Puruni bridges.

Additionally, the agreement notes that users shall be liable to Government for any damage to Government’s property caused by the negligent use of the roadways by their employees and/or their agents.

It must therefore be emphasised that efforts will be taken to reduce the incidences of misuse. The Public Infrastructure Ministry further urges operators to be cognisant of the negative impacts they are causing and adhere to stipulations outlined in the Road Users’ Agreement.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, march 16, 2017

Regional

IDB launches website to monitor education systems in LatAm, C’bean T he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Wednesday said it has launched a website with education and statistics indicators for Latin America and the Caribbean that seeks to address the needs of policymakers, researchers, media, and civil society to monitor education systems in the region.

The IDB said that the site, CIMA, will also inform the policies that contribute to their improvement. It said while similar data-collection efforts from other organisations already exist, CIMA offers an intuitive and easy to use platform with information available in Spanish,

English and Portuguese that is comparable and relevant for the challenges faced by countries in the region.

The IDB said users can also browse indicators by accessing the country profiles that explore in detail specific characteristics of each system. These different approaches allow identifying areas in which systems have made progress and those that still require attention, contributing in the process of setting goals for the provision of educational services at the national and regional levels.

The official said that CIMA is more than a statistics portal and should

be seen as a holistic project to guide education policies and objectives. The IDB said in this regard, CIMA hopes to encourage countries to strengthen their

data collection and analysis systems, participate in regional and international learning assessments, and evaluate the impact of their education reforms.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T Muslim groups, AG meet on anti-terrorism legislation

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raditional and independent Muslim groups which have started meeting Government on proposed anti-terrorism amendments have expressed views for and against it – including that amendments involve religious and racial profiling.

That particular view, according to a release from the Muslims of Trinidad and Tobago (MOTT) was ex-

pressed by MOTT, one of several groups which attended a meeting last week Friday on the proposed legislation with Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi.

Also discussed was legislation outlawing child marriages. MOTT Public Relations Officer, Imtiaz Mohammed, said the organisation had started raising concerns on the legislation immediately after it was

announced recently. MOTT represents over 20 independent Jamaahs and groups.

Mohammed said, “Our representatives were concerned the legislation would affect Muslims’ freedoms granted under the Constitution including freedom of movement, choice, association, privacy, communication etc.

“We said the bill is harsh and offensive and is racial

and religious profiling. It could divide T&T along race and religion. Every Muslim may be perceived as a terrorist if this becomes law in its present form. It exposes a Muslim to risk by placing restrictions on his freedoms.”

Mohammed added, “The AG respected our views.

He’s willing to meet us and our lawyers in the near future to further discuss it.

We accepted his offer.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Mexico authorities search for crocodile that killed and apparently ate man

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nvironmental authorities are searching for a 10-foot (three metre) crocodile that killed and apparently ate a man in southern Mexico.

The federal environment department said on Wednesday the attack occurred on Sunday, when the victim and three friends went to the La Encrucijada reserve to fish. The 18-yearold was carried off by the reptile, but his companions escaped.

The department said it

Experts will try to capture and empty the stomachs of suspected crocodiles without killing them to see if any contain human remains

would erect crocodile warning signs. The department said experts and fishermen began working on Tuesday to locate crocodiles of that length in a swampy area on the Pacific coast of Chiapas state.

Experts will try to capture and empty the stomachs of the crocodiles without killing them to see if any contain human remains. If they find the animal, it will be relocated to an animal reserve, park or zoo. (The Guardian)

IAPA condemns attacks on and intimidation of journalists in Colombia and Mexico, cyber-attacks in Venezuela

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he Inter American Press Association (IAPA) has condemned acts of aggression and intimidation against journalists in Colombia and Mexico, and online attacks on a Venezuelan independent portal, matters that will be taken up at the organisation’s midyear meeting to be held March 31 to April 3 in Antigua, Guatemala.

In Colombia journalists

Hugo Mario Cárdenas López, Oswaldo Páez Fonseca and Octavio Villegas Salinas of the Cali newspaper El País were in a rural area in Cauca state on March 8 when they were approached and intimidated by two armed men who identified themselves as members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), El País editors reported in a public announcement.

The Chairman of the

IAPA’s Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, Roberto Rock, declared “the intimidation, restriction of journalistic activity and movement are serious obstacles to freedom of the press and should be investigated promptly,” in reference to what is contained in the Declaration of Chapultepec and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights which condemn such acts. Rock said that during the Antigua midyear meeting there will be in-depth discussion of the reach of the Project Shield which in collaboration with Google-Jigsaw seeks to extend this free-of-charge service to protect digital media from DDoS attacks. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Venezuela threatens to take over bakeries that break rules

The price of “canillas”, simple baguette-style breads is controlled by the Government

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he Venezuelan Government says it will expropriate bakeries which fail to abide by new Government regulations aimed at tackling bread shortages.

In a growing row between the Government and bakers, officials said that bakeries could face fines if people had to queue to get their bread.

Severe shortages of basic goods mean that Venezuelans often have to queue for hours to buy essential items. The Government says the shortages are caused by an “economic war”.

Venezuela does not produce wheat and relies on imports bought in by the Government which it then sends to mills where it is ground and then distributed. The Government blames bakers for the bread shortages, accusing them of using the flour allocated to them to bake

pastries rather than simple baguette-style bread in order to maximise their profits.

Under the new regulations, bakers will be forced to use 90 per cent of the flour they are given to bake ordinary bread and only 10 per cent for pastries and other sweetened goods.

On Sunday, President Nicolás Maduro announced that inspectors would be sent to 709 bakeries in the capital, Caracas, to ensure they were complying with the new rules. He said that those “speculators who hide the bread from the people will face the weight of the law”.

Vice President Tareck El Aissami warned that “bakeries which do not follow [the rules] will be occupied by the Government”.

But the baker’s federation, Fevipan, says it cannot produce more bread unless its members are given more flour. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Former PM: Say what you want, but IMF is Barbados’ only hope

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arbados has run out of options and an International Monetary Fund Programme (IMF) is the only real hope for recovery, Former Prime Minister Prime Minister Owen Arthur has said.

He sounded the warning while making his contribution to debate on the 2017/2018 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure on Tuesday.

The noted economist, who positioned Barbados as one of the region’s leading economies during his 14year term in office between 1999 and 2003, said the island was facing a US$3.3 billion debt crisis that it could not handle on its own.

Arthur suggested there

was no shame in seeking help from the Washingtonbased financial body, pointing out that Caribbean countries that were engaged in debt financing or debt exchange to restore economic growth had already gone that route.

However, the Freundel Stuart administration has been adamant that it will not seek a helping hand from the IMF. As recent as February 28, Finance Minister Chris Sinckler told journalists at a news conference that the IMF would not be directing the country’s economic affairs.

Nevertheless, Arthur was adamant that while an IMF programme would not be easy, it was in the country’s best interest. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

thursDAY, march 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Dutch election: PM Rutte’s US charges Russian spies, hackers in party leads exit polls

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utch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s party has won the most seats in parliamentary elections, first exit polls say.

His centre-right VVD Party won 31 out of 150 seats, polls suggest.

His party came far ahead of the next three parties, including Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom Party (PVV), the Christian Democrats and the D66 Party, which each got 19 seats.

Wilders’ party had been leading in opinion polls, but support for the party appeared to slip in recent days.

Voter participation in the general election was high – and experts say the

Analysts say a high turnout may have benefited pro-EU parties, including PM Mark Rutte’s party

final turnout may exceed 80 per cent.

Analysts say a high turnout may have benefited proEU and liberal parties.

A campaign leader for Rutte’s party said the vot-

ers had given “trust again” to the VVD. Many had been watching the vote in the Netherlands closely, as an indication for how populist parties may fare in other elections in

European Union countries.

France goes to the polls next month to elect a new president, while Germany is due to hold a general election in September.

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament until earlier this year, said he was “relieved” Wilders’ party had lost.

“We must continue to fight for an open and free Europe!” he added on Twitter (in German).

However, Wilders warned that Rutte “has not seen the last of me”.

He previously said that the “patriotic revolution” would continue to take place, and “the genie will not go back into the bottle”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Turkey may cancel migrant readmission deal with EU, says Foreign Minister

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urkey may cancel a migrant readmission agreement with the European Union, and is also re-evaluating a US$6 billion refugee deal with the bloc, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a televised interview late Wednesday.

Cavusoglu’s remarks

came at a time when Turkey-EU tensions are running high after several European countries prevented Turkish politicians, including the Foreign Minister, from holding rallies intended to drum up support for plans to give President Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers in a

referendum.

Turkey agreed in 2013 to take back migrants who travelled illegally to the EU in return for the promise of visa-free travel. Last year, it also agreed to stop illegal migrants from crossing into Greece in exchange for financial aid for those in its care and accelerated EU

membership talks.

“We may cancel the readmission agreement. The EU has been wasting our time on the visa liberalisation issue. We are not applying the readmission agreement at the moment, and we are evaluating the refugee deal,” Cavusoglu said in an interview on Kanal 24.

A

The Whanganui River is revered by New Zealand’s Maori people

natural resource a legal personality,” said New Zealand’s Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson.

“But it’s no stranger than family trusts, or companies

or incorporated societies.”

The Whanganui River, New Zealand’s third-longest, will be represented by one member from the Maori tribes, known as iwi, and one

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he United States on Wednesday charged two Russian intelligence agents and two criminal hackers with masterminding the 2014 theft of 500 million Yahoo accounts, marking the first time the US Government has criminally charged Russian spies for cyber offences.

The charges came amid a swirl of controversies relating to alleged Kremlinbacked hacking of the 2016 US presidential election and possible links between Russian figures and associates of US President Donald Trump, and uncertainty about whether Trump is willing to respond forcefully to aggression from Moscow in cyberspace and elsewhere.

The 47-count Justice Department indictment includes charges of conspir-

acy, computer fraud and abuse, economic espionage, theft of trade secrets, wire fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identify theft. It paints a picture of the Russian security services working hand-in-hand with cyber criminals, who helped spies further their intelligence goals in exchange for using the same exploits to make money.

“The criminal conduct at issue, carried out and otherwise facilitated by officers from an FSB unit that serves as the FBI’s point of contact in Moscow on cybercrime matters is beyond the pale,” acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord said at a press conference announcing the charges.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) is the successor to the KGB.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

India to Pakistan at UN: Don’t lecture us on minorities

(Excerpt from Reuters)

New Zealand river 1st in the world to be given legal human status river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be granted the same legal rights as a person.

The New Zealand Parliament passed the bill recognising the Whanganui River, in North Island, as a living entity.

Long revered by New Zealand’s Maori people, the river’s interests will now be represented by two people.

The Maori had been fighting for over 160 years to get this recognition for their river, a Minister said.

“I know the initial inclination of some people will say it’s pretty strange to give a

massive Yahoo hack

from the Crown.

The recognition allows it to be represented in court proceedings.

“The river as a whole is absolutely important to the people who are from the river and live on the river,” said MP Adrian Rurawhe, who represents the Maori.

“From a Whanganui viewpoint the well-being of the river is directly linked to the well-being of the people and so it is really important that’s recognised as its own identity.” Members of the Maori community celebrated the news with tears and music in New Zealand’s Parliament. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Indian representative Nabanita Chakrabarti said that Pakistan has become ‘world’s terrorism factory’

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f there was such a thing as a diplomatic roast, what India served to Pakistan on Wednesday at the United Nations would come quite close to it.

Following Pakistan’s unrestrained shots at New Delhi over minorities and the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India used its right to reply at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva to serve a sharp rejoinder: not only has Pakistan become the “world’s terrorism factory”, it has also alienated its own people through the “continued mistreatment” of Hindus, Christians, Shias,

Ahmadiyas and other minorities.

“In this Council, Pakistan has referred to situation of minorities in India. Minorities in India have been Prime Ministers, Presidents, Vice Presidents, senior Cabinet Ministers, senior civil servants, cricket team captains, Bollywood superstars. Can the minorities of Pakistan claim even a shadow of this? All they have are blasphemy laws and relentless abuse and violation of their human rights,” Indian Representative Nabanita Chakrabarti said.

(Excerpt from NDTV)

Tillerson to warn China of Ethiopia landslide: Number of sanctions over North Korea dead at rubbish dump hits 113

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S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will tell his counterparts in China that the US is prepared to increase financial penalties against Chinese companies and banks that do business with North Korea, according to senior US officials.

Tillerson will deliver this message on his first official trip to Asia, a three-country tour that promises to be a tightrope walk of diplomat-

ic tensions – and nowhere more so than in Beijing, North Korea’s closest ally and protector.

While Tillerson will tell Beijing that the US is tired of Chinese companies helping facilitate Pyongyang’s weapons programme, he’ll also seek to engage Chinese support for a broader attempt to rein in North Korea – resembling the international coalition that created the Iran nuclear deal.

He’ll do this as he lays the groundwork for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US in April.

Tillerson will also engage on the usual areas of USChinese tension, including the country’s claims to contested waters in the South China Sea, trade, the status of Taiwan, and the recent US deployment of a defensive missile system and drones to South Korea. (Excerpt from CNN)

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he death toll from Saturday’s landslide at a vast dump in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, has now risen to 113 people, local officials say.

A search operation at the Koshe landfill will continue overnight. As many as 150 people are believed to have been at the site during the landslide.

Meanwhile, the funerals of some of the victims have taken place.

The dump, which has

served the city of four million for more than five decades, provided shelter for some.

The country is currently observing three days of mourning for those who died.

Hundreds of people attempt to make a living by scavenging at the landfill site, sifting through the rubbish for items they can sell.

Some resided at the rubbish dump permanently.

More than 350 residents

have now been moved from the site, the officials say.

A number of makeshift houses were buried under tonnes of waste in the landslide. Rescue teams are now using excavators to dig through piles of rubbish.

The authorities have been building Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant near the landfill.

They plan to burn rubbish generated by Addis Ababa and convert it into electricity. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16

thursday, march 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

How Gordon Augustus Hunte turned a lil’ mint hustle into a full-fledged snack company Gordon Augustus Hunte’s journey into entrepreneurship started when he was a student at the Government Technical Institute, selling mints to finance his education.

“I was known as the MINT MAN in GTI, my former classmate Dason Anthony was one of my good customers. Now selling mints wasn’t cutting it on the streets when I finished GTI,” he reminisced. “…I was just doing business part-time selling confectionery in the afternoons and weekends with my bicycle, moving through the streets, making stops at the Botanical Gardens, Seawalls and a few other places. Now I am not fond of shouting down the road alerting people that I have items for sale and the container I sold with hid my items. So when I rode down the

Delicious fudge before packaging

road not shouting, no one seeing what I had to sell, you know my sales were poor. So, I said to myself I need something better to display my items; I needed something to make them more visible. I was working at a variety store at the time and one morning I went to work and there it was, the ideal display – a red basket. Against company policy I took it off the floor since it was the only one left.”

And so Red Basket Mobile Confectionery was born. But the business did not really take off until the 29-year-old spotted another opportunity thanks to his sweet tooth.

“I like fudge, so I would buy from time to time. One day after selling, I bought a fudge and I took it home. I got an idea: I can sell some fudge. So I said to my mom, “Mommy, you didn’t mek fudge fuh cousin carry back the last time, mek some for I sell, nuh.” So she showed me one time and I was on my own from then. I

tweaked the recipe from time to time over the years, improving my method of production and the recipe of itself,” the North East La Penitence, Georgetown resident explained.

Since that time, Hunte has been churning out the sweet treat, which is so good people fret when it sells out, along with cheese straws and pastries, with the help of his mom and one employee, under the Red Basket brand. The snack company specialises in turning goodold Guyanese favourites into “foreign”-looking packages of deliciousness on supermarket shelves.

Branding and constant innovation were key in transforming a popular informal business idea in 2010 into a one-of-a-kind registered small business. In fact, Red Basket’s motto is “bringing Guyanese together through tradition and innovation”. Hunte said throughout the process, he has learnt how to market himself, how to be patient, and where poor financial choices can lead. The 29-year-old’s insistence on proper packaging for his products has paid big dividends. “Very early, I would label my products to sell, because in my head I was a company, not just another hustle.”

However, he is on a path of continuous improvement and says, in outlining his plans to keep pushing for better: “My product itself is of international quality, according to reviews, so I would like to bring my packaging to that level as well. Also, within the next five years I want the business to have at least 50 hired supporters (employees).”

The global agro-processing industry is worth billions, so “with an adequate amount of export, we can bring in foreign exchange and also create more financial opportunities for unemployed people”, the hard-working entrepreneur highlighted.

He says his biggest influence is his mom and his biggest inspiration, Jesus and the teachings of the Bible. Citing the late Dr Myles Munroe as his dream mentor, Hunte added that faith was the most important quality entrepreneurs must possess, and advised budding business owners to “examine yourself, learn how to move on from disappointments and make sure you are in a business you love: do something that you would do even for free and plan. Gain more knowledge on the industry you want to explore and start small now, don’t wait to start big later, you may never start”.

He believes with the right education you may not even need money to start your business, and advocated for help for business people in that aspect. “That was a challenge I had to face. I received funding, but not with the

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, March 15, 2016

Selling

USD

$1202.25

GBP

$250.93

$254.13

Gross

$233,086

CAN

$153.11

$154.89

USD

$205.98

$208.44

Net

$216,770

$ 218.71

$221.53

EURO

Indicators as on March 15, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$51.81

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$213.66/ton

London Sugar

$512.60/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

+1.72 Change %

+0.36 0 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1222.20

$1223.20

Low/High

$1197.20

$1223.70

Change

+2.50

Business Concept – Revenue

+0.20%

The income generated from sale of goods or services, or any other use of capital or assets, associated with the main operations of an organisation before any costs or expenses are deducted. Revenue is shown usually as the top item in an income (profit and loss) statement from which all charges, costs, and expenses are subtracted to arrive at net income. Also called sales, or (in the UK) turnover. (Business Dictionary)

Gordon Hunte, with his red basket, in early days of operation

right education, so I mismanaged those funds and had to stop operations many times. Yes, I had to stop doing business for months at times just to catch myself.

I never stopped again though since November 2016 as I continue to edify myself. I recently completed a course with ActionCOACH and it has really equipped me with the tools I need to really thrive as an entrepreneur.”

His love of music and dance helps to sustain him through the challenges and he is even turning his

Delicious cheese straws

childhood passion into an opportunity for more learning – “right now, I am taking keyboard classes with the award-winning Samuel Medas”.

“It’s not what happens to you that matters the most, but how you respond and adapt.”

Contact: 288 Savage Street, North East La Penitence, Georgetown; 223-9586; 651-1430, facebook.com/theredbasketgy

Business News

Aruba shines as most decorated destination in Caribbean

S

olidifying its positioning as the most decorated destination in the Caribbean, Aruba swept dozens of industry awards and top consumer rankings over the past year – accepting accolades ranging from “World’s Best Beaches” and “Happiest Island in the World” to “Destination Partner of the Year”.

T r i p A d v i s o r ,

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association (HSMAI), Expedia and Travel Weekly are among the many industry leaders to recognise Aruba for its always-evolving on-island product and marketing achievements.

“As a destination driven by innovation and creativity, we are honoured by the global distinctions,” said

Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA).

Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach ranked No 2 in the Caribbean and No 3 in the World in the annual TripAdvisor rankings revealed recently.

Locals’ favourite Arashi Beach achieved a top 20 Caribbean placement.

(Caribbean360.com)

T&T: Unions withdraw from tripartite body

F

ormer employees of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) of Trinidad staged a demonstration outside its offices at Maritime Plaza in Barataria Tuesday, even as Tourism Minister Shanfa Cudjoe continues to defend the Cabinet decision to close the TDC without consulting the representing Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Speaking from Belgium where she is attending a meeting of the European Union, Cudjoe said: “The Union knew when we met

in November last year that a review was being done and that a decision would be taken once the review was completed.”

Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley is acting as Tourism Minister in Cudjoe’s absence.

The decision and the way the Minister conveyed that decision to the CWU are not sitting well with the trade union movement, as all the umbrella bodies of labour have now presented a unified front and suspended their participation in meetings called

by the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC).

General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union, Joseph Remy, who led the TDC workers at the demonstration, denied there was ever a hint that the TDC would be dissolved.

Remy accused the Minister of “displaying a high level of arrogance, adding: “We had a meeting in December facilitated by the Labour Minister and there was no discussion or indication of any plan to dissolve the TDC.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

Investors’ Guide Fed raises rates as job gains, firming inflation stoke confidence The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates on Wednesday for the second time in three months, a move spurred by steady economic growth, strong job gains and confidence that inflation is rising to the central bank's target.

The decision to lift the target overnight interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 0.75 per cent to 1.00 per cent marked a convincing step in the Fed's effort to return monetary policy to a more normal footing.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen pointed to growing faith in the economy's trajectory.

"We have seen the economy

progress over the last several months in exactly the way we anticipated," Yellen said in a press conference following the end of a two-day policy meeting.

"We have some confidence in the path the economy is on."

The Fed also stuck to its outlook for two additional rate increases this year and three more in 2018. The central bank lifted rates once in 2016.

Stock markets extended gains and bond yields fell on the benign economic outlook and the continued steady path of rate rises signalled by the central bank. The dollar was trading lower against a basket of

currencies.

Fed policymakers noted that inflation was now "close" to the central bank's two per cent target, and that business investment had "firmed somewhat" after months of weakness.

However, they did not flag any plan to accelerate the pace of monetary tightening, with the policy-setting committee reiterating and Yellen emphasising that future rate increases would be "gradual".

At the current pace, rates would not return to a neutral level until the end of 2019. (Reuters)

news

17

thursDAY, march 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Charlestown woman jailed Puruni miners receive environmental training for narco trafficking …similar exercise for Bartica this Sunday T

he trial of Tiffany Sultan came to a halt on Wednesday morning at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when the Chief Magistrate found her guilty of narcotics possession for the purpose of trafficking, and sentenced her to two years and 11 months imprisonment.

The 23-year-old of Charlestown, Georgetown, was earlier this year charged with illegal possession of 106 grams of cannabis for trafficking purposes.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, in summing up, declared that the court having considered all the evidence, was satisfied that the accused was indeed found in possession of the said substance as she was the sole occupant of the premises in which the marijuana was discovered and that she had intended to traffic same, as this was evidenced by wads of cash found stashed under her bed.

The Magistrate added that the caution statements made by the defendant were found to be made freely and

Convicted drug trafficker Tiffany Sultan

voluntarily; during which she had reportedly confessed to ownership of the drugs, admitting that she sells it. She held that the prosecution had proved each element of the offence and had presented credible witnesses, whose evidence was well corroborated.

Attorney Stanley Moore said he does not understand why the prosecution did not go after the alleged big operator behind the crime, instead targeting a “small fry, while the big sharks swim free”.

The accused in her previous testimony had contended that she was assaulted by a Police Officer while she was being detained at the station for questioning; however, the Magistrate in her ruling stated that she found this to be a mere allegation in the absence of evidence.

The court heard that on the day in question, Sultan was in her kitchen when Police Officers entered the premises, questioned her and began searching the house for “anything illegal”.

After responding in the negative to the probing questions of the ranks, Sultan finally surrendered, leading them to a clothing basket from which she unearthed a black plastic bag saying, “This is all I have”.

A quantity of cash to the sum of $200,000 was also found in the house which the accused claimed belonged to her father.The woman’s relatives sat silently in disbelief as the Magistrate handed down the sentence.

Sultan was then escorted out of the courtroom into the Police outpost.

Sleepin Hotel prepares to reapply for casino licence

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

W

ith an investment of approximately US$20 million and plans underway to reapply for casino licences, Guyanese can bet on experiencing a new style of luxurious entertainment at the brand new Sleepin Hotel and Carnival Casino on Church Street, Georgetown.

Live bands, stretches of slot machines and gaming tables, food galore, private rooms, salons, a poolside bar, and glitz and glamour are just some of the things one can expect during a visit at the newest establishment in the local hotel industry.

The hotel is already in operation but the hotelier, Clifton Bacchus, told reporters during a tour of the facilities on Wednesday that he plans to reapply for a licence from the Guyana Gaming Authority to operate the casino, after he was denied permission last year.

The applications for casino licences were denied because he failed to provide proof of “its financial soundness and capability,” which was critical for approval.

But Bacchus has invested millions into developing a state-of-the-art casino, already dubbed the best in the Caribbean, on the wings of just optimism of gaining his licences.

“I am Guyanese and I am into the hotel business. I invest this money because I am very optimistic that things will work and that tourism will move forward in this

S

Puruni miners were engaged on biodiversity-friendly mining practices on Saturday

ome 39 miners from Puruni Landing, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) mining district received training in biodiversity and biodiversity-friendly mining practices.

Puruni is home to a community where mining is the major economic activity.

Mining also supports other businesses in the community such as shops and hotels.

This workshop, which was held over the weekend, was executed with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of mining. Falling under the theme, “Support to Uptake of Biodiversityfriendly Practices by Miners”, the workshop set out “to create awareness and enhance the knowledge of mines officers and miners with respect to the impact of mining on biodiversity and the need for biodiversity conservation”.

Additionally, mines offi-

cers and miners were also educated on the ways in which biodiversity conservation might be integrated into sustainable mining.

The programme was part of the Mainstreaming Biodiversity in the Gold Mining Sector Project, which was hosted by the Natural Resources Ministry, in collaboration with the University of Guyana and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The training officers were Denise Simmons, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UG, and Heetasmin Singh, Lecturer of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University.

The experts delivered presentations on understanding biodiversity and the need for biodiversity conservation, in addition to mining, biodiversity and environmental impacts. The 39 miners also

engaged in dialogue which pertained to the Mining (Amendment) Regulations 2005, and an overview of the GGMC’s Draft Codes of Practice for small and medium-scale miners.

The topics discussed included: turbidity limits, settling ponds, disposal of petroleum products, responsibility for environmental damage, disposal of effluent, tailings dams, protected areas, safe use of mercury, and contingency and response plans.

In response, the miners called for “an even hand” when penalties were issued to errant miners, positing that while the small miners were penalised, larger operators seemed to get away with committing similar offences.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Ministry disclosed that a similar workshop was planned for the mining town of Bartica for this Sunday.

Scotiabank donates 1000 educational booklets on energy-related issues The entrance of the casino

country,” he stated, when asked why he would take such a major risk.

Bacchus, who has been in the local hotel industry for over 15 years, has already employed and trained some 300 Guyanese to staff the new branch.

The Sleepin Hotel chain has a smaller branch on Church Street and another large enterprise on Brickdam and is well-known for its affordability.

The new branch is currently still under construction but so far it has 75 rooms, all of which are fully booked for the April/May period.

Plans are afoot to complete additional rooms within the next two weeks in order to take the count up to 150.

Rooms for the hotel start from US$75 per night and go up to US$195, according to the proprietor. Under the laws of Guyana, persons would have to be guests of the hotel to gain access to the casino.

Bacchus said security is a major focus for his operations and he already has his own

security firm keeping keen an eye on the premises.

The entrepreneur assured that should the casino be given the green light, there will be no glitches with the games and security will be provided to persons who win big.

Currently, the only other Casino in Guyana is located at the Ramada Princess Georgetown Hotel, at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Bacchus had previously told media operatives that he is in possession of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between himself and the Government of Guyana, signed in 2014. According to the businessman, the MoU guarantees him a licence to operate a casino once he is able to complete construction in line with several specifications.

Persons living near the establishment had voiced objections to its casino operations in the residential area, where both a church and a mosque are located nearby.

A

s part of its drive to assist in the dissemination of information on matters related the energy, scotiabank on Wednesday presented 1,000 booklets to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) for distribution to Grade Six –students, ranging from ages 9-12 in Primary schools located in Regions Three, Four, Six and Seven.

The booklets focused on the four core subject areas of Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies and include activities designed around the ‘Energy’ theme. The booklets, ‘What is Energy?’ were designed by the GEA with the main aim to “foster discussions within classrooms on energy and energy related issues and to encourage further learning through an entertaining medium”.Marketing Manager of Scotiabank, Jennifer Cipriani, who was present at the simple handing over ceremony, explained that Scotiabank was pleased to support the GEA’s efforts to “educate Guyana’s future leaders about the importance of energy, energy conservation and efficiency”.

“Through our Scotiabank Community Programme, we are committed to giving back

Marketing Manager of Scotiabank, Jennifer Cipriani hands over booklets to GEA Deputy CEO, Gayle Primo-Best

to our communities in which we operate and our branches will be identifying one or two schools within their communities to receive copies of the booklets. We hope that by educating our young ones they will in turn teach other members of their household about energy conservation and over time, we all can create a positive impact on our environment,” she explained.

The booklets were distributed to the Deputy CEO of GEA, Gayle Primo-Best who noted that her agency was happy to have the support of Scotiabank to push the initiative.“Educating Guyana’s young minds about energy use and its impacts on the en-

vironment will significantly help in ensuring that Guyana has a secure and sustainable energy future… GEA would like to develop in our children as we prepare them for their role in tomorrow’s green economy,” the Deputy CEO stressed. Primo-Best was said to have further commended Scotiabank for partnering with the GEA in printing the booklets, noting that the donation will aide in assisting the GEA in achieving the vision of allowing the children to come to the realisation that “they are Guyana’s future ‘Energy Champions’ and that they have a responsibility to protect the environment.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, march 16, 2017

ARCHIE

Hard work will pay off if you follow through with your (March 21- plans. Use your ingenuity and April 19) ability to put a unique spin on whatever you do. Trust your judgment.

ARIES

Association with groups or TAURUS people very different from you (April 20- will give you a broader view May 20) of the possibilities that exist.

Open-mindedness will ensure that you get the most out of an experience.

dilbert

Keep a watchful eye GEMINI on what others are doing.

(May 21Protecting your position, repJune 20) utation and assets will be necessary. Don’t let anger take control when facts and calculated action are required.

Don’t be afraid to do things differently. If you separate (June 21- yourself from the crowd, you July 22) will discover a niche you feel passionate about pursuing.

Don’t overreact when you should be overachieving.

CANCER

Peanuts

Be creative and work alone LEO to bring about the changes you (July 23want to see happen. Use expeAug. 22) rience as your guide to making the right decisions.

Put more effort into an imVIRGO portant relationship. Making (Aug. 23Sept. 22) plans that will bring you and a loved one closer together or keep you on an even playing field will result in a stronger bond.

Calvin and Hobbes

Look for alternative ways LIBRA to raise your income. Add (Sept. 23more qualifications or skills to Oct. 23) your toolkit or start a sideline service that will bring in extra cash. Romance looks promising.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — REGATTAS

Get the facts and move forSAGITTARIUS ward. Bring about changes (Nov. 23- that will make you happy. Be Dec. 21) prepared to take advantage of opportunities, but tackle your responsibilities first. Invest in your success, not in someone else’s.

(REGATTAS: rih-GAHT-uz: Boat races or series of boat races.)

Average mark 33 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 45 or more words in REGATTAS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — CHEMISTS chess chest chime chit cist cite hemic hiss emit etch

ethics mesh mesic mess metis mice miss mist mite itch

item schism schist sect seism semi shies shiest shim site

smite smith stem stich sties theism them thesis this time

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Make changes to a workSCORPIO space or studio. Time spent (Oct. 24physically working toward Nov. 22) your goal will ease stress and end well.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Pull out all the stops and CAPRICORN stick to what you know and (Dec. 22do best.

Don’t fear being difJan. 19) ferent. It’s your uniqueness that will help you overcome any conflicts you encounter.

Prepare to make alterAQUARIUS ations that will improve your (Jan. 20attitude and appearance.

Feb. 19) Your gift of gab and entertaining outlook will attract attention. Romance will improve your personal life.

PISCES Don’t get angry or frus(Feb. 20- trated over trivial matters.

March 20) Keep your finances in order and refuse to divulge information about your personal life, assets or liabilities.

thursDAY, march 16, 2017

19

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Ronchi replaces Sharjeel share opening day at Leicestershire honours

S

ri Lanka fought back in the final 75 minutes of play in Colombo through an obdurate eighth-wicket partnership between Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath, but Bangladesh won the day, making a fine start to their landmark 100th Test. When bad light stopped play at 5.16pm, they had taken seven wickets and given away only 238 runs.

Chandimal was unbeaten on 86 off 210 balls with four fours, in a great display of solidity against a Bangladesh attack that consistently threatened.

Mustafizur Rahman and Mehedi Hasan took two wickets each, while Subashis Roy, Shakib Al Hasan and Dinesh Chandimal’s form against Bangladesh continues with Taijul Islam backed them up a superior knock on day one of the second and final Test with controlled spells taking the loss of only one wick- at slip, but with Chandimal one wicket apiece.

Bangladesh overcame et. That wicket came in the opting for the review, replays showing no conclusome of the disadvantage 48th over when a fluent sive evidence of bat being inof losing the toss with Dhananjaya de Silva volved. tried to pull Taijul Mustafizur Sri Lanka began the Islam’s left-arm spin a n d third session positively, takand was instead Mehedi bowled. Sri Lanka’s ing four fours off Subashis, making largest partnerbut Shakib made up for it crucial ears h i p o f from the other end when ly strikes. removed Niroshan t h e i n - he Mustafizur nings Dickwella, who had struck t e m p t 66 runs three of those boundaries, ed openin 19.4 for 34. Mustafizur followed er Dimuth overs - had that up by having Dilruwan Karunaratne to been bro- Perera caught at second slip play away from ken. It might to reinforce Bangladesh’s his body and had have ended dominance. him caught at gully a lot sooner if Sri Lanka’s hopes now

by Mehedi, who then not for DRS. In rest with their captain took over and took out the 39th over, Herath, who successfully not one but both cenShakib had got challenged Aleem Dar ruling turions from the Galle the on-field um- him lbw, and Chandimal.

Test - Kusal Mendis pire’s approv- They had put on 43 runs and Upul Tharanga. al for a catch off in 18.3 overs, before dark Mendis ran the inside edge clouds descended over the past a drifter and P Sara Oval, forcing early was stumped by Mustafizur Rahman appeals stumps. (ESPNcricinfo) Mushfiqur Rahim, unsuccessfully for LBW who took over the gloves with Liton Das injured, and Tharanga was caught Fall of wickets 1-13 Sri Lanka 1st innings at slip after jabbing (Karunaratne, 8.4 ov), 2-24 FDM Karunaratne at a classic offspin(Mendis, 11.5 ov), 3-35 Hasan Miraz c Mehedi ner’s delivery. Roy (Tharanga, 15.2 ov), 4-70 b Mustafizur Rahman 7 then claimed the (Gunaratne, 27.4 ov), 5-136 (de WU Tharanga c Soumya Sarkar morning session for b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 11 Silva, 47.2 ov), 6-180 (Dickwella, 59.1 ov), 7-195 (Perera, 64.4 ov) Bangladesh when BKG Mendisst †Mushfiqur Bowling Mustafizur Rahman he trapped Asela Rahim b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 5 15-5-32-2 (w-1), Subashis Gunaratne lbw for LD Chandimal not out 86 Roy 15-2-47-1 (nb-2, w-1), 13, which left Sri DAS Gunaratne lbw b Subashis Mehedi Hasan Miraz 15-2Lanka on 70 for 4 at Roy 13 58-2, Taijul Islam 14-2-34-1, lunch.

DM de Silva b Taijul Islam 34 Shakib Al Hasan 20.1-3-43-1, Mosaddek Hossain 4-0-11-0 Things changed N Dickwella† b Shakib Al Bangladesh team Hasan 34 in the afterTamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, MDK Perera c Soumya noon though.

Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Sarkar b Mustafizur Rahman 9 Chandimal, recHasan, Mushfiqur Rahim*†, Herath* not out 18 HMRKB ognising the imSabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Extras (b-1, lb-12, w-6, nb-2) 21 portance of batting through Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Total (7 wickets; 83.1 overs) 238 Miraz, Taijul Islam, Subashis the innings, did not hit a To bat RAS Lakmal, Roy, Mustafizur Rahman single boundary in the sesPADLR Sandakan sion as he helped Sri Lanka up their score by 79 runs for

SCOREBOARD

Luke Ronchi appeared in last season’s NatWest Blast for Birmingham Bears

Leicestershire have signed New Zealand’s Luke Ronchi as a replacement overseas player for Sharjeel Khan, who was last month charged with corruption by the PCB Pakistan opener Sharjeel had been due to appear for Leicestershire in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast before he was provisionally suspended during the PSL for alleged breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code. A tribunal has been formed to examine the case against Sharjeel and Khalid Latif but could take up to three months from the date of the players’ suspension to have its first hearing.

The county said in a statement: “The contractual status of Sharjeel Khan is a private matter between Leicestershire CCC and the player, and so unfortunately it is not something that we

are able to comment on at this stage.”

Ronchi, who has previously played county cricket for Warwickshire and Somerset, will instead join Clint McKay as one of Leicestershire’s two overseas signings. He is expected to be available for the whole of the Blast.

“I am delighted to have signed with Leicestershire Foxes for the NatWest T20 Blast,” Ronchi said. “I love playing county cricket and can’t wait to get started with my new team-mates. It seems like an exciting time at the club with a few personnel changes and talented additions to the squad. I hope I can make a difference both on and off the field and contribute to a successful campaign.”

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ronchi has a T20 strike rate of 141.89 from 114 matches.

Jaguars on course...

The Jaguars will seek maximum points to press for their third consecutive title while the hosts will be looking to climb the table. Jason Mohammed who was on international duties for the West Indies against England has been included in the squad for the crucial clash.

At the Kensington Oval, the Pride hosts the strugg l i n g Volcanoes who lost their last game to Red Force by 172 runs and will be looking to bounce back. The final match of the round is a day/night affair at

Sabina Park with the pink ball when the Scorpions host the Hurricanes who went down to Pride in their

l a s t game.

To date, Red Force opener, Kyle Hope has the most runs of the tournament having accumulated

He has played all three formats for New Zealand (having been initially capped for Australia) and is particularly experienced in whiteball internationals, featuring in every match of New Zealand’s run to the 2015 World Cup final.

Leicestershire’s head coach, Pierre de Bruyn, said: “We’re delighted to sign Luke, who will offer power and dynamism to our batting line-up. He has played a lot of games around the world and his experience in the shortest format of the game will also help our youngsters.

“We are determined to improve in white-ball cricket in 2017 and Luke will help us to do that in NatWest T20 Blast. Luke has played for a very good New Zealand side over the last few years and we are excited about him joining us in July.” (ESPNcricinfo)

from page 20

524 runs from 11 innings while Jaguars best batsman this season Shivnarine Chanderpaul (509) and Hurricanes wicket keeper batsman Jahmar Hamilton (505) are the only other batsmen to score over 500 runs.

In the bowling department, left arm spinners Nikita Miller (Scorpions) with 35 wickets and Veerasammy Permaul (Jaguars) with 30 victims and leg spinner Imran Khan (Red Force) 28 wickets lead the charts.

The next round is very critical not only to the teams but to the players who will be looking to impress the West Indies selectors ahead of the Pakistan Tour of the Caribbean for places on the various teams.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, march 16, 2017

ICC Jaguars on course for 3-peat Chairman A resigns CWI/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

fter six completed rounds in the Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament 2016-17, twotime defending champions Guyana Jaguars have opened a gap on the points table over all opponents. With four grueling rounds to go, the Jaguars who have accumulated 84.8 points from three wins, one defeat and two incomplete encounters are 11.4 points ahead of their closest rivals, the Jamaica Scorpions who led the points table at the halfway stage.

In round six, after the break for Christmas and Super50, the Jaguars grabbed 20.2 points and reclaimed the lead after defeating the Scorpions

Former ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar

S

hashank Manohar has resigned from his post as ICC chairman after eight months in office, citing personal reasons.

In a letter addressed to ICC chief executive David Richardson, Manohar said: “I have tried to do my best and have tried to be fair and impartial in deciding matters in the functioning of the Board and in matters related to Member Boards along with the able support of all Directors.

“However, for personal reasons it is not possible for me to hold the august office of ICC Chairman and hence I am tendering my resignation as Chairman with immediate effect. I take this opportunity to thank all the Directors, the Management and staff of ICC for supporting me wholeheartedly. I wish ICC all the very best and hope it achieves greater heights in future.”

Manohar was elected unopposed as the ICC’s first independent chairman - one not affiliated to any of its member boards - in May 2016 for a two-year term, and since then had become the driving force behind the ICC’s retreat from the governance structures created by the Big Three boards of BCCI, CA and ECB in 2014.

In February this year, the ICC had passed in principle a new constitution that undid much of the imbalance in power and finances the BCCI, CA and ECB had sought to create in 2014, but a final decision was to be taken at the ICC Board’s next round of meetings in April.

Manohar, however, will now not be the head of the ICC at those meetings and what impact - if any - his absence has on those proposals remains to be seen.

The ICC confirmed receipt of Manohar’s resignation and said: “The ICC Board will assess the situation and next steps before making a further announcement.”

When Manohar replaced N Srinivasan as BCCI president in November 2015, he

also became the ICC chairman by virtue of being the head of the Indian board.

Later that month, Manohar spoke out against the Big Three revamp of the ICC: “I don’t agree with the three major countries bullying the ICC,” Manohar has said.

“That’s my personal view, because as I have always said, an institution is bigger than individuals.”

In his dual role as BCCI president and ICC chairman, Manohar was the person behind the move to have an independent chairman head the ICC, the first step of the rollback that he would try to push through. On May 10, 2016, in the wake of the Lodha Committee’s report that recommended a severe shake up of the administrative structures of the BCCI, Mahohar quit as board president. Two days later, he was elected unopposed as the first independent chairman of the ICC. The next step for the ICC executive board will be to appoint an interim chairman, before holding elections to find a permanent candidate. They can decide to hold elections by the next round of board meetings in April, or even before that.

According to the ICC constitution: “In the event that the Chairman shall, for any reason, be unable to fulfil or continue to fulfil his duties, then the Executive Board shall appoint an acting Chairman from within the Executive Board to assume such duties until the conclusion of the next Conference at which a new Chairman is elected or, if sooner, upon the existing Chairman being able to fulfil or continue to fulfil his duties.”

All present and past ICC directors were eligible to contest the election at the time of Manohar’s election.

Candidates could be nominated by fellow ICC directors, and only one nominee is allowed per director. Any nominee with the support of at least two Full Member directors is eligible to stand for election. (ESPNcricinfo)

and are now in second on 73 points.

Also in winners row in round six were last season’s runners up, Barbados Pride who defeated the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force who beat Windward Islands Volcanoes. The Pride grabbed 20.8 points, the most of the round to go to 68 points in third spot followed by the Red Force, the Volcanoes while the Hurricanes ring up the rear. The Jaguars will meet the Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval from Friday where they will look for their second win over the same opponents this season following the 10-wicket win in December at Providence.

Jason Mohammed taking a knock in the nets ahead of Friday’s match at the Queen’s Park Oval

by seven wickets at Sabina Park. The Scorpions who were

FRANCHISES

PTS

M

W

L

T

on top of the points table at the break were displaced

continued on page 19

I

A

DP

MR

BAT

BOWL

PB

1. Guyana Jaguars

84.8

6

3

1

0

2

0

0

0

14

18

10.8

2. Jamaica Scorpions

73

6

3

2

0

1

0

0

0

12

18

4

3. Barbados Pride

68

6

2

0

0

4

0

0

0

10

13

9

4. T&T Red Force

53.6

6

2

3

0

1

0

0

0

6

15

5.6

5. Windwards Volcanoes

47.2

6

1

3

0

2

0

0

0

3

17

9.2

6. Leewards Hurricanes

44

6

1

2

0

2

0

0

0

5

15

6

Abbreviations: Pts-total points, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, T-tied, I-incomplete match, A-abandoned match, DP-Abandoned match due to dangerous pitch, MR-match referee awarding match, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points, PB-pace bowling points

Rashid’s heroics give Afghanistan series opener

I

t was a collapse of some proportion. Ireland, who had looked dominant for a considerable portion of the match, paid the price for making a mess of what should have been a straightforward finish to a chase of 293. From 206 for 2 in the 36th over, they slid drastically to be bowled out for 262 as Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series in Greater Noida.

And it was Rashid Khan, the 18-year old legspinner who once again came to the fore, picking up four wickets, including that of Niall O’Brien that triggered the collapse.

Rashid had great support from pacer Dawlat Zadran, who took the wicket that arguably swung the match Afghanistan’s way, sending back William Porterfield, whose ravaging 119 had put Ireland on cruise control.

Rashid was held back until the 19th over of the match, and with Porterfield and Paul Stirling going great guns, it begged the question if Asghar Stanikzai had missed a trick.

His introduction, however, did nothing to put the brakes on the scoring. His first over yielded 11 and he was taken out after a three-over first spell where he had gone at a run a ball.

He was brought back in the 29th over, and struck with his fourth ball, deceiving Stirling with a googly that was harmlessly chipped back to the bowler. Dawlat’s double strike next over - first Porterfield, who was caught driving on the up and then Wilson who was trapped leg before by one that

skidded on - gave Afghanistan a real sniff, and they never conceded ground thereafter.

The rest of the order crumbled to a combination of poor strokes and good deliveries as an already sluggish surface showed signs of slowing down even more.

Amir Hamza conjured up a

merely straightened and beat the inside edge to trap him in front. By then, Ireland were nine down, and Dawlat wrapped it up when he had Peter Chase top-edge a pull to long-on.

Before the collapse, Porterfield and Stirling had produced a superb display of

Rashid Khan’s four wickets gave Afghanistan a come-from-behind win in the first ODI

beauty, opening up Kevin O’Brien with a length ball that spun away just enough to have him stumped.

Rashid asked more questions of the batsmen, showing great adeptness at using the googly, and struck in each of his last two overs. Tim Murtagh, seeing one drifting away, opened up for a cut but the ball spun in to ping him on the back pad. Then, George Dockrell played for the turn to a quicker one that instead

batting on a slow pitch. Both batsmen demonstrated the importance of singles and kept the score ticking by nudging the ball either side of the wicket.

Porterfield established himself as the dominant partner and was immaculate with his shot selection. Stanikzai’s attempt to stack up the off-side field and get his bowlers to bowl full outside off was met with a series of reverse sweeps through third man. Along with Stirling, he added 157 for the

second wicket at over a run a ball. Even the dismissal of Stirling hardly slowed him down as he raised his ninth ODI century with a punch off Mohammad Nabi, but could not see his team through.

As with the ball, Afghanistan were solid with the bat. Most of their batsmen came good after Stanikzai opted to make first use of the surface. Mohammad Shahzad played a characteristically entertaining 43 off 41 balls, laced with seven fours and a six and dominated an opening partnership of 68. When he fell, it was to his own undoing, ambling across after pushing a Mulder delivery to midwicket.

But Noor Ali Zadran, in the company of Rahmat Shah, consolidated Afghanistan’s position with a second-wicket partnership of 83. Rahmat was all poise and class in his 78, which came with the help of four fours and three sixes.

His 92-ball effort took a fair bit out of him, and he fell to a tired shot, holing out to longon off Kevin O’Brien, Ireland’s best bowler on the day. At that point, Afghanistan had lost some ground, having lost three wickets for 46 runs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi and Samiullah Shenwari made up for some of it with a halfcentury fifth-wicket stand.

O’Brien produced a timely double-strike, sending back both batsmen in the space of three balls of the 46th over.

But Nabi muscled 34 unbeaten runs off just 19 balls to lift them to what proved to be a very good total on an unhelpful pitch. (ESPNcricinfo)

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21 U-18 ruggers win French Invitational Tournament sports

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Part of the action in the exciting Under-18 category in French Guiana

G

uyanese Ruggers traveled over 479 km on land and river to make history in St. Laurent, French Guiana at an Invitational Rugby Tournament hosted by the Territorial Committee Rugby Guyana. The Male Ruggers competed in the under 16 and under 18 categories with 12 and 7-aside matches respectively, while the females clashed in a 7s match.

The Guyanese saw loss-

es in the under 16 and the women 7s match while the highlight of the evening saw the under 18’s winning the thrilling 7s match against Stage Cayennaise Mixed Team 21-19.

For the victors, tries were registered by Glenroy Poole, Lloyd Anderson and Michael Barrow with all of Kevin Wills’ conversions being accurate to secure the winning trophy.

Additionally, history was made when for the first time

such a large number of ruggers from one nation was part of the tournament in it’s 14 year history. Team Guyana comprised 52 members who competed against three other teams in the French colony.

St. Laurent is also preparing to host another major tournament in the near future featuring teams from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Brazil, Chile and Trinidad and Tobago.

Sammy says he is available T

wo-time Twenty20 World Cup (WC) winning captain Darren Sammy has said in his statement that he is available for West Indies team in the shorter formats of the game in series against Pakistan, reported Dunya News on Wednesday.

The former West Indian skipper said that he has taken retirement from Test cricket only, and is still available for the one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20s for the national squad.

Sammy added that it is in the hands of Caribbean selectors whether to pick him or not, but he wishes to represent his country once again in series against Pakistan.

Darren Sammy was recently in action in Hong Kong T20 Blitz and Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was also the skipper of Peshawar Zalmi in PSL and took his side to

Darren Sammy

victory in the second edition of the league that was played in Dubai, Sharjah and Lahore. (St Lucia Times)

Russell appeal hearing set for May 8

T

he appeal brought against West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) is set to be heard by an AntiDoping Appeal Tribunal on the 8th of May. Russell was issued with a one-year ban in February of this year after a specially convened tribunal ruled that the cricketer was guilty of being negligent in filing his whereabouts on three separate occasions

within a 12-month period in 2015. The violation equates to a failed drug test under World Anti-Doping regulations.

The player was, however, not given the full sanctions which could have resulted in a two-year suspension after his attorney urged the tribunal to keep in mind the player’s history of complying with testing protocols in the past.

JADCO, however, earlier this month signaled its intention to appeal for a tougher sentence for the player, citing sufficient evidence being presented for the maximum penalty being issued. The members of the appeals tribunal will be Justice Karl Harrison (Retired) – Chairman, Justice Marva McIntosh (Retired) – Vice Chairman Dr. Kurdell Espinosa – Member, Dr. Audley Betton – Member, Dr. Maria Smith – Member. The hearing will be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre. Russell is once again expected to be represented by attorney Patrick Foster. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, march 16, 2017

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County Championships

Demerara edge Berbice by 10 runs - Essequibo claim 1st win A

thrilling low scoring encounter between arch rivals Demerara and Berbice ended with the former team claiming victory by 10 runs at the Enmore Community Development Centre Ground on Wednesday when the second round of the Guyana Cricket

Board Dave West Indian Imports Under 15 Inter County Championships continued.

For a second time in two days Demerara skipper Shoib Shaw top scored for his team. This time around he made 36 out of his team 109-9 from 50 overs, before

Ryan Atkinson

they return to dismiss the visitors for 99 in 49.3 overs.

Shaw was supported by talented all-rounder Chad Shivrattan, who made 17 after surprisingly missing out on the first match. A total of 32 extras contributed significantly to the hosts’ score.

Gourav Ramesh snatched three wickets to spearhead Berbice’s bowling while Abdur Ramsammy 1-8 from 10 overs and Daniel Dasrat 1-21 from 10 overs were also impressive.

However, Berbice batsmen were not as effective as their bowlers as they folded under 100 to Chandrapaul Ramraj, who bagged 4-21 from 9.3 overs.

Negusa Walters and Andre Seepersaud helped to contain the Berbice batsmen while collecting a wicket each.

Meanwhile, in the City Essequibo had an easier task winning their match

Essequibo had an easy task winning their match against the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President XI

against the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President XI. Winning the match by 59 runs at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Essequibo won the toss and chose to bat as national u-15 player Sheldon Charles led them to 177-7 with a top score of 38. He shared in an opening stand worth 57 runs with fellow opener Chateran

Searattan, who made 18.

Several of the Essequibian batsmen reached double figures but only Charles made it past 20. Left arm orthodox spinner Ryan Atkinson was the President’s XI most destructive bowler.

In pursuit of the target, President’s XI fell for 118 in 48.2 overs, with

Shammar Yearwood scoring 29 as Wasim Mohamed 3-18 and Devendra Ramdahin 2-19 led with the ball for Essequibo. The win was the first for the Cinderella County team who lost to Demerara in the first round.

The competition continues on Friday before the final is played on Sunday.

Kamran Akmal returns to Pakistan ODI and T20I squads K

amran Akmal has been recalled to the national team after three years while Ahmed Shehzad, who had been overlooked for a year, made a return to the T20I and ODI sides for Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies. Azhar Ali, who had been captain of the 50-over side as recently as January, has been dropped.

The selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, also called up five uncapped players while fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been rested for the T20 format.

Kamran, 35, last featured for Pakistan during the 2014 World T20 and has not been in contention for the national side since his central contract was cut the same year. He was, however, prolific on the domestic circuit in the 2014-15 season, scoring 900 first-class runs at 52.94 and 576 List A runs at 52.36. In the subsequent year, he made 480 first-class runs at 60 and 576 List A runs at 72. He was the top-scorer with 1035 runs at 79.61 in the recent first-class season and was the leading run-scorer in the second edition of Pakistan Super League with a tally of

353.

Shehzad, 25, has not been part of the Pakistan team since the 2016 World T20 due to disciplinary issues. He fought his way back into contention after hitting three hundreds in the departmental one-day cup, amassing 653 runs at an average of 93.28 earlier this year. He combined a number of low scores with a few impressive knocks in this year’s PSL and did enough to restore selectors’ faith in him. With Pakistan searching for openers after Sharjeel Khan’s suspension for his involvement in alleged corruption in the PSL, Shehzad has been given another opportunity.

These squads were picked from a pool of 32 players who were in Lahore for a training camp and Inzamam said only one of them failed to pass a fitness test - Umar Akmal. Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur himself had put the players through the paces at the National Cricket Academy and has been very vocal about his men being at the peak of their physical ability.

“We had a set a fitness

standard which isn’t really a tough one to start with,” Inzamam said. “But he still didn’t meet the average level. So whoever the player is,

Kamran Akmal Inzamam was sympathetic to Azhar’s cause as well and said the former ODI captain remained a part of their long-term

Ahmed Shehzad

whatever his performance is like, we could not select him. Umar being dropped is a reprimand and it’s a major blow for any player. He is a good player, we needed him, but we had to take a decision.”

plans. “He is still in our loop for Champions Trophy in England where, considering the conditions, we probably will need our senior batsmen. But for now we wanted to encourage our junior players who can have a fu-

ture with Pakistan.”

Leading the uncapped players were batsman Fakhar Zaman and legspinner Shadab Khan. They were both highly impressive in the PSL and found a place in the squads for both limited-overs formats. Domestic veteran Asif Zakir, who has been playing first-class cricket for 14 years and has 123 matches under his belt, has been trusted to translate that experience on the ODI stage. Rounding off the uncapped roster were left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar and the leading wicket-taker from the 2016-17 departmental one-day cup Fahim Ashraf.

“These young players are equally good and they are going to play international cricket for the country,” Inzamam said. “So they need to play at the highest level at some stage and I have full faith in them. They will perform, and conditions in the West Indies, we all know are similar to the ones in subcontinent and the West Indies team isn’t like the one in the 70s, 80s or even from the 90s. But still if they face tough competition there, this will obvious-

ly help them to develop.”

For the T20Is, Pakistan have picked left-arm quicks for the T20s with Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Usman Khan, who had debuted in 2013, and Rumman Raees, who was part of the previous Pakistan squad that played West Indies in the UAE in 2016. Hasan Ali offered the option of variation.

Pakistan play four T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests in the Caribbean starting on March 31.

Pakistan squads for WI tour; T20Is: Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan ODIs: Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Zakir, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Fahim Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Asghar.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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thursDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

GMR&SC “Reaction” Dragz meet

Swim team conducts seawall clean-up

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NSA McAL under Proctor and Gamble categories, the driver revealed that they will which controls the Gillette brand has be competing in three categories but not in once again thrown its full support be- the “high class.” hind drag racer Anand Ramchand ahead of The winning Toyota Levin will return this Sunday’s Guyana Motor Racing & Sports to defend its title in the 12-second division Club (GMR&SC) “Reaction” International while the team will also use its Toyota Celica Dragz Meet at GT-4 and the South Dakota Nissan Pulsar Circuit. to do battle Diana Alley, in the 11 and who is the Procter 10-second cateand Gamble coorgories. dinator attached The team to ANSA McAL, on will have their making the donatough battle tion on Wednesday on the quarstated “ANSA ter-mile as McAL has always over 100 parbeen a part of sportticipants ining events supportclusive of the ing under varithreatening ous brands such Surinamese. as Carib, Stag and According this year we are goto the orgaing yet again with nizers, the inGillette in sup- Procter and Gamble coordinator Diana Alley making ternational port of their wining the donation to drag racer Anand Ramchand drag strip and 12-second racer.” Ramchand in response to launch pad will be completed in time for the the continued benevolence of the company event which encourages even faster times on disclosed that, “It has been enjoyable going race day. with them, especially with the drag race and As it regards to the comfort and safety of the endurance races and we are going for- spectators, it was explained that the club is ward with them to win.” in the process of erecting stands in the inAt the last meet, Ramchand’s team bat- field to allow a more relaxed view of the ractled their victory via superb driving by their ing. mechanic to cop the champion car in the Up to $50,000 will be at stake for the 12-second category. fastest bus with free runs beginning from Though the stellar performances might 09:00h followed by qualifying at 10:00h and encourage the team to compete in the faster the knock-out rounds from 11:00h.

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everal members of the National swim team and various swim clubs along with executive members of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) in partnership with Guyana International Volunteer Effort (GIVE) held at cleanup exercise on Tuesday afternoon at the Kingston seawall in Georgetown.

The exercise was one of many being undertaken

by GASA to bring publicity to the August 18-20 annual Goodwill Swim meet which is being held at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendal, with a record number of teams set to attend.

GASA President, Ivan Persaud who led the cleanup, explained to this publication explained that “it is not only because of Goodwill games since we have always been part of clean-up cam-

Guyana’s MMA fighter creates history

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n less than two months in an unfamiliar territory, Shenese Bobb became a champion in a sport that is not popular locally. Due to her achievement every Guyanese should be proud and her name should become a household one, especially if she wins her rematch later this month.

On January 10 2017, Bobb enrolled in the Guyana Police Force to train, by March 4 Bobb defeated her Trinidadian rival in the Ruff and Tuff battle in Trinidad to win her first competitive bout in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

In doing so she became the first Guyanese to win a title in this brutal combat sport. The lofty 20 year old Berbician, who fought in the 132 lbs weight category is very gentle in person but fierce in the octagon.

Bobb, who hails from Rosignol West Coast Berbice, won her debut fight in less than three minutes of the first round and is expected to have a rematch with her opponent on March 25 in Guyana.

Her technique is not the best you will see because she is still at the developmen-

tal stage but her reach and counterattack is vicious and very effective.

However, this is not an issue for her trainer Sensei Troy Bobb because he understand that she is still fresh in the sport but her strides have been rapid.

Sensei Bobb was not in Trinidad to witness her success in the amateur bout and though neither of the Bobbs knew anything about the Trinidadian competitor, the Sensei was optimistic of a positive result due to his student’s potential.

According to the trainee police, she was watchful as she entered the octagon but when she analyzed her opponent she was confident of a victory and it took her a very short time to achieve success.

MMA 10-bout card is tipped to take place at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Guyana on March 25 and Bobb is expected to feature on the historic night.

Meanwhile, Bobb has begun preparation for fight night under the guidance of Sensei Bobb at the Guyana Police Force Gym with special emphasis on kicks and punches.

Shenese Bobb (left) and Sensei Troy Bobb

Hard at work! National swimmers among other junior swimmers engaged in the clean-up exercise at the Kingston Seawall

paigns and it is not a one off activity as it has to be done constantly because we always have garbage especially on the shores on the seawall; It is our assistance and contribution in keeping our society and city clean.”

The association also has plans to conduct the feeding of the elderly homes and donating gifts to the hospitalized children among other activities.

At the last event held in St. Lucia, twin sisters Jadyn and Daniele George were

Guyana’s top performing swimmers where Guyana collected a total of 15 medals and finished and in sixth position.

Jadyn and Daniele ended with three gold and three silver medals, respectively; Jadyn was the only swimmer on Guyana’s team of 29 swimmers to win a gold medal at the regional event.

Fruta Conquerors Football team is another sporting organization to conduct the same exercise with the same organization.

GCB/DMLAS/MOE/ NSSCL Combine Phase

EBE crush

Leguan by 160 runs -Chase Academy meet Lower Corentyne in Inter-School national semi-final

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ast Bank Essequibo Combine crushed Leguan Combine by 160 runs yesterday at Tuschen Ground, East Bank Essequibo in the latest action of the Guyana Cricket Board Demerara Mutual, Ministry of Education National Secondary Schools Champions League.

Leguan Combine having won the toss, decided to field first. However, their decision to take to the field seemed somewhat insignificant, as their opponents amassed a competitive 206 all out, off just 38 overs of their allotted 50 overs.

In fact, at one stage East Bank Essequibo appeared set to make an even bigger total, but their efforts were thwarted by Leguan bowlers Shaquille Trim and Malcolm Caesar who grabbed 3-17 off five overs and 4-63 off 10 overs respectively. Batting for East Bank Essequibo Joel Gill made 34, Safraz Khan 34 and Bashkar Baldeo 31.

In reply, Leguan were bowled out for a paltry 46.

Bowling for East Bank Essequibo Azim Mohamed took 3-13, Joel Gill 2-8, Sukhdeo Singh 2- 9 and Onassie Kingston 2-17.

Action in the combined phase of the league, continues today with East Bank Essequibo-Leguan bat-

Sachin Singh

tling Bartica-Wakenaam at the Tuschen ground from 09:30h.

Meanwhile, the GCB/ DMLAS/MOE/NSSCL InterSchool national semi-final between Chase Academy and Lower Corentyne will be played today at the Albion Ground from 11:00h.

National youth players, Ashmead Nedd, Dwaine Dick and Sachin Singh are expected to lead the reigning champions while the Ancient County unit is predicted to be strong contenders for an upset in today heated clash.

West Demerara Secondary have already booked a place to the Inter School finals, which is scheduled to be played on the 24 March, 2017 at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County Championships

Demerara edge Berbice by 10 runs - Essequibo claim 1st win

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Essequibo lower order wagged to put up a winning score against the GCB President’s XI at Everest on Wednesday

Swim team conducts seawall clean-up

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All the participants after the rigorous but noble activity

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