Guyana Times Daily

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Issue No. 3068

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

PRICE

15 AK-47 bandits hammer into cambio dealer’s home

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt still to P9 decide on old Demerara Harbour Bridge

Page 3

Tuschen man sets home on fire Page 16

$80 vat included

P16 National Assembly hosts children’s Christmas party

Guyanese found dead in NY home

Page 2

17 Post P17 Offices will be ICT ready in 2017

IDB warns of low export rate for P17 Caribbean, Latin America

A security guard narrowly escaped death Sunday evening after two Guyana Power and Light (GPL) lamp poles came crashing down at the Tutorial High School on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown (Carl Croker photo)

Granger rates Education Officers, “Operation teachers must Safeway” as take up riverine successful Page 2

Page 7

…even as 7 die over past week

posts – RDC 10

Fatal Liliendaal accident

Pedestrian yet to be P12 identified

2 news

tuesDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese found Education Officers, teachers must take up riverine posts – Region 10 RDC dead in NY home T A

21-year-old father of one was on Sunday afternoon found dead in his Queens, New York home with a bullet wound to his chest and severe head trauma.

Dead is Eric Assanah, a Guyanese of 135th Place near 133rd Avenue in South Ozone Park, NY, USA. One day prior to his death, he reportedly left a message for his father in Guyana to return a call to him, claiming that he was scared.

Based on information received, at the time of the discovery, there were five persons in the house, but no one seemed to know what took place.

Assanah’s girlfriend, with whom he was temporarily living, told the Police that she woke up and found him dead, but investigators believe that she might know more.

“The only thing we know for sure is he was with his cousin earlier that morning,” Assanah’s stepfather, Isaiah Cameron,

said. “That night they hung out, he dropped him off at the house.” So far, reports have suggested that the Police are working with several leads and are hunting several persons in connection with murder.

The young Guyanese did odd construction jobs, but was trying to find a steady job in order to support his one-year-old son.

Reports are that the young man wanted to get into the Air Force.

Only last week, two

Dead: Eric Assanah

Dead: Alastasia Bryan

Dead: Rajwantie Basdeo

Guyanese were killed in the Queens, New York area.

Two Mondays ago, Rajwantie Basdeo of South Jamaica, Queens, NY and formerly of Lot 250 Sixth Street Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was stabbed to death by her husband, who almost decapitated her in front of eyewitnesses in Richmond Hill, NY. Her husband, Prem

Rampersaud, 50, was arrested and charged after committing the heinous crime.

Based on reports received, the jealous man attacked his wife shortly after midnight at the corner of 103rd Avenue and 124th Street, slapping and choking her before pulling out the knife and stabbing her several times.

In addition, Alastasia Bryan, 25, a Police corrections officer of Guyanese parentage, was shot and killed as she sat in her car in Flatlands, Brooklyn, NY in an apparent execution-style killing. She was murdered in the vicinity of East 73rd Street and Avenue L in Flatlands about 21:15h when a dark coloured Honda rolled up and fired off a volley of five shots.

Police confirmed that a single bullet hit the officer in the head, killing her instantly. (Adapted from New York Post)

he Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) have unanimously voted that education officers, teachers and other functionaries within the education system, who are posted to work in riverine areas, must take up their posts.

This decision came following concerns raised by the RDC and the Region’s Department of Education over the failure of designated officials to assume their riverine posts. As a result, a position was taken by the Region to cut payments of non-cooperating officials who do not take up their posts by December 31, 2016.

During the hosting of the Council’s final statutory meeting last Thursday, councillors voiced their concerns over a number of issues pertaining to education, which came to light during a recent visit to areas such as Kwakwani, Ibini and Kalcuni.

Addressing the Council,

Councillor Charles Sampson said it appears as though the sub-Region is being taken for granted as it relates to education, as several flaws were discovered.

He explained: “For example, we know that there is an education officer who is supposed to be there and she’s not there. It is my view that if the education officer is posted to sub-Region 2, then that education officer should take up her position.

We found that education delivery in the River, certain things are lacking. We found problems in schools, with supplies, problems with administration of the schools and we know that we’re supposed to have people on the ground to address these problems.”

More so, he said the RDC should insist that in future, the principles surrounding assigning officers to riverine posts are adhered to.

“If you are posted to a sub-Region and there are difficulties with you getting in there, then those difficul-

ties should be addressed,” Sampson added.

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, identified the education officer who failed to take up the post and confirmed that if the post is not taken up by December 31, then the Officer’s salary will be cut.

He stated that the decision does not only apply to education officers, but teachers as well.

Recently, Regional Education Officer (REDO) of Region 10, Marcia PaddyAndrews, announced that teachers in the Region who were assigned posts along the Berbice River will be replaced if they do not occupy those posts by January next year.

She said a meeting had been held with the ‘no show’ teachers where they were informed of this development. The REDO pointed to instances where teachers in Linden refused to go to remote areas to teach; many of them used medical conditions as excuses.

Ahmadiyya to host Jalsa Salana this weekend

T

he Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Guyana will be hosting its 35th Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) on December 17 at the Cyril Potter College of Education.

The Jalsa Salana is a yearly festival, whereby adherents gather to participate in worship and spread the message of Islam.

The international Jalsa Salana recently celebrated its jubilee year in Hampshire, England, where a Guyana delegation participated.

Head of the Guyanese arm of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Aftadudin Nassir had noted that the culture is very vibrant locally.

“We go out there and we do the work. We preach Islam, we are out on the streets and we talk to people and give the message

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will host its Jalsa Salana this weekend

of Islam to them. We are a small community but we are not deterred. We know we will grow,” Nassir said.

Ahmadiyya Muslims in Guyana were established in the late 1950s in Sisters Village, Berbice. Its first and oldest mosque is located in that community. There are other places of worship across the country and the local organisation is hoping to commission a brand new mosque in Mahdia, Region

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) before year-end.

The faith was introduced to Guyana through a missionary who was posted in Trinidad and Tobago to spread the message of Islam.

He soon became the first missionary in Guyana and thereafter, more missionaries were posted to continue to spread the message of peace which is the undertone of the community’s motto, “Love for all, hatred for none”.

news

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tuesDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, December 13 – 04:30h-06:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, December 14 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, December 13 –15:30h-17:00h and Wednesday, December 14 – 16:15h-17:45h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers and thunderstorms can be expected throughout the day, with lightly to partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures will range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:58h reaching a maximum height of 2.87 metres.

Low Tide: 09:31h and 22:01h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.33 metre respectively.

15 AK-47 bandits hammer into cambio dealer’s home A

K-47 brandishing gunmen on Monday morning stormed the home of a Corentyne, Berbice cambio dealer by hammering their way into the premises.

The bandits gained entry to the Lot 93 Albert Street, Kingston, Corriverton, Corentyne home by hammering open a window at the front of the two-storey house to remove the iron grille.

At the time, businessman Devendra Churaman, 48, also called “Katax”, was at home alone.

Reports are that five of the gunmen used sledgehammers to break open the window.

Churaman said that all of the men who entered his home about 01:45h were car-

to break open the steel door leading to his bedroom. The men then demanded money. During this time, the father of two was being held at gunpoint. Several shots were also discharged in the house.

When Guyana Times visited the home on Monday, several bullet holes were seen in the ceiling and walls.

Churaman said that it took the bandits about 30 minutes to gain entry to the house during which time he called the Police, but they arrived one and half hour after the initial call was made to the Springlands Police Station. Before leaving, the bandits also took away the surveillance footage.

Meanwhile, one of the businessman’s neighbours recalled hearing about 60

Robbed cambio dealer: Devendra Churaman

and people come out and ready to go back home back, then them reach here…,” the man recalled.

Another neighbour, in recounting the incident, said, “My dog was barking and that was when I get up to go and see, but when Ah open the door to come out, is then I hear the gunshots and then me ain’t worry come out.”

She also said she did not peek outside. However, after about 20 minutes later, she heard voices. “One of them say, if ‘alyo get everything, boy;’, and me ain’t hear no

The steel door hammered open to get to the cambio dealer

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The window that the bandits hammered open

rying AK-47 rifles.

According to Churaman, as the men hammered into his home, others were standing guard on the outside.

He said the men took in excess of $1 million in jewellery along with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Dem man take sledgehammer and broke in and five of dem come in me house, with one set of big, big gun and start fire up shots and they take money, but Ah can’t say is how much yet,” the businessman told this publication.

According to the cambio dealer, the gunmen after gaining access to his home, used sledgehammers

shots.

The man said about 01:45h he heard what appeared to be firecrackers exploding. When he peeked through his window, he no-

ticed several men at his neighbour’s window using sledgehammers to break it open.

According to the neighbour, he immediately called the Police and called again six other times to let them hear the gunshots over the phone.

“It take the Police one hour and ten minutes to get here. When everything done

The house at Albert Street, Kingston that the bandits targeted

response and then he say, ‘let’s move it’,” the woman recalled.

Meanwhile, Berbice Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, speaking at a press conference Monday morning, said that according to the report Police received all of the men were heavily armed. turn to page 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, december 13, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Road carnage D

espite the implementation of what many describe as a successful campaign by the Guyana Police Force, road accidents with the resulting fatalities are still a common occurrence on our roads and motorways. Yet again the morning newspapers bore the tragic news that over the weekend, three more persons, including a five-year-old lost their lives, in separate accidents.

Two men died tragically on Sunday evening when a motorcyclist collided with a pedestrian on the Rupert Craig Highway. The motorcyclist was reportedly speeding when he collided with the pedestrian, who was allegedly under the influence. And in a separate incident at Lima Sands on the Essequibo Coast, a 49-year-old driver was arrested and was currently assisting with investigations after the tractor he was driving ran over a five-year-old girl, who died instantly.

Every year, when the road fatality numbers rack up and the situation spirals out of control, everyone cries “something must be done”; however, it is time to assert “something will be done”. It is clear that something very different must be done.

This has become a chronic rather than a seasonal problem in Guyana.

The causes of accidents range from narrow roads to careless driving and speeding. And then there is the most common reason: some drivers just refuse to follow the rules. They will overtake other vehicles in narrow and sharp corners, drive while intoxicated, exceed the speed limit and literally drive themselves and innocent road-users into the grave. This is not to say that pedestrians and other road users are blameless.

There have been concerted efforts to enforce existing rules to help curb the carnage, including the implementation of “Operation Safeway”, which also aided in supporting the poorly equipped Police Force to tackle traffic issues.

In September, after an alarming spate of road accidents, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), in an attempt to clamp down on drunk, speeding and reckless drivers, re-launched “Operation Safeway” (the initiative was first launched early in 2009 in an attempt to reduce the rate of fatal accidents). This was intended to counter the mounting road accidents, which result in fatalities.

During the launch, the then Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine acknowledged that based on figures, there was a decline in the application of the five Cs – Caution, Care, Common Sense, Courtesy and Consideration.

According to statistics released by Police, there has been a decline in road accidents and they have directly attributed this to “Operation Safeway”. For the period September 15 to October 16, 2016, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan had reported a 36.3 per cent reduction in fatal accidents in comparison with that same period last year. He said that a total of 6421 charges have been made against drivers for various traffic offences, since the inception of “Operation Safeway”.

In addition, the White Knight campaign was initiated, which is a collaborative effort between the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) and the GPF. The aim of the campaign is to team education awareness with enforcement during strategic roadblocks across the country.

Despite these valiant efforts, the carnage on our roadways continues. Although many persons are singing praises about the success of these initiatives, the alarming frequency of accidents should be a cause for pause. The various State bodies that have remits that affect road safety need to urgently re-examine the plan of action that addresses the actual causes of road deaths.

One major cause of accidents is head-on collisions, so it is clear that the crossing of solid white lines needs to be policed, as well as tailgating, failing to indicate, overtaking on the inside and myriad other offences which perfectly sensible laws police but are routinely and fatally flouted. This can be achieved only by getting many officers out from behind their speed guns and into their patrol cars.

Additionally, if a drunk driver is able to carry on his or her journey after offering a corrupt officer a bribe, people will die. Given the reality that a percentage of those killed on the roads are pedestrians, as in the case of Sunday’s accident, laws preventing jaywalking and walking on highways need to be enforced. Speed traps cannot do this. More infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, such as footbridges and cycle lanes, is urgently needed.

Motorists, pedestrians and all road users also need to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Reducing road deaths is not a short-term project, but it is essential that we get to work immediately. It is time to embrace the complicated and difficult root-and-branch work that needs to be done. Perhaps we could consider the introduction of new traffic regulations to complement the existing rules. What is clear is that we need to find a solution soon. Too many lives are being snuffed out senselessly.

The situation on the ground is a clear indication that road safety is not being taken seriously and something more needs to be done.

The King is born!

Foundation Seven, in collaboration with WIST Dance Ministries International, held its annual recital at the Marian Academy on Sunday evening showcasing youthful talent in music, dance and drama. The show was a spectacle for patrons attending this year's production as it brought to life the reenactment of the story of Mary and Joseph

3rd time yet no signs of “good life” for Guyanese

Dear Editor, The National Budget is usually a prime opportunity for the government to showcase its roadmap for a country’s fiscal policies, prudent management strategies and robust plans for social and economic development. The Constitution of Guyana prescribed these fundamental budgetary privileges to the Finance Minister under Article 219 to craft the estimated revenues and expenditures for a financial year.

However, the Government of Guyana, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change has failed to utilise merit of a budget and keep its promises to the Guyanese people. The nation was optimistic that the Coalition Government would have seized their third opportunity to construct a strong budget and deliver on its assurances of accountability, transparency, inclusionary governance and the materialisation of a good life.

Consequently, Budget 2017 has quickly diminished the optimism of the nation due to its inept policies, privation of strategies, and overabundance on taxation. The country is clearly in a state of discontentment and bewilderment because the “utopian coalition regime” has for the third time failed to produce on their campaigned manifestos. Yet, the Minister of Finance saw it fit to commend his Administration

on presenting three budgets in just 18 months.

Editor, Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s budget presentation was dressed with many clichés but I think he forgot to include one: it is not the quantity of but quality. It was the minister’s third budgetary presentation and yet no signs of a good life for Guyanese. As such, what are the commendable things from the 2017 budgets? Is it the 14% VAT ordinary Guyanese will be burdened with on water and electricity? Or were the positives, the increased fees/penalties, the substandard commercial policies, the removal of items on the tax exempted list or the draconian policies on the poor and middleclass Guyanese? Conversely, Budget 2017 clearly lacked any comprehensive policies for job creation, attracting investment, stabilising the economy or ensuring more disposable income for the middle class.

Rather Budget 2017 is a taxation budget, one filled of new taxes and penalties, a budget devoid of programmes for the public sector, a budget with no measures for remediation of the sugar/rice industries, or has no programmes to combat the precipitous increase in crimes.

Perhaps, these are the commendable standards for the coalition governmental but for the mass of Guyanese it is not! More alarming, the min-

ister of finance stated the government will issue bonds to finance public programmes.

This is an ominous indication for the investment and multiple sectors of Guyana.

Economically once governmental borrowing increases interest rates will rise and will advisedly affect the borrowing abilities of public/private sectors. Therefore, there will be less accessible capital for the public/private sectors to inject in investment or expanding in business. These events complimented with added taxation can the economy to plummet into a recession with increase in the cost of living, higher prices, and unemployment.

These are all ominous signs for national and economy wellbeing of Guyana.

If the Coalition Government truly wants to bring growth and stabilise a failing economy, it must revisit the 2017 budget measures. We must remember, it was the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition, that campaigned heavily on offering 20 per cent increase to the public sector, revitalisation of the sugar industry, attracting new markets for the rice industry - assuring $9000 per bag, and “stamp out” corruption.

However, the reality of 18 months in Government tells a different story on their achievement on campaign words. Many Guyanese now

realised they were lured by the Coalition’s malarkey.

Rather, the Guyanese people saw this administration granting themselves a 50 per cent salary increase but for the third time giving nothing to the public sector.

Budget 2017 has all the hallmarks of a dismal future for Guyana and its immediate effects are already evident in many areas of Guyana. What can Guyanese expect over the next quarter if this budget is passed in the National Assembly?

Guyanese can anticipate a deeper recession with economic downturn, rise in unemployment, closure of more businesses, increase in prices, escalation in the cost of living, contracting in the economy and further increases in hideous crime.

Sadly, it is the ordinary and poor Guyanese who will face the brunt of this anaemic budget. I urge the Finance Minister to withdraw this budget before it devastates the livelihood of Guyanese and the image of Guyana! Many Guyanese are bemoaning this budget, even the stronghold supports of the Coalition.

Editor, I apprehensively hope the Government amend the measures of Budget 2017 and before it gets to the appropriation bill and truly deliver a “good life” to all Guyanese.

Yours sincerely, Mahendra Hariraj

Should there be an investigation into foreign role in Guyana’s elections?

Dear Editor, President Obama has ordered an investigation into Russia’s role in the recent Presidential elections.

Shouldn’t President Obama also order an investigation into US role in Guyana’s general elections May 2015?

The Democrats, quoting from a secret CIA report, assert that Russia (through its

Intelligence Agency) influenced the outcome of the recent US Presidential elections causing the Republican Donald Trump to win the Presidency. The report, as carried in the Washington Post, claims that Russia’s aim was “to help Mr. Trump win and not just undermine the U.S. electoral process”.

Republicans respond-

ed that there is no conclusive proof the Russians determined the outcome of the election. However, the Republicans condemn any purported outside interference in US elections without mentioning Russia by name.

President elect Donald Trump rebuked the Democrats as well as the CIA report noting that the outcome of the

election was long over, and that they should stop any investigations into the elections.

Trump said it is time to move on. But President Obama has ordered an investigation into Russia’s interference in the elections “to protect the integrity of American elections”.

How about protecting the integrity of Guyana’s elections? continues on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, december 13, 2016

5

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

Social Cohesion Ministry is more divisive than bringing people together Dear Editor, In a country like ours that is racially divided, the need for social cohesion is essential for long-lasting stability and growth.

Long before the Ministry of Social Cohesion was established by the Granger Administration, I have been a strong advocate for the promotion of social cohesion. Years ago while living in New York, I designed and printed thousands of bumper stickers with the words “My race does not matter… I’m Guyanese and proud of it.” These were brought to Guyana for distribution.

Historically, our two main ethnic groups have been divided by racial conflicts and mistrust for each other. So uniting our people will be nothing short of a herculean task that requires real commitment and dedication. It requires leadership who is perceived to be fair, objective, and who truly understands the importance trust plays in bringing these ethnic groups together. For this reason, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was established under the PPP/C Administration in 2003. It is a constitutional bi-partisan body established as an undertaking by the Herdmanston Accord and by Constitutional Amendment (#2) Act of 2000. Its members require a two/thirds majority vote

by Parliament to serve on that Board.

It is intended to serve all Guyanese and persons living or working in Guyana, including those who believe they were discriminated against based on their ethnicity and persons who believe others were discriminated against because of their ethnicity.

It also has as its mandate the promotion of harmonious relations between races and the powers of sanction against persons who discriminate.

The distribution of busses, bicycles and boots to aid school children could easily have been done through the Ministry of Education.

Instead, taxpayers’ money is wasted on the establishment of a brand-new ministry which many are convinced, mirrors the infamous Ministry of National Mobilisation that was setup by the PNC under the late Forbes Burnham as a slush fund to finance PNC activities and garner public support for their re-election campaign. This seems to be the sinister ploy behind the creation of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, and putting a hard-core PNC faithful as the minister makes perfect sense.

Minister Amna Ally is indeed hard-core, vintage PNC who still holds a strong resentment for the PPP and its supporters. Amna Ally is the worst choice to head that ministry. For in addition to her PNC activism, she lacks the personality and finesse to skilfully realise this ob-

jective. And so I often wonder if President Granger is really serious about social cohesion.

For social cohesion to work, we must be colour-blind in the way we see each other, not as Indian or African or Amerindian, but as fellow Guyanese. We must develop a higher level of tolerance for each other’s culture and religion.

We must learn to respect each other’s views and opinions more so when we differ. We must also be made to feel that despite our differences in ethnicity, we all have equal opportunities to realise our God-given potential to better ourselves and families without being discriminated against.

How this is achieved is the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

But to date, I’ve seen no evidence that the Minister of Social Cohesion has the ability to achieve this goal.

Members of Parliament are yet to see the “5-year strategic plan” that Minister Ally keeps promising to produce. Time is running out.

The Minister of Social Cohesion should be most concerned about the image she portrays to the public at large. The very nature of her job depends on it.

In Parliament, Minister Amna Ally is not only the Government’s Chief-Whip, but she has designated herself “Heckler-in-Chief” as well.

Last Wednesday during

the 2017 Budget presentation, the Minister of Social Cohesion referred to PPP Member of Parliament, Alister Charlie, from Region 9 as “stupid.” Upon hearing this, the former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai took offence to this word being used to describe a fellow Amerindian, and a heated exchange ensued which attracted the attention of the Speaker. Dr Barton Scotland enquired of Minister Ally whether in fact she used that word (considered to be unparliamentary), and if she did, to withdraw it.

So what was the response of the Minister of Social Cohesion? For the second time that day, she deliberately misled the Speaker of the National Assembly. It was her ability to tell this barefaced untruth with a straight face that prompted me to write this letter.

As a Member of Parliament, I have always shown respect to all my colleagues, including those on the Government side, Amna Ally included. But after this is published, I can expect some ‘tongue-lashing’ for having the courage to speak-out against ineptitude and arrogance, the type that has made the Ministry of Social Cohesion more divisive than bringing people together.

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP (PPP)

Should there be an investigation...

It is ironic that Obama is concerned about Russia’s interference in the elections when it is the same Obama Administration, through the US Embassy agents in Guyana, that interfered in Guyana’s May 2015 elections “to select” a winner. It is alleged that the US removed the de facto Indian PPP administration and replaced it with the African PNC led government. Ironically, PPP leaders supported Obama over Hilary Clinton in the 2008 Democrat nomination contest. The same Obama has removed the PPP leaders from office and replaced them with PNC leaders.

The role of the US Embassy through CIA agents was to collect, evaluate and disseminate information to assist Obama and senior US government policymakers in making decisions about national security. The role of the Embassy, through the CIA, is also to engage in covert action at the president’s request. The

Embassy determined that the PPP had to go and a plan was put into effect.

Everyone knows that the CIA funded various covert operations in Guyana.

The CIA historically funded the PNC as reported in NY Times. But more recently, it was the AFC and WPA affiliates that also got American funding to campaign against the PPP. The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the Republican Institute, NED, and other US agencies channelled funds to them and affiliated NGOs to motivate PNC supporters to cast ballots.

The PPP attacked the American funding organisations instead of working closely with them to fund PPP support groups to educate supporters on the importance of voting. The PPP looked for its trouble by attacking the US that justifiably removed it from office.

The then US Acting Ambassador, Bryan Hunt,

according to media reports, objected to recount of ballots in what was the closest democratic elections in Guyana’s history. Gecom which had agreed to a recount of ballots reversed course following Hunt’s objection to a recount.

At a minimum, the PPP could have ended up with 33 seats in Parliament if a recount was done in Region 8 where the PPP lost by one vote with some 45 votes declared as spoilt – almost all in favour of PPP, according to observers and PPP counting agents.

In Region 4 there were suspected counts and fake statements of poll that could not reliably determine final counts.

In societies where elections tend not to be free and fair, as in Guyana, observers are needed to guarantee a democratic election. Thus, Guyana needs foreign (neutral) observers to ensure a fair election. Guyanese welcome international observers to ensure transparent, free

from page 4

and fair elections. But there should not be outside interference by powerful governments to determine the winner as the US Embassy did in Guyana in 1964 and 2015 to remove the PPP from office.

It is also recorded facts that the US encouraged and funded rigged elections in Guyana to keep out the socialist PPP from office and to retain the pro-imperialist PNC in office between 1964 and 1992. The US had a change in heart in 1992 following the collapse of communism, ordering the PNC to hold democratic elections.

The PNC did its best to rig the 1992 outcome but fell short and was forced to give up power although not without violent resistance attacking non-supporters. Obama should order an investigation into US role in the 2015 Guyana elections.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

History will judge Obama to be a great, unique President

Dear Editor, One of the effects of Barack Obama being elected President of the United States of America twice is that there is a level of racism in America that can no longer be ignored. If a man like Barack Obama, so well-educated, so graceful, so intelligent, so charming, can be so reviled and denigrated on a daily basis in some parts of the country and in Congress to the point that he can hardly do his job, you can no longer, as a normal person, ignore the profound problem of race in that country.

Obama and his family have led with class and dignity through all the adversity, he is certainly the best leader of my lifetime, and he will be missed. President Obama is an exemplary example of goodwill leadership. No matter how vile the opposition may behave towards him, in return he always extends to them his natural decent goodwill, and generously too. There is not likely to be another with his grace for generations. Wish he could know how many do appreciate his efforts.

Michelle is equally a fine example of wholesome generosity, she will succeed at whatever she wishes to achieve.

May the days ahead as private citizens be mighty good to them. Obama has had to endure the most systematically obdurate Congress in United States history, determined to oppose him at all costs. It is a testament

to his values and strengths that he has persisted in the face of such callousness, single-minded obstructionism and that he has achieved anything at all.

Obama has been the embodiment of hope and still is. Hope itself is not the achievement of change; it is what gives us the strength to strive for change.

I think history will judge Obama to have been a great and unique President. He has been at the helm of so much civil rights change, from fair pay, to repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, marriage equality, and affordable healthcare for many millions of Americans.

But I think what he will be best known for is his dignity in the face of abject hatred. His detractors and their supporters have done everything they can to demean Barack Obama and his family, even questioning if he is an American. But noble minded, he has always remained composed and dignified, held his head up high, and that's why history will judge him to be among the great American presidents.

There have been forty-four Presidents in United States history, including Obama. He will be probably 9th to 12th in the Presidential rankings I think.

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

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tuesday, december 13, 2016

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Foundation

– what research suggests about children and the Santa myth Part 2

Scenes from GEPAN's Linden party

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he Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN) with support from A&R Cosmetics and private contributors hosted a Christmas party for 70 children in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The organisation wanted to give children below the age of 10 from modest homes, an opportunity to socialise and have fun as part of our efforts to add cheer to this Christmas season.

To make it a success, GEPAN teamed up with local businesswoman Anjelique Temaul and a neighbourhood church to mobilise families. Goodiebags with beverages, cupcakes, biscuits, sweets and toys were handed out to participants.

The children enjoyed face-painting and trampoline activities in presence of organisation members and parents. The party lasted for three hours, lighting up the faces of children and parents who shared in the excitement of the afternoon.

Families that partici-

guyanatimesgy.com

By Vanessa LoBue, PhD

H

ow do children eventually learn to distinguish fantasy from reality? Much of the time they rely on what other people tell them – what researchers call testimony. Children have to rely on their parents’ testimony quite a bit because they still have much to learn about the way the world works.

They also rely on evidence to support whether something is fact or fiction. And at a very young age, all testimony (eg, what parents say) and evidence (eg, toys

tually find out on their own that Santa is not so real after all.

Some of us don’t invite Santa Claus into our homes because we don’t celebrate Christmas, or we choose other holiday traditions; others embrace Santa without any religious connotation, while others pair Santa with a nativity scene. Whatever you decide is your tradition, telling children about Santa (or not) probably won’t hurt them, or your relationship.

Personally, the myth of Santa Claus was an exciting part of my childhood, one that added a magical feel-

GEPAN members with Christmas hampers donated by Anjelique Temaul. From left: Don Stoll (GEPAN Secretary); Anjelique Temaul; Sunil Gopaul (GEPAN member); Nandanie Jerry (GEPAN Treasurer) and Anna Campbell-Persaud (Project Coordinator)

pated in the event originate from Linden as well as neighbouring Amerindian communities. Because some were unable to attend due to travel expenses, packages will be delivered at their homes.

Project Coordinator Anna Campbell-Persaud, who was in charge of the activity, conveyed the organisation’s best wishes for the Christmas season to the gathering. She explained that the event was one

which fell within the ambit of GEPAN’s work in impoverished, rural communities, as they sought to highlight the challenges faced by the lesser privileged and give back to those who need it most.

under the tree, disappearing cookies and milk) points to the existence of Santa Claus.

Enjoy the magic of your holiday season, however you choose to make it

At some point, children will begin to obtain both testimony and evidence that contradict their belief in Santa from their friends at school or from learning about the physics of what’s possible and impossible. They’ll question old evidence, seek out new evidence, and most will even-

ing to my holiday season –a feeling that has been missing for quite some time.

As our second Christmas with a child of our own quickly approaches, I’ve found that the magic of Santa Claus has suddenly returned. Like I said, sometimes even adults need a little bit of magic in their lives, and I am excited to have Santa’s magic back in mine for the first time in over 25 years. Welcome back, old friend.

Enjoy the magic of your holiday season, however you choose to make it. (Excerpt from psy-

chologytoday.com)

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TUESDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Granger rates “Operation Safeway” as successful …even as 7 die over past week

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he Guyana Police Force’s “Operation Safeway” has been regarded as a success by President David Granger, even as fatal accidents and incidents of persons driving under the influence continue to increase.

Over the past few days, the number of road fatalities recorded has been alarm-

President David Granger said “Operation Safeway” was successful in reducing road fatalities

ing and points to the level of recklessness occurring on the roadways.

But President Granger debunked claims that road crimes were escalating, noting that “Operation

Safeway” resulted in a reduction in road accidents.

“The rate of fatal accidents since Safeway was launched to now … saw a reduction…As part of “Operation Safeway”, there is a more stringent enforcement of people driving under the influence,” he stated during his weekly televised “The Public Interest” programme.

For the period September 15 to October 16, 2016, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan had reported a 36.3 per cent reduction in fatal accidents compared to the same period last year.

He said a total of 6421 charges have been made against drivers for various traffic offences since the inception of “Operation Safeway”.

Nonetheless, there are concerns that “Operation Safeway” is not addressing the root causes of the road problems, including the inconsiderate behaviour of drivers who refuse to stop for pedestrians to cross the roads at pedestrian crossings.

Not too long ago, CCTV footage of two children getting struck down by a truck as they attempted to cross

15 AK-47 bandits...

“At least 15 bandits, five of whom entered his home armed with handguns and rifles and took away an undisclosed sum of money.

As a result of this, neighbours managed to call the Police at about 02:05h and the Police responded, but by which time, the bandits had already left the house,” Watts told the media.

According to Watts, the bandits also used firecrackers. “They also fired squibs for it to appear as though it was squibs being fired so as not to alert members of the public to the fact that they had rifles.”

He explained that the remains of used firecrackers were discovered in the area.

The commander also noted that it appeared that some of the men were strangers to the area. This conclusion was reached after residents reported to Police that some of the bandits were asking others which way to go as they exited the area.

Watts said that on Sunday evening, six ranks were on duty and were responsible for patrolling from Moleson Creek to Number 43 Village – a stretch of about 25 miles.

The Police so far recovered 21 live rounds which are used by AK-47 rifles and two used cartridges which

are used by shotguns.

An investigation has been launched. This newspaper understands that

Some of those who tragically lost their lives in the road accidents over the past week. From left: Simon Kendall,Mark Mc Coy, Ryan Ragubir and Dr Haimant Haimraj

the busy road at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) went viral, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.

Although the children stood at the crossing – signalling their desire to get to the other side of the road – for quite a number of minutes, the vehicles on the highway sped by.

Luckily for the children, though they were ran over by a truck, they survived.

The past few days have recorded a distressing number of road fatalities, including those of children.

Two men also died tragically on Sunday evening when a motorcyclist collided with a pedestrian on the from page 3

several persons have been arrested for questioning regarding the robbery.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Rupert Craig Highway.

The motorcyclist was reportedly speeding when he collided with the pedestrian, who was allegedly under the influence.

In a separate incident at Lima Sands on the Essequibo Coast, a 49-yearold driver was arrested and was now assisting with investigations after the tractor he was driving ran over a five-year-old girl, who died instantly.

On Friday evening, a carpenter was struck down by a motor car while crossing the public road at Houston, Greater Georgetown. The carpenter, Ryan Ragubir, was walking behind two

work colleagues who were also crossing the road at the time the car knocked him down.

Also on Friday, Dr Haimant Haimraj, 26, died at the Suddie Public Hospital, Essequibo Coast, after he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed into a fence.

According to investigations, speeding has been attributed as the cause of the accident which occurred about 17:45h on the Vilvorden Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

On Thursday, an 11-year-old student, Simon Kendall, of Tagore Memorial Secondary School in Berbice, was struck down in front

of his home at Number 46 Village, Corentyne, by a car driven by a driver whose licence was suspended.

Also on Thursday, a young man who was en route to visit his grandmother at a city hospital collided with a minibus, whose driver was reported to be under the influence. The young man, who sustained a punctured lung, is now battling for his life.

Finally, last Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy, Mark McCoy, died instantly after he was struck down by a minibus. Reports indicate that the child rode his bike into the path of the minibus in the vicinity of Diamond, EBD.

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News

TUESDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Teen on bail for attempted robbery

A

young man of Lot 121 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, was released on $100,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for attempting to commit a felony.

Travis Sears, 18, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that December 2, 2016, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he attempted to rob Gavin Peters while being armed with a knife.

The Prosecution stated that on the day in question the teen attacked Peters while he was walking along Croal Street.

The defence attorney in attempting to secure bail told the court that his client has a fixed place of abode and his client has no pending matters or has ever been

Manna...

A convicted of any criminal offence.

The prosecution however vehemently noted that the accused gave Police his home address as Lot 121 South Ruimveldt ant not the address established as by

Police. The Prosecution objected to bail on the grounds the accused is trying to mislead the court.

The Defence attorney outlined to court that there must be a mixed-up in addresses since his client only

have one fixed place of abode.

Magistrate Faith Mcgusty granted the teenager bail and ordered that he return to court on December 21, 2016.

Lindener fined $35,000 for assault A Lindener who assaulted a man while in a drunken stupor was fined $35,000 by Magistrate Clive Nurse following an appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The defendant, Cecil

Savoury, 38, pleaded guilty to the offence after the facts of the matter were presented to the court.

The court heard that he assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC) while he was under the influence

of alcohol, pushing him out of a hammock and punching him several times to the mouth.

As a result, the VC sustained a burst mouth and reported the matter to the Wismar Police Station.

Contact was then made with the defendant, who was subsequently charged with the offence. Failure to pay the fine will result in a default sentence of three months in prison for Savoury.

$10,000 fine for narcotics possession A 24-year-old man was fined for possession of narcotics after admitting to the crime before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that Jamall Wright on December 8, 2016 at Brickdam, Georgetown,

was in possession of three grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Wright, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, in a plea of mitigation stat-

ed that he only consumed the illicit drug to ward off depression.

He further stated that the drug did not belong to him, but to a friend who gave him the substance to take a “pull”.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the defendant, ordered the man to pay a fine of $10,000.

...from the Diaspora

Guyanese from the Diaspora invested (or will be investing in total) US$400,000 into a gas station complex at Buxton. Apart from gas, when it’s all done, you’ll be able pick up your fried chicken from a Church’s, basic items from a minimart and receive medical attention and drugs at a pharmacy and medical centre. Now this is more a vote of confidence in Buxton than anything else.

Folks might’ve forgotten it was this same gas station owner - a local-boy-made-good - who was gunned down during the “troubles”, as President Granger insists of calling the depredations of the Buxton-based murderous gang in 2003. The gang was given refuge in one section of the village and your Eyewitness hopes this investment means the local investors - who probably hail from the village - have hardinfo that those days won’t repeat themselves soon.

But Prezzie took the opportunity to upbraid those folks from the diaspora who’ve been somewhat critical of he and his Administration for “neglecting” them after his fullcourt-press wooing of them before the elections. In fact their complaint was they were used like disposable tissue and discarded without even a personal thank you. Seeing them as cash cows, Prezzie said that the diaspora should “put their money where their mouth was” and invest like the Buxtonian gas station owners.

But it’s not so simple is it? The Buxtonian investment is in services...they don’t have to be scared of some Minister pulling the carpet out from under their investment. And this has become the rule now in Guyana. Look at the example that was illustrated on the same day as the announcement of the Buxton Gas Station: Minister of Health Norton INSTRUCTING the head of the Food and Drug Agency to release some imported items the latter had seized.

Can you believe this? The importation of food and drugs are governed by very detailed specific rules because of the threat to life if violated. If the Minister believes the Head of the Agency behaving capriciously - as is charged by the importer - then the Minister can have the case investigated.

He can’t just ORDER the order lifted.

We need investors from the diaspora in manufacturing and the creation of value in exports that will bring in foreign funds to expand our economy. They’ll never do so when as was likely in this case, a Minister will intervene just so pressure on him from a newspaper about some of his other indiscretions may be removed.

Investors from the diaspora expect level playing fields and political non-interference.

...from Mexico?

Upstart hamburger chain Wendy’s once upstaged behemoth McDonalds by comparing their burgers and asking slyly, “Where’s the beef?” With this ongoing trotting out of Mexico as a market for our rice and as saviour of our beleaguered rice farmers, your Eyewitness asks, “Where’s the rice?”

It all started with PM Nagamootoo. Rice farmers - who’d been part of the 11 per cent that earned him his title were reeling from the PNC-led coalition’s abandonment of the lucrative Venezuelan rice-for-oil markets. In Mexico on some jaunt, Nagamootoo engaged some Mexican official in a photo op and announced he’d secured MAMMOTH rice markets for our rice and paddy!

Your Eyewitness pointed out even though Mexico did import a million tons of rice, it was mostly locked into the US product by NAFTA. And in any case, with our shipping costs, the prices would be dirt cheap. Well, it’s been one excuse after another. Phytosanitary requirements... quality controls, blah blah blah...

The latest is the PM’s Man from Berbice Harbajan just returned from his Mexican Junket. But no contract.

When will this charade end?

...from staunching corruption

Your Eyewitness wonders why taxes were increased to cover Government expenditures. Didn’t the Governmentas-Opposition guarantee money galore just by ending the PPP’s alleged “siphoning off” of funds?

Or is the “siphoning off” still going on?

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

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TUESDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt still to decide on old Demerara Harbour Bridge

I

n the wake of plans to have a new bridge built across the Demerara River, Government is still contemplating whether or not it will retain the current Demerara Harbour Bridge upon completion of the new facility.

Junior Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson, in a recent television interview, said Government was exploring whether to keep the existing structure along with the new fixed bridge.

Only late last week, Government announced that it had gone ahead with the signing of the contract for a feasibility study with Dutch

company Lievense CSO. The study, which commences in January 2017, is expected to last for some six months.

In 2013, the Bridge Corporation, in collaboration with the then Public Works Ministry, had carried out a pre-feasibility study. That study concluded that a fixed high-level bridge was the best option to pursue.

The feasibility study will consider the model, the tender documents and the sites proposed and it will also make the final pronouncement on whether or not the construction is something that the country can go forward with.

In December 2015, 22

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

companies from around the world submitted bids to conduct the study and furnish a design for the bridge. So far, three areas are being examined for the construc-

tion of the bridge – which are between Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD); between Peters Hall, EBD and

Schoonord, on the WBD; and between New Hope, EBD and at Laurentia Catherina, WBD. The bridge must have a navigational clearance of 100

metres wide, with navigational aids, an air draft of 50 metres, adequate marine collection protection at the navigating channels and an estimated length of 2250 meters.

Faced with constant mechanical problems and heavy traffic, calls were made for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River. Floating at 1.25 miles, the Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the eastern and western banks of the Demerara River.

The current structure, which opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years, has been floating for 38 years.

Major policy development for 2017 – Trotman …updating national forest strategy in pipeline

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he Natural Resources Ministry will see significant improvements during the new fiscal year 2017 through the review and revitalisation of policies in some critical areas.

This is according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman who last week said that to support the continued development and implementation of robust policies related to natural resources, while coordinating the work of implementing agencies under the purview of the ministry, and monitoring and evaluating the agencies’ work programmes, a financial commitment to the tune of G$579,879 million is necessary to cover the ministry’s recurrent and capital expenditures.

Speaking on the Strategic Plan and Policies for 2017 through 2021, while addressing the National Assembly, Trotman said the ministry has requested the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2017 to revise and update the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Strategic Plan (2013-2018) and Monitoring and Evaluation. He said that since assuming office, the Ministry has undergone significant institutional changes, and as such, it would be a timely initiative to update the strategic plan.

Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

Minister

Updating strategic plan

Trotman spoke of the revision of the National Forest Policy and informed the house that for the New Year, the ministry will continue to update and/or create policies and laws relating to the conservation, management, protection and sustainable development of the nation’s forest resources.

“There have been changes in Guyana’s economic, social and political landscape over the last six years since the previous forest policy was crafted. An updated forest policy will mark a significant shift in emphasis from the development of the timber potential of our forests to management of the forests’ multiple down-stream goods and services for national benefit,” the Minister told the

House.

He said the current policy of 2009 aims at dissuading the export of logs while encouraging value-added manufacturing of forest products.

He said it is obvious that this policy was honoured more in the breach than in observance.

As it relates to National Log Export Policy, Trotman said in the interest of strategically enhancing the competitiveness of Guyana’s Forestry Sector in 2017, the Government has commenced review of the National Log Export Policy to develop a new policy for immediate implementation: “We cannot underestimate the role that mining plays in the nation’s social and economic development.

Mining generates jobs and significant revenues. With improved governance, the sector can advance economic diversification and the creation of jobs and enhance sustainable investments in health, education and infrastructure. These positive benefits are difficult to achieve in the absence of a strong policy framework.”

He noted that it is for this reason that the ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission will have a completed draft of the Mining Policy in 2017. He also announced that there is an ongoing review of the bauxite interview with a particular emphasis on the feasibility of

an alumina plant.

Legislative gaps

Trotman said there is also need for a Legislative Review that would enable improved governance and the development of a sustainable extractor sector. He noted that in 2016, the Ministry had tasked its regulatory agencies with identifying strategic priorities, legislative gaps in their existing Act and Regulations, and more recently, a review of the fees and fines that are stipulated by their legislation.

Following the reviews conducted, it was deemed that the Acts and Regulations

were out-dated and many loop-holes were identified and as such, there was a need for the revision of the legislative framework that governs the extractive sector.

In the area of Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Trotman said Guyana remains committed to advancing its REDD+ preparatory activities through the Readiness Fund of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). With the financial support of the FCPF through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a Technical Cooperation valued at US$3.8 million will allow Guyana to undertake a series of REDD+ readiness ac-

tivities, designed to create the basis for Guyana to receive payments for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and for supporting conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Specifically, he said this cooperation will support improvements in the organisation and strength of institutions for REDD+ readiness, including robust consultations and meaningful participation of stakeholders; and the preparation of the Guyana REDD+ Strategy to facilitate access to additional funding under performancebased incentives.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, december 13, 2016

News

Lindeners urged to uphold human rights O

n the occasion of International Human Rights Day, observed last Saturday, the Linden Youth Leaders (LYL) sought to spread awareness throughout Linden, with the hosting of a rally and ceremony at Mackenzie.

Following the rally which was attended by numerous students, youth and community leaders, as well as councillors, a ceremony was hosted in the vicinity of the bauxite centennial arch, where the importance of Human Rights was highlighted by various speakers.

Also in attendance and delivering the feature remarks was United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative Shabnam Mallick accompanied by other representatives.

Mayor of Linden and

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Members of Linden Youth Leaders and Mayor Carwyn Holland at the rally along with UN representative Shabnam Mallick and students

occasion pass by without raising awareness.

“For too long we’ve been accustomed to allowing these days to pass without any significance to our youths...I’m

seen it necessary to embrace Linden Youth Leaders with this event...No longer should our youths see national holidays and significant events like this and allow it to pass

Youth leaders during a parade at Linden

founder of LYL Carwyn Holland who chaired the programme, emphasised the importance of not letting the

Are hospitals in Guyana chambers of doom and death?

particularly pleased and even more happy that the United Nations in Guyana, would have seen it fit and

by without doing something about it, and raising awareness,” he said.

President of LYL Coretta

Hudson also noted that as a group, the Linden Youth Leaders found it necessary to stand in solidarity with the United Nations to celebrate the prestigious day.

In her address, UNDP’s Mallick noted that she was pleased to be in Linden on the important occasion of International Human Rights Day. Mallick declared that every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights: “These rights are there for your protection against people who might want to harm or hurt you. They are also there for us to get along with each other and live in peace.

When human rights are not well known by people, abuses such as discrimination, intolerance, injustice, oppression and slavery can arise...”, she noted.

Through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Mallick coutioned that many countries have promised to uphold basic human rights but unfortunately this is not always the case, however she said many organisations try to continue to keep vulnerable people safe and healthy.

“Under Human Rights Treaties, Governments have the primary responsibility of protecting and promoting human rights. However, Governments are not solely responsible...The Universal Declaration states, ‘every individual and every organ of society shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures’ UNDP supports human rights for development.”

Also present and delivering brief remarks were parliamentarian Audwin Rutherford and Regional Vice Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Elroy Adolph. Adolph in his address said that he was happy to see youths being pacesetters.

Also In attendance were students of the Linden Foundation and Wisburg Secondary and Mackenzie High schools, as well as members of the Young and Thoughtful Youth Group.

he recent announcement that the first cardiac unit was launched at the general public hospital in Georgetown, the capital, is certainly an uptick in healthcare in Guyana, the second poorest country in the Americas. This is big news when considering that not much positive vibes and vibrations have been emanating from this calypso and chutney mudland much more providing decent healthcare to a majority of its uninsured citizens. If you have doubts I would like to remind you that three of the four late Presidents of Guyana (Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and Desmond Hoyte) died of heart attacks when they could have been saved if Guyana had a reliable healthcare system.

Why the healthcare system of Guyana lags behind does not require an Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine explanation from a brain surgeon but from the average person in the street who will most likely say this: Guyana has been ripped apart by partisan politics which can be aptly described as the crab in the barrel syndrome. When one moves up; another pulls him down. History is not a guide as to how to treat this national infection. Among those who control the levers of power is an embedded thought that if their own designed and defunct healthcare system does not meet their expectations, there is always the opportunity, by virtue of their status and self-conceived specimen, to seek care in greener pastures.

I doubt whether this mindset will change soon but I am confident that when ordinary citizens begin seeing their politicians seeking medical care from public health institutions they will realise that a serious message has been signalled. That is, providing decent medical care to the public has finally become a national priority.

While the launching of a cardiac unit is a step forward, the larger concern here, of course, is how efficient and effective the cardiac unit will be? This is a question that depends largely on the competence of doctors and medical staff as well as the availability of resources. What is also of concern is how accessible the cardiac unit will be to the general public, especially in far flung areas? Guyana is notoriously notable to be Georgetown centric. May I remind our politicians that all of Guyana is not Georgetown and Georgetown is not all of Guyana. This has been the image peddled in and out of the country. The time has come to diffuse resources equally to every region of the country. We cannot afford to reproduce the core-periphery relationship, the epitome of Guyana’s historical experience.

I argue that the delivery of the above concerns will give fillip to public confidence in the medical system at a time when many simply go to hospitals with feelings of resignation than resurgence. The unfortunate and underreported/coverage death by the media of a young man at a private hospital in Georgetown and countless others across this country resonate low anywhere at any time in a country endowed with so much natural and human resources. It is a national shame.

The million dollar question here is, what ought to be done not only to support the cardiac unit but also to have an overall decent healthcare system in Guyana? Does it require the greatest minds in the world to provide this basic but unavoidable human medical need? I do not think so but human sense will sway me to explore the following possibilities.

Put aside political encomium and conduct a comprehensive assessment of Guyana’s healthcare system to determine what needs prioritisation and delivery and provide updated information to the public what the healthcare system is capable of doing and what patients can expect when seeking medical care. Doctors too must be held responsible for reckless behaviour, including public intoxication.

I argue also that decent healthcare will lead to national growth and development since it protects our most vital resources, human beings, as well as promote tourism.

Guyana’s comparative advantage depends on weaving a decent healthcare system with eco-tourism.

That said, until and unless we see sound improvements, not images, the reality is anyone reading this column will not see an adequate healthcare system in his or her lifetime in Guyana. The sooner this is realised the sooner your mind will be at ease. What can we do to improve it?

(Send comments to: lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

tuesDAY, december 13, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Guyana to host Regional Centre for persons with disabilities P lans for the establishment of a Regional Training Centre for young persons with disabilities moved a step forward last Thursday, with the signing of an agreement by the implementing parties.

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, along with Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, and Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Cesar Gonsalez Marchante, signed a Tripartite Cooperation and Technical Assistance Agreement at a ceremony held at the Caricom Secretariat, Turkeyen, Georgetown, Guyana. The Agreement is for the establishment of a “Regional Training Centre for Development and Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities.”

Guyana will be home to the Regional Centre, which will use Cuba’s extensive experience to assist Caricom Member States to meet the special education needs associated with disabilities.

The project evolved out of a proposal at the fifth

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, and Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana Julio Cesar Gonsalez Marchante signed a Tripartite Cooperation and Technical Assistance Agreement at a ceremony held at the Caricom Secretariat

Caricom-Cuba Summit two years ago that Cuba would cooperate with Caricom to create a Training Centre for the Treatment of Physical Disabilities to assist physically challenged children and youth. That Caricom-Cuba summit came a year after a highlevel Ministerial meeting in Haiti in 2013 where the Petionville Declaration recommended specific national and regional actions to address the needs of People with Disabilities.

“This project emphasises the interest of all parties to address a very important social and humanitarian challenge facing the Region. It aims to use Cuba’s extensive experience in this area to assist Caricom Member States in improving the lives of a vulnerable sector of our population,” Caricom’s LaRocque said at the signing ceremony.

He continued: “As we celebrate Caricom-Cuba Day on this 8 December, we do so in honour of one of

the architects of this observance. With the recent passing of His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz, OCC, Cuba has lost a national icon and the Caribbean Community has lost a true friend.”

President Castro’s commitment to assist developing countries through the sharing of his country’s skills and expertise, made him such a treasured ally of the Region, LaRocque said, that he was the only nonCaricom recipient of the highest award, the Order of

the Caribbean Community.

The Secretary General said thousands of Caricom citizens have benefitted in many ways from Castro’s dedicated friendship and that of the Cuban people to the Community.

Two years ago, in Havana at the Fifth Caricom-Cuba Summit, it was proposed that Cuba would cooperate with Caricom in nine specific areas, including “the creation of a Training Centre for the Treatment of Physical Disabilities to assist physically challenged children and youths.”

That Summit followed the year after Caricom held a High-Level Ministerial Meeting in Haiti in 2013 to address the needs of People with Disabilities and Special Needs. The Petionville Declaration, issued by the Meeting, outlined specific recommendations for action at both the regional and national levels to move towards a more inclusive and equitable society and to serve the vulnerable group of citizens more effectively.

According to the Secretary General, Caricom undertook then, to improve their access to social services and support employ-

ment opportunities, sports, recreation and cultural activities, thereby promoting inclusion, while supporting their aspirations to become productive citizens of their communities.

“We also committed to promoting within our homes, schools and communities, a greater awareness of the needs of children and youth with disabilities. We agreed to develop and implement measures to ensure continued improvement in the home, the school and the community that assured their equal right to education and participation.”

The Regional Training Centre for Development and Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities will go some way towards fulfilling the objectives laid out in that Declaration.

He said the project emphasises the interest of all parties to address a very important social and humanitarian challenge facing the Region. It aims to use Cuba’s extensive experience to assist Caricom Member States in improving the lives of our vulnerable population.

Region 2 accidents

Doctor died from multiple injuries, 5-yearold from crushed skull – autopsies

T

he autopsy conducted on five-year-old Orissa Williams, who lost her life tragically on Sunday in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), died as a result of a crushed head sustained from the accident.

The autopsy was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, on Monday at the Suddie mortuary.

Meanwhile, the 49-year-old driver remains in Police custody pending investigations.

Charges will be laid against him shortly.

The accident involved a tractor bearing registration plate 21496, and trailer TBB 4806, owned and driven by Ganga Persaud, who is also a hire car driver from Lot 11 Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast.

Information revealed that the tractor was proceeding north along the Lima Sands Access Road, while

Dead: Dr Haimant Haimraj

two pedestrians, namely Ivor Courtman (Junior) and Orissa Williams, were standing on the eastern side of the road facing west.

According to Police information, Orissa was in the process of running across the road when she fell on the eastern side of the road.

One of the rear wheels of the tractor reportedly ran over her head.

The child suffered se-

vere head injuries and was immediately transported to the Suddie Public Hospital where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the autopsy conducted on the remains of 26-year-old doctor, Haimant Haimraj revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries due to the motorcycle accident. That autopsy was also conducted on Monday by Dr Singh at the Suddie mortuary.

Dr Haimraj, who was attached to the Suddie Hospital, died after he lost control of his bike and crashed into a fence.

According to investigations, speeding has been attributed as the cause of the acci-

dent, which occurred at the Vilvoorden Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast.

Reports are that about 17:45h on Friday, the doctor was riding a motorcycle with licence plate CF 9645 south along the eastern side of the road, at a fast pace, when he attempted to manoeuvre a left turn in the road. He reportedly lost control and crashed into a chain-link fence on the western parapet of the road. Haimraj was immediately rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but died during the process. The man had recently returned from Cuba after completing his medical studies.

Family members in shock over the tragic death of the five-year-old

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news

tuesDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Christmas shopping in Georgetown W

ith Christmas only 12 days away, many excited shoppers are either in the process of concluding their holiday shopping, or are about to commence shopping for this season’s special gifts.

Ossie Winters, one of the persons interviewed

Gerald Juram, a father of two said he is a “smart shopper”, as he usually shops all year round to

avoid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.

“I would buy my things right through the year so I don’t have to worry about rising prices or be in the midst of the confusion.”

However, his eight-yearold daughter, speaking to this publication explained that she is still in search of her ideal Christmas present.

“I want a One Direction boots but I am not seeing any anywhere. It looks like it’s sold out everywhere. I do not know what is going to happen to me now.”

This publication also spoke to a mother of one, who was quick to explain her approach: “I am now on the road checking Christmas decorations. I want to check prices at a few places before I start my shopping.”

Many of the shoppers did note that this year is a bit slower than previous years.

According to one shopper

Gerald Juram with his daughter

at a popular place of business, “Christmas around this time last year was already busy.”

Alex, a youngster shopping with his father took time out to share his views with this publication: “I can recall last year we had already completed our shopping and decorated out home already but this it now that we are on the road to do some shopping.”

While many shoppers shared mixed views of the religious holiday they are still looking forward to a “Merry Christmas”.

The Muslim holiday— Youman Nabi—was celebrated on Monday, however, shoppers were not swayed as they carried on with their shopping through the streets of the city.

A few overseas-based Guyanese were spotted in

Fatal Liliendaal accident

Pedestrian yet to be identified – motorcyclist’s PME set for Wednesday

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pedestrian who was one of two men killed in the fatal accident at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Sunday evening was yet to be identified.

Reports had stated that the unidentified man, called “Buckman”, resided in Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

However, efforts to contact his family on Monday proved futile, as residents seemed unfamiliar with the now dead man.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times on Monday visited the family of motorcyclist Frank De Florimonde Jr, 25, of Lot 61 Fourth Street, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who also

Dead: Frank De Florimonde Jr

dent.

According to reports received, De Florimonde was riding with his friends when he collided with a reported-

ents.

His father, Frank De Florimonde Sr, who lives about two blocks away from his son’s home, explained that the younger De Florimonde would visit him frequently at his home where they would sit and engage in long conversations.

“Junior was a nice person, quiet and nice to me.

[We were] very close: he used to visit me every day; once he home, he would come over and visit,” the grieving father related.

The man, who was at times unable to hold back his tears, told Guyana Times that “Junior” was his only son. Meanwhile, the

The scene of the accident at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Sunday

perished in the accident.

This publication was informed that a Post-Mortem Examination (PME) on De Florimonde’s body was scheduled for Wednesday, as Police continued their investigation into the acci-

ly drunken pedestrian, who was attempting to cross the road.

Speaking with this newspaper on Monday, family members of De Florimonde described the motorcyclist as a caring young man who always supported his par-

dead man’s younger sister, Shirene De Florimonde described her brother as always giving and looking out for his siblings and younger cousins.

“He quiet, don’t really talk much, tek after daddy;

he don’t drink, don’t smoke.

He good with everybody – a good person,” the sister noted.

She also recalled how she was informed of her brother’s demise.

“I was at the movies and I just saw my phone lighting up and decided to check and it was my other sister sent a text saying that my brother just crash up… somebody else called me and told me that they see somebody that look like me brother and they think he died and I went there and I saw he,” she further explained.

“Da is we big brother, he does look after mommy,” the sobbing young woman stated.

His mother was tired and too distraught to speak with this newspaper, and it was explained that she has been “drinking a lot” since she learnt of her son’s demise.

De Florimonde’s father had told this publication on Sunday: “I called my son and asked him where he was and he told me that he bathing. He didn't tell me he was going out on the seawall. I does tell this boy not to ride speed, but he don't hear…

He does do this for fun. You know how these young people stay.”

Frank De Florimonde Jr lived alone and worked in construction and from time to time worked in the interior. Guyana Times was also told on Sunday that the motorcyclist pitched off his bike, while the pedestrian was dragged a short distance away before ending up on the parapet.

the midst of the holiday bustle; they expressed elation to be part of the Christmas preparation. Unfortunately, they noted that they would not be spending Christmas in Guyana, as they will be travelling back to the United States to their respective homes.

Amidst the bustle, the business community is hopeful that business will improve, even though sales have declined, as compared to last year. One business owner speaking to this publication made it known that his total sales for this first quarter of the month was far less than he expected.

“Business is far lower than I expect, people are still coming to just look around and go away. Last year time like this we were already busy restocking but this year I cannot say the reason for this.”

He added too that he also operates a grocery store, which is not performing to his expectation: “The

grocery store barely selling as well, I don’t know if people is not cooking or eating for this Christmas or if they planning on buying really late. I really hope that business pick up so we all can enjoy this Christmas.

An overseas-based Guyanese who was interviewed

Several other business owners echoed similar sentiments with some remaining optimistic.

Texila American UniversityGuyana hosts 3rd annual graduation ceremony

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The graduates taking their oath

he Texila American University-Guyana hosted its 3rd annual graduation ceremony last Saturday, which saw over 25 Guyanese and American students graduating in medicine and nursing.

Twenty-seven students from the Guyana campus and five from the United States of America received their Doctor of Medicine Degree, while three students received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the ceremony noted that the graduates should all be proud of their accomplishments: “You are now, I should say, doctors and nurses and so I cherish the moment with nostalgia and memories of how important these rituals are in our lives. You’ll look back at this moment with pride and emotions at the moment you received your certificate… and reflect on the glorious road that you have travelled.”

Nagamootoo assured that the sacrifices made by the graduates are recog-

nised: “You have made a commitment to leave your homes and to travel to a distant land to invest in your future and it was not a choice that was made easily, it was a choice that had to be decided upon by your parents who would lose you for years, who would wish that they were with you, by your loved ones for those who are married, your partners and those of you who are mothers and fathers, your children.”

President of the University, Saju Bhaskar, in delivering his speech, dispelled rumours that the University will be closing its doors: “I am proud to say that we are not closing down, we are growing with a multimillion-dollar campus in Providence which will be inaugurated expectedly on the 14 of January by the Honourable President of Guyana.”

He further congratulated the graduates for the path they chose and their ensuing successes.

news

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tuesDAY, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

POTS team undergoes suicide Rotaract Club of Georgetown spreads ‘Christmas Cheer’ to children prevention training in NYC

The POTS delegation during one of their training sessions in New York

Rotaract Club of Georgetown brings ‘Christmas Cheer’ to 124 children

ight members of the volunteer group Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana, recently concluded a two-week suicide prevention training workshop in New York, United States, and radio interviews where they were able to raise funds for the organisation.

The training focused on Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) which is an intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help persons recognise, and review risks, and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

The trainers of this workshop are certified by Living Works, INC as accomplished practitioners in suicide prevention, intervention and post-attention.

In addition to the training and workshop, the director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline arranged for POTS to visit and conduct a radio interview which raised approximately US$2000, which will aid in their continuous school out-

he Rotaract Club of Georgetown (RCG) under its community service arm on Saturday last hosted a “Christmas Cheer” at the Indian Monument Garden, Georgetown, catering to over 100 underprivileged children.

Drawn from its Sophia Literacy Programme (SLP) and seven orphanages in and around Georgetown, Linden, and East Coast Demerara, some 124 children were treated at the event.

The project sought to share the spirit of joy, peace and goodwill of the Christmas season in a grand Christmas party for children ages two to 18 years of Cornelia Ida Children’s Home, Bless

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reach.

According to the suicide prevention organisation, these workshops and training assisted its members and volunteers in becoming more efficient and effective in undertaking various duties and is beneficial as they continue our journey to eradicating suicide in Guyana.

Vice president Ruth English-Wilson described the overall experience as “wonderful yet challenging”. “(I) appreciated the way in which the training helped me in learning new ways to tackle suicidal situations when someone is speaking to you in an indirect manner.”

She further added: “The workshops taught the group that many challenges will be faced ahead, however, they should all be strong-minded to tackle them,” she expressed.

Ravindra Mohandeo, Operations Advisor and Manager of Tour Committee, described his training experience a, “tremendous one”.

He said he gained a lot from

the exposure and he was truly grateful for the opportunity. Mohandeo further explained: “I was given the opportunity to share some of our stories and experiences from victims we dealt with in the past and also share ways in which we dealt with these cases. In addition, I was also thought new ways on how to deal with these victims, apart from refreshing myself from the knowledge and information that was previously thought to me.”

The POTS delegation also visited the New York Mental Health Unit Helpline and was shown the procedure under which they receive calls. The POTS team was enlightened on the technology behind the system and the extent to which the calls are received.

POTS-GUY is a non-profit organisation founded by Guyanese-born Lisa Punch.

The organisation will launch its new campaign next year, targeting Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) communities.

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the Children Home, A Sanctuary Children’s Home, Joshua House, Saheed Boys Orphanage, Saheed Girls Orphanage, Hararuni Girls Home, and the Club’s SLP. The Literacy Programme offers free tutoring by trained teachers to children of the Sophia community to improve their literacy skills.

The children were treated to a fun-filled afternoon of games, drama from the Guyana National Drama Company, gifts and a lot of other goodies including snacks and refreshments.

The “Christmas Cheer” project was the first of its kind executed by the Rotaract Club of Georgetown, and it was truly heartwarming to see the overwhelming support the

event received and how the children truly enjoyed themselves.

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown is a not-forprofit, non-governmental organisation for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 with a mandate to provide service to the community through volunteer initiatives.

Rotaract is a Rotary Club Partner designed to foster leadership, responsible citizenship, high ethical standards in business; and ultimately a better life for youths and those around their influence circles.

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown has been serving the community for over 30 years.

Vandeyar, Shawn English, Allan Petty Jr, Kester Deane, among others.

Director of Peks Band Peculiar Ihunwo explained that the group was formed in 2013 by mostly Nigerian medical students residing in Guyana.

The Band started as five African instrumentalists ministering in African folk music and they developed into the only full African Gospel Musical Fellowship band in the Caribbean.

Peculiar said the festival is a mixture of Africa as it reflects the cultures of different countries across the continent.

“I know a lot of people think that African music is one particular type but it is

more than that, it is harmony and that is what we train ourselves for when we are little...Africans love drama, even when we sing, we don’t just do the harmonies, we add our own drama, we have our own behaviours when we sing.”

Local gospel singer Shawn English is excited to be a part of the festival and emphasised that attendees will be given the chance to learn more about the African culture: “You don’t have to fly all the way to Africa to experience it because it’s going to be great representation and you will be getting a full taste and feel of what Africa truly is.”

Guyana to host first African Music Festival

National Assembly hosts children’s Christmas party

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peaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland on Saturday hosted the National Assembly’s annual Children’s Christmas Party.

The party attracted scores of anxious and excited children from the Sophia Care Centre; the Mahaica Children’s Home; the Education Ministry’s Resource Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired along with children of the staff of the Parliament Office.

They all packed the lawns of the Parliament Office to receive their Christmas gifts and refreshments and to see Barney, Elsa, Ollaf and Santa Clause.

The party included a short “official” segment chaired by children of the Parliament staff and included poems, and songs performed by staff’s children. During this segment, Dr Scotland greeted the children, and explained to them that the National Assembly’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party began with his predecessor, Raphael Trotman.

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Children flock to play with Olaf at the Speaker’s party

“It is something that I look forward to and it brings a great sense of pride, joy and humility when I see the excited look on the faces of the children and the expression of gratitude from their parents.” The party provided an

opportunity for children as well as parents and caretakers to socialise and interact with the Speaker and other Members of Parliament, including Richard Allen, Michael Carrington and Harry Gill.

or one night only immerse yourself in the sounds of modern Africa with a night of music, dance, food, comedy and drama at the first ever African Music Festival which will take over the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Tarmac on December 17.

More than 20 musicians and artists from the African continent and the Caribbean will give attendees a genuine taste, feel, and sense of the cultural wealth of Africa.

Hosted by Peks Band, the concert will unveil new performances by RWCC and RCCG Potters House drama group and special guest appearances by several Guyanese artistes including, Samuel Medas, Melissa

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESday, deceMber 13, 2016

Regional

Brazil’s Temer, in battle Venezuela pulls highest-value for survival, plans banknote ‘to strike against mafia’ economic stimulus

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resident Michel Temer, fighting for survival over corruption allegations against him and his Government, is planning new measures to jump start a stalled economy, improve his dismal approval ratings and stifle calls for his resignation.

The stimulus measures, to be unveiled this week, include steps to relieve indebted consumers and also force credit card companies to pay businesses faster than the current 30 days, Government sources said on Monday.

Temer is gambling the micro-economic measures will counter discontent over his failure to deliver on his promise to recover Latin America’s largest economy from a two-year recession.

Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles confirmed measures to revive the economy are planned and could be unveiled after a key public spending cap passes Congress. He gave no details.

Brazil’s Senate is expected to give final approval on Tuesday to the 20year spending ceiling that

Brazil’s President Michel Temer gestures during the launch of the new financing line of Bank Caixa Economica Federal at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, November 24, 2016

is the centrepiece of the President’s plan to restore fiscal discipline.

But fallout from more corruption allegations in the sweeping probe into kickbacks at State-run oil company Petrobras could complicate passage of pension reforms needed to bring Brazil’s budget deficit under control.

Six months after he took over from impeached leftist Dilma Rousseff, Temer’s political survival is threatened by accusations that he, members of his Cabinet and his party’s leaders received

under-the-table payments from engineering conglomerate Odebrecht.

Odebrecht, the company prosecutors say benefited the most from the Petrobras scam, agreed to a leniency deal with federal prosecutors that requires 77 of its executives and employees to turn State’s witness and likely implicate over 200 politicians.

In the first leaked testimony, one Odebrecht executive alleged that Temer requested 10 million reais ($3 million) for his PMDB party’s 2014 election campaign.

he Venezuelan Government has announced it will remove the country’s highest-denomination banknote from circulation within 72 hours to combat contraband.

Central bank data suggests there are more than six billion 100-bolivar notes in circulation, making up almost half of all currency.

Venezuelans will have 10 days from Wednesday to exchange the notes for coins and new, higher-value bills.

President Nicolás Maduro said the move would stop gangs hoarding the notes.

But in India, a similar move to scrap high-value bank notes last month has

caused major disruption.

In a surprise announcement, Maduro said on Sunday that the 100-bolivar note, worth about 2 US cents (£0.015) on the black market, would be taken out of circulation on Wednesday.

The President said the aim was to tackle transnational gangs which hoard the Venezuelan notes abroad, a move he has in the past described as part of the “economic war” being waged against his Government.

He said the gangs held more than 300 billion bolivares worth of currency, most of it in 100-bolivar notes.

President Maduro said there were “entire ware-

houses full of 100-bolivar notes in the [Colombian cities of] Cucuta, Cartagena, Maicao and Buaramanga”.

He said part of the plan was to block any of the 100-bolivar notes from being taken back into the country so the gangs would be unable to exchange their hoarded bills, making them worthless.

“I have given the orders to close all land, maritime and air possibilities so those bills taken out can’t be returned and they’re stuck with their fraud abroad,” he said speaking on television.

Venezuela’s currency has fallen dramatically amid skyrocketing inflation.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Women on top! Female entrepreneurs Win PitchIT Caribbean Challenge

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica tourism to reach higher heights

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ive new hotels are set to break ground in January, Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has revealed.

While keeping the details close to his chest, he disclosed that the new properties would be set up on Jamaica’s north coast, from St Ann to Montego Bay. Bartlett also hinted that discussions were already at an advanced stage for the construction of additional new properties.

“We have had not just enquires, but proposals for the purchase of a number of properties, and that, we hope, will be concluded also within the first quarter of next year so that construction can begin in those areas,” Bartlett was quoted in the Jamaica Gleaner.

The upbeat Tourism Minister said all this would drive Jamaica to meet substantial growth targets for the sector within the next five years.

The winners of the PitchIT 2016 challenge: from left; Danielle Tait, Kelly-Ann Bethel, Ayana St Louis, Nerissa Greenway and Monique Powell

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Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett

Jamaica is aiming to boost its room stock to 50,000 in five years and to grow its market to five million visitors annually in five years.

This year has been a lucrative year for Jamaican tourism.

According to Bartlett, more than 1. 8 million tourists visited Jamaica.

He disclosed that visitor arrivals had increased by 5.2 per cent between January

and October this year, compared with the same period in 2015, while stopover arrivals also rose by 2.4 per cent over the same period last year.

“We are seeing robust performance out of the United States, Jamaica’s primary source market, which saw a 4.6 per cent increase,” Bartlett said, adding that the European market grew by 5.3 per cent.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Jamaica: Peter Bunting withdraws, backs Peter Phillips as next PNP President

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eter Bunting will no longer be seeking to replace Portia Simpson Miller as President of the People’s National Party.

In a statement on Monday, Bunting said he will instead support Peter Phillips’ bid to replace Simpson Miller.

In the first part of his statement, he said: “Since the last NEC

meeting where the Most Hon Portia Simpson Miller signalled her intention to retire as party leader, I have thrown my hat in the ring as an aspirant to succeed her.

“I did this with the conviction that it was time for the next generation of leadership to refresh the image of the party and help to attract a broader base of support, particularly among

younger voters. I believe my track record of achievement in both politics and the private sector has equipped me to provide that leadership.

“In the ensuing period, I have held a series of consultations with the parliamentary and local government leadership, and have concluded that a large majority feels that “it is Cde Peter Phillips’ turn”. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

ive female entrepreneurs each won US$5000 in seed funding, a place in a PitchIT Caribbean accelerator programme and participation in an international pitching competition, after winning the PitchIt Caribbean Challenge held in Trinidad this month.

Kelly-Ann Bethel of SKED and Ayana St Louis

of D Carnival Scene, both from Trinidad and Tobago; Jamaicans Monique Powell of QuickPlate and Danielle Tait of The Interview; and Nerissa Golden of IndeTours in Montserrat, emerged the best among 25 Caribbean entrepreneurs who took part in the challenge which brought together Caribbean App developers and Tech Startup for a two-day boot-

camp training session and two-day Pitch competition.

PitchIT Caribbean is a programme aimed at enhancing the mobile app development ecosystem across Caricom. It is designed to accelerate mobile app entrepreneurs through the startup life cycle, which runs from ideation to pitch, from pitch to market and from market to maturity. (Caribbean360)

T&T Priest calls for reinstatement of death penalty

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isgusted by the daily bloodshed and lawlessness sweeping the country, Roman Catholic Priest Father Ian Taylor is calling for the death penalty to be swiftly reinstated.

In delivering the sermon during Mass on Saturday night at the St Charles RC Church in Tunapuna, Taylor said the country may never come to terms with last week’s killing of bank employee Shannon Banfield.

Saying that the “country was in a state”, Taylor demanded that Banfield’s killers from “top to bottom” face the hangman within the soonest possible time, as he prayed for justice to be delivered to the young woman’s family.

“Don’t think that crimi-

Father Ian Taylor

nals are sorry. These men have become hardened criminals. We should feel sorry for the victims and you should be sorry for the victims’ families,” he told the congregation.

“If you take someone’s life then you will pay the

penalty of your life.”

He explained that this was the right of the State, which the Roman Catholic Church had previously asked the State not to carry out in a show of mercy to criminals. However, said while he himself would like to see the death penalty reinstated due to the current level of lawlessness, the Church cannot demand that the State hang criminals.

“We need to pray that the laws in this country are implemented and let it be done so that criminals will take heed. The country has gone lawless and people need to be punished for breaking the laws and that includes people in high places because they are the real criminals. Corrupt men must be brought to justice.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

tuesday, december 13, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Syrian General says Aleppo offensive in final stages

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he Syrian Army and its allies are in the “last moments before declaring victory” in Aleppo, a Syrian military source said, after rebel defences collapsed on Monday, leaving insurgents in a tiny, heavily bombarded pocket of ground.

A Reuters journalist in the Government-held zone said the bombardment of rebel areas of the city had continued nonstop on Monday, and a civilian trapped there described the situation as resembling “Doomsday”.

“The battle in eastern Aleppo should end quickly. They (rebels) don’t have much time. They either have to surrender or die,” Lieutenant General Zaid al-Saleh, head of the

Smoke rises as seen from a rebel-held area of Aleppo, Syria, December 12, 2016

Government’s Aleppo security committee, told reporters in the recaptured Sheikh Saeed district of the city.

Rebels withdrew from all districts on the east side of the Aleppo River on Monday

afternoon after losing Sheikh Saeed in the south of their pocket in overnight fighting, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

In Government-held districts, soldiers started to fire

into the air in celebration, carving tracer bullets into Aleppo’s night sky and car drivers honked their horns at what they believed was imminent victory, State television showed.

The rebels’ rapidly diminishing enclave had halved in only a few hours and Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman described the battle for Aleppo as having reached its end.

“The situation is extremely difficult today,” said Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim rebel group fighting in Aleppo.

An official from Jabha Shamiya, a rebel faction that is also present in Aleppo, said the insurgents might make a new stand along the west bank of the river. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Pennsylvania vote recount blocked by judge

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US federal judge has blocked an attempt by a Green candidate to force a recount in Pennsylvania of votes cast in last month’s presidential election.

Jill Stein has sought a recount there, as well as in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Donald Trump narrowly beat Hillary Clinton in all three states.

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Last week, a judge halted a recount in Michigan after three days.

Wisconsin’s was expected to finish today. At issue are fears that voting machines are vulnerable to hacking.

In Pennsylvania, Trump beat Clinton by about 44,000 votes out of six million cast – less than one per cent.

Announcing his ruling on Monday, US District Judge

Paul Diamond said: “There is no credible evidence that any ‘hack’ occurred, and compelling evidence that Pennsylvania’s voting system was not in any way compromised”.

Correspondents say that none of the recounts were likely to change the final result.

Clinton has kept silent on the matter, but her cam-

paign has said it will cooperate with Stein’s recount efforts.

Unlike Wisconsin and Michigan, most of Pennsylvania’s voting machines leave no paper trail.

This would have made a recount there a cumbersome process.

Requests would have had to be filed for each individual precinct. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China warns Trump against ignoring its Taiwan interests

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hina expressed “serious concern” on Monday after US President-elect Donald Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-held stance that Taiwan was part of “one China”, calling it the basis for relations.

Trump’s comments on “Fox News Sunday”, questioning nearly four decades of US policy, came after he prompted a diplomatic protest from China over his decision to accept a telephone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on December 2.

China’s Foreign Ministry said cooperation was “out of the question” if Washington could not recognise Beijing’s core interest on Taiwan, indicating it would reject any effort by Trump to use the issue as a bargaining chip in a long list of commercial and security problems facing the

two countries.

“China has noted the report and expresses serious concern about it. I want to stress that the Taiwan issue concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and involves China’s core interests,” said Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

“Upholding the ‘one China’ principle is the political basis for developing China-US ties. If this basis is interfered with or damaged then the healthy development of China-US relations and bilateral cooperation in important areas is out of the question,” Geng told a daily news briefing.

In a separate statement, the Ministry cited Foreign Minister Wang Yi as warning during a trip to Switzerland against moves to damage the “one China” principle, having been asked by a reporter about Trump’s call with Tsai. (Excerpt from Reuters)

IMF’s Lagarde vows to fight negligence charge in French payout trial

India activists seek justice for wrongful convictions

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yed Wasif Haider says he was arrested by plainclothes policemen on July 31, 2001, from Kanpur, an industrial city in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

He was told he faced a dozen charges ranging from sedition, that is waging war against the nation, to rioting and murder, and was accused of being a member of Hizbul Mujahideen, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by India, the European Union and the United States.

After languishing in prison for eight years, he was finally acquitted of all the charges in court.

But life outside jail has not been as accepting and

Justice AP Shah said there was a need for the launch of a campaign to highlight the plight of the acquitted persons at the community level [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

rewarding as he would have imagined. He has struggled financially as he has failed to get a decent job.

“Today, I am a jobless man. No one is ready to give me a job because of my past.

I can’t start my business because no one wants to deal with a ‘terrorist’, no matter I was honourably acquitted by the court,” Haider, who worked for a US multinational corporation before his

arrest, said.

On October 2, he was among 15 people wrongfully imprisoned, who gave evidence before the People’s Tribunal on those acquitted in terror cases.

The Tribunal, which released its report on Saturday in New Delhi, called for Indian officials responsible for wrongful arrests and prosecution to be held accountable.

The Tribunal, organised

by Innocence Network – an Indian collective of individuals and organisations working for the rights of those who have been wrongfully prosecuted – said the Government should be made to pay compensation for the wrongful convictions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

West African leaders to tell Gambia’s Jammeh to step down

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iberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will lead a delegation of West African Heads of State today to tell Gambia’s long-ruling leader Yahya Jammeh to accept his election defeat and step down, regional diplomatic sources said.

The show of unity by regional leaders came as diplomats said the United Nations Security Council

would meet behind closed doors later to discuss Jammeh’s refusal to hand over power.

Jammeh had quickly conceded defeat to his challenger Adam Barrow in the December 1 presidential election, but in a volteface that drew international condemnation he then said he would challenge the result in the Supreme Court.

The election had ap-

peared to end Jammeh’s authoritarian 22-year rule was widely seen as a chance to end repression in a country seen by many as a police state.

Johnson Sirleaf, a Nobel peace laureate and current chair of the West African regional body ECOWAS, will be accompanied by Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, John Mahama of Ghana and Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai

Koroma.

“These Heads of State will ask him to leave power,” the foreign ministry of Gambia’s neighbour, Senegal, said in a statement. It called the trip “a last chance mission for Jammeh”.

G a m b i a ’ s Communications Minister Sheriff Bojang was not reachable for comment on Monday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde is seen before the start of her trial about a State payout in 2008 to a French businessman, at the courts in Paris, France, December 12, 2016

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nternational Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde pledged to fight “allegation by allegation” charges of negligence when she went on trial in Paris on Monday over her role in a huge payout by the French state to businessman Bernard Tapie in 2008.

Lagarde, 60, was France’s finance minister in the government of thenpresident Nicolas Sarkozy when she approved an outof-court settlement with Tapie to end a long-running dispute between the magnate and the French state.

The decision to accept an extremely rare private arbitration ended up costing French taxpayers more than €400 million in a pay-

out to Tapie.

Accused of negligence leading to misuse of public funds, Lagarde denies any wrongdoing. She risks up to a year in jail and a fine of €15,000 euros if convicted.

Were it to happen, a maximum sentence could raise questions about the widely respected policymaker’s ability to continue as head of the Washingtonbased IMF, where her French predecessor Dominique Strauss Kahn quit in 2011 over a sex assault scandal.

A panel of 15, including 12 lawmakers from both the lower and upper houses of parliament, will hear the case, which is scheduled to run until December 20. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 news

tuesDay, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tuschen man sets Caria Caria children feted by President home on fire P

resident David Granger’s toy distribution exercise continued on Monday at Caria Caria Village, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), where close to 100 children were feted.

The Head of State explained that his visit was in response to an invitation he received from members of the community who met with him at his office a few months ago. Speaking to those gathered, the President reminded that Christ came into the world as a child under the most humble conditions and

The house on fire

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man is now homeless following an early afternoon fire at his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home on Monday.

The fire reportedly started at around 12:30h and quickly engulfed the wooden building.

Guyana Times was told that neighbours called the fire service when they saw smoke emanating from

the building; they also attempted to douse the flames.

According to Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, reports of a fire were made, however, by the time the fire service arrived on the scene, the six by six structure was already completely destroyed.

Gentle informed this publication that the ‘shack’ housed one person, and the

authorities, up to press time, were still trying to make contact with him.

No one was reportedly injured.

However, reports have surfaced that the man may have set fire to the structure. Whether this is true and what might have motivated the man to do so, are yet to be ascertained.

Investigations are continuing.

State lawyers begin training in new civil procedure rules

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he Ministry of Legal Affairs and Attorney General’s Chambers, last week hosted a oneday sensitisation training on the new Civil Procedure Rules.

According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), state lawyers and some judges were part of the training session. According to Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, “It is imperative that we have state lawyers being introduced to the rules.”

In November, the Legal Affairs Minister laid new Civil Procedure Rules for the Supreme Court in the National Assembly on be-

From left: Belize High Court Justice Courtney Abel, Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams and Legal Consultant Anthony Ross, QC

State legal practitioners and other guests at the training session

half of the Rules Committee.

These new rules will replace the existing rules and are designed to ensure parties are heard and not unjustly prejudiced, Minister Williams said.

“The court must be actively involved and arrive and try to get to justice so a lot of the technicality that would have been applied and prevent persons from actually having a hearing in court, all those things will

Head Teacher of the Caria Caria Primary School, Vernie Russell receiving a computer from President David Granger

as such, since the start of the holiday season, he has been going to various communities around the country to ensure that children are celebrated. He assured Guyanese of the Administration’s love and

be removed under the new rule,” Minister Williams explained.

The session was conducted by Legal Consultant Anthony Ross, QC and

Justice Courtney Abel from the Belize High Court. Ross encouraged the state practitioners to, “become involved as part of the process.”

“Government lawyers have a special interest every time there is a constitution issue, you going to be involved…as far as adjournment is concerned its costing your department money, as far as experts are concerned you’ve got to

President David Granger distributing toys at Caria Caria

understand that expert evidence is an exception to the rule and you must have something on which you’re going to stand,” Ross said in opening remarks.

Justice Able led interactive exchange on case management and pre-trial law.

Top judicial officers in the Caribbean, including president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Sir Dennis Byron, were also present.

The training is the beginning of a series of training sessions that will continue in the new year, Minister Williams pointed out. “We hope that in the new training we have both state and lawyers at the private bar will be involved in it.”

The new Civil Procedure Rules have been brought in line with similar rules in the Caribbean. The Rules and legal forms span 187 pages and contain procedures for the settlement of civil matters and make payments both in and out of court.

The Rules will also reduce clogging of courts by matters that could be settled.

commitment to children’s well-being, while reminding parents of the importance of keeping their children in school.

“Why do we put so much emphasis on education?

Because we believe that education is the gateway to

equality. Once you are educated, you can become anything you aspire to be, but if drop out of school these things will not be possible,” he said.

Residents of the community were also urged to let cooperation and mutual respect for each other guide their actions, not only during this festive season, but throughout the new year as well. “In Guyana, there are more things that unite us than divide us, so let us emphasise the things that bring us together and do not pay attention to the things that drive us apart and the closer we come together, the stronger Guyana will be,” President Granger said.

The President also handed over two laptop computers to the Headteacher of the Caria Caria Primary School, Vernie Russell, for instructional and administrative use.

4 C’bean countries to benefit from US-funded HIV programme

US Ambassador John Estrada speaking at the launch of LINKAGES (Photo: CMC)

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new project aimed at reducing the spread of HIV and improving health care for key populations most at risk of and already living with HIV in select Caribbean countries was launched on Monday.

The LINKAGES Project — Linkages across the Continuum of HIV Services

for Key Populations Affected by HIV — which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) focuses on at-risk populations in the Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and

Tobago, and Suriname.

LINKAGES, a fiveyear cooperative agreement is the largest global project dedicated to key populations. The project is led by FHI 360 in partnership with IntraHealth International, Pact, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It was launched in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Health, and the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

“LINKAGES is about passion, partnership and re-thinking the way we address HIV, with the end goal that all members of key populations in the Caribbean and globally will have access to comprehensive health care services and enjoy a high quality of life,” said Hally Mahler, LINKAGES Director, Washington DC. (Excerpt from CMC)

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news

tuesday, december 13, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

17 Post Offices will Clico policyholders be ICT ready in 2017 want answers S

eventeen Post Offices will be upgraded to Information Communications Technology (ICT) Hubs in 2017, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes disclosed during her contribution to the National Budget Debate in the National Assembly last week.

The collaboration between the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), and the Public Telecommunications Ministry will see post offices in Kamarang, Acquero, Mabaruma, Ituni and Aurora among others receiving satellites. They will benefit from Internet connectivity that will be made possible through the E-Government Public Internet Access Points.

Minister Hughes said that ICT connections would significantly enhance the Post Offices’ services such as bill payments, same-day money transfer, the envisioned electronic payment of

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

pensions, and online shopping.

The Minister highlighted that there were 64 Post Offices throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, 10 of which were made ICT ready in 2016. She noted that as of November 2016, 47 Post Offices throughout the country were ICT equipped.

Minister Hughes said that methods of communication have changed, and this particular source of national revenue had to undergo some alterations.

Additionally, the GPOC commenced rebuilding the Kitty Post Office in 2016 and construction would soon conclude to serve the residents of that locality. Hughes said that in 2017, further enhancement would be made to the Post Offices’ premises and security.

This will see the renovation of the Anna Regina and New Amsterdam Chief Post Offices based on the budgetary allocation for capital works in 2017. Additionally, the GPOC will also seek to regularise its properties and acquire land titles which are currently in the name of the Colony of British Guiana.

Ownership of land titles will allow the Corporation to acquire funding to improve its infrastructure, Minister Hughes pointed out.

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he Clico Policyholders Group (CPG) is calling on Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hillaire and Finance Minister Colm Imbert to explain the rationale behind the rumoured appointment of former Sandals executive as general manager of Clico.

According to president of the CPG Peter Permell, the recent appointment defies logic and good business sense. According to Permell, Lisa Gomes took effect December 1 but no public announcement has been made.

Gomes was most recently Director Finance & Planning of Sandals Resorts International from January 2011 until March 2016 and her responsibilities included Acquisitions, Investment Banking, Government Negotiations and Property Management.

Permell said there were concerns now being raised as to the timing of the appointment and whether there could be a conflict of

interest either real or perceived.

He said the appointment was ‘curious’ given that Sandals’ chairman Butch Stewart has signalled a preference for No Man’s Land in Buccoo, Tobago, which is part of the Golden Grove Estate, part of which is owned by Clico subsidiaries, Occidental Investments Ltd (OIL) and Oceanic Properties Ltd (OPL).

He also said Imbert has been reported to have said if and when an agreement is reached with Sandals for the construction of a resort at that location, the land

will simply be acquired by the Government.

Permell also said that it was the group’s understanding that NML was one of the assets being held in the Clico statutory fund to back policyholders’ liabilities and can be sold without the knowledge of the company’s shareholders.

He said Clico already had highly paid executives and was in the process of winding down its operation, having already sent home more than 95 per cent of its sales force and stopped writing new insurance business.

(T&T Newsday)

IDB warns of low export rate PPP Youman Nabi message for Caribbean, Latin America T

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is warning of a lower rate of export contraction due to the stabilisation of commodity prices.

In a new report released Monday, the IDB noted that Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) exports are expected to fall approximately US$50 billion, or six per cent in 2016, a lower contraction rate than the 15 per cent observed in 2015.

It said that this relative improvement was mainly due to a rebound of commodity prices, with the report using detailed data for 24 countries in the region.

The value of total exports should reach US$850 billion in 2016.

The annual report titled, “Trade Trend Estimates— Latin America and the Caribbean”, argues that export volumes did not display sufficiently high growth rates to give a significant boost to the region’s export performance, which registered a contraction for the fourth consecutive year.

The export contraction was

due primarily to a fall in sales to the United States (-5 per cent) and to the region itself (-11 per cent), which together explained three-quarter of the total, and to a lesser extent, to China (-5 per cent), the rest of Asia, and the European Union (-4 per cent each).

“An acceleration of demand, particularly in the United States and in China, could sustain exports, but the resurgence of trade protectionism could bias the forecast,” stated Paolo Giordano, principal economist of the Integration and Trade Sector and the report’s coordinator.

The main factor driving the Region’s export performance was the fall in commodity prices. Although the deflationary trend has been easing since the beginning of 2016, when signs of recovery were first observed, prices have not yet reached the levels displayed prior to their collapse at the end of 2014, with the exception of sugar and gold.

At the sub-regional level, the report shows that the export decline slowed

down noticeably in South America, while it remained relatively stable in Mexico and in some countries of Central America and the Caribbean.

The more measured contraction for the regional aggregate was mainly due to the performance of South American exports, which benefited from the stabilisation of commodity prices. In contrast, in South America and in Mesoamerica, manufactures exports did not support a stronger recovery due to lower demand from within the Region, and from the United States with regard to Mexican exports.

The prospects for a reversal of the downward trend in 2017 are associated with a scenario in which commodity prices continue to improve, and intra-regional trade recovers.

“Those countries whose real exchange rates have depreciated could also harness greater price competitiveness to stimulate manufactures sales and diversify their export baskets,” the report noted. (CMC)

he People's Progressive Party (PPP) extends greetings to all Muslims on the occasion of Youman Nabi, which commemorates the birth and death anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

This is indeed an auspicious occasion which provides an opportunity for all Muslims and people generally to reflect on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, whose teachings and exemplary lifestyle have influenced the lives of hundreds of millions across all the continents of the world.

The PPP embraces the

universal message of peace, equality and brotherhood as adumbrated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad. This message is particularly relevant today where there is so much tension and conflicts in several parts of the world.

Regrettably, there is still too much poverty and intolerance in the world which has resulted in millions of people being condemned to a life of deprivation and misery. The conflicts in the Middle East which have generated one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history is but one manifestation of a departure from the concept of brotherhood

and tolerance.

In Guyana, sadly, the current APNU/AFC regime while speaking glibly of peace and social cohesion has clearly embarked on a governance approach, which is inconsistent with the ideals of a fair and just society.

The PPP takes this opportunity to call on all Guyanese not to lose hope but remain vigilant and steadfast in the ongoing struggle for a peaceful and just Guyana.

Once again, Youman Nabi greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters.

T&T Teen allegedly killed by lover

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n 18-year-old girl was on Sunday stabbed to death, allegedly by her boyfriend following a dispute at their home on Well Lane in Sandy Bay, Hanover, Trinidad. This is the third casualty of domestic violence in the island in two days. Police have identified the deceased as Chantae Thelwell, a former student of Maldon High School in

the neighbouring parish of St James.

Reports are that Thelwell and the suspect were overheard arguing at around 01:45h, after she attempted to end their relationship. It is said that a knife was used to stab her in the chest. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Also on Sunday, 44-year-old Robert

“Antsman” Frazer, a mechanic of Wellington Street, Kingston 2, was stabbed to death in a dispute on Bower Road, off Windward Road, in the parish. The Elletson Road Police reported that around 01:10h, Frazer went to visit his child’s mother when another man forcefully gained entrance to the house. A dispute developed between the men and similar to Thelwell’s case, a knife was used to stab Frazer in the chest.

He was pronounced dead at hospital.

The incidents come at the heels of that of 31-yearold Kerry-Ann Wilson, whose decomposing body was on Saturday discovered wrapped in tarpaulin and stuck under the rail of the walkway at Crystal Towers Apartments on Old Hope Road in St Andrew where she lived. (T&T NewsDay)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, december 13, 2016

ARCHIE

You need to put more energy into important relation(March 21- ships. The more enthusiasm April 19) and willingness to compromise you show, the more you will get in return. Offering incentives or affectionate gestures is favoured.

ARIES

Think matters through, TAURUS but don’t stop the flow of some(April 20- thing that appears to be movMay 20) ing forward smoothly. Tying up financial matters will bring back memories, but it will also help you move forward.

dilbert

It’s a good day to book travGEMINI el plans. Take care of your re(May 21sponsibilities to ensure you June 20)

have time to spend with friends and family as the year comes to a close. A personal change will bring good fortune.

You need to take care of pending financial or medical (June 21- issues that you may have let July 22) slip. A clean slate before the year’s end will boost your morale.

CANCER

Peanuts

You must put partnerships first and foremost. It’s in your best interest to set the stage for a secure and prosperous upcoming year. Don’t leave anything to chance or to the last moment.

A work opportunity looks VIRGO promising, but may interfere (Aug. 23- with an important personSept. 22) al relationship. Don’t disrupt your home life until you have concrete evidence that change is heading your way.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Take care of concerns that LIBRA children or elders in your life (Sept. 23have voiced.

Your help will reOct. 23) vive the love you have for each other and bring you satisfaction. Romance is in the stars.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Overspending will be a SCORPIO problem. Check over your in(Oct. 24vestments, bank accounts and Nov. 22) overall spending habits, and adjust your strategy in order to deal with debt or recurring bills.

Put more emphasis on SAGITTARIUS your personal accomplish(Nov. 23- ments and what you still Dec. 21) want to achieve. A physical change will turn out favourable and boost your confidence. Romance is featured.

Expand your knowledge, CAPRICORN not your responsibilities.

(Dec. 22Gather information and weigh Jan. 19) the prospects carefully. Stick

solution for Last Published Puzzle

to moderate projects that factor in peace of mind. Let someone else take the risk.

Carrying out home improve-

AQUARIUS ments, updating your invest(Jan. 20- ments and making special plans Feb. 19) with children, relatives or loved ones look promising. Favours will be granted and help offered.

Personal gains look promising.

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 Don’t divulge secret infor(Feb. 20- mation. Make travel plans or March 20) arrangements with friends or

relatives you want to touch base with before the end of the year. Keep your calendar updated to avoid double bookings.

guyanatimesgy.com

― new WICB head coach, CEO to be named this week

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April. It was also in September that it was announced that current CEO Michael Muirhead would be stepping down as soon as a replacement could be found. Once he leaves office, Muirhead will be in charge of managing the Sticky Wicket facility that is currently being upgraded and is to be the new home for the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Academy. Meanwhile, our sources inform that former West Indies and Guyana batsman Travis Dowlin has been appointed to the selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board.

The 39-year-old former right hand batsman fills a vacancy that had been created following

the departure of former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh.

He will now serve on the panel comprised of Courtney Browne, Lockhart Sebastien and Eldine Baptiste. Dowlin played six Tests for the West Indies between July 2009 and June 2010 scoring 343 runs at an average of 31.18 and a highest score of 95 against Bangladesh.

He also played 11 One Day Internationals during which he scored an unbeaten century also against Bangladesh in Rosseau.

Dowlin was thrust into the Test squad when the senior West Indies players went on strike over a contracts dispute before the St Vincent Test against Bangladesh

19

France Football has named Cristiano Ronaldo as the winner of the 2016 Ballon d’Or

Dowlin appointed WICB selector he West Indies Cricket Board have selected a new Chief Operations Officer and a new head coach during their board of directors meeting held between Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 in St. Maarten.

Sources tell Sportsmax.tv that the names will be revealed later this week.

The West Indies has been without a head coach since September when Phil Simmons was fired just prior to the team’s departure for a Test series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

He was in charge of the senior squad for 18 months during which the West Indies won the ICC T20 World Cup in India in

tuesday, DECember 13, 2016

Travis Dowlin

in 2009. That season he was the second-highest run-getter for Guyana with 580 runs in the regional competition. Debuting in 1996-97, he played for West Indies A and was named in the provisional squad for the 2007 World Cup. He was also a part of the Stanford Superstars squad in 2008. (SportsMax)

De Villiers steps down as South Africa’s Test Captain

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B de Villiers has stepped down as South Africa’s Test captain with immediate effect and has been ruled out of the three Tests against Sri Lanka as he continues to recover from elbow surgery. De Villiers endorsed his standin, Faf du Plessis, to take over permanently and the CSA board have confirmed du Plessis’ appointment.

“The interests of the team must always outweigh the interests of any individual, including me,” de Villiers said.

“It was a fantastic honour for me to be asked to captain the Test side but I have missed two series and I am still in doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Following the squad’s outstanding performances in Australia, it is clearly in the greater interests of the team that Faf du Plessis should be confirmed as the permanent Test captain.”

De Villiers has been out of action since the Caribbean Premier League in July and was expected to be fit for the Sri Lanka Tests but still needs another three to four weeks before being declared fully fit.

He will target the ODIs later in January, a format in which he remains captain, for a comeback.

De Villiers had surgery on his left elbow in early October, after initially adopting a conservative approach to recovery, and his surgeon was aiming for a threemonth rehabilitation period.

De Villiers tried to push that forward and was even talking about a comeback in November’s Adelaide Test but only had his first net session last Tuesday. He has been practicing with his franchise, Titans, and had hoped to turn

AB de Villiers needs another three to four weeks to recover completely after undergoing surgery on his left elbow

out for them in the ongoing domestic T20 competition but CSA’s medical committee did not give him clearance to play.

He has also been instructed not to play in Friday’s final.

“AB’s left elbow is much improved but is still regaining the last few degrees of straightening. Fitness to play requires full range of elbow movement and this may take another 3-4 weeks to achieve,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, said.

De Villiers’ unavailability means he would not have captained South Africa since he was named permanent Test captain in February, after taking over from Hashim Amla in the middle of the home series against England. South Africa lost one Test and won

one under de Villiers. In his absence, du Plessis led the team to a 1-0 Test series win over New Zealand, a 5-0 ODI whitewash over Australia at home and a 2-1 Test series win in Australia and was widely praised for his leadership skills.

Despite calls for him to stay on, du Plessis remained committed to being a deputy and said he was “100% behind” de Villiers, who also enjoyed the support of the convener of selectors Linda Zondi and premier fast bowler Dale Steyn. Both were quoted in these pages as saying they believed de Villiers was the man for the job, although they noted that du Plessis could not be ignored.

But du Plessis is also under scrutiny because he too may

be unavailable for the first Test against Sri Lanka, depending on the outcome of his balltampering appeal. Du Plessis was found guilty of breaching the code of conduct in relation to changing the condition of the ball after being caught shining the ball with saliva that also come into contact with a mint during the Hobart Test. He was fined 100% of his match fee but escaped a suspension. He is appealing the verdict and runs the risk of a one-match ban at the judicial commissioner’s discretion.

The odds appear stacked against du Plessis after the MCC Committee meeting in Mumbai, where it was decided the body would not recommend any changes to the ball-tampering law, believed it to be clear despite CSA’s assertion that the definition of “artificial substance” needed clarity and John Stephenson, MCC’s head of cricket, who sat during du Plessis’ original hearing, said he had “flagrantly contravened the law”. ESPNcricinfo has learned that du Plessis has no intention of withdrawing the appeal.

The hearing will take place on December 19, a week before the Test. In de Villiers’ absence, South Africa will also be looking for a reserve batsman.

Rilee Rossouw traveled in that capacity to Australia but cannot be considered because he is nursing a foot injury that will sideline him for up to six weeks. Omphile Ramela, who will captain a South African Invitation XI against the touring Sri Lankans, could come into contention.

Alternatively, the former Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Aiden Markram, who has been in fine form for Titans, may be considered. (Cricinfo)

Cristiano Ronaldo earns his fourth Ballon d’Or

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ristiano Ronaldo has been announced as the winner of the 2016 Ballon d’Or, taking out the most prestigious individual prize in world football for the fourth time.

Respected publication France Football named the 31-year-old forward as its player of the year on Monday, Ronaldo claiming the accolade ahead of arch-rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

Ronaldo enjoyed a glittering 2015-16 season with club and country, lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid and finally ending his wait for international honours, as Portugal triumphed at Euro 2016.

The former Sporting CP player won his first Ballon d’Or at Manchester United in 2008, before collecting the prize again at Madrid in 2013 and 2014.

He still trails Messi, though, the Argentina star having won the Ballon d’Or five times, including last year.

“It is hard to explain how I feel, but there is an immense feeling of joy inside me,” he told L’Equipe TV. “I have worked really hard to get here. I am happy with those who believed in me, my family, my teammates, and those who have worked with me year after year to help me improve. It is not easy. You can count those who are capable of playing at the highest level year after year on the fingers of one hand. I am among them. There are very few.”

Ronaldo struggled for his best form early in 201516, but finished the campaign strongly after Zinedine Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez as head coach in January.

Demonstrating his unerring knack for finding himself involved in the crucial moments, Ronaldo struck the winning penalty in Madrid’s 5-3 Champions League final shootout triumph over Atletico Madrid at San Siro in May. It was something of a different story at the European Championship, though. Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure early in the group stage before coming to life with two goals in the 3-3 draw against Hungary.

He helped to guide his team into the final against France in Paris, but was forced to depart the decider after just 25 minutes, having sustained a knee injury.

Ronaldo then cut an animated figure on the sidelines as the unlikely figure of Eder struck in extratime time to down the hosts and favourites 1-0 at the Stade de France.(Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TUESday, DECember 13, 2016

Smalta Girls’ Pee-Wee Football Championships...

This West Ruimveldt player had the St Pius players on their heels with her nimble football skills

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fter two action packed semi-finals on Monday at Ministry of Education Ground, St. Angela’s and West Ruimveldt emerged victorious and will clash in the finals of the Smalta Pee-Wee Girls’ Football Championships which be held on Saturday at the same venue.

St. Angela’s passage to the final came after a tough battle with South Ruimveldt which they won 2-1 after the match went into extra time. Raven Jacobs put South Ruimveldt ahead in the 15th minute but Nikaise St. Jules found the equalizer in the 18th min-

St Angela’s (blue bibs) rebounded from an early goal to book their spot in the final

ute.

Carletta Ross then sealed the fighting win with a goal in the 32nd minute.

In the other semi-final, Shaqwana Wright’s goal in the 15th minute gave West Ruimveldt a comfortable victory over St. Pius.

The five to eight play-off matches saw St. Stephen’s win 1-0 over

Arsenal draw with Bayern Munich in Champions League

Enterprise after Odelli Straughn scored in the 26th minute while North Georgetown won via walkover against St. Agnes.

Meanwhile, in the 9 to 12 zone, a brace by Aliyah Beverney (9th and 24th) powered Smith Memorial to a 3-0 over Winfer Gardens; Tranisha

McPherson scored the other goal in the 2nd minute. The other match saw Tucville winning via walkover against F.E Pollard.

Similarly, in the 13-16 section no teams had to take the field as, St. Margaret’s and St. Gabriel’s clash was a no contest and Redeemer won via walkover against Stella Maris.

Trophies will be awarded to all 16 teams, while medals will be awarded to the top two finishers. On the individual side, accolades will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player, the Highest Goal Scorer and the Best Goalkeeper.

Adams, Law in tussle for Windies post

Results of the draw Manchester City v Monaco Real Madrid v Napoli Benfica v Borussia Dortmund Bayern Munich v Arsenal FC Porto v Juventus Bayer Leverkusen v Atletico Madrid Paris St-Germain v Barcelona Sevilla v Leicester Arsenal beat Bayern 2-0 at home last season but were beaten 5-1 at the Allianz Arena

A

rsenal will face Bayern Munich, Leicester City will play Sevilla and Manchester City are up against Monaco in the Champions League last 16.

The Gunners have played the German champions four times in the previous five campaigns and finished behind them in the group stage last season.

The Foxes, in their debut campaign, have a tough test against Europa League champions Sevilla.

Manchester City’s opponents Monaco beat Tottenham twice in Group E. One of the other standout ties of the round pits Spanish champions Barcelona against French champions Paris St-Germain. Barca beat PSG in the quarter-finals en route to winning the title during the 2014-15 season.

Champions and La Liga leaders Real Madrid face Italian side Napoli, who are fourth in Serie A. (First legs to be played on 14 & 15 and 21 & 22 February 2017; second legs on 7 & 8 and 14 & 15 March)

F

James Adams

ormer West Indies captain, James Adams, and Australian Stuart Law are locked in battle over who will become head coach of the Caribbean side.

According to reports, while there was a shortlist of three persons, in Trinidad and Tobago’s Gus Logie, Adams and Law, the last two have been the names the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) are stuck on.

Adams, it is believed, gave up a post coaching English County side, Kent, in order to be available for the coaching post made available when Phil Simmons was sacked.

Simmons, who oversaw the successful World T20 victory of the West Indies, had a strained relationship with the WICB. The former West Indies allrounder and coach of Ireland was first suspended for claiming there was too much outside interferance.

Simmons was re-instat-

Stuart Law

ed after a reprimand but the seeds of discontent had been sown. His sacking was only a matter of time, with just the timing of it causing a furore among fans of cricket in the region.

Law, like Adams, has a good resume andwas the first choice of the Pakistan Cricket Board earlier this year. The Australian also had stints with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. (SportsMax)

21

sports

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Hustlers upset West Side Ballers

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

Hustler’s Deon “Crab” Charter works his way through the defence of West Side Ballers

T

he latest round of the 3rd annual New Era Entertainment Mohamed’s Enterprise Cell Smart futsal tournament decided the final eight for the quarter final stage with three pulsating matches at the McKenzie Sport’s Club hard court, Linden on Saturday.

Hometown boys, Hustlers who are sponsored

by Dave and Celena Variety and Furniture Store sent the Ballers packing all the way back to region three when they snatched a 4-3 victory in the most entertaining 40 minute contest of the tournament.

Hustlers seemed to begin the game on the wrong foot as Marlon Josiah rocked the back of the net inside six minutes of play (6’) but the celebrations were short lived as skill sensation Jermain “Brown boy” Scotland once again led from the front and replied within four minutes to level the game and once more in the 12’. Josiah caught the goalkeeper lapsing and penetrated the goal in the 18’ to seal the first half with the scores leveled.

The match looked like it would be threatened by rain as the weather produced slight sprinkles, chasing the crowd to take cover while the nail biting game continued as the rains came down.

Deon Charter scored in the 26’ while Josiah scored his hat trick in the same minute to have the game neck and neck with just 14 minutes left on the clock.

The crowd was dead silent as everyone sat on the

edge of their seats as the possibility exists that their home team could be eliminated before the quarterfinals but the jubilance of the hundreds of spectators jam packed into the MSC hard court burst into celebrations as Anthony Sancho netted in the 32nd minute to seal the deal and book their spot in the quarter finals next week.

Fans were heard mentioning that they were particularly surprised with the w a y Brown

Boy bundled his troops to have them believe that they could beat the team who were favourites to win the overall competition and proud to have Hustlers win in front of their home crowd.

In the second game of the night, crowd pleasers, Good Fellers decimated another team in the competition, this time disposing of Coomacka United out of the tournament in a 9-4 thumping.

Good Fellers were lead brilliantly by five goals from Deshawn Jospeh (9’, 11’, 19’, 22’, and 25’) who is in contention for the most goal of the tournament but it was

the skill of 2015’s tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), Clarence “Shark” Huggins who started the proceeding with a goal in the 7’ and assisted Joseph in penetrating the defensive line of Coomacka United.

Huggins scored his second of the night in emphatic fashion just three minutes after Jospeh’s second goal.

The Daw brothers, Derwin and Kevin who starred in their previous encounter could not cushion the blow as Coomacka leaked goals.

Meanwhile Silvertown All-Stars pitched Ballers out of the tournament with a 5-1 smashing.

Silvertown was once again led by Allan Reece, who scored four goals in one minute, the last time this team played in the tournament and hammered three goals past Ballers goalkeeper while Marlon Bishop and Akil Moore contributed one goal each.

The first prize is $400,000 along with trophies and replicas, up by $100,000 from last year.

The second placed team will claim $150,000 and trophy, third $75,000 and trophy and fourth place will collect a trophy. Other prizes are on offer for the MVP, Best goalkeeper, most goals and Best young player.

The competition continues December 17, 23 and 26 with the grand finale. The organisers are promising an exciting and entertaining tournament with side attractions and are encouraging all to come out and support as the team put their best on the court to claim the prize money on offer.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, december 13, 2016

GCA/Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division Tournament...

TSC cruise into final with 8-wicket win over Police

Left arm spinner Jomel Warrican had a magical bowling performance at Providence on Monday with figures of 7-2-2-12-4

A

very poor batting display from the Guyana Jaguars coupled with excellent spin bowling from Barbados Pride had set up the final day for an exciting finish before the rain had the final say at Providence in the fourth round clash of the Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament 2016-17.

Set 161 to win from 70 overs in well over two sessions available, the Pride were in serious trouble at 25/3 after three overs and two balls when a sharp shower just after the supper break sent the players in the pavilion with 136 runs still required. However, the Jaguars bowlers were on a high with the pink ball in overcast conditions in the twilight of the final day by picking up three wickets to give themselves a chance at a come from behind victory.

The first Pride batsman to go was the season’s leading batsman, Anthony Alleyne who was given out LBW to Keon Joseph in the first over before Raymon Reifer got first innings top scorer, Shai Hope to edge behind at 6/2 at supper. At the interval both teams were entertaining thoughts of a close win and when Reifer had Brathwaite edging behind just after the break the

Jaguars were sniffing maximum points.

However, heavy and persistent rain kept the ground staff busy but a decision was made to take an early tea at 19:00h and to possibly resume play just after 20:00h.

That seemed a smart decision but when a resumption was on the horizon so was another shower. A heavier down pour came for the last time and the officials were forced to call off the game as a draw at approximately 20:43h. The dramatic finish was only possible after poor shot selections from the Jaguars resulted in them being bowled out for 137 in 35.2 overs. The Pride spinners, Warrican and Chase were virtually unplayable while Jonathan Carter showed the rest of the slip fielders from both sides how to take catches as he pouched five.

After watching a dual between opener Shimron Hetmyer and Pride fast bowler Kemar Roach, night watchman Gudakesh Motie was first to go caught at the wicket off Greaves.

Hetmyer played some aggressive shots off Roach and was even hit on the helmet but his innings proved to be crucial. He made 67 from just 83 balls with nine fours and a six before he became

Warrican’s first victim.

After Hetmyer’s dismissal the runs dried up and the wickets tumbled at regular intervals. With no other batsman passing 12 after Warrican’s arm ball made an appearance alongside Chase’s bounce and turn.

Both teams will look to their last fixture before the Christmas break to get some valuable points as this is now their second consecutive drawn game due to rain.

The Jaguars will host the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Providence while the Pride will travel to Dominica to take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

SCOREBOARD Jaguars 1st Innings 311 Pride 1st Innings 288 Jaguars 2nd Innings (overnight 32/2) R Chandrika LBW b Roach 0 S Hetmyer c Carter b Warrican 67 L Johnson c Brooks b Chase 13 G Motie c Dowrich b Greaves 10 V Singh c Carter b Chase 12 S Chanderpaul c Carter b Warrican 0 C Barnwell c Carter b Chase 1 R Reifer c Carter b Warrican 7 A Bramble LBW b Chase 8 V Permaul Not Out 5 K Joseph b Warrican 0

Gonsalves leads Ogle into Elizabeth Styles 40-over final

Shawn Massiah

T

SC marched into the final of the

Georgetown C r i c k e t Association (GCA)/Noble House Seafoods second division two-day competition with a comprehensive eight wicket victory over rivals and host Police Sports Club over the weekend.

Resuming the second day on 184-5 the visitors added a further 76 runs to their overnight score before they were bowled out.

Shawn Massiah top scored with 51, adding just 7 to his overnight score while Azeem Azeez chipped in with 29 and Akeem Redman made 12not out as TSC fought to gain a big first innings lead.

Vishaul Jaigobin snatched 6-84 for the lawmen in yet another top bowling display Having to score 143 to make the visitors bat again, Police scored 167 all out. Reginald Rodrigues top scored with 35 while Stephen Harris a n d

Paul Tyndall scored 31 each.

i n i n pleted around with fig4-65 in

Devaughn Nandan, who took two wickets in Police’s first innings and scored 43 TSC’s first nings coma fine allmatch ures of the host

Vishaul Jaigobin

second innings.

Massiah and Azeez got two wickets apiece as they supported Nandan well Set 25 to win, the visitors lost two wickets in pursuit of the target. Ryan Hemraj got 20 on TSC second innings journey to victory The win saw TSC book their place in the final for a second successive year.

They will now be seeking the title after going down to UG in 2015 finals.

The Thomas land side will have to await the verdict of Everest Cricket Club in their no show against GNIC in the other semi-final.

UDFA/GT Beer Football...

Silver Shattas shoot 2 past Milerock

― Federal Connection gain walkover against Hi Stars

Shattas' scorers Damian Williams (left) and Colwyn

G

From left: D Ramtahal, Troy Gonsalves and Gavin Singh

T

roy Gonsalves stoked a compact 44 to help Ogle Builders Lumber Yard beat Better Hope by six wickets in a rain-affected match and secure a place in the final of the Elizabeth Styles 40-over cricket tournament.

Playing at the Ogle

ground on Sunday, Better Hope batted first and made 160 all out in 39.4 overs with Roy Persaud (40) and Ravin Singh (33) being the principle scorers. Anand Persaud 4-31 from eight overs and D. Ramtahal 3-25 were the main wicket takers for the home team.

When Ogle batted their overs were reduced to 33 but that did not stop Gonsalves from playing an array of shots in his stylish innings; skipper Gavin Singh chipped in with 19.

Ogle will now face up against the winner of Better Hope A and Strathaven.

roup leaders Silver Shattas and Federal Winners Connection gained full points with contrasting wins in the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) GT Beer Football Tournament at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Sunday evening.

Shattas humbled Milerock 2-0 after goals from Damian Williams and Colwyn Drakes, while Federal Winners Connection won when Hi Stars failed to turn up for their game on time.

The first game failed to materialize after nearly an hour as a walkover was handed to Winners Connection for their second win in as many games, but on a wet outfield Silver Shattas, who lost in the final last year, were able to come away with a 2-0 win over the hapless Milerock, who lost for the second time.

In the 41st minute Shattas gaining a corner, which was taken by Jashawn Freeman, saw Williams the ball into net to give a 1-0 lead.

After play resumed, both

teams took showed some smart but after a fleet of offensive attacks, Dexter Garraway sent a cross in the path of Drakes who hammered it into the back of the net in the 75th minute.

On Wednesday, another double header will be played in the two group format to determine the final four from.

In game one at 18.00hrs Amelia’s Ward Panthers face Botafago and the second at 20.00hrs brings together Net Rockers and Kwawkani Strikers.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, december 13, 2016

23

Record-breaking boxing team Former winners to collide greeted by renowned contingent in tonight’s semi-finals Guinness Greatest of the Streets...

Minister Nicolette Henry (centre) waves the Guyana flag with one of the boxers

G

uyana recorded safely their most successful outing in a regional boxing competition when they returned from Barbados to a hospitable welcome by renowned members of the sport fraternity on Monday afternoon.

The team bagged a total of 10 gold medals and one silver at the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament over the weekend and were greeted with open arms of Minister within the Ministry of Education with Responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Guyana Olympic Association President (GOA), K. A. Juman Yassin

and President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle at the Eugene F. Corriea international Airport.

Speaking at the welcoming, Minister Henry spoke lightly on the commitment the current administration has shown towards the development of sports, citing that the administration has “doubled their budget allocation for sports.”

She went on to say that the administration is delighted to have athletes excelling and becoming great and they should not be treated as “second class” while providing “equal opportunity” for them to make “Guyana proud.”

Also, the GOA president shared the same sen-

timent, adding the fact that in previous years, athletes used to have a full time employment saying, “I remember $25,000 a month pay to an athlete years ago and I would like to make it a full time job.”

He further added that he is delighted to see we “got a big budget for sports” and with the assistance of the Director of Sport and the Ministry we can make the boxers professionals.

Chief Coach for the trip Sebert Blake expounded on the trip’s importance of setting the athletes sights on attaining better performances by giving them the exposure needed.

The coach of the Forgotten Youths Foundation Boxing Gym

noted that it is with his years of coaching that he sees a lot of talent in this bunch and predicted new heights for them as they enter the 2017 season of boxing.

Blake was assisted by coaches Adrian Thomas and Clifton Moore.

Director of Sport also shared the views of Minister Henry and mentioned that boxing will have the full support of the National Sports Commission.

Ninvalle said that this was the best Christmas gift he has ever gotten and has an eye on the 2020 Olympics where he feels that through hard work and dedication Guyana can medal once more. It was a particularly special moment for everyone involved having walked 100 miles to raise funds to go on the tournament.

The boxers to return with gold include elite boxers, Super/Heavyweight Jason Barker, Light/ Heavyweight, Markember Pierre, Bantamweight Clairmonte Gibson and Akiel Mounter.

Also Middleweight powerhouse Desmond Amsterdam, Flyweight (youth), Keevin Allicock, Isaiah Moore, Kevin Allicock, Lightweight (youth) boxer Christopher Moore and Light/Welterweight, Colin Lewis were amongst the gold while Flyweight Kevin Allicock won the lone silver medal.

Christopher Moore was also adjudged best boxer.

Sparta Boss’s Sheldon Shepherd (with ball) and Solomon Austin (far right) are two players who will be in the limelight of tonight’s semi-final matches

T

he Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Tournament is down to four teams and one of the semi-final matches tonight at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac will be a colossal clash between defending champions Sparta Boss and inaugural winners Back Circle.

Sparta Boss have been without some of their marquee players but that has not taken away from their dominance, albeit, some of their matches had to be decided spot kicks.

With the likes of Eusi Phillips, Sheldon Shepherd and Solomon Austin, the men in blue who are also the country champions, have managed to score five goals thus far as opposed to Back Circle’s two.

For the for 2011 winners, Sylvester Richards and company have a tough task ahead of them but considering that all teams have conceded goals, breaching Sparta’s defence is possible once they can apply constant pressure.

In the other match, a street-smart Tucville is pitted against an energetic Broad Street team. Broad Street Bullies have scored 10 goals, the most in the tournament to date but will come against a team that despite only scoring thrice in their preceding matches, are known for their smart tactics that usually frustrates the opposition.

For Broad Street, Quaci Weeks and Lennox Cort maybe still nursing injuries from their bruising encounter against Bent Street in the quarter-finals on Sunday but will have recover fast as they will be some of the players who will carry the load of the team.

The Tucville unit, which comprises to a large extent, city club footballers will have the expertise of Delon Alfred, Dennis Edwards and Leon Richardson to shepherd the unit into what would be their final in the six years of the event.

The grand finals will be held on Friday at the National Park Tarmac where the teams will be battling for over $1M in prize monies and trophies.

The winning team is set to receive $500,000, runnerup $200,000, 3rd place $150,000 and 4th place $100,000.

Woodpecker Annual Badminton Christmas singles 2016…

Ramdhani, Ali, Singh, Samad among winners

T

he 7th Woodkpecker Products Annual Badminton Christmas Singles which started on Saturday December 10 and concluded on Sunday, at the National Gymnasium saw the usual suspects dominating the competition.

After the matches the participants were presented with awards done by National Sports Commission, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Ms. Shuffler and Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) Executives Gokarn Ramdhani, Nicholas Waldron, Darrell Carpenay and Emelia Ramdhani.

The GBA is extremely happy that Luanna Fernandes of Woodpecker Products made the tournament possible and assisting with the development of Badminton and Sports in Guyana.

The association also thanked Banks DIH for providing refreshments.

The Finals that were played off were: Under-11 Boys Singles Finals: Omar samad defeated Jeremy: 21-19, 11-21 18-21 in a tough three setter.

Under-13 Girls Singles Finals: Lesha Singh defeated Elesa Sangster: 21-16, 21-8 Under-19 Ladies Singles Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Ambika Ramraj; 21-8, 21-4 Open Men Singles Finals: Nicholas Ali defeated Javid Rahaman: 21-16, 21-14 Open Ladies Singles Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Ambika Ramraj: 21-12, 21-13

The winners pose for a photo with Director of Sport Christopher Jones (back row centre)

Overall results: Under-11 Boys Singles: 1st Omar Samad 2nd Jermey Tenpow 3rd Avinash Ramnarine & Juntin Tenpow Under-11 Girls Singles: 1st Emily Choo-A-Fat 2nd Haily Choo-A-Fat 3rd Mishka Beharry

Under-13 Boys Singles: 1st Vikash Mootoo 2nd Matthew Beharry Under-13 Girls Singles: 1st Lesha Singh 2nd Elesa Sangster 3rd Lathika Kendavel & Sasha Singh

Under-19 Boys Singles: 1st Jonathan Mangra 2nd Akili Haynes Under-19 Girls Singles: 1st Priyanna Ramdhani 2nd Ambika Ramnarine 3rd Crystal Singh

Open Men Singles: 1st Nicholas Ali 2nd Javid Rahaman 3rd Jonathan Mangra & Ronald Chang Yuen Open Ladies Singles: 1st Priyanna Ramdhani 2nd Ambika Ramraj 3rd Greer Jackson

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Pg 22

Rain forces anticlimax

Persistent rain at Providence prevented any possibility of a result after the match was tantalisingly poised for a photo finish

Record-breaking boxing team greeted by renowned contingent Pg 23

The record-breaking team upon arrival are greeted by Minister with responsibility for sport Nicolette Henry, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, GOA President KA Juman Yassin and GBA President Steve Ninvalle

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