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Issue No. 2994

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Chinese companies warned to abide with local laws – Ambassador

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

“We didn’t P7 grant Dataram bail” – Top Cop …says Police Force not liable for convict’s escape

Page 3

Corruption P7 piling up on Govt – PPP/C Chief Whip

…as President Granger pledges continued cooperation

Annandale P8 father charged for killing son

President David Granger shares a toast with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin on Friday as the local Chinese Embassy hosted a reception marking the anniversary of the founding of the Peoples’ Republic of China. Also in photo are first Lady Sandra Granger and Mrs Zhang Limin s wife (Marceano Narine photo)

UG increases tuition by 5% – Registrar says decision was made 2 years ago

Parika man dies after crashing into parked trailer Page 2

5 in custody for nightclub fatal shooting; guns, ammo found P2

Page 11

15 homeless as fire guts 3 houses in Mc Doom Page 16

Guyana lagging behind with maternal health MDGs – Minister P10

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

5 in custody for Parika man dies after fatal shooting, crashing into parked trailer nightclub guns, ammo found

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truck driver was on Friday morning killed after he lost control of the car he was driving and crashed into a parked trailer at Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Dead is Sanjeev Jainauth of Unity, Parika, EBE. Reports are the 23-yearold man left home to fix a wheel for his father’s Canter at a nearby vulcanizing shop.

However, as he was driving along Greenwich Public Road, a teenager allegedly ran into his path forcing him to swerve.

This reportedly caused him to lose control of the vehicle and subsequently crashed into the parked trailer.

He was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.

At the time of the accident, a young lady was in the vehicle. She sustained minor bruises.

Shanta Jainauth, mother of the dead man told Guyana Times that she received a

ports, her son suffered severe head injuries: “We hear that he had a girl in the car when the accident happened, we hoping that she tell we what really happened but based on

She tearfully stated that one of her sons died five years ago to cancer. He was also 23.

The young man leaves to morning his parents and two

Dead: Sanjeev Jainauth

phone call from her sister-inlaw enquiring about her son.

“She ask me if my son at home so I tell she he went out to look after a tyre for the Canter…so she asked if I hear anything happen to him, so I tell she no. She then tell me that she hear he was in an accident…” the grieving mother related.

She immediately contacted her husband but by that time, he was already aware of the accident. The woman further stated that based on re-

Dead teenager, Ryan Sergeant

F The Toyota 212 car the now dead man was driving

what they tell me, is that he swerved from knocking a girl who run over the road and is then he lost control of the car and run into the trailer,” the grieving mother related.

siblings. A post-mortem is expected to be conducted on Monday. Traffic ranks in ‘D’ Division have launched an investigation into the accident.

ive persons including a former bodyguard of a well-known drug lord are in Police custody assisting with investigations into the shooting to death of Ryan Sergeant who was killed on Monday last at Rio Nightclub, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Reports are that one of the men turned himself in accompanied by his lawyer on Friday, while the others were apprehended in sepa-

killed while another teenager remains in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The injured teen is Jeffrey Farrell also of North Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.

The shooting reportedly stemmed from an argument over money and “girls” at the popular Rio Nightclub in Queenstown, Georgetown, in the wee hours of Monday.

Sergeant was shot once to the jaw during an exchange of gunfire, which started within the Nightclub and ended on the outside. After the shooting the now dead man was picked up by his ‘gang members’ and dropped off at the Woodlands Hospital. Upon seeing the delivery of the man, the staff took him to the emergency room but he was already dead.

While information remains sketchy about the shooting, it was reported that the incident stemmed from a gambling spree within the Nightclub.

However, another ver-

The guns and ammunition found in Hadfield Street on Friday

rate Police operations. One of the suspects, a 21-yearold man was apprehended on Thursday evening in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market.

The other was arrested during an operation at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, on Friday morning where two females were staying. The women were also detained.

However, during the operations on Friday morning, a .32 pistol and a .38 revolver along with fifteen rounds of ammunition were unearthed.

It is not clear whether any of the guns were used in the fatal shooting.

However, the Police are continuing to grill those in custody in connection with the shooting.

Ryan “Harry” Sergeant, 19, of Lot 2530 Layon Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot and

sion stated that Ferrel was involved in an altercation with one of the suspects who in turn left the club with another friend and a female companion. Further reports stated that after the trio left, they were followed by Farrel and the now dead man and the argument continued.

During the argument, the suspect whipped out a gun and discharge several rounds, hitting Farrel to the neck and shoulder. Attempting to rescue his shot friend, Sergeant was shot to the jaw. The suspects fled the scene.

It was during the review of the surveillance footage that three suspects were positively identified. Two of the suspects were seen leaving the club with guns in their hands.

The Police however, had implemented several operations with the aim of arresting the men.

2nd victim in Abary accident dies

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ays after being pinned by a Canter in the Abary Creek, Conrad Williams of Lot 12 Cottage Village, West Coast Berbice, has succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The accident had already claimed that life of 14-yearold Doodnauth Suklall of De Hoop, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

The duo was reportedly pinned by a Canter which was providing light to a pontoon, while crossing the

Abary Creek on Monday evening.

Based on reports, the Canter reportedly collapsed from its position after the driver failed to apply the hand-break when he exited.

As a result the two men at the rear of the vehicle, were pinned. The teenager died on the spot while Williams sustained broken bones and other injuries to his leg. He was taken to the GPHC. An investigation has been launched into the unfortunate incident.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 1 – 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, October 2 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 1 – 16:45h-18:15h and Sunday, October 2 – 17:00h-18:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light and heavy rain showers are expected to interrupt mostly sunny weather throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 26 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 04:29h and 16:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.67 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:19h and 22:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.56 metre and 0.48 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

02 05 09 14 24 25 20 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Friday, September 30, 2016 Daily Millions

08 09 10 11 26 LUCKY 3 3

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

Chinese companies warned to abide with local laws – Ambassador …as President pledges continued cooperation

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hinese companies operating in Guyana were on Friday warned that they must abide with local laws, even as Guyana’s President David Granger pledges to continue the 44-year prosperous relationship with the Asian global economic giant.

These were among the notions expressed on Friday as the local Chinese Embassy hosted a reception marking the anniversary of the founding of the Peoples’ Republic of China.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin used the occasion to directly appeal to the local Chinese fraternity and businesses over the controversy surrounding the operations of Bai Shan Lin International Forest Developers—said to be guilty of flouting local laws and owing billions of dollars in taxes.

Speaking to a packed hall in the Chinese Embassy, the Ambassador took time out to address the local Chinese fraternity frontally.

According to Ambassador Zhang, Chinese companies operating locally must not only adhere to the laws of the land but they must also be careful to ensure and fulfill on their social corporate responsibilities as promised to the people of Guyana.

The reception held at the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, saw in attendance Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Ministers Winston Jordan and Cathy Hughes among others of the political opposition including former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Irfaan Ally and Clement Rohee.

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway was also among those making up the local diplomatic corps.

Cooperative venture

The Chinese Ambassador to Guyana used the opportunity to also highlight some of the key cooperative ventures between the two countries since it formalised diplomatic relations almost 50 years ago.

He spoke of the on-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge shares a light moment with President David Granger along with First Lady, Sandra Granger and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin and his wife

going US$150 milion Expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) being undertaken by China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC); the donation of a second batch of laptop computers for the One Laptop Per Family Programme as well as the impending refurbishment of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre—built by the Chinese.

Ambassador Zhang in speaking of the deepening relationship between the two countries, recognised not only the Confucius Institute established at the University of Guyana but also the fact that a Chinese language course has been formally launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Cooperation locally.

He used the occasion to also recognise social fruits of the relationship between the two countries and pointed to recent visits to China

by Ministers of Government

Joseph Harmon, Cathy Hughes and Raphael Trotman, among others.

Ambassador Zhang also used the occasion to remind that China is currently one of the world’s largest and most stable economies contributing some 30 per cent of the global economic growth.

He said too that China is committed to supporting Guyana in its push for a clean, green economy.

Pledging continued support to developing countries such as Guyana, Ambassador Zhang said the Chinese Government looks forward to supporting the country in its ventures related to not only Climate Change but also in its fledgling oil and gas industry and the Information

Communications and Technology Sector.

Following a toast with the Chinese Ambassador, Head of State President Granger in his remarks sought to remind of the longstanding relationship between the two countries dating back to October 1971 United Nation’s resolution, supported by Guyana meant to recognize the role of China and its representation at that forum.

He said this was at a time when the countries of the world were deeply divided but Guyana voted in support of recognising the representatives of the Peoples’ Republic of China as the only legitimate representatives of that country at that forum.

TURN TO PAGE 14

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 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

Taking a stand against ageism

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uyana joins the rest of the world today in observance of International Day of Older Persons, which is commemorated on October 1 each year.

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106. The holiday was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991.

According to the UN, the 2016 observance will take a stand against ageism by drawing attention to and challenging negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing. The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions older people make to society and raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.

The theme for 2016, ‘Take a Stand Against Ageism’, challenges everyone to consider ageism – the negative attitudes and discrimination based on age – and the detrimental impact it has on older people.

Ageism is stereotyping and discrimination on the basis of a person’s age. Ageism is widespread and an insidious practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults. This year, the UN is challenging everyone to identify and question these internalised ageist attitudes, and to understand the serious impact that these attitudes have.

The World Report on Ageing and Health says that age-based stereotypes influence behaviours, policy development and even research, and addressing these must lie at the core of any public-health response to population ageing.

As is customary, month-long activities will be rolled out locally, to raise awareness about the myriad of issues affecting the elderly in society.

For this segment of the population, particularly in Guyana, facing the challenges of getting older, coupled with societal biases and prejudices, is an everyday occurrence.

The elderly are often thought of as the forgotten and the excluded. And while some provision is made for them, it is evident that much more can be done nationally and at the individual level.

Age discrimination is nothing new, however it is a serious issue particularly with regards to long-term care in Guyana’s context. From poor treatment in long-term or elderly assisted living facilities to lack of adequate access to medical treatment. What is lacking is clear direction on how the authorities plan to tackle this problem and how they intend to alter the public’s perception of the elderly in Guyana.

Among the myriad of ways psychologists suggest the issues associated with ageism can be addressed is by encouraging positive attitudes toward aging to children in the home. Attitudes can change with education, familiarity and understanding.

A change in attitude is also required by members of society, where “old geezer” stereotypes still exist especially when the elderly, for one reason or another may be trying to obtain employment or equal standing in the workplace.

These negative stereotypes have the potential to not only affect those it is directed to emotionally, but can have a physical effect as well and can actually shorten lives.

Psychologist Becca Levy, PhD, assistant professor of public health at Yale University, in a longitudinal study of 660 people 50 years and older, found that those with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with negative self-perceptions of aging. The study appeared in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Vol. 83, No. 2). Likewise, people’s positive beliefs about and attitudes toward the elderly appear to boost their mental health.

It is imperative that we are all reminded of the valuable contributions of this segment of the population and that we also keep in mind that one day that the issues affecting the elderly will also affect us.

It is therefore time to take a stand and challenge the false stereotypes attached to individuals over a certain age, it is time to change the way older people are treated in regard to their competence and value in society. In the grand scheme of things, stamping out ageism is in our best interest.

Carlos Ghosn (right), Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls (cntre) listen to an explication as they look as French automaker Renault unveiled a stunning electric concept car called the "Trezor" at the Paris Motor Show. The car comes with three separate driving modes: neutral, sport, and autonomous. It can get to 62 mph in less than 4 seconds (Reuters)

PPP/C established transparency, accountability Dear Editor, Since the PPP/C demitted office, the present regime has conducted several forensic audits, using firms and individuals that have expressed political opposition to the PPP/C, even hostility.

Despite the fact that these auditors have found no evidence of corruption, the media continues to spread disinformation.

The Stabroek News’ editorial of September 26, 2016, in its first paragraph said that under the PPP/C government “…there was a heavy veil drawn across the huge procurement sector.”

This statement is untrue and completely unfounded.

We need to first reflect on what the PPP/C inherited when it assumed office in 1992.

The PNC, which now leads the APNU/AFC regime, had no tendering process. Contracts for projects, goods and services were given to their cronies and party financiers.

The PPP/C administration not only changed that system, they introduced an open bidding process and implemented systems to establish and enforce transparency. These included inviting members of the media and representatives of the tenderers to the opening of the bids.

The media, therefore, clearly played a role in this process and yet the Stabroek News’ editorial speaks about a “heavy veil,” which shows either ignorance or anti-PPP/C bias and an intention to revise history.

The PPP/C was the first

government in the entire region, and probably still is, whose Cabinet gave up its right to award contracts and only kept a “no objection” for contracts valued at more than $15 million.

It was the PPP/Civic that not only suggested the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC), but also passed the necessary legislation for its establishment.

Why it was not passed is the question that has been frequently asked and answered many times. Yet some sections of the media continue to ignore the explanation given and continue to repeat the half-truths and lies of the APNU/AFC. It was not put in place because of the intransigence of the then PNC/ APNU/AFC opposition.

At the level of the Public Accounts Committee, the then Opposition attempted to take over by trying to appoint the majority of members of the PPC. They even proposed, unofficially, that they appoint the chairperson. They wanted to control the PPC. In 2011, when the combined opposition got a one seat majority in Parliament, they became more belligerent. They wanted to appoint all members and to remove the Cabinet’s no-objection’s role.

The APNU/AFC were doing their utmost to bring the country to a halt. This was evident in their actions when the first Budget of the 10th Parliament was presented to Parliament. The APNU/AFC cut important developmental projects from that first budget. They also

cut subsequent budgets.

Moreover, they opposed the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, the Marriott Hotel, the Specialty Hospital, the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, etc. These are but a few important projects designed to advance the social and economic development of our country.

Despite all of this negative position of the APNU/ AFC in opposition, the PPP/C was ready to establish the PPC. However, after clearly seeing the intentions of the Opposition, the PPP/C proposed the establishment of the PPC, but that Cabinet retains the right to give its “no objection.”

The Opposition even refused to make this concession. Clearly, the establishment of the Commission in such circumstances would have brought the country to a standstill. That was not an option.

It is apposite to note that the two parties now in government have adopted the same formula to establish the Commission that they rejected while in opposition.

Moreover, the reason that the PPC is not yet operational is because the regime is trying to subvert it.

They claimed that they are recruiting the staff for the PPC. Staff recruitment is a function of the Commission itself and not the government. Clearly, they want to saddle the PPC with a PNC support staff. Through this mechanism, they hope to tighten their grip on the PPC. The abovementioned

editorial is high in praise of the regime establishing a Bid Protest Committee, (BPC). Implicit in the article is that under the PPP/C Government this did not exist and that no appeal was tolerated. That is not true.

Under the PPP/C, a Bid Review Committee was set up to examine complaints and appeals whenever they were made. This comprised technical persons from the Ministry of Finance and the ministry/agency concerned.

True, it was not a permanent committee, but established as the need arose.

This Bid Review Committee is just another “job for the boys/girls” scam.

The PPP/C administration has done more than any other in this country and the region to ensure and enforce transparency and accountability in government.

The regime’s forensic audits and the fact that the head of the National Tender Board (NTB), who served under the former administration, has been retained and also has a senior position in this regime, is testimony to the fact that the regime and sections of the media intend to smear the PPP/C’s record without regard for facts.

The Stabroek News’ editorial writer needs to get the facts instead of repeating, parrot like, lies, distortions and half-truths that have been answered time and time again. That newspaper, like all others, has a responsibility to present facts and fair comment to the public at large.

Donald Ramotar Former President

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

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

The documentary film on Walter Rodney Dear Editor, I recently attended the screening of a documentary film titled W.A.R. Walter Anthony Rodney produced

by Clairmont Chung.

The film was screened as part of the Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series during the Emancipation Day celebrations in Port of Spain, in August this year.

After viewing the film, I became more convinced that the academic and politician, Walter Rodney, was very concerned about African people in the Caribbean and Africa as well as in his own African culture and identity. He must be highly commended for embracing his ethnicity and not denying it as his political colleague, Rupert Roopnaraine.

I had expected that Roopnaraine would have complemented Rodney by having the same interest in Indian people, their traditions and identity. I was disappointed in Roopnaraine who did not learn a thing from his guru, Rodney.

The documentary featured interviews with Rex Nettleford, Eusi Kwayana,

Clive Thomas and Rupert Roopnaraine. Former IndoGuyanese WPA front-liner, Moses Bhagwan, was not interviewed in the film.

The film depicts Rodney as being preoccupied with the African Liberation Struggle. Was Roopnaraine involved in any Indian Liberation Struggle in Guyana or elsewhere?

Rodney was either affiliated to, or had established, the Black Writers Congress, Black Arts Movement and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

Was Roopnaraine either affiliated to, or had established any Indian literary group or Indian social movement?

In 1966 Rodney lectured in African History at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Was Roopnaraine ever interested in teaching Indian history or literature in Guyana or in the Indian Diaspora? The documentary highlighted Rodney’s classic How Europe Underdeveloped Africa (1972). I would have expected that Roopnaraine would have complemented

Rodney’s research with a book on the Unspoken Story of Indian Holocaust: the history of manmade famines in India during nearly two centuries of British rule (1757-1947) when 1.8 billion Indians died mainly of starvation.

What are Indian leaders and intellectuals like Roopnaraine afraid of, and always running away from, their own shadow?

Roopnaraine is now Minister of Education in a black-based collation party - A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC).

He is now in a partnership with a party that reportedly assassinated Rodney, his close friend and colleague, in 1980 when President Forbes Burnham was in power in Guyana.

As a Minister in Government now, Roopnaraine is more likely to sacrifice the interests and welfare of Indians in Guyana in keeping with his denial of his Indianess.

Sincerely, Dr Kumar Mahabir, San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago

Dr Norton deliberately refusing to provide specialised medical attention Dear Editor, Michael Mcgarrel’s letter in the Stabroek News (27 Sept, 2016) titled, “Why is Thelma Rebeiro not receiving proper professional attention?” is absolutely factual and I do endorse it.

Thelma Rebeiro is certainly not receiving professional attention or care at the Lethem Hospital and if it was not for her family and relatives who visit her daily at 06:00h and 17:00h to do the work the Lethem Hospital nurses should be doing.

Thelma Rebeiro seems to have a blockage to her brain that deprives the movement of oxygen. A brain scan is therefore urgently needed to be done by a brain specialist which may restore her to consciousness.

She has a throat problem that affects her swallowing, causing a buildup of saliva causing her to choke when maybe as a result of bronchus pneumonia.

Thelma Rebeiro also needs the attention of a nerve specialist as well. It is therefore very important that the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) quickly dispatches a qualified brain, throat and nerve specialist to the Lethem Hospital for examina-

tion of Thelma Rebeiro.

The CMO must make this Lethem’s professional medical examination project. But if Guyana’s medical authorities find this to be an impossible specialised health project within two weeks then the family and relatives may have to seek the assistance of the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazilian medical treatment.

In the meanwhile, the

Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) is calling on the Granger Administration to fire the Public Health Minister Dr George Norton for deliberately refusing to provide specialised medical attention to Thelma Rebeiro of Shulinab Village, South Central Rupununi, Region 9.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

Guyana is now in free fall, from the teachers to the Police Dear Editor, Guyana is now in free fall: From the teachers to the police; from the nurses to City Hall employees and councillors, the country has just about ground to a halt.

Granger is saying that he has nothing to do with rice.

Sugar is dead! The youths who supported the Coalition have been kicked to the side and trampled upon by the military dinosaurs. There are no plans for employment; and crime continues to dominate in every region of the country.

The country - because of its protracted and perpetuated hopelessness - continues to bleed from daily suicides, even as the politicians shuttle around in their government issued, air-conditioned SUVs, on their fat-cat salaries, waiting for oil money.

The Opposition is laughing at the Government because after all the corruption proven, there have not been any arrests or convictions. Something stinks to the high heavens in the manner in which the government is functioning.

Imagine, the government is going to spend billions to level and prepare former sugarcane fields in preparation to plant rice. Yes. The same government which cannot manage what they already have been entrusted to manage, is now going to take on the management of rice. Someone who has the equipment to do the levelling and preparing of the sugar fields (and we all know who he is), has convinced the inept government to spend billions in converting the lands into rice fields.

Already private rice farmers are not selling their paddy. The United Republican Party (URP) has been visiting the rice farmers in Essequibo and Berbice and we have seen, literally, billions of dollars in paddy stacked to the ceilings in hundreds of barns across the Country.

Now the government will

be planting and selling rice.

Can anyone hazard a guess as to whose rice the Guyana Rice Marketing Board will sell first? And to think that many of the rice farmers switched from the PPP to the AFC in order to give this Coalition a chance. The URP is convinced that this is not about rice.

This latest move by government is to further enrich a few of the cronies of the Coalition. But like everything else, nothing will stop them from proceeding with their plans to rob the taxpayers in all efforts at fattening their bank accounts and those of their loyal business buddies. These are PPP tactics 2.0.

The United Republican Party is also watching to see the unfolding of the wage talks. Imagine the government pledged that they will engage the unions in Collective Bargaining, yet they have ended the wage discussions with an arbitrary percentage that they began the talks with.

Where is the ‘bargaining’ if you came into the discussion with a figure and left with that exact figure unchanged?

What the URP is really watching to see is if the unions will roll over and play dead, like they did under the PPP/C. The unions are made up mostly of folks who support the Coalition.

The Coalition told their supporters that a new day will dawn if the government is changed. Their supporters went out early and in droves to make sure the government was changed.

Now let’s see if the union bosses will take the usu-

al position that some have argued is a “sell-out”. Are some of the union bosses still for sale?

Finally, the Minister of Communities, Bulkan, said that Royston King and Mayor Pat Chase-Green, acted illegally in removing the vendors from Robb Street. What the Minister did not say is what disciplinary measures he will initiate against his subordinate. After all, King is only there because the minister put him there.

The URP believes that it would be a travesty of justice and a very unfair act to have King escape this without any repercussions. How can minister allow King to continue to benefit from his livelihood when he had taken away the livelihood of so many families?

There is this notion among the PNC political bigwigs that their supporters are so docile and loyal that come elections time, they will support them rather than the PPP. The URP hopes that the PNC supporters, especially the youths, wake up and understand that their votes are worth a lot, and that whomsoever they vote for need to treat them with the respect and attention they deserve.

The Grangeled Coalition is way over their heads; they are not listening to anyone outside their bubble; they have cast aside their core supporters and the County is suffering immensely. Something has got to give.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bandhu, Leader, URP

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saturDAY, october 1, 2016

Page

guyana-times.com

Foundation HOW AN

Truancy and school refusal (Continued from Friday)

Signs that your child is missing school

helps children learn

– an innovative school counselling programme lets children get creative

By Katherine Ziff, Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselling at Wake Forest University

I

n 2008, I began a journey with 29 children in the rural Midwestern elementary school where I spent six years as school counsellor. This journey led me to integrate play into the school day for children referred to my office, most of whom needed help with stress, life transitions, struggles to behave appropriately in the classroom, and other social emotional support. I modelled this programme after a small-group art studio taught by Mary Anne Bartley at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Her studio was designed to be a creative and restorative place to support medical students’ learning.

There medical students, “dragging their cares and woes”, relaxed, expressed themselves, allowed creativity to flow, and emerged as active learners “ready to tackle whatever they confront from new and more productive directions”.

When I heard about this programme, I wondered, “If an art break could do this for medical students, what might it do for school children?” The resulting programme eventually served a broad spectrum of 150 K-6 children referred by their teachers, their families, and themselves for social emotional support, stress mitigation, arts enrichment, and the opportunity to develop creativity and problem-solving skills. We offered over 350 weekly, 40-minute small-group sessions that met for five years in multi-age groups over the school year.

The idea of fun and joy as a companion to (much less a condition for) learning is often a suspect notion in schools. For

quite a while I felt that our ArtBreak work bordered on frivolous, as children continually described ArtBreak as “fun,” until I began reading the research on the educational benefits of fun. Fun creates engagement, meaning, purpose and joy. As neurologist and

classroom teacher Judy Willis argues, “The truth is that when joy and comfort are scrubbed from the classroom…students’ brains are distanced from effective information processing and long-term memory storage.” Back in 1977, social worker Edith Cobb wrote that a sense of wonder, manifested as joy and surprise, is a prerogative of childhood and essential to the development of creative thinking.

The ArtBreak groups taught me about the natural and joyful dedication that children bring to play. During a session in which children were using cardboard and assorted doo-dads to construct lots of objects (drums, dolls, small vehicles), hurrying to finish so that they might take them home, I asked, “What do you do with them at home?” The children put down their scissors and tape and cardboard, looked at me with disbelieving pity and chorused: “We play with them!” Of course, they were making toys! And they were incredulous that I could not recognise what they were doing. Absorbed in spontaneous mental images of things they wanted to play with, and inspired by the materials at hand, they were completely engaged in bringing their creative visions into form.

Play is critical to learning Elise Belknap and Richard Hazler’s article, aptly entitled “Empty Playgrounds and Anxious Children”, reviews the growing research documenting the role of play in supporting the development of divergent thinking, practice with numbers concepts, literacy skills like creating narratives, prosocial behaviour, expression of feeling, and problem solving. Peter Gray in “Free to Learn” discusses the foundational role of play in child development and cites the importance of schooling that features a playful state of mind, choice, and free age-mixing. Children can conceive of just about anything, including working with art materials, as an opportunity for play. It is through play with material like paints, clay, drawing media, blocks, and cardboard that children can begin the work of developing creativity that emerges and flourishes over a lifetime.

(psychologytoday)

To be continued

* Young people can be good at hiding things from their parents. If you’re worried that your child’s missing school, you can watch out for signs such as the following: • not doing homework • not talking about friends or teachers • avoiding conversations about school • avoiding talking about things she’s been doing at school • changing the normal ‘getting ready for school’ routine.

Your child’s school will contact you if your child has been missing school without any explanation. It’s vital that problems are identified early on, before they become chronic. Once your child gets disengaged from school, it can be very hard for him to reconnect with his

learning.

You can also find out more about how to spot signs of problems at school.

Helping your child go to school regularly

You can support and encourage your child to go to school by showing interest in and support for her education. If your child’s sick, you can help by working out ways for her to keep in touch with school friends and teachers.

If you know your child’s missing school, talking to your child is an important first step. This will help you work out ways to support him. You might want to try the following: • exploring with him why he doesn’t want to go to school

•

listening to any fears and concerns about school that he has • working with him to find a way to address the problem.

• You can also: • talk with school staff to find out what assistance they can provide – in particular, the student wellbeing staff or school counsellors are there to help young people deal with problems • talk with school staff about strategies to keep your child attending and engaged • talk with the parents of your child’s friends to find out if they can offer you help and support.

If your child’s missing only particular classes or avoiding particular teachers, talking to the student wellbeing staff or school counsellors might help you and your child pinpoint particular areas of concern.

Once you’ve spotted these, you can work on finding solutions.

Why young people need to be at school

If your child goes to school on a regular basis, she’ll: • find it easier to reach her full potential • have a better chance of making friends and building support systems that can help her deal with difficult times • keep up with schoolwork • be more likely to go back to school if she has to miss it for illness or another reason • be less likely to engage in risky behaviour. (raisingchildren.net.au)

news

7

saturday, october 1, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Corruption allegations piling up “We didn’t grant Dataram bail” – Top Cop on Govt – PPP/C Chief Whip

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, is claiming that corruption and scandals are rapidly escalating under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government.

In just a span of 16 months, Teixeira stated, corruption and scandals are more than the present Government had accused the PPP Administration of committing. She stated that the Opposition has been keeping track of the scandals arising and Government’s consistent denial of them. She highlighted that to date, there are over 20 scandals in the Administration, and the incidents are rising every month.

“From June 10, 2015 to August 8, 2016, in a matter of 14 months under the APNU/AFC coalition Government, we have discovered 16 scandals – an average of a scandal for each month,” she said, noting that within the month of August a l o n e , t h r e e scandals were exposed.

“This Government has been exposed with the most scandals and corruption in just 16 months than the PPP/C Administration was accused of in 23 years,” she said.

Teixeira emphasised that months have passed and the nation is yet to know the cost of the inauguration ceremony. Other reported scandals, she noted, included the non-payment of persons under the HEYS project; the Specialty Hospital fiasco; the massive salary increases for Ministers; and the cost of the Durban Park project, which she said the Government has refused to provide information on the private company that was involved in the project prior to the Public Infrastructure

PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Ministry taking over the project.

The Member of Parliament stated that Government has to provide answers to the nation on the two fuel scandals that unravelled in April and in August.

“Two fuel scandals relating to the issuances of fuel licences for the importation of fuel to companies that are made up of persons related to top officials or who are top officials in the Government

who have no fuel bonds, no storage facilities and no offices,” she said, adding that the withdrawal of the fuel importation licence of the Chinese company which has invested millions of US dollars for storage facilities “appears to have been calculated to make room for these alternative importers.”

Teixeira noted that an applicant for a fuel licence has to acquire an Environmental Impact Assessment and four additional licenses – provision of a bond under detailed specifications, transportation, storage, importation, premises, restrictions where storage can be located.

“It normally takes a long time for an applicant to obtain all those licences –

which is impossible to do in nine months,” she argued, highlighting that the licences were issued within the month to a Government official.

She also stated that there is consistent and frequent violation of the Procurement Act by Government.

Highlighting that $240 million was spent on the refurbishing of the Kitty Municipal Market, Teixeira stated that there is no scope of work or estimates that are available. “… and the project was not put to tender as the city has hired the workers and is implementing the works itself,” she added.

She also stated that the awarding of the contract for boxed juices for the school feeding programme to a Suriname beverage company owned by RUDISA, that was neither the lowest nor the second lowest bidder, is questionable, since the impact on the local farmers and manufacturers will be felt.

“DDL has come out publicly to criticise this, so too has another company Guyana beverages,” she argued.

T h e s e scandals, she said, which have been uncovered expose a level of corruption and discrimination that has not been seen since the Burnham era.

“The APNU/AFC Government lacks transparency and accountability, and is prepared to undermine and even violate the procurement and financial laws of this country as well as other constitutional provisions and statutory provisions,” she said.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall opined that these scandals are evidence of the refusal to be transparent.

He stated that although the Government is aware that their actions are affecting the nation, they continue unabated.

… says Police Force not liable for convict’s escape

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s efforts are afoot to locate and transport Barry Dataram back to Guyana to serve his five-year prison sentence, the Guyana Police Force is taking no blame in the absconding of the convicted drug lord.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine made it clear that the country’s premier law enforcement agency is in no way responsible for the convicted drug lord’s flight from Guyana.

“Dataram’s situation is really unfortunate but not in the sense that the law enforcement is indicted… Let’s put this thing in the proper per-

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

spective, we didn’t grant him bail,” the acting Commissioner posited.

Further asked about the Police’s role in ensuring that Dataram does not flee the country by employing more caution given the serious nature of the offence, Ramnarine made it pellucid to reporters that, “if it was that high profile a matter, it (should have been) properly regarded by the appropriate people… We were not the ones who granted him bail!”

Nevertheless, the Top Cop noted that the Force is in contact with sister agencies in South America and the Caribbean in efforts to locate Dataram. “A lot of collaborations are going on right now…

There are a lot of collaborations going on, the nature of which I wouldn’t be at liberty to disclose but I am aware of a lot of collaboration that is on-

President David Granger

going,” he stated.

These comments come one day after President David Granger posited that Dataram’s flight from Guyana was something which could have been avoided. While he will not lay blame at the feet of any agency or individual, the Head of State did urge local law enforcement agencies to use every possible legitimate avenue to locate the convicted drug trafficker and have him transported back to Guyana.

“I would expect that even though the judicial branch is separate, there should be a greater level of alertness on the part of the Magistracy, in the Judiciary, in matters like this and I don’t regard it as a failing on the part of law enforcement agencies but it is definitely an error which ought to have been avoided,” he told reporters during the Public Interest Programme, which aired on Friday.

“The danger posed in having somebody who is now a convict out there, out of the jurisdiction is going to be harmful to our national interest so I would urge the law enforcement agencies to alert their counterparts in neighbouring states… I would urge all law enforcement agencies to use every legitimate measure to bring him back into this jurisdiction so that he can serve his sentence,” the President continued.

Furthermore, the

President disclosed that information suggests that Dataram might have absconded using a passport not issued by the Government of Guyana.

Dataram and his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, along two others – Komal Charran and Trevor Gouveia – were charged jointly for being in possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

However, days before the ruling; Dataram, who was previously granted High Court bail, and his reputed wife reportedly fled the country. After the couple failed to attend court on the previous scheduled days of sentencing (September 20 and September 23, 2016), pre-

Convicted drug trafficker Barry Dataram

siding Magistrate Judy Lactchman issued arrest warrants for them and noted that she will proceed with her ruling in their absence.

As such, on Tuesday last, Dataram was sentenced to 60 months in jail and fined $164.2 million after he was found guilty in absentia for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Meanwhile, his three coaccused, including his reputed wife, were all freed of the joint charge, which stated that on April 16, 2015, at Fourth Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they had 60 kilograms, 840 grams of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

8 news

SATURdAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

Annandale father charged for killing son

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marnauth Chand, 46, of Lot 81 Narine Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who allegedly hacked his son to death on Wednesday evening was on Friday slapped with a murder charge.

The father, who was in tears, was taken before Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

The charge alleged that on September 28 at Annandale, he murdered his 24-year-old son, Mahesh Chand.

He was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on

October 26.

On the night of the incident, the now dead man’s parents were in a heated argument to which he intervened in aid of his mother.

This reportedly angered the accused who proceeded to attack the young man with a cutlass.

The mother, Nandranie Chowtie, related to this publication that her husband got home at around 23:00h and began verbally abusing her for $2000 which he had given her earlier to purchase groceries.

However, as the defendant abused his wife, the young man reportedly inter-

A

Babita Sarjou

s the trial continues into Babita Sarjou’s murder, Police Inspector Suraj Singh attached to Major Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigations Department took the witness box on Thursday to give evidence against Sarjou’s ex-spouse, Sharnandand Naraine, called ‘Anand’ of Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown; and Darel Pronton called ‘Yankee’ of Lot 54 Broad Street, Charlestown.

Inspector Singh in his evidence reiterated that no in-

No chicken feed....

W

Amarnauth Chand being escorted by the Police

vened and was dealt chops to his upper chest, abdomen and foot.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital

where he succumbed.

After committing the act, the man reportedly fled the scene but was later apprehended by Police.

Babita Sarjou PI continues ducement was offered for Pronton’s oral statements nor was he assaulted at any time in his presence. Singh disclosed that he never received any complaints of assault from Pronton, neither did he see his body bearing marks of violence, in fact , he stated that Pronton looked comfortable.

Singh continued that Pronton’s statement to the police was given voluntarily despite many cautions administered to him.

Prontons’ attorney Nigel Hughes in cross-examination of Singh contended that his client’s statement was not voluntary. Hughes suggested to Singh that his client give statements to the police on the premise that he will not be charged.

Naraine’s attorney, Peter Hugh was not present in court for the hearing.

The trail continued on Friday along with a Voir Dire (trial within a trial) to ascertain whether statements made by Pronton were willingly or involuntarily given.

It will also determine if the statements can be admitted

Eyew tness

Murder accused: Darel Pronton

Sharnandand Naraine

as evidence in the PI. The case was reopened

by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and his team of detectives who were able to crack the case on May 22, after they spent over five hours digging up a site at Naraine’s Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, home where they believed Sarjou’s body was buried.

They recovered skeletal remains, however they are still awaiting confirmation from DNA samples sent for overseas testing.

Meanwhile it was re-

ported that Sarjou had left her home to go to the Diwali motorcade on the eve of November 4, 2010 with Naraine who had called her.

He reportedly picked her up in his car and while she was sitting in the front passenger seat she was strangled

by Pronton who was reportedly seated in the back-seat of the car.

Sarjou’s lifeless body was allegedly transported to Naraine’s house where he had allegedly dug her grave two days before she was killed.

Lindener remanded on narco charge

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Linden resident was on Friday remanded when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Glendon Paris, 31, of Lot 118 Block 22, Wismar, Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 29, 2016, at Itabali Landing, Region 10

(Upper Demerara-Berbice), he had in his possession 369 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The Prosecution is contending that on the day in question, Police acting on information searched Paris’ vehicle and unearthed the illicit drug.

Defence attorney, Latchmie Rahamat in bail application contested the prosecution’s case, telling the court that her client was merely the driver of the vehicle which was packed with supplies and fuel by his employer.

In addition, she highlighted that a porter was present with him and a third party that boarded the truck while on their way to Mazaruni.

The bail application was denied and Paris was remanded to prison. The case will continue on October 13, 2016.

...on chicken imports

ell...well...well! They say “those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad”. So when will the madness of this government on the economy cease? Or is it the symptoms of the madness induced by the god’s that’ll spell their doom come 2020? Two weeks ago, we heard about the Chinese Company extending CJIA importing stones from Suriname - while our local quarries are overflowing with the stuff. This ridiculous decision might just replace the old idiom “carrying stones to Newcastle”!!

Last week’s “mad” episode was cancelling the government contract for supplying Fruit Juices to our schoolchildren by a local company and handing it over to a Surinamese one!! And before Guyanese could recover from that double whammy, here comes the latest eruption of the dementia: the government has given licences to import 1 Million pounds FOREIGN chicken even though there’s been no indication our local producers can’t fill demand. Including the normally higher-use Christmas period.

The madness is obviously accelerating its effects...and who knows where this may end. Hiring Surinamese Public Servants? The chicken business isn’t “chicken feed” to the Guyanese economy - that’s for sure. And it’s not just the big producers like Bounty Farms: we’re talking about thousands of small poultry farmers across Guyana - especially in the rural villages - that supplement the subsistence wages of the “breadwinner”. This was pointed out by former Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali...but it appears to’ve have rolled off like water on “chicken’s” backs!!

These ordinary folks - literally “on the ground” - will be the ones who’ll be hardest hit when one million pounds of chicken hits the streets. This government and its Finance Minister’s claimed a “Macro-Fiscal Forecasting Committee” has begun meeting regularly to discuss the economic outlook of the nation and generate macroeconomic forecasts. Does it take a high powered committee to know what the fiscal impact of these cockamamie decisions will have?

So what happened when this decision was made? Were they asleep? Or was it a case of “untouchables” getting the contract? Guyanese call people “pot salt” when they seem to be involved in everything. So is Van West-Charles our local “pot salt” when it comes to getting government contracts?

Or is he the one being fingered because some competitors have been cut out from the gravy train?

Be as it may, as one of our pioneer politicians exclaimed when things were just getting too much: “This confounded nonsense must stop!” But you and your Eyewitness know, these kinda things don’t stop of their own volition.

The question is, “Who will bell the (fat) cats?”

...with GECOM’s procurement

Your Eyewitness has already expressed his disappointment about GECOM being dragged into the cesspool of corruption and corrupt activities that now defines Guyana. But with every revelation each passing day, it’s like pus that erupts from a seemingly innocuous sore once the scab’s peeled off.

It ain’t pretty and you’d better hold your nose, even when reading about it!

But today your Eyewitness has another concern: what will these revelations do to the overall credibility of the one institution that stands between us and anarchy every five years? Imagine those in charge of GECOM insulting the Guyanese people by trying to fob off the scam on the Tender Board, or even more scandalously, on the PPP. Can anyone even CONCEIVE of the big-wigs at GECOM even giving the PPP the time of the day, much less collude on such big time thievery?

Plueeeese!! Whatever the outcome of the latest audit by the Auditor General, there has to be a wholesale cleansing of the entire senior staff.

And this must happen before 2010.

...with Contingency Fund

The word “contingency” means a future event that can’t be predicted with certainty? But spending $799,897,647 between Sept-Dec last year that wasn’t foreseen in a Budget presented just months before???

Jeez!! The mind boggles at the details to be revealed!

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

news

9

saturday, october 1, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Ramnarine blasts “careless” licensed firearm holders I n light of climbing rates of gun related crimes, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine has expressed concern over the general disregard displayed by licensed firearm holders and is urging persons to display more caution in securing their weapons.

During a press briefing on Friday, Ramnarine outlined that the carelessness recorded by licensed firearm holders resulting in weapons being stolen is rapidly climbing.

“You were approved a licensed firearm for your personal safety and protection but in some of these instances, you don’t have to be a professor or someone with a masters degree to understand that this is really a serious matter in terms of the care, in terms of the level of responsibility exercised, which has resulted in the theft of these firearms,” the acting Top Cop stated.

Ramnarine further disclosed that from July up until recently, there have been nine cases in which firearms have been stolen from licensed holders.

These, he added, includes seven .32 pistols, one shotgun and one 9mm pistol.

According to the acting Police Commissioner, a recent analysis done by the Police Force has revealed that .32 pistols are most commonly used in armed robberies; that is, in 80 per cent of the armed robberies .32 pistols were used.

This, he noted, comes against the backdrop of this particular calibre of weaponry being popular among those stolen over the past three months.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

F u r t h e r m o r e , Commissioner Ramnarine remarked that this situation should not persists since if those stolen firearms fall into the hands of criminal elements, it puts the lives of the populace in danger.

“The irresponsible behaviour of persons who are expected to display a very

high degree or level of personal discipline, particularly that they have permission to own and use a firearm, contributes not only to challenges that Police Officers face but contributes to the general endangerment of the society… (because) the firearms that are stolen are now in the hands of crim-

inal elements,” he remarked.

On the other hand, the Police Commissioner went on to outline some of the cases in which firearm holders carelessly lost their weapons. Most of the cases involved the licensed holders’ homes being broken into by bandits and the weapons stolen.

However, Ramnarine explained that in those instances, proper measures were not undertaken by the firearm holders to secure the weapons in the homes.

He noted in one particularly case, the licensed firearm holder left his gun on a vanity in his room wrapped in a cloth and went out.

During this time, his home was broken into and the firearm stolen.

Another case, the acting Commissioner highlighted,

was one where the licensed holder went out of the country and failed to lodge the weapon with the Station as is required. As such, during a home invasion, the weapon was stolen.

Moreover, Ramnarine outlined that there have been some other cases in which gross carelessness was exhibited by the firearm holders. One such instance saw a licensed holder from Georgetown who travelled to Berbice, had a few drinks and on his way back to town, felt sleepy, and decided to park his pick-up on the Plaisance Public Road, East Coast Demerara, to take a nap.

“He woke up around 04:00h Sunday morning, discovers his cellphones gone and his firearm gone too. He’s lucky he wasn’t gone too,” the

Commissioner stated.

Another case, Ramnarine highlighted involved an armed security guard who was imbibing with some friends at a popular gas station on the East Coast of Demerara and got into a fight during which he was struck to the head and fell to the ground. This resulted in his firearm falling from his waist and it was picked up by an individual who was recently released from prison.

The Police Commissioner continued that one stolen firearm is one too many on the streets, much less nine firearms in just three months. As such, he is calling on licensed firearm holders to exercise more caution and properly secure their weapons.

(Vahnu Manickchand)

10

NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Guyana lagging behind Closure of Sophia Health Centre with maternal health Repeated robberies forced Govt to shut down facility – Norton MDGs – Minister

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Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) report has indicated that Member States have met almost all of their health targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, is saying Guyana is lagging behind the other countries.

The report, which was presented to Health Ministers across the Region at the 55th Directing Council of PAHO, shows that the targets related to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger (MDG1), reducing child mortality (MDG4) and ensuring environmental sustainability (MDG7) were all achieved between 1990 and 2015. MDG6 (combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases) was partly achieved, and progress was made toward MDG5 (improving maternal mortality), although the goal was not met.

Acting Chief of PAHO’s

Special Programme on Sustainable Development and Health Equity, Kira Fortune, said “as the result of 15 years of efforts, the countries of the hemisphere significantly improved the health of their populations”.

Fortune highlighted that today, people in the Region are living longer, healthier lives, thanks to the MDGs and they are at less risk of dying from malaria, and babies are more likely to survive childbirth and reach five years of age.

To promote human development, the world’s nations endorsed the MDGs in 2000 at the United Nations, making a commitment to tackle important issues for the future of humankind, such as the eradication of extreme poverty, environmental conservation, and the protection and promotion of people’s health, among others. One of those goals was to improve maternal health

and reduce it by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015.

However, Dr Norton stated that Guyana has failed to meet two of its health MDGs – maternal health and neonatal care.

“Other countries might have achieved their goals but we have not yet we are getting nearer. We have managed to reduce infant mortality from 37 incidences to seven. And we plan on reducing it further. We might be struggling with maternal deaths but our fingers are crossed and we are actively addressing it,” he said.

As of December 30 2015, Guyana had recorded 17 maternal deaths. However, the maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 270 per cent in 1990 to 86 per cent in 2012.

Therefore, in order to achieve its target, Guyana would have to reduce its maternal mortality rate to 67.5 per cent by the end of 2016.

Berbice River Bridge investments

NIS begins process to recoup funds

T

The Berbice River Bridge tool booth

he National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has begun what it said is a “restructuring” process that could see it being able to recover the funds it invested in the Berbice River Bridge Company.

NIS Chairman, Dr Surrendra Persaud, who is also the new Chairman of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), said the insurance scheme is the largest investor

in the Bridge project, and has taken up the responsibility of “leading the bridge management through a restructuring process,” to enable it to hopefully get back its monies.

He said as it is now, the money received from NIS and other investors cannot service the Bridge since it also started functioning a few years later.

“So right now the Bridge is in a position where it is unable to satisfy itself. So the NIS is

leading the Bridge management through a restructuring process and while it is somewhat challenging, it is hoped that it is done and within the first quarter of next year….

NIS is able to receive its funds from its investments,” Persaud said on Thursday at the celebration to mark NIS’ 47th anniversary.

Reports from a forensic audit conducted into the operations of the NIS earlier this year, showed there were two particular “major high risk investments” that were said to be potential losses to the scheme; the $5.1 billion investment into CLICO and the $2.5 billion investment in BBCI. The ownership structure of BBCI is made up of ordinary share capital of $400 million owned by private investors and preference shares of $950 million owned by NIS.

Sophia Health Centre

S

ophia residents are being asked to seek medical attention at neighbouring health centres, following an attempted robbery on Wednesday at the Sophia Health Centre, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton said.

Norton stated that on Wednesday, a man armed with a firearm went into the health centre and attempted to rob the employees and persons inside. He said that the decision to close the health centre was made because the lives of the workers and patients were in danger.

“This has happened before and we made every effort to ensure that security is

better but people are still being robbed,” he disclosed, noting that the doctor in charge at the health centre had contacted the ministry and informed them of the recent incident.

“After we heard of the incident it was advised that the staff be dispatched to another location. So we are asking the residents to seek healthcare in nearby health centres,” he said.

Guyana Times was informed that at about 11:00h on Wednesday, a man went into the facility and made enquiries from a staff about the centre and whether they had surveillance cameras. This caused the nurses to become

suspicious of the individual, who was subsequently seen removing a firearm from his pocket and placing it into a bag he was carrying.

In October 2015, the health centre was robbed by two armed gunmen who pretended they needed medical attention.

According to a resident in the area, the staff at the centre is in constant fear that the facility could be robbed at any time since there is no security.

The woman stated that although the closure of the facility would bring inconvenience, it was in the best interest of the staff and residents.

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

UG increases tuition by 5% PAHO aims to eliminate neglected - Registrar says decision was made 2 years ago

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he University of Guyana (UG) on Friday announced that it has increased tuition fees for the academic year 2016/2017 by some five per cent, a move that it said will also continue the following academic year.

The announcement, which was made to students via emails, has created some frenzy, particularly on social media.

The email coming out of the office of the Registrar reads, “The University administration informs the University community that the Finance and General

UG Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande

It said the annual tuition fee for the 2016/2017 Academic year

The University of Guyana

Purposes Committee of the University had approved the increase in tuition fees for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 academic years.”

is now $168,000 instead of $160,000.

The email went on to state that the University regretted any inconvenience

caused and advised that all invoices will be amended accordingly. It said the difference without penalty becomes payable on or before November 15, 2016. The Facilities Fee remains unchanged.

Contacted for a comment on the issue, Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande told Guyana Times that the decision for the annual five per cent increase was made back in 2014 by the Council and that students were fully aware of this. However, while the decision was made in 2014, it was never applied to the 2015/2016 academic year.

“So last year students did not pay. Students will (now) pay five per cent 2016/2017 and another five per cent 2017/2018. The 2015/2016 was not applied. It is now being applied here,” the Registrar told Guyana Times.

Students took to facebook and other social media protesting, saying “enough is enough.” They say the University continues to hike fees while the institution and its infrastructure continues to deteriorate.

The University has increased tuition fees even after it also announced that students slated to attend graduation will be required to pay some $10,000, while those who will not be attending will pay $5000.

infectious diseases within 6 years

H

ealth leaders of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), on Thursday agreed on a new plan of action to eradicate eight neglected infectious diseases and to significantly cut the burden of five others within the next six years.

This decision was made at the 55th Directing Council of PAHO in Washington, in which Public Health Minister George Norton is participating. Some of the diseases targeted for eradication include the Chagas disease, human rabies transmitted by dogs, leprosy, and river blindness.

Earlier this year, the Public Health Ministry held a joint stakeholder meeting to review the existing National Action Plan for Neglected Infectious Diseases (NIDs) in Guyana. Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings had noted that diseases were spreading much quicker than before, with the most recent being the rapid transmission of Chikungunya and Zika.

She noted that while NIDs were thought to be restricted to developing countries, climate and inadequate health structures are now allowing the organisms and their vectors to thrive in developed countries which will lead to more frequent outbreaks.

This, she acknowledged,

is a “worrying development” and one which strongly indicates that it might be the time to reassess the old ideas about distribution of these diseases and rethink the way public health programmes are managed.

The health leaders’ decision calls for actions to reduce the risk of reintroduction of these diseases in the post-elimination phase. Director of PAHO’s Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis Department, Marcos Espinal, said the plan is an example of the renewed regional commitment to the wellbeing of the most vulnerable population, especially those living in vulnerable conditions in rural and marginalised areas.

The diseases targeted for elimination by 2022 are: trachoma, Chagas disease, human rabies transmitted by dogs, leprosy, human taeniasis and cysticercosis tapeworm infections, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and schistosomiasis while the following are targeted for preven-

tion, control, and a reduction in the burden of disease: cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis), fascioliasis, human plague, leishmaniasis (cutaneous and visceral), and soiltransmitted helminth infections (intestinal worms).

Neglected infectious diseases affect primarily populations living in extreme poverty and cause suffering, permanent disability, and death. In Latin America and the Caribbean, an estimated 46 million children live in areas at high risk of infection or reinfection with soil-transmitted helminths, while nearly 11 million people are at risk of blinding trachoma, and 70.2 million are at risk of Chagas disease.

Head of PAHO’s Neglected, Tropical, and Vector Borne Diseases unit Luis Gerardo Castellanos, said: “The complex geographical distribution, forms of transmission, and social determinants of these diseases make their elimination more difficult”.

TURN TO PAGE 17

12 News

SaturDay, ocotber 1, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Fractured baby skull case

Final report out soon – Michael Khan

C

hief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Michael Khan, on Thursday disclosed that the final report on the incident involving the baby who cracked his skull on the hospital floor will soon be delivered to him.

Khan said the investiga-

ered her baby in the corridor of the Maternity Ward of the hospital over a month ago.

The young mother claimed that she had informed the hospital staff that she was going into labour but was told that there was no wheelchair to carry her to the labour room. So, Hamilton, accom-

Nyesha Hamilton and her baby

tion is still ongoing but he has been promised that it would be completed soon.

Nyesha Hamilton deliv-

panied by a midwife, started to walk to the room when she moved into the final stage of labour.

She related that at that point, the baby fell out of her underwear and onto the ground. Moreover, she said the nurses on the ward were too frightened to pick up the newborn and asked her to do it instead.

Hamilton said medical personnel working that night did nothing to ensure that the baby was unhurt.

“They pretended that it was a normal delivery and send me to the maternity ward but the next day, his head started to swell and then they decided to carry him for a CAT scan,” she lamented.

The young mother stated that it was then she found out that her baby’s skull was fractured and that there was external bleeding above the skull.

However, the specialist who examined the baby said he would not have any longterm effects from the fall and that he would heal as he grew.

Subsequently, the baby started to vomit and was removed from the maternity unit to the

Paediatric Unit for 13 days.

He is scheduled for a visit with a neurosurgeon regularly; his next visit being October 3.

The young mother stated that she would be seeking legal advice to ensure that all medical expenses are paid for by the hospital.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, stated that the trained personnel should have been prepared before the woman reaches the third stage of delivery.

On November 3, 2015, the Georgetown Public Hospital was placed under a spotlight after a newborn fell off a cot

and fractured his skull. It was just an hour after he was born.

The infant’s parents sued the hospital for $20 million for the error. The Minister had reportedly stated that the newborn baby rolled off the cot.

That matter is still pending.

When questioned as to why the hospital is always in the “bad light” for maternal mortality or infant mortality and injures during labour, Persaud stated that it is a “human resource problem”.

He stated that they have been working with the Obstetric Unit, especially with the specialists to reassess the protocol to ensure

Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Michael Khan that they are up-to-date with the challenges of delivery.

19-year-old ordered to pay foster mother

A

man was ordered to pay $200,000 to his foster mother after he pleaded guilty to stealing a number of household items in 2014, which amounted to $762,000.

Should Rondell Richard, 19, of Lot 6 Tucville, Georgetown, fail to pay the sum ordered by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, a 12-month sentence will be implemented.

It was alleged that be-

tween April 21 and August 6, 2014 at Port Kaituma Water Front, he broke and entered the dwelling place of Sabatree Harricharran and stole a number of household items.

When the Chief Magistrate enquired from the Police about the lengthy delay in bringing the lad before the court, it was revealed that they were unable to locate him for the past two years.

In response to the Chief Magistrate’s question to the accused about why he committed the crime, he responded that he was young and at that time and was trying to start a new life on his own.

He further explained that he was only in possession of a few of the items, since people would also break and enter his premises at Port Kaituma, while he is at work.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Women urged to be Region 5 communities benefit involved in community’s from literacy extravaganza development A ..as 7th Self Reliance in Business workshop completed

First Lady Sandra Ganger is flanked by participants of the Self Relaince and Success in Business Workshop

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hirty-four women representing 34 villages along the Essequibo Coast can now consider themselves budding business gurus after successfully completing the 7th training session of the Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop. The training was done in the Regional boardroom in Anna Regina, Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

First Lady Sandra Granger speaking at the graduation ceremony, told the women, “I hope that at the end of it (the workshop) you will not only have gained much from the knowledge and advice imparted by our facilitators, but also in the friendships you may have built through your experiences as you engaged in learning a bit more about setting up, establishing and running a successful business. I am very happy to know once more that we exceeded our target number of participants.”

Yohann Pooran, facilitator of Interweave Solutions Incorporated, the facilitating

agency, advised the women that with a strong business plan and having a clear outline of their business they can be successful business owners and help with the development in their communities: “As we move forward with the implementation of the six P’s [Planning, Paperwork, Products, Promotion, Price, and Process] of business, our community-oriented approach to action and our emphasis on creating a good quality of life in your homes, and I believe we’re contributing to the exercise of establishing a sound and solid village economy, which helps everyone.”

The trainer also urged the women to be more actively involved in the development of their community: “Get involved! It may be in politics, it may be in the social realm, in some community organisation that already exists…We hope to see all of these women…in a couple of months… become leaders of good, strong, small enterprises in Region Two. This group of

thirty plus women can transform the local regional economy. You have the power to do that.”

One of the beneficiaries of the training session, Vaniessa Granville said that the gesture made

by First Lady Granger and Interweave Solutions Incorporated has provided a great depth of knowledge for the women: “My charge to us is to look for the good in each other, put aside our differences, face the challenges together and let’s move forward together and let progress continue.”

Together, the women have also formed three groups within their workshops to focus on the eradication of some of the social issues faced in their communities; Women Empowerment, will focus on school drop outs, Rising to Status, will focus on women’s empowerment and self-reliance, and Hinterland Women’s Development Association, will also focus on school drop-outs.

s nationwide activities continue in observance of Education Month, the Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) Education Department, on Thursday held a literacy extravaganza as it seeks to get a wider cross-section of the public inevolved in the education process. The event was held at the Fort Wellington Community Park.

The activity followed on the heels of a review conducted on students’ examination results in the Region.

Education Officer Sherry Grant-White with responsibility for Primary Schools, and coordinator of the Region’s Education Month

Students engaging in planned the activities to mark the occasion

holders coming on board to support our mission.”

The stakeholders include teachers, parents and the collective community.

Education Month is be-

Some teaching aids made from discarded household items

activates, noted that the department is not as pleased as it would like to be with the recent examination results.

Alluding to the importance of the activity she said: “It is organised to improve the performances of our pupils in the area of literacy and also to have our stake-

ing observed under the theme: Each Child Matters: Stakeholders Unite for the Enhancement of Education”.

Education Minister, Rupert Roopnaraine, while delivering the Education Month message recently, emphasised that active stakeholder partnership is

what is needed to produce the children that Guyana requires.

Meanwhile, Literacy Coordinator in the Region, Adel White pointed out that several activities were already held in observance of Education Month. These include: a coin drive, a costume design competition and a ‘Face the Community’ meeting.

The month of actives in Region Five will culminate on October 7, with an awards ceremony while Teacher’s Day will be observed on October 5, the coordinator said.

The literacy extravaganza was one of the major activities organised in the Region in observance of Education Month 2016.

An exhibition was also staged as part of the Literacy Extravaganza, which featured teaching aids made from discarded household items. “Education is a collaborative effort involving both parent and teacher,” the coordinator advised.

14

guyana-times.com

Saturday, october 1, 2016

News

Police maintains ICHF performs 13 paediatric crime tumbling heart surgeries – claims serious crime down by 19% T D espite crime appearing to be spiralling out of control with an almost daily occurrence of armed robberies throughout the country, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is holding out that serious crime is on the decline.

Updating the media on the country’s crime rates, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine has disclosed that during the comparative period of January 1 to September 23, serious crimes has declined by 19 per cent.

This, he noted, was as a result of an 11 per cent decrease in murder, that is, 99 cases so far this year compared to 111 last year for the same period. Ramnarine noted that the “very high and acceptable” 62 per cent clearup in cases has significantly contributed to this.

“This is consistent with statements that have been made before that we are benefiting from and are putting into effect much needed training that we’ve received recently, resources that we’ve received and other interests that have been given to the Force to make it able to better respond to the needs of society.”

As it relates to robberies, the acting Top Cop disclosed that robbery with firearms saw a 10 per cent decrease with 528 cases this year against 584 last year; there was a 19 per cent reduction in robberies in which other instruments were used with 225 cases this year against 277 last year; robbery with violence recorded a 20 per cent decrease with 76 cases against 97 last year.

He continued that larceny from the person also saw a 38 per cent reduction with 86 cases this year against 138 cases last year, while break and enter and larceny recorded a 23 per cent decrease with 155 cases against 189 last year.

Additionally, there was a 22 per cent decline of rape with 185 against 237 last year.

The acting Commissioner further highlighted that ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) is experiencing a 24 per cent decrease in serious crimes; ‘B’ Division (Berbice), a 14 per cent decrease; ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara), an 11 per cent decrease; ‘D’ Division ( W e s t

Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo), a nine per cent increase; ‘E’ Division (Linden/ Kwakwani), a 27 per cent decrease; ‘F’ Division (Bartica/ Interior), a 51 per cent decrease and ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Islands) recorded a 29 per cent decrease in serious crimes.

With regards to the increase in D’ Division, Ramnarine noted that the figure was much highest two months ago. “Some work has been done but more work needs to be done. It has reduced to nine per cent now but it has to come a lot lower than that,” he remarked.

The acting Top Cop added too that there has been quite a few robberies in ‘A’ Division within the past week-and-a-half as such some revision has been done and additional work will be executed to curb this.

Ramnarine continued that with good law enforcement efforts, the Force has been able to reduce indict-

able crimes for the period August 1 to September 15, by 28 per cent. He explained that he conducted an analysis during the holiday period because in preceding years, there is usually a spike in serious crimes during that period.

“I began to pay particularly attention to it in collaboration with the Divisional Commanders and others.

We all worked collaboratively and this year, we are pleased to inform you that there was no spike this year.

In fact, we had a 28 per cent decrease in serious crimes for that period,” he revealed.

When compared to 2014, there was a 21 per cent increase in serious crimes last year and according to Ramnarine, there was acceptance of the spike in crime during the August holiday period however, he has since resolved to break this trend.

“It’s not always a wise thing to use the past as a guide for the future. You use the past to assess what happened in the past, not to accept what happened in the past ‘cause you’re living in the present and you got to deal with the present and the future,” he indicated.

Moreover, when asked about the public perception that crime might be on the increase, the acting Top Cop stated that the situation is not as extreme as being perceived.

“I have released the figures, and I fully understand some people saying there is a dark side of crime, (but) perception is nine-tenths of reality. There is a perception out there but I think some people are taking it too far to say there is a crime situation…Its not a crime situation,” he posited.

Nevertheless, Ramnarine is urging Guyanese to take extra steps to ensure their safety even in the comfort of their homes.

he International Children Heart (ICHF) Foundation, also known as “Baby Heart” on Friday completed its sixth round of paediatric heart surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), with some 13 cases being attended to over the past two weeks.

The team which comprises doctors from countries across the world visits the Georgetown Public Hospital for two weeks every two and a half months.

On Friday, after completing some 13 surgeries, including those of congenital heart conditions, the team prepared to leave Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICHF, Dr Rodrigo Soto took the opportunity to reach out to persons who may have a congenital heart disease to seek referrals to the GPHC, so that it could be corrected.

“Baby Heart has been called for in many other countries in the region, including Venezuela, Brazil and other islands in the Caribbean, in which they want us to go and develop the programme like we are doing here. However, we do believe that we need to focus and use our resources and money to help us develop a centre of excellence for our patients.”

He explained that there is no way that one can prevent congenital heart disease, since at least one per cent of babies will be born with the disease that may or may not require medical treatment.

“Based on Guyana’s population and based on the birth rate, we know that every year, there will be between 60 and 70 patients that will need surgery in Guyana,” Dr Soto said.

Dr Soto said the team has entered into collaboration with Government and the GPHC to have health

officials at the institutions trained in this area. He said they are also seeking to establish a paediatric Intensive Care Unit, so that the local team at the hospital could ably take care of babies and children found to be in critical conditions.

However, the programme will not only look after babies with heart diseases but take care of all critical paediatric patients.

Local Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Marissa Seepersaud said the team saw a number of cases this time around. The youngest patient was a 20-dayold baby and the oldest a 34-year-old, who had congenital heart disease.

“This particular mission, we were able to do for the first time in Guyana

Local Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Marissa Seepersaud

surgery on a neonate. So we had the first neonatal open heart case done in Guyana,” adding that there are certainly a lot more in the pipeline for the hospital.

Dr Seepersaud said the institution has seen the need for the development of paediatric cardiac care and in Guyana. According to her, Baby Heart is not only interested in helping to treat the patients but is

Chinese companies warned...

President Granger also used the occasion to recognise the continuous contributions by the people of China to Guyana’s social and economic development, singling out for special mention the current Chinese Medical Brigade.

The president also spoke of the support given to Guyana

in its pursuit of a clean, green economy and its insistence on the territorial integrity of the two nations.

“Guyana and China have collaborated in academia, culture, defence, energy, health, infrastructure development, medicine, mining, and other fields,”

Dr Rodrigo Soto, CEO of ICHF

seeking to prepare the way for the hospital to continue long after they leave.

According to Dr Seepersaud, the unit has identified an area to have the expansion of the ICU. ICHF, she reported, has offered to fund 50 per cent of the infrastructure and 100 per cent of the equipment that is needed for the expansion. It is hoped that by the end of 2017, the ICU will be up and running. She said the ICU is very much needed at this time since the section is seeing an increasing amount of paediatric patients with many complexities. According to her, this means that they will have to spend longer periods in the ICU. So far the team, which began operation over a year and a half ago, has performed 117 procedures, including 84 open heart surgeries and 33 cardiac categorisations. The team returns later this year in December.

During the five previous missions which commenced in April 2015, the Baby Heart team has been performing complex surgeries and providing training for local staff geared at preparing the hospital to perform same on its own.

from page 3

According to the President, the two countries share a deep desire to strengthen economic relations and trade ties.

He said too that Guyana and China share common values including the mutual noninterference in each other’s affairs, “cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.”

The president used the occasion too to recognise that both Guyana and China share a common interest in the promotion of sustainable development, particularly in the area of renewable energy.

According to President Granger, Guyana has been

observing with keen interest China’s introduction of its 13th five-year plan for 2016 to 2020 which is committed to achieving a green economy by introducing green low carbon industries—something the two countries share in common.

Recognising China as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, he said Guyana “welcomes especially the introduction of the multilateral multibilliondollar platforms such as the People’s Republic of China/ Latin American/Caribbean, industrial cooperation investment and infrastructure funds.” The initiative, he said, “will certainly strengthen our economic relations.”

SATURDAY, OCOTOBER 1, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the World

Rodrigo Duterte vows to kill 3M drug addicts and likens himself to Hitler

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odrigo Duterte, the Philippines president, appears to have compared himself to Hitler, saying he would be “happy to slaughter” millions of drug addicts in his bloody war on crime.

During a press conference in his home city of Davao, the former prosecutor told reporters that he had been compared to a “cousin of Hitler” by his critics.

“If Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have...,” he said, pausing and pointing to himself.

“Hitler massacred three million Jews ... there’s three million drug addicts. There are. I’d be happy to slaughter them.”

More than six million

Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte likened himself to Hitler

Jews were killed by the Nazis and their collaborators before and during World War II, according to historians.

Germany’s Government slammed Duterte’s com-

ments as unacceptable. “It is impossible to make any comparison to the unique atrocities of the Shoah and Holocaust,” said a Foreign Ministry spokesman, Martin Schaefer.

The World Jewish Congress President, Ronald Lauder, said Duterte’s remarks were “revolting” and demanded that he retract them and apologise.

Duterte has spent his first three months in office running a campaign to kill all involved in the rampant drugs trade, including alleged addicts, causing outrage from rights groups and foreign governments.

More than 3500 alleged drug dealers and addicts have been killed, about a third of them in Police operations but the majority by armed vigilante militias.

Duterte has publicly encouraged civilians to kill addicts and said he will not prosecute Police for extrajudicial executions. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Matthew powers to Category 4 storm H

urricane Matthew rapidly gained power on Friday, escalating to a powerful Category four storm as it moved over the open Caribbean sea just South of Jamaica, US forecasters said.

A hurricane watch was issued for Jamaica due to the approaching storm, and forecasters warned of tropical storm conditions for Haiti and Cuba over the

next two days.

Packing wind speeds of 140 miles (220 kilometers) per hour, the storm moved in a western direction about 465 miles South-east of Jamaica.

The hurricane watch issued for Jamaica indicates that hurricane conditions are possible by Monday.

Matthew became a Category one hurricane on Thursday afternoon, the

lowest on a one to five scale, then swiftly rose to Category four a day later.

Tropical storm warnings were issued for parts of coastal Colombia on Friday, with Haiti also bracing for tropical storm winds and rain by Sunday.

Forecasters said 10-15 inches (25-38 centimeters) of rain could fall on southern Haiti and across Jamaica.

Isolated areas could be

lashed with up to 25 inches of rain, risking life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.

Ocean swells with the potential to cause dangerous currents and rip tides are also possible over the next two days in coastal regions of Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Aruba, Bonaire, Cura?ao, Colombia, The Dominican Republic and Haiti. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

Shimon Peres funeral: Obama, Abbas in attendance

US President Barack Obama, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck and other world leaders were among those who attended the funeral on Friday

S

himon Peres, the Israeli elder statesman, has been laid to rest in Jerusalem in a ceremony that brough together several world leaders.

US President Barack Obama, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, French President Francois Hollande, German

President Joachim Gauck and other world leaders were among those who attended the funeral on Friday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Obama said: “I could not be more honoured to be in Jerusalem to say farewell to my friend Shimon Peres, who showed us that justice

and hope are at the heart of the zionist idea.”

The US leader, who wore the traditional Jewish kippah cap, said that the attendance of Abbas was a gesture “and reminder of the unfinished business of peace”.

Police closed roads in central Jerusalem before

Chinese Police arrest man suspected of killing 19 people

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hinese Police have arrested a man suspected of killing 19 people, including three children, who were found dead in different locations in a remote South-western village.

Mass killings are rare in China and the incident dominated discussion on social media platforms. It was not immediately clear how the

15

victims were killed, or what the motive was.

Yang Qingpei, born in 1989, was arrested in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province and about 124 miles (200km) from the site of the murders in Yema, Yunnan Police said.

The victims were members of six families, the official Xinhua news agency re-

ported.

The bodies were found on Thursday at different locations in the village, according to a state-backed news website, ThePaper.cn, which said the suspect had given authorities some details.

The public security bureau in the nearby city of Qujing told Reuters it was investigating. (The Guardian)

the funeral. It is expected to be Israel’s largest since that of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was killed by a Jewish nationalist in 1995.

Peres, who served as president and acting prime minister, died early on Wednesday, two weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 93. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Baby girl found in suitcase beside infant skeleton in Germany

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22-year-old woman is under investigation for manslaughter after German Police found a suitcase in her apartment with a newborn baby girl inside along with the skeleton of a second infant, Hannover prosecutors said Friday.

A 19-year-old man living with the woman in the northern city discovered the case on Thursday and reported it to Police.

Authorities rushed the newborn to the hospital, and she

is now in stable condition.

Hannover prosecutors’ spokeswoman Kathrin Soefker told The Associated Press investigators are now trying to determine who the father of the babies is, and an autopsy is being done to determine the cause of death of the second infant.

The woman, whose name wasn’t released in line with German privacy laws, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter. (Jamaica Observer)

T&T dad commits suicide, forced son to ingest poisonous substance

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51-year-old father of two, grieving after his wife left him, on Thursday forced his 11-yearold son to ingest a poisonous substance before ingesting it himself in Mayaro. The boy survived but Mootilal Rattansingh succumbed to the deadly weedicide.

Rattansingh, who had attempted suicide before and only returned to work at Nestle last week after recovering from the first attempt, left a note for his relatives, bequeathing everything of value he owned to his daughter and granddaughter.

According to Police reports, Rattansingh took his son off a school bus that was taking him to school yesterday morning. He then drove the child to Ortoire in his vehicle, a Tucson, where he forced him to ingest poison before he himself did the same. He eventually ran off the Manzanilla/Mayaro Road shortly before 14:00h.

Ortoire villagers later found Rattansingh dead and his son frothing at the mouth and called the Police.

Mootilal Rattansingh took his own life after his wife left him

The boy was first rushed to the Sangre Grande District Hospital and then transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, where doctors were desperately trying to save his life up to Thursday evening.

Police found a white powdery substance they believe to be the poison used inside the vehicle. They believe the father forced the poison down the boy’s throat but he put up a fight and managed to ingest very little of it. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

16 News

saturDay, october 1, 2016 | guyana-times.com

15 homeless as fire guts 3 houses in Mc Doom

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fire suspected to be arson has completely gutted three buildings in Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown, in the wee hours of Friday.

The fire reportedly started at around 01:30h in one of the buildings, which rapidly spread to the others located in the same yard.

Guyana Times understands that the fire started in the lower flat of the Lot 50 Middle Street, Mc Doom, house owned by Yvonne Josiah who resides overseas.

Jermaine Josiah, 40, the woman’s son was the lone

occupant of the house at the time of the fire. He was subsequently arrested.

“When I became alerted of the fire, I peeked outside and I see Jermaine just standing on the road look-

ing as the house was being burnt with his hands folded,” a resident told this publication.

Neighbours were alerted and quickly lent assistance to the occupants of the other

houses.

One of the other houses was owned by Olivia Welch, who was at home with her children when the disaster struck. Speaking with this publication, the woman’s daughter, Onica Welch, explained: “We were inside asleep when the neighbours woke us up and tell us that the house was on fire. Our mother just gathered me and my brothers and sisters and we all ran outside.”

The third house was owned by Fanda Smith, who was also asleep when the fire started and was awoken by neighbours.

Residents worked vigorously to douse the flames, however, their efforts proved futile.

The Fire Service was called but according residents four fire tenders went to the location without water.

An investigation has been launched by the Police and Guyana Fire Service.

Vendor granted $100,000 bail for escaping lawful custody

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vendor of Lot 22 Yarrowdam, R u i m v e l d t , Georgetown, was granted $100,000 bail for escaping lawful custody when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Johnathan Mohammed, 25, was also charged with unlawful wounding.

It was alleged that on September 24, 2016, in Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Shante Williams. It was further alleged that on the same day while being in custody for unlawful wounding, he escaped.

Mohammed pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Police prosecution facts revealed that the defendant

while being in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Outpost, asked to use the lavatory. He was relieved of handcuffs and shackles and so seized the opportunity to escape on foot.

He was caught the following day, arrested and charged.

Williams however told the court that she would like to withdraw the matter against Mohammed. As such, she was questioned by police prosecu-

tor whether she was forced to withdraw the matter but replied in the negative.

The charge of unlawful wounding was subsequently withdrawn against Mohammed.

The charge of escaping lawful custody was maintained against him and he will make his next court appearance on October 14, 2016.

Teens remanded for car hijacking

T

he two teenagers who were nabbed in Alexander Street, Georgetown, on Tuesday with the stolen car belonging to Andrew Nurse appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they were both placed on remand for charges of robbery under arms.

It was alleged that on September 26, 2016, at Bishop Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun they stole a cellular phone valued $19,000 from Kendell Shortt.

Additionally, it was further alleged that on the same day with the same weapon, they stole car PVV 6825 valued $2.5 million, property of Andrew Nurse.

Both teens pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones stated that the car was recovered but not the cellular phone.

The unrepresented de-

fendants of Ketley Street, Charlestown, made applications for bail but were denied when the prosecution indicated that the duo gave Police conflicting addresses.

Both teens will return to court on October 21, 2016.

Reports are that the owner of the car had just stepped out of his vehicle on Monday afternoon to visit his mechanic in Bishop Street and as he returned to his car, he felt a gun pressed to his head and he was shoved aside as the teens grabbed his keys and made off with the vehicle.

It is reported that the teenagers changed the registration plates of the car but police became suspicious after spotting the car and realising that the original registration that had been engraved on the mirrors and other parts had been scratched off.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Rose Hall Estate harvesters on strike Demanding payment for works done

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lose to 1000 cane harvesters of Rose Hall Sugar Estate are on strike and management has reportedly refused to meet with their representatives to resolve the issue.

The harvesters, numbering 979, withheld their labour on Wednesday, forcing grinding at the estate to a halt.

work for the day.

However, the harvesters have explained that they cannot complete what they are being asked to do because of the conditions which they are asked to work under.

According to Vieira, the workers are demanding to be paid the equivalent obstacle payment of the work al-

Some workers outside of the Estate

The employees were reacting to a decision by management over obstacle payment. One of the harvesters, Mark Vieira, explained that the cane they are being asked to cut is of poor quality and have lots of weeds growing among it. It is for this reason that management should pay them the obstacle payment.

Guyana Times understands that management is only willing to pay the money if the workers would have completed their allotment of

ready done but management is only willing to pay if the day’s task is completed. This he pointed out goes against the agreement signed between Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU).

Meanwhile, Errol Monroe of the harvesting gang also explained that workers are used to receiving obstacle payment based on the amount of cane cut.

Now management is re-

PAHO aims to...

FROM PAGE 11

Castellanos stated that in order to eliminate them the States would need integrated programmes to prevent and detect more than one of these infections, since the diseases often affect the same population groups.

The new plan, which builds on previous efforts and successes, identifies the need to scale up early detection and diagnosis of cases, decentralise clinical management and guarantee skilled and sufficient human resources to ensure timely and affordable access to medicines and care for anyone who needs them.

The plan also recommends simultaneously tackling several diseases affecting the same population groups, and reducing transmission risk by increasing access to safe water, basic sanitation, hygiene, and improved housing conditions.

So far, Guyana has identified four strategic priority areas: government ownership, coordination and partnership through re-enforcement of ownership by the institution of Guyana; NIDs control and elimination activities and capacity building of health personnel at all levels. They will also plan and advocate and resource

mobilisation and sustainability; integrate and link NIDs activities with other public health activities; surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of NIDs programmes.

“The Ministry of Public Health is making a bold statement to the people of Guyana that we are willing to partner with likeminded individuals and organisations to frontally approach NIDs in Guyana,” the minister had stated.

PAHO Vector Control Unit head Dr Jean Seme Fils Alexandre had stated that PAHO is currently drafting a regional Neglected Infectious Diseases plan for 2016-2022, and he believes that the PAHO plan can be used to guide Guyana’s National Action Plan for NIDs control.

He stated that the NIDs and other poverty-infectious diseases rank together with diseases like HIV, Malaria, and TB as the most serious globally and in the Americas.

In 2005, over 46 million children in Latin American and Caribbean countries are living in areas at risk of infection and reinfection, he said.

fusing to pay based on the amount of work done in a day and is demanding that the workers complete their day’s task before they receive the payment.

Field Secretary of the Rose Hall Estate, Sohanauth Rabindranauth, explained that on Wednesday management refused to address the concerns of the workers while they remain on strike.

He disclosed that the Estate Manager Udie Persaud said he was not going to meet with workers representatives, and the issue will only be addressed when the workers were back on the job.

The strike has caused the workers to fall short of the week’s production target and earn an extra day’s pay.

Even as this publication sought a comment from the Estate Manager Udie Persaud on Thursday, scores of workers were assembled outside of the estate compound.

Operations at Rose Hall Estate ground to a halt

Guyana Times reporter was allowed into the compound by a guard who was soon loudly reprimanded by other guards. Other reporters were left outside.

Security personnel then asked Guyana Times representative to leave.

Persaud’s secretary then explained that her boss was not in the office and that she

did not know his cellular phone number.

Police from the Reliance Police Station were called and told that the media were in the main administrative building. However, the officer indicated that police cannot intervene.

Meanwhile, the striking workers opined that the estate is “going down” and is

in need of a vibrant manager who is willing to engage workers.

They are of the view that the former Wales Estate Manager now stationed at Rose Hall has an agenda, and are calling for his removal. They are resolute that the strike will continue until their demands are met.

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

ARCHIE

Your emotions will fluctuate as the day unfolds. Keep (March 21- your thoughts to yourself in April 19) order to avoid an argument.

An affectionate approach will help you persuade someone to see things your way.

ARIES

Taking a trip or attending TAURUS an event that encourages per(April 20- sonal growth, knowledge and May 20) enlightenment will open your eyes to new ways of doing things. A romantic encounter will enrich your life.

DILBERT

Consider your personal GEMINI and professional situations (May 21and the changes that would June 20) make you happy. A challenge will do you good and help you decide what to do next.

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PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Plan to do something special and entertaining with the people you love. Taking a pleasure trip or collaborating with someone who shares your creative talents or dreams will bring good results.

Don’t try to impress someVIRGO one by spending a lot of mon(Aug. 23ey. Concentrate on being frank Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

and building a strong relationship with someone who has something to offer you in return. Romance is in the stars.

Take responsibility and do LIBRA what needs to be done. It’s up (Sept. 23to you to make things happen, Oct. 23) so stop waiting for someone else to take the reins. Stay focused and in control.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Do your own legwork.

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Raise your profile and AQUARIUS boost your reputation by tak(Jan. 20ing part in a conference or Feb. 19) trade show. Collaborate and negotiate your way to the top.

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 Take the initiative and (Feb. 20- make the first move when it March 20) comes to affairs of the heart.

Your suggestions and romantic gestures will intrigue a loved one.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016

S

Henry lauds New Zealand’s ‘outstanding’ day

ince 2015-16, most of India’s Tests at home have been played on pitches that were prone to turn in the first hour. Kanpur wasn’t as extreme, but there was nothing there for the fast bowlers. New Zealand would have arrived in Kolkata expecting more of the same. The grass on the pitch could well have been arranged to spell “surprise.” Kane Williamson was stuck in the dressing room with a fever, but his men gave him a get well card that read “Skipper, we applied pressure for longer” as they reduced India to 239 for 7.

Matt Henry helped them forget they had lost another toss as he bowled Shikhar Dhawan in his first over of the match and then dismissed the in-form M Vijay with a beauty. Trent Boult set a trap for Virat Kohli and sprung it before the batsman could reach double-digits.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane did for nearly 50 overs, each setting himself up for a century. But New Zealand didn’t let them get to the landmark. In the final session of play, Neil Wagner had Pujara caught at short cover for 87 and Jeetan Patel deceived Rahane with pace to trap him lbw for 77.

Pujara drove on the up, was caught

by Martin Guptill, on his birthday, and a 141-run partnership was broken.

Rahane was trapped by a quicker ball from Jeetan Patel after he had forced the batsman b a c k into his crease. The 36year old offspinner had long abandoned hopes of playing internationa l cricket again. He was chosen ahead of Ish Sodhi despite

L

19

ewis Hamilton was in convincing form as he headed Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in second practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The world champion was 0.223 seconds quicker than the German, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel 0.661secs off in third ahead of team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fifth fastest ahead of Force India’s Sergio Perez and McLaren’s Fernando Alonso.

The day began with a dramatic pit fire involving Renault’s Kevin Magnussen.

A leaking fuel breather pipe forced the Dane to jump quickly out of his car after just two laps of the first practice session, and it took repeated attempts to extinguish the fire as fuel continued to escape while the team frantically tried to empty the full tank.

Magnussen was unhurt and the

SCOREBOARD India 1st innings

Cheteshwar Pujara watches the ball intently

having only a “day and a bit” to acclimatise.

But his control of line and ability to drift the ball made him dangerous.

Only four batsmen reached double-figures for India. Dhawan’s comeback was limited to 10 balls, Henry making him drag a cut onto his stumps. The 24-year old fast bowler repeatedly beat the right-handers’ outside edge by straightening the ball off the seam and eventually dismissed Vijay by going a bit wider of the crease, although that may just have been a quirk of fortune because Henry had just been warned for running onto the danger area by umpire Rod

Tucker.

Kohli had come out had come out seeming determined not to let the bowling get the better of him. He had made a point to prepare for the ball bouncing awkwardly and was quite circumspect when Wagner banged it in. He was 5 off 24 balls when, from the other end, Boult presented a full, but not quite overpitched, delivery. It was hit through the covers for four. The width on offer had triggered the run-scoring instincts in Kohli. In trying to repeat the stroke, to a ball even wider outside off stump, a ball that he probably could have left, he nicked

S Dhawan b Henry 1 M Vijay c †Watling b Henry 9 CA Pujara c Guptill b Wagner 87 9 V Kohli* c Latham b Boult AM Rahane lbw b Patel 77

RG Sharma c Latham b Patel 2 R Ashwin lbw b Henry

26 WP Saha† not out

14 RA Jadeja not out

0 Extras: (b-8, lb-6) 14

Total: (7 wickets; 86 overs) 239 To bat: B Kumar, Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Dhawan, 1.4 ov), 2-28 (Vijay, 11.2 ov), 3-46 (Kohli, 21.4 ov), 4-187 (Pujara, 69.1 ov), 5-193 (Sharma, 73.1 ov), 6-200 (Rahane, 77.4 ov), 7-231 (Ashwin, 83.6 ov) Bowling: TA Boult 16-8- 33-1, MJ Henry 15-6-35-3, N Wagner 15-5-37-1, MJ Santner 195-54-0, JS Patel 21-3-66-2 New Zealand team: TWM Latham, MJ Guptill, HM Nicholls, LRPL Taylor*, L Ronchi, MJ Santner, BJ Watling†, JS Patel, N Wagner, MJ Henry, TA Boult

to gully where Tom Latham took a super catch over his head.

Henry finished the day on a high for New Zealand with the second new ball, pinning R Ashwin lbw in the 84th over, although replays indicated it may have slid down leg. They would know, though, that India’s bowlers are capable of being as disciplined as they were and they have to win without their best batsman to stay alive in the series. (Cricinfo)

Lewis Hamilton quickest in Malaysia as Magnussen suffers fire

As if the Malaysian Grand Prix wasn’t hot enough... flames burst through the Renault’s bodywork and back into life after being extinguished several times

car was repaired in time for him to take part in the second session, in which he was 19th fastest but incurred the wrath of McLaren’s Jenson Button for blocking the 2009 world champion on his fast-

est lap.

The was no such trouble for Hamilton, who enjoyed a welcome and needed return to form after a poor last race.

Hamilton finished third in

Singapore two weeks ago as Rosberg won, losing the championship lead for the first time since taking it in July and dropping eight points behind Rosberg with six races to go heading into this weekend on the demanding Sepang track.

As well as being fastest on the qualifying simulation runs on the softest tyre, Hamilton also set the pace throughout the first part of the session, by 0.399secs despite using the hard tyre while Rosberg was on the medium.

Behind the Mercedes, Ferrari seemed to have an edge on Red Bull as the two teams continue their battle to end the season second in the championship Vettel was 0.432secs quicker than Verstappen.

Alonso’s position in seventh place was a surprise fillip for McLaren.

The Spaniard was using an up-

graded Honda power-unit, with a lighter block and redesigned exhaust, aimed at improving the car’s qualifying performance.

The development is aimed at Honda’s home race in Japan next weekend but has been introduced in Malaysia because taking it means a 30-place grid penalty for Alonso for using too many engine parts.

The plan at this stage is to revert to an older-spec engine for the rest of this weekend.

Button, who will not have the new engine until the US Grand Prix in two races time at the earliest because Honda does not want grid penalties at Suzuka, was 10th fastest.

Magnussen was playing catchup after losing the entire first session and ended up seven places and 0.7secs slower than team-mate Jolyon Palmer. (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturday, october 1, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League

Bhaskar Yadram

A

t Everest, Upper Demerara/ East Bank are faced with an uphill task to surpass Upper Corentyne’s first innings score of 222, after they slipped to 75-4 at the close of play on the opening day of the penultimate round of the Jaguars Franchise League.

Despite a shot-filled 92 from national player Assad Fudadin which came off just 99 balls, Upper Corentyne only manage a total of just over 200. Only Clinton Pestano of the other batsmen supported well with 49.

Bowling for East Bank Demerara, once again the spearhead of their attack Steven Jacobs took 4/97 while fast bowling allrounder Stephan Harris

East Bank facing uphill task against Upper Corentyne – Yadram, Clements slam commanding tons

had 3/57 and Budan Baksh claimed 2/19.

Consistent East Bank batsman Danny Narayan closed on 30 not out in his team’s 75/4. So far Eon Hooper, who has impressed with the ball in this tournament has so far taken 2/8.

East Bank trail by 147 runs with six wickets in hand and are letting a good position slip away after taking the early initiative.

While at the Tuschen Ground, In the day’s most important match, between leaders Lower Corentyne

and second placed West Demerara, the former made 325 all out while the latter were in pursuit on 22 without loss.

Being played at the Tuschen ground, Devon Clements struck a commanding 143 (16x4) (5x6) to take tournament leaders out of a spot of bother after they were 104/5 at one stage. The consistent Seon Hetmyer scored 49 and Jonathan Foo struck a quick-fire 46 while Hakeem Hinds contributed 21.

Bowling for West

Demerara, impressive fast bowler Romario Shephard took his second five wicket haul of the competition claiming 5/60 while Raymon Reifer had 3/83 and Rishi Looknauth took 2/80.

West Demerara will resume play today on 22/0 with Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 10 and Chabiraj Ramcharran on eight.

At Cumberland, Berbice, Georgetown won the toss and batted first, reaching 243 all out off 53 overs. Captain Christopher

Zimbabwe host Sri Lanka, West Indies in triangular series Z

imbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Sri Lanka for two Tests followed by a one-day tri-series that will also involve West Indies.

The two Tests will be played in Harare, with the first one from October 29 and the second from November 6.

The tri-series will begin from November 14 with the first match between the hosts and Sri Lanka at the Harare Sports Club.

The three teams will play each other twice, making it a total of six round-robin matches, before the final on November 27. The last four ODIs and the final will all be played in Bulawayo.

Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe was originally scheduled in the FTP with two Tests, three ODIs and a T20I. L a t e r , there were chances of the tour being rep l a c e d by the tri-series with West Indies, as the Tests were not being considered as financially viable, but now the Tests and

tri-series both will take place.

Had that happened, Zimbabwe would have gone without playing a Test for 11 months.

There were chances of the Tests being scrapped because of Zimbabwe Cricket’s growing debt and the economic situation of the country as a whole.

Recently, the Hararebased players had refused to train in prot e s t West Indies beat Zimbabwe in nine of their o v e r last 10 meetings in ODI’s unpaid match of them and five ending in fees, which dated draws. back to July last The West Indies are year. The protests currently in the United ended after being Arab Emirates where they given an assurance are involved in a series by the Zimbabwe against Pakistan that ends Cricket chair- on November 3 while Sri man Wildfred Lanka just wrapped up a Mukondiwa. series against Australia at Z i m b a b w e home. and Sri Lanka The last time West last played a Indies played ODI in Test in a two- Zimbabwe was in December match series in 2007 when the Caribbean 2004. They have side won the series while played 15 Tests the teams last met was in against each the 2015 world cup when other over- the West Indies also preall, with vailed.

Sri Lanka winning 10

K

ingston College lost out on their perfect record in this season’s ISSA/FLOW Manning Cup when Denham Town held them to a scoreless draw at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.

KC still lead Group C, having not lost any ground to Denham Town after the two split the points.

There was another scoreless draw in Group C, as Ascot and Norman Manley failed to find the back of the net in 90 minutes of football.

St Mary’s College and Papine provided the only result from the group, as the former were pummelled 4-0 in Above Rocks.

Jonathan Grant pipped Meadowbrook 1-0 in Group D, while Haile Selassie continued their winning ways, clipping Ardenne by

Barnwell, continuing from the last round where he scored a patient century top scored with 91, while Dexter Solomon (42), Sunil Persaud (28), Robin Bacchus (25) and Andrew Light jr (23) all got useful starts without carrying on.

Bowling for West Berbice, Kyron Fraser, last round century maker, took 5/84, Collis Butts 3/36 and A Dutchin 2/32.

In reply, West Berbice reached 103 for 9 off 32 overs, with Andrew Dutchin scoring 36 and Leon

Devon Clements

Andrews 19. Christopher Barnwell, Devon Lord, Gajanan Suknanan and Kellon Carmichael have so far taken 2 wickets apiece.

At Imam Bacchus, East Coast Demerara made a competitive 316 all out with Guyana under 19 batsman Bhaskar Yadram stroking a commanding 118 and was given strong support from his older brother, Kamesh Yadram with 61 and Ameer Khan with an attractive 58. Bowling for Essequibo, Akinie Adams took 6/53.

Essequibo in reply, are on 40/2 at the close of play still trailing by 276 runs with eight wickets still in hand. All matches will resume at 9:30 hours today.

KC lose perfect record, Wolmer’s march on the same scoreline.

St Catherine High were the biggest winners in the group, getting by Pembroke Hall in a comfortable 2-0 affair.

Wolmer’s Boys’ continued to brush aside everything in their path, dismissing Dunoon at the Rockfort Football Club home, 4-0.

Jose Marti were also improving their win column in Group F with a 2-1 win over Kingston Technical High School.

The third game of the group between Edith Dalton James and Camperdown was a nonstarter, as there were reported to be no referees at the game.

Campion College, though they are yet to score a goal in the Manning Cup, have registered their first point after playing to a goalless

draw with Cumberland.

The feat is made more remarkable when you consider, Cumberland had thumped them 4-0 in their first encounter this season.

Former champions, Calabar High School, have continued to struggle, losing by the lone goal of the game to St Jago High.

Khriston Blair headed home the winner as early as the 35th minute.

Bridgeport and Hydel continue to do battle for a spot in the next round from Group G, playing to a 0-0 draw at Caymanas.

St Jago lead the group with 16 points, two ahead of Bridgeport and four ahead of Hydel. The Manning Cup second round will comprise of the first two teams in each of seven groups, and the two best third place team. (Sportsmax)

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Guyanese-born Debidayal aspires to represent Canada

One (1) Maid. Tel: 624-0033

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto

saturDAY, october 1, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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G

uyanese-born Kumar Singh Debidayal has a great desire to represent Canada in the near future after he continues to make an impact at the local cricket season in Canada.

Last Sunday, the diminutive righthander struck a fine 82 to propel Kaieteur International Sports Club to last Saturday’s second-division final in the 2016 Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 50-over competition.

According to the 21-year-old Debidayal, since he began his cricketing career in North America five consecutive years ago, he was always motivational to wear the prestigious Canadian colours.

The former Guyana National Industrial Corporation and Gandhi Youth Organization first-division player has shown consistency and that has given him the aspiration to play for his adopted country.

“I want to represent Canada at the international level; I was given the opportunity to play competitive cricket and by making runs and taking wickets I feel confident of doing it,” Debidayal related.

The occasional off-spinner stated that having featured for Vikings Cricket Club in the Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Elite competition in 2012 and rubbing shoulders with some veterans and established cricketers until now is very encouraging to play the game very hard.

“I can rate the competitions in both the T&DCA and SCA to be very challenging given the fact that you are competing with players from around the world; I enjoy every moment when playing for Vikings and Kaieteur and I will continue to aspire for greater heights as a cricketer,” Debidayal commented.

He spoke enthusiastically about his SCA team advancing to the championship match on Saturday mentioning that the team is loaded with talented players also from Guyana and is very optimistic of them beating their opponents (SCA Colts Cricket Club).

“I think the second-division competition is always competitive too and the team is gelling well which is an inspiring factor to succeed; we have been doing well this year and now reaching the final also shows that we are very committed to come out on top,” Debidayal declared.

His highest score so far in the T&DCA tournament is 78. Meanwhile, Vikings Cricket Club has been one the most formidable cricket clubs in the T&DCA and has attracted a large number of players who would have represented, Guyana, West Indies and Canada.

Players like West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Travis Dowlin, Royston Crandon, and Rajendra Chandrika along with some seasoned campaigners represented Vikings.

Classy De Kock powers Proteas to victory

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21

sports

223-7230-1 (Ext: 35) NOW!

outh Africa moved 1-0 up in their five-match ODI series against Australia, with Quinton de Kock the star of the show.

Quinton de Kock put on a batting clinic as South Africa claimed a six-wicket victory in the first oneday international against Australia at Centurion.

The 23-year-old racked up 178 runs from 113 deliveries in a barnstorming innings, falling just 10 short of Gary Kirsten’s 20-year-old ODI record for South Africa.

With the tourists having posted a score of 294-9, De Kock wasted little time in making inroads and plundered 16 fours and 11 maximums during his stunning display.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Proteas were somewhat reliant on youngster Andile Phehlukwayo to contain Australia, who made a promising start by reaching

88 for the loss of one wicket.

Playing in his second ODI, Phehlukwayo took 4-44 from his 10 overs, claiming the consecutive scalps of Aaron Finch (33), Steve Smith (8) and Mitchell Marsh (31) having already supplied the catch as David Warner (40) fell first.

It was also Phehlukwayo who halted the charge of John Hastings, who posted 51 from 56 deliveries, leaving the tourists 271-7.

Standout performer George Bailey (74) was finally felled when he was caught

by David Miller off Dale Steyn’s (2-65) delivery in the 48th over, and South Africa were left chasing a winning target of 295.

Rilee Rossouw (63) proved a capable accomplice to De Kock in the early stages of the South African innings.

His sixth ODI 50 contributed to a 145-run partnership that had the writing on

the wall for Australia by the time he was trapped lbw by Adam Zampa (1-44).

Faf du Plessis’ 26 was something of a sideshow compared to the limelighthogging heroics of De Kock, who continued to find the boundary on a regular basis, bringing up his 100 with a six.

De Kock had the double century - a feat achieved on just six previous occasions in his sights, but JP Duminy (9) arrived at the crease intent on simply getting the job done.

His two boundaries took another chunk out of the target before De Kock was eventually dispatched by Scott Boland (3-67), with Travis Head making the catch.

But the damage had already been done for Australia and David Miller’s (10 not out) single wrapped up a deserved win.

(SportsMax)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturday, october 1, 2016

West Indies horrendous tour continues

−Pakistan take 1st ODI by 111 runs

A

n automatic qualification for the 2019 50 Over World Cup seems far from reality for West Indies as they once again showed inconsistency on the back of a mammoth defeat to Pakistan who are rated below them on the ICC rankings.

West Indies lost the match by 111 runs on the Duckworth Lewis method after their display lacked competitiveness otherwise than the first ball of the match when Pakistan captain Azhar Ali was caught by wicket keeper Dinesh Ramdin off the bowling of Shannon Gabriel.

Emerging player, Babar Azam live up to expectation as he delivered a performance much to the delight of the spectators, during which he recorded his first ODI century. That, sandwiched between Sharjeel Khan’s half-century, and a late cameo from Imad Wasim, which led Pakistan to 284 for 9 in a match reduced to 49-oversa-side because of a floodlight failure. Chasing 287, courtesy the Duckworth-Lewis revisions, West Indies sleepwalked their way, much like they had done in the T20Is, to 175, and suffered another demoralising defeat.

There is an air of serenity around Azam. He is technically correct in defence and drives with the head over the ball. He was among very few to receive glowing appraisals from coach

Mickey Arthur after the disastrous tour of England.

In Sharjah he walked in to face the second ball of the match, after a Shannon Gabriel beauty that had Azhar Ali nicking behind for a duck.

It took a stunning catch from Kieron Pollard at the edge of the wide long-on boundary to ultimately dismiss Azam in the 43rd over for 120 off 131 balls.

In between, there was a display of solid strokes coupled with risk-free cricket and a stroke of luck - he survived a close lbw appeal off Sulieman Benn early in his innings. He lugged 70 of his runs through ones and twos: excellent running in humid conditions.

Azam first added 82 for the second wicket with Sharjeel, and then 99 for the fourth with Sarfraz Ahmed. Wary of the seam movement generated

by Jason Holder and Gabriel, Azam played copybook cricket more often than not. It wasn’t until Sharjeel cut loose that Pakistan began to lift the scoring rate - he clattered 44 of Pakistan’s 60 in the Powerplay.

West Indies’ Powerplay, on the other hand, was a crawl.

If they hoped to stop the rot at the top of the order by introducing a debutant in Kraigg Brathwaite, who had played 31 Tests before this game, they were in for a reality check. They managed all of two boundaries in their first ten overs, both supplied by Johnson Charles

before he was dismissed by Mohammad Amir.

After posing a threat with a bevy of away-going deliveries from over the wicket, Amir had switched his angle to around the wicket and coaxed the ball to straighten enough to take the outside edge. West Indies had to wait 30 balls for their next boundary, which was also Kraigg Brathwaite’s first, off the 34th ball he faced.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s poor debut ended when he angled Hasan Ali behind in the 13th over for 14 off 38 balls. In fact, it was the second-slowest, in terms of strike rate, by a West Indian on ODI debut.

Mohammad Nawaz, the leftarm spinner, then unravelled the chase with three quick strikes, including wickets of Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin. When Kieron Pollard sliced a catch to deep point, Pakistan were 99 for 5 and the asking rate had crept towards eight. Marlon Samuels briefly swung his way to 46 before West Indies were bowled out in 38.4 overs. They just couldn’t find a way to adapt, again.

Sharjeel, though, had adapted well enough, even as West Indies blocked his favoured leg-side region during Pakistan’s innings. He responded to the seamers’ modus operandi of testing in the channel outside off by hitting a flurry of boundaries straight down the ground. He scythed Gabriel

over mid-off for a brace of fours before shovelling Carlos Brathwaite and Holder over long-on.

The introduction of spin, however, slowed Pakistan down. Only 65 runs came off the next 15 overs for the loss of Sharjeel and Shoaib Malik.

Benn, who bowled slower through the air as opposed to firing it in, provided West Indies with a breakthrough when he had Sharjeel skewing an outside edge to short third man for a 43-ball 54. Twenty balls later, Sunil Narine found Shoaib Malik’s outside edge, which was held at slip.

In between the two wickets, Azam endured the first of the two insecure moments during his knock. Benn slid in an armball, which rapped him on the pad. Ahsan Raza, the on-field umpire, shot down the appeal, but Holder insisted on a review.

Hawk-Eye showed that the ball would carry onto hit the top of the stumps, which meant umpire’s call was upheld. Then in the 27th over, Azam escaped when Carlos Brathwaite failed to effect a direct hit off his own bowling following a mix-up with Sarfraz.

The second ODI is on Sunday second of October at the same venue West Indies need to regroup ahead of that match. If Pakistan wins the series 3-0 then they will surpass West Indies on the ICC rankings.

SCOREBOARD Pakistan innings (49 overs maximum) Azhar Ali* c †Ramdin b Gabriel 0 Sharjeel Khan c Narine b Ben n 54 Babar Azam c Pollard b CR Brathwaite 120 Shoaib Malik c Benn b Narine 6 Sarfraz Ahmed† c †Ramdin b Holder 35 Mohammad Rizwan run out (Gabriel) 11 Imad Wasim b CR Brathwaite 24 Mohammad Nawaz c Holder b CR Brathwaite 19 Wahab Riaz run out (CR Brathwaite) 0 Mohammad Amir not out 3 Hasan Ali not out 2 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-5, nb-1) 10 Total: (9 wickets; 49 overs) 284 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Azhar Ali, 0.1 ov), 2-82 (Sharjeel Khan, 14.2 ov), 3-93 (Shoaib Malik, 17.4 ov), 4-192 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 34.6 ov), 5-211 (Mohammad Rizwan, 39.1 ov), 6-239 (Babar Azam, 42.1 ov), 7-269 (Imad Wasim, 46.3 ov), 8-269 (Wahab Riaz, 46.4 ov), 9-281 (Mohammad Nawaz, 48.1 ov) Bowling: ST Gabriel 8-0-53-1 (nb-1, w-2), JO Holder 7-0-35-1, CR Brathwaite 10-0-54-3, SJ Benn 10-0-46-1, SP Narine 10-0-58-1 (w-1), KA Pollard 4-0-34-0 (w-1)

West Indies innings (target: 287 runs from 49 overs) J Charles c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir 20 KC Brathwaite c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali 14 DM Bravo b Mohammad Nawaz 12 MN Samuels b Wahab Riaz 46 D Ramdin† c Azhar Ali b Mohammad Nawaz 8 KA Pollard c Sharjeel Khan b Mohammad Nawaz 9 JO Holder* b Imad Wasim 1 CR Brathwaite b Mohammad Na waz 15 SP Narine c Imad Wasim b Hasan Ali 23 SJ Benn not out 16 2 ST Gabriel b Hasan Ali Extras: (lb-6, w-2, nb-1) 9 Total: (all out; 38.4 overs) 175 (4.52 runs per over) Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Charles, 7.4 ov), 2-41 (KC Brathwaite, 12.2 ov), 3-54 (Bravo, 16.6 ov), 4-89 (Ramdin, 23.2 ov), 5-99 (Pollard, 25.1 ov), 6-103 (Holder, 26.5 ov), 7-125 (CR Brathwaite, 30.4 ov), 8-135 (Samuels, 33.1 ov), 9-166 (Narine, 36.2 ov), 10-175 (Gabriel, 38.4 ov) Bowling: Imad Wasim 8-036-1, Mohammad Amir 5-121-1, Hasan Ali 5.4-0-14-3, Wahab Riaz 6-0-27-1 (nb-1), Shoaib Malik 4-0-29-0 (w-2), Mohammad Nawaz (3) 10-0-42-4

Cultural SC aggrieved over land dispute −claims the impasse is affecting community cricket being played

Randy Persaud

M

embers of the Cultural Sports Club at Canal No.2 West Bank Demerara are frustrated over the current land dispute of the cricket ground at which the club plays. When Guyana Times Sport spoke to Club Captain Randy Persaud on Friday, he explained that the ground’s sole purpose is to for cricket to be played in the community. Currently, the ground, the centre of the ground has poles implanted to for a fence construction, a construction which Persaud explained is bewildering due to club’s longevity at the ground.

Persaud explained that “we wanted to build an all purpose pavilion so when they heard that they did not want anything build because it would become fixed property, so Tulsie Ram Mathura, who owns about one quarter of the land and resides in New York, sent a letter stating that his father gave the ground to us but we broke the oral agreement.”

Persaud added that “when he [Mathura], who is also a Pandit came to Guyana, he made a compromise that where the fence is built we would make an all purpose road, they will close the road but the ground will remain on his land, when all of that is finished it seemed there was some other disagreement and they just came and (put) a low fence on the ground in 2008.”

The club captain further explained that the main dispute arose because of the formation of the Mutli Cultural Sports Club, who had their own prerogative of how the cricket affairs at the ground should be governed.

Persaud disclosed that, “Pandit Bharat Panday came in 2014 pulled off the fence

but he came up with his own idea and collected all the gears which was given to us in 2007 and gave us a letter saying that he will run the cricket, which they did not have the right to do that.”

The cricketer said that despite the difficulties, they returned to the ground four Sundays ago and permission was given to play so they cleared the land and then we put up notices that we would be playing a Trinidadian team, they came and pulled a fence on Friday; when he called, he said that they would be bloodshed there and he did it as safety precaution.”

Trinidadian team, Central

Club Captain - Club President Gobin Persaud

Renegades are set to play a T20 fixture against the team but they will now have to move to the Bell West Sports Club to play the match.

Persaud’s father, Gobin in giving the history of the creation of the club, stated that the club has been at the ground since August 1950 and then Prime Minister Hamilton Green came and commissioned the pavilion in December 1987.

Gobin also spoke of Saleem Juman’s investment, the owner of New Line Cavaliers and New Line Aqua farm into the ground and how they have consistently up kept the ground.

The club has produced some outstanding players over the years and the latest is Kheshram Seyhodan who represented Guyana in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Under-19 tournament in St Vincent and the Grenadines. After his outstanding performances, Seyhodan is now highly touted for selection to the West Indies Youth team.Gobin expressed frustration over the impasse stating that he hopes cricket can be returned to the ground as quickly as possible.

The fenced which is placed adjacent to the pitch

guyana-times.com

saturday, october 1, 2016

23

Green Machine “Drag Warz 2” to ignite South Dakota tackles Mexico C

ome Sunday, the South Dakota circuit, will be buzzing with the sounds of engines and the screeching of tires as the local drag racer will take to the quarter-mile strip for the second edition of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) International Meet, “Drag Warz 2.”

President of the GMRS&SC Raj Boodhoo in speaking to Guyana Times Sport on Friday revealed that twenty-six drivers registered for the event to date but they are expecting one hundred drivers to compete come Sunday. Boodhoo explained that only local drivers will be shifting gears on the track since the Suriname contingent will not be coming but the locals are more than excited to showcase their talents for future international meets. The GMRS&SC President disclosed that Azurdeen Mohammed, who stole the show at the last meet with his “Godzilla” Nissan Skyline GTR, will not be competing at this meet.

The lack of Mohammed’s presence means that the

likes of Anand Ramchand, who normally drives a batch of cars, the Daby brothers Rondell and Peter, Chet Singh, Sanjay Persaud, female dragster Sharima Khan and Shawn Persaud will be some of the major attractions.

The Toyota Supra of Rondel Daby is one of the machines that the fans love to flock and usually seem intrigued by its raw speed, but Singh, Ramchand and Peter Daby Mitsubishi Evolutions are also stacked with unbelievable horse power.

However, many are hoping that the Toyota Verossa of Ramchand do something special and pull off a huge upset in the category it normally campaigns.

On the twowheel drive, Boodhoo revealed

that a massive super bike contingent is expected to take the trip down the quartermile.

The fans will be catered for, as Boodhoo, who himself is an avid drag racing fan would have revealed that preparations are in top gear for this meet and more so, they will be improved seating arrangements for the spectators so that they can have better viewing.

Among the categories to be contested on the quartermile strip are the F Class – 14 Seconds Bracket, E Class – 13 Seconds Bracket, D Class – 12 Seconds

Bracket, C Class – 11 Seconds Bracket, B Class – 10 Seconds Bracket, A Class – 9 and 8 Seconds Bracket.

The Porta Tree Timing System which is equipped with specialized starting lights and allows quarter mile speeds to be recorded will be used during the day’s proceedings. Qualifying Races commence at 09:00 hrs while eliminations begin at 12:00 hrs.

Admission for adults is $1000, $500 for children, while children under-12 and vehicles are free.

Dragster Anand Ramchand poses with his speed monster Toyota Verossa

GCA/NBS 2nd Division

Reigning champions DCC host strong contenders

Martin Pestano Belle

R

eigning champions Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will contest two games this weekend in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40-over tournament.

Today at home, they will take on strong contenders for this year’s title, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while on Sunday they will clash with minnows Diplomats at the same venue.

DCC are among the favourites to claim this title and they have already opened their campaign with a comfortable win over Carifesta Avenue side Everest Cricket Club.

A fierce battle is expected between DCC and GDF but DCC is also expected to prevail in that encounter as well.

Both teams have been weakened with some of their players being part of the Jaguars Franchise League, but due to the abundance of talent at DCC those absentees would be easily replaced.

It is the military unit that has to worry about getting the best out

of their players, who will be tested against a strong opponent.

Nevertheless the game is predicted to be exhilarating and competitive when it gets underway at 10:30h.

Meanwhile, on Sunday DCC is expected to comprehensively dismiss their minnow opponents Diplomats.

However, Diplomats have shown fight in the past and could deliver a shocker if all departments of their game are intact, especially their fielding.

Apart from the DCC versus GDF clash today another match is set for Zone A. That is the Police Sports Club versus Everest battle at Eve Leary.

In Zone B: Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) will visit Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Transport Sports Club (TSC) and University of Guyana (UG) will meet at a neutral venue, the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground.

Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) will host Ace Warriors at GNIC. Also, as one of today’s key fixture

Sachin Singh

in RAN final

G

The Green Machine going through their paces in Mexico City

uyana’s National Rugby team, the Green Machine will take to the field today in Mexico City against the hosts for the final of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s Championship and 2019 World Cup Qualifier from 11:00h (Guyana Time).

The squad which left Guyana on Tuesday has had to been to acclimatize to the cold weather but today their challenge will not just the weather but playing at the high altitude.

Mexico and Guyana earned their way into the Rugby Americas North Final by winning the North and South Zone qualifiers respectively. Las Serpientes completed a comfortable 39-3 and 75-10 wins over the Bahamas and Bermuda before being challenged by Cayman Islands but still managed to win 34-24.

The Green Machine also had three convincing wins out of three; they started off by defeating Barbados 49-17 which was followed by a 23-5 win over Jamaica. They then snatched a 23-18 win against Trinidad and Tobago.

The local ruggers have leaped nine places to 47 (their highest world ranking) after three wins in the tourney and should they defeat Mexico they will face the South American B Championship winner in November.

The squad reads: Richard Staglon (Captain), Avery Corbin (vice-captain), Jason Tyrell, Rondell McArthur, Patrick King, Rickford Cummings, Kevon David, Reign Dey, Jose Felicien, Dwayne Schroeder, Jamal Angus, Ryan Gonsalves, Lancelot Adonis, Peabo Hamilton, Osei McKenzie, Ronald Mayers, Vallon Adams, Godfrey Broomes, Blaise Bailey, Elwin Chase, Cyon Kitt, Trevin Selman, Dane Parks.

Officials: Lawrence Adonis (Head coach), Diego Giannantonio (Argentine scrum specialist), Kenneth Grant Stuart (Assistant Coach), Robin Roberts (Manager) and Phillip Barrington (Physio).

GFF/ Women’s Development League...

GDF protecting territory against pumped up Conquerors

Marcus Watkins

MSC will visit Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in what is set to be the toughest match of the day. GCC’s campaign got off to an awesome start while MSC is yet to register a win after losing their first match to GYO. However, the latter will be looking to bounce back in today’s game.

For MSC, Marcus Watkins is expected to lead with the bat while Martin Pestano Belle has been GCC top batsman at this level for almost two years. GCC will enter the match as favourites.

On Sunday there will be four matches. Zone A- DCC host Diplomat and Third Class visits Police while in Zone B- GNIC clash with TSC at GNIC and MSC takes on MYO at MYO in Woolford Avenue.

Some of the top youth cricketers like Sachin Singh, Alphius Bookie, Kurt Lovell, Joshua Persaud and many others are expected to feature for their teams on both days.

A

ction in the Guyana Football Federation Women’s Development League will be continuing today at three grounds.

In District one, the games will be played at the Guyana Defence Ground (GDF), Camp Ayanganna with GDF taking on Fruta Conquerors at 16:00h and the second match will be played between Bartica and Foxy Ladies from 17:00h.

Previously, Fruta Conquerors FC beat Bartica FC by a 6 – 1 margin.

In District two, the action will unfold at the Kwakwani Community Centre Ground. At 15:00h, fierce competition is expected when Demerara Queens battle West Side Conquerors while KwaKwani Strikers go up against Kuru Kuru Warriors at 16:00h.

At the Shulinab Community Centre Ground, where District three matches will be played, the first

match kicks off at 15:30H with Paiwomak Warriors FC taking on Saints FC and Shulinab clash with Snatchers FC from 16:30hrs.

The two-month league will realize the participation of thirteen (13) clubs drawn from three-geographically designated districts: 1. District One – North East District comprising Georgetown, West Demerara, Essequibo and Bartica Regional Football Associations.

2. District Two – North West District comprising Berbice, East Demerara, East Bank and the Upper Demerara Football Associations and 3. District Three – Rupununi Regional Football Association The Women’s Development League is designed to facilitate competitive women’s football participation, create public awareness of the sport and to expand the players’ pool.

saturday, october 1, 2016

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

Pg 22

West Indies horrendous tour of the UAE continues − Pakistan take 1st ODI by 111 runs

Pakistan celebrates after Mohammad Amir rocked West Indies' chase early with the wicket of Johnson Charles.

Jaguars Franchise League

Pg 23 Pg 20

East Bank facing uphill task against Upper Corentyne

−Yadram, Clements slam commanding tons

Assad Fudadin was watchful early in his innings but blossomed beautifully to take the bowling apart

“Drag Warz 2” to ignite South Dakota

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