Guyana Times

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

Issue No. 3014

Friday, October 21, 2016

PRICE

PPP/C to challenge wind farm deal with Govt financier

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Jagdeo calls for full-fledged investigation into GWI water treatment P7

Page 3

– may have exposed the people to harmful chemical

Peters Hall man killed during robbery Sugar workers strike at Albion, Wales Estates

Banks DIH employees robbed on BV Public Road

$80 VAT INCLUDED

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Cuba lobbying support for removal of P2 US blockade

Page 7

Page 10

Sheik Amir appointed acting CEO for GPHC P9

Harpy Eagle to be symbol of Warapoka’s tourism P13 product In this composite photo: After an announcement that GuySuCo will not be considering wage increases for workers until 2020, workers attached to the Albion and Wales Estates staged a protest demanding an increase in payments

High Court blocks Duncan’s tribunal from proceeding

– rules Nagamootoo’s advice was “unconstitutional”

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CGX seeks new partner for deepwater harbour in Berbice

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... to be launched at World Trade Fair in London

Linden officials P14 explore developmental opportunities with China

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Cuba lobbying support for removal of US blockade

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espite President Barack Obama’s commitment to end to the 50-plus years blockade, Cuba says the policy still remains in force and continues to cause severe damage to the country’s economy and development.

To this end, Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Marchante, at a press conference on Thursday said his country is looking forward to the support of the international community as it once again presents a resolution at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly next week, with the aim of completely removing the United States’ embargo.

In October last year, the international community demonstrated its overwhelming rejection of the policy, supporting Cuba's resolution calling for its immediate end by a vote of 191 in favour.

The resolution, titled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America

Cuban Ambassador Julio Marchante making his presentation at the press briefing on Thursday

against Cuba”, will be presented to the UN for the 25th consecutive year.

The 2016 Draft Resolution reflects the current status of bilateral relations between Cuba and the US; reiterates Cuba’s appreciation of the restoration of diplomatic relations and President Obama's expression of willingness to work towards the lifting of the blockade, which was reaffirmed during his histor-

ic visit to Cuba earlier this year.

Ambassador Marchante noted that the role of the international community is essential in having the sanctions against Cuba removed.

On this note, he recognised Guyana’s support over the years in its effort “Cuba reiterates its gratitude for the permanent support of Guyana to the demand by the Cuban people for an end to this illegal,

genocidal and extraterritorial policy, which will never prevent the Cuban people from defending its sovereignty and its unfettered right to choose its own future,” he remarked.

The Ambassador went on to mention President David Granger’s speech at this year’s UN General Assembly, where he lobbied for the removal of the blockade.

“I wish, also, to iterate

Guyana’s continued support, within the context of the preservation of sovereignty and its inextricable link with sustainable development, for the complete removal of the commercial, economic, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against another Caribbean country – the Republic of Cuba. We cannot commit to policies to transform our economies to provide development for our peoples and not demonstrate the political will to change systems that are in direct contradiction to these policies,” President Granger had stated during his address to the assembly in September.

According to Ambassador Marchante, the measures taken by the White House thus far to remove the blockade are not enough, as they have had a limited impact and constitute a basic obstacle to the process aimed at normalising relations between the two countries.

“Despite the restoring of Cuban-US diplomatic relations, the reopening of embassies over a year ago, and President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba in March 2016; the US economic, commercial and financial sanctions against Cuba remain in force, as do the laws that support them while the restrictions they generate continue to be applied,” he highlighted.

In this regard, he mentioned the continuous ban of trade and direct banking relations; his country is still banned from opening correspondent accounts in US banks and has been unable to make either deposits or payments in cash in US dollars in third countries, while the US is still blocking transfers of funds and withholding payments, as foreign banks with links to Cuba continue to be fined.

He cited two recent cases: one, whereby the German

Commerzbank ceased operations with Cuba following a fine of US$1,710 million imposed by the US in March 2015; and two, in August this year, two correspondent banks - Commerzbank and the Belgian KBC Bank - refused to action a credit transfer of €12,527,945 ordered by the Bank of Algeria as payment for Cuban medical services in Algeria.

Additionally, Marchante went on that his country has been incurring millions of dollars in losses as a result of the 50-year blockade, noting that currently the cumulative cost of the blockade to the Cuban people totals some $125,873,000,000.

He added too that between March 2015 and March 2016, the cost to Cuba of the sanctions amounted to $4,680,300,000 at current prices.

On this note, the Cuban Ambassador posited that the US President has the executive powers to ensure the complete removal of the blockade without any conditions: “The President of the United States still possesses wide executive powers, which he has not used, to continue modifying the application of the blockade regulations beyond what has already been done to date.

These would enable him, if used decisively, to virtually dismantle the blockade policy.” He recognized however that elimination of the blockade requires a decision

by Congress.

Ambassador Marchante concluded that the blockade against Cuba must be removed unilaterally and unconditionally, calling it the most unjust, severe and prolonged system of sanctions ever imposed on any country, which remains a flagrant, massive and systematic violation of the human rights of the Cuban people.

Banks DIH employees robbed on BV Public Road

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rmed bandits on Wednesday evening tied up and robbed a delivery truck driver/ salesman and two porters of Banks DIH Limited at the Beterverwagting Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The robbery occurred sometime around 19:00h during which three males, one of them armed with a handgun, escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash.

According to reports, the driver/salesman, Trevor Thom of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and the two porters were in the company’s truck proceeding west on the East Coast Public Road when they were allegedly intercepted by a darkcoloured car.

The DIH employees told investigators that the car suddenly stopped in front of their truck, causing them to halt immediately. Three

men quickly exited the car and approached the truck.

They proceeded to hold up employees at gunpoint and relieved them of the cash which was in the truck from the day’s business.

According to the employees, the bandits then placed pieces of cloth over their face, causing them to lose consciousness. The employees further stated that at about 20:30h, they regained consciousness and found themselves in the back of the truck, bound with duct tape.

They were subsequently freed by a passer-by who heard them banging the walls of the truck. After being freed, the men found that they were at Enmore Railway Embankment.

No one has been arrested for the robbery but investigations are continuing.

news

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friDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | guyana-times.com

PPP/C to challenge wind farm deal with Govt financier

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 21 – 09:30h-11:00h and Saturday, October 22 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 21 – 08:20h-09:50h and Saturday, October 22 – 09:30h-11:00h.

T

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers with chances of heavy to light rain showers can be expected throughout most of the day, while sunny weather is expected in the late afternoon hours. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to East North-easterly ranging from 0.89 metres to 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 08:07h and 20:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.43 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:35h and 13:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.88 metre respectively.

wednesday, October 19, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

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Thursday, October 20, 2016

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) says it intends to vigorously challenge – in the courts if needs be – the ‘corrupt’ wind farm deal entered into between the current coalition Administration and one of its financiers, Lloyd Singh.

This position was adumbrated on Thursday by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who was at the time addressing media operatives at the Party’s Freedom House Headquarters.

“If they persist with it then we will have no choice but to review it,” Jagdeo said, even as he called on the international community, specifically the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to not fall prey to the machinations of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Speaking to the IDB’s involvement, Jagdeo spoke to the fact that the international financial institution has funded an Energy Matrix Study for Guyana.

This study, he said, was handed over to Government since June of this year but Government is still to make a pronouncement on this report.

The former President drew reference to the fact that Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced the negotiations of a Power Purchase Agreement between Government, through the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) and the principals for the proposed 25 Mega Watts, Wind Farm.

Jagdeo said, international consultants usually just ‘baptise’ projects put forward by governments and he was hoping that this was not the case with the proposed US$50 million Hope Beach Wind Farm.

He posited that the Energy Mix Study “may just baptise this, what is already in the system.”

According to Jagdeo, there was never a public tender or any sort of competitive process with respect to the pursuit of a wind farm

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

APNU/AFC financier, Lloyd Singh

as part of Government’s renewable energy drive.

On the matter of the Hope Beach Wind Farm principal, Jagdeo said Lloyd Singh is a known financier of the AFC. “Imagine a man who built the AFC headquarters is now negotiating with General Secretary of the AFC [Minister David Patterson] for or a Power Purchase Agreement that was never tendered and announced long before the power mix study...This smacks of corruption.”

As such, the former President said even if Government were to go ahead with the project, the “PPP is not bound to respect anything that is done in this manner.”

He said his party will vigorously oppose any Power Purchase Agreement negotiated in secret by related parties.

This agreement, he said, will not necessarily be respected by the PPP. The US$50 million wind farm project is being touted

by Government as its solution to GPL blackout woes, but Jagdeo has since questions what obtains if the wind speed for any given day were to drop below what is required and as a result generation reduces to nil.

“What will be the backup power that will kick in,” Jagdeo questioned, even as he sought to explain that with a wind farm, what is being purchased is energy and not necessarily capaci-

ty.

Jagdeo – the main proponent behind the development of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project – said hydro offers both capacity and energy, “this seems to escape them, so we gonna be spending tons of money. This is a corrupt transaction.”

Jagdeo also used the opportunity to take to task Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who according to the Opposition Leader, misled the National Assembly when he announced the development of and negotiations surrounding the wind farm at Hope Beach.

He drew reference to the Finance Minister’s presentation to the House where he alluded to the power being purchased from the Wind Farm Project at 12 cents per kilowatt hour versus the 28 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) that it was costing GPL to generate electricity.

According to Jagdeo, the generating cost for GPL at

the time was 11cents per kwh, “he was wrong.”

The former President said members of the Administration have since privately conceded that the Finance Minister was wrong.

Jagdeo suggested that the Finance Minister deliberately used the inflated cost of electricity generation in order to justify the feasibility of the wind farm.

He used the occasion to also lament the fact that there have been no investment decisions made about installing new capacity adding that, “they have effectively killed the hydro power and they are now in a mad scramble to resurrect the wind farm.”

The matter of the wind farm, according to Jagdeo, will be raised with the Norwegian Government which itself is currently conducted another study on the feasibility of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric project.

Jagdeo was adamant that Government’s proposed solution in the form of a wind farm will not bring an end to the spate of blackouts and other woes as he maintained that “this thing is a corrupt deal and we will scrutinise this… will press them hard to get the details of this contract.”

According to Jagdeo, “we have to look at it, if we find that it is particularly egregious then we will challenge it as we have done in the courts and use every means that is available to us to expose it.”

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Road carnage and state of roads

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uyana’s roads have continued to be killing grounds! The country’s roadways seem to be competing for the highest death toll award!

The causes of accidents vary from narrow roads, careless driving and over speeding. And then there is the more popular reason, some drivers just refuse to follow the rules. They will overtake other vehicles in narrow and sharp corners, drive while intoxicated, exceed the speed limit and literally drive themselves and other innocent road-users into the grave.

There have been concerted efforts to enforce existing rules to help curb the carnage, including the implementation of Operation Safeway, which also aided in supporting the poorly equipped Police Force to tackle traffic issues. According to statistics released by the Guyana Police Force, there has been a decline in road accidents and they have directly attributed this to Operation Safeway.

Given the propensity of particular behaviours, road usage needs to be looked at holistically. While it may be important to revisit the process of training and licensing of drivers, in an effort to strengthen their understanding of signs and road usage, it is also important to reflect on existing programmes as well; officials also need to pay attention to the design and construction of the nation’s roadways.

Compounding the problem is the poor state of many roads. Many carriageways are still riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces, which has led to headon collisions as motorists drive from left to right and back in a desperate bid to avoid them.

As ongoing projects, selected highways across Guyana have been undergoing rehabilitation works; these include the East Bank Demerara highway. It is commendable that in the new design, pedestrians and cyclists have been catered for, as the roadway now boasts a foot/cycle path. However, given the already limited space for the expansion, it may not have been the wisest design choice, to have the path constructed to take up such a large area.

The highway is now simply too narrow. Our planners should take note that a high incidents of accidents since the completion of the roadway and examine the causes.

Road users now have to be mindful of the fact that the road shoulders along the EBD Highway are bordered by concrete separations, which separates the footpath from the main thoroughfare. This could prove to be problematic, and given the already carless attitude of many motorists, they might forget this structure has been added. The lack of adequate road lighting in many areas turns this into a recipe for disaster. The additions are not outfitted with reflectors. One wonders if there are plans to illuminate the concrete partitions.

In addition, whereas many accidents have been blamed on reckless driving and speeding, it is inevitable that motorists will collide with these partitions and this could have fatal consequences. A concrete median has been added along the Carifesta Avenue and this has drastically reduced the space available for vehicles to traverse; again this is a disaster waiting to happen.

In the meantime, while motorists and road users get acclimated with the additions and changes, additional traffic officers should be placed in these areas to ensure orderly movement of road users and vehicles. The police may find it useful to have more road signs erected to guide motorists. Any and all venues and opportunities that exist for the reduction of accidents should be examined and implemented. Everyone should become involved, engineers and contractors, the minibus and hire car associations, NGOs , and road users should offer their opinions and suggestions. This information can then be passed on to the Authorities to help them in crafting a wider strategy to address road usage.

Clowns get ready for the annual picture segment of the XXI Convention of Clowns, at the Monument to the Revolution, in Mexico City, Mexico, October 19, 2016 (Reuters/Carlos Jasso)

Several issues to be addressed to ensure Budget 2017 is not merely numbers Dear Editor, In less than two months, the APNU/AFC Government is expected to present to the National Assembly of Guyana for debate and approval, the country's 2017 National and Regional Budgets.

And, may I remind our municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) that they too are expected to receive and consider their estimates for 2017 before December 31, 2016.

Indeed, "The City Council and the Town Councils shall, not later than the fifteenth day of November in every year, cause to be submitted to them estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the Council for the next financial year.” (Chapter 28:01) In the case of the NDCs, note that "On or before the 31st December in every year or with the consent of the Minister, before the 15th February in any year, the Chairman of the Local Authority shall submit to the Authority an estimate of the expenditure for the ensuing year or for the current year as the case may be". In both instances (municipalities and NDCs), the Financial Year shall be the twelve months ending 31st December. (Chapter 28:02) In my examination of the above subject matter, I limit my comments to the municipalities and NDCs, most of whose primary source of revenue to provide goods and services to its citizens are the rates and taxes paid by residents who own properties situated within the municipalities and NDCs with some

exceptions, viz: the five NDCs and the Mabaruma Municipality which cannot function because of a tie at the March 2016 Local Government Elections.

While the Minister of Communities can appoint the Local Government and Municipal Officers for these ‘tied’ Councils in the absence of the Local Government Commission; he cannot appoint the NDC Chairpersons or the Mayor of Mabaruma. The matter must await the decision of the court.

The Budget is the municipalities' and the NDCs’ most important economic tool for allocating scarce financial resources among various programmes and projects and for monitoring to ensure effective and efficient management of these resources. In other words, the Budget facilitates planned and orderly development. These programmes and projects must reflect not only inputs from residents, agencies, organisations within the municipalities and the NDCs, but must be reflective also of the Council’s policies and priorities as the elected representatives of those very residents. Indeed, the Budget must be seen as a tool to be used to communicate those priorities to the Councils, NDC staff and the broader public.

A prioritised list of Council goals arising out of consultations with residents residing within the boundaries of the respective NDCs and municipalities will help in making decisions on how to allocate scarce resources in the Budget process. In this re-

gard also, the Councils ought not to be unmindful of Central Government’s national goals and may, I daresay, provided also that the said residents were part of a consultation process in defining and prioritising these national goals.

The Budget is not merely a set of numbers but planned and controlled measures which reflect a vision for the future of the municipalities and the NDCs. It is a legal document that once approved by the Council and the Munster gives the Council the authority to incur obligations and to expend financial resources to meet these obligations. It controls how much is spent viz: on infrastructure maintenance, health care, environment, solid waste management and other projects and services which the Council plans to provide.

It is also an evaluation tool for comparing accomplishments of one year or one period against another.

In fact, comparisons of revenues and expenditures over a period are very useful.

The Budget process for 2017 ought to have started about three months ago. Normally, the Municipal Treasurer and/ or a Standing Committee (the Finance Committee) in the case of municipalities, and the Overseer and/or a Finance Committee in the case of NDCs is designated the responsibility of preparing the budget.

There ought to be consultation with the residents of the NDC and municipality in the form of Budget Meetings for which adequate notice must be given re – time and venue for

the meeting. These public consultations are to be preferred to some Councillors and staff sitting in a room to take such decisions. The Councils must plan with the people and not merely for them. Reaching out to residents individually and collectively in groups allows not only for citizens’ participation in deciding priorities but for citizens’ involvement in the monitoring of projects and for timely and quality implementation. It provides the Councils with an effective way to build trust and confidence with the citizens.

Provided the [Local Authority Area] LAA has residents’ input and the Budget is discussed and agreed on at the level of the Council; it is then presented to the Ministry of Communities for the Minister’s approval. Without this approval, the Council could not levy and collect taxes, let alone expend those taxes. The Minister must show due cause for withholding his approval.

Providing the Budget has the input and support of significant numbers of the citizenry and aims to improve the extent and quality of services the Council wishes to provide to the citizens: the Council can feel confident of the continual involvement of citizens in providing oversight and helping to monitor works being implemented.

Involve the citizens! What do you have to hide? It’s one way you improve rates collection: when citizens are involved in the process of getting things done to benefit themselves.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Local aquaculture farm to export 22,000 pounds of fish to the US

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fter working with the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry for two years, Carana Agriculture Development Project is set to export more than twenty-two thousand pounds of Tambaki to the United States of America (USA).

Carana is an aquaculture farm located at Bushy Park, West Coast Berbice.

During a visit to the farm on October 18, 2016, Specialist Ray DeWandel explained that the farm sells about five thousand pounds of farm-raised Tambaki on the local market and is preparing to make its first shipment of 22,000 pounds of filleted Tambaki to the United States of America at a cost of US$5 per pound, a Government information Agency (GINA) release stated.

“In order to get 22,000

pounds of product to sell, we need approximately 66,000 pounds of fish, so next month we will be embarking on harvesting 66,000 pounds of fish, cutting them into fillet, putting them into boxes, freezing them and then sending them into the USA,” De Wandel explained.

The farm employs 10 persons from the area on a fulltime basis and another 50 part-time employees to assist with processing. It is currently working with local farmers to develop a hatchery from which it will source Tambaki fingerlings. The fish is native to Brazil.

“Any demand that can’t be made locally then we go to Brazil and bring them (fingerlings) in from Roraima State,” De Wandel said.

Permanent Secretary at the Agriculture Ministry, George Jarvis, congratulat-

Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry, George Jarvis and farm owner Jeffrey Fraser

ed the aquaculture farm proprietors for their success and pledged the continued support of the Ministry for the venture.

“I am also pleased that the fisheries department of the Ministry of Agriculture

has been working closely with you and I will pledge the support of not only the fisheries department, but all the departments and agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture, to work with you to ensure that your proj-

ect is successful and I urge you to share your success with other farmers,” Jarvis said.

According to GINA, the farm currently operates on about 25 acres of land, which De Wandel sees as a pilot project to be expanded to a full-fledged operation of 200300 acres of ponds and processing facilities.

Meanwhile, Jeoffrey Fraser, a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College, now Gueph University, and owner of the Bushy Park Estate, said he has been involved in several agricultural projects previously but, readily agreed to partner with De Wandel in the aquaculture business because of its potential to be transformative.

“We had several projects at Bushy Park. We had poultry, hogs, etc. I was very happy to have met Ray and

Several issues to be addressed to...

Never underestimate the role of public relations in improving local governance.

NDCs and municipalities need resources to finance the services and activities for which they have budgeted. We must not allow our own selfish agenda to inhibit or frustrate the work of Council.

Local rates and taxes are the main source of revenue among Local Authorities: and these are generally small and problematic to collect. That’s why we must seek opportunities to expand to include other services and the additional revenue accruing therefrom viz: rent for market stalls, fees in respect of education and health facilities established or maintained by the Local Government, eg day care centres, profits from local enterprises, etc. b) And that is why expenditure controls are necessary. And that is why also local revenue raising is sup-

ported by a system of fiscal transfers from Central Government to ensure that Local Governments have sufficient resources to carry out their mandated functions.

As you review and appraise the performance of your Council: may I suggest, on a quarterly basis, some important areas of focus: a) Corruption and incompetence, eg altering financial records to facilitate criminal evasion of rates and taxes owed or what amounts to unauthorised waiver of rates. Demand accountability. Have regular scheduled financial checks, audits and reviews. b) Overstaffing and poor quality entrants because of unattractive salaries: poor supervision...

The Local Government Commission is expected to address these deficiencies and more – training, retooling etc. c) The absence of a culture of service to the common

citizen.

All of these result in the inefficient delivery of the services the municipalities and NDCs provide. As Town Clerks and Overseers, you must know that you are responsible for the day-to-day operations and administration of the affairs of your Council subject to the general direction of the Mayor or the Chairman acting with the Council’s approval. That includes oversight over the work of your staff in providing timely and quality services, in levying, collecting

rates and taxes and in the implementation of decisions of the Council. The Mayor or the Chairman is politically accountable to the people and he or she must ensure that the Town Clerk or the Overseer and subordinate Officers function effectively and efficiently. He or she is the link between the Council and the administrative arm. d) Do not allow yourselves to be used as political tools/hacks to impose the will of Government... to award contracts, to deny resources to those perceived

Patrick Henry. They are the ones that approached me...

If this project gets off the ground, I have no doubt that over time, once infrastructure has been put in, it certainly can change the landscape for a lot of people in Guyana in producing fish,” Fraser said.

The Government through the various arms of the Agriculture Ministry has been encouraging agricultural diversification as a means of mitigating the challenges posed to food production by climate change.

Aquaculture is a process by which fish and other marine species are reared in a controlled environment. It is a means of sustainably producing fish for human consumption as oceanic fish stock becomes depleted due to climate change and pollution.

FROM PAGE 4

not to be supporters of the Government or to terminate employment, interference in the work of Local Authorities that goes beyond providing overview, guidance, correction eg, instructions to settle cases of rates owing on properties. This represents revenue loss that denies the Council and the residents of that LAA financial resources that could be used to provide more goods and services to satisfy their needs.

It encourages corruption and kickbacks.

Be acquainted with the

laws, by-laws, rules and regulations that guide what the Council is expected to do: how the Council is expected to do it: with what result.

Ultimately, we must work to improve the extent and quality of services we provide to our citizens. Unless we are able to efficiently do these things, our Budget becomes merely a set of numbers.

Sincerely, Norman Whittaker, Former Minister of Local Government

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Page

guyana-times.com

Foundation (Part one)

T

he teenage years can be an emotional assault course for all concerned. A gulf can grow between parents and their children during adolescence.

One of the reasons many of us find it so hard is because it is a time of rapid physical development and deep emotional changes. These are exciting, but can also be confusing and uncomfortable for child and parent alike.

What changes occur in adolescence?

three or four years, appear to be maturing much faster.

After this, boys catch up.

These changes are: * In girls: menstrual periods, growth of under-arm, body and pubic hair. * In boys: voice breaks (becomes deeper), growth of body, pubic and facial hair, erections and wet dreams. * In both: rapid physical growth.

By the age of 17, they will be young men and women

pen, and adolescents need to be reassured about this.

Growth and development uses a lot of energy, and this may be why teenagers often seem to need so much sleep.

Their getting up late may be irritating, but it may well not be just laziness.

Psychological and emotional changes

As well as growing taller, starting to shave or hav-

Rapid changes can occur physically and emotionally. There are also changes socially (attending secondary school, spending more time with peers) which can present with new challenges such as using drugs/alcohol and sexual relationships.

Physical: hormones, timing and changes

The process of rapid physical changes in adolescence is called puberty.

It starts gradually, from around 11 years for girls and 13 years for boys. The age at which puberty starts has been dropping in most countries, probably owing to better nutrition. So, your children may hit puberty earlier than you did.

The hormone changes responsible actually begin some years earlier and may produce periods of moodiness and restlessness. Girls start these changes before boys and will, for the first

who may be bigger than their parents and capable of having children themselves. In spite of this, they often still need support from you.

It is not surprising that, with the speed of these changes, some adolescents become very concerned about their appearance.

They may feel worried, especially if these changes happen earlier or later than in their peers. It is important to remember that there is a lot of difference in the ages at which these changes hap-

i n g periods, people of this age start to think and feel differently. They make close relationships outside the family, with friends of their own age. Relationships within the family also change. Parents become less important in their children’s eyes, as their life outside the family develops.

Real disagreements emerge for the first time as young people develop views of their own that may not be shared by their parents.

Adolescents spend a lot of time in each other’s com-

pany, or on the telephone or internet chatting to each other. Although this can be irritating to parents, it is an important way of becoming more independent.

These friendships are part of learning how to get on with other people, and gaining a sense of identity that is distinct from that of the family. Clothes and appearance are a way of expressing solidarity with friends, although teenage children are still more likely to get their values from the family.

Parents often feel rejected, and in a sense they are.

But this is often necessary for young people to develop their own identity.

Even if you have rows and arguments, your children will usually think a lot of you. The rejections and conflicts are often not to do with your personality, but simply with the fact that you are parents, from whom your children must become independent if they are to have their own life.

As they become more independent, young people want to try out new things, but often recognise that they have little experience to fall back on when things get difficult. This may produce rapid changes in self-confidence and behaviour – feeling very adult one minute, very young and inexperienced the next. (www.patient.info) TO BE CONTINUED

(CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY)

By Carl E Pickhardt, PhD

I

n the process of accomplishing homework on her own, the young person acquire some work ethic – developing the selfdiscipline to make herself do the additional practice work she don’t want to do.

Those adolescents who require no parental supervision to take care of homework develop a work ethic that will serve them well in the years ahead.

Another common source of self-discipline can be athletics. Dedication to practice builds a work ethic that can elevate competitive performance. As a coach once told me, “the kids who show self-discipline to push themselves in practice are usually the ones with the mental toughness to play hard in games. That’s why I tell all my players, ‘the hardest opponent to beat is never on the other team; it’s in yourself. It’s your natural reluctance to work as hard as you can to do your best.’”

In their adulthood, parents have learnt self-discipline as part of the necessary labour of daily life.

For growing adolescents, however, this self-mastery can be hard to learn.

For example, it’s when the young person leaves home for the final stage of adolescence, trial independence (ages 18 - 23) that the struggle for true independence begins and when self-discipline matters most of all.

Now the “enemy” to resist is no longer parents.

Now they are no longer the ones to blame. Now the fight is within the adolescent, the fight to overcome the old dependent part of himself and take full responsibility for all the freedom he said he always wanted and now finally has. The hardest part of adolescence comes last.

Self-discipline is the willpower to make yourself do what you may not feel like doing, or to keep yourself from giving in to what you will later regret. In both cases, self-discipline advances or protects what you believe is in your best interests.

It takes self-discipline, for example, for the college

student, after a late night out, to get himself up in the morning to go to class, to do assignments, and to turn them in on time. It feels easier to sleep in, put off assignments, and turn them in late or not at all.

It takes self-discipline, for example, at a party with friends, to keep one drink from leading to another and then to drunkenness, even though excessive drinking has been a problem in the past and a focus of personal concern.

In most last-stage adolescents, self-discipline is in short supply because the principal components of self-discipline – persistence, patience, and restraint – are often not well developed. defeats Discouragement persistence, impulsiveness defeats patience, and temptation defeats restraint.

Why? Because in the more independent world of peers in which they now live, opportunities for outside influence, distraction, escape, and self-indulgence for young people abound.

At a time when many of one’s peers are out for having a good time, selfdiscipline is not much fun.

There are, however, rewards for self-discipline.

You set yourself a task or resolution; you mobilise determination; you assert self-control; you successfully meet the challenge; and you build self-esteem for having accomplished what felt very hard to do. And in the process, through practice, you have further strengthened the willpower on which self-discipline depends.

To become self-disciplined at this point the adolescent has to wean himself from dependency on parental discipline to structure the freedom in his life. He has to stop leaning on their instruction, supervision, motivation, and correction and become his own authority.

It is only by managing to become self-motivating, self-instructive, self-supervising, and selfcorrective, that he will be able to claim responsible independence as a selfdisciplined “free standing” adult. (www.psychologytoday.com)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Jagdeo calls for full-fledged investigation into GWI water treatment – may have exposed the people to harmful chemical

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iven the grave health implications associated with the use of a questionable chemical – Antinfek – for the treatment of water used by thousands of Guyanese, the situation warrants a full-fledged investigation into the operations of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI).

This is according to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who on Thursday told media operatives that the revelation thus far “warrants a full-fledged investigation, or maybe another Commission of Inquiry”.

Guyana Times over the weekend reported that GWI had begun using Antinfek to treat its water being distributed to residents in Diamond, Soesdyke and Bartica.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

This situation obtains despite the staunch opposition to the chemical’s use locally.

The chemical has even been refused use in Haiti.

Jagdeo was adamant that if the chemical was in fact be-

ing used in Diamond and other places, “they (GWI) may have exposed the people to harmful chemicals not tested and not approved for use here”.

The GWI earlier this week confirmed that it was using the chemical, but maintained that it was just being tested.

Guyana Times has since been able to verify, through internal communications, that the chemical has in fact been put into use at the three locations, affecting thousands of consumers, with Diamond being one of the largest housing schemes in the nation.

Minutes of meetings during March 2016 show that the Antinfek chemical was scheduled for use in new wells in several communities in

Bartica. The documents from another meeting in June 2016 indicate that the well at the Linden-Soesdyke Highway would also be dosed with Antinfek. In fact, the internal communications illustrate that dosing pumps were being procured to add the chemical into the well. Additionally, the records of a July 2016 meeting show that the well at Diamond, EBD, was also being dosed with the Antinfek chemical to treat the water.

The call for an investigation by the Opposition Leader comes on the heels of an order by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to the GWI to halt its use of this chemical.

In its public missive on the issue, GWI said it was still us-

ing the sole disinfecting agent in all the treatment plants, while laboratory studies are being done on the use of other treatment alternatives.

GWI argued that it was found that the residual concentration of chlorine has a short life span, thus it does not protect the water from re-contamination during prolonged storage. Antinfek is manufactured by DoveBiotech Group of Companies, which describes the chemical as a powerful organic bio-polymer based compound, effective in decontamination of water against waterborne diseases, bacteria and fungi.

Internal communications show that the GWI Scientific Services Manager outlined that research suggested that

the chemical was not recommended for approval for household water treatment distribution in Haiti, which had no US National Sanitary Foundation (NFS) certification for potable water use.

Guyana Times understands that a DoveBiotech representative claimed that Antinfek was “approved for sale in Guyana by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of Guyana”. However, the Registrar at the Board indicated to the GWI by email that “records at the PTCCB do not show a registration/approval for this product.”

Notably, the importation of this chemical requires approval by the PTCCB under the law.

Peters Hall man killed during robbery – 1 in custody

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42-year-old man is now dead after he was shot by armed bandits who stormed a family gathering at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), during which an overseas-based family was also robbed.

Dead is Ameer Subrati of Peter’s Hall, EBD. The man was shot to the back of his neck sometime around 02:00h on Thursday when five men, two of whom were armed with handguns, pounced on the family and escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash, three cellular phones and other items.

The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he underwent surgery.

Although doctors listed him as being in stable but critical condition, the man died sometime after midday on Thursday.

According to reports, Subrati’s brother and his family came into the country on Tuesday and as such, he along with others would usually keep their company at the Lot 320 Third Street, Herstelling residence.

Speaking with Guyana Times shortly after Subrati’s death, the visiting sister-inlaw, Amika Appiah, related that sometime around 02:00h, she decided to take a shower

in the outdoor bathroom, leaving her husband upstairs and some other relatives in front of the yard.

“I came down to go to shower and one of the bandits step out from the bathroom, pointing a gun at me and whispered something but I didn’t hear what. When I realised what was happening, I screamed and then the four rushed out from the (adjoining) toilet,” she recalled.

The woman said that upon hearing her scream, her husband rushed down the back steps and the (four) others at the back were shouting “shoot him, shoot him” to the one that was holding her at gunpoint. She added that she then fell down and the other relatives rushed to the back. “(Relatives) rushed into the bandits, who start firing bullets; I guess that’s when Ameer got shot,” the woman stated, while continuing that during this time, she along with the other relatives managed to run into hiding, while her husband ran back into the house and secured himself.

Appiah added that it seemed as though the robbery was “hatched” since the gunmen were specific about what they wanted.

“It seemed that it’s (my husband) and I they were targeting… They were asking for the white bag, which was my bag with everything inside (passports, travel docu-

Dead: Ameer Khan

ments, cash, jewellery, etc)…

They went upstairs, took the bag and came back down, firing about four shots again before existing through the front gate.

But they gain entrance through the back because we were in front all the time and they were waiting for us. I guess they somehow knew we went down late to shower the first night but they didn’t expect the relatives would retaliate,” the woman pointed out.

Residents in the street told the victims that the men were seen running in the southern direction over a bridge into ‘Bell City’ – a squatting area locating in neighbouring Farm.

According to the traumatised victims, they believe that the robbery was set up by tenants – a couple occupying the lower flat of the house,

since they would have known about the time they showered the night before and what colour her bag is. Moreover, Appiah noted that while all five of the perpetrators were masked, her husband managed to recognise one of them as the brother of one of the female tenants.

“I think that’s the one that had the gun on me because my husband said when he came down the backstep, that’s the person that was over me with the gun. And he did not do us anything because he knew us but the ones (four gunmen) at the back were telling him to shoot. He didn’t shoot, it was the one at the back with

the gun who opened fire,” the woman stated.

The overseas-based victim went on to relate that on Wednesday, the downstairs apartment was locked from the outside but the tenant’s brother and a female were locked inside all day unknown to them.

“We had no idea the two of them were locked in that house all day. When the wife (tenant) came in, she opened the door and came out with a bag of clothes along with those two. They called a cab and left just like that so I guess they knew what was going to happen that night,” Appiah remarked.

She noted that after they returned from the hospital just over an hour after the robbery, the tenants were back at the house and upon seeing the Police, the male tenant scaled the fence and hid in the neighbour’s yard. Nevertheless, he was arrested and taken into custody, assisting with the investigations.

The victims’ family claims that the Police have been harassing them while preferential treatment is being given to the suspect and his family. They are fearful that the suspect would be released and another attacked would be carried out on the visiting family.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Timehri mechanic murder

Miner fined 20-year-old committed to over unlawful stand trial in High Court assault

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wenty-year- old Rayon Jones, of Fourth Avenue, Bartica, was on Thursday committed to stand trial at the High Court after Magistrate Leron Daly declared a prima facie case was made out against him.

Magistrate Daly handed down her ruling in a packed courtroom at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, noting that the prosecution has provided substantial evidence against the defendant that the defence has failed to refute.

It is alleged that on June 9, 2016, during the course of a robbery, Jones murdered Puranand Andrew Baljit at Madewini, East Bank Demerara.

The court heard that Jones was arrested several times before and appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on break and enter and robbery charges.

According to reports, Jones

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was arrested on June 11, 2016, at the Georgetown seawall by Police after being lured there by his reputed wife.

On the night in question, Baljit, 23, was found with several stab wounds about his body, mainly to the chest and shoulder.

It was reported that while Jones was under investigation, he admitted to Police ranks that he entered Baljit’s bedroom earlier that night and hid himself until the victim was asleep. He further added that Baljit woke up suddenly and they had a fierce scuffle.

Baljit’s father told investigators that on the night of his son’s murder, he heard screams coming from his room. He revealed that he immediately rushed to his son’s bedroom, but the door was locked. He then decided to climb through his son’s bedroom window and discovered the young man lying in a pool of blood. The father stated that his son was then taken by his stepmother to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital (commonly known as Diamond hospital), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

21-year-old miner of Kamarang Village appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of unlawful assault at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

David Robinson pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on October 1, at Kamarang Village, he unlawfully assaulted Mahindra Hunter so as to cause actual bodily harm.The prosecution disclosed that on the day in question, the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC), who are known to each other, had a misunderstanding, which resulted in a fight.

As such, Hunter sustained a fractured shoulder.

Robinson pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $25, 000, with an alternative sentence of eight weeks in prison.

He was also placed on a bond to keep the peace for the next 12 months.

Eyew tness Hubris...

Y

...in Finance

our Eyewitness is still reeling from the disdainful statement of Minister of Finance Winston Jordan to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma: “I don’t owe him any explanation!!” And just what did the holder of this constitutional office do to deserve such a contemptuous dismissal? Just doing his job!! He asked why the government spending almost a BILLION dollars from the “Contingencies Fund” - meant for emergency spending!!

To be exact, under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMA), “The Minister, when satisfied that an urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure has arisen – (a) for which no moneys have been appropriated or for which the sum appropriated is insufficient; (b) for which moneys cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act; or (c) which cannot be deferred without injury to the public interest, may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund.”

The AG conceded a government might underestimate a million here or a million there in a budget, but $900 MILLION?!! Something’s really fishy. How could he NOT ask Jordan to explain? He should’ve been fired if he didn’t! But there is something else at work her - and it’s called “HUBRIS”.

This state of mind was recognised as far back as the ancient Greeks who gave it its name. It means basically someone’s too full of himself - but with the critical addendum that the arrogance will bring that person down - as sure as the sun’s gonna rise in the morning. The ancient Jews mentions it in one of their Proverbs - “pride goeth before destruction; a haughty spirit before a fall”. The point is the arrogance of one filled with hubris is because these folks really DON’T have the qualities they flaunt when putting down others to humiliate them. Somewhere in the back of their minds they know they’re bluffing and are afraid their bluff’s gonna be called. As with Jordan right now, they’ll be exposed as hollow men.

On another hubristic utterance - Jordan’s claim that the AG should’ve sent his Report to be “edited” by him is Jordan aware of how he’s exposed his “shallowness”?

According to the AG portions of the Report were sent to his different Department Heads. Is the Big and Bad Jordan confessing that even his HoDs didn’t share their info with him? But this is par for the course in underlings dealing with hubristic bosses. They just can’t wait see to how hard and fast will be the fall - and act to hasten it!

This Eyewitness just can’t believe that Prezzie has authorised this kind of arrogance from one of his Ministers.

He has to use his rod of correction! And soon.

...of the plantocracy

And how can one discuss “hubris” in Guyana and not mention Tony Vieira?? This fella’s the quintessential hubristic hollow man. In today’s papers he exposed his arrogance for all the world to see in a letter boasting about how the Chairman of the GNBA on which he sits, is just like any other director - meaning him! Can you believe this?

It’s like an MP telling a Minister that there’s no difference between them, because they both were candidates from their party! Craig might’ve been a director on the GNBA along with Vieira...but the moment he was elected as Chairman, he was invested with all the powers of that office - which go beyond those of a regular director.

Which part of this Vieira doesn’t get? But that’s not the point, is it? As Vieira told someone, he’s superior to Craig because he’s a “member of the plantocracy”!!

Yes, imagine that! From a fella who had access to all the money - and the best he could do was work in the fields!

...and rebuilding

It was just announced that the Arthur Chung Convention Centre will be closed for two years to be “fixed”.

Since we all know the biggest defect is it was built “back to front”, will this be reversed?

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

CGX seeks new partner for deepwater harbour in Berbice

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anadian Oil E x p l o r a t i o n Company CGX Energy Inc is seeking new business partners to develop the highly anticipated deepwater port to serve the developing oil and gas industry after an agreement with its previous partner did not materialise.

CGX explained in a statement that its potential partner pulled out from the project for a number of reasons, including its inability to demonstrate financial capacity to for the undertaking.

Award-winning global oil and gas newspaper ‘Upstream’ reported on October 19 that the potential partner “lost confidence” in “certain counter

parties” that had signed a term sheet to build the wharf and logistics yard.

The term sheet was signed in April as US oil giant ExxonMobil was appraising what would become the world-class Liza discovery, which introduced a wave of industry optimism for Guyana’s deepwater offshore province.

Upstream reported that the exclusivity period in the term sheet lapsed and after an extension also lapsed, CGX decided to pull the plug on the deal, partially because it was unable to determine the financial wherewithal of the funding parties to complete the transaction proposed by the term sheet.

Sheik Amir appointed acting CEO for GPHC

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ormer Chairman of the Guyana Medical Council, Dr Sheikh Amir has been appointed the new acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), replacing Michael Khan, who served in this capacity for a number of years.

This was confirmed by the health institution on Thursday in a brief statement to the media.

Khan was previously sent on leave pending an investigation into the GPHC as recommended in the findings of the forensic report into the institution, and suspicions were rife that Government would have terminated his contract as was done with other heads of agencies when they were sent on leave pending a probe.

However, Khan was subsequently reinstated by the GPHC Board of Directors and continued to serve in this capacity.

Reports indicated that, after resuming duty, Khan was again asked to proceed on leave until a decision was made on his continuation as GPHC CEO.According to his three-year contract, which expires in August 2017, he is entitled to 42 days’ vacation leave per year.

Guyana Times was unable to ascertain whether Khan was fired or if he resigned from the post.

However, reports indicate that the then GPHC Chairman asserted that the findings of the forensic audit showed no reasons for the CEO to be investigated, but Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton contended otherwise.

Among the findings in the investigation conducted by the Ram and Mc Rae firm was that Khan had instructed that a total of $1.4 million in income tax not be deducted from responsibility allowance totalling $4.4 million at a rate of $100,000 per month from January 2011 to September 2014.

An artist's impression of the deepwater harbour in Berbice

CGX Co-chairman Serafino Iacono said in a statement that, “we abandoned the proposed transaction for a number of reasons, including as a result of the partner not being able to demonstrate the financial wherewithal to complete the purchase of the assets and fund the requisite capital expenditures required under our proposed partnership.”

He explained that the company could not take the

risk of entering a definitive deal with a partner that could not demonstrate a baseline ability to meet the financial commitments under the proposed terms of the transaction.

As a result, CGX is now actively seeking a new partner for the development of the deepwater harbour.

The Company said it already has interest from several parties and hopes to enter an agreement be-

fore the end of 2016.

CGX holds three licenses in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, a frontier Basin in South America with a proven hydrocarbon system and highly prospective deepwater plays that can be drilled in shallow water.

In 2000, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) identified the Guyana-Suriname Basin as having the second highest resource potential among unexplored oil basins in the world.

In 2010, CGX secured a 50-year land lease from the Government of Guyana for a 22 hectare plot with 600 meters of frontage property at the mouth of the Berbice River.

CGX’s objective is to build a deep-sea port to service both the highly active offshore oil and gas exploration industry in the Guyana-Suriname Basin as well as regional sugarcane and rice producers.

Earlier this year, President David Granger

had promised that the deepwater harbour being established in Guyana is still on the cards and could become a reality as soon as funding is available and logistics worked out.

CGX Energy Inc Cochairman, Professor Suresh Narine had explained that a deepwater harbour in Guyana can actually take the strain off oil exploration companies which depend on the Port of Chaguaramas, located some 450 miles from Guyana, as the primary source of raw materials for their operations.

If this economic activity is transferred to a closer port – in Berbice - it can significantly cut the expense endured by these oil giants.

Also, with the availability of a cheaper option, it may likely attract more exploration companies to search for oil in Guyana’s waters, which can further contribute to the economic development of the country.

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guyana-times.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

News

Corentyne murder suspect remanded

Winston Benjamin as he appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court

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he Corentyne man Police arrested three days ago for the murder of his wife appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court Thursday and was remanded.

Winston Benjamin was taken from his holding cell at the Whim lock ups and placed before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga to answer the charge of murder.

It is alleged that on

Monday, October 17, at Ulverston Village, Corentyne, he murdered Yansen Tamika Brusche.

The 43-year-old Benjamin of Lot 40 Ulverston Village was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Phillip Sherriff told the court that the file on the matter has already returned from the DPP and the Police have obtained all of the statements required. He said the Police are ready for the trial of the father of four.

Magistrate Artiga set December 19 to commence the Preliminary Inquiry and remanded the accused until then. Moments later the defendant was taken out of the courtroom where his relatives and those of the victim were waiting; many of those waiting were cousins to both the accused and the deceased.

Following the fatal stabbing of Brusche at a shop a

few houses away from her Ulverston home, Benjamin went into hiding. Police launched a search and even used horses to assist in locating the suspect, who was discovered some 15 miles into the Backdam.

When he was found he still had the alleged murder weapon with him.

Investigators were able to obtain a confession statement from Benjamin.

Brusche, 38, and Benjamin shared four chil-

dren together; two of them wept as he was being taken away from the court.

His request to meet with his two eldest daughters was welcomed. Meanwhile, it is still not clear when Brusche will be laid to rest.

Sugar workers strike at Albion, Wales Estates

These sugar workers are demanding better treatment

After an announcement that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will not be considering wage increases for workers until 2020, the workers united in a one-day strike to express their disapproval on Thursday.

At the Albion Estate, the workers demonstrated their disagreement with the position GuySuCo has taken by staging a protest. Close to 70 workers held placards bearing anti-GuySuCo slogans and chanted, “No money, no wuk”, along the Corentyne Highway.

According to Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) General Council Member Fizal Inderdat, the claims being made by GuySuCo are “unrealistic”.

“Based on figures that GuySuCo put forward to the Union, you find that they inflating them. When they say that they owe so much debt is not so much they owe. They say that they owe $89 billion, but is not $89 billion in solid cash they owe; when you check the liability of GuySuCo, with all the buildings that they have, it is $32 billion they owe…and the executive in GuySuCo, $339 million they drawing a year, and that is only for about 12 of them, so that is about $48 million a year one person getting, [but] still GuySuCo saying that they don’t have money,” he said.

For the first half of this year, Guyana experienced 3.2 per cent inflation. In 2015, GuySuCo paid $21.6 billion

in wages. This year, it will pay some $19 billion as wages to its workers at seven estates – Skeldon, Albion, Rosehall, Uitvlugt, Enmore and Wales.

“That $2.5 billion could have come in and give the workers something. In order to give each worker one per cent increase, it will cost GuySuCo $181 million. We put in a proposal for eight per cent, but we are willing to negotiate with them,” the General Council Member noted.

Meanwhile, workers’ representative Stephen Inderdat opined that the workers are suffering and deserve a wage increase.

He said, “Look at the public servants, those people have received their benefits.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

Region 2 REO allegedly GWI has no hand in unfinished well at Kamarang involved in financial irregularities at RDC T – “Ghost staff” paid hundreds of thousands

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llegations of corrupt practices are being levelled against operatives within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). Guyana Times was recently told of several financial irregularities that are occurring under the watch of Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson regarding the hiring of staff paid via a “ghost” payroll and supposed preferential treatment in the awarding of several of the region’s contracts.

Upon receiving word of these reports, this newspaper conducted further investigations where it was disclosed that over the last few months, the REO has reportedly undertaken 13 new staff members who have been employed without letters of assumption.

Guyana Times understands that these added workers were not paid through the normal payroll but that Hopkinson officially requested that they receive remuneration via an “Events Fund” which was recently exhausted.

As such, the Region Two REO has reportedly made several requests that the finances to pay his staff be transferred from other departments to the “Events Fund” financial heading.

This publication was able to obtain a September 26, 2016, document which bore the purported signature of the REO which showed that he reportedly request-

Region Two REO Rupert Hopkinson

ed that Chief Accountant of the Regional Accounting Unit “prepare contracts” for five of the 13 staff members for work done in July and August. The letter requested that the staff who have been working for the past four months, be paid under an “appropriate Subhead”, with a further encouragement for the process to be expedited.

“Your quick action will be appreciated,” was included near the end of the letter that Hopkinson purportedly signed.

According to the letter, Joan Jeffery was paid $240,000 for “consultancy services” on financial budgetary matters to the REO while Morris Walcott was paid the same figure to assist the REO in the “management and supervision of regional activities throughout Region Two”.

Meanwhile, Clarence

Sugar workers...

We are not saying that they should not have, they are working class people; we in the sugar also deserve more than what we have here.”

At the other Berbice estates, there was no grinding as work also came to a standstill.

Wales strike

Meanwhile, several workers of Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara, on Thursday morning gathered at the factory gate, where they downed tools to protest unpaid wage increases and severance packages.

Workers informed this publication that they would not perform duties for the remainder of this week and were prepared to withhold their services for an extended period if they were not paid increases as other categories of public servants.

“GuySuCo [has] money to pay, because they using $1.5 billion to make a road from here to Uitvlugt and they budget $500 million for diversification,” the Wales Field Secretary explained.

Nonetheless, the protesting workers related that they were uncertain of their future and that of their families, as

FROM PAGE 10

they have received official word on the diversification plans for Wales.

“Since we understand that the Wales Estate gan close this year-end, we want to know what time we gan receive our severance,” a worker expressed.

Many workers said that they had no intention of transferring to Uitvlugt Estate, as was offered by GuySuCo. “We ain’t going no Uitvlugt; I employ a Wales Estate and will remain a Wales Estate,” another worker declared.

Some even decried the earnings of GuySuCo’s Board.

GAWU President Komal Chand late Thursday confirmed that the majority of workers supported the oneday strike action. Guyana Times, however, understands that workers at the Uitvlugt Estate did not fully support the move. It was only last year that GuySuCo had claimed that it was not going to address the issue of wage increases for workers until 2017. However, when GAWU met with the Sugar Corporation to commence discussions, GuySuCo deferred the date for increases to 2020.

Hoppie and Errol Greene were granted $200,000 each for providing consultancy services to the Public Works Programme and assisting in monitoring trenches and kokers throughout Region Two respectively. Also on the list was Carlton Semple who received $160,000 for his assistance in monitoring and supervising drainage and irrigation trenches in the region for works done over a twomonth period.

Meantime, a source associated with Hopkinson’s office revealed that there has been much “sole sourcing” in the awarding of contracts with the Principal of the Essequibo Technical Institute Michael Turner being awarded the majority.

he unfinished well at Kamarang, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) is not a project undertaken by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) as insinuated by Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, who recently raised concerns about the delay in its construction.

Dr Norton, during an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, called on the water company to offer an explanation on the delayed works on the well, which resulted in Kamarang residents using contaminated water for domestic purposes, resulting in a diarrhoea outbreak in the community.

The GWI, in a statement on Thursday, clarified that it was not responsible for the project, but rather, it was a project undertaken by the Basic Needs Trust Fund.

The Public Health

Junior Communities Minister with responsibility for water, Dawn Hastings

Minister had registered his concerns over the diarrhoea outbreak in the community, which affected approximately 25 persons.

He disclosed that a 200foot well was being constructed in the community, but it was only 50 feet deep

to date and had called on the GWI to explain the situation.

Nonetheless, the water company said it would be dispatching a team to assess the situation and provide technical solutions to the community.

The team will be headed by the Junior Communities Minister with responsibility for water, Dawn Hastings, who will be accompanied by GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership Building, Ramchand Jailal, among other experts.

The team of GWI officials will be taking a number of Lifesaver filters to distribute to the community of Kamarang today. The filters will allow for the provision of potable water for consumption by villagers.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Essequibo Leos erect new sign at Aberdeen – distribute food hampers

Leos pose with the beneficiaries of the food hampers

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he Leo Club on Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recently erected a spanking new village sign at Aberdeen/Three Friends Village to assist visitors in identifying the location. According to president of the club Thareshme

Persaud, the sign was executed as a community project.

Persaud explained that the project was made possible through patrons who recently supported the Miss Essequibo Leo Pageant.

Shed further explained that in addition to the erection of the sign ten food hampers

were distributed to the less fortunate along the coast.

When asked why that particular village was selected by the Club, Persaud said because it's the first village seen when entering the Town of Anna Regina.

Residents there expressed gratitude towards the Club for the name signage. Those who received hampers also showered praises to the group.

The new sign erected in the village

Planning for the future

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hen my family gets together for our annual reunion, we invariably linger over old photographs and videos. One video goes back to 1988: we’re driving towards Parika and I recorded some shacks built on the swampy reserve adjoining the Zeelugt public road. In my running commentary, I predicted that within a decade those shacks would be transformed into comfortable Ravi Dev homes. And so said, so done.

I could be so confident with my prediction because I felt I knew the mentality of the people, who, at the time, were taking a huge risk that the Government would not bulldoze them off the land. They still retained much of the cultural trait brought by their forbears from India that impelled them towards owning a house rather than renting one. VS Naipaul captures the drive in his epic, “House for Mr Biswas”; the house was a trope for a particular view of life. To rent a house was to somehow accept that you did not have the selfcontrol to save in order to build your house: that you assure continuity for your children – your future.

This capacity to save, by people who were at best grubbing out a day-to-day existence from cane cutting, farming or fishing, was sustained by a willingness to delay their gratification. Conspicuous consumption was not a part of their repertoire as immigrants. The old cultural trait to look to the future to ensure that their children lived ‘better’ was reinforced by the newer immigrant mentality adopted after their arrival in Guyana. They were here to ‘make it”.

Today, this willingness to imbibe self-control, plan for the future and defer gratification to ensure that the plan gets accomplished in the face of humble circumstances, is fast disappearing. We are now generally living and consuming for the moment, but still want to see our lives improve over time.

We want to “suck cane and blow whistle at the same time”.

It can’t be done, so we end up frustrated; sink into despair or demand handouts. Some, of course, use force and take what they want.

From where have we imbibed this new ‘don’t give a damn’ attitude? For one, in any group there will be some that go against the grain. But generally it’s as a result of outside pressures and influences – cultural and otherwise.

In the Caribbean, there are aspects of the dominant Creole culture that present some of these pressures and influences.

And this has been part of my rejection of the assimilationist imperatives in the present dominant mode of ‘integration’. As Malcolm X said in an analogous context, “Why integrate into a burning house?”

Back in 1984, there was an International Roundtable in Guyana to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Then Prime Minister Desmond Hoyte delivered an address: “Towards 2034: A Deeper View of the Horizon” in which he made some pertinent remarks on the refusal of some to live for the future. Because my assertion about Creole culture can be (and has been) egregiously misinterpreted, I quote rather liberally from Mr Hoyte’s address, who made the same point. “...one of the most pernicious consequences of slavery was that it bereft the slave of a vested interest in the future by imposing upon him the need to be constantly preoccupied with the exigencies of the moment. Indeed...the African slave on a WI plantation found himself in a world without horizons.

His condition circumscribed within very narrow limits not only his physical but also his spiritual being. It deprived of the cohering and creative influences of his social organisation and his culture.

“Uprooted from his natural milieu, no longer able to fulfil his civic and religious duties, he was robbed of his spiritual points of reference. His personality disintegrated and, in a word, he suffered “social death”. It is not to be wondered at, then, that his outlook was little informed by any curiosity beyond the immediate, by any speculation about the distant future.

“And so, lacking a social motive, he developed no interest in, or aptitude for, making long-term arrangements. Moreover, the colonial polity which succeeded the era of slavery did not provide the former slave and his descendants with significantly greater incentive or opportunity for cultivating these pursuits. Thus, there persists in our society, even to this day, a reluctance to focus too intently on the future.

“It is critically important, I believe, that we should analyse and understand this phenomenon of our lack of interest in the future and our failure, generally, to plan in a serious methodical way with respect to it.”

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Harpy Eagle to be symbol of Warapoka's tourism product – to be launched at World Trade Fair in London

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he renowned Harpy Eagle will be the flagship image of Warapoka Village’s imminent tourism package campaign when it is launched by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Wilderness Explorers at the World Trade Fair (WTF) this coming December in London.

The team, in collaboration with villagers, is currently preparing a tourism package to be presented at the WTF. The mostly Warrau village of Warapoka, which is located in the Moruca Sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini) is an emerging tourism destination with vast potential.

This was highlighted when Vice President and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock led a team from the Ministry, the GTA and Wilderness Explorers there over the weekend.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, who was on his second visit to the village, believes the product is a remarkable one since conditions are conducive for tourism activities.

The GTA head, who was addressing residents during a community meeting, said he was pleased to see that residents have shown this level of enthusiasm towards this initiative, which he believed has the potential to yield resounding social and economic benefits.

He was particularly pleased to see the level of interest shown by the youths, especially those actively involved in the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme from whom the tourism idea was birthed.

The youths there believe a Harpy Eagle sighting will be a unique experience; this will be augmented by other interesting tours, including experiencing the uniqueness of the spectacular shell mound rocks coupled with breath-taking boating experiences along rivers and creeks and through savannahs.

Villagers, the GTA

and representatives from Wilderness Explorers are certain that the marketing strategy, which will be employed, will serve as an impetus to attract international and other tourists, and Haralsingh believes the WTF is the most appropriate forum to promote such an experience.

Vice President Allicock explained to eager residents that hospitality was the basis for success in the business of communitybased tourism.

Minister Allicock, who himself is a pioneer in this field, stressed the need for the management of ecolodges and village guest houses to be mindful of the needs of tourists and adequately meet those needs.

The Minister said he was particularly pleased to see the initiative embraced by residents, more so the youths who are the future of tomorrow.

Allicock pledged to support the village through collaboration with partners to provide the necessary training among other resources necessary to successfully execute this undertaking.

To this end, six persons from the village will be given a two-week opportunity to receive training in hospitality and financial accounting among other critical areas at the Rewa and Surama Eco-Lodges in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Following this phase, staff from the two EcoLodges will travel to Warapoka to assess and give support to the staff there to enhance their service delivery.

Another key area of focus will be first aid.

Wilderness Explorers has already engaged Marcian Gravesandy, who is a Head Nurse at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital and who also continues to be supportive in offering her expertise in emergency medical response.

Additionally, Minister Allicock took the opportunity to hand over a cassava mill and a quantity of sport gear to the village, while Haralsingh also pledged to

deliver a water pump for the village’s guest house.

Additional support is also forthcoming from President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Wilderness Explorers Product Development Officer Andrea De Caries, who also pledged to provide bed sheets and nets for the village’s guest house.

Warapoka, which is located between Moruca and Mabaruma but on the Waini River, is home to approximately 50 residents.

The Village’s Toshao is Newton Wilson.

Warapoka youths conceived of the idea, which has been eagerly embraced by the villagers

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

News

Nations University has highest pass rate in business education in the world – 145 students graduate from Nations University

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s its 145 graduates tossed their hats into the air after receiving their MBA diplomas, Nations University has been accredited for having the highest pass rate in business education in the world.

University Director, Dr Brian O’Toole made this disclosure at the fourth graduation ceremony of the Nations School of Business and Management MBA programme. He noted that since the first examination, which was written in 2011, a total of 182 different examinations have been written, and the school has recorded 26 high distinctions, 383 distinctions and 1236 credits.

“We were told by one of the directors of the AIB [Australian Institute of Business] that Nations University has the highest rates in the world,” he said.

O’Toole said that since the inception of the course (on which Nations has been collaborating with the AIB) more than 400 students have enrolled and each year the number of students

Some of the graduates gathered at the Princess Hotel to receive their diplomas

graduating has increased, with this year 145 from the Private and Public Sectors graduating.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Australian Institute of

Business for the support they have given in offering the MBA programme in Guyana,” he added, highlighting that the partnership between the two schools has grown over the

years.

“You have now received a qualification that is internationally recognised… your celebration is now,” he told students, urging them to make their marks in the

PPP/C Region 2 supporters stage picketing exercise

– call for the removal of GECOM Chairman and CEO

Linden officials explore developmental opportunities with China

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PPP/C Region Two supporters during the picketing exercise

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cores of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) supporters in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Wednesday took to the streets, sounding their voices once again for the removal of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

Party supporters calmly protested in front of GECOM’s Anna Regina office, and held tight to their placards, which featured, among other slogans, “Leadership for GECOM is corrupt, Steve and Keith must go!”, “GECOM squan-

dering taxpayers money and stole the entire election” , “Recount my vote now”, and ”Cheated but not defeated”.

The peaceful picketing exercise lasted almost three hours and according to the Party’s supervisor in Region Two, Vishnu Samaroo, the exercise will continue until supporters get justice.

The supporters called for a total recount of the 2015 election ballots, and the hearing of the election petition. The picketing exercise is one of a number of exercises conducted by PPP/C supporters to express their dissatisfaction over the May 11, 2015 elections.

A PPP/ C supporter with her placard in hand

world of business. He also challenged them to unlock “doors” and forge changes that would impact Guyana.

According to the CEO magazine, AIB is now judged to be the number one

business school in Australia and number five in the world within the online MBA rankings. It is now the largest provider of MBA programmes in Australia.

O’Toole further emphasised that the students were “not simply passing the MBA programme”, they were excelling with distinction and already making significant impact at their workplaces. He stated that Nations University has received reports that the students were already gaining promotions and applying their knowledge to the companies in which they work.

Academic Adviser of the AIB, Donald Fuller congratulated the students for their personal commitment towards completing their MBAs and advised them to move on to the next chapter in their lives. He added that Guyana was filled with immeasurable resources and opportunities and challenged them to take them.

“Love what you do and don’t settle…because when you settle you settle for someone else’s vision for your life,” he declared.

recent visit to Chungqing, China, by officials of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) to attend a World Tourism Summit provided the platform for engagements with officials there on various initiatives that could be undertaken between the two towns that were twinned some four years ago.

During a trip to Chungqing, facilitated by bauxite mining company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland used the opportunity to foster collaboration and sought assistance in areas which they believed Linden could benefit from.

Speaking recently about the discussions they had during the visit, Morian said discussions were favourable but noted that while the towns were twinned a few years ago, nothing significant has happened. It was with this in mind that he and Holland sought to present initiatives.

Upon meeting with BMGGI officials, he said it was suggested that the company can assist with garbage collection, which is presently plaguing the Linden community. Other areas highlighted were youth, sport and culture.

"We're saying we think Bosai could help with garbage. We have a serious problem - from garbage collection to disposal. So we were asked to do a proposal that it can

be included in Bosai 2017 budget", the Regional Chairman said.

Further, he said the two made representation for assistance in the areas of youth, sport and culture. Noting that since there were international bodies present, they sought information on how youths here can be a part of those organisations so as to benefit from training and other areas.

The duo also met with university coordinators in Chungqing and was part of a preliminary discussion about how youths can achieve student scholarships to attend university there. The idea of youth exchanges was also discussed and Morian expressed the need for follow-ups to ascertain the possibilities of the initiatives.

"We looked at things of a cultural nature to say well, truly, the two towns were twinned four years ago", he added.

"The Mayor presented to say, well, look, we can have the cenotaph area (in Linden) upgraded... so again, we'd have to write a proposal with the pictures and so on, with the schematic drawings and what we'd want to see."

The Regional Chairman further made a promise to meet various Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Committees to share the ideas which were discussed and to explore ways of creating linkages as he urged councillors to "come out of the box" and make use of the opportunities.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

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News

High Court blocks Duncan’s Obama calls Trump’s election tribunal from proceeding rhetoric “dangerous” – rules Nagamootoo’s advice was “unconstitutional”

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rade unionist Carvil Duncan succeeded in blocking the presidential tribunal, which was established to determine his removal from his constitutional posts.

The High Court ordered the suspension on the grounds that the tribunal was established based upon unconstitutional advice offered by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

According to the court documents seen by Guyana Times, Justice Franklin Holder prohibited Justice Roxanne George (Chairperson); Retired Justice Winston Patterson and Robert Ramcharran from proceeding with the investigation and warned that failure to comply with the order would result in consequences.

“If you the within named – the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr Moses Nagamootoo, the Honourable Madam Justice George, Justice (retired) Winston Patterson and Robert Ramcharran, by your servants and/or agents, neglect to obey this order, you will be liable to process of execution for the purpose of compelling you to obey the same order,” the court documents outlined.

Justice Holder said too the Prime Minister’s advice ought to be investigated on the grounds that the said advice was tendered unconstitutionally, unlawfully, illegally, prematurely, prejudicially, contrary to the rules of natural justice, arbitrarily, capriciously and in breach of Duncan’s legitimate expectation and was, therefore, null, void and of no effect.

Duncan was charged and

Trade unionist Carvil Duncan

placed before the courts over an alleged theft of monies from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Limited.

He was placed on $1 million bail in February after he had appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with larceny to which he pleaded not guilty.

Police alleged that on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown, he stole $984,900, property of GPL. It is alleged that he conspired with GPL’s then Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aeshwar Deonarine to steal $984,900 and to commit a felony, namely, steal $27,757,500, property of the utility company.

In light of these events, Duncan claimed that President David Granger and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon offered him a “financial package” to vacate his posts as Chairman of the Public Services Commission (PSC) and effectively, as exofficio member of the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission as well as the Guyana Defence

Force (GDF) Board.

Duncan rejected their offer and denied reports that Nagamootoo dispatched a letter to him asking him to justify why a tribunal ought not to be established to determine his fate.

Government claims that Duncan’s failure to respond to the letter which they insist was dispatched resulted in the decision by the President to set up the tribunal that was tasked with the responsibility of investigating and recommending whether Duncan should continue to serve in his capacity.

While the tribunal was ongoing, the President ordered Duncan’s suspension from all of his constitutional posts.

This move sparked public outrage and resulted in the parliamentary Opposition boycotting the President’s recent address to the Parliament on the grounds that democracy was being threatened.

Duncan’s Attorney, Anil Nandlall had argued that the tribunal was unconstitutional, since there was no lawful basis for its establishment.

Nandlall explained that there were criminal proceedings pending in the Magistrates’ Courts and, therefore, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” should be applied.

“To establish a tribunal to investigate his removal from office on the mere institution of a charge before the determination of any guilt is (an) infraction of that constitutional protection, which guarantees him innocent until proven guilty,” Nandlall contended.

Venezuela: Opposition politician under house arrest

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ey Venezuelan Opposition figure and former presidential candidate Manuel Rosales has been released from jail and placed under house arrest.

Rosales was arrested on charges of corruption on his return to the country a year ago after six years of self-imposed exile in Peru.

The Supreme Court announced the decision late on Wednesday.

Rosales’s wife called for his unconditional release and his son posted a photo of his father.

In a brief statement, the Supreme Court said: “This less onerous measure will permit the continuation of the legal process through which his possible responsibility for the acts alleged will be verified.”

Rosales’s wife tweeted about the court order and called for his unconditional release A number of other Opposition Leaders, in-

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resident Barack Obama has said Republican Donald Trump’s insistence that he might not accept the election result is “dangerous”.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Miami for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the President said Trump’s comments undermined American democracy.

Trump refused in a televised debate to say he would accept the outcome of the election on November 8.

He later said he would accept a “clear” result, but left a challenge open.

Speaking in Ohio on Thursday, Trump said, with a grin: “I would like to promise and pledge to all of my voters and supporters and to all of the people of the United States, that I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election – if I win.”

In the same speech, he said he would accept a clear election result, but reserved the right to file a legal challenge in the case of a questionable one.

Hours later, the President said that sowing the seeds of doubt in people’s minds about the legitimacy of US elections provid-

Donald Trump says will accept result “if I win”

ed a boost to the country’s enemies.

“You’re doing the work of our adversaries for them, because our democracy depends on people knowing that their vote matters,” Obama said.

Trump has been heavily criticised by many in his own party by suggesting he might not accept the election result.

For days, he has claimed the election is rigged against him, due to media bias and voter fraud.

During Wednesday night’s debate with Mrs Clinton, when moderator Chris Wallace asked Mr Trump if he would accept

losing to her, the Republican nominee said he would “keep you in suspense”.

At the Ohio rally, Trump also reiterated a claim he made during the debate, that Clinton and Obama were responsible for inciting violence at a Chicago rally earlier this year.

The crowd erupted into cheers of: “Lock her up!”

During the debate, he called Clinton a “nasty woman”.

Trump has trailed Clinton in the polls after facing damaging fallout over a video that emerged of him making obscene remarks about groping women. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

“El Chapo” extradition: Mexico Judge rejects appeal

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Mexican Judge has rejected an appeal by drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman against his extradition to the United States.

The Foreign Ministry approved the extradition in May, but Guzman’s lawyers have been fighting the decision in a district court.

They say they will now take the case to a higher court.

The head of the Sinaloa Drug Cartel was recaptured in January after escaping for a second time from a maximum security prison.

Mexico has said it expects to extradite Guzman to the US by February. He faces multiple charges in the US, including drug trafficking and murder.

Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was recaptured in January after six months on the run following a jail escape

In a statement, the Mexican Attorney General’s office said the federal judge had “decided to reject the protection” sought by Guzman.

Andres Granados, one of Guzman’s lawyers, said he would seek a Supreme Court hearing and might take the case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

“We are not defeated,” he told AFP news agency.

Guzman is being held in a maximum security prison in Ciudad Juarez, near the US border. He was arrested in January after six months on the run following his escape through a tunnel in his jail cell. He had already escaped a maximum security facility once before, spending 13 years at large.

Mexico agreed to transfer Guzman in May after the US guaranteed he would not face the death penalty.(Excerpt

from BBC News)

Facebook apologises for removing breast cancer awareness video

Manuel Rosales fled to Peru in 2009 and was arrested when he returned last year

cluding Leopoldo Lopez, Antonio Ledezma and Daniel Ceballos, are in jail on charges of inciting antiGovernment violence.

Rosales ran against the late President Hugo Chávez in 2006 but lost.

Rosales fled to Peru in 2009 amid corruption allegations related to his term as Governor of Zulia state between 2000 and 2008. He

says the allegations are politically motivated.

The US Government and the United Nations have called for the release of the Opposition politicians.

Venezuela is facing a serious economic crisis, which the Opposition blames on failed socialist policies of Chávez and his successor, Nicolas Máduro. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

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acebook has apologised for removing a video on breast cancer awareness posted by a Swedish group, saying it was incorrectly taken out.

Cancerfonden’s video featured animated women with their breasts represented by pink circles, showing ways to detect suspicious lumps.

The images were considered “offensive” by the social media platform.

The social media website caused outrage last month for removing the “napalm

girl” photo, saying it showed nudity.

It later reversed that decision, allowing the publication of the iconic picture which shows a badly burned girl fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. In a statement to the BBC, a spokeswoman for Facebook said the images of the Swedish campaign had now been approved.

“We’re very sorry, our team processes millions of advertising images each week, and in some instances

we incorrectly prohibit ads,” she said.

“This image does not violate our ad policies. We apologise for the error and have let the advertiser know we are approving their ads.”

Before the decision was reversed, Cancerfonden had said in an open letter to Facebook that the campaign “was not meant to offend”.

It added that it had found a solution to the problem: illustrating breasts using two pink squares.(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 NEWS EBB farmers raise concerns with Agriculture Minister FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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Agriculture Minister Noel Holder addressing that gathering

griculture Minister Noel Holder made his first East Bank Berbice visit as Agriculture Minister on Monday to meet with rice, cash-crop and livestock farmers to address some of their concerns at Highbury.

Heading the list of issues was the lack of adequate drainage and irrigation on East Bank Berbice.

Ramesh Maraj, former President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) asked for urgent rehabilitation of access dams, excavation of drainage structures, access to land for rearing cattle, and the rehabilitation of the sluice at Rotterdam.

He explained that the inoperable sluice allows the frontlands to be flooded.

With respect to lands

being readily available, Regional Chairman David Armogan announced that a Land Use Policy will be implemented shortly to cater for farmers through the identification of lands for rice, cash-crop and pasturage.

He declared that, “what they are looking at is a comprehensive Land Use Policy for East Bank Berbice, because we have to be able to differentiate cattle area from rice areas. One of the problems we have been having, not only on the East Bank but in other parts of Berbice where rice and cattle seems to be co-existing near to each other; we seem to be having many conflicts, and so the Land Use Policy right now is being worked out as to which area will be designated cattle, and which will be designated rice, and

which area based on soil type will be designated for cash crops.”

The condition of the East Bank main access road and the lack of potable water are among issues faced by residents in that area.

Minister Holder in addressing the concerns raised enlightened that significant investments have been made in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to assist in agricultural development and to ensure enhanced production for farmers.

He defined: “Government has been working assiduously at transforming the country’s landscape to withstand the effects of the changing weather patterns, and improving key drainage and irrigation systems continue to be top priority in this transformation.”

Another issue highlighted was that some farmers are destroying Government dams to satisfy their production wants at the expense of other farmers.

Minister Holder condemned the act and warned that such practices will not be tolerated and those found guilty will face the consequences of their actions: “If we allow the system to work, then I’m quite certain that all of the farmers would be able to benefit from that exercise. But if we tamper with the structures, you would find farmers who have pumps benefiting,

Rice, cash-crop and livestock farmers gathered to raise their concerns with the Agriculture Minister

while the smaller farmers would not benefit. So I’m appealing to you, the farmers, to ensure that the systems work; let us manage the systems together so that we can

have a smooth flow of water reaching to each rice farmer’s plot,” he told them.

To aid in the discussion, Minister Holder was accompanied by representa-

tives from the sectors which constitute the Agriculture Ministry, including chief executive officers; Head, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Dr Oudho Homenauth; CEO, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Nigel Cumberbatch; General Manager, Guyana Rice Development Authority Nizam Hassan; Registrar, Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Controls Board Trecia David; General Manager, Guyana Marketing Authority Ida Sealey-Adams; and Chief Fisheries Officer Denzil Roberts.

A second meeting has been arranged and NDIA head Fredrick Flatts is expected to be present.

Family protests in front of the Office of the President – seeking President Granger’s intervention

Concerned family members in front of the Office of the President during the protest action

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family is seeking the intervention of President David Granger in resolving a 24-year-old land dispute involving a popular television personality Grantley Waldron, and on Thursday

they assembled with placards in front of the Office of the President to raise their concerns.

According to one of the protesters, Frankie Sampson, the land which measures over 75 acres and which is situated

at Sand Hill on the Demerara River, is owned by his mother Daphne Sampson, but is currently being occupied by the person in question, who operates a sand quarry on the property, flouting an injunction filed prohibiting any operations on the land.

“We cannot go on the land, because there are conveyor belts and all the equipment necessary for mining and shipping of sand,” a distraught Sampson related.

The family is calling for justice and for the illegal occupant to vacate the land.

They are also seeking compensation for damage to a structure, which situated on the land and for the trees which were uprooted.

“Even the grave of my grandmother and sister which was buried on the land, he dug up and disposed it,” Sampson explained.

guyana-times.com

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fter a perfect mix of spices and well cooked duck meat, Bramha Persaud of National Television Network (NTN) walked away with the top prize of the 6th annual Digicel Duck Curry competition at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday last.

Outshining 19 other

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competitors, the NTN crew, lead by its owner, walked away with $275,000 as the first prize, while Devesh Darpat who came in second place bagged $175,000 and Looknauth Durbiji who came in third took away $125,000. Coming in fourth was Robert Singh and his team winning $100,000.

Upon receiving his award

he Port Mourant Community Centre ground, Corentyne, Berbice, will definitely come alive on November 4, when the Pepsi Concert 2016 is held. Since the announcement, the Ancient County is preparing itself for what can be deemed the biggest concern there for the year.

Apart from Clash of the Titans and others, the Pepsi Concert will be off the hook, especially with the lineup that is slated to perform. The lineup includes former International Chutney King, “Ravi B” and the entire Karma Band, including “Nesha B” and some of the best on the drums and keyboard.

In addition, Chutney Queen “Drupattie” is part of the cast and is well known for her performances that will have patrons beg-

from Director of Marketing, Jacqueline James, Persaud explained that in the past, his team “Bombay Massala” created quite a stir but of recent, they made a decision to change the name while nothing that his mother who is an excellent cook would have prepared the mixture to cook and marinate the duck meat.

However, he was thankful to his team for the hard work they put in to make preparations for the big day. A member of his team afterwards thanked Digicel for hosting the competition, nothing that they had lots of fun; although reluctant to release the recipe that gave them the top spot.

This year’s competition took on a different dimension since those who participated had the opportunity to show off their cutlery skills.

D i g i c e l ’s P u b l i c Relations Officer Vidya

ging for more. Also known for her sensual moves and melodious voice, Sally Sagram will be there to entertain, mix and mingle.

Rounding off the performances is no other than u p comi n g chutney

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Sanichara explained that the company received an overwhelming response with respect to registration, adding that the company even received two registrations after the cut-off date – they had already received the quota to participate.

star, “Rooplall G” out of Trinidad and Tobago, who is also known for his versatility.

A l l the artistes

However, due to the amount of registration forms received, the company is hoping that the next competition caters for more participants. “We want as much people to participate and next year we are going bigger and better,” Sanichara

have recently released new hits and without a doubt, they will give patrons their money’s worth.

Berbicians will also have an additional treat on the night of November 5, since popular televi-

noted.

As the sun set on the day’s competition, the crowd was entertained by Trinidad’s Chutney Sensation, Nishard M and Guyana’s own, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo who definitely put on a show.

sion personality Joel Gansham will host the show.

However, those desirous of being a part of the concert are asked to get their invitations at the earliest opportunity. Tickets will not be on sale but rather Pepsi drinkers can purchase any case of 1 litre or 2 litres of the beverage and instantly win themselves an invitation.

The offer is only extended to Berbice. As a matter of fact, 87 stores in Berbice have the promotion running and it will end on the day of the concert. There will also be other on the spot promotions in and around the Ancient Country leading up to the show.

The event is sponsored

by Seven Up, Pepsi and Slice. Sound, Stage and lighting will be powered by Crown Vibes International Sound Company.

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s Guyanese prepare to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Swyamsevak Sangh will be lighting the biggest diya on Sunday evening at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown, which signifies the beginning of the festival of lights.

This is in keeping with Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations to mark t h e

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

country’s independence anniversar y.

However, the first Diya was lit in 2015 at the same location and would have illuminated the entire area.

As usual, the event will be attended by Government officials and members of the Opposition, the Indian High Commission, heads of leading Hindu and other religious organisations.

Diwali coincides with the Hindu New Year and celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

The festival usually falls between the middle of O cto b er and the

middle of N o v e m b e r, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar. While each organisation has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon King Ravanna.

Meanwhile, the aim of the national Diya lighting is to promote, preserve and spread awareness of oneness and national unity. This event will commence at 18:00h and conclude at 19:30h.

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Praant will host its annual Diwali Motorcade and Cultural show on Saturday, October 22 at the Diamond Market Tarmac, Diamond New Housing Scheme.

In excess of 15 floats have confirmed their participation and are adding the final touches for the grand event. The well illuminated floats will leave Timehri, EBD, at 17:00h to assemble at G3 building for the first phase of the judging at 18:30h.

Other attraction includes performances by Prince Wazir and Band, Nachgana Dance Academy, artistes from various Mandirs, and a special appearance

by Miss India G u y a n a Britney Singh.

Admission to the event is absolutely free and no alcohol will be allowed.

However, on Sunday, October 23, motorcades will be

held at Canje ground, East Berbice; Bath Community Centre ground, West Berbice; Port Mourant Community Centre ground, Central Corentyne; and Tagore High School, Upper Corentyne.

Thereafter, the Essequibo Praant will host its motorcade on October 27 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

On Friday, October 28, the West Coast Demerara Praant motorcade is fixed for the Oceanview Mandir compound.

The final and largest motorcade will be held on the eve of Diwali – Saturday, October 29. The beautifully decorated floats will leave Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville and make their way along Seawall road to the La Bonne Intention Community C e n t r e ground, East Coast Demerara, where there will be a spectacular c u l t u r a l presentation.

live in concert at MSC Ground on November 18

uyanese gospel singer Eddie Neblett will be performing live on Friday, November 18, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden, in a highly anticipated gospel concert titled “Lift Every Praise”.

Neblett was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. His mother raised him in the church and put him in the choir at the age of seven. In addition, Eddie simultaneously annoyed and entertained everyone by beating incessantly on sticks and cans as he created his own rhythms. His mom would later urge him to enter and sing in various shows.

One of Neblett’s greatest assets is creating lyrics on the spot to compliment a track he likes. As he grew in experience, he recorded his first song “We can make it” followed by his breakthrough hit “Love N’ Unity” with its infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and his now famous trademark, rapid-rap style.

Neblett teamed up with his band “Second Coming”, to produce what is his favourite song, “Anointed”. His major musical influence has been Bob Marley, but his musical talent spans many genres, including reggae, soca and R&B. He has won numerous awards but none more prestigious than the two Accolade awards in November 2008 for Best Gospel Artiste and Song.

He has performed at shows in Brazil with Second

Coming and also in Barbados, Suriname, St Lucia, St Vincent and Trinidad. He was featured with the top gospel reggae band, Christafari, while they performed in Georgetown.

In 2008, Neblett released his compilation album “Prophecies”, which features 12 of his original compositions. He has since migrated to the United States where he continued his musical career. He has returned several times to perform in Guyana and this concern on November 18 will be one to remember.

He will be joined by several other gospel artistes including Candy Duke, Rene Winter, Redeemers Band, Malika Boyd, Samuel Medas and many others.

Tickets for this anointed night cost $1000 and are available at the Muslim Top Up Shop. The event is promoted by Tag Productionz and Devine Entertainment.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

guyana-times.com

Butches

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&

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he Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination will host its highly anticipated “Butches & Barbies” Costume Ball this Saturday, October 22, at the Tower Suites Hotel on Main Street, Georgetown.

The party starts at 21:00h. Mix Master Tony is on board to keep persons energised by playing the best hits in all genres of music.

Added attractions include signature cocktails and shots. Partygoers are urged to come out with their best ‘butch’ or ‘barbie’ costumes in order to win special prizes.

Limited pre-sold tickets for the event cost $1000 and can be purchased from the Vintage Wine Bar and Lounge, Lamaha Street; Oasis Cafe, 125 Carmichael Street; Tower Suites Hotel, Main Street and SASOD’s Office, 169 Charlotte Street. Admission at the door is $1500.

All proceeds from this fundraising event go towards SASOD’s Community Shelter Fund to build an emergency shelter for members of the society and victims of violence.

Deejay Garwin Bash set for November 5 A

lthough Guyana’s most versatile Deejay – Deejay Garwin – of Slingerz Family, celebrates his birthday on October 31, his big birthday bash is billed for November 5 at

California Square, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Also the brand ambassador of Xtra Beer, his birthday bash titled “Gaza Run Road” will be one to talk about for a long time. For the first time the birthday bash will be held in such grandeur.

It will feature “Froggy” and “Mad Squad” out of Toronto; Kannabis Sound out of Antigua and Guyana’s own, S k i n n y H y p e

E

-Networks Emerging Voices Season One winner, Vishalie Sukram, will be performing in the Atif Aslam Concert on Saturday, October 22 at the Hershey Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Atif Aslam is one of Bollywood’s most sought Playback singers with super hits such as “Pehli Nazar Mein”, “TuJaane Na”, “Piya O re Piya”, “Tera Hone Laga Hoon” and “Jeena Jeena”.

The concert is expected to be sold out. The Guyanese songstress will be opening the show, singing both Bollywood oldies and some of today’s hit songs.

Since winning Emerging Voices in 2014, Vishalie has performed extensively around Guyana and also went to India on a training programme, compliments of E-Networks. She currently resides in New York where she is continuing her musical training and career.

E-networks Emerging Voices Season 2 will be aired soon.

All set for Westside Sound Fest on Saturday evening at Tuschen ground

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Platinum. The event will also feature Gully Rass and Diamond out of Fusion Sound, Deejay Magnum, 71 Sound System and the birthday man himself who will also juggle some tracks.

From all indications, the good, the bad and the indifferent will be shelling down the vibes on November 5. The birthday bash is sponsored by Xtra Beer. This is one event you don’t wanna miss!

he deejays and selectors are adding that final hit to their list as they prepare for one of the most talked about ‘sound fests’ on the Westside. The event titled “Westside Sound Fest” is billed for Saturday at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, East Bank Essequibo.

So far, several deejays have signalled their intention to participate in the event which is expected to be epic.

The deejays slated to impress the audience come this Saturday are “Magnum”, “Turner”, “Supreme”, “Mikelory”, “Dillon”, “Adrian”, “Famous”, “Akeemo”, “Danny”, “Antzman” and “Redantz”.

In addition, at least eight selectors will take to the console to select the trending hits and more so, those hits

that have an impact on the audience.

The selectors that are ready to rumble are “Dellon”, “Bullet”, “Wizz”, “Charlie”, “Touches”, “Madantz”, “Scatta”, “Swag” and “Brian”.

However, apart from the deejays and Selectors, four top sounds on the Westside will battle for supremacy.

The four music systems that will be creating some stir are Big Life Sound, Royal Vybez, Power Sonic and Ghost Rider. Fans of the four biggest systems will definitely flock the venue as they show support for their favourite sounds.

The event is promoted by Westsiders Entertainment and is sponsored by Stag and Sky Vodka. Tickets for the event cost $1000 in advance and more at the gates. Vehicle passes also cost $1000.

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friday, october 21, 2016

India v New Zealand, 2nd ODI, Delhi…

Kiwis steal last-over win to level series

Kane Williamson scored a decisive ton to set up the match

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ndia would not have expected a target of 243 to trouble them. But it did. Their top order tends to finish games off. Not this time. That left the job to MS Dhoni and a set of batsmen not accustomed to finishing an innings. New Zealand exploited that weakness to pull off a six-run victory and level the five-match series at 1-1.

It was a chaotic scrap at the finish, which brought a noisy crowd at the Feroz Shah Kotla to their feet.

India were 172 for 6 - and the man dismissed was the captain, who was also their best option against an equation of 71 runs in 63 balls.

Then a goofy over from Martin Guptill - four wides, ten balls, and two wickets - brought Hardik Pandya front and centre for the second match in a row.

The problem was, late into the night, the dew started to take effect. That meant it got a little easier to hit the ball through the line.

It also meant New Zealand’s fielders, who were simply remarkable, were suddenly slipping all over the place.

It was the kind of situation with things starting to turn at the worst possible time that could have broken anyone’s resolve. If only for the fact that the opposition’s ninth-wicket was racking it up at a run-a-ball.

But that’s when the big players stand up. On came Trent Boult - back in the XI after a rest - and he conceded only six runs in the pen-

breakthrough.

Four overs later, Virat Kohli was caught behind off a silly old delivery down leg. The chase had come alive for New Zealand.

India’s 40 for 2 became 73 for 4 after two grand fielding efforts.

C o r e y Anderson, prowling on the long leg boundary, tracked down a pull from Ajinkya Rahane and dived forward to complete a low catch

biggest match-changing moments in the day.

While these were spectacular displays, doing the little things right was equally beneficial for New Zealand. They bowled out their spinners in the middle overs; Santner, costing less than five runs an over, was done by the 39th and parttimer Anton Devcich, bowling left-arm sliders with the seam pointed upright more often than not, bowled nine overs for only 48 runs. Not a bad day’s work after two years’ absence from ODI cricket.

But there remains a couple of concerns for New

ultimate over and also got rid of Pandya. Tim Southee sealed India’s fate with a yorker.

Kane Williamson played a vital part to his team’s revival as well, scoring New Zealand’s first century on the tour. He came to the crease in the first over and did not budge until the 43rd.

By that time he had 118 runs off 128 balls.

Besides the fact that New Zealand has been unable to win a Tim Southee had Jasprit Bumrah bowled in the last over to seal New Zealand’s win © BCCI single match on tour - they have struggled to win toss- sending Rahane on his way es too - plenty of challeng- for 28 off 49.

Manish Pandey was run es came Williamson’s way. from Page 23 He began cramping up in out by the combination of a Quizzed on what he the Delhi heat - and it be- sharp throw from Mitchell knows of the opponents, came contagious. His left Santner and a phenomenal Mckinnion says he has been forearm caught it first, then collection from Luke Ronchi doing research but expects his right, and at one point to break the stumps. a good tussle since the team Southee, coming back for comes from an environment he couldn’t even lift a bottle where there are facilities. to drink. But when play re- a third spell, got a ball to “Knowing Suriname, they sumed, he smacked Pandya stop on Dhoni. A push down are always up for the fight, over his head to the long-on the ground for a single bethey are always ready to chalcame a catching opportuboundary. lenge Guyana and I know nity.

A very difficult one.

In the field, Williamson they have some amount of Southee had to dive to his had to make sure India’s Futsal Facilities over there, right against the direction batsmen didn’t bully his I’m looking to see what they bowlers. And he received of his followthrough - and will be bringing” the coach resome unexpected help in get low to have a chance. He vealed. kept his eyes on the ball, the this regard.

The matches will be Rohit Sharma was slow motion pictures highplayed at the Cliff Anderson caught behind for 15 off light his concentration as Sports Hall (CASH) on Saturday and Sunday, with Boult, who had strung back- he stuck one hand out and the best of three matches takto-back maidens before the came away with one of the ing the crown.

Zealand. Guptill bagged a duck and Ross Taylor made a painful 21 off 42, worked over so completely that it seemed like the ball had a restraining order against

the middle of his bat. But little would make this win - their first on the tour and one so richly earned - taste sour. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand innings (50 overs maximum) b Yadav 0 MJ Guptill TWM Latham lbw b Jadhav 46 KS Williamson* c Rahane b 118 Mishra LRPL Taylor Sharma b Mishra21 CJ Anderson lbw b Mishra 21 L Ronchi† c †Dhoni b Patel 6 MJ Santner not out 9 AP Devcich c Patel b Bumrah 7 b Bumrah 0 TG Southee MJ Henry b Bumrah 6 5 TA Boult not out Extras (w-3) 3 Total (9 wickets; 50 overs; 223 mins) 242 Fall of wickets 1-0 (Guptill, 0.2 ov), 2-120 (Latham, 20.3 ov), 3-158 (Taylor, 30.6 ov), 4-204 (Anderson, 40.5 ov), 5-213 (Williamson, 42.4 ov), 6-216 (Ronchi, 43.3 ov), 7-224 (Devcich, 45.1 ov), 8-225 (Southee, 45.5 ov), 9-237 (Henry, 49.2 ov) Bowling: UT Yadav 9-0-421(w-2), HH Pandya 9-0-45-0 (w-1), JJ Bumrah 10-0-35-3, AR Patel 10-0-49-1, A Mishra 100-60-3, KM Jadhav 2-0-11-1

India innings (target: 243 runs from 50 overs) RG Sharmac †Ronchi b Boult 15 AM Rahane c Anderson b Southee 28 V Kohli c †Ronchi b Santner 9 run out MK Pandey (Santner/†Ronchi) 19 MS Dhoni*† c & b Southee 39 KM Jadhav c†Ronchi b Henry 41 AR Patel c Santner b Guptill 17 HH Pandya c Santner b Boult 36 A Mishra c sub (DAJ Bracewell) b Guptill 1 18 UT Yadav not out JJ Bumrah b Southee 0 Extras (lb-5, w-8) 13 Total (all out; 49.3 overs; 228 mins) 236 Fall of wickets 1-21 (Sharma, 7.1 ov), 2-40 (Kohli, 11.4 ov), 3-72 (Rahane, 18.4 ov), 4-73 (Pandey, 19.2 ov), 5-13 9 (Jadhav, 31.1 ov), 6-172 (Dhoni, 39.3 ov), 7-180 (Patel, 40.1 ov), 8-183 (Mishra, 40.5 ov), 9-232 (Pandya, 48.5 ov), 10-236 (Bumrah, 49.3 ov) Bowling: MJ Henry 10-0-511, TA Boult 10-2-25-2, TG Southee 9.3-0-52-3 (w-1), AP Devcich 9-0-48-0 (w-2), MJ Santner 10-0-49-1 (w1), MJ Guptill 1-0-6-2 (w-4)

Inter Guiana Games open...

The two goalkeepers warming up under the watchful eyes of Eon DeVieira

Guyana Futsal Squad reads: Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Kendolph Lewis, Collyer Daniels, Joel McGarrell, Odell Gulliver, Ryan Hackett, Nyk Nichols, Bobby David (Goal Keeper), Romario Cain (Goal keeper), Douquan Wilson and Seon

Barrett.

Officials: Challus Mckinnon - Head Coach, Eon DeVieira- Goal keeper Coach, David Moses – Manager, Travis SampsonPhysiotherapist.

Inter Guiana Games

21

YELLOW PAGES

sports

friDAY, october 21, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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Guyana Jaguars are the reigning champions having won the championship under Leon Johnson’s leadership for the past two years

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he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in a media release on Thursday stated that six of the 30 matches in the upcoming the Professional Cricket League Digicel SportsMax Regional 4-Day Tournament will be day/ night contests played with pink cricket balls.

In keeping with the trend worldwide and to further pursue the experiment that it started six years ago, the WICB has scheduled the matches throughout the coming season which begins on November 11.

“We welcome the return of day/night matches with the pink ball in the Digical SportsMax R4Day,” said WICB Manager, Cricket Operations Roland Holder, as the regional governing body released fixtures for the first half of the season on Thursday.

“Each team has two matches – one home, one away – as gradually international boards begin to embrace this concept.

“The purpose of the re-

introduction of day/night matches is two-fold. First, it allows our elite players to familiarise themselves with the pink ball, and secondly, it allows for greater spectator attendance, as patrons can have a relaxing evening watching their favourite

team.”

Four of the day/night matches, which will begin at 15:00h daily, have been scheduled before the Christmas/New Year’s holiday break in the Tournament. They include an opening round fixture between Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Windward Islands Volcanoes at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Defending champions Guyana Jaguars will

be part of the second day/ night match, when they travel to St. Lucia to face the Volcanoes at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Ground in the third round from November 26 to 29.

The Jaguars return home to host long-standing rivals Barbados Pride in the following round from December 9 to 12 at the Guyana National Stadium in a day/night contest, another of which takes place between Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions from December 15 to 18 at Warner Park in St. Kitts during the fifth round.

The last two day/night matches are currently scheduled to be contested in the New Year during the second half of the Tournament in April.

Recently, West Indies completed their first ever day/night Test, when Pakistan bounced them by 56 runs in a tense finish in Dubai. They are scheduled to play another day/night Test next year at Edgbaston on their tour of England.

22 West Indies look to maintain fighting spirit

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friday, october 21, 2016

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must take it upon themselves to make valuable contributions with the bat.

In the bowling department the West Indies worked hard but due to drop

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was not a win, it was by no means their most determined performance in recent years, but what the inexperienced West Indies side showed in Dubai in the first

Test match was guts. Which was a vast improvement from the limited over series where they were hammered in three T20Is and three ODIs. That courageous performance must become a trend and not an occasional situation for the West Indies.

Ever too often they would show fight for one game but that determination would vanish soon after which reveals inconsistency.

Recently, in the home series against India, West Indies pulled off a remarkable draw to the surprise of cricket fans around the world and in the very next match were bowled out in less than two sessions to lose the match on the final day.

The Caribbean side has failed to field its strongest team in this version in recent years due to senior players making themselves unavailable or not meeting the criteria to be selected, but this upcoming brigade of players (especially the batsmen) seem ideal for Test match cricket. They have the temperament to bat for l o n g periods

but a sterling performance like his in the previous Test explain why he was dubbed the next B r i a n Charles Lara. He did just what his t e a m needed of him.

He batted for hours.

His only flaw in that match, was his failu r e t o

Will Bravo bat West Indies to a victory in the second Test

complete the victory. However, with innings like the two he played in the match, the team could be lifted and individuals should look to emulate his achievement.

a n d Bishoo needs to return to his repertoire to restrict Pakistan again

to be competitive. They just lack experience.

Darren Bravo has not been living up to expectation

catches in either innings along with several no balls the opposition was let off on several occasions, too much for this level.

According to skipper Holder the team is in high spirit and a positive performance will be displayed in the sec-

Marlon Samuels batted well in the first innings but with over a decade of experience in international cricket he need to take fifties into three figures.

While Kraigg Braithwaite, L e o n Johnson, Jermaine

Blackwood, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder

ond Test. Meanwhile, Pakistan is in a place that is deemed as their fortress and they will be working to regain that number one spot which they held a few weeks ago. Their runs machine Younis Khan is likely to return and that could be a big blow to the West Indies bowlers. Unless they dismiss him early. He has a century conversion rate of over 50% once he passes 50.

Apart from Khan’s return, there is the presence of Azhar Ali, who scored a pink ball triple century in the last match and Sami Aslam, who batted positively in both innings of the day/night opening Test.

The Pakistani bowlers will have better condition to bowl in and there will be no dew factor or the unfamiliar pink ball.

Nevertheless Pakistan has been good in Test matches in the last two years, especially in the UAE, but can West Indies maintain the fight.

Pakistan Squad; Misbah-ul-Haq (Captain), Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Rahat Ali, Sami Aslam, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Younis Khan, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar West Indies Squad; Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich (wicketkeeper), Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Leon Johnson, Alzarri Joseph, Marlon Samuels, Jomel Warrican

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17...

Matches resume in Georgetown on Saturday

A

fter a lengthy layoff in matches in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League will resume with four matches at the Tucville ground.

At 9:30h Georgetown Football Club (GFC) will play Alpha United, followed

by Santos FC against Pele from 11:00h. Home side Fruta Conquerors will clash with Order & Discipline from 12:30h after which Campton FC will be pitted against Eastveldt.

Over in the East Demerara Football

Association

S

(EDFA)

ri Lanka A hold a significant 286-run lead with five wickets in hand heading into the final day of the deciding third and final unofficial Test against the West Indies A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka.

Batting a second t i m e , the host reached 2 1 1 /5 by the end of the third day after acquiring a 75 run lead earlier in the day.

Asala Gunaratne with 69 from 123 deliveries has so far been the principal scorer for the home team while first innings’ top scorer Sandun Weerakkody contributed 48.

Meanwhile, burly allrounder Rakheem Cornwall has once again shook the host batting by claiming four wickets so far. Fast bowler Keon Joseph was the other bowler to pick up a wicket for the West Indies A in Sri Lanka A’s second innings.

Earlier, the visitors resumed the day on 183/4 but only managed a further 60 runs as they capitulated for 243 early on the penultimate

at the Golden Grove ground, Buxton Stars will play Ann’s Grove United from 13:00h on Saturday followed by what should be a heated exchange between Plaisance Panthers FC and Buxton Youth Developers from 15:00h. On Sunday, Bachelor’s Adventure/ Paradise will lock horns w i t h Victoria

Kings FC followed by Buxton United against BV/ Triumph United FC. In the West Demerara Football Association

day. Kadun Madushanka 3-45 and Lakshan Sandakan were the architects behind the visitors’ demise.

Starting the day on 43 not out, West Indies A skipper Shamarh Brooks (54) added nine more to his overnight score before depart-

(WDFA) Slingerz FC will clash with Wales United on Saturday from 12:00h then on Sunday Den Amstel will host FC Eagles.

Title sponsors NAMILCO, have been urging both players and persons at large to live a healthy lifestyle by indulging in the usage of its heath oriented products Maid Marian Harvest High Fibre Whole Wheat Flour, Maid Marian Wheat-Up Breakfast Porridge, and Maid Marian Multigrain Flour among many other products.

ing while Jahmar Hamilton (14), who began the day with him only added nine.

Cornwall made 25.

Sri Lanka A holds the edge heading into an interested final day.

Scores in the match: Sri Lanka A 318 and 211-5.

West Indies A been strong 243

Keon Joseph has throughout West Indies A's tour of Sri Lanka

SCOREBOARD Stumps - Day 3 Sri Lanka A 1st innings 318 West Indies A 1st innings (Overnight score) 183/4 R Chandrikac Silva b Madushanka 11 KOA Powell b Asalanka 8 SO Hetmyer c Thirimanne 94 b Sandakan SSJ Brooks* c Shanaka b Madushanka 54 15 VA Singh lbw b Gamage JN Hamilton†c Shanaka b Gamage 14 RRS Cornwall lbw b Sandakan25 KAJ Roach c †Perera b 4 Madushanka DE Johnson lbw bVandersay 1 not out DK Jacobs 2 K Joseph cThirimanne b Sandakan 2 Extras (b-6, lb-4, w-1, nb-2) 13 Total (all out; 61.4 overs) 243 Fall of wickets 1-11 (Chandrika, 5.1 ov), 2-35 (Powell, 13.4 ov), 3-139 (Hetmyer, 33.3 ov), 4-173 (Singh, 42.6 ov), 5-199 (Brooks, 49.3 ov), 6-211 (Hamilton, 52.3 ov), 7-226 (Roach, 55.6 ov), 8-239 (Johnson, 58.2 ov), 9-241 (Cornwall, 59.3 ov), 10-243

(Joseph, 61.4 ov) Bowling: PLS Gamage 18-350-2, HUK Madushanka 15-445-3(1-w), KIC Asalanka 4-122-1, MD Shanaka 2-0-15-0, JDF Vandersay 6-1-28-1, PADLR Sandakan 11.4-1-54-3 (2-nb), DAS Gunaratne 5-0-19-0

Sri Lanka A 2nd innings DS Weerakkody lbw 48 b Cornwall

MDKJ Perera† c †Hamilton b Cornwall 20 HDRL Thirimanne* c Hetmyer b Cornwall 27 DAS Gunaratne c †Hamilton b Joseph 69 KIC Asalanka c Johnson 4 b Cornwall 29 ARS Silva not out MD Shanaka not out 7 Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-3, nb-1) 7 Total (5 wickets; 61 overs) 211 To bat: JDF Vandersay, PADLR Sandakan, PLS Gamage, HUK Madushanka Fall of wickets 1-67 (Perera, 10.2 ov), 2-72 (Weerakkody, 12.1 ov), 3-135 (Thirimanne, 34.5 ov), 4-141 (Asalanka, 36.4 ov), 5-192 (Gunaratne, 51.4 ov) Bowling: KAJ Roach 10-0-430 (2-w), DE Johnson 11-1-47-0, RRS Cornwall 21-8-62-4 (1-nb),

guyana-times.com

friday, october 21, 2016

– Guyana’s futsal team adding finishing touches to preparation

S

ince the inception of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) in 1967, Futsal will be contested for the first time and Guyana will be seeking to take first bite at championship honours on home turf. With just one day before kick-off, the team is adding the final touches to their preparation.

Guyana Times Sport spoke to head coach Challus

get the shape in our defence and rotate in our offense together; as a team, we are gelling well defensively and we are working on rotation, this being the first time we are playing Futsal, it will be challenging because most of the guys play on the field and the game is technically different.”

With the team being encamped just over a week, Mckinnon further stated that

Head Coach Challus Mckinnon

Members of the Futsal team going through their paces at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

Mckinnon on Thursday at the team’s practice session, who explained that, “with the final day, what we looking at is to

“A lot of things we are supposed to be doing in Futsal, you cannot put in one week but it is a good start but if

we play according to plan all things are possible.”

The team hosts some players who donned national colours and would have played in local championships and according to the head coach, this will be big boost since they players would have gained the necessary exposure.

“I think having these players would be good because they are exposed in terms of playing football at various levels across Guyana and international, so it augers well for us,” the Futsal coach posited. continue on 20

23

Fraser confident of retaining volleyball title S tarting today the anticipated Inter Guiana Goodwill Games (IGG) will get underway here and experienced campaigner and captain of the national male volleyball team, Samuel Fraser, is optimistic that his team will retain its title as they open competition this afternoon at the National Gymnasium against Suriname.

In his first outing as captain, Fraser, told this publication that he is impressed with the team’s fitness and technical skills and due to those facets he believes his team will overshadow Suriname in the two best o f three series.

T h e eighteen year old, who is in his fourth year

in national colours hails from Number One Village Corentyne Berbice said his team is not just a fit unit but is extremely strong in both offense and defence.

The national team comprises 12 players, all of whom hail from the Ancient County with the majority coming out of the Guysuco Training Centre. They have been together in a week long camp which takes them straight into the Games and have been working on

are a s such as ball handling, mental strength, fitness and other

Samuel Fraser areas which the coach Levi Nedd saw the need to be polished.

On Thursday morning they were engaged in their final training session, where they focused on fitness and ball handling. Subsequent to that the team were engaged in team discussion.

Fraser shares similar sentiments with the President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, Retired Coast Guard Commander John Flores, who also believes that Guyana male team will win the title.

This year the IGG will be without French Guiana, so just Guyana and Suriname will be competing in seven sport discipline over the next three days.

friday, october 21, 2016

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

Inter Guiana Games open today – Guyana’s futsal team adding finishing touches to preparation

Pg 23

West Indies look to maintain fighting spirit Pg 22

West Indies were inspired by Devendra Bishoo’s career best figures in the first Test that almost gave them a come-from-behind victory

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