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

Issue No. 2967

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, September 3, 2016

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GPSU rejects Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police hunt suspects in execution- P9 style killing

10%

‘final offer’

... Govt pay hike “fancy footworks again,” – Jagdeo

Main witness State assumes in Freddie affairs of Fmr Kissoon’s case Top Cop Henry killed in accident Greene’s estate

Page 9

Page 10

Revision of Amerindian Act

Timeline needed for completion – NTC Vice P16 Chairman

4 new GPL substations to be built P7

Annandale Secondary’s CSEC results

“Technical P17 glitch” responsible for delay – acting CEO First Lady Sandra Granger on Friday offered words of comfort and support to grieving Ophelia James, who lost two children in an accident on the Aruka River on the evening of August 25. Ms James is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing several injuries, including two broken ribs, a fractured shoulder blade and a punctured left lung, following the accident

GWI discovers error in debts collected under fired manager

Page 7

… now says only $922M was recovered, not reported $1.8B

NCN Sport P9 Editor suspended

2

NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Former AG recommends full-time legal counsel for Jagdeo

…calls new Linden tolls discriminatory, unconstitutional

A

successful law suit can be filed against the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government every week – the latest legal infraction being the recently introduced tolls to traverse Linden – long considered the gateway to the interior.

This is the view of Former Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, who insists that the new tolls are not only discriminatory but a violation of the Guyana Constitution which enshrines that no law shall make provisions to provide for any discrimination.

Nandlall is of the opinion that the by-laws recently approved by Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, is one such violation of the Guyana Constitution since

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

it is inherently discriminatory.

“These by-laws, in essence, impose toll charges on vehicles travelling through the municipality of Linden… significantly; the by-laws provide that these tolls do not apply to vehicles which are registered in the

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall

names of a person living in Linden.”

It was set out in the recently enacted by-laws that Lindeners are to pay a toll to be determined by the Council twice a year in January and July and “presumably, the toll that would

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

be fixed for Lindeners would be, appreciatively, lower.”

Nandlall has since posited that by “applying these constitutional provisions to those by-laws, every first year law student would conclude that those by-laws are discriminatory and inconsistent with Article 149 and

therefore, are null and void by virtue of Article 8 of the Constitution.”

He posited that the enacted by-laws would have enjoyed legal scrutiny, as well as the approval of Cabinet and as such, “I cannot help but express my bewilderment, as I have often done, at how such elementary legal mistakes can survive the scrutiny of a Cabinet comprising of an Attorney General and four other lawyers.”

Nandlall said he has since advised the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, to hire a full-time lawyer for his office since “a successful law suit can be filed against this government every week.”

According to the former AG and Legal Affairs Minister, the imposition of tolls is but the latest in an avalanche of increased tax measures that have been imposed in an environment of no commensurate increase in wages, no new investments and no job-creation opportunities.

He said, “to compound the plight of the ordinary Guyanese, these economic disincentives are complemented by and coupled with a plethora of similarly oppressive and anti-business policies imposed by the government.”

Nandlall suggested that the result has been gross economic decline, commercial stagnation and fiscal inertia: “Indeed, anyone unfamiliar with the realities of Guyana, reading the vast and varying compendium of tax measures to which I have alluded, would never believe that that regime of tax measures were imposed over a period of a mere seven months, that is, March to August, 2016.”

He said, “thus far, we have witnessed astronomical increases, in some instances, as high as 1200 per cent in 140 public licences fees.”

He pointed too to the imposition of VAT on heavyduty equipment in agricultural, mining, forestry and construction industries

which were hitherto VATfree; the imposition of taxes on imported raw materials for the manufacturing industry; the imposition of higher import duties and taxes on vehicles by banning the importation of vehicles that are eight years and older; the imposition of higher taxes on steel; the imposition of a tax on containers; the routine subjecting of almost every container imported to almost 100 per cent inspection by Customs which invariably leads to increase in Customs and Excise Duties; increased parking fees at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by 400 per cent; the impending implementation of parking meters within the City of Georgetown; the increase in application fees for State lands from $5000 to $55,000; the proposal to increase rates and taxes on properties throughout the country; the proposal to increase drainage and irrigation charges by MMA/ ADA from $2500 per acre to $6000 per acre annually; the proposal to increase fees at the Demerara Harbour Bridge; inter alia.

Nandlall said he is of the view that the coalition Government is pursuing a flawed fiscal policy of supplementing the shortfall of revenue by increasing taxation.

According to Nandlall, the grand plan appears to be to augment revenue by taxing the population to the hilt, while waiting on the oil revenues to flourish.

He said government appears oblivious to the stark economic truth that no country ever accumulated its wealth by overtaxing taxing its people, adding too that thus far, government is yet to produce a plan or a policy that would lend to job creation, increasing the size of the economy, attract and generate local or foreign investments, sourcing new markets for our produce, addressing the astronomical cost of energy or deliver social justice – all of which are so vital to economic growth and the social elevation of our people.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 3 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, September 4 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 3 – 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, September 4 – 05:35h-07:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers with sunny conditions can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: West South Westerly to North-easterly to East North-easterly between 0.89 metres and 2.23 metres.

High Tide: 05:29h and 17:44h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.68 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:21h and 23:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.51 metre respectively.

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GPSU rejects 10% ‘final offer’ ... pay hike “fancy footworks again” – Jagdeo

T

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has rejected the Government’s final offer of a 10 per cent – one per cent differentiated salary increase for public servants and is calling on the Administration to return to the bargaining table.

The decision came by way of a resolution of the GPSU’s General Council Meeting held on Friday at its Regent Street and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Headquarters.

The resolution has since mandated the GPSU’s Executive Council and the negotiating team of the Union “to call on the Government of Guyana to observe the rules of the legally binding agreement between the Government and the Union for the avoidance and settlement of disputes.”

The announcement comes a day after President David Granger declared that the ‘final offer’ made by Government is all it could afford at the time and that the Administration would proceed to make an arbitrary award should the GPSU reject its proposal.

Prior to voting on the resolution, its members were urged to consider whether or not the extent of the Government’s pay offer is consistent with its own stated commitment to affording public servants a ‘living wage’.

The General Council was also asked to consider, “Whether or not the extent of the Government’s pay offer is consistent with the Union’s concern that public servants be removed from the ranks of the employed poor… whether or not there is validity in the Government’s argument that the extent of its pay offer is underpinned by the reality of affordability.”

Leader of Meanwhile, the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo has scolded the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

(APNU/AFC) Government for the salary increase offered to workers in the country’s Public Sector. negotiations During with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Government made an offer of between one per cent and 10 per cent increases for workers; an offer the GPSU was expected to consider in coming days. But during his weekly telecast “The Public Interest”, President David Granger made it clear that whether or not the GPSU accepts the offer, this is the final offer from Government, since this is what can be afforded as at September 1, 2016.

However, the Opposition Leader on Thursday said the while the Government is gloating about its 10 per cent increase, in actuality, it is just about six per cent workers will be receiving.

He said the figures are concocted with the intention of deceiving workers.

According to Jagdeo, the offer is “fancy footworks again”.

He said this is another glaring revelation of the Government recanting on its promises to Guyanese public servants.

“Firstly, they (APNU/ AFC) promised the public servants substantial increases. Secondly, they took the huge salary in-

GPSU President Patrick Yard

creases for themselves and when you look at the weighted average, it’s not 10 per cent, it’s like what they did; remember they announced high percentage (in 2015), but made it effective from July the last time. Its fancy footworks again,” Jagdeo said.

He reminded that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the 2016 May Day rally, announced that Government had set aside some $50 billion to pay public servants increased wages and salaries and allowances. He said that if that amount is utilised, it will work out to about more than a 100 per cent increase, adding that

the announcement of the 10 per cent raise is appalling.

Jagdeo warned that the nation has to be very careful on how they view the increase, adding the Government has tens of billions of dollars sitting in the bank accounts in various semiautonomous entities, which they had argued the previous Administration was keeping outside of the Consolidated Fund to steal.

He is urging that they use these monies to fulfil their elections promise of 20 per cent increase for Public Sector workers.

Already the GPSU had put forward the same argument and earlier this week stated that the large sums of money that have been identified lying idle in various bank accounts and available for Government use should be utilised to pay public servants a liveable wage. The Union had even said it was not unmindful of the immediate implications of implementing a living wage and was prepared to support a multi-year approach to achieve this goal, suggesting a three-year period.

TURN TO PAGE 16

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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

Another Shanique Myrie?

F

rom the way it looks, the authorities in Barbados may very well have another Shanique Myrie case on their hands as another Jamaican is alleging that immigration officers in that country infringed on her rights as a citizen of a Caribbean Community (Caricom) Member State.

The case of the Jamaican woman, Sonya King, 24, was given wide publicity in the regional media and has once again brought the issue of the rights of citizens regarding the free movement of persons within the Region to the forefront.

According to reports, the woman claimed that she and her 14-month-old son were mistreated by immigration officers at the Grantley Adams International Airport last weekend. King is alleging that she was forced to sleep on a dirty mattress on the ground, refused water to make tea for her baby, and prevented from accessing her suitcase, before eventually being allowed to stay in the country for two days. She was quoted in the Jamaica Observer describing her treatment as “horrific” when she arrived in Barbados.

King is now very likely to take the matter to court. On its part, the Barbados Government has informed that an investigation into King’s complaints is underway.

This incident of course comes three years after the Barbados Government had to fork out more than US$37,500 in damages to another Jamaican, Shanique Myrie, who was denied entry to the island. Similarly, Myrie’s case was given much regional and international publicity. She had claimed that she was subjected to a ‘body cavity’ search, detained overnight in a cell and deported to Jamaica the following day. She also accused immigration officials of directing derogatory remarks at her.

It could be recalled that Myrie took the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which ruled in October 2013 that Barbados had breached the rights of the Jamaican national, afforded under Article 5 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, by denying her entry. The court had ordered that Myrie be paid US$37,500 in non-pecuniary damages and US$1120 in pecuniary damages because she was wrongly prevented from entering the country.

It is quite unfortunate that in spite of this case and numerous other examples, the authorities in Barbados are still somewhat unprofessional in the way they treat Caricom citizens visiting that country.

Guyanese citizens have also had their fair share of ‘unfavourable’ treatment meted out to them at certain ports of entry, especially in Barbados; and Antigua to some extent.

While an investigation has been launched into this latest case of a Jamaica national being denied entry into a Caricom Member State; it would be fair to say that some member countries continue to violate the free movement obligations under the Revised Treaty.

The excuse of contradicting domestic laws is often employed. However, as pointed out by Caricom, once a country ratifies a treaty, this supersedes domestic law – as was the case of Jamaican Shanique Myrie versus the Government of Barbados. Caricom officials have maintained that member countries are obligated to amend their local laws to coincide with the Treaty. Even though countries had some time to do so, many are yet to make such changes. Hence, this poses a challenge for immigration officers in the execution of their duties.

The Caribbean Single Market and Economy allows for the free movement of people and goods within Caricom Member States in order to facilitate a better standard of living for all citizens. As far as we are aware, citizens can only be denied entry once solid reasons are provided, such as for security purposes or for the protection of public moral and human, animal or plant health. Subsequently, these reasons must be submitted to the relevant authorities for scrutiny.

While an immigration officer should take into account a person’s past records before allowing entry, it must be the sole basis for denying that person as that person may be reformed.

As a given, there should be no differentiation and no biased treatment influenced by a person’s nationality.

That said, many citizens of the Region are still ignorant of their rights under the revised Treaty, and while Caricom had done some work in the past in spreading awareness, these efforts must be ongoing. If citizens are well informed about their rights they will be in a better position to defend and represent themselves when faced with certain situations as in the case of Myrie’s.

Amerindian Heritage Month was officially launched at the Heritage Village, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Thursday amid much pomp and ceremony. Here, a patron at the launching is fitted with a bracelet she purchased at one of the booths displaying authentic Indigenous craft

Basil Williams is no Anil Nandlall

Dear Editor, The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, once said, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

Another section of the media, on September 1, quotes Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, the Hon Basil Williams as saying, “Nandlall will be placed before the Privileges Committee” for “lying” in the National Assembly. It is unclear whether the learned AG is oblivious to the mounting pressure to send one of his own colleagues to the Committee of Privileges for a much more serious offence, or he is under the illusion that he can use this utterance as a threat to deter and dissuade the PPP/C from pursuing their demands that Public Health Minister, the Hon Dr George Norton, be sanctioned by the National Assembly over the Bond gate fiasco.

Editor, I’m not implying here that Minister Basil Williams is a fool, far from it. But he does make a fool of himself sometimes when it is clear that, as Attorney General, he appears to not always understand certain sections of the law, and is often the recipient of a classroom lecture by the former AG, Anil Nandlall during debates in Parliament and in the media.

So whether he’s aware of it or not, the AG now makes it difficult for himself, the Speaker of the National Assembly and his

Parliamentary colleagues to not support a PPP/C resolution to place Dr Norton before the Committee of Privileges when Parliament resumes.

To do otherwise would be seen by all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora as hypocritical at best.

According to Williams, the PPP/C Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall “lied” in the National Assembly when he informed the House that “Former President, Donald Ramotar had met with the wife of Walter Rodney in the United States, and that she had requested the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into her husband’s death be held without the involvement of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).”

The PPP/C’s Motion to adopt the recommendations of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry was debated in the National Assembly on August 4, where Nandlall is alleged to have made the statement quoted above. The AG had an opportunity and the votes during the following sitting of the House on August 8, to send Nandlall to the Committee of Privileges if indeed he was convinced and had evidence to prove that Nandlall “lied”. He chose not to do so. And so, his desire to sanction Nandlall at a time when Dr Norton is called upon to account for misleading the National Assembly, must be seen as a childish ‘tit for tat’ reaction in support of his APNU col-

league, and indeed a smoke screen designed to shift the daily outrage aimed at the APNU/AFC Administration vis-a-vis the pharmaceutical storage bond fiasco and other scandalous revelations.

Considering the AG is so anxious of sending a PPP Parliamentarian to be sanctioned by the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges, was he not lying to the nation when he insisted in an article on August 22, that on April 8, 2016, “Government had not yet finalised a settlement with BK”, knowing fully well that according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, the US$5.7M settlement was hammered out since the year before?

And shouldn’t Williams himself go before the Committee for deliberately lying to Parliament by insisting that the US$5.7 million given to Brian Tiwarie in relation to the Haags Bosch dumpsite was to settle a US$10 million lawsuit which Williams knew was never part of any court action?

Shouldn’t the Finance Minister, the Winston Jordon be sent to the Committee of Privileges for denying rice farmers the $23B he claimed had been set aside in his 2015 National Budget presentation to pay rice farmers following disclosures that the PetroCaribe Fund was empty? Wasn’t this lying to the National Assembly?

And shouldn’t Minister Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo also face the Committee for misleading

the House when they accused the former administration of mismanaging the nation’s forest reserves?

And who should face the Committee of Privileges for misleading the nation on the Durban Park 50th Anniversary project when we were first told that it would not cost taxpayers a single cent, then subsequently the public was told it would cost $150 million, and when the supplementary budget was recently tabled in Parliament, we now know that it cost the Guyanese taxpayers $400 million to construct the Durban Park project.

Editor, after reading the merits of his contention I am left to wonder whether the Attorney General was present in New York during the discussion that former President Donald Ramotar had with the Rodney Family.

How could he have known what was what Ms Rodney said to President Ramotar, regardless of whether she may have given evidence to the CoI to the contrary.

Is he prepared to bring Ms Rodney to Guyana to testify before the Parliamentary Committee? Basil Williams is our Attorney General, but Basil Williams is no Anil Nandlall. I fear if he pursues this vindictive course of action, he will only present yet another opportunity for Nandlall to embarrass him as he does almost weekly in the media.

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP

Strong message sent

Dear Editor, Last Wednesday, Brazil's senate voted to remove its first female President, Dilma Rousseff, from office; the culmination of a yearlong strug-

gle that paralyses Latin America's largest nation and exposed deep rifts among its people on everything from race relations to social spending.

A lesson Guyanese can

learn from this bold act is that anyone can be removed from office if he/she is accused and found guilty of being corrupt while in public office.

It doesn’t matter who

she or he is! At least they did it using the democratic method in Brazil!

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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

Civil society must be more Why one set of rules for the PPP/C and another set for APNU/AFC? proactive in securing governance systems

Dear Editor, It has become a matter of course that individuals' professionalism and integrity hit low notes in the political arena.

This has been demonstrated in other countries and Guyana is no exception. In this context, I wish to touch on the state of governance in Guyana and need for wider society to become more involved in the operation of government.

This has become necessary because we have had a political history that has flirted with socialism and government along the socialist model, and it is important that we do not return to such ideas.

Socialism has demonstrated that it is inherently weak as a resource allocator both in the political and productive spheres. Politically, it fosters cronyism and corruption, and a stagnant ruling class which becomes a law unto itself, while the masses are destined to remain so, having no power to remove the ruling class.

Fortunately, we have shifted to a democratic model which is based on competition, the rule of law and free speech.

Free speech and the rule of law are essential elements of a democratic system since these allow for discourse on matters in law and the adoption of appropriate models and systems to protect society and strengthen the operation of government.

The three essential elements to securing effective government are clearly articulated transparency, accountability and governance systems. Guyana has suffered tremendously over the last generation because of the lack of these aspects in the management of our government affairs. We have yet to draft guidelines on transparency, accountability and governance systems which define and underpin government operations and protect our society from similar abuses of the past.

In the absence of these guidelines, and until such time that they have been crafted and integrated in routine government operations, the professionals in our society across the various spheres, from politics and law in particular, through the

other disciplines of the health and social sciences, need to act as the substitute mechanism. These professionals need to act individually and through their professional organisations to hold government responsible and accountable to society.

A number of individuals have assumed the task and they are to be commended.

However, the wider society needs to recognise the stakes involved in having a government devoid of accountability and become more proactive and involved both in keeping government in check, and pushing for the guidelines on transparency, accountability and governance to be drafted and integrated into our government systems.

Guyanese as yet need to recognise that power resides in every man, woman and child in society, not government itself. Government is appointed by its society not as slave masters, but as public servants, to serve the will of the people.

Regards, Craig Sylvester

Dear Editor, As a citizen of Guyana who has voted in several elections, I wish to make some comments on a few issues I have observed within the past year of APNU/AFC assuming the seat of power.

In addition to my right to vote, this is also my right to question what is going on in this country, more so the blatant double standards and dual sets of rules for two different political parties.

When the PPP/C was in government, I observed just how elements of the then opposition, the APNU and AFC, along with support groups of these parties had made governance of Guyana almost intolerable and difficult for the PPP/C. The media became another thorn in the flesh of the PPP/C, observantly, carrying out directly and indirectly the mandate of the APNU/AFC. Every mistake – real and imagined – of the PPP/C resulted in party officials and government ministers being brutally flogged and crucified by the media, the APNU and AFC politicians, and many different social and interest groups.

Protests were held,

A village that is now in darkness Dear Editor, Since the government announced the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate, hundreds are now worried about the next step they will take to provide food for their families. Wales and Patentia have now become villages of broken promises and hearts, the business community is in need for a recovery, as shops are being forced to close due to the

economic downturn. Many businesses, farmers, vendors and taxi drivers are calling on the government to rethink their action because it will bring about bitter tears in the lives of many persons.

As schools are about to reopen, many parents are in distress about the welfare of their children, these days going to school takes a lot out of parents to satisfy

the needs of their children.

Parents are generally worried about their children’s future in school, because without the estate, they will not provide sufficient income to satisfy their needs.

Now that everyone has come to know about the harsh reality, it is time for us to accept and hope for the best. Many had wanted change and wanted a ‘good life’ promised by this admin-

istration, so here is it, embrace it.

Where would the many workers turn to that are currently out of jobs and those that will soon be dismissed? I ask, is this the ‘good life?’ Where would the youths turn to now? As many dreams are crushed.

Sincerely, Pt Surendra Tiwari Patentia Mandir

Govt only pretending they didn’t know Larry Singh Dear Editor, Much has been written on the pharmacy Bondgate scam. Does anyone really believe the APNU/AFC Members of Parliament, the cabinet, the President, the Prime Minister, and the minister of the Presidential Secretariat really did not know about the deal (arrangement) entered into between Larry Singh and the Ministry of Health?

They all met Singh during the election campaign in Florida and Singh travelled around with them. They all know Singh from the days of Tropical Airways. Moses and Khemraj also know about the problems PPP supporters experienced

during Larry Singh charters. These AFC leaders let us down by allying themselves with Larry.

The coalition Government figures are simply pretentious, fooling an innocent unsuspecting Guyanese public giving an impression that the coalition leaders did not know about the fraud. Larry was seen fraternising with the PNC and AFC leaders at the PNC Congress.

Did these figures really not know who was/is Larry Singh and his reputation relating to scams (Tropical Airways and others)? As told by friends at APNU/AFC fundraisers in Florida, Georgia, Washington and in the greater New York area last

year, Larry Singh facilitated huge donations in the tens of millions of dollars to the coalition during the election campaign.

The bond contract was clearly a payback for the huge campaign donations.

Politics function this way -- financial political investment must earn dividends and the coalition was simply providing an opportunity (through the bond scam) for Singh to recoup his investment with a huge rate of return.

New Yorkers know Larry well.

Contrary to what is being peddled to the public, Minister George Norton is really the fall guy (forced to apologise) for carrying out instructions on rewarding

Singh.

Why does the public think, Norton has not been fired or asked to resign? It would be wrong to fire the man for carrying out directives even if he is unqualified for the position. Only the politically naive would believe that the coalition leadership were not in with the scan.

I study politics for too long, has been in journalism since the 1970s and know the Guyanese American community too well not to know what is going on behind backs and in the political underground.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

throngs of people holding placards for prolonged periods were seen, abuse was heaped on ministers, and much unrest was created.

Almost every sector of society – from the NGOs, women’s groups, socio-political groups, legal fraternity and others – were on bashing, criticising, cursing and denigrating PPP/C ministers.

Not only were resignations called for whenever a PPP/C minister or official blundered, but brute actions were taken in the streets and the media belted out its string of attacks daily to ensure that PPP/C ministers were shamed and humiliated and the harshest punitive actions were taken against them.

When the labour unions didn’t get their way or their demands met for wages and salaries increase, the country was shut down as the unions engaged in massive and prolonged protests to bully the PPP/C government to grant them what they wanted.

Now there is a new government and the then opposition is in the seat of power.

What do we observe? Do we observe the same alacrity to

crucify wrong-doers when similar blunders are made?

Do we see the media and its columnists gunning after the APNU/AFC ministers as they once did the PPP/C ministers? Do we hear from the international bodies, the private sector, business groups, social groups, etc on these blunders? How strong has been the call – if any at all - for any APNU/AFC minister to resign from his/ her post for blunders?

Why is one set of rules used on the PPP/C when it was in government and another used for the APNU/ AFC? Why is the APNU/AFC allowed to get away so easily with their blunders when that same party and media and others didn’t allow the PPP/C to get away with mistakes they made? Why did the labour unions make the country ungovernable and hindered the growth of the economy with great militancy, aggression and force under the PPP/C but now is taking an inert approach towards the APNU/AFC? I would love to hear the answers.

Yours sincerely, Daren J Harish

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Page

Foundation

Why back-to-school nutrition is important

BY PAM MYERS

N

utrition is one of the single most important factors when it comes to a child’s development. Proper nutrition is essential for children to succeed in school. By feeding your children a proper diet, you are helping them to be able to function properly in school in addition to fostering their growing mind and bodies.

A proper diet is especially important for growing children. At this level, the children’s minds are still developing and their bodies are growing fast. Without proper nutrition, a child will lack the vitamins and minerals necessary to facilitate a normal growth.

It is important to feed your children a variety of healthy meals and snacks.

Avoid feeding children junk food which will only contribute to obesity and malnutrition. The occasional treat will not hurt your child, but it is not healthy to make it a regular habit.

One way to ensure that your child eats healthy at school is to make a bag lunch for your child each day. Include healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables or a variety of nuts.

Each of these snacks is high in vitamins and low in fat.

They also provide your child with energy to keep their attention on school matters rather than drifting off to sleep.

Also pack a nutritious meal along with a juice box or milk box. Nutritious meals can include sandwiches along with soups. Be sure to pack your children’s meals in small portions as children tend to snack on several items at once. While there is no way to ensure

guyana-times.com

that your child is not trading away their food, you are preventing them from buying school lunches which consist of mostly processed food.

As children get older and graduate to junior high and high school, more unhealthy options are available in the lunch room such as soda machines. Gather a bunch of nutrition-minded parents and create a plan to implement new options into the school cafeterias. While you may not see immediate results, if you keep up your campaigning and your research, eventually someone else’s kids will benefit from your hard work.

There are several ways to implement a healthy, nutritious diet in school-age children. Children need lots of minerals and vitamins in order to develop the tools necessary to facilitate healthy growth in both body and mind. Packing a bag lunch for your children is a great way to monitor what your child eats while at school.

Another great solution is to get involved with the PTA and campaign for healthier school lunches. Results may not be immediate, but they will be beneficial.

5 healthy lunch box tips for teens

High school cafeterias are notorious for offering foods that are less than healthy.

If your

teen is getting sick of hamburgers and pizza for lunch during the week, they may be considering brown bagging it. Here are five healthy lunch box tips your teens may want to incorporate into their bagged lunches.

1. Encourage your teen to pack foods from at least three food groups.

This could mean sandwiches, some carrot sticks, and piece of fruit. It could also mean taking leftovers from the night before, a salad, and fruit at the bottom yogurt. The key is to consider what your teen likes to eat and then purchase things you know they’ll like and that are healthy choices. If they pack a healthy lunch they are more likely to have the energy and mental clarity for the remainder of the school day. If they eat cafeteria food, or worse yet – get something from the candy machine, they may have an energy crash from sugar overload.

2. Ask your teen to go with you to choose the food they’d like to include in their lunches.

Then, when you’ve returned home, suggest to your teen that they may want to begin preparing their meals for the week. They can place some items in paper bags in the fridge so they can finish filling them the night before school. This way the bagged lunches are ready for them to grab

and go.

3. Instead of placing everything in zip top bags, you might suggest that your teen place some foods into small plastic containers. This will help keep those foods fresher as well as contain any liquids that may be part of the meal. One great meal idea for small plastic containers is to chop up left over chicken breasts, add chopped grapes and a little bit of mayonnaise to create a wonderful chicken salad to make any teen jealous.

4. Rather than making traditional sandwiches, your teen can create wraps instead. Use tortilla shells and spread a little bit of cream cheese on it. Cover it with shredded cheese, chopped chicken and shredded carrots. You have a fresh take on a sandwich.

They may actually find they prefer the roll-ups instead of sandwiches made with bread.

5. Don’t forget to include fish for your teen’s healthy lunch. They can make a tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread or can add the tuna to a tossed salad. Either way they choose to eat them, tuna is a good choice for a healthy lunch.

School lunches don’t have to be boring to be healthy. In fact, your teen can pick and choose healthy alternatives to what is offered in the school cafeteria and make them at home.

Maybe they won’t eat a healthy lunch box meal every day of the week, but replacing cafeteria food with a healthy meal from home can do wonders for their health, how well they concentrate in afternoon classes, and the amount of energy they have left when they return home. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

Raising healthy children in an unhealthy world — 10 ways to encourage smart snacking

R

aising children with healthy eating habits is becoming more difficult by the day. We live in a pre-processed and prepackaged world, and getting children to choose healthy snacks can be a real challenge.

If your children would rather hit the fast food drivethrough than grab a healthy

spill-proof smoothie container in your child’s lunch pail.

6. Make a big bowl of airpopped popcorn and season it with fresh herbs and spices. Keep the bowl by the TV for healthy snacking and save some for later.

7. Enjoy a healthy breakfast with homemade whole wheat pancakes. Mix your own batter using whole

snack, you might want to take some time and encourage healthier eating habits.

These 10 tips can encourage your children to eat healthy now and develop healthy eating habits for a lifetime.

1. Peel fresh veggies and keep them in the fridge.

Package those healthy snacks with healthy dips such as low-fat dressing, hummus or yogurt.

2. Replace your cookie jar with a bowl of fresh fruit. Keep the bowl on the counter by the door so the

wheat flour, and then stir in fresh fruit for added flavour.

8. Keep low-fat deli meats, white meat turkey and hard boiled eggs in the crisper drawer of your fridge. The children can grab a healthy snack when they get home from school and share the flavour with their friends.

9. Sneak healthy food into your desserts by substituting apple sauce for some of the butter or shortening.

Reduce the amount of sugar in your recipes by adding

children can grab a healthy snack on their way out the door.

3. Choose pre-packaged snack-sized bags of chips, pretzels and other snacks.

The snack-sized bags make it easier to control portions.

4. Make your own healthy trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and other fun ingredients. Package the trail mix in zip-lock storage bags or stash them in your child’s lunchbox.

5. Blend fresh fruit juice with low-fat yogurt for a healthy smoothie. Keep a pitcher in the fridge for an anytime snack or place a

naturally sweet blueberries, apricots, peaches and other delicious fruits.

10. Replace unhealthy sugared and sugar-free soda with a mixture of seltzer water and 100 per cent fresh fruit juice. They children will love the fizz and the great taste.

You do not have to let your child become a statistic in a world where obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. Making a few simple changes to the way your family lives could help your own children avoid longterm health problems. (child-

developmentinfo.com)

news

7

saturday, september 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

4 new GPL substations to be built S

everal communities are set to benefit from improved electricity distribution with the construction of new substations and the expansion of existing ones.

Plans are moving apace to construct new substations in Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara; KuruKuru on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway; and Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to acting Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated Renford Homer, “This will bring relief to residents from those communities who for years awaited proper electricity distribution.”

Homer made this disclosure during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), where he revealed that the substations at Kingston and Sophia, Georgetown; Columbia and

Acting GPL CEO Renford Homer

Good Hoop, East Coast Demerara; Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara; and Number 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, will also be expanded to improve service to residents in those communities.

GPL is currently awaiting Cabinet’s approval for the construction of the substations which are expected

to commence early in 2017.

“Towards the end of 2017, one or two of those substations should be constructed, in conjunction with the line hardware that is required. We are assiduously working to move forward,” Homer explained.

The construction of substations can run for a minimum period of one year and the company has already started the process, with tenders already out for bidding.

Tenders are open for the expansion of the current substations. “We’re just short of a couple of days of seeing the tenders close, and we have to go through that process of evaluation and have the contract awarded by December,” the acting CEO said.

These substations will assist the power company in improving the level of services offered, Homer said. “We are shortening the lengths of the conductors that feed the various areas, it makes isolation

GWI discovers error in debts collected under fired manager … now says only $922M was recovered, not reported $1.8B

Lear Goring

O

ne day after firing its Debt Recovery Manager, Lear Goring, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said the monies the unit had managed to recover is close to half of what it had previously announced.

During a press conference on August 10, 2016, it was reported that GWI raked in $1.8 billion in arrears for the period ending July 2016.

This however is incorrect.

According to a missive issued by the entity’s Public Relations Department, “after checks and verification, it was found that the arrears collection figure up to July

2016 is $921,814,791.”

The Debt Collection Department was, up until a week ago, ran by a twice convicted and deportee Lear Goring, who was hired by the entity’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles.

Goring came to prominence recently when it was discovered that both he and the GWI Managing Director were in fact business partners.

The two are Directors of Atlantic Fuels Inc – a company that obtained a fuel licence under questionable circumstances.

Goring was sent on leave a week ago and officially fired on Thursday following a decision taken by the utility company’s Board of Directors.

Goring was unqualified for the position to which he had been appointed by the GWI Managing Director.

He was also convicted of drug trafficking twice and was deported on both occasions from the United States of America (USA).

Publicly available US court documents show Goring was convicted in the early 1990s before being deported to Guyana in 1993. He was also charged with possession and with intent to distribute cocaine in 1995 and he lat-

Dr Richard Van West-Charles

er pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 63 months in prison by Judge K M Moore in a Brooklyn, New York court.

He had reportedly used a forged passport to make his way back to the United States.

With regards to Goring’s appointment as Debt Recovery Unit Manager, Dr Van West-Charles had told this publication that Goring had applied for the job, was interviewed and subsequently hired.

He had defended Goring’s employment, pointing to the $3 billion debts owed to GWI and said he needed a person in the position that he could trust.

Eid-ul-Adha moon notice

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) wishes to inform the Guyanese public and the Muslim community that the month of Dhul- Hijjah1437 AH will commence today.

The 9th of Zul Hijjah (the day of Arafa) will be Sunday September 11th 2016.

Eid-ul-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) will be celebrated on Monday September 12th 2016.

The Sophia substation

and management easier and it also helps in the reduction of losses,” Homer explained.

GPL has engaged consultants who are knowledgeable in transmission

designs, to provide assistance and advice in this regard.

Earlier this year, GPL had disclosed that it planned to upgrade, extend and build substations to

improve the overall distribution of electricity countrywide. A total of $543 million has been allocated in the 2016 Budget for the development of substations.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS

Eyew tness

2015 Tiger Wondering…

Bay stabbing − accused to stand trial in the High Court A C …about Burnham's "buy local"

hristopher Stanley, 20, of Rosemary Lane, Tiger Bay, Georgetown, who allegedly stabbed Owen Browne to death on August 29, 2015, was on Friday sentenced by Magistrate Judy Latchman to stand trial in the high court.

This was the ruling when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Debby Chase and William Boyd were the two final witnesses to testify in the ongoing trial.

It was after their testimonies were heard that the Magistrate declared that

a prima facie case was made out against the defendant and as such he will stand trial in the high court for the offence of murder.

On August 29 last year, he stabbed Browne, also called “Rasta man” while he was asleep in his bed.

Prior to the stabbing, he attacked another resident with a knife and killed a cat, and just hours before he committed that act he was seen sharpening a knife.

It was reported that the man started acting in a strange manner and accused persons of supplying his mother with drugs.

At around 18:15h on the

Dead: Owen Browne

day in question, he reportedly entered the shack of the

victim and stabbed him. The victim awoke and screamed for assistance.

His daughter, Tawana Clark, came to his assistance but found the man, who she described as “possessed”, stabbing at her father.

Stanley then leaped off of the man and tried to escape but was caught and taken to the Brickdam Police Station.

He was subsequently sent to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Hospital as he was said to have sustained injuries in the process of killing Bowne.

Phone thief jailed Beaten bandit reappears in court for 3 months

A

man who was found guilty of stealing a Samsung Galaxy phone was jailed for three months when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Sheik Majid of Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the allegation when it was read to him by Magistrate Annette Singh.

It is alleged that on August 16, 2016 at the Route 42 Minibus Park, he stole one Samsung Galaxy

phone valued $140,000, property of Leon Curt.

The prosecution contended that on the day in question, the virtual complainant (VC), Curt, was sitting in a bus when he took out his phone, used it and then returned it to his shirt pocket. The defendant passing in another bus snatched the phone from his shirt pocket while the bus drove away.

Majid was later arrested and charged for simple larceny.

B

eaten bandit Patrick Goodluck, 22, of North Sophia, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman as the trial into the robbery commenced.

He was jointly charged with Colin Amos, 21, of 72 Sophia, Georgetown, for robbery under arms and possession.

On their first appearance, Goodluck and Amos both pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 17, at Georgetown, they attempt-

ed to commit robbery under arms and they attempted to rob Roger Lovell.

They were both apprehended and given a severe beating by residents of North Sophia.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Magistrate Latchman was informed that both defendants were given different dates to appear in court, as such she set the matter for September 6, when both Goodluck and Amos will appear before her

well meaning regular letter writer reacted to a reference about the closure of a raft of manufacturing businesses initiated by the Burnham regime in the 1970's to make Guyana "self sufficient".

He wondered why the succeeding governments didn't continue with the drive after Burnham died in 1985.

The question's very pertinent today since the present government just reminded us they'll be guided by the "ideology" of Burnham in general and import substitution - "local" products like plantain chips and tamarind balls were mentioned - in particular. So in the interest of heading off "history repeating itself as farce", your Eyewitness will try to answer the question.

In the 1970's it wasn't that Burnham was particularly "brilliant" or "innovative". The dominant developmental model for poorer countries then was "import substitution industrialisation" (ISI). It was even endorsed by the World Bank since at least it wasn't the socialist model of the USSR or even the "Dependency Model" of radicals like our own Clive 'SARA’ Thomas, who insisted that all linkages with the West must be cut! Inserted into office by the US, Burnham wasn't going to go out too far on the economic limb. so we had our "bicycle factory", "refrigerator factory", "tapir factory", etc. But if the truth be told, they weren't really "factories" that manufactured the products, were they? They were all actually entities assembling parts imported from outside. Our input was the labour. How much was our labour going to save on the end product?

And with our small market, these were never going to be profitable over time.

Then we had the "milk factory", "canned juice factory", “carambola factory”, etc. which all used local products and added value to them. These were actually factories and could've gone on to long term successes… but with our markets being so small, it had to have at least been capable of penetrating the Caricom market, which had succeeded CARIFTA. And this was the constraint on all the other "factories", such as the "match factory" or any other factory we'll launch in the present: how are we going to get big export markets?

The Far Eastern Countries that succeeded in escaping the poverty trap took a completely different route other than "import substitution". They looked to the developed countries and made strategic decisions on what they could export to them cheaper than they were producing the items at. That is they identified markets and then created products. And that's how we have Toyota -a sewing machine manufacturer- becoming the largest automobile company in the world. And Samsung coming from nowhere and dominating in all sorts of electronics.

So what exactly can we export today?

…about cheques and balances

There's been a great deal of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth by some die-hard supporters of the government who worked their butts off to put the incumbents into office but are now dumbstruck at the venality displayed in just one year. "Where oh where, have we gone wrong after all the criticisms we made of the previous PPP government?"; is their lamentation.

Well the short answer is that they were naive at best, or foolish at worse, to have believed that the AFC and APNU were motivated by anything other than pure selfinterest. The bottom line to deliver good governance is to have checks and balances in the structure of government.

Give even an angel unlimited powers and no checks and you get a Lucifer -who became the Devil!

In all their actions while in the opposition, did the principles of APNU or AFC EVER display they were interested in checks and balances?

Cheques and balances were more like it! FeddersLloyd anyone?

…about the new untouchables

In India the "untouchables" are the lowest of the low.

In Guyana it's the exact opposite. Like the “Gang of Four" at City Hall who can do no wrong.

Even when they break the law AND flout a High Court order!

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Police hunting suspects State assumes affairs of former in execution-style killing Top Cop Henry Greene’s estate T T he Police are working on several leads as they hunt for two men responsible for the gunning down of a South Ruimveldt resident, in Layon Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Thursday evening.

The body of Mark Wilson, 22, also called “QQ”, of Lot 1238 Canje Pheasant, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was riddled with bullets by the two suspects at about 22:00h.

According to reports, the young man was standing in vicinity of “Short Cut” when two men exited a car and shot at him.

In an attempt to escape,

Mark Wilson also called "QQ"

Jessemy explained that based on reports gathered,

The area where the shooting took place

Wilson ran through a yard but the gunmen gave chase and continued shooting, hitting him about the body. He eventually collapsed a short distance but the men continued to shoot at him.

After the gunmen made good their escape in a car, persons in the neighbourhood ran to assist the injured man. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital but succumbed on his way there.

Acting Crime Chief Hugh

the shooting might have been a drive-by shooting but this was clearly refuted by the sister of the dead man.

The sister, Malika Wilson, told Guyana Times that based on reports received, her brother was brutally shot and killed. “After they shoot he run, but they went behind he… my brother didn’t had the time to say a word… they shoot he up and left,” the woman stated.

While she is not aware of any enemies that her broth-

er might have had, she noted that he would always stay at his parent’s home during the day and leave for his place in the afternoon.

“I ask he several times if he had enemies but he always tell me that he nah have vibes with anyone… but yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, he left home and went on the road and it was then, the people come and shoot he up.”

She noted that after the family received news of the shooting, her mother and other brothers went to the hospital where they saw him lying motionless on a stretcher.

He was reportedly shot at least ten times.

Although the now dead man was charged and remanded to prison for possession of guns and ammunition in 2015, his sister refuted claims that his death might be linked to that incident, while noting that the case was dismissed.

He, along with GDF officer Aaron Eastman, Andrew Escott and Ryan Escott, were charged on December 9, 2015. The four men were arrested by Police after two firearms and several rounds of ammunition were found in the vehicle they were travelling in; however insufficient evidence subsequently led to the case being dismissed.

The man’s sister told Guyana Times that despite the other men informing the Police that they do not know her brother, charges were instituted against him.

Meanwhile, the aggrieved sister described her now dead brother as a willing, loving and jovial individual.

Police are continuing their investigations into the shooting. (Bhisham Mohamed)

NCN Sport Editor suspended

J

ocelle Archibald, a Senior Reporter and Sport Editor at the National Communications Network (NCN), was on Monday suspended for one month without pay for publically criticising a colleague.

Archibald took to social media, where she joined many in voicing her criticism over NCN’s Junior Producer, Norman Gobin’s question to President David Granger. During the televised weekly broadcast of ‘The Public Interest’, Gobin asked the Head of State if he plays Pokémon Go. She was subsequently ordered by management of the State-owned media house to take down the Facebook status, which read, “Who goes to interview the President… The President and asks about Pokémon go… I’m surrounded by idiots.”

Jocelle Archibald, a Senior Reporter and Sport Editor of NCN

She was then told to issue written apologies to Gobin and his Manager at the company, Veteran Programme Coordinator, Wendy Hermonstein.

However, it was reported that although she submitted her apologies, they were deemed “sarcastic”

and “insincere” by NCN’s management, resulting in the Human Resources Manager, Tishika De Costa, suspending her for one month without pay; this instruction was given by the Chief Executive Officer Lennox Cornette.

Archibald has been employed at the State-owned entity for a number of years, while a source has confirmed that Gobin has only been attached to the company since 2014.

She is expected to resume work as per normal on the September 29.

Efforts to make contact with NCN’s Chief Executive Officer proved futile.

When contacted, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle pointed out that although he is unable to pronounce on the actions taken by NCN’s management, a meeting with Archibald should shed some light on the matter.

he estate of the late Police Commissioner Henry Greene, has been taken over by the State and its administration is now in the care of the Public Trustee.

Legal sources have since expressed surprise at the revelation since it obtains as a result of no persons staking a claim to Greene’s property.

The information, according to at least one lawyer, is puzzling to say the least, since former Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang, had ordered that the estate of the former Police Commissioner be divided between his reputed wife Gail Stoll and his two children.

Greene’s two children, Troy and Shelda, had moved to the courts claiming millions of dollars in assets from his reputed wife and her Attorney Robin Hunte in 2013 shortly after the Police Commissioner’s demise.

Greene died in 2012, following a horrific car accident, leaving millions of dollars in assets, including several vehicles, holdings in the gold mining sector and several other properties, including a poultry and livestock farm at Kuru-Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The information relating to the acquisition of Greene’s

The late Henry Greene

estate by the State has been officially gazetted and dated Saturday, September 3, 2016.

The notice lists the estates of 18 deceased persons to have their affairs be administered by the Public Trustee’s Office.

According to information provided on the Official Gazette, The Office of the Public Trustee/Official Receiver is headed by the Public Trustee/Official Receiver and is primarily responsible for the administration of the estates of deceased persons. The Public Trustee/Official Receiver may also undertake to do the following: act as the Executor or Administrator of a will; act as the guardian

or receiver of the property of a minor or person under disability; and take possession of and administer the estate of any person who is absent from Guyana and who is not fully represented by an Attorney in Guyana and who has left debts unpaid.

The Official Gazette identifies in its publication, the “Estate of Wilfred Henry Greene, also known as Henry Greene, deceased of Lot 52 Essequibo Street, Lamaha Springs, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

It has further called on “all persons having claims as creditors against the deceased or his/her estate must lodge same at the office of the Public Trustee/ Official Receiver, Attorney General’s Chambers, Lot 95 Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, within three months from the date of the first publication of this notice.”

The latest publication is the third such.

The Public Trustee/ Official Receiver also manages trusts and administers entities in liquidation pursuant to the provisions of the Insolvency Act and also facilitates the payment of monetary judgments and costs awarded by the Court against the State.

10

NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Pomeroon boat collision Main witness in Freddie Kissoon case killed in accident Captain surrenders after hit-

T

he main witness in the faeces-throwing case involving popular columnist Freddie Kissoon was in the wee hours of Friday morning killed in an accident at Line Top, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Osmond Griffith, 40, of D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown.

Reports are that the now dead man exited a car to urinate when the driver of another car, bearing registration HC 4399, lost control and slammed into the parked car, after which it struck Griffith who was reportedly flung some distance and landed on the roadway.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

When contacted Traffic Chief, Dion Moore, told Guyana Times that while initial reports had suggested that the man might have lost his life as a result of an

Dead: Osmond Griffith

accident, they are conducting additional investigations.

Griffith was set to give evidence in the ongoing case before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Kwame McCoy, Jason Abdulla and Shawn Hinds were all charged for assaulting the columnist by throwing faeces on him

as he stepped out of Nigel’s Super Market in 2010.

Fidela Duncan, wife of the dead man, told Guyana Times that her husband left home Thursday afternoon at about 16:30h to conduct business with some friends.

She noted that afterwards he went for his usual lime at Plaisance, ECD. According to the grieving widow, she was at home when she received a call informing her that Griffith was involved in an accident and that he was rushed to the hospital. She added that based on reports, he suffered a broken neck and other injuries.

Moreover, she was not aware that her husband had to testify in the Freddie Kissoon case until she was asked about it.

Meanwhile, the Police have arrested the driver of the car responsible for the man’s death and he is assisting with investigations.

and-run, remains in custody

T

hirty-four-year-old Tyrone Da Silva of Grant Lower, Pomeroon River, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), will soon face charges for causing the death of 29-year-old Ryan DeFreitas, who died as a result of multiple injuries he sustained from a boat collision on August 31.

The results of the autopsy which was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, on Friday at the Suddie Mortuary, revealed that the gold miner lost his life due to multiple injuries from the boat collision. DeFrietas was heading to Charity with two other passengers when he met his demise.

Meanwhile, Da Silva, who is the captain of the other boat involved in the collision, remains in Police

custody. According to Police sources, Da Silva was under the influence of alcohol when he collided with the miner’s boat in the vicinity of Burn Bush Grant, Lower Pomeroon. A breathalyser test was conducted by detectives from G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands).

In addition to Da Silva being under the influence, information revealed that he failed to render assistance to passengers after the collision. Instead, it is alleged he ‘hit-and-run’, later surrendering to Police.

Wednesday night’s accident claimed the life of gold miner, Ryan DeFreitas, 29, called “Steppy” of Coven Garden, Lower Pomeroon.

Information revealed that DeFreitas was driving his employer's 40-horse powered engine boat heading

South on the right bank of the Pomeroon River, while the other boat, driven by Da Silva, was heading North when the collision occurred.

The boat, which was captained by the now dead man, measured 18 feet in length and carried two other passengers – Felix DeFreitas and Ray Marks.

They both received minor injuries from the collision.

The deceased’s body was recovered by residents living in the Pomeroon River.

Da Silva’s boat was reportedly ferrying his wife Afeeza Amin and his threeyear-old daughter. They also received minor injuries. The funeral of Ryan DeFreitas is scheduled for Sunday.

The file concerning the accident has been dispatched

by Police to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Collapse of revetment at Coomacka still to be fixed ... GGMC, engineers assess situation

R

egional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), Gavin Clarke stated on Thursday that engineers were summoned to the Coomacka Mines community along with representatives from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to assess the situation which led to intense flood-

ing and erosion in the area a month ago.

Heavy downpours had also led to the collapse of revetment to the main access bridge and while there has been no improvement to date, Clarke said the team visited the area on Thursday.

Also speaking on the issue, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph said officials

from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) visited a day after the incident occurred and had promised to return, however there was no follow-through as promised.

Adolph indicated that about 30 residents from the farming community had been affected, many of who had lost appliances and food supplies in the aftermath.

He added that they were assisted by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) with cleaning agents the following day. According to Adolph it was speculated that a dyke in the community had burst which contributed to the situation.

"I was there to see the damage that was done... along with a team from Georgetown to see what remedy could be taken to avoid the flood again. They promised to come back within a week, but unfortunately on to today they haven't returned. What they suggested is a dyke was burst somewhere up in the mines,” Adolph stated.

Chairman of the

A section of the collapsed revetment

Floodwater in the community

Coomacka Development Council (CDC) Dexter Harding had stated that it was the third time that the access bridge had collapsed and pointed to faulty work by the contractor.

Harding had publicly complained over the issue prior to last month’s flooding. Another possible cause highlighted by the CDC chairman is the suspected over-topping of ponds/reservoirs belonging to bauxite company Bosai Minerals

Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI).

The downpour had also led to massive flooding and erosion in the small farming community which also caused the water trunklines to be exposed. Officials of the RDC had responded to the problem within minutes as the REO, an engineer, the bridge contractor, and other officials visited the scene.

Harding said officials were trying to come up with solutions as well as to

make contact with BMGGI regarding the issue. He had also indicated that the Agriculture Ministry’s permanent secretary visited the scene. A meeting was also hosted with several engineers to see what they could do about the drainage network to avoid a recurrence of flodding.

The CDC Chairnan said he was also expecting a visit from the Civil Defence Commission but to date no work has been carried out.

(Utamu Belle)

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Revision of Amerindian Act

Timeline needed for completion – NTC Vice Chairman A

head of a National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) executive meeting in October, Vice Chairman Lenox Shuman is imploring the Government to sit with the Council and set a timeline for the completion of the revision of the Amerindian Act. Shuman said while the revision must be comprehensive and methodical, it is pertinent for a timeline to be established. The Council has signalled its intention that it would like to become the key player in the amendment of the Act and also called for widespread consultation on the piece of legislation, since it would affect the entire Indigenous peoples’ population.

The process of discussions began at the National Toshaos’ Council Conference two weeks ago when recommendations were offered from various

Indigenous leaders and villages. These suggestions have been recorded and will be discussed at the Council’s executive meeting in October.

The Vice Chairman, meanwhile, indicated that the State has failed to fulfil its obligation to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples. He stated that they are still maintaining somewhat discriminatory laws – the Mining Act, the Forest Act and the Protected Areas Act. “All of these things they are discriminatory in nature and do not fall in line with Article 149 G,” Shuman said, adding that the Council is working with Government to develop a framework to ensure that Government meets their obligations.

“When there is a constitutional right, the State has an obligation to fulfil that

NTC Vice Chairman Lenox Shuman

right and that has not been done since the Constitution has been established,” he stressed, saying that while they are hopeful that the process of the revision of the Act itself would be expeditious, it is good to be cautious to ensure that all parts are addressed appropriately.

He stated that

Indigenous people should enjoy full protection under the law and preservation of their culture and heritage.

Shuman previously stated that they have only “scratched the surface” in the discussions for the amendment of the Amerindian Act. He said that those responsible for discussing the way forward should adopt a careful approach because Indigenous people would not want another 2006 Amerindian Act since “it would lead to our continued destruction”.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had also stated that the purpose of the Amerindian Act is to cater for the needs of the Amerindian people of Guyana, adding that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic will never at the national level, support any changes that will erode the rights afforded to the

Amerindian people.

He had implored the Toshaos to enquire thoroughly about the benefits to be accrued by any proposed changes and if however, the answer is in the negative then, it is the duty of the Amerindian people to fight against the changes.

Meanwhile, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock has stated that Government is committed to the protection of the rights of Indigenous peoples and their lands and culture.

Allicock had stated that the Council has not submitted its proposals for the revision of the Act. He stated that in 2015, they had discussed the need for the strengthening of the Act and when he spoke to the Executive Council on the first meeting, he vowed to take to Cabinet a “menu of the amendments of the

Act for approval” and present them to the National Assembly for passage into law. However, the Council has not submitted its written proposals.

On the other hand, the Vice Chairman stated that the establishment of a secretariat for the NTC is crucial. He said the secretariat will enable the people to channel their concerns to the NTC, thus empowering the Council to truly execute its mandate, as it is laid out in the Act. “It is difficult for us to fulfil our mandate having no office to operate from, having no permanent staff and no technical support to ensure that that mandate is met,” he said, noting that they are seeking funding.

He stated that so far, they have had very positive engagement with the InterAmerican Development Bank to receive funding.

Gunmen strike twice at Vreed-en-Hoop businesses in one day

R

esidents of Vreeden-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, are now fearful for their safety and their businesses after gunmen robbed two neighbouring businesses in one day.

At about 22:00h Thursday night, two unmasked gunmen went into the Palm Castle Hang Out Spot located on New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop Public Road and robbed the cashier and a customer of a quantity of cash.

Speaking with Guyana Times Christopher Henry, whose father owns the bar, recalled that the two men walked in the bar like regular customers. At the time, there were some customers sitting at a table in the corner and they were held up by the bandits, one of whom was armed.

The armed bandit then went behind the bar, where the cashier was while his accomplice remained at the table. “(The armed bandit) went into the bar and told the bargirl to lie flat on the ground and he took all the money from the drawer. He came out back and meet the other guy at the table.”

Henry noted that the bandits then put the customers to lie on the ground and even assaulted one of them. “One of the customers get lash in his face with the gun and the other boy, they put he on his belly and he said he lost about $85,000.”

The young man further related that the two perpetrators then went back into the bar, collected two juices and walked out. He said that at the time he was

watching the robbery from a CCTV surveillance upstairs.

Henry explained that he happened to pass by the CCTV monitor when he noticed what was happening downstairs. He said that he did not go down because he was unsure how many bandits and if they were armed.

“The whole thing lasted about two minutes but when I see then walking out, I rush out to the veranda and shouted for thief!

When they heard me, they ran to the car and drove off heading to Parika side.”

Meanwhile, his father and owner of the popular bar, Pouranand Harricharran, told this newspaper that he was not at home but after his family called and informed him about the robbery, he rushed home.

The businessman stated

that the CCTV camera captured the entire ordeal and a copy of the footage was handed to the police. He further detailed that the footage show when the white car, which was heading in the eastern direction, pulled up in front of his premises and two men exited and entered the bar.

He continued that the driver then turned the car to face the western direction and shortly after the two men were seen running out of the bar and into the car before it sped off.

This robbery occurred some 12 hours after a

Chinese Supermarket, located two houses away, was robbed earlier in the day. Reports revealed that sometime around 10:00h on Thursday morning, three armed men stormed the premises then taking off with an undisclosed sum of cash from the cashiers and customers.

Guyana Times understands that one of the customers in the supermarket who was robbed of about $50,000 lives between the supermarket and Palm Castle Hang Out Spot, which means that three adjoining neighbours were

looted in less than 24 hours.

The victims believe that the same group carried out the daring robberies. “It had to be them,” Harricharran declared to this publication shortly after the robbery.

Police in ‘D’ Division (West Demerara) had combed the area following both robberies but came up empty handed.

Nevertheless, investigations are ongoing as surveillance footage from both incidents was handed over for identification of the perpetrators. (Vahnu Manickchand)

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Canada to spearhead US$946,000 justice delivery programme

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway

By Alexis Rodney

T

he United States (US) Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), on Friday launched a US$946,000 “Strengthening the Criminal Justice in Guyana” project at the US Embassy in Georgetown, to improve justice delivery in Guyana.

The three-year programme, which will be led by the Canadian-based Justice Education Society (JES), aims at improving the quality of policing, prosecution and delivery of justice by the local judicial system.

The launching programme saw the attendance of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl Singh, and members of the diplomatic corps.

US Ambassador Perry

Holloway said efforts are being made through the programme to increase effective criminal investigation in Guyana which will lead to strong prosecutions and trials. He said the Embassy has been working along with the Legal Affairs Ministry and the DPP to strengthen Guyana’s justice system.

“During these engagements, we recognised that each component agency has an independent and constitutional role and function.

We also understand that outcomes are enhanced when each agency understands the work of the other and has confidence that best practices are being utilised when carrying out those responsibilities”.

He continued, “I’ve been in a lot of countries that have had many challenges with the judicial system.

The countries that I have seen that have managed the most are the ones where the three legs of the justice, (the Police, Prosecutors and

Guyana Programme Manager JES Evelyn Neaman

Magistrates), work together in their respective role… and that is the goal of this programme, to get the three sides to ensure that they understand each other’s role and how each other do it”.

According to the Ambassador, the US is simply building on a project that was started by Canada and hopes that Guyana’s Government would take the project under its wings.

“In the end, I certainly hope that that’s enough time to get the government involved. The Justice Sector belongs to the country and in the end I hope that government will continue the efforts”.

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, lauded the efforts of the United States Government. He said the programme, which will also see the training of Magistrates, will undoubtedly see a further strengthening of the justice system in Guyana.

“We know that there are

a number defects and deficits, but we are so happy that the American Embassy… other countries in the ABC countries… that we have this greater construction for the rule of law. Moreover, this aspect of the training will have efforts implemented to standardise law enforcement public agencies and enhance skills and knowledge of Prosecutors, adding capacity for taking better statements and being trained, so that they can give stronger evidence in court so that the Magistrates, Judges and conviction, can ensure conviction and there is also training for Magistrates”.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

He said he was especially happy about the programme which will essentially strengthen procedures for Police, since there have been numerous allegations of Police taking some “rather un-coup steps in getting evidence.” “Of course an appreciation of civil rights during interrogation is very important. All of this, of course, will go to the improvement of the fight against criminals while protecting the rights of those affected by that fight in accordance with the law,” he assured. He said it has also been observed that the lack of good policing and prosecuting, affect the image

of the country to the point where they hinder trade flows and investment. That is something that has to be taken care of, the Minister pointed out. “This generation of training is very important, since, following this Administration’s assumption to office; we have seen a number of these projects coming on stream.”

Local Programme Manager, Evelyn Neaman, said that the organisation has worked in some 15 countries across the world, and has been addressing justice reform in some of the most violent places and have seen measurable positive results.

Adventure farmer died of multiple injuries A post-mortem conducted on the body of 41-year-old Phillip Viveirous, a farmer of Adventure Village, on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, revealed that he died of multiple injuries.

The farmer’s dismembered body was discovered on Monday morning along the highway in the vicinity of Adventure, and Police in E Division (LindenKwakwani) were said to be investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

E Division Commander Calvin Brutus, confirmed the results of the post-mor-

tem report on Friday. While information surrounding the death has been sketchy, Police investigators suspect that he may have been runover by several vehicles.

The gruesome discovery was made at approximately 05:20h by passersby; an unidentified caller alerted the Police of the discovery. The body of the deceased was later identified by his mother, and was transported to the Wismar Hospital Mortuary at Linden. The mother of the deceased reportedly told investigators that her son left his home at approximately 02:00h on Monday for his farm at Adventure and had

been consuming alcohol before he left.

Investigators suspect that he might have become tired and fell asleep along the roadway and was then run over. According to Police information, there was no evidence at the scene to suggest that it was a case of hit-and-run, however; the victim’s body parts were reportedly scattered along the road. Several persons travelling along the highway that morning recalled seeing the body on the roadway prior to the fateful discovery; a few indicated that at the time, the victim appeared to be alive.

No arrest made in Ogle bar robbery A

s investigations continue into the brazen robbery committed on the Ogle Grill and Bar by several armed men, Police are yet to make an arrest.

A senior Police rank told Guyana Times that while they are in possession of the surveillance footage, it is presently being reviewed with the intention of get-

ting a clearer view of the perpetrators.

“Once they are identifiable, the Police will act accordingly,” he noted. At about 00:30h on Wednesday morning, three armed men stormed the establishment and ordered the patrons to the ground as they turned their attention to the manager of the business, owned

by Lloyd Singh.

The manager was gun butted and relived of an undisclosed sum of cash, mobile phone and other valuables. The manager sustained minor injuries.

As the men were leaving the business place, they took away mobile phones, cash and other valuables from the patrons.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

GPF/Zara computer training programme concludes − 321 students benefited

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) hosted its third annual graduation ceremony at the Zara Training Centre, in Eve Leary, on Friday to certify students who have successfully completed various Information Technology training programmes.

Among the graduates were Commander of E Division (LindenKwakwani) and Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, who was labelled as one of the highest achievers with a 98.9 per cent pass.

Addressing the graduates, Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus encouraged the students to continue their education along the Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology (ICT) field.

He said “We will need to leverage the best tools which are available, un-

doubtedly so, in today’s modern world, Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology is one of those tools.”

Bacchus noted that the ICT training was made available to Guyanese from 2012, through a partnership between the US-based Zara Group of Companies and the GPF. “Education is not only about bookish knowledge.

It is also about practical knowledge,” he said, quoting from the annually published Zara Group of Companies book.

During the course overview of the ICT trainings conducted, the Information Technology Trainer, Woman Corporal Andries Smith, revealed that there was successful completion of 20 programmes, including eight adult courses, six foundation programmes, one advanced programme, one Personal Computer

Graduates and members of the Guyana Police Force

(PC) repairs and maintenance programme, three youth foundation programmes, one work preparedness programme, one Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) Electronic Data Preparation and Management (EDPM) and Information Technology

(IT) programme, four summer programmes (two of which are from the C Division) and four Police programmes.

Smith added that the subject EDPM received nine Grade Ones, eight Grade Twos and two Grade Threes, while IT received two Grade Threes.

“Our students ranged from seven years to the oldest, 73 years, which is a plain indication that no matter your age, anyone can become computer literate,” she said.

She said too that in future training sessions, there will be additions of two new foundation pro-

grammes, one youth programme and one advance programme, which she said is expected to attract an estimated 170 new participants.

“We will continue to display professionalism and increase the standard of the Guyana Police Force/ Zara Computer Centre and further build a stronger community relationship,” she concluded.

The Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams, opined that the training programmes will enable persons from different counties to become skilled in the ICT sector, adding that through this skill, jobs can easily be attained or created.

Williams also encouraged others to apply for the courses; interested persons can uplift an application form from the Guyana Police Force’s Training Centre, in Eve Leary.

Blind Society awards CSEC students S

tudents attached to the Guyana Society for the Blind on Friday received medals and trophies in recognition of their achievements at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Exams (CSEC).

The prizes were donated by Heavenly Care, at the Society’s headquarters, where the teachers of the Blind Society were also rewarded and recognised for their hard work.

Melieka Crawford of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, copped the top spot with three Grades Two’s and two Grades Three’s, securing a spot at the University of Guyana. Crawford will be

pursuing a Bachelors Degree in International Relations with the hope of becoming an Ambassador.

Crawford registered to write the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) administered examination through the Guyana Society for the Blind. She secured passes in Human and Social Biology, Social Studies, Principles of Business, Office Administration and English Language.

The top student expressed elation at her achievement while noting her main challenge was lack of resources. However, she said she persevered with the resources available.

The Head and founder of Heavenly Care of the Elderly Genevieve London congratulated the students and urged them to continue working towards their goal, despite of whatever disabilities. She noted that the fact that the students of the Blind Society can secure passes at CSEC should place added pressure on other students who have no disabilities.

President of the Blind Society Cecil Morris expressed gratitude to the students for making the Blind Society proud and further expressed confidence that they will continue to make him and themselves proud .

Teachers and students of the Blind Society

14

guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Regional

T&T court freezes funds of 80 terrorist individuals and entities

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he High Court in Trinidad and Tobago has granted orders that categorise 78 entities and individuals as terrorists, preventing them from accessing any of their money. And more could be added to that list.

But the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Ministry, which says the list includes both locals and internationals, is mum on their identities.

The Ministry issued a statement saying that the day before, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi was successful in seven applications filed in the court under the Anti-Terrorism Act, in respect of 75 entities and three individuals, declaring each to be a listed entity and freezing its funds.

These orders bring the total number of local and international individuals and entities currently listed as

terrorist entities to 80, following the first successful application in October last year.

“The Ministry is diligently advancing further listings which are expected to be before the courts shortly, as we continue to work with our local, regional and international partners in furtherance of this shared objective,” the statement said, adding that managing the issue of terrorism is multi-dimension-

al, involving legislative, intelligence, investigative, operational and judicial elements.

The development comes as authorities in the twinisland republic await word on nine Trinidad and Tobago nationals who were detained in Turkey on July 27, after the police nabbed a Syrian man suspected of attempting to smuggle them into Syria to join terrorist group ISIS. (Excerpt from

UN report urges Caribbean to improve labour migration

A

new United Nations report is calling on Latin America and the Caribbean to urgently deal “correctly” with labour migration by implementing good governance mechanisms.

The report “Labour migration in Latin America and the Caribbean” by the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) notes that the last five years have seen the number of migrant workers living in the region rise from 3.2 to 4.3 million.

“The search for work opportunities is definitely the

main motivation of the migrants,” said ILO Regional Director José Manuel Salazar in launching the report.

The ILO study identifies and analyses a “complex system” of 11 main corridors used by workers, nine of them interregional south-south corridors which connect countries within this region, and two south-north corridors with the United States and Spain as destinations.

The ILO suggested that labour migration must be urgently dealt with by implementing good gover-

nance mechanisms, and by linking it with the necessities and dynamics of the world of work.

The report also underlined several features in the corridors: the “feminisation” of labour migration, with women accounting for more than 50 per cent of migrants, the high proportion of irregular and informal migrant workers and the low access to social protection, and the frequently deficient work conditions as well as abuse, exploitation and discrimination facing many migrant workers. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

After huge Venezuela protest march, Govt says foils coup

Caribbean360)

Cuba reports remarkable success in containing Zika virus

S

ix months after President Raul Castro declared war on the Zika virus in Cuba, a militarised nationwide campaign of intensive mosquito spraying, monitoring and quarantine appears to be working.

Cuba is among the few countries in the Western Hemisphere that have so far prevented significant spread of the disease blamed for birth defects in thousands of children. Only three people have caught Zika in Cuba.

Thirty have been diagnosed with cases of the virus they

got outside the island, according to Cuban officials.

Many are now watching to see whether Cuba is able to maintain control of Zika or will drop its guard and see widening infection like so many of its neighbours. The battle against Zika is testing what Cuba calls a signal accomplishment of its singleparty socialist revolution – a free health-care system that assigns a family doctor to every neighbourhood, with a focus on preventive care and maternal and paediatric health. That system has

come under strain in recent years as thousands of specialists emigrate to the US, Europe and South America for higher pay and the allied Government of Venezuela reduces the flow of subsidised oil that has been keeping Cuba solvent.

US Government scientists will fly to Havana in November for a two-day meeting on animal-borne viruses such as Zika, the first conference of its kind since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations a year ago.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil Supreme Court urged to bar Rousseff from politics

M

ajor parties in Brazil’s governing coalition pressed the Supreme Court on Friday to overturn a Senate decision allowing former President Dilma Rousseff to remain politically active after her dismissal in an impeachment trial this week.

The Senate voted on Wednesday to remove Rousseff from office for manipulating the federal budget to hide the real state of Brazil’s ailing economy in the run-up to her 2014 reelection.

In an unexpected separate vote, lawmakers spared the leftist leader from an eight-year ban on running for public office or holding any position in Government, as provided for in Brazil’s Constitution.

“They did a last-minute legal trick and guaranteed the former President’s political rights,” Senator

Dilma Rousseff at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil May 4, 2016

Jose Medeiros, of the Social Democratic Party, said on Friday. He spoke after filing

a request to annul the second vote, which he said was unconstitutional.

His motion was joined by another from the Democrats party and the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, two heavyweights in the coalition assembled by the new President Michel Temer, following a similar motion by Green Party Senator Alvaro Dias on Thursday.

The head of the ruling Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, Romero Juca, also condemned on Twitter the Senate’s vote separating the matter of Rousseff’s ouster from her future political life.

Rousseff told a news conference that senators had voted for her to retain her political rights because they were undecided over whether charges she doctored official budget figures warranted her dismissal. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

The leader of the Opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable, Jesus Torrealba, said it was the “biggest rally in recent decades” with “between 950,000 and 1.1 million people” taking part

V

enezuela’s socialist Government said on Friday it thwarted a coup plot this week as opponents planned to build on their biggest protest in more than a decade with further street action demanding a referendum to remove the President.

Buoyed by rallies in Caracas on Thursday that drew hundreds of thousands, the Opposition coalition is planning more marches on September 7 to demand a plebiscite against

President Nicolás Maduro this year.

But with the election board dragging out the process and Maduro vowing there will be no such vote in 2016, it is hard to see how the Opposition can force it.

As the Democratic Unity coalition detailed its timetable for future actions, the Government convened foreign diplomats on Friday to show how the arrest of several activists and capture of weapons evidenced plans to topple Maduro by force.

Like his predecessor Hugo Chávez, Maduro frequently denounces coup and assassination plans, bringing ridicule from foes who say he is inventing them to justify repression and distract Venezuelans from their economic crisis.

Reverol said this week’s detention of opposition activists Carlos Melo and Yon Goicoechea had led to the capture of arms and explosives in a makeshift camp a few kilometers from the presidential palace. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

T&T Police heads want more support from Army in crime fight

A

s Trinidad’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar met to discuss the country’s spiralling crime on Friday, divisional Police commanders say they are unfazed by impending challenges but with no additional resources being allotted to the T&T Police Service, the commanders say other law enforcement agencies can be better utilised to assist them in the fight against crime.

In an interview on Thursday, head of the South

Western Division, Inraj Balram, said his troops were very willing to make the best use of whatever resources were available to them.

Asked whether a stoppage of additional resources would pose a setback to ongoing crime initiatives, Balram said: “Not necessarily. I intend to maximise whatever resources we have and focus on specific areas which pose a problem.”

Asked to elaborate, Balram said he wanted to have 24/7 monitoring of coastal areas where drugs and guns were smuggled in.

He said he would not necessarily need to call out officers from vacation to do that. “We are going to restrategise and use our resources wisely,” he added.

Balram also said crime and the fear of crime were affecting the economy as it impacted negatively on investor confidence. Saying national security should always get the largest chunk of the fiscal pie, he said he would continue to ensure his division maintained the best crime detection rate in the country. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

Islam Karimov: Uzbekistan Gabon violence: 2 killed amid President’s death confirmed protests over re-election of Bongo

T

T

he Uzbek Government has confirmed the death of President Islam Karimov, six days after he was taken to hospital with a suspected brain haemorrhage.

One of Asia’s most authoritarian leaders, Karimov, 78, died after 27 years in power.

His funeral will be overseen by Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev, seen as a potential successor.

Rights groups say Karimov repressed opposition to his rule but for supporters he represented stability.

He will be buried on Saturday in his home city of Samarkand and three days of mourning will be observed. A United Nations report has described the use of torture under Karimov as “systematic”.

The late leader often justified his strong-arm tactics by highlighting the danger from Islamist militancy in

wo people have been killed in overnight clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Gabon’s capital Libreville after disputed elections.

The deaths bring the number killed to five following a second day of violence.

Security forces in Gabon have arrested more than 1000 people since the presidential vote.

Protests began after Wednesday’s announcement

Karimov has ruled Uzbekistan for more than a quarter of a century

the mainly Muslim country, which borders Afghanistan.

Expressing his condolences in a statement (in Russian), Russian President Vladimir Putin described Karimov as a statesman “who had contributed to the security and stability of Central Asia” and who would be a “great loss for the

people of Uzbekistan”.

The official announcement of Islam Karimov’s death came on Friday night but Turkey’s Prime Minister had sent condolences to Tashkent hours earlier – live on television, suggesting the funeral invitations had already gone out.

that President Ali Bongo had narrowly been re-elected. The UN, which has expressed “deep concern” over the escalation of violence, joined the US and former colonial power France in calls for restraint and greater transparency about the election results.

Interior Minister Pacome Moubelet Boubeya said on Thursday that 800 people had been arrested in Libreville and 400 in other areas of the country.

Thursday saw a second day of rioting, with police using tear gas to prevent crowds gathering at the national assembly building which was earlier set on fire by protesters.

Meanwhile, President Bongo’s rival Jean Ping told the BBC that a presidential guard helicopter had bombed his headquarters and killed two people. He has gone into hiding and is said to be safe. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Florida coast battered

by Hurricane Hermine

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Blast kills 12 as Philippine President visits hometown

A

n explosion at a packed night market in the home city of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte killed at least 12 people on Friday and wounded dozens more, officials said, but the cause of the blast was not immediately clear.

The blast tore through a street market outside the high-end Marco Polo hotel, a frequent haunt of Duterte, who was in the southern city of Davao at the time but was not hurt.

Presidential spokesman

Ernesto Abella, speaking to CNN Philippines, described the blast as an “unspecified explosion”. “There is nothing definite about it but it has resulted in the death of ... at least 10 persons, and injury of about 60,” Abella said.

Police later said two of at least 30 people taken to hospital had since died, bringing the toll to 12.

Regional Police Chief Manuel Guerlan said a ring of checkpoints had been thrown around the city’s exit points. “A thorough investigation is being conducted to

determine the cause of the explosion,” he said.

Duterte is hugely popular in Davao, having served as its mayor for more than 22 years before his stunning national election win in May, garnered from the popularity of a promised war on drugs.

His election has prompted a spike in drug-related killings, with more than 2000 people killed since he took office on June 30, nearly half of them in police operations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Millions of Indian workers strike for better wages

The government aims to raise about $8.3 billion through privatisation in 2016-17

T

ens of millions of Public Sector workers have gone on a day-long strike across India, protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic policies, particularly his plans to push for greater privatisation.

Thousands of state-run banks, Government offices and factories were closed on Friday, and public trans-

port disrupted, in the strike called by 10 trade unions.

Union officials said about 180 million workers, including state bank employees, school teachers, postal workers, miners and construction workers, were participating, but the figure could not be independently verified.

The strike was called after talks with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley broke

down, with union leaders rejecting his offer to raise the minimum wage for unskilled workers from 6396 rupees (US$96) a month to 9100 rupees (US$136).

Workers are demanding the Government dump plans to close unproductive factories, raise foreign investment caps in some industries and sell off stakes in state-run companies – over fears that creeping privatisation will jeopardise jobs.

The unions said the Government should guarantee both social security and healthcare for all, and should be hiking the minimum wage to double what it is offering in order to keep up with inflation. Indian media said transport and essential services such as power and water supplies were not affected in major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai.

Private banks were operating and schools and colleges were open. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Hurrican Hermine caused astorm surge that brought whatever was in its way onto land, with many places suffering from very high water, like in Steinhachee, Florida (right)

H

urricane Hermine, the first to hit Florida in a decade, has killed one person and caused severe damage along the state’s northern Gulf Coast.

As the system pushed into Georgia, it took out power lines in both states, affecting hundreds of thousands.

Gusts of 80mph (130km/h) caused storm surges that flooded part of the Florida coast. There are concerns over stagnant water in the state, which has been battling with the mosquito-born Zika virus.

In the town of Cedar Key, waters rose more

than 9.5 feet (2.9 metres), among the highest surges ever seen, according to the National Weather Service.

After making landfall early on Friday, Hermine swept through Florida and Georgia. Having weakened to a tropical storm, it entered South Carolina, where local officials have reported flooded roads, fallen trees and power outages.

But the National Hurricane Centre predicted it would regain hurricane strength after emerging into the Atlantic Ocean, and a tropical storm warning was issued for parts of New Jersey, Connecticut

and New York City.

The US Coast Guard also warned boaters and swimmers along the New York and New Jersey coasts to use caution in what is expected to be rough surf and hazardous rip currents this weekend.

There are also fears that the stagnant water caused by the storm surge in Florida could provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. There have been 47 cases of Zika in people believed to have contracted the virus through local mosquitoes, according to the Florida Department of Health. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Aussie scientist discovers a cheaper, less painless fertility treatment alternative

S

cientists in Australia and Belgium have developed an enhanced method of in-vitro maturation (IVM) that may provide a more affordable and less painless option than IVF to the thousands of couples seeking fertility treatment in the near future.

Researchers at University of New South Wales, University of Adelaide and Free University of Brussels said on Wednesday that they had developed a new growth factor called cumu-

lin, which allows eggs to be retrieved earlier than in IVF, and matured outside the womb.

At present, the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a more common fertility treatment, in which women are given hormones to stimulate egg growth before they are removed from the ovaries and fertilized elsewhere.

UNSW Associate Professor Robert Gilchrist who led the project said new approach might help eliminate drugs from infertility treatment altogether.

The innovative technique, which is awaiting US Food and Drug Administration approval, has been 15 years in the making.

The research, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, showed a doubling of embryos when performed on pig eggs.

Pre-clinical trials on human eggs resulted in a 50 per cent boost in the number of embryos compared to regular IVM, with minimal use of drugs.(Excerpt from Xinhua News)

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Beware of offshore medical Toshaos Council calls for increased subvention schools – Dr Norton

...fraudulent medical school resurfaces

P

ublic Health Minister Dr George Norton has sounded a warning to persons pursuing studies in the medical field at offshore medical institutions.

This announcement was made in the wake of numerous complaints of offshore medical institutions fraudulently collecting monies from potential students by falsely claiming to be internationally recognised institutions.

Recently, “North Shore Medical College” which has been in operation for approximately four months at Lamaha Street, Georgetown, has come in for some scrutiny after it

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

medicine programme, the institution would pay the balance for the entire pro-

too was shortly thereafter closed.

Guyana Times visited the location of the medical school on Lamaha Street, and was told by security officers that the woman was served an eviction notice to move from the building by the end of this month.

Addressing concerns as to why students are turning to other institutions, Dr Norton explained that the requirements for entry to the medical schools around the City are less compared to the University of Guyana.

“These other medical schools are far more expensive than the University of Guyana but their require-

C

hairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Joel Fredericks has called on the Government to increase the budget of the Council so that they will be in a better position to fulfil their mandate to Indigenous peoples.

Fredericks stated that the Council has been receiving a subvention but it is insuffiecient. “It is not enough to fulfil our mandate so we would like to see an increase in our budget so that we can function effectively,” he said.

He added that it is the Council’s desire to support the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister by collaborating to address indigenous issues, but “if we are financially strapped, how can we move forward”.

He said the Council has recognised that if they are to move forward, they would need financial support.

Nevertheless, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock stated that the Ministry has allowed the Council the opportunity to manage their affairs, and man-

Chairman of the NTC Joel Fredericks

dated in the Act, to provide a plan of action for the reduction of poverty and the improvement of access to education in Indigenous communities.

However, he stated that there is a need for Indigenous people to move away from being completely dependent on the Government and “work hard and sweat” for what they want. He said that the people need to initiate ideas instead of decrying the least thing.

In accordance with the

Amerindian Act, 2006, the National Toshaos Council was established as a corporate body comprising of all Toshaos in the country.

The functions of the Council are to promote good governance in villages including, investigating matters as requested by a village and making recommendations, provided that the NTC may not investigate any matter which has been referred to the Minister and must ensure that any person involved in the investigation is given a reasonable opportunity to be heard and to prepare strategies and plans for the protection, conservation and sustainable management of village lands and natural resources.

The Council is also mandated to provide advice to the Minister on the protection of Amerindian culture and heritage, including the identification and designation of Amerindian monuments and the impact of legislation or policy on villages and any changes that should be made to such legislation or policy.

Resuscitation of Linden airstrip

Chairman expresses dissatisfaction at Finance Ministry’s "slothfulness"

“North Shore Medical College”

was unearthed that the alleged owner, who has several aliases: “Gita Kissoon, Johanna Gray, Juan Singh, Juan Craig, Nanda Kissoon and Nandranie Kissoon” was previously arrested in 2009 after former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy accused her of operating a bogus medical institution.

In an effort to ascertain the legitimacy of the institution’s USA Branch, Guyana Times made contact through the overseas number provided on the medical school’s website. The call was answered by a female who failed to reveal her identity and who refused to divulge the location of the overseas branch.

Instead the woman explained that all information required could be provided via telephone and, if a prospective student wished to meet with her, they would be required to pay $4800 consultation fee. She failed to say where the meeting would take place.

Currently, students are being charged US$100 as registration, while semester fees start at US$500.

Dr Norton is advising students to seek the Public Health Ministry’s advice before registering at these institutions and more importantly before paying hefty sums. The minister referred to a particular medical institution which made an offer to their students to pay for their pre-med studies and, upon completion of their full

gramme.

Dr Norton revealed that not only did this prove to be untrue, but that the students were forced to pay to further their studies without the option of having a refund if they couldn’t afford to continue with the classes, as initially agreed upon by the institution.

Meanwhile, the North Shore Medical College on their website offers a flamboyant future to students, inclusive of the medical institution garnering student visas and providing living accommodation to those who wish to study abroad.

In 2014, the woman who is currently going by the name of “Juan Craig” had reintroduced her medical school under the name of “American Health Care Institute”, which was located on Robb Street, Georgetown.

The students became worried after she failed to appear to supervise their examination, and suspicions surfaced that the university was not real.

In 2009, the woman was arrested; after repaying some of the monies to the students she was released on $100,000 bail. The Director of Public Prosecutions later recommended that no charges be laid against her.

Despite being closed several times by the Ministry of Health, the unaccredited ‘Inter-American Nursing School’ opened its doors again in 2013 under the name “Guyana Health Care Education Institute”, this

ments of entry are much lower than the University of Guyana,” he added.

The University of Guyana’s School of Medicine lost its accreditation in April 2014 and was served with provisional accreditation until 2015 by Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine (CAAEM) However, Dr Norton seeks to assure students that the University of Guyana’s School of Medicine will be soon reaccredited since the construction of the clinical building is ongoing.

The medical school was offered accreditation for the periods 2008 to 2009, 2009 to 2012 and 2014 to 2015. It lost its full accreditation after a visit from the CAAEM revealed that a number of recommendations to improve the institution were not adhered to.

In an earlier telephone interview, the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Emmanuel Cummings, told Guyana Times that the school of medicine is working assiduously to correct the deficiencies of the past and is hopeful of regaining accreditation for 2016/2017 academic year.

“We are looking at October when they will visit for evaluation of the evidence we have and I am certain that the kind of evidence that we have and what we are doing, accreditation to the medical school will be restored in the new academic year 2016-2017.”

R

egion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian, has expressed his dissatisfaction over what he described as the "slothful" movement by the Finance Ministry in dealing with investors to the region.

He was at the time responding to a question posed Regional Councillor, by Gordon Callender, during the monthly statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Thursday, regarding the progress of the Linden airstrip resuscitation.

In seeking a response, Callender reminded members of the Council that the airstrip had been rated as second, only to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, in terms of airstrip quality.

He reminded that Morian had recently declared the region to be a “new economic hub”.

In response, Morian registered his dissatisfaction with the treatment of the region's investors by the Finance

Ministry regarding the airstrip, noting that about four investors had shown interest in the project but have not received clearance from the Ministry.

"I am not satisfied with the slothfulness and the way how the Ministry of Finance, the Minister of Finance is dealing with investors to Region 10. I did pen a letter to this effect to the President and Minister Harmon… there are about four investors who've shown interest, brought in their proposals and they got clearance at the Office of the President, the Ministry of Communities, and when they meet to the Ministry of Finance, it's like the Ministry of Finance is a different country altogether," Morian said.

He said Councillors had visited the site and had sent off a proposal after meeting with officials from the Public Infrastructure Ministry, adding that the proposal will be injected into plans of the relevant Ministry for the 2017

budget.

"So we won't see anything now in 2016 but all the proposals for the airstrips right across the length and breadth of Guyana will be fed into that Ministry's budget for 2017.

But we did send the proposal based on what we've come up with on the ground," the Regional Chairman said.

In July, regional officials sought to have the partially abandoned airstrip at Linden made fully operational again and embarked on preparing a proposal to the Public Infrastructure Ministry to that effect.

According to information coming out of the RDC, a meeting was planned in an effort to chart the way forward after the Council agreed that it was a project it was interested in pursuing.

Councillor Callender has disclosed that the airstrip was considered as one of the best in the country and that $200 million was expected to go towards its upgrade.

GPSU rejects 10%...

FROM PAGE 3

The Union, in its proposal to Government, has also called for a flat increase of $7500 per month, which should be added to the salary at December 31, 2015, of each person employed in the public service, as well as to the amount payable at the minimum and maximum of each band.

The GPSU suggested too that next year, a 25 per cent increase be giv-

en across the board and in 2018, a 20 per cent increase be paid across the board.

The GPSU and the Government have been locked in negotiations for months, but last week the Government went ahead and arbitrarily announced its final offer to the Union.

The Union’s General Council is expected to meet shortly to consider the pro-

posal but from all indications, the GPSU is likely to reject the offer.

Already, critics are saying that the Government’s commitment to respect the collective bargaining process is pure deception, bearing in mind that even though the Union has not officially rejected the offer, it already announced that was what workers will be getting. (Edward Layne)

17

NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

New buildings likely for Brickdam Secondary, Buxton Primary S

tudents and other stakeholders of the Brickdam Secondary and Buxton Primary Schools are likely to see new school buildings in the near future.

Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine disclosed that preparations are being made for submissions to the Ministry of Finance for provisions in the 2017 Budget for the construction of two new schools for Buxton Primary, East Coast Demerara, and Brickdam Secondary, Georgetown.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), students of Brickdam Secondary are soon to be housed at the East La Penitence Primary School in Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Students of the Buxton Primary are to be relocated to the Company Road Primary School, Company Road, Buxton North, East Coast Demerara, when the new school year begins on September 5, 2016.

The closed Buxton Primary School, East Coast Demerara

The students of both schools are facing relocation because of ‘inadequate’ facilities.

Addressing the situation which exists at the Buxton Primary, Minister Roopnaraine said: “Basically what needs to happen is that we need construction of a new school, and we are going to put in the 2017 Budget a new school for Buxton.

We know that the situa-

tion is not satisfactory the way it is, and we are trying to make sure that when we make the move, the pupils will be moving to a situation where we have more space, playground and so on. The furniture has been moved to Company Road Primary, we are hoping we will get everything ready for September (5); it’s a lot of preparation.”

According to the minister, a decision is yet to be

made on whether or not a different location will be considered for the construction of the new building for the Buxton Primary School.

The Education Minister explained that the objective is to have children in an environment where there is adequate playground space: “That’s something that’s still to be decided. We may have to move to a new location because if we want to provide playground and facilities we don’t want the children to be crowded up in a building … ideally speaking, all schools should be placed in a situation where you have adequate playground facilities so that children can breathe out of school… I am trying to get all these things in a state of readiness to present to the Minister of Finance who is ultimately the decision maker in this.”

Residents of Buxton recently raised objections to a proposed closure of the Buxton Primary, which the Ministry of Education said is structurally unsound.

The new location where Brickdam Secondary will be housed

The decision to close and relocate the Brickdam Secondary arose following complaints by staff and students of the inadequacy of facilities at the space-constrained location. Among the complaints were improper staffroom for teachers, very poor sanitary facilities for teachers and students and lack of recreational facility and canteen for students.

In June 2016, teachers staged a sit-in to protest the

conditions under which they work, while parents protested the conditions under which their children were forced to learn, and the apparent sloth of the administrators to address their complaints.

Following a meeting with teachers, then Chief Education Officer Olato Sam announced that the school would be closed and students and teachers relocated.

NICIL boss rubbishes KN article on operations “shrouded in secrecy” C

hairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Dr Maurice Odle is of the view that local newspaper Kaieteur News is being “rash” in its claims that that the NICIL Board members are uninterested in bringing wrongdoers to justice.

The chairman was responding to an article carried by the newspaper on Wednesday last titled “NICIL’s operations still shrouded in secrecy”. The article claimed that even with a new Administration in place, the installment of different board members, and a detailed forensic audit report exposing the company’s weaknesses, NICIL has not changed its face and that a year has gone yet the entity “essentially remains shrouded in the secrecy that had been detested during the previous regime”.

According to a detailed statement from Dr Odle on Friday, while the forensic report of auditor Anand Goolsarran has been in the hands of the NICIL Board for several months now, the Board is awaiting the outcome of the additional transactions audit, recommended by the Forensic Auditor and endorsed by the Cabinet, which is currently being undertaken by the Audit Office of Guyana.

In the meantime, the

NICIL Chairman, Dr Maurice Odle

Chairman noted that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been examining NICIL’s records and files for any evidence of corruption and other illegality.

“NICIL stands ready to take whatever appropriate action is required,” he remarked while adding that the Board has already made several policy reforms and operational adjustments based on the Forensic Auditor’s comments and recommendations.

To this end, he pointed that the Minister of Finance no longer sits on the Board after the auditor found it “inappropriate” for the Minister to appoint himself to chair NICIL’s Board since in effect, he is reporting to himself on matters relating to NICIL. It was highlighted too in

the statement that, in accordance with recommendations made, NICIL’s Chief Executive Officer Winston Brassington has resigned back January while the Deputy CEO Marcia NadirSharma is currently on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the transactions audit.

Moreover, the NICIL Chairman posited that in relation to recommendations of liquidating NICIL as a private limited liability company, such a policy decision has to be taken by Government.

In fact, he stated that the Board decided not to recommend the disbanding of NICIL. “The Board recommended that NICIL retain both its original custodial and oversight role as a holding company and, also, its development role. The development role, in conjunction with line Ministries, involves capitalization, financial and legal structuring, and project management, with respect to certain investments approved by Cabinet. In addition, NICIL continues to be responsible for various types of assets, particularly land and property, until such time that the Government may deem it necessary to privatize same,” the Chairman outlined.

With regards to its own procurement rules, Dr Odle posited that NICIL is guided by the provisions of the

Procurement Act and is in the process of formulating clear implementation rules and guidelines for larger projects.

Furthermore, in response to comments about the status of millions of dollars in debt being owed by various agencies, the Chairman disclosed that in relation to the sale of Government’s shares in GTT, no new contract will include terms for payment by instalments. He added that full payment of the purchase price must be effected before possession and/or transfer of

ownership will be allowed.

Dr Odle also sought to outline that the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) is conducting its own investigations and is yet to formally advise the NICIL Board on its progress as it relates to recovering any State assets/ properties that might have been improperly and illegally transferred to third parties.

Meanwhile, the article also highlighted the fact that despite the Chairman having given his support for the release of the Marriott Hotel contract, the document is

yet to be released under his watch.

According to Dr Odle, the current Board of NICIL subscribes to the principles of transparency and accountability. However, he noted that constraints exist, as in the case of the Marriott Management Agreement that was executed under the previous administration.

“The terms of this Agreement are “strictly confidential” and disclosure is not possible without the written consent of Marriott,” the NICIL Chairman stated.

Annandale Secondary’s CSEC results

“Technical glitch” responsible for delay – acting CEO

A

cting Chief Education Officer, Marcel Raymond Hutson, stated that the teachers at the Annandale Secondary School did not err with respect to the submission of School Based Assessments (SBAs) to the Caribbean Examination Council.

Following a report that many students were unable to obtain passes in certain subjects due to the school’s alleged non-submission of the SBAs, the Education Ministry had sought to clear up the issue by contacting the Caribbean Examination Council.

“This is not a situation

that the teachers did not do what they had to do, it was a technical glitch,” Hutson indicated, adding that the children would be in receipt of their rightful grades soon.

This publication was informed that the teachers had received the requisite training in sending the SBA grades via online to the CXC, but nonetheless did not adhere to the deadline.

Many of the high school students were disappointed since they were failure grades barring them from qualifying for Sixth Form or entering the University of Guyana.

The exact number of stu-

dents affected is still unknown.

Hutson, nevertheless, emphasised that the ministry is prepared to do everything in its power to ensure that those children are enrolled to tertiary institutions. He promised that the situation would be rectified.

When the CXC results were announced last month, it was revealed that there was an overall pass rate of 64 per cent of students who scored between Grades One and Three after the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate results were analysed across the Caribbean.

18

guyana-times.com

saturday, september 3, 2016

ARCHIE

Keep your values out in the open for all to see in order (March 21- to gain respect and ward off April 19) any attempt to force you onto a path you don’t want to take.

Romance is encouraged.

ARIES

An opportunity will come TAURUS your way if you network (April 20- with people who have interMay 20) ests similar to yours. Putting a unique spin on someone’s plan will initiate a joint venture.

dilbert

Problems at home or withGEMINI in a relationship will fester.

(May 21Sign up for an activity or reJune 20) laxation session that will keep you busy and out of the line of fire.

Listen carefully to someCANCER one making an emotional (June 21- plea for change or help. It can July 22) make the difference between a gain and a loss if you understand the situation.

Peanuts

Take on something differLEO ent. Spice up your life and (July 23step into the limelight at Aug. 22) functions that could help you obtain a better position and greater recognition.

VIRGO Discipline will be neces(Aug. 23- sary when it comes to self-imSept. 22) provement. Putting together a new health regimen will pay off.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA Sudden changes involving (Sept. 23- an emotional issue will unfold Oct. 23) if you aren’t careful. Protect against being misrepresented by stepping up and taking care of your affairs personally.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Someone from your past SCORPIO will confuse you. Don’t al(Oct. 24low uncertainty to slip in Nov. 22) where personal matters and relationships are concerned.

Stand by those who have always been there for you.

You need to try harder to SAGITTARIUS boost your self-esteem. If you (Nov. 23- make improving your apDec. 21) pearance and attitude your priority, you will overcome any controversy you encounter.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Emotional issues will surCAPRICORN face if you have neglected (Dec. 22- someone who loves you. Make Jan. 19) an effort to do something special or offer an incentive that will buy you time.

A pick-me-up is in order.

AQUARIUS Do something that will add (Jan. 20to your looks or improve the Feb. 19) way you present yourself in order to receive compliments.

Interviews and negotiations will go well.

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 Listen carefully and do (Feb. 20- your best to deliver what’s March 20) being asked of you in order to avoid a protracted battle.

Find a loophole that will help you bypass a stalemate.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

19

Lewis Hamilton fastest in Italian Grand Prix practice L

ewis Hamilton set the pace ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg with an impressive performance in second practice at the Italian Grand Prix.

The world champion was 0.193 seconds quicker than Rosberg around Monza as the two head into the final stages of their title battle.

Hamilton is nine points clear of Rosberg with eight races remaining.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was third but nearly half a second down on a track where margins are always tight.

During practice it was announced Monza had agreed a deal to continue staging the Italian Grand Prix for a further three years The Italian team have

appear to be in a league of their own - well over half a second a lap clear of the rest on average, with Ferrari appearing to retain a slight edge over Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton finished fastest in Italian Grand Prix practice

introduced their last permitted engine development for their home race in an attempt to close the gap to Mercedes and shore up their attempt to recover sec-

ond place in the constructors’ championship from Red Bull.

Vettel’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen was fourth fastest, 0.3secs down on the

German and 0.3secs quicker than Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was a similar margin ahead of teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

On race pace, Mercedes

The circuit near Milan has been hosting the race nearly every year since 1950 Fernando Alonso was a surprising seventh fastest for McLaren on a track that he said on Thursday he expected would be the worst for the team all year.

The Spaniard, who achieved his time despite an oversteer moment on the exit of the fast Parabolica corner, was 0.3secs and three places ahead of teammate Jenson Button, whose future remains a subject of speculation.

The 2009 world cham-

pion is out of contract with McLaren at the end of the season and the team are expected to promote their reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, although they insist no final decision has been taken.

Williams’ Valtteri Bottas and Haas’ Romain Grosjean were the men between the McLaren drivers at the bottom end of the top 10.

“We have decent speed,” said Vettel. “The car feels good but we need to make it feel good in every corner.

The first impression is positive.

“We have had worse Fridays but Mercedes are looking very strong, similar to last year. They seem to be very competitive around here. We need to focus on ourselves and then I think we can be a lot closer.”(BBC)

Chris Froome remains second as Mathews to miss rest of tour due to calf tear Valerio Conti wins stage 13

Conti’s victory is Lampre Merida’s first stage win at this year’s Vuelta

B

ritain’s Chris Froome continues to trail leader Nairo Quintana by 54 seconds after Valerio Conti broke clear to win stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espana.

Italian Conti rode away from a 12-strong breakaway in the final 20km to win the longest stage of the race - 213.4km from Bilbao to Dantxarinea.

Froome and Colombian Quintana finished in the peloton almost 34 minutes later.

They were happy with a more sedate day in the saddle because both weekend stages feature mountain-top finishes.

Saturday’s 196km stage includes four categorised climbs in the Pyrenees and

culminates with a 21km ascent of the Col d’Aubisque, while Sunday’s 118km stage finishes with a 14.5km ascent to Formigal.

Team Sky’s Froome is aiming to become the first rider in 38 years to win the Tour de France and Vuelta in the same year.

Movistar’s Quintana, who finished third behind Froome at the Tour, has won one Grand Tour, the 2014 Giro d’Italia.

Lampre-Merida rider Conti finished 55 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Danilo Wyss, who won the five-man sprint for second place.

“It’s my first victory in a Grand Tour and it’s a great

feeling,” said 23-year-old Conti.

Stage 13 result: 1. Valerio Conti (Ita/ Lampre) 5hrs 29mins 04secs 2. Danilo Wyss (Swi/BMC Racing) +55secs 3. Sergey Lagutin (Rus/ Katusha) same time 4. Vegard Laengen (Nor/ IAM Cycling) 5. Michael Gogl (Aus/ Tinkoff) 6. Yves Lampaert (Bel/ Etixx - Quick-Step) 7. Cesare Benedetti (Ita/ BORA) +1min 02secs 8. Jelle Wallays (Bel/Lotto) +1min 04secs 9. Gatis Smukulis (Lat/ Astana) same time 10. Stephane Rossetto (Fra/Cofidis) +1min 08secs Selected: 13. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +33mins 54secs 17. Nairo Quintana (Col/ Movistar) same time 21. Peter Kennaugh (GB/ Team Sky) 28. Chris Froome (GB/ Team Sky) General classification after stage 13: 1. Nairo Quintana (Col/ Movistar) 52hrs 56mins 29secs 2. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +54secs 3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +1min 05secs 4. Esteban Chaves (Col/ Orica) +2mins 34secs 5. Alberto Contador (Spa/ Tinkoff) +3mins 08secs

A

An injured Angelo Mathews is helped off the field

ngelo Mathews' calf tear has ruled him out of the remainder of Australia's tour, while allrounder Thisara Perera and left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan have been released from the Sri Lanka squad for the fifth ODI. In place of these three players, Sri Lanka have

drafted in batsmen Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella, as well as seambowling allrounder Dasun Shanaka.

Mathews has not undergone a CT scan for the injury he sustained during the fourth ODI, but the team management has already confirmed he will be

unavailable for the remaining ODI and two T20Is. Mathews had hobbled off the field during his innings on Wednesday and, though he returned to bat towards the end of the innings, had been substantially hampered by the injury.

Perera had played all four ODIs as the primary seamer but, although he claimed 3 for 33 in Sri Lanka's sole win, at Khettarama, he has since been less effective. Perera had also been dropped for the England tour, following a long stretch of modest returns. He is effectively being replaced by Shanaka, who had some success in that tour of England and Ireland - he claimed three wickets in the first innings of Test at Headingley, and also took a five-wicket haul in an ODI against Ireland, in Dublin.

Tharanga had also been somewhat effective in England, making a 53 not out and 40 from the lower middle order. Following Dilshan's retirement, the selectors may wish to bat him at the top of the order again, though Dickwella is also a candidate for the opening spot. In his last three List A innings, against England Lions and Pakistan A, Dickwella hit 51, 44, and 60.

Sri Lanka have already lost the ODI series. The final match is set to be played in Pallekele, on Sunday. (Cricinfo)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Ireland maintain Test hopes with 70-run win over Hong Kong I

reland remain on course to battle for a place in Test cricket in 2018 after beating Hong Kong by 70 runs in the Intercontinental Cup game at Stormont.

After starting the final day on 199-6, Ireland were bowled out for 230 to leave Hong Kong needing 310 to win.

Nizakat Khan’s superb 123 held up Ireland as he shared a ninth-wicket stand of 61 with Nadeem Ahmed.

However, with the score on 239, Peter Chase trapped Ahmed and Khan was then dismissed by Tim Murtagh.

Middlesex seamer

Tim Murtagh’s final wicket wrapped up Ireland’s victory as he dismissed Hong Kong centurion Nizakat Khan

Murtagh was the pick of Ireland’s bowlers on the final day as his closing dismissal, with Ed Joyce taking a simple catch, brought impressive figures of 4-29.

Irish bowlers laboured during the afternoon.

George Dockrell and Kevin O’Brien chipped in with two wickets apiece but the Ireland attack laboured for most of the final afternoon as Khan and Ahmed looked comfortable during their 61-run partnership.

Earlier, a quick victory looked on the cards as Murtagh’s first two wickets and O’Brien’s dismissals left Hong Kong on 114-5 before they slipped 147-7.

Ireland were able to add only 31 runs for the loss of their final four wickets at the start of the day as O’Brien finished unbeaten on 16.

The victory maintained Ireland’s winning run in the competition as they moved back to the top of the eight-team table.

After four successive wins, Ireland lead Afghanistan by 19 points, with the two sides meeting in the next fixture in India next March.

The winners of the eightnation competition will play the bottom-ranked Test nation in 2018 for the right to earn four years of Test cricket status. (BBC)

Messi out of 2018 World Cup qualifier WICB to go in search of a new CEO L

ionel Messi will miss Argentina’s 2018 World Cup qualifier in Venezuela on Tuesday after injuring his groin in Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay.

The Barcelona forward scored on his return from international retirement to send Argentina top of the South America qualifying group.

Messi said after the game that his groin had been “hurting a lot”.

Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza said: “He won’t be able to play. We can’t take any risks.

We must take care of him.”

After seven of the 18 qualifying games Argentina lead Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador by one point with Brazil a point further back in fifth.

A top-four finish will secure automatic qualification for Russia 2018, with the fifth-placed side facing a two-legged play-off against a team from Oceania - New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Tahiti. (BBC)

Lionel Messi

T

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) via a press release, revealed that Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Muirhead will not be renewing his contract and will officially demit office on October 14 this year.

Muirhead has held the post for four years. He describes his time with the organisation as “insightful, challenging, interesting and an eventful period.”

The Board of Directors wishes Muirhead “the best in his future endeavours.”

Michael Muirhead

U.S. Open 2016

Well rested Djokovic gets another rapid advance

Record ticket sales for Bolt London swansong T M

ore than one million fans have applied for tickets to next year’s World Championships in London, which is expected to be a final hurrah for world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.

Bolt, who claimed a historic third straight triple gold medal haul at the Rio Olympics last month, has signaled his intention to retire after the London Games.

According to the event organisers a total of 1,047,000 tickets have been applied for by fans in 92 countries, with the stadium capacity roughly around 50,000 per session. It means that for the first time the event is on course to be sold out for all 14 sessions, a historic first for the meet.

In fact six of the 14 sessions are already oversubscribed with the 100m final attracting more than 200,000 ticket applications

Usain Bolt

so far. A total of 700,000 places are available overall and so far 486,000 of the 700,000 available tickets have been sold, with successful applicants being informed from Friday.

Unsuccessful applicants in the first round of sales will be given the option first refusal on remaining tickets

op seed Novak Djokovic cannot seem able to get a match in at the U.S. Open, as the world number one was given another rapid advance when Russian Mikhail Youzhny retired due to a leg injury when trailing 4-2 on Friday.

Youzhny was treated during the changeover at 4-1 in the third-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium and had his left thigh taped. He won the next game on his serve but could not continue, giving Djokovic a pass into the round of 16.

The Serb, winner of this year's Australian Open and French Open to complete a career grand slam, came into the match off a threeday break due to a walkover in mid-September. 10,000m into the third round when and 5,000 Mo Farah will Jiri Vesely of the Czech also be a major pulling card Republic withdrew. for the Championships. "It's difficult to pick the Having successfully de- words now. I don't think I fended both titles at the ever had this kind of situRio Olympics in Brazil ation in my career, where Farah has announced that I had a second-round walkhe will turn his attention over and the third round 30 to the marathon following minutes only," Djokovic said the World Championships. on court before heading off (Sportsmax)

Novak Djokovic advances to the Round of 16 after just one completed match

to practice.

"I'll try to get the positives out of these six games.

Obviously I did start very well with a good intensity and I'll try to carry that into the next match."

Defending champion Djokovic will next face either 20th-seeded American John Isner or 84th-ranked

Briton Kyle Edmund with a berth in the quarter-finals at stake.

Djokovic, who has been bothered in recent months by a nagging wrist injury, won his opening match at Flushing Meadows on Monday, 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-1 over 247th-ranked Jerzy Janowicz of Poland.

YELLOW PAGES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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DENTISTRY Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

DRIVING SCHOOL Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION

Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only) Transported Land for Sale at Logwood Enmore, ECD. Contact Tel: (592)-6225824 or (592)-671-5395.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property in excellent condition. Recently renovated 2- storey property; Concrete and wooden structure with modern amenities. Each floor has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 kitchen also concrete yard with 4 sides of fencing. Back lot, Dowding Street, Kitty. $ 30M negotiable. Call 614-2722 for viewing. Serious inquiries only.

REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404

House Lot, Diamond New Scheme between 2nd & 3rd Ave. Contact: 6381529

FOR SALE

Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521

Powerline Battery Water/wholesale. 1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 680-3863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

FLOWERS Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

IMMIGRATION Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc.

Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

KEY CUTTING Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

OPTICIAN Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda.

Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-MeerZorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

HEALTH Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 MondaysSaturdays 9am-3pm. Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 6240762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

SERVICES House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs.

Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

21st annual Middle Pocket Pool Competition set for today T

he Middle Pocket Arena, located on Middle Road, La Penitence will once again host the long awaited Middle Pocket Pool Competition today.

The tournament, which is opened to both male and female players, will cue off at 15:00h and continue into the night.

To date, 13 players have already signed up for the competition and organizer of the event, Ravi Ramlall said registration is still open.

Players desirous of participating can register by calling 622-3787.

Ramlall revealed that the annual pool competition has been scheduled around his birth anniversary every year for the past 20 years and it’s a tradition that he has kept up by hosting the summer 8-ball pool competition.

Defending Champion,

Caption: Flashback! From left; Winner Sunil Mangru, first runner-up Sean DeSouza, third-place finisher Ronald Mohan and Ravi Ramlall, who placed fourth

Sunil Mangru will be looking to retain his crown while Brian Urling who won the Independence Day edition is also in contention for top honours.

The winner will cart off a trophy and $40,000, while the second, third and fourthplaced finishers will receive

$20,000, $10,000 and 5,000 respectively. All the cash prizes will be accompanied by trophies.

The tournament has received sponsorship from Ansa McAl Trading, Starr Computers, Brian Urling, Romeo and Kumar Sharma and Skipper’s Jewelery.

Jaguars Premier League…

Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

Persaud puts West Dem in commanding position

WANTED SALES GIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL, BRASSONIC Bldg. (MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/Town. 231-7101

— Foo closing in on 2nd ton

TO LET House for rent, 2 bedrooms, fully furnished. Triumph Village, ECD. Contact: 697-3405 or 222-5549 FOR RENT. ONE THREE (3) BEDROOM TOP FLOOR APARTMENT. ONE TWO (2) BEDROOM BOTTOM FLOOR APARTMENT. LA GRANGE PUBLIC ROAD. TEL: 619-0673 SPACE TO RENT FOR BOOKSTORE/ FOOD COURT OR CLOTHING AND COSMETICS STORE, 15X30 FT. LOCATED SATRO BUILDING. CONTACT: 642-7743

SPIRITUALITY Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 6875653

G

Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now.

Email: anew-life@live.com

TAXI SERVICES GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

VACANCIES

Land for Sale: 100x50 Sq Ft. Uitvulgt Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara. $1.5 Million negotiable.

Contact Parveen on 680-4630.

Vacancy exists for one (1) SALES CLERK-Age 18-28. - Sound Secondary Education - Experience in Sales.

Send applications to: 35 North Road, Georgetown. Telephone: 225-8831

Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel: 625-1514

Security In-store; Day Duty. Tel: 6803863

GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 6790987

LAND FOR SALE

3.3 ACRES FARM LAND, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. TEL: 679-1151

Driver for Water Truck. Tel: 680-3863

21

SPORTS

Cashier for Supermarket. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Cook. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Maid. Tel: 624-0033

Classified Ads

$5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

Travis Persaud

Jonathan Foo

Anthony Adams

uyana under-19 captain Travis Persaud scored a responsible half century to guide West Demerara to a competitive total of 253 on a day that batsmen had to toil for runs due to the nature of the pitch and the accuracy of the East Bank/Upper Demerara bowlers.

Paying at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Friday, West Demerara suffered several hiccups after being asked to take first strike but in the end managed the highest total in four innings on a pitch which is offering much assistance to the slower bowlers.

Apart from Persaud’s determination, national opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored 47 while Mahendra Dhanpaul laboured in a tenth wicket partnership to carry his team from 197-9 to 253 all out as he was the last man to depart. He made 43 runs.

Bowling for East Bank, Sherfane Rutherford along

with spinners Steven Jacobs and Totaram Bishun grabbed two wickets each.

In reply East Bank reached 55-2 when play ended. Towering fast bowler Romario Shepherd has so far gotten both of the wickets to fall. They will start the second day trailing by 197 runs with eight wickets in hand.

At Enterprise Community Development Centre ground, Upper Corentyne after being sent in made 149 all out (57.3 overs). Keon Sinclair 36 not out, Anthony Bramble 30, Clinton Pestano 23. Bowling for East Coast, Ameer Khan had 2/21, Paul Wintz 2/20 and Vivian Albert 2/33.

East Coast Demerara was some 24 runs away from achieving first innings with just four wickets in hand.

They were 126/6 at the close with Rajendra Chandrika on 31 not out. Kamesh Yadram scored 44 and his younger brother Bhaskar Yadram, who scored a half century in the first round, made 26.

Over to Berbice at the Albion Community Centre Ground, visitors Georgetown, who won the toss and elected to bat first, was dismissed for 212. Christopher Barnwell top scored with 35, Robin Bacchus 32, Andrew Light Jnr. 27, Dexter Solomon 26 and Ovid Richardson made 25. Veerasammy Permaul snared 4/53 and Jonathan Foo 3/11 bowling for Lower Corentyne.

In reply, Lower Corentyne closed at 123/3 with the in-form Jonathan Foo on 75 not out. Kandasammy Surujnarine made 35.

Across at t Cumberland, West Berbice was dismissed for 171 in 53.3 overs. Raffael Estraido and Shimron Hetmyer top scored with 34. Bowling for Essequibo, Anthony Adams took 5/60 while Akenie Adams claimed 2/18.

Essequibo in reply is on 111/8 at the close with Anthony Adams on 30 not out.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Caribbean Motor Racing Championships 2016…

Team Guyana seeking good showing at Bushy Park

By Akeem Greene

T

his weekend the island of Barbados will host the third leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) at their redeveloped Bushy Park circuit. Today starts the time trials while the meat of the act will speed off on Sunday.

For defending champions Guyana, their main aim will be scrap valuable points in a courageous effort to reduce the daunting lead of Trinidad and Tobago before returning to home turf for the final leg on November 13.

On the overall points standings, Trinidad and Tobago lead with 799 points, followed by Jamaica on 465 and Guyana on 276 points.

Barbados and Cayman Islands round off the table with 202 and 60 points respectively.

Throughout the two previous legs, which were held in Jamaica and Trinidad, and even now in Barbados, Guyana’s touring contingent has been small which would have limited the number of points they could have accumulated to post a challenge

Matthew Vieira (Photo courtesy Mikey Spice Photography)

to retain their title.

More so, defending group four champion Kristian Jeffery has a tough outing, since his Mitsubishi Evolution 2.2 (AWD) has been plagued with mechanical problems, limiting his participation this year.

The hopes with the cars lies with Group two driver Shan Seejattan in Honda Civic and Group three Nazim Gafoor with his gold plated Mazda Miata. Seejattan currently sits fourth on the individual points table with 54 points, a group which is led

by Trinidadian Luke Bhola.

For the group 3, Guyana’s

Danny Persaud is placed in second with 66 points while Gaffor is in sixth on 40.

The hope for Guyana lies with the bikers, as the Vieiras have made the Super Stock category their own this year, occupying, three of the top four spots.

Stephen, who seems to be speeding towards a fifth title, heads the list on 122 points while, Matthew who won the Super Bike category last year but downgraded to the Super stock, has 105 points in second place and defending champion Elliot in fourth on 43 points.

Stephen has already singled out Barbadian Brook Miller as the man to beat while some reports have shown Elliot is seeking to break the lap record at the track once more.

Other Guyanese who will be on show will the impressive Calvin Ming, Kristian and Mark Vieira, all of whom will be participating in the Suzuki Challenge Series.

Qualifying commences today at 13:00h while on Sunday the races begin at 08:00h.

Below is a list of competitors that will be in action this weekend.

Overseas participants Seaboard Marine CMRC Superstock Kiel Abraham – T&T (Kawasaki ZX-6R) Norman Chung – JAM (Yamaha R6) Luke De Nobriga – T&T (Yamaha R6) Nicholas Gonzales – T&T (Kawasaki ZX-6R) Kevin Graham – CAN, rep BAR (Racing Yamaha R6) Kyle Reynolds – JAM (Kawasaki ZX-6R) Elliot Vieira – GUY (Kawasaki ZX-6R) – 2015 Champion Matthew Vieira – GUY (Yamaha R6) Stephen Vieira – GUY (Kawasaki ZX6R) – 2016 Championship leader Mario Woon – JAM (Honda CBR600RR) Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 Frankie Boodram – T&T (Nissan 350Z) Franklyn Boodram – T&T (Renault Megane Trophy) Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Alan Chen – JAM (Toyota Starlet) Nazim Gafoor – GUY (Mazda Miata) Ravi Singh – T&T (Mazda RX-7) Paul Vieira – GUY, rep T&T (Mazda RX-7) – 2016 Championship leader, 2015 Champion Ronald Wortman – T&T (Honda Civic) Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 Daryl Ali – T&T (Honda Civic) Luke Bhola – T&T (Honda Civic) – 2016 Championship leader Marc Gill – T&T (Honda Civic) – 2015 Champion Haresh Nanan – T&T (Nissan Sentra) Shan Seejattan – GUY (Honda Civic) Bridget Singh – T&T (Honda Civic) Suzuki Challenge Series Pascal Calvel – MTQ (Suzuki Swift Sport) David Coelho – T&T (Radical SR3 RS) Kristian Jeffrey – GUY (Radical SR3 RS & Suzuki Swift Sport) Calvin Ming – GUY (Radical SR3 RS) Timothy Stewart – JAM (Suzuki Swift Sport) Mark Vieira – GUY (Radical SR3 RS)

Concentrate on school work, develop your skills - Coach Harper

Most outstanding under 17 player Jason Camacho receives his award from MSC President Winston Semple

T

he Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Summer Clinic concluded on Friday with eight participants receiving awards for their exceptional display during the camp while all other participants as well as the awardees were presented with certificates to recognize their attendance throughout the two weeks.

Jason Camacho, a 16 year batsman who is also a quite good bowler was the most stupendous talent on show while leg spinning all-rounder Wayne Bollers was the best under-15 play-

er and Shiloh Adams received the top honours for the under 13s. Best allrounder 17 years and under went to Jeremiah Scott, Chad Shivinton won best bowler accolade for the u15s, Nehemiah Singh and Malachi Barrington were the other awardees for under15s and 13s respectively. While Kishawn Sannie won most improved player and Jamal Michael most disciplined player.

The award recipients received bats, gloves, cricket pads and autographed teeshirts compliment of the

sponsors of the clinic.

Speaking at the closing, MSC President Winston Semple extended his gratitude to all who collaborated with the club to help the club manifest its idea.

He also thanked the parents for choosing MSC to assist in their children’s development while encouraging them to participate in the club’s weekly youth programme.

Facilitator of the camp, Mark Harper said he was immensely satisfied that there was such an overwhelming response of over 50 participants attending the camp. He continued by stating it was both enjoyable and challenging since they (coaches) were able to impart to the young and upcoming crickets much knowledge as possible within the framework of the game. Most importantly he encouraged the children to concentrate on their school work and develop their skills since the game has a lot to offer while he urged their parents to encourage them to play and develop the sport.

There were also other significant figures who made oral presentations including Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) President Roger Harper, Manager of the National Blind and Partially Impaired team Terry Pemberton and former and longest serving President of MSC Claude

Raphael. The secretary of the club Adrian Smith was the master of ceremonies.

Other than former national player and coach, Harper there were other established coaches who imparted their knowledge on the young brigade over the packed two weeks period.

The aims of the programme were: to provide a variety of fun and enjoyable activities which are expected to provide immense pleasure and satisfaction, while teaching the basic skills of the game; to develop handeye co-ordination, sharpen reflexes, agility and flexibility, balance and speed; to teach the rules of the game by step-by-step instructions; to develop life skills, such as self-confidence and self-discipline; to build and improve skills and athletic capabilities.

Children were also taught the basics of the game through playing a variety of games that cover all facets of cricket. There were also games designed for small groups to ensure that all children get a go, and that they could have test, learn and practice skills as they go. There were also matches during the programme to test the skills, confidence and mental capabilities of players.

Apart from the coaches several national players and prominent individuals lectured to the individual on their social development.

Top under 15 player Wayne Bollers Jr. receives his award from MSC President Winston Semple

In general the clinic was a successful one that had the necessary requirements to nurture cricketers for the future. There were also several participants who are new to cricket while some came from other clubs to enhance their abilities.

The two week camp was due to the kind compliments of- Noble House Seafood, Winston Semple, Kings of Kings Jewellery World, Arron Fraser, Andrew DeAbreu, Sherwood Lowe, Dr. Joseph, Regal Stationery Centre and Regal Sports, Lloyd Dubblin, Brans

Security, Gordon Gilhuys, Orin Forde, Shawn Holder, Leading Edge Sports, Emily Dodson, Atlantic Mining Supply, General Industrial Supplies, Teshana Cox, Anita Lane, Wilbur Security, Paul Castello, Outar, Persaud, Prashad, Keith Lowenfield, Sean Devers, Roger Phillips Boston, Ivor Wharton, Star Party Rentals, Green Ice Taxi, Ray Lall, Erron Lall, Ramroop, Ramesh Seecharran, Sita Hassan, Roderick King, Mark Harper, Reon King and Derick John.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Golfers return to the greens in exciting Massy T United Insurance Open T

23

Historic Women’s Development League launches today

he Lusignan Golf Course will see a return in golf today after a hiatus of nearly four months due to continual rainfall which left the ground and access road in poor shape. The event is the Massy United Insurance fourth annual Golf Tournament and it is highly anticipated by golfers since there has been a golf drought.

The open tournament will tee-off at 13:00h and will be played on the open medal play system; First to fourth best Net, nearest the pin, best gross and most honest Golfer prizes are up for grabs, keen rivalry is expected.

This tournament was postponed for almost four months due to incessant rainfall which left the grounds and access road in poor shape. There has been remedial work on the club’s access road through partnership of Macorp, Mohan Jacob, Director for Design and Construction with American based construction company EMR Inc. and the club’s executives. The grounds are also improving.

Branch Manager Lindel Harlequin indicated that “Massy United Insurance is pleased to be involved in pro-

Branch Manager of Massy United Insurance Lindel Harlequin hands over sponsorship cheque to Golf Club President Oncar Ramroop in the presence of Massy United Claims Officer Vibert Austin (left) and Lusignan Golf Club Public Relations Officer, Guy Griffith

moting Golfing in Guyana.”

Massy United Insurance, (a Barbados based Company,) offers a wide range of general insurance products for businesses throughout 14 territories in the Caribbean. Their AExcellent A M Best rating gives clients the assurance that they are financially stable and well able to manage various risks and effectively settle claims when the need arises.

Club President Oncar Ramroop, in expressing gratitude on behalf of the Club to Mr Harlequin, said “We are highly appreciative of the good faithful support that we have had from Massy United Insurance

GHB/ Lucozade Indoor Hockey League…

Spartans, GCC Pizza Hut hunt title —Vintage meet Hikers for male crown

Marzana Feidtkou works her way past the Old Fort goalkeeper during the penalty shootout

A

s the Guyana Hockey Board/ Lucozade Indoor Hockey League comes to the last match in both male and female divisions, at the National Gymnasium on Friday night the Guyana Cricket Board Spartans have booked their championship clash with GCC Pizza Hut who finished top of the table in the league stages while GCC Vintage have made it two wins in their last two games, having conquered the Old Fort Stallions to face Hikers.

In the first contents of the night the women threw everything on the line going neck and neck to combat each other, but it was the leading goal scorer of the tournament, Marzan Feidtkou who was once again the backbone

of the Spartans attack and lead them through a tough 2-2 draw at full time to steer them to victory in the penalty shoot-out. All praise must be given to the Hikers women who battled valiantly but were unable to block Feidtkou from scoring. GCC Spartans will now face the team that has dominated the competition, Pizza Hut GCC making it an all GCC team final as they look to lift the title in the first ever Hockey League.

In the male division, GCC Vintage over came Old Fort Stallions in a 3-1 win to play Hikers. Dwayne Scott, Devin Hooper and Alan Fernandes were the scorers.

The finals will be played at the same venue today from 19:00h.

in four years of sponsoring tournaments, and we are grateful that Harlequin is also enthused at continuing this great support. We at Lusignan Golf Club are quite delighted that Massy not only provides such support but also offers great

insurance coverage to the Club.”

The public is invited to witness the return to the greens free of charge.

Tournaments tend to last about 4-5 hours. Tee-off is scheduled for 13:00 h.

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in collaboration with the National Association For Women’s Football (NAWF) will launch the Women’s Development League Football at 11:00h on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

This is the first Women’s Development League being held since the new executive has been at the helm and will commence on September 17.

The launch will feature the introduction of a patron for Women’s Football and an ambassadorial corps of prospective Match Commissioners and Brand Ambassadors.

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

Charmaine Wade

Bartica Regional Football Associations b. District Two – North East District comprising Berbice, East Demerara, East Bank and the Upper Demerara Football Associations and c. 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, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

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

GHB/ Lucozade Indoor Hockey League…

Spartans, GCC Pizza Hut hunt title

—Vintage meet Hikers for male title

Pg 23

The victorious Spartans after their semi-final game over Hikers at the National Gymnasium Spartans will take on GCC Pizza Hut in tonight’s championship match (John Ramsingh Photo)

Jaguars Premier League…

Caribbean Motor Racing Championships 2016…

Persaud puts West Dem Team Guyana in commanding position seeking good — Foo closing in on 2nd ton

Pg 21

showing at Bushy Park

Pg 22

West Indies U-19 player Tevin Imlach drives a delivery from towering fast bowler Romario Shepherd, who has so far gotten two wickets in the match

Stephen Vieira

(Photo courtesy Mikey

Spice Photography)

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyana-times.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.