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Caricom to set up regional social P12 dialogue mechanism Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2980

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Van West-Charles dismantles GWI’s procurement Dept guyana-times.com

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Duncan’s probe

Tribunal “premature” – Jagdeo P9

… leads to sole sourcing skyrocketing by 850% Page 3 ... demands for tender box keys lead to request for dismissal

Man commits suicide after chopping wife, mother-in-law

Poor quality 4G network to be rectified

by December – Hughes P10

Page 7

Education Month rally

President pledges equal access to education Page 2

Students holding placards against corporal punishment during the Education Ministry’s annual rally at D’Urban Park, in commemoration of Education Month 2016, observed under the theme “Each Child Matters: Stakeholders Unite for the Enhancement of Education”

Wakapoa Secondary in need of teachers P17 – Councillor

Bandits beat, rob Berbice P5 family

Legal opinion finds SARA law dangerous, disingenuous Page 9

…reverses enshrined presumption of ‘innocent until proven guilty’

NIS gets $5.6B ‘lifeline’ as Govt pays off CLICO debt Page 11

… a sad day for taxpayers but no use crying over spilt milk – Jordan

Siblings fined for abusing mother P13

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Education Month rally

President pledges equal access to education T

he Education Ministry (MoE) hosted its annual rally at D’Urban Park, in commemoration of Education Month 2016, observed under the theme “Each Child Matters: Stakeholders Unite for the Enhancement of Education”.

The students who attended the rally were surprised when President David Granger declared the second Friday of September, as of 2017, National Education Day in honour of the students of Guyana.

The Education Month rally kicked off at the Stabroek Market Square and proceeded along Brickdam, into D’Urban Park; participants came out in their numbers from several primary and secondary schools, includ-

ing the Carnegie School of Home Economics.

The march was led by the Education Ministry, with Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine leading the band.

Dr Roopnaraine, in his address to the students, underscored the importance of “getting education right”.

“We believe that it is extremely important that we get education right… if we fail to get education right then nothing will be right.

Education is at the centre of everything we do,” he stated.

The Minister praised the teachers for their continuous work,while he acknowledged their work is often underestimated and unrecognised.

President Granger made reference to William Ralph Inge who said “The proper time to influence the character of a child is about one hundred years before he is born.”

The Head of State explained that whatever children are exposed to at home and in their communities will have an influence on their performance in school, since education is not just about what goes on in the classroom.

He stressed that only through a collaborative effort can the nation’s children reach their fullest potential.

“Each one of you is important… There are 250,000 of you and each one of you is an individual, each of

Students at D’Urban Park, MoE rally

you matters, each one of you has a right to education. Education under our Constitution is an entitlement and we want to make

sure that every child in Guyana goes to primary school and goes to secondary school and has a full education,” the President said.

He said too that the State has a responsibility to ensure that each student is provided with a place in school and that each school is equipped with the resources and facilities to ensure the delivery of quality education.

He further encouraged the students to work for success, since success does not come without constant practice. He made mention of the recently concluded Olympics in Brazil, where many sportsmen and women were successful. He pointed out that they did not become successful overnight but achieved their success through years of practice.

He therefore urged the

students to partake in the sporting activities held at their school.

Chief Education Officer (ag), Marcel Hutson said the rally is symbolic of the Ministry’s desire to forge collaboration among all stakeholders for the enhancement of education. He posited that the time has come for Guyanese to focus on education, not as an event confined to a month, but as a movement.

“Events come and go, but a movement speaks of a drive, a passion and it focuses on continuity. Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education… Education has the ability to propel the individual and the nation out of a state of economic and moral decadence,” Hutson declared.

Guyana to host International Judicial Conference

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he Supreme Court in collaboration with the Commonwealth Judges’ and Magistrates’ Association; a Londonbased organisation, will host the International Judicial Conference at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, on Monday.

The conference, which is being held under the theme, “The Judiciary as guarantors of the rule of law”, will see participation from Judges and Magistrates from across the Commonwealth.

Some participating countries are Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Australasia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada and countries from the Caribbean.

The conference aims to promote a better understanding among judicial officers of all ranks and from all parts of the

Commonwealth, of judicial independence issues; it will also explore the approach to those issues in different parts of the Commonwealth, among other important matters.

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh has revealed that the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Carmona, is to be the guest of honour and will also be delivering the keynote address.

Prime Minster Moses Nagamootoo will also speak on the opening day of the three-day conference.

A diverse set of topics are set to be discussed, including the rules of law, the provision of resources for the courts, anti-terrorism legislation, human rights, environmental law and sustainable development.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, September 18 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: 16:40h-18:10h and Sunday, September 18 – 05:10h-06:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with sunny interval can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to South South-easterly between 2.23 metre and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 04:43h and 17:02h reaching maximum heights of 2.89 metres and 2.91 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:37h and 22:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.27 metres respectively.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

04 06 07 11 18 23 26 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Friday, September 16, 2016

Daily Millions

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…leads to sole sourcing skyrocketing by 850% ... demands for tender box keys lead to request for dismissal

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anaging Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Inc, Dr Richard Van WestCharles, has dismantled not only the morale of the senior staff of the utility company, but has also begun employing several unsavoury practices previously utilised by several ousted executives.

Guyana Times is in possession of a series of internal correspondences between executives of GWI documenting the litany of infractions by Dr Van West-Charles.

These include the dismantling of the entity’s procurement department, which has led to sole sourcing being ordered more and more by the Managing Director – skyrocketing by as much as 850 per cent during his tenure.

Guyana Times understands that the mounting concerns have since led to a motion being taken before the entity’s board of directors, calling for his immediate removal in order to make way for a comprehensive audit of his actions.

Sole sourcing

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

Van West-Charles dismantles GWI’s procurement Dept

16 21

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On the matter of the dismantling of the Procurement Department, one such internal correspondence seen by Guyana Times was prepared by the department’s former director.

In that correspondence, it was pointed out that while the GWI financial regulations make provisions for sole sourcing in cases of emergency or national disaster, among other considerations, the correct procedure, “has been skipped in recent times since suppliers and service providers are being engaged by persons outside of the procurement department and at times without a firm price being agreed.”

It was pointed out to the GWI Board that when the invoices are issued, procurement then seeks the Management Tender Board’s approval to prepare a contract

Dr Richard Van West-Charles

or Purchase Order (PO) by the direct contracting method, since it would be unfair to seek quotes for works already completed or in process.

“You would recall that these cases grew sharply from one or two per month to as many as seventeen in July 2016… This approach is very demotivating for the procurement team as they are aware that at some time, questions will be raised about these practices by stakeholders and even suppliers who may be seeing works in progress that they were not given an opportunity to bid for,” a correspondence seen stated.

Procurement merger

Guyana Times understands that in July last, when the then procurement director returned from leave, it was found that the department had in fact been restructured and merged with the Finance Department, a situation which inherently brings with it a new reporting and supervisory structure.

This was brought to the attention of the GWI board of directors, since the operational changes will create significant challenges to GWI and its capital programme which includes dozens of procurement activities including the re-tendering of the three Water Treatment Plants funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

The GWI Board was also informed that “some purchase

decisions are being made without the opportunity for requests for multiple quotes and public tender where the threshold requires same due to the emergency nature of the requests…There is less planning of activities to allow time for the procurement of services or works using the correct procedures.”

According to the internal correspondences, extra budgetary expenditures have been conducted which creates delay in payment since the expenditure was not planned.

“These include new departments, offices, furniture, staff, safety gears, consultants, meals, water delivery, etc.”

It was also pointed out that there have been several annulments of tenders for the office extension, well construction, building repairs and vehicle purchases at the end of the procurement process which “demotivates the staff and signals to supplier that we are not serious.”

Guyana Times understands that GWI’s board of directors recently voted to reinstate the Procurement Department.

According to the complaint lodged with the GWI Board, the merger with the finance department “is a return to a period that had many pitfalls which resulted in the dismissal of the entire purchasing team in 2005.”

It was pointed out too that the entity’s managing direc-

tor, “Dr Richard Van WestCharles has on many occasions authorised provision of goods and services to GWI without competitive quotes and by officers outside of procurement.”

These include the procurement of health and safety gears from VSH United for electricians based on a verbal request and without a Purchase Order; the procurement of AC units without a PO; procurement of office furniture for several offices without a PO; construction of car park and repairs to the drainage and road shoulders without a contract and water delivery to affected areas without a contract, amounting to several millions of dollars.

One supplier was reportedly providing four trucks and that supplier was not pre-qualified prior for providing the transportation service to GWI. Guyana Times was told that the department was subsequently requested to make contracts and POs, after the works were completed, using the direct contracting method and that this practice is a deviation from protocol.

Tender box keys

This publication was also told, and have since corroborated that the GWI managing director has also been in the habit of demanding the keys to the tender boxes, which houses bids from suppliers, in contravention of the entity’s procurement rules.

One such correspondence was penned by a senior officer, and documents instances where Dr Van West-Charles has repeatedly made demands for the keys to access the tender box despite being told that he had no authority to be in possession of those keys.

This unsavoury practice, Guyana Times was told did not sit well with senior executives of GWI who have since called for his dismissal

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 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

The Caribbean HDR

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he most recent United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Human Development Report (HDR) for the Caribbean, which was launched in Barbados last week, has provided some very useful data, analyses and recommendations to guide regional governments and policymakers as they design and implement programmes aimed at ensuring citizens lead more productive and happy lives.

The Caribbean HDR titled “Multidimensional Progress: human resilience beyond income” highlights the need to rethink the methods for ranking development in the region’s countries that go beyond per capita income, economic growth rates and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to a summary provided by UNDP Administrator Helen Clark at the launch of the report, said that the inspiration for this latest HRD comes from the strong demands of Caribbean leaders for “more comprehensive metrics for assessing development, and for a more nuanced examination of the meaning of ‘graduation,’ recognising that income per capita does not reflect the vulnerabilities, development needs and challenges of middle-income countries.”

This year, the HDR tailored specifically for the Caribbean, has called on governments, the private sector and other stakeholders, “to rethink the region’s progress along multidimensional lines, inspired by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

In line with the SDGs, the report stresses that, “on the one hand it is crucial to invest in people, environment, sustainable and affordable energy, institutional efficiency, stability and security as these are key factors to boost economic growth. On the other hand, it is essential to ensure that economic growth is inclusive, empowers people, leaves no one behind, and is not achieved at the expense of the environment”.

The report also focuses on several groups and their “vulnerabilities”, which accumulate over a life cycle hindering people’s capacity to fulfil their potential and also to leave poverty behind. It points to the fact that women are disadvantaged in the labour market, with lower level and lower paying jobs than men in the Caribbean.

It notes that although women head nearly half of the Caribbean households, the participation of women in senior managerial jobs is still limited to less than one quarter of these jobs in all researched Caribbean countries, with the exceptions of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados.

Additionally, the report points to the fact that youth unemployment is a common challenge for both women and men. Youth unemployment rates range between 18 per cent and 47 per cent except in Trinidad and Tobago where it is 10 per cent, according to the report.

In relation to older persons, the report notes that on average, the Caribbean has a higher rate of population 65 years old and above, and is ageing faster than the Latin America region. It is estimated that by 2025, 11.4 per cent of the Caribbean population will be 65 years or above. It explains that older women are more at risk of poverty and chronic diseases than older men (whose life expectancy is lower and who are less likely to access healthcare and detect disease especially at earlier stages), but benefit more from family support.

Pension schemes, especially non-contributory ones, are often inefficient and inadequate both in coverage and value.

According to the HDR, “factors that have pushed people out of poverty in the Caribbean are different from those that prevent them from falling back.”

In the past decade, labour markets and education were the biggest engines behind exiting poverty. However, the report argues that it is essential that a new generation of public policies strengthen the four factors that prevent setbacks: social protection, care systems (particularly for children and older persons), physical and financial assets (such as owning a car, a home, savings or bank accounts that act as ‘cushions’ when crisis hit), and labour skills.

This is especially important during economic slowdowns.

While some of these analyses and recommendations are not new, they serve as a reminder to regional governments and policymakers of the need to keep the issues that affect citizens on top of the development agenda.

Students performing a dance routine at D’Urban Park, Georgetown on Friday during the Education Ministry’s annual rally in observance of Education Month 2016 (Dexter Ceres photo)

Power abuse: Corruption hallmarks of APNU/AFC regime Dear Editor, The APNU/AFC regime is a throwback to the PNC’s days in office (19641992). This is not surprising since the PNC is the dominant force in this coalition Government.

Any doubts one may have had about this dispensation must have been dispelled when they heard the speech that the PNC Leader, David Granger, made at the party’s recent Congress.

Granger asserted that his government is being guided by the ideas of Forbes Burnham.

What were those ideas in relation to governance?

The most prominent was the paramountcy of the party (PNC). Burnham saw the state apparatus as just another arm of the party to utilise as it pleased.

That is the philosophy that led to taking measures to turn state institutions into party arms. The Army and Police had to swear loyalty to the party and its leader. According to Kenn Danns, who wrote the PNC’s militarisation of the state, all officres of the army and police had to be members of the PNC. The PNC groups were

used to recruit soldiers and police personnel.

The regime even had the PNC flag flown above the Guyana Flag at the Court of Appeal. This signalled that the judiciary, too, was not independent of the PNC’s influence.

Indeed, one commentator wrote that after a while, judges did not have to be told what to do; they anticipated what the leader wanted and delivered.

This mode of governance led to gross abuse of power and widespread corruption.

It finally culminated and damaged the economy, pauperising the masses.

An examination of this regime will clearly show that we are on the same road. The Granger-led regime has quickly taken up where the Burnham regime left off.

First of all, we see the widespread racial and political discrimination taking place. Persons suspected to be supporters of the PPP/Civic have been and are being dismissed from their jobs. This has affected Indo-Guyanese workers the most. But it is not confined to them. Some 2000 Amerindians were fired in

one devastating blow. Many Afro-Guyanese who showed signs of independent thinking have also been sent packing.

This is total disregard for people’s human rights.

The philosophy of paramountcy has made members of the regime insensitive to public opinion.

The regime has also been demonstrating callous disregard for the laws of our society.

The procurement process has been abandoned and the regime has gone back to the PNC’s practice of ‘fat fowling’ their friends. Sole sourcing of pharmaceutical and other goods and services has become the norm.

The case of the bond to house drugs is a case in point. The Government advanced enough money to allow the purchase of the building. All the expenses have fallen on the taxpayers and yet they are paying $12.5 million a month to rent the facility.

Who will believe that this deal is not tainted with corruption?

Who would believe that kickbacks have not been received for the huge tax writeoffs granted by the govern-

ment to big companies?

At the same time, the small man, including donkey and horse cart operators, are being asked to pay taxes.

The cases that are being settled long before they reach the courts tell their own story as well. While the economy stagnates and sinks, the members of the regime are living it up in ‘Daimler’ style. At the same time, we are witnessing disturbing signs of control by the regime.

Many ordinary Guyanese have questioned why the elections petition case is not being heard as yet.

Why is Gecom, another organisation that appears to be captured in the regime’s net, resisting efforts to prove the integrity of the last elections?

The state’s control is beginning to stifle Guyanese.

The devastating impact on the economy is being felt.

This path led us to a deadend before.

It seems to be no different now.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Volda Lawrence’s inhumane statement about child rape

Dear Editor, I refer to an article in the Guyana Chronicle (September 13) online edition under the headline, ‘Deflowering of children must stop’.

I wonder if the person who made this statement stopped for a moment to

think about how utterly inhumane that statement was.

I wonder if they have ever had to speak to, hold or comfort a victim of sexual assault or rape, particularly a child.

We live in a country, in a world where little bodies are broken, battered and laid waste by adults, through

physical and sexual abuse.

We also live in a world where powerful people protect abusers, where the media is often used as a tool to manipulate and somewhere along the way, the most vulnerable in our society are rendered voiceless, their suffering minimised.

Our children are not flowers to be plucked.

I propose another headline: ‘the Government adopts a no tolerance policy on the rape and sexual abuse of children’.

Yours, Nadia Sagar

saturday, september 17, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

Bandits beat, rob Berbice family A n early morning home invasion has left Andrew DosRamos, 66, and his daughter, Kamlawattie DosRamos, 45, of Lot 5 Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice, in a state of shock.

The bandits, armed with at least one gun and a knife, forced their way into the home through a window in the toilet on the lower flat, and proceeded to beat and rob the family of cash, jewellery, foodstuff and a firearm.

The elderly man related that he was asleep at about 01:00h when the men entered the house.

He was attacked first under the mosquito net. “Me lay down when they jump on me and pull down the netting, and I try to fight them back because is three of them and then with the netting wrap me up, I can’t do nothing,” DosRamos recounted.

The bandits stuffed his mouth with plastic, duct taped him, and then he was wrapped in the mosquito

Kamlawattie DosRamos

net. In being subdued, the man’s right arm was fractured. He was also stabbed in the back.

His daughter recounted that, although she was alerted that thieves were in the house, she could have done nothing to help her father. During the hour long ordeal she too was beaten.

She told this publication that she heard the elderly DosRamos saying that thieves were in the house but before she could get out of bed she was confronted by one of the bandits, who choked her.

The unmasked man

Andrew DosRamos

a gun but I don’t know what he does do with it. I tell them don’t kill us, tek all the jewellery in de draw…” she said.

One of the men, she explained, carried a, “long knife, an he threaten to kill me if a mek noise.”

She too was bound and gagged with duct tape and left to lie on the bed as the entire house was ransacked.

Cash, jewellery, packaged

The bandits ransacked the home

shone a torch in her face while demanding cash and jewellery. “He ask me where is my father shotgun and I tell he that my father have

food, several cans of paint and other valuables were taken away. The thieves also tumbled the car which

Kissoon is a farce where research, veritable journalism is concerned

Dear Editor, Freddie Kissoon, a UG lecturer for umpteen years, elicited a woeful response (“Vic Puran’s daughter says he was murdered”) to Mikel Puran, the 17-year-old law student’s letter (“Another spineless act of cowardice from Mr Freddie Kissoon”).

Kissoon evolved into a seasoned connoisseur to avoid the issues when confronted; instead, he uses his pen to disparage and squelch criticism of persons who question his dubious stance. His latest letter is a case in point.

Kissoon lambasted the young man for inadequate research on the issue with the use of Google. With Google and other research tools, it is easy for one to see that Mikel’s sister, Mikhaila Puran, did not claim anywhere that she knew who the alleged murder-

ers were. This was Kissoon’s sick attempt to twist the truth to make him look good; on the contrary, Kissoon insinuates that he does know who is responsible!

Mikel’s premise is that since Kissoon claimed that he knew the late Puran “had fallen in bad company” and he (Kissoon) believed that “those people eventually killed him”, then it is plain as day that Kissoon knows something that would be useful in solving this alleged murder. If that is indeed the case, Kissoon has a legal and moral responsibility to disclose the pertinent details to the Police.

The (retired) lecturer used most of his missive to disparage the young writer and underscore his (supposed) inability to undertake adequate research. Look who’s talking!

I can prove that Kissoon is a

farce where research and veritable journalism is concerned!

Guyana should be proud of the brilliant 17-year-old Mikel Puran who wrote such a compelling and eloquent letter.

He is articulate and erudite,

and I hope one day the likes of Mikel lead our country to progress and understanding.

Yours truly, Devanand Bhagwan Brampton, ON

The house that was robbed

was in the garage.

After about an hour, Kamlawattie felt convinced that the men were gone; she then rolled off the bed and crawled out of the room.

The traumatised woman explained, “Ah see meh father wrap up in the net like he dead, but I can’t do nothing because me hand and foot duct tape.”

The woman explained that she then called for help after removing the duct tape from her mouth, using the edge of the television stand.

“When the man come in the house and he lose out me father like he done dead because he can’t breathe… by

the time we wake he up, I call me sister…”

DosRamos senior said after he regained consciousness and searched the house he discovered that his firearm was missing along with all of the ammunition.

He was treated at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Investigators subsequently discovered that the intruders gained entry to the yard by cutting a hole in the wire fence.

At the scene, Police found a pack of cigarettes and a dhal puri in a ziplock bag.

Investigations are ongoing.

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saturday, september 17, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

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pus. Try to attend as many as you can, and maybe suggest some of your own (like Lunch with Dad Day or some such). * Meet the teacher – Get to know your child’s teacher and show him/her that you are involved and

t can seem like school involvement is the realm of the mom, which probably springs from the days when it was almost invariably the mom who was home during the day. Things are different now, though, and many moms work. Even moms who don’t work outside the home might like to see their children’s dad get involved in the children’s school.

want to stay engaged. The teacher will then be more likely to give you information and contact you about relevant school matters. * Be aware – As you get more involved and plan more involvement in your child’s school, remember

that other children may not be so lucky. Be careful that you don’t leave any children out as you plan for dad-child events, and be ready to “fill in” for children who need an adult male to support them.

(childdevelopmentinfo.com)

Benefits to paternal involvement

Regardless of where mom and dad are during the day, and whether or not mom and dad are divorced, there are distinct benefits to paternal involvement in children’s education. Here are some of them. * Better academic performance – Did you know that educators have found a positive academic trend among students whose dads are involved in their education? Children with involved dads do better academically. * Extracurricular activities – Research shows that children with involved dads participate more in extracurricular activities. * Better behaviour and emotional health – Children whose dads are involved in school tend to be emotionally healthier, have fewer problems with behaviour, and enjoy school more.

How dads can get involved

You may be wondering how dads can get involved in school. Here are some tips. * The child’s mom – Regardless of your relationship with your child’s

W

mom, keeping it civil with her is just one less stress for your child to have to deal with. Your child might feel awkward, embarrassed, stressed, anxious, and a host of other negative emotions when you and your ex have a bad relationship. This is not conducive to your child’s academic success. Try to get along with your child’s mom and agree to attend school events, even if you both have to attend at the same time.

* Attend meetings and events – When there are parent-teacher conferences, go. The same is true for any meetings and conferences that are held at your child’s school, whether it’s about special education or the upcoming school year. Make your presence known, and your name and face will be associated with your child. * Events vary throughout the year, from school plays to after-school activities on the school’s cam-

hen it comes to school-aged children, sometimes dads aren’t quite sure what activities to do with them.

Other dads enjoy the grade school age more than the younger ages. Regardless of where you are on this, there are some key things to remember and consider if you want to really invest in your school-aged children. Here are some things to think about as you get involved investing in your school-aged children.

Investing versus entertaining

It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that, as a dad, if you’re entertaining your children or just “holding down the fort” until Mom gets back from the gro-

cery store, that you’ve done all you need to do. But while Mom may greatly appreciate your babysitting efforts, just entertaining the children is not the same is really investing in them.

When you invest in your children, you make a point of teaching them things that will positively affect their future. Investing implies an eventual return, both for you and your children. It’s about equipping your children to make a good life for themselves which, in turn, makes for happy parents!

How to invest – tips

So what does it look like, exactly, to invest in schoolaged children? Here are some tips.

1. Father-son/daughter fitness Getting fit is all the rage these days. Why not take advantage of this trend to start a fitness programme with your children? This is an investment, and the rewards are significant – a healthier, happier child and healthy, happier dad! You’re teaching your child healthful habits that will last into his or her adulthood.

Without badgering them about weight or appeara n c e , make it a point to take some time each week to do a fitness activity with your

grade schooler. Biking, hiking, walking, backyard sports, etc – all make great activities. Try to tie it in with your child’s interests so that he or she will be more likely to stay motivated and enjoy it.

2. Be affectionate It’s not “un-manly” to be affectionate. It’s pretty important for men, actually – research has indicated the importance of fatherly affection on childhood development. Once again, this is something that will have a positive effect on your children’ future. Showing affection helps your children realise they are lovable, and it satisfies their need for closeness with their dad.

There’s no need to get excessive or stifling about it; but just don’t be afraid to hug or scratch a back.

3. Read together It’s so fun to bond over a book. Read a chapter a night or whatever works for your schedule. Grade school children sometimes need help with reading, and getting them interested in a book with dad may boost their reading skills and overall performance in school.

Whatever you choose to do to invest in your grade school children, just remember that you’re sowing seeds for the future. And don’t forget to have fun! (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

news

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saturday, september 17, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Man commits suicide after chopping wife, mother-in-law

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Dead: Sewsarran Sankumar

Injured mother-in-law, Rookmin

oments after brutally chopping his wife and motherin-law at Naamryck, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, a rejected husband ended his life by consuming a poisonous substance.

Dead is Sewsarran Sankumar, 55, formerly of Venezuela and of Parika.

His mother-in-law, Rookin was reported chopped three times to her neck and was admitted at the West Demerara Regional Hospital while her daughter, Savitree Sankumar was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. One of her hands was almost severed and she also sustained several stabs. She remains in a stable condition after a successful surgery on Friday morning.

Reports are the husband and wife lived in Venezuela after getting married but due to his abusive behaviour, the couple separated about three years ago. The woman returned to Guyana in December 2015 and lived at her parent’s home. This

newspaper was told that in March her estranged husband also returned to Guyana and has been tormenting her since.

Speaking with Guyana Times the woman’s sister explained that the dead man had threatened to kill her sister and other family members. A Police report was made and he was arrested and charged. She explained that he was convicted and spent six weeks in prison however, after he was released, he continued with his threats.

“The same night he came out, he went to we house in Naamryck and tried to come into the house but we wake up and as we raised an alarm, he escaped.” The sister, Rajnie further explained that after he continued with the threats, they went back to the Police and lodged another report.

He was subsequently arrested and placed the court for the second time. This time, he was granted bail and was placed on a bond to keep the peace. Her sister, she noted, took out a re-

Cottage Hospital but transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

The Police were summoned and the suspect was found under his brother’s house, a village away. Next to him was the bottle that contained the poisonous substance. He was rushed to the Leonora Hospital and he too was referred to the West Demerara Hospital where he later succumbed.

The cutlass and knife used were handed over to Police.

(Bhisham Mohamed)

straining order so as to prevent him from going within proximity of her.

The sister explained that she is currently renovating her home and was staying at her mother’s house.

According to the woman, on Thursday at about 12:00h, the now dead man removed a few louver panes from the window, entered the house and hid until her mother and sister returned home.

“After he got in the house…he had to wait for some time because my mother had someone doing some work in the yard… After the man left, he pounced on my mother from behind and started to chop… after chopping my mother, he turned the cutlass on my sister and almost chop off one of her hands but she put up a fight,” she related.

During the scuffle the man dropped the cutlass and ran out of the house.

It was at that time that her sister was able to raise an alarm and neighbours rushed to the scene. They were taken to the Leonora

Injured wife, Savitree Sankumar

Pit bull attack

Police still trying to locate animal’s owner

The yard from which the dogs escaped

T

he Police are still trying to make contact with the owner of a Pitt bull dog, which mauled a man to death and injured two others in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, on Thursday.

According to Commander

of D Division (West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo), Leslie James, investigators have not yet been able to contact the reported owner of the animal Marceline Basdeo-Small but noted that the search continues.

Basdeo-Small is the wife of Jarvis Small who was jailed for the murder Nessa Gopaul.

James also confirmed that Basdeo-Small’s brother, who was taken into custody the same day of the attack, has been released.

The mauled man was said to be in his fifties and residents claimed that he was a “destitute”.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicated that the dog escaped from the yard, thereafter killing the man and injuring two others. Those who suffered were treated at the hospital and sent away.

This newspaper understands that the Police found the owner’s yard unsecured at the time of the fatal Pitt bull attack.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS

Businessman slapped with Eyew tness additional TIP charge AntiT national... he businessman who earlier this month appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly charged with trafficking nine Brazilian women reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate on Friday facing additional charges.

Mario Figueira, 34, of Lot 6 Bel Air Promenade, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the eight charges which were read to him by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that be-

Mario Figueira

tween August 18 and 24, 2016, while acting as an employer to the Brazilians, knowingly took possession of their identification cards.

Figueira’s attorney K Juman-Yassin told the court that since his client was first charged, he has not missed any of his court hearings and as such he petitioned for bail.

The prosecutor told the court that investigations into the matter have concluded and the nine Brazilians are presently in the custody of the

Brazilian Embassy.

Bail was granted at the sum of $200,000.

The first charge had alleged that Figueira and a Brazilian, Joaquin Fillio, had recruited, transported and harboured the women for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The men pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Fillio was remanded to prison and Figueira was granted bail in the sum of $120,000 for each of the nine charges.

Teen charged for murder of Unity man

A

17-year-old on Friday morning made an appearance before the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with killing a Unity, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man.

The charge was read to Marlon Garrett of Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on September 11, 2016, at Robb Street, Bourda, he murdered 34-year-old Omesh Chetram, of Unity, ECD. The matter was adjourned for October 18, 2016.

According to reports, the deceased had an argument with the defendant at Board Market after the deceased was accused of stealing items from

Appliance thief charged

A

n Information Technology consultant was on Friday charged for robbery and taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Clareton Young, 31, of Queenstown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty when Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, read the charge to him.

It is alleged that between August 25, 2014 and March 23, 2016, he stole a series of household appliances, inclusive of fridges, television sets, microwaves, etc, amounting to $523,500.

Young was granted $50,000 bail and is expected to return to court on September 29.

his stall. The defendant whipped out a knife and stabbed the deceased once to the lower region of his abdomen.

The defendant then made good his escape.

Chetram was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The defendant was later arrested and charged with the offence.

Murder accused Marlon Garrett

Cane harvester on $20,000 bail

A

Long Pond, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD) father of one was on Thursday released on $20,000 bail on the charges of threatening language and damage to property. According to the Prosecution’s case, 25-year old Kevin Thomas allegedly used threatening language towards Joseph Lorde, the Virtual Complainant (VC), during an altercation on

September 9 at Long Pond, Sisters Village. Thomas was also accused of allegedly damaging the two tubes and a bicycle seat belonging to Lorde, valued $14,500. The defendant, who is a cane harvester, pled not guilty to both charges and was released on self-bail for the threatening language charge but placed on $20,000 bail for the damage to property charge. The case will continue on October 3.

S

...on Hydro-power?

ome folks have no shame...and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman sits right on the top of that dung heap. Imagine he’s part of a Government that swore to derail the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project (AFHEP) – which could’ve given us energy independence by now – and yet he talks about the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in general, and Jagdeo in particular, being “anti-national”?? Talk about taking your do-do and wiping it on someone else’s bamsee!!

It was the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) refusal to sign off on the project – and to even threaten to rebut the contract if the project went ahead – that caused Sithe Global to walk away from the deal which was almost signed, sealed and to be delivered by now. Wasn’t this “anti-national”?? APNU had two major objections – firstly that the project was too costly and would “condemn Guyana to indebtedness” – and implying that payoffs were involved that inflated the costs. Well, now that they’re in office and have access to the files, why haven’t we heard about the fat that was gonna be creamed off? They also said the consequent electricity tariffs would still remain too high.

By now they could’ve also shopped around to find another developer that would complete the AFHEP cheaper, since they aren’t corrupt (snicker!). What’s holding them back? They’ll be exposed for their lies – that’s what holding them back. Isn’t this anti-national?

First of all, there would’ve been no net debt to Guyana since the funding costs would’ve been serviced from the revenues of Guyana Power and Light. And pertinent to the charge against Jagdeo, Norway was providing a US$80 million of that funding costs.

And pertinent to why the PPP would have reported the lack of consultation to Norway, it was the Norwegians that brought back AFHEP into play when they transferred the remaining US$80 million of the US$250 million to the IDB. “Use it or leave it!!” they told the Government. Now if the Government had any principles and really believed the malarkey they were spewing about AFHEP, they should’ve told the Norwegians to take their money and shove it in a place where the sun don’t shine! How can informing Norway that APNU isn’t consulting stakeholders as required – on a project that would benefit the entire country – be “anti-national”??

After all, if the numbers on financing remain the same – we know the Government’s done nothing to check out alternative financing – and the Government believed it was too high then, it doesn’t matter what the consultant says.

Unless of course, the anti-national APNU’s willing to admit they were just pulling their numbers from their nether orifice!

...on rice?

Ok...let’s see if your Eyewitness has this right. Back in 2015, Venezuela cancelled its 200,000 tons rice contract with us, pegged at the equivalent of US$780/tonne.

We’d produced 687,000 tons and could then export over 500,000 tonnes – so we were now stuck with all of that at a world market price of only US$450/tonne. Which is barely break even at best for the most efficient producers.

And hell for the others, who not surprisingly didn’t replant for the 2016 crop. Yet the Government boasted that “rice exports up by 10 per cent in 2010”!! It obviously escaped these fellas – in a Government that declared it’s guided by the philosophy of Forbes Burnham – that just SELLING your product isn’t the point in business. It’s selling it at a PROFIT!!

But it explained the report just released by Government that as part of its plan to “save” GuySuCo, rice will now be produced on 485 acres at Wales.

So the Government will now be competing with private farmers for the cheap rice markets!! Lord have mercy on them.

...law enforcement?

Seems that saner heads have prevailed in the military brain trust advising President Granger. SOCU won’t be changing its orientation into SARA. They’ll remain part of the Police Force. With all the latter’s follies and foibles!

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Duncan probe

Tribunal “premature” – Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has denounced the establishment of the tribunal that was established to look into whether Chairman and appointed member of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Carvil Duncan, should be removed from office.

The tribunal was appointed by President David Granger and sworn in on Thursday, with the task of inquiring, investigating and recommending whether the embattled PSC Chairman should be removed for his inability to discharge his duties.

The establishment of this tribunal – which is being headed by Chairperson Justice Roxanne George, along with Justice Winston Patterson and Attorney Robert Ramcharran – was triggered by the institution of criminal charges against Duncan.

These charges are still pending before a Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to the Opposition Leader in a statement issued on Friday, the very Constitution that President Granger pledges to follow “in spirit and letter” confers upon Duncan a presumption of innocent un-

til proven guilty by a court of law.

“Since the charges against Mr Duncan are still pending, the establishment of this tribunal is premature, pre-emptive and repugnant to the very ‘due process’ to which the President says that his Administration is committed,” Jagdeo posited.

He went on to point out that the establishment of the tribunal smacks of exactly the opposite – caprice, arbitrariness and witch-hunting.

“It is public knowledge that Mr Duncan has been a stumbling block at the Public Service Commission, preventing this Administration from dismissing public servants on ethnic and political grounds and blocking the hiring of unqualified cronies,” he stated.

The former Head of State

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

PSC Chairman Carvil Duncan

and the fundamental rights of Carvil Duncan and the thousands of workers whose interests and welfare he protects,” the Opposition Leader noted.

Duncan had been under pressure to step down from

President David Granger along with members of the newly established tribunal

went on to say that the establishment of this tribunal will have a prejudicial impact upon the pending legal proceedings as the President has sent a clear signal to the presiding Magistrate what outcome the Executive expects.

“In these circumstances, we view the establishment of this tribunal as a travesty of justice and an assault upon constitutional due process

the constitutional body ever since he was charged and placed before the courts over an alleged theft of monies from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. He was placed on $1 million bail in February after he had appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with larceny, to which he pleaded not guilty.

to commit a felony; namely, he conspired to steal $27,757,500, property of the power company.

Duncan had been written to by Government in March to show cause why the tribunal should not be established to determine his fate on the constitutional body – the PSC

– but he never responded.

Duncan sits as Chairman of the PSC; a member of the Police Service Commission and he is also a member of the Judicial Service Commission.

He was informed that the actions taken were in view of the offences for which he has been charged.

Legal opinion finds SARA law dangerous, disingenuous … reverses enshrined presumption of ‘innocent until proven guilty’

S

tatements that the State Asset Recovery Bill is in consonance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption is true to a limited extent, only since key recommendations not included in the current draft, as put forward by Government, do not cater for financing of candidates and political parties, reporting by public officials of acts of corruption; rules to prevent corruption among members of the judiciary and abuse of functions among other acts.

This is according to the legal opinion that was sought by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and has since been made public as the Private Sector body has again reiterated its call for a re-examination of the draft legislation as has been promulgated by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

Innocence

Pointing to many of the concerns with the application of the Bill as proposed by Government, the legal opinion sought by the PSC said

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer

“the model for the SARA Bill is an extreme form of asset forfeiture in which the presumption of innocence is at least, reversed.”

It further charges that the Bill, if enacted into law will empower the Director to include, as part of the civil recovery application, “property, other than State property.”

In fact, according to the legal opinion sought by the PSC, while the draft legislation proposes to deal with the recovery of State assets, there is no actual definition for “State Asset” in the Bill neither is there a definition for “State Property” – another

term used liberally throughout the proposed piece of legislation. On the matter of the far reaching powers of the SARA Director, the PSC’s legal opinion has actually called some “frightening”.

Under the proposed law, the Director can do “anything” which he considers appropriate, incidental to the discharge of his function.

This effectively means that the “Director can assume functions of Commissioner General, the Commissioner of Police as well as the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

According to the legal opinion sought, “most frighteningly, the Director can actually contract out the power, functions, and duties conferred on him.”

Director’s power

The powers of the SARA Director were deemed to be “incredibly wide… In fact, the Director’s functions are wider than those of SARA and considerably wider than those specified for the original corporation sole Director in the UK Proceeds of Crime Act.” TURN TO PAGE 14

10

NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Poor quality 4G network to be PAHO launches PALTEX rectified by December – Hughes programme in Guyana

P

u b l i c Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has indicated that the disappointing 4G network service citizens are provided with will be rectified by the end of the year.

Hughes stated that she has spoken to both service providers and they have promised that customers will be given better services by the end of the year.

Since the companies – GTT and Digicel – rolled out their 4G network services, many persons have complained that the service provided is less than satisfactory.

“I would like to say I have ongoing regular discussions with both telephone companies. I too, like everybody else, understand and have to deal with the challenges of dropped calls systems going down quite often.”

However, the customers’ complaints are resounding and as such, the Minister indicated that the fault should

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

not be placed squarely on the shoulders of the companies.

“In fairness to the telephone companies, we really gave them a very short space of time to put out 4G. I had a situation where we were having thousands of people coming to Guyana in May and therefore they are having to really build out,” she said.

According to the Minister, this includes importing specific pieces of equipment and re-training staff.

Nevertheless, she is confi-

dent that her constant interface with the companies would bring some change.

“We are in a period of transition… but by the end of the year, it is going to be chalk and cheese,” she noted.

Earlier this year, GTT launched its “Free Basic 4G Services” – designed to give customers free 4G access to information from more than 20 local and international sites including Wikipedia, Guyana Learning Channel. com, google.gy, gina.gov.gy and all major news sites in Guyana.

Digicel rolled out its 4G smart bundles which consisted of bigger data bundles and free talk and texts to all local numbers, which will be available to all postpaid and prepaid Digicel customers.

The company promised that the service would be available to all its customers in Georgetown, Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and outof-town areas, such as Port Kaituma, Kwakwani and Mahdia.

... unavailability of textbook causing low pass rate

T

he Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry on Friday launched the Expanded Textbook and Instructional Materials Programme (PALTEX), as an effort to combat low pass rates among public health students.

At the launch, it was highlighted that when PAHO staff visited various book stores across the country, it was noticed that the medical textbooks available were out-dated and many of them were pricey.

Thus, the implementation of the programme will serve as a system which will provide high-quality instructional materials at efficient and effective costs to students using them.

PAHO Country Resident Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, stated that the organisation conducted a review and noticed that the books sold in Guyana were outdated.

“They did a review and came up with the fact, whether it’s the universities, whether it’s the nurses’ colleges, some of them were having books dating as far back as latter part of 1980, and we keep talking about the fact that nursing students are not doing too well. If that is the case, then we must give them the tools to prepare them better,” he said, urging the Public Health Ministry to improve learning facilities and amenities within the public health education programme, including better Internet bandwidth and service provision, since some learning materials under the PALTEX programme can be made available online.

“PALTEX is not only for nursing students, PALTEX is for anybody working in the health area, so whether they are medical students, whether they are doctors in practice, whether they are medical technolo-

gists, whether they are medex, whether they are dentists; they all have a use for PALTEX, so it is my hope even those who are not resident here, will also benefit,” he explained.

PALTEX is a PAHO technical cooperation programme which has been supporting human resources education development for more than four decades. Its mission is to add to the expansion of education human resources for the health sector, in order to achieve the strengthening of care in the region of the Americas.

“It comes at a time when Guyana is building capacity in the most needed areas like nursing, educational, clinical, and technical programmes, medex, community health worker programme, multipurpose technicians and environmental health officials’ programme,” Director of Regional Health Services of the Public Health Ministry, Dr Kay Shako said.

Sunken dredge in Mazaruni River

Ministry to have emergency meeting with “Draga” owner T

he Maritime Administration D e p a r t m e n t (MARAD) will convene an emergency meeting on Monday with the mining operator to have the sunken dredge “Draga” removed from the Mazaruni River.

The Natural Resources Ministry has released a statement in the wake of concerns raised by residents of the area that the sunken dredge can lead to grave harm for those traversing the river.

The Ministry said it has confirmed that between the responsible mining operator and MARAD, there will be an intensified effort to remove the dredge from its location in the Mazaruni River.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources can confirm that the Ministry is mindful of the many complaints from the public and is committed to ensuring that this issue is addressed as soon as possible,” the statement read.

The dredge, which is owned by Crown Mining Supplies at Piremap Falls,

The sunken dredge in the Mazaruni River

sank some two months ago, causing the water levels to rise.

However, the Ministry noted that while there has been some degree of restriction in the river due to the salvage cables attached to the wreck, it was reported that some cargo and passenger boats have been able to pass the area without hindrance, using a back channel.

The water level has caused some difficulty in the salvaging efforts, the statement added.

An emergency meeting will be convened on

Monday between an advisory board of MARAD and the operator responsible for the sunken dredge, to discuss emergency modalities for its removal.

Villagers in the area have registered their concerns that the situation is a “disaster waiting to happen”, as the water may recede at any time and force boat operators to take even more chances. They argued that the company was doing nothing to remedy the problem. “There has been no apology, no information, no relief, nothing,” one resident complained.

11 NIS gets $5.6B ‘lifeline’ as Govt pays off CLICO debt NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

…a sad day for taxpayers but no use crying over spilt milk – Jordan

T

he cash-strapped National Insurance Scheme (NIS) was on Friday handed a 20-year ‘lifeline’ when Government inked an agreement to hand over almost $6 billion, monies NIS would have invested in the Colonial Life Insurance Company Limited (CLICO) – an investment that became impaired when CLICO (Guyana) was ordered liquidated back in 2009.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan inked the Debenture agreement in the presence of NIS General Manager, Doreen Nelson, CLICO Liquidator, Bank of Guyana Governor Dr Gobin Ganga and the Finance Ministry’s Debt Management Director Donna Yearwood, among a host of other stakeholders.

The ceremony was held at the Finance Ministry, Main Street, Georgetown and would see the impaired monies being repaid to NIS over a 20-year period, with the first tranche of just over $317 million to be made payable in January 2017.

Approval was granted for government to make payments to the NIS through the issuance of 20 Nonnegotiable Debentures, to be redeemed annually over 20 years, at a fixed interest rate of 1.5 per cent.

Timely intervention

NIS General Manager Doreen Nelson in welcoming the intervention by the administration, pointed to the cash-strapped nature of

over a period of 20 years).”

According to Minister Jordan were government in future to recover anything from CLICO with regards the NIS investments, those

Finance Minister Winston Jordan presents the Debenture agreement to NIS General Manager, Doreen Nelson

NIS: “(It is) certainly good to finally have this matter out of suspension and a decision taken in terms of the guarantee made some years ago…I am sure that you are aware of where we are financially.”

She was at the time referencing a Parliamentary resolution, in tandem with a commitment by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration under former President Bharrat Jagdeo, that all of the CLICO liabilities will be paid off.

NIS over the years would have also been experiencing a situation where its annual expenses began outstripping its revenue – a situation compounded by the billions it had impaired in CLICO

for a number of years.

Nelson told those in attendance, including the media, “we find that this is a timely intervention” and pointed to the company’s upcoming actuarial review which is expected to make further recommendations on restructuring the company.

Speaking on behalf of Government, Finance Minister Jordan said the impaired investment has had a traumatic effect on the operations of NIS. He denied that Government was giving NIS a loan, as had been reported in other sections of the media.

In seeking to offer clarity, Jordan said, “what we are seeking to do is to give NIS, as most as possible, what they invested in CLICO over a period (to now be re-paid

monies would be placed in the Consolidated Fund.

Sad day

Jordan quipped too that while it was a happy day for

NIS, it is indeed “a sad for the taxpayer of Guyana because it is the taxpayer who have to bear these sets of payments over the next 20 years…

TURN TO PAGE 13

12 NEWS Caricom to set up regional social dialogue mechanism T SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) Secretariat is set to host a one-day regional consultation on the establishment of a regional tripartite social dialogue mechanism and a regional social protection floor.

The consultation will take place on Monday at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana.

The consultation will seek to discuss a proposed social dialogue mechanism and social protection for the Region in order to provide recommendations to the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD). The activity is being facilitated under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic

Integration Programme.

Representatives of employers’ bodies, trade unions and relevant Government Ministries from approximately 12 Member States will be in attendance.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is also expected to participate and deliver presentations at the consultation. Guyana’s Labour Minister and the European Union (EU)

Representative will address the opening ceremony.

The tripartite social dialogue mechanism involves a partnership among Government, the Private Sector, labour and civil society to discuss and address socio-economic issues. At its 26th meeting, COHSOD emphasised the need for such a mechanism at the regional level to support the successful implementation of the CSME and to handle labour migration issues within the Region.

The social protection floor refers to a range of interventions aimed at ensuring the welfare of citizens and communities. These include employment generation, labour standards and providing a safety net for

families and households. A regional social protection floor would provide the policy and framework in which Member States can further develop national social protection floors. It would also include cross-border policies and systems for Caricom nationals to participate in the labour markets

of Member States. This regional initiative would ensure access to health, education and other services as Caricom citizens move and work within the region.

On Tuesday, September 20, the Secretariat will meet with ILO officials to discuss labour matters and other related issues.

Vendor still to receive materials from Anna Regina Town Council − Council increases vending fees

S

Vendor Sattie Narine

attie Narine, a vendor of Cotton Field Village, Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), is accusing the Anna Regina Town Council of unfair treatment.

According to the woman, the Council demolished her stall almost two weeks ago and confiscated the building

materials.

Narine, who is a single mother, claims that whenever she visits the Council, she is treated unfairly and in a discriminatory manner.

“The guards always try to put me out, they say I wear quarter pants and right where I stand up many other persons working with the Council pass with quarter pants, the Town Clerk whenever she see me in the compound, order the guards to put me out… I’m not a criminal, am a simple vendor vending,” she explained.

She revealed that the Council has in excess of $200,000 worth of stall materials (zinc, boards, tarpaulin) belonging to her and to date, she has not been able to retrieve those materials. Other vendors whose stalls were dismantled had their materials returned, at a cost.

However, Narine was told by the Anna Regina Town Council (ATC) staff that she could not uplift her materials until the Council held its meeting.

The vendor said that she has noticed that some of her zinc sheets that were ripped off from the structure are missing.

Narine explained earlier that her stall cost $300,000 to construct and it was not a permanent one. During the Council’s dismantling exercise, several tables and chairs belonging to her were damaged. She is now unemployed and is losing thousands of dollars daily.

She labelled the Council’s

act as “discriminatory” and called for immediate intervention from higher authorities. She has been vending since 1989.

After the dismantling exercise, which was conducted by the Council in an effort to remove vendors encroaching the road ways, the vendors’ materials were impounded.

They were required to pay a fee of $2000 for the return of their properties.

Those occupying the area had erected temporary makeshift stalls that used ‘tarpaulin” for shelter. But in the eyes of the Council, those stalls were permanent, and as such, all were dismantled, rendering the vendors jobless.

“They saying we building permanent structure, our stalls are wooden, it can be dismantled easily, why harass us? Concrete is permanent. What the Council is doing is senseless,” vendors related.

Vendors who spoke with Guyana Times on Thursday morning related that officers from the Council visited them and declared they now have to pay $4800 to vend. One vendor, Steve Reid, said he cannot afford to pay $4800 to the Council when he hardly sells $3000 per day. Reid described the increase in stall fee as unfair.

Other vendors became quite irritable after learning about the increase. Most of the vendors are single parents who sell vegetables to earn a livelihood. They are therefore calling on the Council to reconsider the stall fees.

Mayor of the Town, Rabindranauth Mohan, informed this newspaper that the Council was not against vending, but explained that it should be done in a more organised manner. Following a meeting, Mohan said the Council had decided that vendors should pay for the amount of space they occupy.

He maintains that road side vending is illegal and permanent structures are prohibited.

13 UG’s NYC renaissance weekend garners massive support A NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

team led by University of Guyana (UG) Vice Chancellor, Dr Ivelaw Griffith, two weekends ago held a successful renaissance meet in New York, where pledges of support were made to Guyana’s premier tertiary institution.

Vice Chancellor Dr Griffith, along with Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande; Deputy Vice Chancellor Designate for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement, Dr Poloma Mohammed; Vice Chancellor designate for Academic Engagement, Dr Michael Scott; Chief of Staff in the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Karen Wishart; and Human Resources Manager, Jeffery Walcott, visited New York, a response to an invitation from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. UG’s Registrar, Dr Gravesande, said the team covered a range of areas including, but not limited to, interventions in areas of Law, Health Sciences, Technology and Natural Science.

According to Dr Griffith, one of the bold objectives of

Part of the delegation that attended the New York renaissance

the renaissance project was to facilitate tangible diaspora support engagement in four critical academic areas including Technology, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences and Law. He said the visit to Medgar Evers College was particularly rewarding.

“The UG team toured the state-of-the art laboratories and met with the President and faculty from the College and discussed areas that could be further explored for future collaboration. At all the other engagements with members of the Diaspora, both the New York-New Jersey and the Guyana teams agreed at the meetings to forge new links by coordinating joint activities.”

Siblings fined for abusing mother

A

man and his sister were on Friday fined when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with using abusive language against their mother.

Stefon Fordyce, 36, and Ilanda Foryce, 31, of Lot 2090 Nutmeg Street, North

Ruimveldt, both pleaded guilty to the offence.

They admitted that on August 24 they made use of abusive language towards their mother.

They were each fined $2000 with strict warning and were placed on a bond to keep the peace.

NIS gets $5.6B...

FROM PAGE 11

In excess of $5.89 billion is gonna be diverted to meet these payments, so just consider what that kind of money could have done for other areas, be it wages or infrastructure or other running costs of the government.”

Nonetheless, Minister Jordan is of the opinion that it’s “no use crying over spilt milk at the moment.”

Meanwhile, CLICO liquidator Dr Ganga in providing an update on the payments being made to its policyholders, said while a significant amount has been recovered and paid over, the company still had weighty liabilities to honour – almost $6 billion.

According to Dr Ganga, as of the end of July last, CLICO would have made total payments to the tune of $6.7 billion to a number of policy holders, related parties and organisations.

He did seek to point out that while 8882 cheques

would have been uplifted and processed to the tune of $6.7 billion, there are still 2881 cheques for persons yet to uplift. This outstanding amount, according to Dr Ganga, amounts to in excess of $130 million.

According to the CLICO liquidator, the company still has debts to repay including to NIS to the tune of $5.9 billion.

Speaking directly to the NIS repayments and an outstanding $4.9 billion, Dr Ganga was quick to point out that this will not be taken off the books, since CLICO is still exploring options to recover its monies.

He said too that another Government organisation – the Guyana Forestry Commission – is also owed another $240 million, “so we are hoping that we will have enough assets for sale to pay the “organisations, related parties and others, fully what is owed to them, except NIS.”

He said the renaissance was able to cultivate additional goodwill for UG in the New York Tri-State area by inducting new UG Ambassadors, providing an opportunity for Guyanese (and others) in the Diaspora who desire to aid the rebuilding of the University of Guyana, to be able to do so. The main fund-raising events were the Vice Chancellor’s New York Area Support Group Fund Raising Reception on September 1,

and the Guyana Cultural Association Folk Festival Family Fun Day on September 4.

The final event of the Renaissance weekend programme was held at a Hindu Temple in Queens, the Shri Trimurti Bhavan.

It was sponsored by UG Ambassador Dr Dhanpaul Narine, who is also a member of the Vice Chancellor’s New York Area Support Group.

Further discussions were

held on ways persons from the Diaspora could contribute to the university. Monies received from the ‘A Dollar for UG’ campaign that was launched in Queens, NY by Dr Narine, and t-shirts with the slogan ‘I love UG’ donated by Dr Narine and his family were presented to the Vice Chancellor. All contributions and proceeds from the sale were donated to the Vice Chancellor’s Fund for Strategic Initiatives.

According to Vice

Chancellor Griffith, “the Renaissance Weekend in New York has set the stage for considerable financial, human capital, and technical assistance to our university by providing structure to Guyanese and other nationals in the Diaspora to support critical areas of need.”

Contributions of cash, scholarships and pledges, totalling over US$70,000 or G$14.5 million were the major outcomes of the first University of Guyana Education Resource Ambassadors Conference, which concluded at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The three-day conference was held under the theme “Dreaming Resources, Doing Resources”.

The conference helped stakeholders to identify immediate-, short-, and longterm contributions and the realities facing the institution.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

EIB looking to tap into deepwater harbour in Guyana “There was good coordination between the various departments and that’s what I like, because if you want to re-engage a country, we want to have people who are focused on the priorities… All in all, it looks very promising in the near future, and I’m sure that I’ll be back in the country in the course of next year to sign

the first operations between the European Bank and either the private or public sector in Guyana,” the banking executive posited.

Furthermore, Ballekom pointed out that Guyana stands to benefit from doing business with the European Investment Bank, which finances itself on the capital market and as a triple A

bank, its funding costs are low, thus those advantages can be passed on to customers.

He added too that the bank has a longer tenant than the private sector and also have an impressive technical expertise from which Guyana can benefit, especially as it relates to the deepwater harbour.

Banks DIH donates to national breastfeeding walk EIB Vice President Pim van Ballekom (centre) along with Angel Diez Fraile (right) and EU Ambassador, Jernej Videtiĉ

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fter a 10-year bilateral hiatus, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has expressed interests in reviving relations with Guyana and is willing to inject some ‘big bucks’ into developing a deepwater harbour here.

This was disclosed by EIB Vice President responsible for lending in the Caribbean, Pim Van Ballekom, who led a high-level delegation from the bank.

Briefing the media on the its visit, Ballekom noted that during his talks with Government and the private sector the possible investment in the rehabilitation of the harbour was discussed at length.

He explained that this move is part of a much bigger investment programme to improve links between Guyana and neighbouring Brazil. However, the Vice President pointed out that it would be more practical to embrace those projects separately, beginning with the deepwater harbour.

Ballekom said it is more a matter of preparing the infrastructure for the more expansive project: “I was told that without a harbour, investing in the road link to Brazil is not economically viable, so we have to start somewhere and I think the harbour, as such, is any how needed due to the fact that Georgetown can receive bigger vessels for containers.

I think that makes sense even without investing in

the link,” the EIB executive stated.

According to the Vice President, prior to coming here he did not consider whether the project is economically feasible but having been given an insight as to what it entails, he believes it is long overdue.

He revealed that already he has met a few persons from the local private sector who are willing to invest in a deepwater harbour, mainly because of the potential it has to facilitate access for bigger container vessels. The banking executive further noted that even with Guyana’s emerging oil sector, a harbour port will be more economical for the country.

“I think as a stand-alone project, it will be to the benefit of the economy anyhow, apart from what is going to happen in the oil sector.”

Nevertheless, Ballekom noted that they are yet to iron out the specifics of the project, that is, whether it will be a Public-Private Partnership or a loan-project. He explained that discussions were held on four separate substantial projects, and the EIB never finances a project fully, as such it will be looking to other international financial institutions, such as the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) perhaps, to join forces.

“So we start up the process, the ultimate amount we are lending to those four

projects remains to be seen.”

However, the EIB Vice President outlined that no commitments were made on any of the projects until the bank carries out its due diligence process: “I will ensure that (our officers) start up the whole process of appraisal and they will have to come back more often to the country in order to look more in detail on the investment opportunities but I didn’t commit myself to anything.”

Meanwhile, Ballekom emphasised that the EIB is eager to re-engage Guyana, either in the private sector or the public sector or both, noting that its economic climate is welcoming.

Thus far, the delegation has held talks with President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

It has also had discussions with the private sector as well as the commercial sector.

The Vice President continued that he was pleased with the preparation of the Guyanese Government, which was particular in its interests.

The trip was well prepared by our office in Santo Domingo and I have to say that the Guyana Government was well prepared as well because every minister I met with, highlighted similar projects.

Banks DIH’s Brand Manager Clive Pellew presents Denise Marks, Departmental Supervisor of the Maternity Unit, will the company’s donation towards the Breastfeeding Awareness Walk

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s Guyana prepares to observe National Breastfeeding Week from Sunday, a series of events have been planned to sensitise the public on the importance of breastfeeding.

Beverage giant Banks DIH Limited has already made a warm donation towards the cause. The series of events are planned by employees of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The programme will begin on Sunday at 07:00h with a Breastfeeding Awareness Walk for all staff of the institution, commencing at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Lamaha Street and ending at the Maternity Unit Car

Park.

In support of this year’s activity, Banks DIH has donated bottles of Rainforest Water and Well J Juice drink for Sunday’s event. The beverage company’s Brand Manager, Clive Pellew, made the presentation during a simple ceremony held on Friday at the GPHC. Denise Marks, Departmental Supervisor of the Maternity Unit, received the donation on behalf of the medical institution. Also in attendance were Keith Alonzo, Director of Nursing Services (ag); and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters.

Marks thanked the beverage company for support-

ing the walk, which she said is one of the main highlights of the week of activities; while Peters said his company was very appreciative in supporting the venture which promotes the importance of breastfeeding in Guyana.

According to the Departmental Supervisor, there will be an educational programme on Monday for anti-natal mothers at the Anti-Natal Clinic, while on Wednesday, new staff of the institution will attend a lecture on the importance of breastfeeding.

The GPHC was recently declared a baby-friendly institution by the World Health Organisation/UNICEF.

Legal opinion finds SARA...

The PSC’s legal opinion sought said, “When all the powers and functions of the Director are taken as a whole, together with the status of corporation sole, the Director has more powers and is subject to fewer restrictions, than the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

On the matter of the funding for the Agency, the PSC’s legal opinion on the draft Bill has found that the provision granting SARA 25 per cent of its proceeds to finance its operations in fact, “violates Article 216 of the Guyana Constitution; and gives the Agency a direct interest in the funds raised.”

It was pointed out that in the USA, the Police use this as a main source of funds, “a practice that is widely criticised as abused.”

Legally impossible

The proposed SARA legislation also envisages authorising the Finance Ministry to designate the Director and other named officers of SARA, as persons having the powers of a revenue and customs officer.

The PSC’s legal opin-

ion observed that under the Guyana Revenue Act, the power to appoint revenue and customs officers rests in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and as such, the “proposed provision, is either an amendment by implication or disregards that Act… It seems improper and legally impossible for a Minister to exercise a statutory power which Parliament has vested in the Governing Board of the GRA.” It was pointed out too that similarly, the Public Security Minister is now being conferred with powers to designate the Director and other named officers of SARA as persons having the powers of Police Officers and immigration officers.

“Parliament has conferred the power to appoint Police Officers and immigration officers on the Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police,” according to the PSC’s legal opinion which states that its objection in relation to the GRA applies to this provision as well.

Frightening

It was essentially concluded that the proposed

FROM PAGE 9

Bill seeks to achieve far too many objectives, namely the reduction in crime, recovery of State Assets and the introduction of a system of civil asset forfeiture.

“The consequences of this over-ambitious approach are a frightening array of overlapping laws, concentration of power, violation of the Constitution and constitutional principles, violation of the standing orders of the National Assembly, and a potential reduction of the civil liberties: due process and the presumption of innocence.”

It was pointed out too that by imposing a lower burden of proof on the Director in a case involving confiscation of property, than in a criminal case, “can put citizens in a serious disadvantage against the State, depriving him of the very funds he ought to need to prove his innocence.”

Striking similarities

The PSC’s legal opinion observed too that the Bill contains some striking similarities with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 of the UK – that Act has been a major failure and has been effectively abolished.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

Venezuelans trading US$5M agreement guns, ammo with signed with Germany Trinidadians for food Protected areas project

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US$5 million agreement was on Friday inked with the German Government to support the implementation of the third phase of an on-going programme to develop protected areas in the country.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of the Presidency between Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Regional Director of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Dieter Lamle.

The signing took place immediately after a meeting between President David Granger and Ambassador Lamle, who was accompanied by Germany’s Ambassador to Guyana, Lutz Hermann Gorgens and Honorary Consul of Germany to Guyana, Ben Ter Welle.

President Granger said that Germany has a long tradition of supporting green development in Guyana and this bodes well for the ‘green’ trajectory that his Government has embarked on.

The President said that Guyana is part of the Guiana Shield, which is considered the lungs of the earth and that the government is committed to preserving the integrity of that Shield. He noted also that the work that Germany has been doing in the field of biodiversity and in supporting Guyana’s environmental thrust, is essentially providing a global service.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Germany’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Dieter Lamle signing the agreement at the Ministry of the Presidency

The Head of State informed that Guyana had committed, at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), not only to extend existing protected areas, but also to the creation of new ones.

He explained that each of the 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana has unique and rare flora and fauna that must be preserved.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Lamle said that he is extremely happy to be part of the protected areas project and to be in Guyana at a time when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. He also commended the Government and people of Guyana for maintaining the forest in such a pristine state.

Ter Welle explained that the Guyana Protected Areas Systems (GPAS) Project

commenced some 10 years ago and it is being implemented in phases.

The first phase saw the disbursement of €3 million, of which a part was allocated to the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development for training, and the remainder spent on the setting-up of protected areas and the development of legislation.

Phase II on the other hand, saw the disbursement of €4 million, which went into the National Protected Areas Trust Fund, which was created through the passage of legislation and is managed by a board of trustees.

Of the US$5 million that is made available in this third phase, US$4.2 million will go towards investment in protected areas at Shell Beach, Kaieteur and the Kanuku Mountains. The remainder will be directed towards green initiatives.

Indian activists welcome top court ban on ‘sterilisation camps’ after women’s deaths

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omen’s health activists on Friday cheered a ruling by India’s top court ordering the Government to shut down “sterilisation camps” within three years following the deaths of hundreds of largely poor rural women across the country.

In a judgment on Wednesday, the Supreme Court said 363 women died between 2010 and 2013 during or after surgery in sterilisation camps due poor management by local authorities which included doctors using dirty equipment and expired drugs.

It called on the federal government to ensure the country’s 29 states and seven union territories halt the camps, provide adequate compensation for victims and their families, and hold negligent doctors accountable.

enezuelans and residents of Trinidad and Tobago are reportedly bartering on the high seas, where arms and ammunition are sold or exchanged for food and basic commodities.

These trades also take place at some of Trinidad and Tobago’s remote coastal ports, according to ASP Vernly Gift of the Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB), speaking at a weekly press briefing in Port of Spain.

He said officers operated mainly on intelligence gathering that resulted in seizures but what was needed was greater monitoring of the numerous ports of entry scattered along the coastline, the Trinidad Guardian reported.

Information, he said, was that most guns and ammunition entering the country originated from the South American mainland and North America. With regard to guns and ammunition originating from North

America, he said, the illegal weapons were usually concealed in shipping barrels, shipping containers, household appliances, such as washing machines, stoves, refrigerators and water heaters.

“These items are cleared and received by the consignees at the legitimate ports of entry,” Gift said, adding that with the use of technology and greater co-operation from members of the public there has been an increase in the seizure of illegal guns.

(Caribbean News Now)

China releases Canadian in spy case after 2 years

Julia and Kevin Garratt (centre) with two of their children

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Canadian man arrested with his wife in China two years ago on espionage charges has returned home. Kevin Garratt was held in August 2014 and accused of stealing state secrets. His wife, Julia Garratt, was freed on bail in February the following year.

The couple had been living on the North Korea border before their arrest, where they said they were helping refugees. His release follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent first

official visit to China.

The Garratts’ eldest son called the espionage allegations at the time “absurd”.

A statement from the family said Garratt was deported on Thursday following a ruling in the case. “The Garratt family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and also thanks the many individuals who worked to secure Kevin’s release,” the statement said.

The Canadian Prime Minister said he was “delighted” by Garratt’s home-

coming. “We remain deeply impressed by the grace and resilience of the Garratt family,” Trudeau added.

Foreign Minister Stephane Dion told reporters on Friday that Canada did not make concessions to China to secure Garratt’s return. In an August press conference, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang assured the Canadian PM that Garratt would be treated humanely.

Li will meet Trudeau next week when he makes an official visit to Canada.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Pakistan: Suicide bomber kills dozens in Mohmand mosque A woman, who underwent sterilisation surgery at a government mass sterilisation ''camp'', walks to sit in a hospital bed at a district hospital in Bilaspur, in the eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh, November 13, 2014

Activists have long campaigned for better regulation of sterilisation camps – where women are gathered for mass surgeries to sever or seal their fallopian tubes – and more investment in alternative forms of contraception.

India’s efforts to rein in population growth have been described as the most draconian after China. Birth rates

have fallen in recent decades, but population growth is still among the world’s fastest.

According to a study by PFI, 85 per cent of the country’s family planning budget for 2013/14 was spent on promoting and conducting sterilisations on women. Only 1.5 per cent was spent on other forms of contraception. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

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suicide bomber has killed at least 23 people and wounded dozens while they were attending prayers at a mosque in a northwestern Pakistani tribal area, sources tell Al Jazeera.

Friday’s bombing occurred in the village of Anbar Tehsil in the Mohmand tribal district bordering Afghanistan where the Pakistani army has been battling the Pakistan Taliban.

Naveed Akbar, deputy administrator of Mohmand

Agency, told Reuters news agency that some fatalities appeared to had been caused when part of the mosque caved in from the force of the blast.

“A portion of the mosque and verandah collapsed in the blast and fell on worshippers. We are still retrieving bodies and the injured from the rubble of the mosque,” he said.

One of the wounded, 41-year-old Ghulam Khan, said he heard a deafening explosion during the prayers. “I cried for help, but

no one came to me... there were other bodies... wounded worshippers, who were reciting verses from Quran and waiting for help,” he told the Associated Press news agency.

Khan said local residents and tribal police helped transport the wounded to hospital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Pakistani Taliban in particular routinely attack soft targets such as courts, schools and mosques. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 NEWS Damaged submarine cable Cabinet approves Allied Health Professions Council to be buried deeper ...Shamdeo Persaud appointed T ex-officio member M SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

inister of State Joseph Harmon on Thursday announced cabinet’s approval of the re-establishment of the Allied Health Professions Council, a regulatory body which will monitor the functioning of environment health issues.

The Council, which monitors issues such as sanitation, hygiene and water in environmental health, reestablishment is long overdue, since it has not been functioning for several years.

The Council usually would include the Chief Medical Officer serving as ex-officio, two Allied Health Professionals and six representing the professional associations, while two others are from the consumers’ organisations.

Harmon stated that cabinet has recommended Patricia Woolford, who is a public health specialist, and was responsible for piloting the council, along with representatives from the consumers’ organisations, the Medical Technologist Association,

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

the Guyana Physiotherapist Association, the Guyana Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, Nutritionists and Dieticians Association, and the Guyana Radiographers Association.

He stated that persons recommended are recognised allied health professionals. Minister Harmon named Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud as the ex-officio of the council.

The members will serve on the Council for two years from March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018. The Council would undergo a

process of reconsideration at the level of Cabinet at twoyear intervals.

In 2014, the Allied Health Professions Act was amended to include health professionals who are under the purview of Environmental Health, Counselling and Testing bodies.

The Official Gazette dated March 24, 2012 indicates that the Act will govern the operations of Environmental Health Officers, Public Health Inspectors, Sanitary Inspectors, Port Health Officers and Environmental Health Assistants.

he submarine power cable in the Demerara River bed, which was damaged last month, will be buried some three meters deeper, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has said.

While the cause of the damage has not yet been made public, the minister confirmed that it was damaged while work was being carried out.

“What was done, having been damaged, it has brought the excess power from Vreed-en-Hoop over to the Demerara interconnected grid”, Minister Patterson informed. He said GPL will be raising the cable and that quotations were received from three firms to fix the cable.

“What is required is the special equipment called the splicer to raise the cable and then install the slicer to fix it… A contractor has

been identified in principle.

Works will take after the arrival of the splicer,” he said, informing too that it is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.

“The project will be done in three phases. Phase one has already been completed; phase two is the installation of the splicer and repairs and phase three is the burying of the cable.

Addressing the burying of the cable, Patterson said the contract had stipulated that the cable be buried at three meters.

The Marine A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Department (MARAD) at the time had however advised that it be lower, however, because the contract was signed, it remained at three meters. He said he was informed that there are excess cables at both ends and that the company will go ahead and bury it at the required six meters

deep.

He said he has asked GPL to explore the option of a second cable since not only does the cable bring electricity, but it also has fibre optic.

He said he has asked that GPL seek out another cable just to bring over the excess electricity.

Immediately after the damage last month, the power company had reported that a Chinese team was assisting it to retrieve the cable from the Demerara River bed in order to assess the extent of the damage.

A release from the power company noted that a comprehensive test had been conducted on the cable subsequent to a total shutdown on July 12, which attributed the incident of faulty insulation at the connection or “Pot Head” linking the 69KV submarine cable to the overhead transmission lines at Kingston.

Good Hope Nursery teachers pleading with Education Ministry – school needs supplies, improved infrastructure

Vendors call for King to be sacked

… says he is turning “a blind eye” to their stolen goods

Good Hope Nursery School

S

Items similar to those seized

cores of vendors gathered outside Stabroek Market in Georgetown on Thursday calling for the removal of Town Clerk Royston King.

The vendors are claiming that King is turning a blind eye to their woes, which includes market office staff allegedly stealing their goods.

The vendors are alleging that hundreds of thousands of dollars are being stolen by the staff and nothing is being done to address the issue.

“Royston King got to go! As well as Mr Gordon!

They intend to make we suffer,” and “We making a living. Legally. We ain’t selling drugs!” the angered sellers shouted.

President of the Guyana Market Vendors Union

(GMVU), Eon Andrews, who participated in the protest, stated that the Brickdam Police Station refused to document the vendors’ report on the matter.

“Carter was told that they would not take her statement on the issue. No reason for this was given,” he said.

One of the vendors Carol Carter stated that over 300 pairs of slippers were stolen from her stall, which was “locked up” and unattended, for a short while. “I left to go do some business, and come back and see all the slippers that I had hang up right around my stalls, gone.

Over $300,000 in goods they thief!” she argued.

The vendors believe that they are being targeted because of their position with-

in the Market Association.

Acting Deputy Market Clerk, who identified herself as “Ms Smith” stated that she was unaware of what had happened and promised to investigate the matter.

This is the second time for the week that calls were made for King to be removed.

On Tuesday, Councillor of Constituency Six Andrea Marks convened a silent protest in the midst of the statutory meeting, calling for King to be booted.

She had stated that she decided to protest because of the Town Clerk’s decision to have vendors from around Bourda Market, on Robb Street, cease selling without any prior notice.

She accused King of lying repeatedly and being “drunk with power”.

T

The old wooden building next to the Good Hope Nursery

eachers attached to Good Hope Nursery School in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are calling on the Region Two Administration through the Department of Education to demolish the old wooden building that is next to the school so that the children can use the area for a playpark. According to acting

headmistress, Neelmattie Sarju the building is a ‘white elephant’, which serves no purpose.

Sarju suggested that the materials from the building could be used to construct a storeroom/bond for the school and that the land can be converted to a play area. The building is old and dilapidated, and poses

a threat to everyone at the school.

The teachers have also confirmed that although several letters have been dispatched to the Region Two Administration, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), and the Department of Education, the building is still standing while the school is without recreational facilities and activities. They are still pleading with the relevant authorities to dismantle the building as soon as possible.

Additionally, they also explained, school supplies, especially cleaning detergents, are in short supply.

The school also no longer receives the amount of stationery and detergents as in the past, and they were instructed by education officials not to ask parents to purchase anything.

Given this situation, the teachers are left to wonder wherefrom they will acquire these much needed supplies.

17

NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Councillors decry poor conditions Wakapoa Secondary in need of teachers – Councillor at Region 10 health centres – proper facilities, equipment needed

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oncerns have been raised by Regional Councillors of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) following a recent visit to numerous Health Centres across the region by the administration’s Works Committee.

Of major concerns are the One Mile Health Centre at Wismar, Linden and Old England Health Centre at Mackenzie.

During this month’s statutory meeting Councillor Charles Sampson pointed to several issues at the Old England Centre which he said needs to be addressed immediately.

While he urged the Regional Health Department to step up efforts, he questioned whether the department ever conducts visits.

He pointed out too that the facility appears to be too small to serve the growing community.

“The Old England Health Centre is too small. There is no space...it needs expansion. When you go in there, you shuffling between people. They want chairs, they want equipment and when we went, there one working light. All the other lights were not working, were recently installed, brand new but they aren’t working... the people in that area are suffering every day,” he explained.

Sampson said too that there is an absence of potable water at the facility and for staff to secure water they have to manually fetch it.

He called on the RDC to put systems in place to facilitate the regular supply of wa-

ter to the health institution, while noting that due to its landscape, water accumulates inside the compound when it rains, resulting in flooding.

Alluding to conditions at the One Mile Health Centre, he said the facility which stores medical supplies for other health centres in the community does not have backup power supply during power outages, as was witnessed by the visiting team.

The existing generator is out of order.

“There are a litany of woes at the One Mile Health Centre. There were so many things that were discussed with the nurses and the people who administer, that one wonders if the Regional Health Department ever visits these places”, the Councillor vocally wondered at the meeting.

In addition, he pointed to garbage build-up and overgrown vegetation in the compound: “Why can’t we keep those facilities clean?” he wanted to know.

The councillor also explained that he was informed that concerns raised by staff at the health centre allegedly results in threats of transfers.

Additionally, Sampson stressed the need for an emergency response to address some of the issues. He stated that all the centres visited including the Wisroc and Coomacka Health Centres appeared to have one common issue: dilapidated equipment for staff nurses.

Sampson explained that there is usually no proper response from the Health Department when written to

on numerous issues: “There are lots of issues that have to be addressed immediately, and we are talking about people’s health”, he stressed.

On the flipside, Sampson said the Health Centre at Coomacka is in good shape.

Meanwhile, Councillor Douglas Gittens, part of the visiting team, said the burning of garbage in open spaces was a common practice by those health centres visited; he made calls for the construction of incinerators.

Gittens also requested that a letter be written to the relevant health authorities to enquire about the faecal coliform level of the water in the Region, since he said it is considered extremely high.

In a response to several issues outlined, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said he sincerely hopes that no staff is transferred for highlighting such issues, while noting that it is disturbing that in the quest to seek the necessary upgrades they are targeted: “Our nurses and support staff shouldn’t feel afraid of anybody. Nobody shouldn’t threaten anybody if they’re asking for their work conditions to be improved...I’m saying that if you’re threatening the workers in Region 10, then you aren’t supposed to be working in Region 10...because people continue to ask for an evolution of their work environment to feel better,” Morian said.

He also made a promise to meet with leaders in the Region’s health departments, as he urged all to work towards having the issues addressed.

Incomplete Wakapoa Secondary School Dormitory

E

ducation, consider the most precious gift, is difficult to access in the Amerindian community of Wakapoa, Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). This is according to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP\C) councillor Brian Basil, who during a recent statutory meeting in Region Two, said that secondary school children in the area are left to suffer as many parents cannot afford to send them to school due to the exorbitant fees charged by the captains of the David G boats.

Basil, who is Chairman of the Hinterland Affairs Committee in the Region, said that the Toshao of the community complained to him about the inadequacy of teachers at the school. He said the school’s syllabus is lagging and so are the children in their education.

The councillor informed

Councillor Brain Basil

his fellow colleagues that several requests were made to the Department of Education about filling the school vacancies, noting that to date nothing has been done, and often the children are left unattended in their classrooms due to the lack of teachers.

In addition, parents were asked to pay $1000 weekly to transport their chil-

dren to school with the boats which were gifted by President David Granger to the Pomeroon communities.

He also informed the council that presently the dormitory at Wakapoa is incomplete due to the faulty works done by the contractor. He argued that children are suffering and something really needs to be done.

Government Councillor, Naithram, commenting on the issue said that he recently visited the dormitory at Wakapoa and he was shocked to see the ‘faulty’ works that were done by the contractor.

Naithram questioned why children have to suffer due to negligence by an administration. He also informed the council that the contractor was previously blacklisted.

He therefore called on REO, Rupert Hopkinson to intervene to resolve the issue of substandard works.

18

guyana-times.com

saturday, september 17, 2016

ARCHIE

Do your best to be your best. Engaging in physical (March 21- activity, being playful with April 19) a loved one and making lifestyle or appearance changes will be beneficial.

ARIES

Uncertainty while travelTAURUS ing will arise, causing a delay.

(April 20- Give yourself plenty of time to May 20) reach your destination in order to avoid being late. You’ll find out something from an unexpected source.

dilbert

Relationships will be comGEMINI plicated.

Try not to send the (May 21wrong signal or let your flirtaJune 20) tious ways cost you. Don’t let temptation lead you astray.

Honesty is the best policy.

Someone will call your CANCER bluff if you exaggerate. Stick (June 21- to the facts and practical, July 22) carefully considered plans.

Let your performance speak for itself.

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A quiet getaway will do you good. Make plans to go on a retreat or brief vacation with a good friend or loved one. Make sure you take some time to pamper yourself.

VIRGO The changes you make (Aug. 23- will be directly linked to preSept. 22) vious experiences. Look back, but be prepared to leap forward. Opportunity and good fortune will change your life.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA A change in a relationship (Sept. 23or partnership will result in Oct. 23) an opportunity and a chance to use your skills and expertise in a different arena.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Applying what you know SCORPIO (Oct. 24- to a problem that crops up Nov. 22) will help you bypass trouble.

An interesting opportunity to use your talents in different business sectors should not be ignored.

Put your house in orSAGITTARIUS der. Host an event or alter (Nov. 23your living arrangements.

Dec. 21) Romance is encouraged and will play a role in an important relationship.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Keep your life simple.

CAPRICORN Listen carefully and don’t (Dec. 22- jeopardize your reputation or Jan. 19) ability to get things done. An emotional problem must be dealt with diplomatically.

Rely on your own abilAQUARIUS ity, skill and energy to get (Jan. 20things done. Make physical Feb. 19) changes that will encourage a loved one to be more romantic. Taking action will bring about positive change.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Try not to be inconsistent.

(Feb. 20- If you want others to take part March 20) in your plans, you will have to prove that your ideas are well thought out.

saturDAY, september 17, 2016

Davis Cup semi-final, Great Britain v Argentina

Great Britain on the verge of bowing out

19

England Premier League

Liverpool continues impressive run ... Defeats Chelsea 2-1

− Sweet Revenge for del Potro

G

reat Britain's Davis Cup defence is hanging by a thread after Juan Martin del Potro beat Andy Murray to set Argentina on their way to a 2-0 lead on day one of the semi-final in Glasgow.

Del Potro won 6-4 5-7 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-4 after five hours and seven minutes, before Guido Pella saw off Kyle Edmund 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-3 6-2.

Murray's defeat was only his third in 32 Davis Cup singles matches.

Great Britain must win Saturday's doubles and both Sunday's singles to reach the final.

Murray is scheduled to team up with his brother Jamie for the doubles contest but admitted it would be "really tough" for him to

Henderson scored what proved to be the winner with his first goal in 20 matches for Liverpool Martin del Potro

recover following the longest match of his career on Friday.

The winners of the best-

of-five tie will face France or Croatia in the final, with that semi-final level at 1-1 after day one.

England vs Bangladesh

Haseeb Hameed, Ben Duckett & Zafar Ansari in England’s tour squad − Batty recalled after 11 years

Haseeb Hameed, Ben Duckett and Zafar Ansari feature in a slightly bigger than normal 17-man squad

T

eenager Haseeb Hameed is one of three uncapped players in England's Test squad for the tour of Bangladesh.

The Lancashire opener, 19, is joined in a 17-man party by Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett and Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari.

Surrey off-spinner Gareth Batty, who turns 39 in October, is also included, 11 years after playing his last Test.

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will captain the oneday side after Eoin Morgan pulled out over security concerns.

No international side has toured Bangladesh since 20 people were killed in a siege at a cafe in Dhaka in July.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said in August that tour would go ahead following a security review.

Buttler is also named in the Test squad, along with

fast bowler Mark Wood, who has not played a Test since October 2015 following an ankle injury.

Batsman Joe Root has been rested from the oneday team, while James Vince has been dropped from the Test side but included in the ODI squad.

England play three one-day internationals in Bangladesh, starting on 7 October, followed by a twoTest series from 20 October.

(BBCSPORT)

L

iverpool continued to gather impressive momentum in the Premier League as they inflicted Antonio Conte's first loss as Chelsea manager with a deserved victory at Stamford Bridge to move into the top four.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was a winner at Stamford Bridge last season - and this was three points Liverpool fully merited to add to a triumph at Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season and a draw at Tottenham.

Liverpool were keen to build on the 4-1 thrashing of champions Leicester City at Anfield last weekend and they over-ran Chelsea to take control by half-time through Dejan Lovren's close range finish and captain Jordan Henderson's spectacular 25yard strike.

Chelsea, with £32m defender David Luiz making his first appearance since returning to Chelsea from Paris StGermain as replacement for

the injured John Terry, pulled one back through Diego Costa but their laboured performance deserved nothing from this game.

Klopp's Liverpool is looking more like the sort of team their manager wants with every passing week as they produced another impressive performance.

Liverpool may yet remain on the margins of the title race but victories such as this, added to the excellent 4-3 win at Arsenal and a fine display in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham, will certainly see those at Anfield exuding quiet confidence.

Klopp was without influential forward Roberto Firmino here, ruled out with a groin problem, a severe blow as the Brazilian's workrate, tactical awareness and goal threat has made him a vital component in Liverpool's success against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United since the German's arrival.

It made little difference as Liverpool's prodigious work ethic, a staple of Klopp's style, pressured Chelsea into submission and gave them a constant goal threat as well as a defensive shield.

Two of Liverpool's big summer buys made an impact, with Sadio Mane giving them real pace and menace and Georginio Wijnaldum offering a steadying presence in midfield.

Meanwhile, the reliable James Milner illustrated once again why Klopp was not prepared to answer demands to rush into the market and buy a left-back.

Liverpool are still a work in progress and will still have questions to answer when they produce performances such as that which saw them lose at Burnley earlier this season - but once again they showed at Stamford Bridge that the charismatic Klopp is taking them in the right direction.(BBC SPORT)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturday, september 17, 2016

Heritage Games 2016

Athletes urged to eye Olympics as Heritage Games open − Jones proud of female participation

BY ROMARIO SAMAROO

A

s Indigenous Heritage Month continues, the 2016 edition of the annual Heritage Games was officially declared open by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe as she urged the more than 570 athletes in participation to have an eye on the Olympics.

In the feature address to declare the Heritage Games open, the honourable Minister pointed out that the annual event is what is needed for the Indigenous people to showcase their skills in their communities, nationally and internationally.

“Life goes forward and usually takes steps upward so we are looking at the Heritage Games to be our step upwards and to have more competition as well as having more teams coming out for the first time.”

Garrido-Lowe said. “These Games allow our people to get experience and exposure and we should focus more on making sure budget allocations for sports are being put in place in order to have more competitive games,” added Garrido-Lowe.

The Junior Minister de-

scribed her vision to have an inter-village competition before heading to a sub-regional competition and finally having the best of the best coming forward to the Heritage Games while acknowledging the difficulties the rural communities face.

The Moruca-born Minister further added that these players “should take cricket, volleyball, football swimming and even archery seriously and not just as a chance to kick some ball, shoot an arrow or take a little swim but rather view these games with the intention of going and qualify for the Olympics.”

Garrido-Lowe asked the question, how much indigenous people do we have representing Guyana at the international level? As she reminded the attendees that it has to come from events like this so they have to take it seriously, particularly citing “in the Rio Olympics we didn’t do so well but Hannibal Gaskin gave us that hope that we can do better and we can be there and be winners.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones also welcomed the games, expressing his content with the participation of female athletes in the games.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (left), Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and President of GSSF, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon at the opening ceremony

“I’m delighted to be a part of this year’s games and I must commend the coordinating team for insuring that we have gender equality,” Jones conveyed.

“The National Sports Commission (NSC), focusing on the development of sport, more particularly gender equality. We have placed emphasis on our budget for female teams and are proud to see our female participants here today we are excited and proud,” Jones added.

The Sport Director also signaled athletes that they should focus on achieving

the highest of their potential and in the future aim to make it on the team to head to Tokyo for the Olympic Games 2020.

“We hope to see you play to the best and have your eye on Tokyo 2020 Olympics so we at the NSC can know where to focus our attention, in which particular region to identify whether its archery, football, track and field or swimming to list a few.” The Director said.

The day began with the more than 570 hinterland athletes from across the 10 administrative regions in the ceremonial march-

past with Minister GarridoLowe, Jones, and President of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and staff of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs taking the salute. In remarks to the gathering, Persaud-McKinnon gave an overview of the GSSF and said that they are expanding with an eye on the Olympics and urged the hinterland athletes to step up to the fore since archery is a way of life already which makes sport shooting second nature. The GSSF, under which archery falls is a

young organization and the head of the federation is optimistic of making positive strides in quick time.

Digicel’s Senior Sponsorship and events Executive, Louanna Abrams expressed her company’s gratitude to the ministry of the opportunity to once again collaborate and said that Digicel is committed to the development of the Heritage games and is on board to play their part.

Among the 570 athletes there are St Cuthbert’s male football team and Santa Aratak male and female cricket teams that are in Heritage games of the first time to compete among the seasoned teams.

The three day event covers a wide range of games including Cricket, Football, Volleyball and traditional games such as tuma pot eating, archery, piwari drinking, wood bursting and fire lighting, wresting and turtle tug-o-war. Day one is reserved for football play-offs while day two will see competitive swimming at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal from 09:00h and the play-offs of volleyball, cricket and football. Archery and the traditional games will be held today and tomorrow at Everest.

Hand-in-Hand on board Keen contest expected post-Emancipation race meet between TSC & GYO

GCA/NBS Second Division

G

− MSC, GNIC open campaign

C

ricket lovers within the city can come out today and tomorrow to witness five exciting matches as the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ New Building Society second division 40 overs tournament enters its third weekend of matches.

On Saturday there will be three matches while on Sunday there will be two matches. Only Police Sports Club and Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) will feature in matches on both days.

Saturday is predicted to be very competitive as Police host Everest Cricket Club, GYO plays home to Transport Sports Club (TSC) and Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) open their campaign at MSC. In the Police versus Everest encounter, the host will look to continue on a winning note after thrashing Diplomats in their opening match by 156 runs. They will once again look to Kevin Leitch to lead with bat and ball while Stephen Harris and others will have to bring their ‘A’ game in a much more challenging game than their first.

Everest lost their opener to the Demerara Cricket

Joshua Persaud

Kevin Leitch

Club (DCC) but will be looking to bounce back in this their second match of the tournament.

Once two of the toughest teams at the second division level in Georgetown, TSC and GYO will clash in a keen contest. TSC lost their opening game to the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) but have a chance to bounce back at the small ground against the home team, but that will be no easy task as GYO has what it takes to come out on top. The final match will see rivals MSC take on GNIC in a first for both teams in the competition. Who will be victorious? That cannot be answered until the last ball is

bowled. The GNIC team has in its repertoire a group of national youth players including Guyana U-19 youngest player Joshua Persaud with some seasonal players while similarly the MSC has some emerging youth players mixed with experience.

That match is expected to be competitive and well attended.

Those matches are all on the list for Saturday. On Sunday Ace Warriors will tackle GYO at GYO while Police will tackle minnows Sophia.

The tournament is hosted by the GCA but sponsored by the New Building Society.

uyana’s longest established Insurance Company, The Handin-Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies, are on board as a proud sponsor of Sunday’s “Post Emancipation Day Race Meet” hosted by Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC).

This event, which was initially slated for Sunday, August 28 2016, will now be on Sunday September 18, 2016 at the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

Hand-in-Hand Insurance will be sponsoring all of the prizes for the opening race, the race for the L and lower class.

The top race of the day will see horses classified B1 and lower covering a distance of seven furlongs with the winner pocketing $1,000,000 and the Ivanoff Trophy.

The other events carded are for horses classed D3 maidens and E and Lower covering a distance of seven furlongs with $600,000 going to the first place finisher, G1 and Lower over seven furlongs for the top prize of $280,000., H1 and Lower battling over six furlongs with $240,000 going to the winner, then there is the five-furlong race for horses in the J1 and Lower class with $180,000 guar-

Honorary President of Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Justice Cecil Kennard receives the sponsorship cheque from Hand-inHand’s Representative William Ward at the Company’s HeadOffice

anteed for the winner and for horses in the L class and lower there will be to races over five furlongs. One of the races will be for the nonwinners however; both races fetch a top purse of $120,000 for the winners.

Meanwhile, for the race for the two year old Guyana bred horses which will see the horses covering a distance of five furlongs for the first prize of $200,000.

In a simple presentation to Chairman of the KMTC Justice Cecil Kennard received the sponsorship cheque from Handin-Hand’s Representative, William Ward at the

Company’s Avenue of the Republic Head Office.

The day’s event is being run under the rules of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club and if for any reason there are less than five horses entered for an event, the club reserves the right to not run the race.

According to the organizers, five horses have to run for there to be a third place prize, while seven are needed for a fourth place prize.

If only four horses run, then the winning prizes will be reduced by 25% while if there are only three starters then the reduction will be 40%.

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

upbeat despite Orealla, Pariuma record Hamilton hydraulic issue convincing wins A

Elenixa Lewis, Donnalyn Elliman, Julietha Thomas and Evadney Thomas were the architects of destruction for Pariuma against Orealla

H

eritage games opened with exciting football action on Friday at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, Camp Road and Carifesta Avenue Georgetown. The day started with the ceremonious opening ceremony with the march-past of athletes numbering more than 570 from the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

In the highly competitive games in female category North Rupununi (Region 9) booked their semi-final spot after dumping Chenapou of (Region 8) by a commanding 3-0 scoreline while Pariuma (Region 7) totally dominated Orealla (Region 6).

Led by Evadney Thomas with seven goals, Pariuma

romped to the final-four stage with a 10-0 victory over Orealla. Elenixa Lewis, Donnalyn Elliman and Julietha Thomas all had one goal in the demolition.

Pariuma will now meet North Rupununi this afternoon for a place in the final which will be played on Sunday evening at Everest.

In the male division, Orealla (Region 6) handed debutants, St. Cuthbert’s (Region 4) a baptism they would always remember.

Playing Heritage Games football for the first time, St. Cuthbert’s suffered a 6-1 defeat with Lynden De Silva their only goal scorer. He will always be remembered as the first goal scorer for his team at the

prestigious games.

For Orealla, who sent a strong message to defending champions; Central Rupununi were led by a hat-trick from Ryan Morris while Leron Herman, Leron France and Ronnie Lewis found the back of the nets one time each.

Moruca (Region 1) was victorious over Kopinang (Region 8) edging them 2-1. Moruca now move on to play defending three-time champions, Tabatinga (Region 9) while Kamarang (Region 7) will take on Mabaruma (Region 1) and Kaituma (Region 1) will meet North Rupununi (Region 9) in quarter final fixtures today all at the Everest ground.

hydraulic issue may have cut short Lewis Hamilton in FP2 but he remains optimistic about his chances at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton remains upbeat despite a less than impressive start to the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday.

The Formula One championship leader could only manage fourth and seventh in the opening two sessions of the race weekend as problems with his Mercedes ended his second attempt prematurely.

Hamilton appeared to struggle with the ultrasoft tyres in FP2 and he could only manage 10 laps before a hydraulic issue left him kicking his heels in the ga-

Lewis Hamilton

rage.

The Briton remains upbeat, though, despite missing out on crucial time on the track to collate data ahead of qualifying and Sunday’s race.

“It [the hydraulic issue] doesn’t look like anything

serious,” he said. “The guys are working on it and it should be fine for tomorrow, which is the main thing.

“Our pace looked okay today. Definitely much better than last year so I’d say we’re looking relatively strong.” (Sportsmax)

Helicopter crashes after dropping off Shakib

A

The crashed helicopter

helicopter that had just dropped off Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan and his wife Umme Ahmed Shishir in Cox’s Bazar crashed during its return

journey to Dhaka. Shakib said he was shocked to learn about the accident in which one person was killed and four injured.

The helicopter dropped Shakib and Shishir at

around 9.30am at the Royal Tulip Sea Resort, some 27km south of Cox’s Bazar town. They were going to shoot a commercial.

On its return flight around an hour later, the chopper crashed near Inani beach, some 1.5km north of where Shakib and Shishir had landed.

The deceased was identified as Shah Alam, a resident of Dhaka, and the injured were undergoing treatment at the local health complex. Wing Commander (retd) Shafiqul Islam, the pilot, was among the injured.

“I am fine, but feel rather shocked at the news of the chopper crash,” Shakib said to newspapers. “But I can’t really tell you anything about the crash. I was at shooting at the time.” (Cricinfo)

PSG fires six past Caen − Uruguayan strike Cvanai sinks four goals in first half

E

dinson Cavani scored four firsthalf goals as champions Paris St-Germain ended a three-game winless run in all competitions to beat Caen in Ligue 1, the French League.

The Uruguayan striker, who was replaced by Jese at half-time, opened the scoring from Maxwell's cross before converting a penalty.

He then turned home another Maxwell cross and guided a fourth goal past Remy Vercoutre before being withdrawn.

Lucas Moura and JeanKevin Augustin smashed home second-half efforts.

Cavani had been criticised for missing a host of chances in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw with Arsenal.

Cavani emulated Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the last player to score four goals in one Ligue 1 half against Troyes in March

PSG, chasing their fifth consecutive French title, won the league by 31 points last season, but have already lost a game this season under Unai Emery, who replaced Laurent

Blanc in the summer.

It is PSG's second 6-0 win over Caen in five months, having also thrashed them in the closing weeks of last season.

YELLOW PAGES saturDAY, september 17, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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Leaders Lower Corentyne in charge against Upper Demerara/ East Bank − Khan bags another five wicket haul

L

ower Corentyne’s dominance in the Jaguars Franchise League continued on the opening day of their fourth round clash against a feeble Upper Demerrara/ East Bank team yesterday at the Lusignan Sports Club Ground.

At close leaders of the League, Lower Corentyne had already achieved first innings points and holds a lead of 122 with three wickets remaining.

Lower Corentyne was 227/7 with former national youth player Seon Hetmyer on 51 not out and Devon Clements on 28 not out.

Gajanand Singh scored 43 and Jonathan Foo hit 42.

Earlier, East Bank Demerara won the toss and elected to bat but could only muster 105 all out on a good batting track. Former national youth all-rounder

three wickets while Steven Harris, Ershad Ali and Sherfane Rutherford has taken a wicket each.

Meanwhile at Enterprise Community Development Centre ground, third placed East Coast Demerara closed on 294/6, with Chandrapaul Hemraj the leading scorer with 81, Kamesh Yadram contributed 53, Bhaskar Yadram made 48 and Ramnarine

Gajanand Singh

Chandrapaul Hemraj

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Chatura chipped in with 34. The overnight batsmen are Amir Khan on 39 and Vivian Albert on 3 not out.

The other two matches loss the entire day due to persistent rain which left wet outfields at both grounds.

The first day between Upper Corentyne and second placed West Demerara was washed out at the

Danny Narayan continues to make an impression in this tournament as he was the lone standout with the bat for his team with a top score of 48, falling two runs short of his second fifty in the tournament. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, last week hero Kassim Khan was at it again as he took 5/37 while Devon Clements had 5/43.

For East Bank, Steven Jacobs has so far taken

Kamesh Yadram

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21

sports

Tuschen Ground East Bank Essequibo. Play was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the venue.

Currently Lower Corentyne has 13.7 points and are in seventh place while West Demerara has 42 points for second. West Demerara are favourite to win this game but if it continues to rain then it will more than likely end in no one’s favour.

Georgetown’s unfortunate run in the Jaguars Franchise League continued today as the entire first day of their fourth round clash with Essequibo has been abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda.

The match was called off at directly 13:30 hours after a final inspection by the match officials, who then deemed it unfit for play.

The results of the wet outfield is due to persistent rain in the city over the last couple days.

It is Georgetown’s fourth match that is being affected by rain as only one has been able to be completed. The match will start at 09:00hours today to make up for time loss.

In the games that already started, play will get underway at 09:30 hours while in the other two play is scheduled for an earlier start at 09:00 hours.

Toby Radford returns as West Indies batting coach

F

ormer Middlesex and Sussex batsman Toby Radford has been hired by the WICB as the batting coach for the UAE tour.

Radford will join the West Indies squad, which has already reached the UAE, where they will play three T20Is, three ODIs, and three Test matches against Pakistan from September 23.

“He has been contracted just for this series,” WICB CEO Michael Muirhead said.

“He knows the youngsters well and had done well especially with them”. Asked whether Radford could retain a long-term position, Muirhead said: “Highly unlikely. We’ll engage as and when we need him.”

Radford’s appointment is a surprising development considering earlier this week the Welshman had quit as man-

Toby Radford (left) served as Glamorgan head coach for two seasons

ager of the national academy in Ireland citing “family reasons”. Incidentally Radford had taken the role at Cricket Ireland only in July, having left his job as head coach at Glamorgan last December with one year remaining in his contract.

Radford is well acquainted with West Indies cricket and most of its players

having worked as assistant coach (batting) during Ottis Gibson’s tenure as coach when West Indies won the World T20 for the first time in 2012. Radford will assist Henderson Springer, who has been appointed caretaker coach after the WICB sacked Phil Simmons earlier this week.(Cricinfo)

guyana-times.com

saturday, september 17, 2016

23

GFC appoints Brazilian as new head coach T

he Georgetown Football Club (GFC) has made a valiant step in reversing its fortunes in the upcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League second season by appointing Brazilian Fabiano Agripino as its first team head coach.

The 2015/2016 Elite league season GFC played 28 matches and lost 21, won four and drew three, resulting in them being placed in the bottom half of the points table after both halves of the season.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday the club’s Bourda location, Agripino is hoping that his appointment will result in a change in fortunes for the club in the new season, stating that the past is the past and they will challenge for

a spot in the top four.

“It’s a new season and we come here to compete and develop players, that is our goal and that is our mission; nothing is a problem and we are not afraid of anyone”, the Brazilian confidently stated.

He added, “Faizal [GFC Manager] invited me for this challenge and to me it is normal because it will be the same as to what I did in other countries, I have a special feeling since we will be working hard for the results”.

In the capacity as Coach, Agripino led Ma Pau SC to glory in the Avanhandava Sao Paulo Pre season tournament in 2009 and also reached the finals with Westside Superstars in the 2011 final of the Trinidad and Tobago Super League Cup.

GFC’s new head coach Fabiano Agripino and Manager Faizal Khan

As a player, he played with teams from Mexico, Slovakia, Austria and Trinidad, where he was deemed the League

Champion Most Valuable player in 1996, suiting up for Joe Public FC. Club Sectary and team manager, Faizal Khan in

commenting on the performance of the team last season, explained that the aim of the club was to give their youth players an opportunity to further develop and despite the defeats, the players showed promise. “we did better in the first half of the league but after Christmas, we lost eight senior players and the decision was not to replace them with more youngsters, so we went into the second half with an even more younger squad than the first”, Khan disclosed.

He went unto say, “yes the results showed that if we looked at win lose or draw, we lost most of the games but if we looked at the performances we didn’t lose by much and we knew going into this second half we would have a larger bud-

get and we took our time to build the team”.

Quizzed on whether the support staff will increase, Khan responded saying, no but that he has interest from the original Golden Jaguars, Vibert Durdy Butts but the decision to bring him on board is left up to Fabianao but I will strongly recommend he comes on board”.

The Bourda-based club also announced the signing of Brazilian forward Renato Rodrigues, and former Golden Jaguars forward Kevin Beaton, who was on a two-year scholarship at the Bryant & Strahton College in the United States of America.

It was also disclosed that AXE Clothing Apparel and DeSinco Trading under its Degree brand have pledge support to the team.

More than 40 lifters entered in RAW Nationals F

itness Express and Trophy Stall have both jumped on board by sponsoring the Guyana Amateur Power Lifting Federation’s (GAPLF) Raw Nationals billed for Sunday at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue.

Jamie Mc Donald of Fitness Express who has, for almost a decade, played a pivotal role in the development of power lifting by sponsoring individual athletes and competitions hosted by the GAPLF throughout its calendar year come on board while Trophy Stall has also renewed its relationship with the GAPLF. Trophy Stall collaborated

over seven years ago with the GAPLF having recently sponsored 2 competitions this far in 2016.

Sunday’s competition is well anticipated as being the largest the federation will host. A total of 41 lifters are registered including 8 females. Athletes will be competing Unequipped in various categories such as Male and Female Sub Junior, Male and Female Junior, Male and Female Open and Male and Female Masters. Overall, Sunday promises to be a very Exciting day of Lifting and the GAPLF encourages all Power lifting Enthusiasts to come out in their numbers to support the fed-

eration and the athletes.

Athletes are being reminded that weigh in commences 08:00h and ends at 09:30h sharp. Athletes who arrive after the weigh in time will not be allowed to compete.

Athletes are also being reminded of the GAPLF’s relaxed dress code which allows the use of tights in the absence of a lifting singlet, lifting belts from all manufacturers are allowed and NEOPRENE knee sleeves of any brand are also allowed. Lifters may use wrist wraps, flats or Lifting shoes are allowed, No Supportive Gear such as Groove Briefs or Erector Shirts will not be allowed.

Knee high lifting socks are

Gibson hosts 1st ever female 3-a-side competition

N

ational female basketball player, Lowquantor Gibson is expected to host the first ever, women’s 3-a-side basketball competition next month.

The contest, billed for October 1 and 2 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue will see teams vying for top honours in the sport.

To date, four teams have already signaled their participation including Linden Vibes, Georgetown Unstoppable and Kwakwani Magic while others are still to join in the history making event. It is to be noted that the tournament is open to both juniors and seniors in female basketball.

Gibson, who is also the co-ordinator of the event, indicated that it is her love for the sport that has led her to develop something of this caliber and encouraged teams to

Lowquantor Gibson

show their support.

“Currently I am sponsoring the tournament alone, but if there is anyone or business who is willing to come on board it would be of good help” the police officer said, adding “the reason I am doing this is to enhance female basketball” noting that “nothing has been said about female basketball but hopefully the administration could

see this as a good and help us in whatever way they can.”

The top team will cart off with $50,000 and a trophy while the runner up team will take home $35,000.

Third place will also receive a cash prize of $25,000 and the most valuable player recipient will be gifted $10,000.

The action gets underway at 16:00h on both days.

required for the deadlift.

Plain Round Neck T-shirts or T-shirts bearing the logo of a Competition sponsor or Gym being represented may also be worn. Athletes are being urged to adhere to these regulations since any unauthorized equipment will be disallowed at the competition.

Tickets are $500 and entrance fee at the door remains the same. Food and drinks will be on sale.

The GAPLF once again wishes to thank its sponsors Fitness Express, Buddy’s Gym and Trophy Stall for playing such important roles in the development in the sport of power lifting

Fitness Express representative Jamie McDonald hands over the sponsorship cheque to GAPF PRO, Tyron Eusevio

saturday, september 17, 2016

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

Heritage Games 2016

Pg 22

Athletes urged to eye Olympics as Heritage Games open

− Jones proud of female participation

Christopher Jones bowls the first ball of the Games to Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe while members of the Santa Aratak cricket team take the field From left; Ryan Morris, Leron Herman, Leron France and Ronnie Lewis after the St Cuthbert’s ‘Baptism’

Pg 20

Orealla, Pariuma record convincing wins

Evadney Thomas of Pariuma penetrates Orealla’s goalkeeper for her seventh goal on day one of Heritage Games at the Everest Cricket Club Ground

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