Guyana Times Daily

Earth Day 2016

No turning back in the global fight against climate change – US Ambassador

P10

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

Issue No. 2834

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, April 22, 2016

PRICE

Sale of GTT shares

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Brassington, Ramotar confirm US$5M still owed by Chinese company Page 3

Use of CSME integral in boosting P13 ailing economies – COTED

“As at Dec 31, 2015 no monies were paid” – Auditor Goolsarran

'Child father' admits killing Sophia woman Page 2

M&CC owed over $2B in property taxes Page 11

Millions in cocaine unearthed in plywood destined for Florida

Education Ministry seeking to reform training college’s curriculum

P9

Deadly prison riot CoI

Prison wardens P14 intimidated – Pilgrim …contradicts Public Security Minister’s comments

Page 2

Govt plugs P7 $150M into completion of D'Urban Park

One of the sheets of plywood within which millions of dollars in cocaine was concealed

Govt insists on taking back Red House

Page 11

...it is “selfish” for Red House to represent only Cheddi Jagan – AG

Environmental tax

Another beverage company sues Govt for billions Page 7

– more companies threaten to sue

– to rectify inferior work by contractor, amount and source of fund still unknown

2 news

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

‘Child father’ admits killing Sophia woman C

levon Hamilton, 26, the father of Simone Hackett’s child, has confessed to murdering the young woman, whose body was found in a trench at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the miner who was arrested in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) admitted on Thursday of committing the heinous crime, after which he led a team of investigators to the scene where he murdered Hackett.

According to reports received, the man told investigators that he travelled to Georgetown on Saturday and stayed at a city hotel. On Saturday evening, he reportedly contacted Hackett and made arrangements to meet at the University of Guyana access road.

He then contacted a close friend who collected him from the hotel and dropped him off at the bus shed where he met the woman.

At the time, he was carrying a haversack in which the murder weapon was concealed. The suspect went on to tell the Police that during the meeting, an argument ensued between the two, after he accused Hackett of being unfaithful.

The man who also admit-

Murdered: Simone Hackett

ted that he was jealous, explained that despite them being separated for some time, he was still in love with her.

Added to his jealousy, the man also stated that the woman wanted to take his son away from him; hence he knew he had to get rid of her.

Hamilton admitted that during the argument, he choked the woman after which he pulled out the knife and inflicted the fatal injuries. He then toss the body in the trench, got rid of the murder weapon, boarded a taxi and travelled back to Mahdia. He was arrested on Wednesday morning by

Police ranks in Mahdia after which he was transported to the city where he was grilled and subsequently caved under pressure, admitting to committing the crime.

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

She was due to be the maid of honour at her sister’s wedding on Saturday last and she also missed her son’s birthday on Sunday. Relative from the initial stage thought that something was amiss after they telephoned the woman and heard sounds in the background but when they tried to contact her later in the night, the phone went to voicemail.

After she did not return home, a missing person’s report was lodged at the Sparandaam Police Station and relatives hysterically began to search for the woman but to no avail. It was until Tuesday, her body was discovered by two school boys who were heading to school.

The suspect is expected to be charged in the new week.

Marudi Mountain dispute

Stakeholders, miners meet to settle differences

F

ollowing the grievances of miners in the Marudi Mountain area against large-scale mining company Romanex Guyana Exploration Limited, the Natural Resources Ministry will facilitate mediation with the relevant stakeholders in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

The ministry disclosed on Thursday that key focus will be placed on “crafting workable solutions for parties in resolving mining, environmental and social issues.”

To this end, a team from the Ministry of Natural Resources will visit Lethem between April 23 and 25 to “facilitate the mediation process”. This process is aimed at resolving the conflicts that have escalated between several miners in South Rupununi, Region Nine, and the mining company.

The measure to select mediation follows a meeting where Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman met with stakeholders at Aishalton Village last month.

At that meeting, concerns were raised which encompassed illegal mining, environmental, and social issues. After the discussions,

Major General (Retired) Joe Singh selected as Mediator

the minister noted the seriousness of the problems but observed it was “not insurmountable” and as such a mediated solution was “the best means” of resolving the prevailing issues.

After the parties agreed to the said approach, the ministry then appointed Major General (Retired) Joe Singh as Mediator. It was noted that the ministry has “full confidence that [Singh] possesses a wealth of knowledge, experience, and acumen to competently navigate the parties through the various issues

as they find solutions to their contentious issues”.

It was pointed out that the negotiations will include the Rupununi Miners Association, Guyana Women Miners Organisation, small miners from the Marudi Mountain area, representatives from Romanex Mining Company, and leaders from the neighbouring Amerindian communities of Aishalton, Awariwaunau, Karaudanawa, Achiwuib, Maruranau, and Shea.

It was also explained that talks will begin on Saturday, April 23, and continue on Sunday 24. The supporting team will include technical officers from the ministry along with representatives from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation.

In November last year, miners of Marudi Mountain had staged a protest highlighting their threat of being evicted by the mining company. It was reported that over 300 miners had been calling on government to have their operations regularised so that their livelihoods would not be affected.

Millions in cocaine unearthed in plywood destined for Florida

T

hree persons have been taken into custody following the discovery of a huge quantity of cocaine stashed in a consignment of 5/8 inches of plywood destined for Florida, USA. According to information received, at about 13:00h on Thursday at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, East Bank Demerara, the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Drug Enforcement Unit along with the Port Control Unit were examining the consignment of plywood when the cocaine was unearthed.

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh told Guyana Times that the operation was a joint effort by the Police, the GRA and the Port Control Unit.

He explained that during the examination process, anomalies were detected, hence a decision was taken to search individual sheets

A sheet of plywood with the concealed cocaine

of ply wood which amounted to 320. He stated that upon checking, the cocaine was stashed in neatly carved holes in the plywood.

He added that for an actual quantity to be given, each sheet of plywood would have to be examined.

However, the GRA stat-

ed that the plywood’s consignee was listed as a business located on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway with the consignment’s prospective recipient being a Hardware establishment in Florida.

GRA’s officials had become suspicious of the contents of the consignment based on the behaviour displayed by the consignee’s representatives during the examination process.

A source close to investigations told Guyana Times that the men were trying to hurry up the examination process, claiming that they needed to get the shipment out as soon as possible.

The consignment of plywood was transported to CANU headquarters where up to late Thursday evening, the container was being offloaded. The three persons taken into custody are assisting with the investigation.

news

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FriDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sale of GTT shares

Brassington, Ramotar confirm US$5M still owed by Chinese company

Friday, April 22 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, April 23 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, April 22 – 16:35h-18:05h and Saturday, April 23 – 05:00h-06:30h.

“As at Dec 31, 2015 no monies were paid” – Auditor Goolsarran

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning and mid afternoon, while light rain showers are expected in the later afternoon hours. Light rain showers with thunderstorms can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:30h and 16:51h reaching maximum heights of 2.69 metres and 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:38h reaching a minimum height of 0.50 metre and 0.59 metre respectively.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

04 05 09 14 22 27 20 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Daily Millions

12 14 16 20

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LUCKY 3 6

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

Former President Donald Ramotar

Former Executive Director of NICIL Winston Brassington

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

mmediate past president of Guyana Donald Ramotar, under whose tenure the government disposed of its 20 per cent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) by sale to a Chinese company, has come out swinging at the 10-monthold A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government after the administration said on Wednesday the Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group, which bought the shares, has already repaid the outstanding US$5 million; however, there seems to be no record of the payment.

In 2012, Datang purchased government’s shares at the cost of US$30 million from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and based on the agreement with the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration, the company paid off US$25 million and had two years to make the outstanding payment. The PPP/C had long maintained that the outstanding monies were not paid and after assuming office last year the APNU/AFC regime undertook to recoup the monies; hence Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s recent trip to China.

But, a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday revealed that based on documentation in the government’s possession, the moneys were paid long before the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

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

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

However, Ramotar in a statement on Thursday rejected the government’s claim and said the claim by government that the money was received is a lie. “I challenge the government to present the “documents” it has received (under suspicious and questionable circumstances) so that the veracity of the evidence can be tested and authenticated,” Ramotar dared.

It was under Ramotar’s presidency the government sold its shares in GTT and according to the former President, the transaction was public, including NICIL’s efforts to pursue legal recourse in the UK to collect the outstanding balance.

The PPP/C administration never had any reason to doubt the word of NICIL’s competent technical staff when they said the amounts were outstanding and every effort was being made to pursue, Ramotar added.

“Any claim that amounts were paid, would not be hard to prove,” Ramotar stated, adding that NICIL was the sole entity authorised to receive the payments.

“One would assume that had NICIL received this money then there would be a receipt or some form of banking documentation to show its payments. Any claim that some other entity or person received this money would also be easy to prove or disprove,” he reasoned.

I

Distraction

The Former President believes that the APNU/AFC administration’s insinuation that the money was paid to someone else or some other entity other than NICIL prior to the May 2015 elections is a distraction from “the real issues”, adding that the cantankerous claims of massive corruption under the PPP/C administration have yet to be proven.

Ramotar said this latest claim is a political ploy to appeal to people’s emotions as the nation demands explanations on who really paid for Harmon’s trip to China, the naming of the ‘honorific’ advisors and party contributors, and demands for decisive actions against the spiralling crime rate.

Brassington’s take

Meanwhile, former Executive Director of NICIL Winston Brassington in an invited comment told Guyana Times he was unaware the outstanding monies were paid

to NICIL up until December 31, 2015.

“If it was paid, then the seller can easily produce evidence showing this. Payments of this nature are transferred via the banking system (wire transfer) from one bank to another and easy to check and validate. Given that the first payment was wired directly to NICIL’s US dollar bank account in Guyana, I would expect the remaining US$5M to have followed the same course,” Brassington said.

He clarified that after the payment of the initial US$25 million by Datang, there has been no amendments to the sale contract up to the time of him being a part of NICIL. “Any amendment is required to be executed in writing by both parties. As such nonpayment would be deemed a breach of contract. The Chinese buyer should bear the responsibility to prove evidence of payment per the contract terms,” he stated, adding that his comment was simply to avoid speculation on NICIL’s actions while he was at the helm.

Auditor’s take

Meanwhile, speaking with this publication on Thursday, Anand Goolsarran who conducted an audit into the operations of NICIL said based on his examination of the books of the holding company, as at December 31, 2015, the monies were not paid to NICIL. He noted that Brassington did indicate in the management response to the Audit that the monies were still outstanding and that legal proceedings were being initiated to recoup that money. turn to page 10

4

guyana-times.com

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

No evidence to support PM’s claims D

espite a claim by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo that the state media, particularly the Guyana Chronicle is opened and has been publishing views opposed to the government, including news articles emanating from the government, an analysis conducted by this publication proved otherwise.

Guyana Times conducted its own analysis of the publications of Guyana Chronicle since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition government took office.

A total of 233 publications of the Guyana Chronicle between May 11, 2015 and April 20, 2016 were examined, of which only 22 carried articles that are in anyway relating to PPP and its members, representing 9.44 per cent of coverage.

Further analysis revealed that the 22 publications carried a total of 25 stories relating to the opposition, of which only two highlighted any positives of the PPP/C and a whopping 23 attempting to belittle or embarrass the opposition or to paint its members in a bad light, including headlines like “Jagdeo ‘cut and run’ ”.

This evidence strongly contradicts public pronouncements by PM Nagamootoo and his Director of Public Information (DPI) Imran Khan, both of whom claimed in the past that the opposition has significant access to the state media.

As a matter of fact, on Monday, a statement from the Prime Minister Office denied censorship of the state media.

He had said that such claims are “wholly false and baseless” and attempt to damage the image of the Coalition Government which is trying to repair democratic institutions, including state media which had been left in a “shambolic state” under the previous administration.

The statement issued by the DPI argued that the coalition government has established independent and professional boards for major state media entities and that for the first time in many years, state media have been carrying articles and reports critical of the government.

However, Guyana Times’ analysis could not find the “extensive positive coverage to the opposition” to which the PM’s Office referred.

Recently the Prime Minister was criticised by the United State Department of State in its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015 over a 2015 attempt to censor the Guyana Chronicle.

According to the report, for which the Prime Minister is yet effectively to address, in August 2015 he issued a directive that all headlines in the state-owned print media (Guyana Chronicle) be first scrutinised and approved by his office before they are published. The directive was a response to a headline criticising the government.

The press, whether state own or privately owed – should be able to operate without fear in a democratic story. Guyana Times in particular has been operating within the realm of a free independent press. In particular, this newspaper does not attack any politician but reports on the facts responsibly and accurately – operating fairly with balance and without fair.

In this instance as outlined above the facts are that although the PM has been boasting about mammoth opposition coverage in the state owned Guyana Chronicle this coverage is meagre. It must be reminded that the most important ingredient of democracy is the existence of fearless and free press. As such the media, being the defender of the rights and liberties of the people, can perform only if it enjoys its ability to be uncensored in our democratic society.

Queen Elizabeth II poses with her five great-grandchildren and her two youngest grandchildren in the Green Drawing Room, part of Windsor Castle’s semi-State apartments in this official photograph, released by Buckingham Palace to mark her official 90th birthday April 20, 2016 (c2016 Annie Leibovitz/Handout via Reuters)

Copycat, cookie-cutter approach to criminal behaviour Dear Editor, I am speaking particularly to the incidences of crime; having both an objective and subjective understanding of how criminals think. What is happening in Guyana is a copycat, cookie cutter approach to criminal behaviour. Old criminals are teaching the young criminals the tricks of the trade.

“John” sees that “Jim” is getting away with a deviant behaviour, so John does what Jim is doing. And Jim is getting away with murder (pun intended), and now John, because the Government is distracted.

The untenable situations over the last ten months can all be chalked up to administrative infancy. However, these crises have the government on their back foot, playing defence. The opposition is unrelenting in their attacks.

This is making the citizens feel as if the Government is absent. The backlash is that the criminals smell blood in the water. For them, ‘the cat’s away, so the mice will play.’ It is now a criminalistic free for all.

In the ‘90s when I served as a Chaplain at the Westville Correctional Facility (Indiana’s largest prison), I interacted with some of the most violent of Indiana’s and Michigan’s criminals. What I leaned during those years is that even the most violent criminals have their soft spots. When a criminal is incarcerated and the correct kinds of rehabilitative programmes are provided and the environment is created, the desired change begins to take place.

A trained person can get the inmate to open up and when he does, he speaks apologetically and remorsefully of his deviant past behaviours. I had hundreds of personal rapports with in-

mates and during my sessions with them, I got a clear understanding of what drives criminal behaviours.

Criminals are not born. Criminals are made.

Circumstances make people criminals. A criminal is more likely to come from a broken home, have low academic and vocational skills, have an addiction to drugs or have friends with those traits. A perfect storm is created when those in authority seem not to have a handle on the situation. When you speak to any offender he will tell you that he did what he did, or he does what he is doing because the environment existed or exists for him to do it.

The breakdown begins first in the home when there is a lack of the correct governance of the child. This is mostly true of single-parent homes, where the mother is the parent. The deviancy then spreads to the community where there is a lack of role models; especially males.

In Guyana the religious community has become ‘Maslowian’ in their outlook, with their number 1 hierarchical need is being their financial status.

Religion as a whole has become introverted and selfish, and we religious people are failing this country miserably. If you don’t have money, some churches shun you.

As a pastor who works with the outcast, I have many sad stories to tell, of persons who advocate one thing publically but renege on their promises in private. Editor, I would wish to deal more specifically with this in another letter.

There are far too many single-mothers – especially in the Afro-Guyanese community; hence the lack of proper parenting. In some societies the religions – especially Islam and Christianity – step up and play a pivotal role in

curbing criminal behaviours in the community. However, there seem to be no such trend in Guyana.

Additionally, the successive governments seem to be overwhelmed by their own internal problems and unable to give sufficient attention to the crime problem.

The previous government was so distracted that they were unable to put any significant measures in place to curb the crime epidemic. They neglected to establish a post-release rehabilitation programme. The PPP/C had a golden opportunity to establish Guyana’s first exoffender rehabilitation programme but they refused.

Additionally, they had a very poorly administered pre-release rehabilitation programme. Inmates complained that the programmes conducted in the prisons were riddled with favouritism and corruption. This led to the prison becoming a revolving door.

Over the last few years I observed the crime situation in Guyana grew precipitously worse because the environment existed for it to thrive.

Guyana has one of the highest rates of recidivism in the Caribbean; with 7 or 8 out of every 10 released prisoner returning to prison. We also have a very young prison population; with 75 per cent of our inmates between the ages of 18-35.

That is why Guyana needs a stop-gap programme to intercept the guys when they come out of prison. The justification for a rehabilitation centre is to counter what is now pervasive in our society. As it stands, the older criminals are recruiting and training the younger ones, then loaning them their guns to commit these heinous crimes. An ex-offender rehabilitation will have the re-

verse effect. The programme will serve to have those rehabilitated former inmates mentor the troubled youths.

Also, the government will have a team of former criminals at their disposal to serve as point men and a thinkthank for their crime fighting.

Crime has continued to flourish even with this government because, as with the past administration, they are embroiled in many distractions. They too are unable to focus sufficiently on the crime situation.

The double whammy of the criminal upsurge and the prison riots seem to have knocked the Public Security Ministry off their stride. Both situations were festering for a long time under the past government but now they have landed at the doorsteps of this administration.

What this government has going for it is their newness, coupled with the credibility of President Granger.

Because of this, folks are willing to give them time and to be lenient with them.

However, this will not last forever. They should use this honeymoon period to regroup, flush themselves of the current distracting issues and double down on moving the country forward.

Editor, to every one person I know coming for the Jubilee celebrations, I know two who are afraid to return because of the crime situation. Guyana has great developmental potential among our Caribbean counterparts, by way of our minerals and people. However, if the government – any government does not get a handle of the crime epidemic, our greatness will remain only a potential.

Sincerely, Wendell Jeffrey

guyana-times.com

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

5

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

CJIA operations worrying Post Office money Dear Editor, I recently travelled to Guyana to conduct a survey relating to the Local Government Elections and contemporary issues. My passport was in order. But the immigration officer felt the need for secondary screening. I do not know if I am on a targeted list like what the PNC dictatorship had at Timehri when it governed between 1965 and 1992. Also, after going through immigration, my baggage was thoroughly searched.

The customs officer asked some idiotic questions about my traditional Indian garments including if they belonged to me. I brought some items for donation to orphanages, schools, and senior citizen centres as I normally have done during trips to Guyana over the last three decades – they were not dutiable. I was told I had to pay cus-

toms. I did not observe anyone else’s luggage being so thoroughly inspected. Although I severely critiqued the PPP Government, I was never subjected to abuse at the airport during its 22 years in office.

The last time I had such a humiliating experience was during the PNC dictatorship in the 1980s when my body was searched for sardines, bread, roti, and other banned goods.

Possession of such items was a criminal act subject to hefty fines and long jail terms.

During that period, women’s privacy was also invaded by customs officers who were searching for banned onions, potatoes and other items. Are we returning to that era?

When I departed Guyana last month, my belongings were again subjected to a thorough search by CANU similar to when I was searched during the PNC dictatorship by cus-

toms officers looking for gold and worthless Guyana dollars.

David Hinds complained a few years ago that his belongings were scanned and searched when he was leaving Guyana although it was a routine check.

What is his view about my experience when my luggage was emptied on the counter. Freddie Kissoon, the PNC apologist, accused the PPP of targeting PNC activists. How does he feel about my experience? As letters’ editor of his paper, he refused to publish my complaint letter about this experience. He is hypocritical for lambasting the preceding regime and refusing to publish complaints against the authoritarian regime he now supports. What do Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan, Veerasammy Ramayya, and Charandass Persaud have to say about

Indians being targeted for abuse?

Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye and other African nationalists complain that the PPP regime victimised Opposition PNC, WPA and AFC activists and political commentators. Has there been any real change on that front since the change in Government last May? The more things change the more they remain the same or become worse in Guyana. One set of rulers has been replaced by another set of rights abusers.

Guyanese should be free to enter and leave the country without having to worry about being harassed and intimidated at the airport. PPP supporters around the country should not be intimidated as has been happening since last May. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

This nation is reeling from the unending crime and senseless killings

Dear Editor, April 20, 2016 was a very solemn time for this country. It was the funeral of two elders, Mohamed and Bibi Munir, whose lives were snuffed out in the most heinous and barbaric manner.

This couple, who I do not know, but who having read of their progressive, selflessly charitable, and humane life, deserves my most respectful, heartfelt commiseration.

I, like the entire nation of all races, were shell-shocked in the manner that this couple met their demise. A couple in the quiet and peace of their humble abode, retiring to bed after a day of hard and mean-

ingful work were awaken by the hounding of bandits, who in their demonic endeavour gained access to the home’s interior, but failed to gain access to the couple’s most secured room.

In what could be described as the worst of the devils’ work, in their fit of anger and frustration, being unable to rob the couple of their valuables, the bandits put the house on fire.

Mohamed and Bibi Munir were trapped in their own secured room, and in anguish, pain and horror, and being helpless, they must have huddled together and died as one loving couple. It was an unfor-

tunate end to lives that we all yearn to emulate.

May God bless their souls.

Editor, whilst every local newspapers found time and space to report on the funeral of this great couple, the Guyana Chronicle did not find it necessary to do likewise.

It was most repulsive to see the front and second page being decorated with pictures of government ministers walking around the city “rehearsing their eyes right” for the Golden Jubilee – 50th Independence anniversary.

It would appear that for this government, the single most important issue, including the economic, social and

security woes, is its focus on the Golden Jubilee.

Editor, this nation is reeling from the unending crime and senseless killing of hardworking, honest citizens, and all the government is simply interested in is preparation for the Golden Jubilee.

With what has been happening, who from the Diaspora would risk being here with their family given what is unfolding each day.

I think the government has their priority in the wrong place for too long.

Yours faithfully, Chandimal Rambudhan

GPF needs to be more proactive Dear Editor, The recent murder and attempted robbery which took place at Topoo, Albion, just two weeks ago could have been avoided if ‘Operation Dragnet’ was still in operation. When regular patrols were done there were less crimes being committed and the residents of the Kilcoy/Hampshire felt secured in their homes. Bandits knew that they had to take more risks which may involve their own lives - a risk they were unwilling to take. However, soon after the Christmas holidays the operations in these areas were aborted.

I sought an explanation from a senior government official soon after the Kilcoy murder with regards to ‘Operation Dragnet’. He said that he will investigate the status of the said operation. When I called him later he told me that a senior police rank told him that if bandits want to rob and kill someone then there is nothing the police could do!

If this statement is true then such an indifferent, insensitive and ludicrous conclusion hardly befits one to hold such a high office!

Credit must be given to the Minister of Public Security for understand the escalating crime situation in the country and to launch ‘Operation

Dragnet’ in December 2015, but this operation actually fizzled out in Berbice before anything tangible could have been achieved.

Members of the GDF and GPF who conducted this operation were hardly visible after the festive season. The minister should seek some answers here.

This operation needs to be revitalised immediately and should run beyond June 1, 2016. People are getting robbed and murdered as soon as the sun sets and there is an upsurge in bicycle bandits.

Bicycle bandits roam freely in the Nigg Post Office Street area, Kilcoy North area and the Albion Road area. Many reports were made to the Albion Police station but the situation remains unresolved. If ‘Operation Dragnet’ was effective in Berbice then this situation would not have arisen.

Ideas are good but the implementation is bad! What I have found is that it seems as though the Police ranks lack the dedication and commitment it needs and the senior officers care even less. Policemen cannot just sit at the station and allow crimes to happen!

On a more long-term basis, the coalition Government had proposed a five-point plan which focuses heavily on train-

ing of police ranks.

This in my opinion is the key to effective policing in terms of crime detection, apprehension of criminals and prosecuting them successfully in the courts. The six-month training period is too short, a much longer training is a necessity and should be more intelligence based as well being more physically demanding.

Many of our policemen are afraid to confront criminals and would normally respond to take pictures, fingerprints and collect statements.

There are just too many ‘ongoing investigations’ which bear no fruit and in some cases victims are treated as criminals. There is a dire need to have better trained police officers who have the requisite courage to confront criminals.

It must be stressed that tangible salary and benefit increases are also areas which the government must address immediately, and only then will police officers be able to live within their means, stop being corrupt and exhibit more dedication to their jobs.

In addition, many of our police officers are not physically fit and some cannot even quickly walk a couple hundred yards much more a mile. How can these people tackle criminals?

Many of them need to be physi-

cally tested on a regular basis to ascertain if they are fit for the job.

The only effective policemen are in the Traffic Department since it is not very physically demanding to operate a radar gun and write some speeding tickets.

Moreover, the GPF needs to be more pro-active in their approach, and intelligence gathering is vitally important here.

Why are there no close circuit televisions in Berbice? CCTV cameras should be placed at strategic locations to capture criminal activities. Too much reliance is placed on businessmen and citizens to protect themselves.

Lastly, the GPF in order to boost its intelligence ability should try to forge a closer relationship with the public and in order to get this cooperation the GPF must change its attitude towards civil society.

A police officer should be seen as someone people could trust and who can keep in strict confidence whatever information they receive from the public. Until this perception is changed the public will not cooperate.

Yours sincerely, Chairman, Kilcoy/ Hampshire NDC Haseef Yusuf

transfer system needs to be reviewed

Dear Editor, On Monday 4 April, 2016, I left my workplace braving the weather, travelling about eight miles to get to the Bartica Post Office.

Having arrived there, there were about 15 persons, most of them pensioners, so with the limited staff there I understood that I had to spend some time, so as to send some money to the Aurora Post Office for someone, and to conduct some urgent business for myself.

But having sent $900 with receipt issued and the expectation that the receiver at the Aurora Post Office would have accessed this money, I was subsequently told by both the Postmistress and the receiver that the Office (Aurora) do not have any money, and the receiver would have to wait until the following day, Tuesday 5, April, for same.

I then requested from the postal clerk that my money be returned to me so that I can use some other money transfer agency.

To my uttermost surprise, I was told that the only way this refund can happen is that I would have to pay a further $1100. The only thing I said to the clerk is this is robbery without violence.

I then left the Bartica Post Office and thankfully I was in a position to have another set of money sent through another money

transfer agency.

It is important to say that the Aurora Post Office was not in a position to complete the transaction (paying the receiver) until at 14:00h on 5 April. This system at these post offices need to be looked at.

On a related issue, Minister Volda Lawrence, shortly after her swearingin, visited some post offices, and as expected made some observations regarding the long time that pensioners have to spend at Post Offices and most of them standing for them to get their money.

Her comments would have inspired a lot of hope for changes to happen.

Months after I am not sure if anything was changed.

Sincerely, Archie W Cordis

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friDAY, april 22, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

(Continued from Thursday)

The other possible causes of the deformity include hereditary reasons, different lengths of legs, injuries, infections and tumours. There are numerous symptoms attributed to scoliosis which can vary from individual to individual. The symptoms are: difference in heights of the shoulders, off-centred head, difference in the height or position of the hip, difference in the position or height of shoulder blade, different arm lengths in straight standing position and lastly, different height back sides when the body is bent forward. Other symptoms include leg pain, back pain and change in bladder and bowel habits. The symptoms may be similar to other problems related to spinal cord or other deformities or could result from an infection or injury and consulting a doctor is the best bet in this situation.

The diagnosis of scoliosis requires a thorough medical history of the teenager, diagnostic tests and also physical examination. There are various treatments available for scoliosis; which particular one or combination is decided by the physician depending on teenager’s age, medical history and health in general. The method of treatment also depends on the extent of the disease. The tolerance of the teenager to certain medicines, therapies and procedures are also taken into consideration. Expectations and opinions of the parents or teenager are also important in deciding the type of treatment. The main aim of the treatment is stop the curve from progressing and avert deformity. The treatments include observation and repetitive examinations, bracing and surgery to correct the defect.

Sprains and strains in adolescents Sprains and strains are among the majority of the injuries caused while playing sports. Sports injuries can be caused by small trauma which involves ligaments, muscles and tendons, including bruises, sprains and strains.

The body part which is most commonly involved in spraining or straining is the ankle.

An injury caused to the soft tissue as a result of a direct force like a fall, kick and blow is called a contusion or a bruise. A sprain is nothing but a ligament which is wrenched or twisted.

Sprains usually affect knees, wrists and ankles. On the other hand, a strain is an injury caused to a tendon or muscle which usually results from force, stretching and overuse.

Sprains/strains are usually diagnosed by a physician after a

scenario.

Various options available for treatment include restriction of activity after the injury; use of cast/splint, crutches or wheelchair; physical therapy which involves stretching exercises to give strength to the muscles, tendons and ligaments that are injured and last but not least, surgery, which is opted for in worst-case scenarios.

In the long term, bruises, sprains and strains heal pretty quickly in kids and teenagers, but it is important that the adolescent sticks to the restrictions imposed during the treatment and

physical examination.

There are various symptoms of strain and sprain depending on each teen’s physical condition and they may vary accordingly. One of the symptoms includes pain in and around the area of injury. There could also be a swelling around the injured area. Some teens also experience difficulty when they use or move the area of the body that is injured. Some teenagers also have bruises or redness in the area that is injured. Many times the symptoms of sprains and strains look similar to other medical conditions and a doctor’s advice is the best option in this

healing process and regularly attend physical therapy sessions if any is prescribed. The majority of sportrelated injuries results from either traumatic injury or excessive use of muscles and joints, but they can be avoided with the right training, protective gear and equipment.

Tennis elbow in adolescents Tennis elbow is a condition in which tendon fibres that attach on epicondyle on the elbow’s exterior degenerates.

The tendons talked about here anchor the muscles that help the wrist and hand to lift. Although tennis elbow

occurs mostly in patients of 30 to 50 years of age, it can happen to people of any age. Also tennis elbow affects almost 50 per cent of teenagers who are in racquet sports thus the name “tennis elbow”. But still most of the patients who suffer with tennis elbow are people who don’t play racquet sports. The majority of the times there isn’t any specific injury before the symptoms start showing up. Tennis elbow can also happen to people who use their forearm muscles frequently and vigorously for day-to-day work and recreational activities. Ironically, some patients develop the condition without any of the activity related reasons that lead to the symptoms.

The symptoms of tennis elbow include severe burning pain on the elbow’s exterior region. In the majority of the cases, this starts as a slow and mild pain gradually worsening with the passage of few weeks or sometimes months. The pain worsens when one tries to lift objects.

There are many treatment options available and in the majority of the cases non-surgical treatment is given a try. The ultimate goal of the first phase of the treatment is pain relief.

The symptoms also diminished with the help of orthotics. Once there is a relief from pain the treatment’s next phase starts which involve modification of activities in order to prevent the symptoms from returning. The doctor may also prescribe the teenager to go for physical therapy, which may include stretching exercises to gradually increase the strength of the affected tendons and muscles. Physical therapies have high success rates and return your elbow back to normal working condition. Again, non-surgical procedures are highly successful in 85 to 90 per cent of patients.

A surgical procedure is considered only when patients undergo relentless pain that doesn’t improve even after six months of non-surgical treatment. (Excerpt

from childdevelopmentinfo.com)

By Jean Lawrence

B

ones are living tissue. They contain nerves, blood vessels, and marrow, where blood cells are created.

Bones are constantly tearing down and rebuilding themselves, like a freeway construction project that never ends. Without this repair and reinforcement of even minor weak spots, we would break bones on a regular basis.

“When a person is under 20 years of age,” explains Felicia Cosman, MD, medical director of the Clinical Research Centre at Helen Hayes Hospital in New York and clinical director of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, “you are forming more bone cells than you are losing.” But when women near menopause, rebuilding new bone slows down. A woman’s bone density begins to decrease.

To prevent porous, breakable bones as you age, you need to have sufficient calcium and vitamin D. The body uses calcium for a number of functions and will take it out of the bones faster than it can be laid down if your diet does not pump enough calcium into the pipeline.

But calcium is not the only component – bones are also onethird collagen, which is a protein that gives bones their flexibility.

Annemarie Colbin, PhD, author of Food and Our Bones: The Natural Way to Prevent Osteoporosis, urges us to look at the animals with the largest bones – cows, elephants. “What do they eat?” she asks. “Leafy plants.”

The biggest component of a bone-healthy diet is leafy greens, both cooked and raw, according to Colbin. “Greens give you not only calcium, but vitamin K, potassium, and other minerals and nutrients you need to lay down bone. My first three recommendations are vegetables, vegetables, vegetables,” she says with a laugh.

Vitamin D is also important for strong bones, and a good source is, believe it or not, the sun.

Colbin recommends being out 20 minutes a day with no sunblock, but Cosman vehemently disputes the wisdom of ever going out without sunblock and recommends a multivitamin or vitamin D supplement.

Another building block of strong bones is protein (remember that collagen?).

Colbin says mix it up – beans, fish, chicken. “You can’t eat the same boring diet every day.” Again, she urges you to select good-quality, properly raised, antibioticfree protein sources. She also recommends making your own stock from animal bones – add a tablespoon of vinegar to 8 cups of water to pull the calcium out of the bones. Throw in carrots, onions, pepper – and all you need is some garlic bread! (Excerpt from WedMD)

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friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Environmental tax

Another beverage company sues Govt for billions

Govt plugs $150M into completion of D’Urban Park

– to rectify inferior work by contractor, amount and source of funds still unknown

– more companies threaten to sue

Stands at the venue Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

Another beverage company sues Guyana for billions over environmental tax

By Devina Samaroo

jected to paying billions of dollars to the Trinidadian company; however, he was optimistic that Guyana has a strong defence case.

“Noteworthy is the fact in the Rudisa matter... the Government of Guyana did not lead evidence to show that the tax was trans-

S

oon after the paying off $1.2 billion to Rudisa Beverages, the Government of Guyana has been slapped with a lawsuit from another Caribbean beverages company, claiming millions of dollars in refund

SM Jaleel and Company Limited

of the environmental tax imposed prior to the repeal of the Customs Act in 2015.

Trinidadian firm SM Jaleel and Company Limited, and its local subsidiary Guyana Beverages Inc, are relying on the judgment in the Rudisa Beverages (Surinamese Company) matter to win the case against Guyana, in which they have alleged a breach of the principles of trade liberalisation and free movement of goods as envisioned by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Marker and Economy (CSME).

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams during a news conference on Thursday disclosed that the companies are claiming a reimbursement of the tax imposed during the period January 1, 2006, to the date of the repeal in August 2015.

Williams noted that Government could be sub-

ferred (to consumers). We intend to lead such evidence in this case,” he stated, noting that a strong team of legal experts will be representing the Government when the matter is called up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on May 13.

The Attorney General also indicated that there are other companies likely to follow similar paths to claim relief of the environmental tax which was previously imposed.

“A lot of companies had written me after the Rudisa judgment in this same context,” he explained.

In 2014, Government was fearful that the Trinidadian Beverage Company would file a lawsuit after it had lost the case against Rudisa Beverages, which was a smaller firm.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkette had noted that “my worry is that we will have another case because

Suriname is the smaller exporter, they are nowhere near what comes in from Trinidad and that’s the problem.”

The CCJ in 2014 had ordered Guyana to repay Rudisa Beverages more than US$6 million for charging environmental tax on its imports of beverages into Guyana.

Over the years, Guyana’s failure to make the payment resulted in accumulated interest being added to sum, until recently, Rudisa agreed to slash nearly US$1.5 million off the settlement.

Guyana then had only US$6 million to pay, which they have done.

Notably, Rudisa was willing to drop the case if Guyana made the necessary amendments to the Customs Act. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has since contended that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are to be blamed for the situation – they were unsupportive of his Administration’s attempt to amend the legislation.

He noted that the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration was desperately trying to avoid falling into the pits of this adversity, but the then combined Opposition appeared to had other plans.

Then Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, tabled the necessary amendments to the Customs Act in the National Assembly on two occasions. On both occasions, the Opposition, which held a one-seat majority, voted against the amendments.

W

ith the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations less than a month away, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has taken over the D’Urban Park Project and has undertaken to have it completed within 21 days.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson explained that because of time constraints and mobilisation of equipment and resources, it was felt that the Project was better handled thereon by his Ministry giving its capacity to have it completed in time for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

To this end, Patterson disclosed that Cabinet at Tuesday’s meeting cleared the use of some $150 million for the completion of the Project from its current stage.

“Funding, on the initial stage, is on the line item of Ministry’s Infrastructure Development, but there are alternatives, including what has not been concluded, a grant funding which is already earmarked for such type of developments… I can

expend as much as $150 million, however, at this initial stage, we do have to get this finished before, so there will not be any need for a contingency at the moment,” he stated.

The Public Infrastructure Minister went on to say that should the grant funding come to fruition, there is the possibility that it would wholly fund the remaining work that Government has undertaken to complete. “I do hope the possibility of a grant funding is resolved quickly, as it will obviously defray those

costs,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the sources that would have funded the project to its current state still remain unknown. When asked about this, Patterson noted that the funding was derived from donations but did not reveal any names of the donors, saying that an audit would be conducted to clear up any speculation.

“What we have received is a summary and what we are doing now is an inventory of the materials, but there are two distinct sections. turn to page 13

8 news

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Mentally-challenged man on $25,000 bail – charged for damage to property

A

man suspected to be mentally ill was on Thursday placed on $25,000 bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with damage to property.

When the matter was called in court on Thursday,

Paul Smith, 22, of Lot 505 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, shouted “I got more rights than nuff a dem, nuff nuff rights.”

He then pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on April 20, at North Road, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged the glass window

of a car, property of Claude Murray.

The man, who seemed to be quite unaware of the seriousness of the offence committed, was talking throughout his hearing disturbing the Magistrate in the process.

He was asked several times by Magistrate McGusty if he had any relatives and he

indicated that he lived with his aunt, but did not have a telephone number or any contact information for her.

The Police Prosecutor had no objections to bail, pointing out to the Court that the defendant’s mental ability seemed to be questionable.

The matter was adjourned to May 17.

Trio granted $75,000 bail Ogle Airport employee each on plywood theft charge charged for damage

T

wo men and a woman were on Thursday arraigned on larceny charges before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts four years after they reportedly stole millions in plywood from Toolsie Persaud Limited, one of Guyana’s largest manufacturing companies.

Oliver Coates, 66; Jacquelyn Mangru, 46,

and Joseph (only name given), 55, were not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between June 5, 2011 and November 7, 2012, they stole 12 crates of plywood valued $12.8 million, property of Toolsie Persaud Limited.

There were no objections to bail in the sum of $75,000 each by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones. The case will continue on May 9.

to property

A

n Ogle International Airport employee was on Thursday placed on $45,000 bail by city Magistrate Faith McGusty after being charged for malicious damage to property.

Gordon Pearson, 36, of Lot 9 Roxanne Gardens Drive, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on April 15 at Roxanne Burnham Gardens, he damaged one black Apple iPhone, property of Ali Williams.

In court on Thursday,

Defence Attorney Darren Wade in a bail application said his client was anxious and ready to prove his innocence in the matter.

As such, he was placed on $45,000 bail which Attorney Wade said was exorbitant as his client was already on $20,000 station bail.

However, his objections were overruled. The defendant was also placed on a bond to keep the peace. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on May 13.

Good Hope fire/homicide

Suspects detained for further 72 hours

T

he five persons who were arrested in connection with the horrendous murder of prominent rice farmers Bibi and Mohammed Munir will be further detained

by Police for questioning as the probe into the matter intensifies.

On Thursday, investigators were granted a 72-hour extension to the legal 72-hour detention period.

Bibi Munir, 70, and her husband, Mohammed, 77, of Lot 16 Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), were burnt to death after bandits set their house on fire following a suspected botched robbery on April 17.

Reports indicate that among those arrested are the late couple’s handyman and Winston Sherlock, called

“Quarters”, who was wanted for the abduction of Windsor Forest businessman Tazim Gafoor.

Accompanied by his Attorney, Sherlock turned himself in to the Leonora Police Station on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses recounted that on the night of the incident which occurred around 23:00h, numerous gunshots were heard.

Upon investigation, residents realised that the house was being rapidly consumed by the blazing fire and the couple, trapped inside the grilled room that they had locked themselves into when the bandits had invaded their home, were desperately screaming for help.

However, neighbours were too late to render assistance.

Eyew tness

Fiddling... ...while sugar burns

So now we hear there are “plans” for Wales – but they can’t be revealed as yet. They’ll be “released next month”. This, we assume, is supposed to reassure the 50,000 or so citizens of West Bank Demerara who depend on Wales Sugar Estate as their economic anchor.

Interestingly, the news came from Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Is Minister of Agriculture Holder still in Costa Rica solving Latin America’s Agri problems? He has, of course, such a stellar record in Guyana!

Trotman said the plan “might” involve aqua-farming.

Wales has 14,000 acres of agricultural land...so how many will be turned over to the fishes? 100 acres?

How’s that tilapia farm in Canal doing? Might the West Bankers be apprised of that experience to further reassure them? How many will that venture employ? 50 persons of the 1700 thrown out on the streets after the closure of Wales this year-end?

And let’s not insult people who know sugar – that’s everybody at Wales and Uitvlugt – that sugar cane and sugar workers from Wales will be transported to Uitvlugt.

Ain’t gonna happen. Trotman also said the abandoned Wales Sugar Factory will also produce electricity. With what? So they’ll haul the bagasse back from Uitvlugt?

And there’s gonna be a Power Purchase Agreement?

He also said (he was quite loquacious, no?) there will be “housing schemes and industrial sites” established along the new road – which’ll cost at least $1 billion – between Wales and Uitvlugt - with ‘factories and the facilities will become very attractive.” Isn’t this putting the cart before the horse? Shouldn’t there be factories to provide jobs to justify the new settlements? Has the huge 3796-house, 15,000 resident Parfait Harmonie scheme on West Bank, with its own $604 million access road – brought in any “factories”?

Who’s fooling whom? As was outlined in an editorial in this newspaper last week, this Government’s gonna close down the sugar industry. And its privatisation plans for Wales is just the pilot project. But if it has any political sense, it should follow what’s going on over in the US. The Big Banks – crucial cogs in America’s economy – have been asked to make “living wills” – (the technical term is “resolution plans”) - in preparation for their eventual deaths.

Meaning if the collapse of institutions would have massive impact on the economy and people, they must have a plan to alleviate the worst-case scenario. And allocate funds for same. If the Government’s saying sugar ain’t too big to fail – and won’t be subsidised any longer – we better have a living will from GuySuCo. Or all those sugar workers might just have to make their own living wills.

...on ethics

Your Eyewitness just got his biggest laugh of the year when he read Town Clerk Royston King’s drafting a “Code of Ethics” for City Hall!!! The last time he laughed as loudly was when Hamilton Green launched his crusade for a moral revival! What’s the thinking behind this latest jaw-dropper? That the best thief will make the best policeman? And the most ethically challenged will chisel another set of morals on stone tablets? So what if the best thief’s just hit his prime and he’s just been given the keys to the vault? At best, wouldn’t it be a case of the spirit might be willing but the flesh is weak?

And how weak is Royston King? Let us count the ways. Is there a day that goes by and there isn’t a letter in the press describing another shifty move by this slick operator? But there’s hope.

If this Code of Ethics follows the fate of the one promised by the Government – it’ll never see the light of day!

...with Pharma bids

With the shortages of Pharma reaching a point of no return, the mega annual bids will be announced next week.

Word is, the “Spoiled Milk” supplier and the “Solesourced Fertiliser” supplier have the inside track.

“Political investments”?

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

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friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Education Ministry seeking to reform training college’s curriculum

T

he Education Ministry could soon move to reform the curriculum for both students and teachers in training college, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has said.

Roopnaraine was at the time speaking at the launch of the Adaptation Curriculum for Deaf Education in Guyana at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) on Wednesday. He said it was time for the aggregate courses of study to be changed for both students and persons training to become teachers.

Minister Roopnaraine said

he hoped that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operation of the education sector, which is expected to commence shortly, would be able to direct the reform. Also of concern to the Minister is the level of remuneration for teachers.

He said the Ministry was still fighting to secure better wages and remuneration for teachers in the public school system. According to him, while the Ministry is working within budgetary constraints, it is still seeking to look into the financial affairs of those who mould the minds of the country’s children.

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

“Frankly, I am dissatisfied with the wages throughout the public sector. But we are operating within budgetary constraints. We are doing what we can with the available resources that are open to us. We not only have to satisfy our workers, our teachers, we have other public servants who are struggling throughout the country and when we consider how we are going to effectively share what are there to be shared, we have to ensure that our teachers are not short-changed,” he said recently .

He added that it was important to keep teachers in-

spired since “happy and inspired teachers will result in the kind of students we want them to produce”.

“I have no interest in dissatisfied, grumpy teachers.

If it means we have to fight harder to deal with their level of remuneration, then we will do so,” the Minister promised. Just last month, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) expressed its optimism that the Education Ministry would dedicate renewed energy towards addressing their issues, primarily salary increases. The body has proposed a 40 per cent salary increase for teachers.

The Union is of the opinion that a hindrance to the salary increases was the Local Government Elections (LGE), but with this over, the Ministry should be able to make the decision.

The Union has been awaiting word on the matter from the Ministry over the past few months. In January, the matter was put on hold by the Ministry owing to the reading of this year’s National Budget.

However, the GTU remains confident this matter will be looked into and teachers across the country will be benefactors of the increase.

Caricom countries can return to former glory – Baptiste

…need to be more effective in responses to global challenges

W

hile the social and economic structure of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has changed over time, there is still room for it to return to its former glory if countries become more effective in coordinating their responses to global challenges.

St Lucia’s Minister of External Affairs, Trade and Civil Aviation Alva Baptiste on Thursday said Caribbean countries live in a very different world to the one that was known in the 20th century, when Caricom was born.

He was delivering brief remarks at the opening ceremony of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at the Marriot Hotel, Georgetown, on Thursday.

“It is a very different en-

St Lucia’s Minister of External Affairs, Trade and Civil Aviation, Alva Baptiste

vironment in the 20th century, diplomacy and business was conducted in the context of power. There were two World Wars, two superpow-

ers, we had the Cold War and you aligned yourself ideologically. You received preferential access to markets and we were like newborn babies being fed by the mother country.”

He said things have, however changed in the 21st Century. According to him ideologies which once reigned supreme have been replaced by the economics of larger richer nations.

“Things have changed for Caribbean people. We now relate disadvantageously to a world dominated by Capital. Macroeconomic and trade favour industrialised countries to the detriment of developing countries.

Today, those arrangements have precipitated a morbid scenario in the Caribbean.

Foreign direct investment

has declined significantly, as powers realigned them-

selves”, he said.

turn to page 15

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, april 22, 2016

News

Courts Ltd donates to St Rose’s Earth Day 2016 High School, One Act Foundation No turning back in the global

Students and teachers of the St Rose’s High School receive the donated freezer from a representative of Courts Guyana Ltd

C

ourts Guyana Limited on Wednesday, as part of the fulfilment of its corporate responsibility and to foster youth and education development, made two generous contributions to the St Rose’s High School and the One Act Foundation.

During the simple handing-over ceremony at the company’s Main Street branch, a freezer was handed over to the students and teachers of the School while an undisclosed sum of cash

was presented to Nuriyyih Gerrard, founder of the One Act Foundation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Courts’ Public Relations Manager, Roberta Ferguson said that the company has recognised its responsibility to give back to Guyana, especially in the areas of youths and education.

As such, she said, when the School had approached the company asking for its support, it was indeed happy to make the donation.

The headteacher of the school during her remarks

thanked the company for its generous donation and assured that the item would be used for its intended purpose which would aid in the completion of agricultural School-Based Assessments.

Meanwhile, Gerrard lauded the company for always playing a role in fulfilling its duties and giving support for other initiatives.

She explained that the One Act Foundation, a nongovernmental and non-profit organisation, was initiated with the intention of using theatre arts to spread awareness of mental illnesses. This in turn would foster the development of youths in Guyana.

She urged other companies to get on board with the organisation as it is geared towards development and making the youths of Guyana more productive and efficient.

Courts, over the years, has been active in its role of giving back not only to its customers but the public in general.

The company had indicated that for the purpose of the advancement of Guyana, it would continue with its support of initiatives that work towards the same goal.

fight against climate change – US Ambassador

A

s persons around the globe observe Earth Day today, world leaders will be making history at the United Nations Head Office in New York as they recommit their pledge to fight against climate change.

Over 100 countries will sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, representing their commitment to join it formally. The signing to the Paris Agreement commenced on Thursday and will run until April 22, 2017. President David Granger will be travelling to the United States this weekend to sign onto the agreement.

According to US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, this marks a turning point in the story of the planet and may even set a record for the largest number of signatories to an international agreement in a single day.

He recalled last month, when US President Barack Obama announced along with China’s Head of State, President Xi Jinping that the two countries will sign the Paris Agreement on Earth Day and formally join this year.

“We are confident other countries will do so too, with the intention of bringing this historic and ambitious Agreement into force as quickly as possible. A greener future is already in sight. Leaders of countries and cities are adapting and innovating away from fossil fuels and business owners are investing in a clean energy economy,” Ambassador Holloway noted.

He said that the United States is moving forward in its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions 26-28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2025, through the strongest fuel economy standards in its

US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway

history, through its 20-fold increase in solar generation since 2009, and through proposed rules on everything from energy conservation standards for appliances to reduction in emissions of methane-rich gas from municipal solid waste landfills.

According to the US Diplomat, while his home country is taking significant climate action domestically, it is also focused on international cooperation to address this global challenge. He referred to US’s $500M contribution last month to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) – the first tranche of the US$3 billion US pledge to the GCF – will help developing countries reduce carbon emissions and prepare for climate impacts, while also advancing its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – another major landmark agreement the world came together around last year.

The Ambassador noted that the most successful environmental agreements of all time is the Montreal Protocol, which is phasing out ozone de-

pleting substances globally.

He said that this set the ozone layer on a path to recovery and prevented tens of millions of cases of skin cancer among other health, environmental, and economic benefits.

Holloway Moreover, outlined that while Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – which replace many of the ozone-depleting substances – do not harm the ozone layer, they are greenhouse gases that in some cases can be thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. To this end, he said the United States is working with partners to adopt an HFC phase-down amendment to the Montreal Protocol this year that could avoid half a degree Celsius of warming by the end of the century.

Furthermore, the Ambassador underscored the need for international cooperation to change the way global transportation system. “The aviation sector represents two percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation is aiming to achieve carbon neutral growth for international aviation by 2020. The United States is committed to reaching an agreement on a global market-based measure that will help move the airline sector toward this ambitious goal,” he stated.

With the signing of the Paris Agreement, Ambassador Holloway recognised that Earth Day 2016 is truly a cause for hope and also a reminder of the shared global commitment to combat climate change. He urged that countries around the world seize the momentum from Paris to build a clean energy future for respective people and nations.

Brassington, Ramotar confirm...

He made it clear that he was not confirming or denying the monies were paid, however, he would like to see the documents which Minister Harmon claimed he has in his possession. When the US$25 million was paid initially, it was made by international wire instructions, from one bank to another, thus making the payment easily traceable.

As such, the question is now being asked, if the outstanding US$5 million was indeed paid, then why the government has not yet explored that option (to trace the payment) rather than to “throw it out in public” without a proper or concrete position.

Questions are also being asked that if indeed Minister Harmon received “documents” to show that the monies were paid, those very documents must say who or which entity received the payments.

At a press conference late last year former Head of

NICIL Winston Brassington had stated that efforts were afoot to recoup the monies.

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

Attorney Meanwhile, at law and PPP Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall in commenting on the issue of the sale said that the Coalition Government is attempting to manufacture a controversy over the sale of the shares at GT&T. He said that this attempt is “obviously to distract attention” from the perpetual scandals that they have been recently generating.

He pointed out that the “concocted controversy” seems

from page 3

to be whether or not the balance of US$5M was paid. “If the purchaser is asserting that this money was paid, then all they have to do is to produce the evidence of this payment.

They must have some credible evidence that they made this payment and they must know to whom or to which company this payment was made,” he said.

According to Nandlall, unless someone in the Coalition Government received the money and is refusing to acknowledge receipt or did a write-off then proof of payment should be produced.

“The next step for the Government is litigation to recover the debt. There are several lawyers in the Cabinet and it remains a mystery how they cannot advise on such a simple matter.

Unless, of course, as I indicated, someone is not making full and frank disclosures on this matter.”

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friDAY, april 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt insists on taking back Red House ...it is “selfish” for Red House to represent only Cheddi Jagan – AG

By Devina Samaroo

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is still bent on having the Red House transformed into a facility in memory of all past Guyanese Presidents and has indicated its preparedness to ensure this happens.

Providing an update on the matter, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams told a news conference that it was quite “selfish” to have the Red House representing only late President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, who is also the founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

“There have been nine Presidents of Guyana and we feel that it’s not really feasible really to have one past President to be using up such, to be alone situated on that Red House. It kind of reeks of selfishness…All nine Presidents should be housed under Red House,” he emphasised.

Upon the coalition’s assumption of office last year, it was revealed that the prime land on which Red House sits was leased to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre for 999 years for only $12,000 per year.

Government had strongly objected to this and had consequently announced its intention to review the lease agreement.

The Attorney General disclosed that meetings were held last year with the Management Committee of Red House during which several proposals were made.

“They wanted to be able to rent it as an alternative so as to house only the former President, Cheddi Jagan,” he disclosed, noting nonetheless that the Government was not inclined to adhere to those requests.

“We are hoping that the PPP would show some maturity on this matter, because we believe that all nine Presidents should be situated in the same building,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Williams reminded that the President of Guyana, David Granger had the sole authority for all State lands.

Objections

In objecting to Government’s attempt to control Red House, former President Donald Ramotar expressed that the move represented pure “arrogance and vindictiveness”.

During an interview with Guyana Times last year, Ramotar stated point blank that to share the building with other Presidents would be a blatant dishonour to the “prestigious” Dr Jagan.

“Dr Jagan lived in that

The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre located on High Street in Kingston, Georgetown

house, it is the perfect memorial for him,” Ramotar stated.

The PPP had also voiced its concerns over Government’s decision.

“The name ‘Red House’ is an exemplification of the fact that Dr Cheddi Jagan was, at that time, branded a ‘Red’ and Communist and due to the fact that he lived at the time in that building it became known as Red House or the Red’s House,” the Party had commented.

It noted that former Presidents Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte were never deemed as ‘Red’ or Communist, and they never shared the ideology and philosophy of Dr Jagan.

As such, to suggest that Red House be the depository of Burnham’s and Hoyte’s work was not only “ludicrous” but “objectionable”.

It added that to associate Red House with Burnham and Hoyte would be a “historical misnomer” and contrary to the progressive anti-colonial and anti-imperialist ideas, thoughts and memories associated with Dr Jagan.

Suggestions were made that instead of interfering with Red House’s unique legacy, Government should move to establish individual research facilities across the country for each past President. The facility is being managed by Nadira Jagan, the daughter of the late Cheddi Jagan who has been silent on the issue.

The Red House is located on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown and Dr Jagan had lived there while he was the Premier of British Guiana from 1961-1964.

The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre was officially established in 1999 to promote research into and publish materials on the life, work and ideas of Dr Jagan – this will also promote research into the history of Guyana’s struggle for Independence and social justice, and the history of Guyana as a whole from the early 1940s to the late 1990s.

Dr Jagan was well-

known around the world as an incorruptible freedom fighter and revolutionary who dedicated his life to the poor and powerless in Guyanese society.

M&CC owed over $2B in property taxes

– threatens disclosure of delinquent taxpayers

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he Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is threatening to publish the names of those delinquent companies and individuals with outstanding tax payments to the Council.

In a statement on Thursday, the M&CC expressed its concern that several businesses within the capital city continues to disregard their civic obligation to ensure the payment of their property taxes.

Despite the Council recently winning some $300 million in judgement against some businesses for failing to honour their responsibilities, the Council said it was still experiencing immense difficulty in getting property owners to pay their dues to the Georgetown municipality.

“Council is owed more than $2 billion in property taxes,” the statement revealed.

M&CC Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis explained that this sum has accumulated over long periods of time since persons have blatantly disregarded the law.

“The Council intends

to pursue all legal options available to the municipality through the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01,” she stated, adding that this would include “parate execution”, which is a debt recovery process under the law.

This procedure is special to banks as it allows the resale of property mortgaged to the bank. The mortgage is organised without going through court proceedings and the institution itself is given the power to hold an auction for the sale of the property by the appointed auctioneer.

According to Lewis, “some businesses have seemingly divorced themselves from their obligations and it is highly regrettable that it must reach to this stage.”

Moreover, the Council said it was also working feverishly to have proper valuation and re-valuations so that the sums property owners pay reflect the true value of their property.

The Valuation Department under the direction of the Finance Ministry has oversight for these valuations of

properties. It is noticed, however, that even when properties are sent to the office for valuation or revaluation from the Treasurer’s Department, “they are subjected to certain delays”. The last valuation of properties in the city was done in 1997.

The M&CC has long been battling with taxpayers who default on paying their rates and taxes with some property owners owing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Council revealed in September last year that about 300 businesses were in default.

In light of this dilemma, the Georgetown M&CC offered delinquent taxpayers waivers on interest through a one-month amnesty exercise.

This programme saw residential property owners receiving total amnesty on interest, while companies and businesses had to apply to the Council for between 50 per cent and 75 per cent amnesty on interest.

A special committee was appointed by the Council to oversee the affairs of the amnesty project.

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FriDay, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

ScotiaBank new Gold Board broker

F

ollowing the withdrawal of Japanese brokerage firm Mitsui & Co from the gold trading business, Government has announced that the Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank) will be acting as the broker for the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) for the next six months.

In December last year, the Japanese company announced that effective March 2016 it would exit overseas physical and futures trading of gold, silver, palladium and platinum, after evaluating the business potential and future profitability of the operation.

However, the company is continuing its operations in Japan.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, at the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, announced that Cabinet gave its no-objection to ScotiaBank being contracted as the new brokerage firm for the GGB. He noted that in light of Mitsui’s pull-out, efforts were made to find a new broker.

“The Guyana Gold Board utilised the services of a consultant to secure the services of a new broker and af-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

ter due process, the Bank of Nova Scotia was deemed suitable to provide the services....,” he disclosed.

According to the Natural Resources Minister, approval was given for ScotiaBank to be contracted for an initial period of six months.

Trotman further noted that the Bank was billing Government a “very small charge” of US$1.50 per ounce of gold for its services. He added that this charge was not an annual one but was dependent on the amount of gold sold.

Gold is one of Guyana’s largest foreign currency earners, raking in some US$500 million in 2015 de-

spite the declining price on the global market. However, even though the GGB surpassed last year’s target and recorded 451,490 ounces, Trotman earlier this year had disclosed that a large percentage of gold mined is passing through the country’s porous systems.

Back in January, the Natural Resources Minister said it was estimated that approximately 15,000 ounces of the precious metal was smuggled overseas weekly. He noted that this was revealed by officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security of the United States during a visit to Guyana when they briefed top officials, including Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, about gold smuggling.

Trotman had stated that 50 to 60 per cent of local production was lost to smuggling. “Indicators are that the gold is going to Brazil.

It is going over the borders to Suriname, not to stay in Suriname but to go to Europe. It is being landed at Miami International Airport. It is being landed at John F Kennedy [Airport]

and it is going to the Middle East,” he told reporters earlier this year.

It was clarified that a percentage of the smuggled gold originates from Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela, “passing through what could be weak or porous systems” into Guyana.

The lead agency for investigating smuggling is the Guyana Police Force which is being supported by the recently formed Anti-Gold Smuggling Task Force headed by Minister Trotman, and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Giving an update on the work of the task force on Wednesday, the Natural Resources Minister noted that the body has not been disbanded. “Since then the Ministry of Public Security and SOCU have taken the lead on the issue of gold smuggling, the task force is in a review mode and as is needed it will reconvene,” he stated.

According to Trotman, although the task force has not met since the year began, members are constantly exchanging documents, reports and other correspondence.

Hazardous conditions at city markets – Deputy Mayor outlines plan to deal with issues

By Ramona Luthi

F

ollowing complaints from market vendors, Deputy Georgetown Mayor Sherrod Duncan on Thursday rolled out plans to address their concerns.

Stabroek Market

During an interview with Guyana Times, Duncan indicated that he was aware that the Stabroek Market Pier was deteriorating and hazardous to persons. He explained that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) was still in the process of getting the Government involved as the construction of the Market’s Pier would be managed by the State. He said once work has commenced, the M&CC would be able to get its aspect of repairs off the ground.

The Deputy Mayor highlighted “as you may or may not know, the construction of the Pier at the Stabroek Market will be undertaken by the Government. Some

of the works there we are still engaging Government to commence, so that we can start doing our aspect through it. ‘’ Duncan reported that the Council was currently still seeking funding for the rehabilitation of the Market.

He announced that the US Ambassador Perry Holloway offered to source some funds to assist in the repairs of the Stabroek Market Clock. The Deputy Mayor also noted that though the repairs had not begun, there were still lots of engagement between the Mayor and City Council, Central Government and funding institutions.

Additionally, Duncan vocalised that before repairs would get underway on the Stabroek Market’s wharf, the Market Office employees as well as vendors would be temporarily relocated.

“Another place would be identified to house the staff as well as vendors while that entire building there is being pulled down. I can’t give

Deputy Mayor Sherrod Duncan

you the exact location yet because, as you would appreciate, there are a large number of vendors to provide for,’’ said Duncan.

Bourda Market

When asked about the plans to tackle the insanitary conditions of the Bourda Market, Duncan informed

Guyana Times that earlier on the same day, there was a meeting held for the Market and Public Health Committee where Chairman Lionel Jaikarran and Vice Chairman Pricharia Richards were selected. He indicated that the Committee would be holding its very first meeting soon and it would bring all of its recommendations to enhance the market facilities under its jurisdiction to the Council. He said that once the proposals were approved, execution would be done by the Town Clerk.

Duncan further stated that Friday last, he accompanied Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, along with market staff, to Bourda Market after being instructed by the President to look into the complaints made by vendors at the location.

According to Duncan, the Committee members will be visiting the markets soon to conduct a first-hand assessment so as to address the issues promptly.

Arrival and Security

O

ver the last twenty-six years, I have asked Indian Guyanese, “What should arrival mean to you?” Is the answer simply a matter of geography? Landing at a place named “British Guiana”? To know whether they have "arrived", Indian Guyanese must inquire why their ancestors left India and what were they seeking.

The Indians who came to Guyana starting from 1838 were overwhelmingly from north India, mainly Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is called the “Bhojpuri” district and they also practice a distinct culture. This part of India was conquered very early on by the British – a good half century before - and therefore the consequences of British rule were (and still are) very evident. 10 per cent came from South India, conquered even longer.

Millions of villagers had lost their jobs as the Indian cotton and indigo industries were destroyedby the British who shipped the raw cotton to Lancastershire and forbade the importation of weaving machinery into India.

Millions more were thrown off their land as a system of taxation was imposed that tied the output from the land to ownership and production. Many do not realise that the word, “loot” entered the English language at this time and that it is a Hindi word from the Bhojpuri dialect. Famines, unknown before, now regularly stalked the land.

How "voluntary" is your departure when you jump out of a burning house? Indians left their native land in the 19th century even crossing the dreaded Kala Pani of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans even though it meant a loss of their social moorings – because of the total loss of security (in all its forms and manifestations) consequent to British rule. And this is what they sought in Guyana.

“Arrival” for Indian Guyanese then, has to mean security for them or it means nothing at all: Arrival is not a matter of geography but of security. What is security for the Indian?

There is, of course, the economic security destroyed by Britishdepredations. Economics is important – Indian culture is very frank on this point: nothing can be achieved by man unless they have a solid economic base.

The indentureship system – and the economic system as a whole that the Indians were inserted into, emphasised the economic drive. But for them, security more fundamentally meant living in a harmonious society where all the four goals of the individual– bodily, economic, social and spiritual realised through the performance of ones’ duties – could be achieved.

Achieving “security” therefore means that each person has a duty to work to ensure that his society as a whole is secure through the creation of a just order in which all can flower. The Indian has an organic view of society where each part has to work cooperatively and harmoniously to ensure the security of the whole.

On “Indian Arrival Day” therefore Indian Guyanese have to ask how secure are they today in Guyana, where so many of their forefathers decided to call “home”. And that security includes the security of all Guyana.

It was for this reason when we called for the recognition of structural problems in the society wedid not just talk about the “Indian Security Dilemma” grounded in their physical insecurity but also of the “African Security Dilemma” based on their exclusion from the Executive under our majoritarian rules.

When we proposed the professionalising of our Disciplined Forces, we never called for there to be an “Indian Force” but for there to be a "Guyanese Force" that would reflect the population of all Guyana and would address the security concerns of all Guyana.

When we talked of a “New Political Culture” we proposed a culture that would insist on the recognition of diversity while ensuring that that diversity be represented in all our national institutions – including Government.

When we spoke of economic security we proposed a model that would recognise the idiosyncrasies introduced in our peoples by our historical experiences and ensure that the rising tide of economic growth raises the ships of all the groups in Guyana.

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friDay, APRIL 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GRA/DDL settlement

Loss suffered outweighs litigation expenses – Jagdeo responds to GRA

Use of CSME integral in boosting ailing economies – COTED

… calls for public inquiry into matter

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday derided the entire statement issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in defence of criticisms mounted against the sudden decision purportedly taken by its management to write-off $5.3 billion in taxes owed by beverage giant, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

The GRA had said that the settlement avoided additional years of litigation, which would have bled the treasury dry.

However, Jagdeo contending that the cost of litigation can never compare with the tremendous loss which the national coffers has suffered as a result of the settlement.

Jagdeo also called on President David Granger to launch a public inquiry into the “scandalous” matter, which he was certain will prove his assertions. Jagdeo noted that the statement issued by the GRA was written by a “political hack” rather than a professional Public Relations Officer.

“The statement is not attributed to any office holder within the GRA nor its governing Board. I believe this is deliberate. Having regard to its content, I do not believe that any technically trained or responsible Public [Relations] Officer attached to that important institution would author such diatribe. I suspect that the release comes from some political hack implanted at the GRA and who would have played an instrumental role in forging the outrageous out of court settlement with DDL,” the Opposition Leader penned.

Jagdeo noted that the statement “clumsily” accuses him of exposing the business of a tax-

payer when in actuality; it was DDL that made the information public.

The Opposition Leader asserted that he will not be giving in to any attempts to muzzle him from speaking out for what is necessary to secure and protect public funds.

Sudden decision?

Jagdeo also questions why the sudden decision to write-off the billions of dollars owed in tax by DDL and called on the GRA to make a full disclosure on the matter.

The statement alleges that “after almost 14 years with no satisfactory outcome insight, the GRA exercised its right to settlement in order to avoid more years of litigation and the consequent loss to the national coffers as DDL was likely to take the matter to the CCJ,” Jagdeo reminded.

However, he insisted that the explanation just does not make sense, adding there is much more for which the GRA must answer. “Is the nation to expect that after 14 years of relentless court battles, the GRA suddenly decides to capitulate because of the fear of the CCJ and simply write-off billions of dollars in taxes to DDL?...

This settlement was concluded just a few months into the new Government. How did this matter suddenly become a priority for the new Government and GRA?” he questioned.

Moreover, the former President pointed out to the GRA – which had condemned his Government for failing to settle the matter with DDL – that it was not the his Administration but rather the GRA that persevered with the litigation.

“Obviously, because it strongly believed that DDL was unlawfully and unreasonably refusing to pay its just and lawful taxes when every other taxpayer in similar circumstances was doing so.

Indeed, there are dozens of affidavits in the years of litigation where several senior officials of GRA, under oath, made allegations of this type against DDL,” Jagdeo stated.

Answers Moreover, Jagdeo noted that the GRA in its response refused to answer the questions he had posed: who negotiated this settlement on behalf of GRA? Did they have the authority to do so? Was this settlement sanctioned by the Board? How did a court matter which involves the challenge of assessment of consumption tax for a period 2000 to 2006 result in a settlement that writes off excise taxes owed

by DDL from 2007 to 2016?

The former Head of State reiterated that the public has a right to know the answers.

Additionally, Jagdeo noted that the GRA statement argued that the settlement was “calculated based on what the law permits” and in this regard, he demanded that the tax body makes this information public.

“What calculations were used and what law was invoked to reduce billions of dollars in taxation to 1.5 billion with a payment plan that allows DDL to pay this massively reduced sum in instalment payments.

Perhaps the most bizarre assertion that GRA has made thus far is the contention that “once a debt owed exceeds one year its value must be discounted for every year it remains,” he stated.

T

Part of the gathering at Thursday’s opening ceremony

rade and Economic Development Ministers from across the Region on Thursday converged at the Marriott International Hotel here in Georgetown for a two-day Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) session, to share ideas and make proposals that could help revitalise the ailing economies across the Caribbean.

The matters under discussion at the brief opening session, spoke to a number of important challenges facing the Caribbean. Regardless of whether they relate to trade in goods or services, movement of persons, or the establishment of business across the single market, it was established that it is still essential that COTED remains vigilant to the need to protect the integrity of the treaty arrangements.

Deputy Secretary General to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Manorma Soeknandan, spoke extensively on issues facing the Caribbean. She said it is essential that the administrative structures that are required to give effect to the legal arrangements are func-

Caricom Deputy Secretary General Manorma Soeknandan

tioning properly. This is the only way to minimise or eliminate the obstacles that arise from time to time in the conduct of integration affairs.

“The people of the Region have a right to expect consistent application of the rules governing our arrangements as they seek to enjoy the benefits of integration,” she said.

The issue of the treatment of Caricom nationals as they travel throughout the Community is one that continues to generate discussion, Soeknandan pointed out.

Soeknandan highlighted that “the Secretary General had cause to say not long ago, the average citizen judges Caricom on the extent

to which he or she is able to move freely throughout the Region and engage in their legitimate activities without being hassled at our various borders. It is clear that more sensitisation has to be done among our border officials in relation to the rules that are already in place and the procedures that should be followed. At this meeting, therefore, Ministers, you may wish to consider establishing a quick-response mechanism to resolve situations as they arise on the ground” She articulated further that “a key element of Regional integration is the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).” This, she said, has been identified as a platform for growth and development and its role is further emphasised within the Community’s five-year Strategic Plan.

Soeknandan noted that the acceleration of implementation and use of the CSME is one of the high-priority areas which Heads of Government singled out for focused implementation during the period of the plan. “It is the bedrock of our economic resilience.” turn to page 14

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guyana-times.com

friDay, april 22, 2016

News

Deadly prison riot Coi

Prison wardens intimidated – Pilgrim …contradicts Public Security Minister’s comments

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fficer in Charge (OC) of the Georgetown Prisons Kevin Pilgrim has disclosed that since the 2 and 3 March riots, the level of violence at the Camp Street facility has increased significantly.

These comments come in disparity to that of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who posited earlier this week that with increased security, the situation had stabilised.

Ramjattan had opined that deployment of ranks from the army and tactical services unit of the police was responsible for the restoration of confidence of Guyana Prison Service officers.

“There is tremendous stability there right now, there are a lot of other things that we have to rectify; we still have to get trials called up,” expressed the minister.

However, in Pilgrim’s testimony to the Commission of Inquiry into the deadly Camp Street riots on Thursday, he highlighted the disproportionate ratio of prison officers to inmates as a major challenge and noted that many of the officers have become “timid” in giving out instructions to prisoners.

The OC further said “intimidation is the order of the day”, especially with the high number of capital offenders housed at Camp Street.

Pilgrim also told the CoI that overcrowding has led to increased violence among prisoners while wardens are battling to overcome a rising gang culture.

Pilgrim also noted that only the “well-behaved” inmates are allowed outside their cells and explained that one officer is assigned to seven such prisoners. He also pointed out that a major challenge in executing his duties as Officer in Charge was that

Officer in Charge of the Camp Street Prison Kevin Pilgrim testifying on Thursday

of segregating prisoners.

He noted that the Prison Service has undertaken the measure to separate young offenders from capital offenders and that the only way they would be housed together would be for “security reasons”.

Overcrowding a major challenge

Statistics prior to the prison deaths revealed that 41 inmates were serving sentences for murder, while 193 had been remanded for the said offence. Meanwhile, 225 have been incarcerated for offences against the person; of which 105 were convicted and 120 were remanded at that time.

Notably, the “young prison” population numbered 136 who were between the ages of 30-36.

Earlier in his testimony, the Officer in Charge observed that the overall prison population in the pre-rioting period comprised 1014 inmates — 413 were convicts while 601 were on remand.

Many prisoners who rioted

attributed their actions on the lengthy waiting periods for trials.

Additionally, Pilgrim explained that some of the tensions stemmed from many prisoners having to share beds while others have to sleep in hammocks. In further describing the overcrowded facilities, he noted that 100 inmates share four toilets and three showers.

Further, prisoners consume meals in their cells as there is no dining hall.

Later in his testimony, the OC explained that many of the prison’s structure were built in 1927 which provides inmates the opportunity to “conceal contraband.”

It was only Wednesday that Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels revealed that contraband is a “multimillion dollar business” at the Camp Street facilities.

Riots On the day of the deadly blaze, Pilgrim told Commissioners, he observed that the door to Capital A was

locked and that “a search was still going on”. He noted that after prisoner Collis Collinson was “extracted”, several inmates hurled threats at him. It was at this point that Pilgrim heard the breaking of the partition wall which he said caused prison officers to “shift to another gear”.

He noted that he trusted the judgment of Deputy Director Samuels and together they with other officers “tried to diffuse the situation”. Pilgrim observed that he made the decision for himself and other emergency response personnel to arm themselves as a “show of force”.

He further testified that he then returned to Capital B division where ranks had managed to open the door.

Pilgrim also recounted that when he ordered ranks to back downstairs, a big stone came through the door which caused him to issue the instruction for the catwalk door to be closed.

After some order was restored and prisoners were coming out, Pilgrim said he heard the shouts for “Fire!

Fire!” He further testified that Prison Officer Cleveland Hudson gave Officer Lyken the task of recording the events surrounding the fire.

These two officers provided their testimonies in closeddoor settings, otherwise termed in-camera.

Pilgrim also rejected the supposition that prison officers were in a “throw-back” state in the periods before the “big fire”.

Since the riots the OC told the Commission, he has not slept well.

“There was a lot going on then and a lot going on now…

I’ve been working every single day from [March 2] until now, so frankly I’m tired,” Pilgrim stated.

When Guyana Times had contacted Director of Prisons Carl Graham for an update on the prison situation on Monday, he declared that officers present on those faithful days were given counselling facilitated by Ministry of Social Protection.

Graham had also opined that the prison was still getting back to its normal state.

He expressed confidence that none of the 13 Prison Wardens who had submitted seven-day sick leave around April 14 would quit the job and had insisted that these officers will instead return to work when their sick leave is

over.

This publication had reported that prison wardens were continuing to express fear for their lives as reports of abuses at the hands of prisoners continued to surface.

When Graham was asked if there was need for permanent measures to secure the jailhouse should the wardens decide to resign, he had said he was confident that such drastic actions will not be taken by the officials.

It was on March 3, that 17 inmates perished after setting several fires inside the Capital ‘A’ block of the prison.

Use of CSME integral...

It is expected that the meeting will have the opportunity to assess how countries are positioning themselves to derive the optimum benefit from the implementation of the CSME to drive growth and development within Member States.

“It is important that, as Ministers, you give your perspectives both on the extent to which the current CSME framework has been fulfilling the objective and how it can be enhanced to have a greater impact on the lives of the population at large,” she said to the attendees.

The Deputy Secretary General said Caribbean people want to see results. She said the consolidation and enhancement of the operations of the Single Market will also allow for a more coherent approach in external trade negotiations.

She posited that leaders needed to pay more attention to the ease of doing business. “We are all complaining in our Region, but what is each one of us doing to change the situation. We

know that, globally, there is a strong correlation between high levels of economic growth and the ease with which economic actors can conduct their operations.

Caricom Member States tend to fall somewhere in the middle of the global rankings for ease of doing business.”

Added to that, Caribbean countries need to improve their ratings, so that there could be an enhancement of their prospects for regional and foreign investments, the Deputy Secretary General outlined.

“The remit of the COTED, which is the promotion of trade and economic development of the Community, finds its expression in a large number of Community arrangements, processes and programmes.

It is important, however, to remember that the ultimate goal is the economic development of the populations and thus, all these arrangements and initiatives must be evaluated on that basis,” Soeknandan explained.

Govt plugs $150M into completion...

I know there is an accounting process for the phase one, which we attempted to do, but we did not complete so there will be a reconciliation of both phases in due course,” the Minister noted.

The works to be done on the D’Urban Park Project are categorised as : roofing and remedial works for spectator bleachers; completion of superstructure, walls and roof for the VIP stand and electrical wiring; lighting and power supply; access driveways and bridges, sanitary facilities and drainage works.

Minister Patterson believes that there is adequate manpower on hand to complete the project since seven prequalified contractors are currently working on the venue, which is set to accommodate some 18,900 persons.

He went on to outline that

these contractors were not just merely preselected; in fact, he noted that they had to show they had the capacity to do the works, had the manpower as well as had some sort of financial capability because the works would require double shifts in order to be completed in time for the country’s Jubilee celebrations.

The Minister further explained that ample employment is expected to be created during this three-week period.

Meanwhile, the Ministry’s Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn, disclosed that they were taking a “multiple simultaneous activities and doubleshift” approach to have the venue ready on time. He noted too that the Ministry was working to achieve a May 12 deadline but an additional

five days were set aside for cosmetic work. The Ministry commenced works at the Park on Thursday.

The D’Urban Park Project has been under the watchful eyes of the public from the initial stage as Government withheld the names of the donors who would have invested millions of dollars in its construction. However, more recently, it was revealed that shabby work was being done on the venue.

There were deep cracks on the supporting beams on the stands, nails and screws not strongly secured and chipping on the seats. Additionally, the seating did not seem strong enough to hold the weight of the expected crowd during the events to be staged there as they shook when sat on.

The Chief Works Officer explained that they would be

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from page 7

correcting these defects as the work to be done on the stands includes the replacement of damaged members such as columns, beams and decking. Vaughn added too that during the inspection, they found that additional structural members would have to be installed to strengthen the 27 stands so that they could support the weight of approximately 700 persons per stand.

Following the press conference on Thursday, Minister Patterson, along with Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, took the media on a site visit at the venue, where he outlined once again the scope of works to be done at the strategic locations. They were accompanied by a team of technicians and engineers from the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

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friday, april 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Sugar unions fire back at GuySuCo …say facts are being hidden

By Devina Samaroo

T

he sugar unions are insisting they never agreed to the full closure of the operations at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Sugar Estate in 2011 and that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is struggling to portray an untruth to the public by withholding critical information on discussions which occurred prior to the closure of LBI Sugar Factory.

Amidst criticisms on the complete shutdown of the LBI operations, GuySuCo clarified that the decision is all a part of the East Demerara Estate integration process to merge the LBI Estate with that of Enmore Estate; a process which had begun with the closure of LBI Sugar Factory in 2011 – which it claimed had the full support of the two trade unions: the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

However, the unions are contending that this is a deliberate distortion of facts to coverup yet another flawed decision.

“It is also clear to us – the unions – that GuySuCo is not giving the public all the rele-

vant facts and also seeking to cover another misguided step by attempting to denigrate the unions,” the bodies expressed in a joint statement on Thursday.

The Sugar Corporation intends to complete the integration process by the end of May, 2016 whereby the existing operations at LBI will be closed.

These operations are the field workshop, mill dock, field lab, stores, and administrative offices.

Contrary to the claims by GuySuCo, the unions are maintaining that they never agreed to the closure of those operations.

Detailing the series of events leading up to this situation, the unions explained that the decision to close the LBI Sugar Factory was a fait accompli when GuySuCo invited them in February and March, 2011 to discuss the effects of the closure of the factory.

“GuySuCo’s invitation to our unions dated February 07, 2011 read inter alia ‘the Corporation has decided to merge the LBI factory with the EHP factory after the closure of the current crop at LBI’. It should be noted that the invitation was specific to the LBI factory as distinct from the other operations at LBI,” the unions pointed out.

For the record, they noted

that the unions were engaged in meetings with GuySuCo’s officials on February 22, March 04 and March 11, 2011 whereby GuySuCo was represented by the General Manager of Agriculture, Raymond Sangster; General Manager of Technical Services, Yusuf Abdul, and its then Human Resources Director, Jairam Petam; and GAWU and NAACIE were represented by Seepaul Narine and Kenneth Joseph, respectively, among others members.

The unions further explained that the meetings addressed the fate of the 137 workers falling within the bargaining unit of GAWU and 56 represented by NAACIE, a total of 193.

“GuySuCo and the two unions interviewed every one of these workers resulting in 70 workers deployed to the Enmore Sugar Factory and the then newly-constructed Packaging Plant at Enmore. Seventeen workers opted for early retirement. The remaining 106 workers between GAWU and NAACIE were approved for deployment right at LBI to work in the field workshop, mill dock, field lab, stores, and administrative offices,” they stated.

At this point, the unions said GuySuCo was questioned about the other activities at

GuySuCo intends to close LBI operations by May 31, 2016

LBI Estate and at a meeting on March 4, 2011, the Human Resources Director along with his team gave the assurance that the operations will remain functioning.

“The Human Resources Director and his team clarified that ‘It is a company’s decision that no other job will be affected. LBI agriculture will remain as is. The power house will continue to function to provide power to GuySuCo Agricultural Research Unit, the other head office annexes at LBI, the residential compound, the administrative offices and the pump stations’. It was further made clear that no one in agriculture will be affected and that the future of the East Demerara Estate is not uncertain. The only difference is that the LBI canes will

go to Enmore,” the unions argued.

They also posited that the general manager of technical services provided the details on the deployment of workers from LBI to Enmore factory/packaging plant, those that will be retained in the LBI powerhouse and those to be considered for early retirement.

“In all the discussions with the Corporation there was no mention of the clerical and supervisory staff in the local accounts office, since there was a clear understanding in the preliminary meeting that only the factory employees – rank and file, supervisory and senior management - will be affected,” the unions stated.

They added that it is worthy to note that the cultivation

of LBI was not closed nor miniaturised, hence the retention and enhancement of the LBI operations.

“To this day the large size of the cultivation of 2800 hectares remains under cane cultivation.

Anxiously, we ask at this time: Is the closure of the LBI operations signalling the closure of the LBI cultivation? GuySuCo also said ‘the Enmore factory manning levels were inflated to accommodate the LBI factory workers’. This is a baseless assertion. The 70 workers sent to Enmore Estate were based on vacancies which existed especially within the newly-constructed Packaging Plant,” they stated.

The unions also contend the claim by GuySuCo that LBI workers also work at Enmore Estate is not incorrect.

“It is not unusual for workers from one Estate do assist in the work of another Estate. In such cases the itinerant workers receive a disturbance allowance. That allowance is presently received by the LBI workers whenever they are required to work at the Enmore Estate,” they highlighted.

Coming hot on the heels of the closure of the Wales Estate, the Sugar unions are beyond concerned about the fate of the 800 workers who will be affected by the closure of the remaining operations at LBI.

Expired vehicle fitness

Until fitness is issued, no action should be taken against defaulting persons – Traffic Chief (ag)

By Ramona Luthi

A

cting Traffic Chief Budnarine Persaud on Thursday revealed that the Police are still awaiting instructions to commence the issuing of vehicle fitness licenses and until such time, no actions will be taken against persons whose certificate of fitness have expired.

His comments were solicited in light of the multiple complaints that persons have registered with Guyana Times, citing the amount of discomfort and time wasted in lining up at the Police station only to be told that the expired fitness for their vehicles will not be renewed as there is no provision in place to do so.

As recent as Thursday, reports came in that persons waited in line for hours, while the rain poured to renew their fitness, only to be told that the Police will not be renewing. One person said that the Police Force should have sent

14. For certificate of fitness

Previous Rates ($)

For examination of two wheeled 500

1000

motor cycle For examination of motor car or 1000

2000

three-wheeled motor cycle For examination of motor lorry

1500

3000

750

1500

or motor bus For examination of hire car

For examination of articulated 2000

4000

vehicles* For examination of any other

1500

3000

goods vehicle For examination of other motor 500

1000

vehicles or trailer out a circular or advertisement, informing the general public that they won’t be facilitating the renewal of fitness licences until mechanisms are in place to do so, consequently persons would not have to

waste their time in going to the respective Police stations.

According to Persaud, the last budget held a number of proposals to increase costs on vehicular documents and so the Police were not issu-

Caricom countries can return...

According to him, industries that were once flourishing in the Caribbean, have now found a home far away from here because goods could be produced more cheaply and labour is cheap. He said official development assistance has declined significantly in the region, “and those circumstances have actually conspired to ensure that there is a scaling back of expenditure at the national level or the accumulation of debt because we have to borrow to meet our commitments.

Those scenarios have created a different challenge for us moving forward,” he said He said the overall fiscal balance of Caribbean countries that no longer receive that type of support deteriorated

Current Rates ($)

significantly. He said throughout 1998 to 2004 when there was the slowing down to 20042008 when there was a loss, there has been a “dislocation” in economies in the Caribbean.

“When we look at the primary fiscal balance, even that had deteriorated during that period. But Caricom is not a sudden discovery, it was not an overnight. It was created to formulate our foreign and trade policy from externals. Today, those circumstances must not cause us to face our future with dread and confusion, but with confidence and conviction”, Baptiste urged.

He said the circumstances now call for countries to redefine national priorities so that Caricom can be more effective

from page 9

in coordinating its responses to the global challenges, adding that despite the fact that all of those developments in the external environment are conspired and contain the seeds of the region’s continued marginalisation; opportunities exist for countries to mobilise themselves for action.

“We are not responsible for the circumstances that we have found ourselves in, but we are responsible for the response to those challenges.

And therefore, we must get the politics right, and we must never cannibalise our own in the process of doing that. Today we have to be parsimonious in the use of our resources and our time,” Baptiste said.

ing fitness licences as they were waiting on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to have the necessary documents prepared that coincide with the new price increase.

He said now that the Fitness Books have been printed, they are currently awaiting instructions to begin.

According to Persaud, “the officers can give extensions but they cannot enforce it.

Our ranks on the road are not enforcing it because they are aware that we are not enforc-

ing it.’’

When asked how soon he expected the issuing of fitness licences to commence, Persaud indicated that he could not give a specific time but was positive it would be soon. He also highlighted that no action should be taken against persons without fitness until they (Police) have started issuing it. ‘”We have sent out something saying that they [Police] must not take any action against persons without fit-

ness until we start issuing it.

I can’t tell you when exactly we will start issuing fitness but it should be very soon because GRA has prepared the books already,’’ Persaud reaffirmed.

The Finance Ministry has issued to the general public since the March 23, 2016, that the following amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Cap 51:02 (First Schedule A) in respect to licensing fees of vehicles were made.

16

friDAY, april 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

guyanatimesgy.com

A

ll preparations are in place for the hosting of the Mr Guyana International competition billed for the National

Cultural Centre on Sunday evening. The evening will see eight contenders vying for the title.

They are Sean Thompson,

Javone Steven Vickerie, Paul Meusa, Stowell Bentham, Kefa Smith, Satesh Jagdeo, Dexter Gardener and Lionel Rowe.

friday, APRIL 22, 2016

The eight young men have already competed in several segments, including the fitness challenge and talent contest. On the

night of the pageant, these scores will be added to those from the swimwear, evening wear, costume and intelligence segments.

Tickets for the event will cost $2000 and $1500 and are available at the National Cultural Centre.

Meet the delegates:

Dexter Gardener

Paul Meusa

Jevone Vickerie

Renaldo Myers

Kefa Smith

Satesh Jagdeo

Lionel Rowe

Sean Thompson

Stowell Bentham

O

ne of the most versatile entertainment groups turned three on March 23 and will be celebrating its accomplishments with a big bang. Over the past three years, Team MMR has made its name in the entertainment industry in Guyana, the Caribbean and further afield under its founder, WR Reaz, also called “Party Boss”.

Whether on television, radio or on the ground, TEAM MMR has it going on.

Not only has the group proved to be one of the rising entertainment giants but it has recently added a complete service for those who wish to have an extravagant wedding.

From catering to decorating to emceeing, Team MMR will be the one to contact. Given its visionary leader, Team MMR is expected to grow in the years to come.

Come this Saturday, Team MMR will be celebrating with its fans and well wishers at the Buddy’s Night Club.

There will be lots of giveaways with drink specials and ladies free before 22:30h. General admission to the party is

$1500.

Music will be provided by the versatile Selecta Andy, WR Reaz, DJ Walker, DJ Spindrella Barman, Danca, Drinka and Fluffy. Also in attendance will be the entire Team MMR Crew who will be mixing and mingling with the fans.

The place to be this Saturday is definitely Buddy’s Night Club as we celebrate with Team MMR.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, APRIL 22, 2016

I

n line with Guyana’s 50th jubilee celebrations happening in the month of May, Hits and Jams Entertainment is partnering with Mc Neil Enterprises for “50 Shades of Reggae”.

Headlining the show is renowned Jamaican Reggae artiste Beres Hammond. In recent years, Hammond has toured much of the world performing at sold-out concerts as fans flock to hear his smooth lover’s rock style of music.

The veteran performer has made exceptional and dedicated contributions to the Jamaican music industry, and is the owner and pro-

Beres Hammond

ducer of Harmony Records label.

Performing alongside him on stage will be Jamaican sensation Christopher Martin and Guyana’s very own, Timeka Marshall, both of whom are great stage performers. Martin is known for several of his hits such as “Nah Go Change”, “Take My Wings”, “Tonight”, “Giving It”, and the singles “Jamaican Girls” and “Gallis”.

“50 Shades of Reggae” is scheduled for May 27, 2016 at HJ Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Tickets for the concert will be released shortly.

Timeka Marshall

Chris Martin

GFW rescheduled to November – organisers to host beauty expo on May 21 and 22

T

he highly-anticipated Guyana Fashion Week (GFW), which was scheduled to be held as part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, will now be held later in the year, November 3 to 13.

However, the launch of the GFW will be incorporated into the impressive schedule of jubilee activities of the Tourism Ministry, under the honourable Cathy Hughes between May 19 and 23.

One month after calling out the troops, the GFW

H

J Water World, along with the Rock Restaurant and Bar, brings to you “BBQ and Beer on the Beach” on Friday, April 29, 2016.

Patrons can enjoy the comfortable beach furniture and the best barbeque in town along with Guyana’s best beers, including GT Beer, Stag Beer or Xtra Beer.

Tickets for the event cost only $1500 and are available at HJTV headquarters in Queenstown, HJ Water World at Providence and at Xtra Products in Stabroek Market Bazaar.

The lime starts at 15:00h.

Remember firearms and sharp objects are strictly prohibited from entering HJ Water World. The Boom DJs will be in the house to add that excitement to the event.

o r ganisers have seen over 300 hopefuls desirous of participating in the event. On Sunday last, a quarterfinal round of selection was conducted under the watchful eyes of GFW’s creative director, Caribbean fashion guru Richard Young at the Pegasus Hotel.

The anxiety in the air was palpable and some even felt that the wait was long overdue, but it was well worth it.

The long-awaited model auditions for the GFW climaxed after much bated breath with the best composition of beautiful people in attendance in its history. The widest possible mix of ethnicities from Georgetown, Bartica, Linden, Berbice, the East Coast, the East Bank, and the West Coast were all out in their numbers, putting their best performance to catch the eye of Richard Young.

In 2011, the first phase of the GFW vision rolled out. The executive is proud of its accomplishments of instilling creative entrepreneurship drive, promoting sustainable development goals, fostering youth empowerment initiatives and invigorating a burgeoning fashion industry.

It was decided to enter phase two by producing biennial events so as to engender substantive industry-specific institutional strengthening through the Guyana Model Search and Designer Portfolio, as well as participation in other local, regional and intern a tional trade s h o w s , symposia and workshops, so as to validate the

relevant activity within the economic sector.

One of the dynamic and exciting parts of the fashion industry is the modelling component. The GFW has a remarkable history of harnessing some of the best creative talent for stage, through their model audition process, for the GFW believes that all the arts cohere for identity branding: the performing, visual, culinary, graphic and beauty arts integrate to signal the style of Guyana and above all, the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the GFW will be hosting a Beauty and Fashion Expo on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 at the Pegasus Hotel from 10:00h to 19:00h.

Applications to be part of this expo can be submitted on GFW’s Facebook page.

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

“Back to the Future” Concert for May 27 at National Stadium

19

VYBZ Entertainment Inc, in association with the Linden M&TC, presents Linden Town Week 2016 Saturday, May 14, 2016

Bankers Trust Falcons Get Fit Linden 5km Run Land Trek (Hiking) Up River Boat/BOSAI/Rockstone Tours Regatta Wisroc Village Day Miss Linden Independence Pageant

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Land Trek (Hiking) Church Service 3rd Annual Fiz-eek Flex Extravaganza Opening Ceremony (M&TC & VYBZ) Arabian Night White and Anything Party LABA “Switch It Up” Basketball Tournament

Monday, May 16, 2016

King Yellow Man

Inter Primary Spelling Bee Competition Visual Arts Exhibition and On the Spot Art Half Mile Community Day International Gospel Concert Switch It Up Basketball Tournament

Wayne Wonder

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Spragga Benz

Health Fair & Fitness Walk Amelia’s Ward Day Rising Star Essay Writing Competition Jump Rope Competition “Skip to My Lou” Floodlight Cricket Finals BOSAI Senior Citizens Hamper Reception Inter Secondary Debating Competition (Finals) Jazz and Spoken Word Poetry Night LTW Karaoke Finals & Golden Oldies

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Chaka Demus X Pliers

C

orporate Guyana continues to throw its support behind Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations with some massive concerts, with ANSA McAL the latest company to reveal its plans. Only last week, the beverage gi-

Poonam Singh

ant announced its “Back to the Future” Concert for the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara on May 27.

The concert will see live performances by oldschool artistes including Wayne Wonder, Spragga Benz, King Yellow Man

and Chaka Demus X Pliers.

Also performing will be the future of Guyanese music, including Poonam Singh, Dublin, Remar, Gadinelli and Juke Ross.

On the night of the concert, patrons will also be treated to a performance

by Arturo Tappin and the

Remar Phillip 7 Band as a bonus.

Tickets for the event will only be available through promotions by the beverage company countrywide. The event is sponsored by Mix FM, ANSA McAL, Demerara Distillers Limited and the Government of Guyana.

Hotspotgy to host scavenger hunt as part of jubilee celebrations H otspotgy as part of its contributions to Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations will hosts its inaugural scavenger hunt under the theme “Love Where You Live”.

The event is set for May 5 and will kick off at the 704 Parking Lot at 13:30h. This unique event is Hotspotgy’s way of celebrating Guyana’s Golden Jubilee.

As one of Guyana’s premier local entertainment websites, it takes pride in promoting all events throughout the country; hence, the unique spin as Guyana celebrates 50.

With respect to the hunt, each team will be required to collect items that have a distinct Guyana theme, and some of the activities will require persons to take fun “selfies” and solve a few puzzles within the prescribed time.

The first team arriving

at 704 Sports Bar before the stipulated 16:30h dead-

line with the most items will win a prize. There will also

be prizes for the teams that place second and third.

Teams can have no more than five participants with a registration fee of $2000 per person.

Although open to adults, this event is also family oriented so it gives everyone a chance to learn about Guyana in a fun and entertaining way.

Scavenger Hunt registration forms and rules are available in the UPCOMING Events section of www. hotspotgy.com, at 704 Sports Bar, Pink Memo Boutique or from any hotspotgy team member.

Stay tuned to the group’s Facebook page, facebook. com/Hotspotgy, for sample questions and frequently asked questions and updates on this event.

Scavenger is sponsored by 704 Sports Bar, Banks DIH and Windjammers.

Street Theatre/Drama Competition Senior Citizen Luncheon Silver City & Victory Valley Reunion Day Vybz Entertainment’s Babes and Bikers Speak Up, Speak Out Teen Poetry Comedy Night Energy Vybz Cooler Fete Party

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Little Miss Rotaract 2016 Free Style Dance Competition Big and Bold MIC UP Golden Oldies Epic Entertainment’s Independence Party Chicken Stag Bar – Mannie Street Lime

Friday, May 20, 2016

Land Trek (Hiking) Wismar Shore BIG Lime Youth Concert Water Sports Up River Boat Tours Heritage Village Culinary Cook Off Reggae Stage Show Kids Fun Fest Poker Street Fete Ball Room Dancing Competition Linden Dream Team Concept Party (Raving Red)

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Land Trek (Hiking) Up River Boat/BOSAI/Rockstone Tours Boat Cruise (Linden to GT Return) S&L Family Fund Day and Barbeque Steel Pan/Art on the lawns Story Telling For Preserved Culture & Enhanced Listening Kiddies Fair Yankee Link Up Party The Play “Tails Of Our Fathers” Vybz Entertainment Regional All Black

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Land Trek (Hiking) Road Race BIG LIME Gladiator Challenge Boat Cruise (GT-Linden Excursion) Kiddies Fair

Monday, May 23, 2016

Peace Conference Vybz Entertainment’s LTW 2016 Wash Down

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Code Red Rec /Divine Ent Supernova High School Challenge Final

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Independence International Night Concert

20

friDAY, april 22, 2016

Russia’s Olympic athletics slot to be decided in June R

ussian athletics has been given a longer than expected period to prove it has made enough progress in reforming its anti-doping operation to be re-instated to the sport in time to take part in the Rio

Olympics The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced on Thursday that its next Council meeting, when the Russian situation will be discussed and almost

The IAAF sign outside its office in Monaco

certainly decided, will take place in Vienna on June 17.

After the last Council meeting in March, IAAF president Sebastian Coe said he expected it to be in May. Russia, second behind the United States in the athletics medal table at the 2012 London Olympics, is banned from all athletics after an independent commission of the World AntiDoping Agency revealed widespread state-sponsored doping.

The country now has to

convince the IAAF that it has put in place measures to show improvement in its anti-doping operation and a “change of culture.”

Mikhail Butov, general secretary of the Russian athletics federation, told Reuters on Thursday: “We were expecting this, now we will continue to work together with the IAAF working group.

“Another meeting will take place in two days time.

A massive amount of work has already been done, but there is still a lot ahead of us. Of course we hope that there will be a positive decision.”

Last month Norwegian Rune Andersen, who heads the five-person international task force reviewing Russia’s reforms after its suspension from global competition in November, said there had been “significant progress”, including changing its president and council and developing anti-doping educational programmes.

“However, the view of the task force is that there is significant work still to be done to satisfy the reinstatement conditions.... we still need to interview athletes and coaches named in the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) commission report to understand the scope and nature of previous doping activities,”

Anderson said in March.

The Rio athletics programme begins on Aug. 12 but registration must be completed about a month before that which would leave little time for the vast majority of Russian athletes who would still need to record Olympic-standard qualifying times.

Russian sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said last month that his country had done enough to be reinstated, saying it had not been made clear exactly what it still had to do to satisfy the IAAF. “You say we should elect new leadership for the athletics federation. OK, we’ve done that. You should not elect anyone to be the leader who has done this or that.

OK, we did that,” he said.

“There are no criteria,” he added. “What should Russian athletics do? Dance on the table? Sing a song?”

(Reuters Sport)

Blatter says he tried to mediate in Burundi crisis

F

Sepp Blatter

ormer FIFA boss Sepp Blatter said on Thursday he had sought to defuse unrest in Burundi last year by offering President Pierre Nkurunziza an ambassadorial role with the soccer body if he dropped controversial plans to run for a third term.

Blatter, banned from soccer for six years for ethics violations amid the worst graft scandal in FIFA’s history, said he had been asked by the Swiss foreign ministry to approach Nkurunziza over his decision to run for another term, which opponents said violated the African country’s constitu-

tion.

“One day, there was a phone call from Burundi,” Blatter, 17 years head of FIFA, said at the launch of an authorised biography “Sepp Blatter, mission and passion football”.

“I spoke with the Burundi president, I told him he would have the international recognition of FIFA, that he would be an extraordinary ambassador for us,” the 80-year-old Swiss added.

“He said, in French, ‘I am very touched, I want to look at that and speak with my people’....but the mission failed.”

The Swiss foreign minis-

try said in a statement there had been contact between Blatter and State Secretary Yves Rossier, but denied the ministry had asked Nkurunziza not to run for another term. The intention was to “contribute to a peaceful solution in order to prevent the current crisis in Burundi”.

Nkurunziza was re-elected for a third term in July in an election boycotted by the opposition. More than 400 people have been killed in the unrest and tit-for-tat killings continue.

Blatter is being investigated by Swiss prosecutors over a 2.0 million Swiss franc payment made by FIFA to former European boss Michel Platini, who has also been banned for six years.

“I think one day we will have some evidence as to why all this happened and why the Swiss authorities were so determined to go against FIFA and Blatter,” he said.

Dozens of officials, including former members of FIFA’s executive committee, have been indicted in the United States while a criminal investigation is also underway in Switzerland. (Reuters

Sport)

21

sports

YELLOW PAGES friDAY, april 22, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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Bhuvneshwar, Warner flatten Gujarat Lions D

avid Warner’s third half-century of the season paved the way for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s ten-wicket win over Gujarat Lions in Rajkot. Warner, who slammed 74 off 48, combined with Shikhar Dhawan, who struck a fifty of his own, for an unbroken 137-run opening partnership after his bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 4 for 29, kept Lions to 135 for 8.

Warner began the chase with two fours off Dale Steyn, who was playing his first match of this IPL, and kicked into high gear with three fours off Praveen Kumar in the fourth over. Spin didn’t stem the run-flow either as Warner cut and pulled Suresh Raina to the boundary. The Sunrisers captain brought up his halfcentury in 29 balls, by which time his team needed less than run-a-ball for victory.

Dhawan, at the other end, took the opportunity to bide his time and recover some of his form. He wasn’t always fluent, but a paddle sweep off Dwayne Bravo in the 12th over changed that. At one point 25 off 24, Dhawan completed his half-century in 40 balls and though he didn’t indulge in much celebration, he had to a couple of balls later.

Warner sealed the victory with

Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner embrace after Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win (BCCI photo)

six overs to spare and time was ripe for a twirl of the ‘tache.

That Lions were tied down, despite Raina’s 75 off 51, was down to Bhuvneshwar. He swung the new ball handsomely, as Aaron Finch found out in the first over when his stumps were splayed by an indipper, and when he couldn’t get movement through the air, his mixture of slower balls were hard to get away. Bhuvneshwar took three wickets in the final over of the Lions’ innings, including Raina’s, to cap Sunrisers’ strong comeback.

Mustafizur Rahman

SCOREBOARD Gujarat Lions innings AJ Finchb Kumar 0 BB McCullumc Hooda b Bipul Sharma 18 SK Raina*c Henriques b Kumar75 KD Karthik†c Kumar b Hooda 8 DJ Bravo c Kumar b Sran 8 RA Jadeja b Mustafizur Rahman 14 AD Nathc Bipul Sharma b Kumar 5 DW Steyn c Morgan b Kumar 1 P Kumar not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 3) 5 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 135 Did not bat: DS Kulkarni, PV Tambe Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-56, 3-74, 4-91, 5-117, 6-133, 7-133, 8-135 Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-29-4,

BB Sran 4-0-36-1, Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-19-1, DJ Hooda 3-0-22-1, MC Henriques 3-017-0, Bipul Sharma 2-0-10-1.

Sunrisers Hyderabad innings DA Warner* not out 74 S Dhawan not out 53 Extras (lb 1, w 9) 10 Total (0 wickets; 14.5 overs)137 Did not bat: MC Henriques, EJG Morgan, DJ Hooda, AP Tare, NV Ojha†, B Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, Bipul Sharma, BB Sran Bowling: DW Steyn 2-0-170, P Kumar 2-0-31-0, DJ Bravo 3-0-26-0, SK Raina 2-0-16-0, PV Tambe 2-0-17-0, RA Jadeja 2.50-20-0, DS Kulkarni 1-0-9-0.

played a hand in Lions’ slowdown as well. He was saved for the final six overs again and still gave away only one boundary - when Warner misfielded at long-on. The Bangladesh seamer finished with 1 for 19, the mystery of his cutters no closer to being solved. Sunrisers also benefited from part-time offspinner Deepak Hooda and left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma rushing through five overs and picking up two wickets.

Lions, who had raced to 50 for 1 in the Powerplay, would have been disappointed that they could scrounge only 85 runs in the remaining 14 overs.

Raina eased his way back to form, scoring his first T20 fifty in 31 innings. On display were his typical shots: lofted drives with the bent knee, firm pushes through cover and wristy flicks off the pads. But the other Lions batsmen struggled for timing. McCullum mis-hit a slog sweep to deep midwicket and fell for 18 off 17 balls, Dinesh Karthik was dismissed for 8 off a full toss and Dwayne Bravo, also on 8, picked out deep square leg after being deceived by a slower ball.

Bhuvneshwar’s triple-strike in the final over meant Lions lost their last seven wickets for 79 runs, and slipped to their first defeat. (Cricinfo)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

Khan defends GFC in face of recent struggles of the team, I reiterate the club’s view which is to give the best young players in Guyana a chance to play for GFC in the Elite League.‘’ One of the stand out players for GFC has been Linden Pickett who is currently the Captain of the squad and this has led to Pickett being called up to represent the Guyana Golden Jaguars in a match against Suriname last February.

Khan stated that he is very proud to have him wear

the club’s band each week and urged all talented hard working young footballers in Guyana, to visit the team at the GFC ground for a chance to play football at the highest level in Guyana. “ For me if we can get the support and keep this young GFC team together, hardworking disciplined players like Curtez Kellman, Lennox Cort, Ronel McLean, Ralph Parris, Linden Dorway, Jamal Gibbs, Sesi Norville, Kelsey Benjamin and others

will go on to great things in football and in life.”

After only being able to secure one point GFC is now 13 points behind fourth place GDF FC and qualification for the final 4 of the Inaugural Stage Elite League seems an impossible task.

Khan says he is focused on finishing the season on a positive note and encouraged his team to play each game as if it were a cup final.

GSL/Golyn 10/10 Softball…

Players of the Georgetown Football Club led by Linden Pickett (far left with the red captain’s arm band)

G

eneral Manager of the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Faizal Khan is seeing the positives in his club’s recent struggles as the Inaugural Stag Elite League in drawing to a close in its Finale stage.

GFC currently sits at the bottom of the points table after only salvaging one point from its last nine games in this the final half of the season and remains winless.

Khan explained that his team has been able to create a lot of chances in front of goal but inconsistent execution in the final third has been a big problem “ The GFC forwards have been very unlucky in front of goal,

goal scoring chances were either missed or ruled offside ” Khan stated.

Khan also reminded Guyana Times Sport that most of his top players were missing in action due to lengthy bans; this according to Khan was a major contributing factor, “no doubt if these individuals were part of the squad for all the games, GFC would have already recorded its first victory in this half of the Stag Elite League.”

GFC currently has one of the youngest squads in the league and the enthusiasm and talent, Khan believes have been on display in the Stag Elite League which also is a positive according

Coach of Georgetown Football Club Faizal Khan

the Khan.

“As general

manager

Speedboat XI continue unbeaten run T

he Golyn 10/10 organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) and sponsored by Golyn and sons, Trophy Stall and Miss Love Trading (West Coast) saw mixed fortunes for teams who were previously unbeaten.

The results are as follows: At Leonora, Speedboat SC mauled Rydem Star by 10 wickets. Rydem Star won the toss and batted and were always in trouble as their batting seem clueless against the bowling of Speedboat. Wickets tumbled frequently as the batters tried to hit their way out of trouble and in the process gifted their wickets away.

They lost their first wicket to the first ball of the day and never recovered as they tumbled to 30 all out in 8.3 overs. Anand Bharat 3-2 off one over and Sudesh Ram with 3-14 from two overs were the destroyers for speedboat SC. Speed boat in reply took 1.4 overs to knock off the runs without losing a wicket.

Unstoppable XI came from behind to shock Ruimzeight XI by 12 runs.

Unstoppable having lost all the sessions were on the verge of giving up fielding last when the Ruimzeight XI batters handed them a lifeline in the match which was the turning point after they were cruising at 55-1 in three overs chasing 119 to win.

Unstoppable batted first and were in early trouble but Eustas Joseph prop them up with a flamboyant 47 (1x4;6x6s) off 14 balls before he departed to a fine piece of bowling Doodnauth Rambarose who ended 1-16 off two overs. Unstoppable ended on 118-6 in 10 overs.

Indar Dukhie opening the bowling took 2-18 off two overs to support the bowling.

In their turn Everyone had Ruimzeight to win as they had the opposition baffled as the runs were coming easily until the introduction Renaldo McAllister who started the slide by picking up two wickets in his first over and thus lifted the spirits of the Unstoppable side and gave the bowlers renewed hope which the promptly delivered on by limiting Ruimzeight to 102-8 in their 10 overs.

Vipers cruised to victory over Prem XI by seven wickets: Prem XI won the toss and batted losing three wickets in the first over and never recovered and at one stage were 11 runs for six wickets down and were in danger of being bowled out for the lowest total in the tournament but Narine Bailey batting at number seven had other ideas and started his account with a six over long on which gave him the confidence that he needed and clobbered the bowling to all parts of the field.

One such shot was a flick nonchalantly over square leg for six which brought the crowd to its feet as he continued to pummel the bowling ending on 55 not out 1x4;(6x6s) off 24 balls and pushing his team’s total to

Eustas Joseph of Unstoppable who played the innings of his life in scoring 47 to take his team to victory versus Ruimzeight XI

85-8 in 10 overs to give his team a fighting chance. Arif Hussain with 3-5 off two overs and Amit Hussain with 2-1 off two overs were the bowlers who caused the problems.

In their turn Vipers started brightly but lost a couple of wickets in the middle but Arif Hussain with 33 (2x4s; 2x6s) off 13 balls and with support from skipper Aftab Hussain 24 (3x6s) off 8 balls guided them 91-3 in 6.2 overs. Rajendra Kumar took 2-22 from two overs for Prem XI. Exclusive XI snapped their losing streak by defeating Superbet XI by four wickets.

Exclusive XI made up of young players who hail from the Good Fortuin area gained the crowds admiration as they dispatched Superbet in calm fashion.

Superbet XI batted first and the steady procession of their batters saw them being limited to 65 all out in 8.1 overs with Vijai Mohram with 15 (1x4;1x6) off 10 balls being the only batsman to offer opposition. Imran Ally with 3-10 off two overs and skipper Ricky Persaud with 2-10 from 1.1 overs took the wickets upfront to limit the Superbet XI. In reply Exclusive XI made 66-6 in 9.4 overs with Aaron Shivpersaud with 26 (1x4; 1x6) off 20 balls guided them to victory. Vijai Mohram 2-10 and Irshad Hussain 2-17 were the pick of the bowlers.

guyana-times.com

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

23

GFF/Stag Elite League Finale...

Dolphin Inter Club Alpha, Pele gain Swim Meet on Sunday valuable points with wins at Aquatic Centre A

General Manager of Amalgamated Security Services hands over a cheque to Shefetah Tzedek, in the presence of Club President Paul Mahaica

D

olphin Speed Swim Club will host an inter-club swim meet on Sunday at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, in aid of the Goodwill Games which will be held in St. Lucia later this year.

The meet will see some of the country’s top swimmers partake and Dolphin’s very own Patrice Mahaica, Andrew Fowler, Kenita Mahaica, Ashley Inniss and Sekhel Tzedek will be action.

Eyes will be on Patrice Mahaica, who captured bronze in the 50m breast stroke at the Goodwill games in Trinidad and Tobago back in 2015 and also Fowler, who stands a chance of attending

the RIO 2016 Olympics.

German’s Restaurant proprietor, Clinton Urling Meet with an undisclosed donated an undisclosed cash incentive.

Also Amalgamated Security Services (Guyana) Limited made a donation towards the first place trophy.

Vice-president of the Dolphin Swim Club Shefetah Tzedek thanked the security service for their continued support of the club.

Action begins at 10:00hrs.

Some of the swimmers who took part in the Goodwill Games in 2015 are expected to be on show

BCCI waives US$42M penalty on WICB

BCCI President Shashank Manohar

B

CCI President Shashank Manohar has said that the $41.97 million claim imposed by the previous BCCI administration on the WICB for abandoning the 2014 tour to India mid-way has been waived. West Indies, he said, will tour India in 2017 to complete the “unfinished” matches from the 2014 series.

According to Manohar, the issue was “sorted out” when the WICB agreed to tour India to play the pending games. The decision was taken, he said, when the BCCI’s top officials spoke with the WICB late last year, before clearing India’s tour to the West Indies

scheduled for this summer.

This is the first time the BCCI has clarified its position on the matter.

“That is now sorted out because they are going to come back and play here next year,” Manohar told ESPNcricinfo. “They have to complete those [unfinished] games. That was a claim raised by the board. [We] would be satisfied by them coming and playing here.”

Manohar said the schedule will be finalised by the end of May. He said no other conditions were laid out by the BCCI during the talks with the West Indies board.

WICB president Dave Cameron, without elaborating much, said: “We stand

by what ever Mr Manohar says.”

In October 2014, when West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo led the players’ boycott, the team returned home after the fourth ODI against India in Dharamsala. The tour was meant to comprise five ODIs, one T20I and three Tests. Calling the abandonment a “monumental disaster”, the then BCCI administration slapped punitive damages on the WICB, and also suspended all bilateral tours between the two parties till the issue was resolved.

The first signal that the relationship between the two boards was on the mend came last December when Cameron issued a media release stating India would honour the commitment to play a four-Test series in the Caribbean in July-August 2016, as listed in the ICC’s Future Tours Programme.

Cameron did not mention anything about the punitive claims, though.

Last month, Cameron sounded positive when asked about the BCCI’s claim. “We will do a joint media release for you as soon as both boards are ready,” Cameron had told ESPNcricinfo during an interview days before West Indies triumphed in the World T20. (Cricinfo)

lpha United and Pele FC seemed to shrug-off their indifferent performances in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League Finale with their second successive wins on the trot at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Bourda on Wednesday.

In the first match, Alpha United made light work of Monedderlust in their 3-1 victory over the Berbice team.

Colin Nelson was the man to get the ball rolling for Alpha as he struck goal in the 31st and in the space of one minute, Alpha were up by two goals as Anthony Abrams continued his impressive goal scoring form to hit the back of the net in the 32nd.

The Berbice based side, never looked like they were completely out of the match as they found goal in the 39th from a shot

by Kevin Layne to end an eventful first half.

Monedderlust bid to find an equalizer seemed to be blockaded by Alpha’s backline but on the other side of the field, forward Dwight Peters ensured that any chance of the opposition making a comeback would be nullified when hit the back net in

The scorers for Alpha United

the 84th.

With the win, Alpha now moves two points behind second place Fruta Conquerors, with 20 point by copping their sixth in ten matches.

Mondedderlust on the other hand, have lost their sixth match from ten matches and remain among the bottom placed teams on the table.

The other match saw Gregory Richards’ goal in the 32nd minute proved

to be winner for Pele in their clash against Buxton United as the scores ended 1-0.

Pele would be grateful for the points, as now just one point separates them from the top four.

The League continues today the Tucville Ground where Slingerz FC will play GFC from 18:00hrs followed by Fruta Conquerors FC against Guyana Defence Force from 20:30h.

friDAY, APRIL 22, 2016

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

BCCI waives US$42M penalty on WICB Pg 23

The West Indies players pulled out of their tour of India last October (BCCI photo)

GFF/Stag Elite League Finale...

Alpha, Pele gain valuable points with wins

Pg 23

Some of the action between Pele FC and Buxton United

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