Guyana Times

Rose Hall Town Primary retains spelling bee champion title P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Govt must change its attitude to Chinese investment – Ramkarran guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2996

Monday, October 3, 2016

Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

East Canje P2 farmer laid to rest, wife fears for her safety – suspect in custody

….as APNU/AFC antagonism continues to hurt economy

Terminate lopsided CHEC Suriname stone import contract – fmr AFC economist Page 7

Strike the hike

Students plan to protest UG’s tuition increase

Suicide P13 Prevention Awareness Fair held in Region 2

Page 5

No arrest in Rasville couple’s P2 shooting

Linden-Soesdyke Highway needs urgent attention – residents, officials P12 Former President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the 18th Annual Dr Eric Williams Memorial Lecture at the Wertheim Arts Centre, Florida International University, Miami, Florida on Friday, September 30, 2016

GPHC Chairman calls for nurses’ salary increase Page 10

2 confirmed cases of microcephaly … no link to Zika as yet

P16

2 news

monDAY, october 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

No arrest in Rasville couple’s shooting Brigadier Phillips

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Injured: Troyan Barton

Injured: Johnnick La Rose

he Guyana Police Force’s ‘A’ Division (Georgetown) are on the hunt for a male suspect who opened fire on a young couple Saturday night at Rasville, Georgetown.

Injured are Johnnick La Rose, 19, of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, and Troyan Barton, 18, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

According to reports, the shooting occurred around 20:45h at the Shirley Field Ridley Housing Scheme, Rasville.

Guyana Times understands that La Rose was shot to his jaw while his girlfriend was shot to the back of her neck by an unknown individual.

This newspaper was told that the shooting was a deliberate attack on La Rose. The young man has described his attacker as a “Rasta man”.

A source close to the investigations indicated to this newspaper on Sunday that no arrest has been made.

However, he confirmed that surveillance footage was obtained from the area where the shooting occurred but it is yet to assist police in identifying the shooter.

“We have to enhance the footage, it hasn’t been of any help so far,” the source related.

Meanwhile, Stephen Vieira, uncle of La Rose, told Guyana Times on Sunday that the night before, his

nephew was on his way home along with his girlfriend when they stopped at a shop in Shirley Field Ridley Housing Scheme. After they exited the shop and was about to get on the motorcycle, a man walked up to them and opened fire.

He shot the young lady first from behind, which resulted in La Rose turning around only to be shot in his face.

The couple began to run in an attempt to escape the shooter, who seemed determined to injure them. The suspect began to give chase while firing shots at the young man. La Rose reportedly told relatives and investigators that the man was shouting “You mess ‘round with meh nephew!” as he pursued them.

The injured couple managed to run to La Rose’s home, located one street from where they were attacked, and they both collapsed in front of the house.

They were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by La Rose family.

This publication was told that the couple remain hospitalised but are in a stable condition. The bullets are still lodged in their bodies.

Meanwhile, when asked whether the young man has had any issues recently with anyone that may have prompted the attack, the uncle posited that the family is unaware of any such problem.

hands over GDF reins to deputy today

Following a three-year stint at the helm of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips is set to hang his hat up on his tour of duty in the military as he goes off on retirement.

Phillips, who hails from Linden where he attended the Christianburg Primary School and the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (Multilateral School), joined the GDF in December 1980 at the age of 19.

He is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom and is the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences – Public Management from the University of Guyana, as well as a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from the La Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic.

The outgoing Chief-ofStaff has held several appointments, including Colonel (Administration and Quartering), and Colonel (General Staff) during his 30-plus years of military service. He was also Guyana’s Head of Delegation to the InterAmerican Defence Board from 2008 to 2009, and was up to 2011 Guyana’s nonresident Military Attaché

to Venezuela.

Brigadier Phillips is also the recipient of several awards, including the Border Defence Medal, Military Service Medal and 40th Anniversary Commemoration Medal along with the Star of Carabobo from Venezuela as well as the Peace Keeper Medal from Brazil and the Brazilian Navy – Admiral Tamandare Medal.

The outgoing Chief-ofStaff was promoted to the rank of Brigadier back in 2013 by then President Donald Ramotar before he took command of the GDF, succeeding Rear Admiral Gary Best.

As he embarks on a new path after some 35 years of serving the Guyana army, he is looking to continue his service to the country, but as a civilian this time around.

A farewell and passing out parade will take place today in honour of Brigadier Phillips as he steps down and hands over the reins of the GDF to his successor and current Deputy Chief-of-Staff, Colonel George Lewis.

Moreover, a Badging Ceremony for Colonel Lewis will be held today following which there will be a swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier General George Lewis.

East Canje farmer laid to rest, wife fears for her safety

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he funeral of Ramnarine Itwaru was held on Sunday, and while the family are still trying to come to grips with what happened, they now fear for their safety.

Following the discovery of the body of Itwaru called “Bill”, 38, of Lot 84 Gangaram, Canje, who was found on a dam in the cane field at Speculation, East Canje, on Tuesday, with multiple gunshot wounds, police arrested two men, Ramadolar Shamdundar also called ‘Arnold’, 38, and Diaram also called ‘Bouy’ 46 but he was subsequently released on Friday morning.

The dead man’s wife, Rosie Hemraj is convinced that one of the suspects held was responsible for her husband’s death. She claimed to Guyana Times that some time before the shooting, Itwaru and ‘Arnold’ were involved in an argument, during which ‘Arnold’ allegedly threated Itwaru, saying, “I gon done yuh”. The woman said she now fears retaliation.

On Thursday evening police from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), ar-

rived in Berbice to take over the investigation after Shamdundar gave conflicting statements to investigators.

Initially he told investigators that he heard gunshots and saw when Diaram was coming out of the backdam. That story was changed with the suspect saying that he did not see Diaram. He has also given investigators conflicting times when he left the backdam.

Diaram, a fisherman, reported to residents at Gangaram that there was an accident and a man was lying on the dam next to his motor bicycle.

When villagers arrived they discovered the body had what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Itwaru was shot four times including once to the head.

Police were able to recover four .38 spent shells and one war-head from the scene.

The MCU is continuing to probe. They are working on a theory that Itwaru was shot over a disputed plot of land situated at Gangaram.

news

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monDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 3 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, October 4 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 3 – 05:15h-06:45h and Tuesday, October 4 – 05:45h-07:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny weather can be expected throughout the day interrupted by mid-morning showers, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 05:33h and 17:44h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:21h reaching a minimum height of 0.57 metre.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

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Govt must change its attitude to Chinese investment – Ramkarran

….as APNU/AFC antagonism continues to hurt economy

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hina has been good for Guyana; aid and investment have flowed liberally and Guyana has benefited greatly but unfortunately the present government, when in opposition, took a negative position on the activities of Chinese companies in Guyana and it has brought some of that sentiment in its policies.

This is the view held by former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, who over the weekend in his converstationtree.org outlet called on the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government to embrace China and the opportunities that exist for Guyana.

Ramkarran made his position public on the heels of that nation celebrating its 67th Anniversary, an occasion at which Head of State, President David Granger pledged continued cooperation with China and its peoples.

The former Speaker did observe that some Chinese companies have not adhered to investment agreements and this has resulted in the impression that all Chinese investments are questionable.

During the celebrations held locally by the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Zhang Limin did warn Chinese companies operating locally to ensure they abide by the local laws.

Ramkarran, in his appeal to the APNU/AFC Government to seek to foster better relations with China, conceded that the reputation of the Chinese has suffered as a result of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, which they constructed but did not live up to its expectations.

“Little has been said about possible design flaws of Skeldon, for which the Chinese were not responsible, which it is alleged may have been an important factor in its failure to produce.”

He pointed too to the Marriott Hotel, which was built by the Chinese and had attracted significant criticism

Former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran

Finance Minister Winston Jordan shares a light moment with Ambassador Zhang Limin during celebrations held on Friday last at the Embassy

particularly over the refusal to provide jobs for Guyanese, in addition to what some had called the ‘shadiness’ of the entire arrangement.

According to Ramkarran however, the government’s hostility to this project may well have been responsible for their reticence in commenting on its quality.

He was adamant that Guyana has much to gain by consolidating and strengthening relations with China at this time, “when the economy is in serious difficulties with declining production and declining economic growth, except in mining.”

According to Ramkarran, “It is about time that the Guyana Government re-evaluates its attitude to Chinese investment.”

He pointed to the fact that Chinese businesspeople are the same as any other anywhere in the world: “Unless they are held to their contract and their activities are monitored, both for their benefit and for Guyana’s, the tendency would be that chances are taken.”

According to Ramkarran, “Given a free reign, as has happened with the past government, will result in constraints being challenged…

China’s National Day is an appropriate occasion for the Government to make a determined effort to encourage Chinese investment in this guava season.”

According to the former Speaker, “For developing countries, China has been good… Aid has been granted without suffocating strings…

Investments have flowed and many developing countries have benefited enormously.”

He did concede that there have been many criticisms of China’s aid and investment in developing countries by developed countries, coupled with talk about exploitation of natural resources and the toleration of undemocratic practices.

“Such talk is of course ‘doublespeak’…

Countries which criticise cannot match China’s assistance which is sorely needed in developing countries and developed countries have no basis to talk about exploitation or protecting undemocratic regimes around the world.”

Longstanding relationship

Following a toast with Chinese Ambassador Zhang on the occasion of its Anniversary on Friday last at the Chinese Embassy, President Granger in his remarks, used the occasion to remind of the longstanding relationship between the two countries dating back to October 1971 United Nation’s resolution, supported by Guyana, meant to recognise the role of China and its representation at that forum.

He said too that Guyana

and China share common values including the mutual non-interference in each other’s affairs, “cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.”

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

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

“Guyana through its own green agenda has similar objectives; we look forward therefore to intensifying cooperation between our two republics in our common quest to ensure greater use of clean green low carbon technologies and renewable sources of energies.”

Recognising China as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, he said Guyana “welcomes especially the introduction of the multilateral multibillion-dollar platforms, such as the People’s Republic of China/Latin American/ Caribbean, industrial cooperation investment and infrastructure funds.”

An initiative, he said that, “will certainly strengthen our economic relations.”

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guyana-times.com

monday, october 3, 2016

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Editorial

Equitable Multiculturalism

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he just concluded activities of Amerindian Heritage Month during September, under the theme “Our Culture, Earth’s future”, should have served to remind us of the rich cultural legacies bequeathed to the nation by the various people that call Guyana home.

The Amerindians or "Indigenous Peoples" have a special relationship with the earth, which forms an integral aspect of their way of life or culture.

They do not see themselves as having "dominion" over the earth, but a duty to live in harmony with it.

When the Europeans arrived at the end of the 15th century, they thought they were looking at pristine, uninhabited forests. But within those "forests" that were in fact "pristine", lived millions of individuals who did not see the need to clear those forests even as they farmed a multitude of crops to feed, house and clothe themselves. They were dubbed "uncivilized" but today, the world and its "civilization" have come full circle to appreciate the "sustainability" that lifestyle offers to the planet.

The Africans who were dragged across the Atlantic and the Indians from even further afield, also had more nurturing relationships with the earth, called "mother".

During August, following the Emancipation celebrations, we were also exposed to aspects of original African culture that survived the European project to denude Africans of their culture. Right now, the Hindus are engaged in the worship of God as female in various aspects, during their "NauRaat" period. One of those aspects brings to life the vision of earth as "mother".

The point being made is our "multicultural" reality is a strength and must be cherished and nurtured rather than simply be given lip service at ceremonial occasions. As Bhiku Parekh, who authored the definitive text that became the basis of "multicultural Britain" wrote: "Different cultures represent different systems of meaning and visions of the good life. Since each realizes a limited range of human capacities and emotions and grasps only a part of the totality of human existence, it needs other cultures to help it understand itself better, expand its intellectual and moral horizon, stretch its imagination, save it from narcissism to guard it against the obvious temptation to absolutise itself, and so on.

This does not mean that one cannot lead a good life within one’s own culture, but rather that, other things being equal, one’s way of life is likely to be richer if one also enjoys access to others, and that a culturally selfcontained life is virtually impossible for most human beings in the modern, mobile and interdependent world."

It is rather unfortunate that Britain itself in the throes of retreating from that multicultural ideal - as also the United States - after refusing to make root and branch reforms to take multiculturalism to its logical conclusion: practices that offers real equality to all cultures in all spheres of life. In Guyana, there can be no claim by any government that they are deploying the resources to culture in an equitable fashion to the different cultural groups in Guyana. For instance, there has been the promulgation of a policy to introduce music in schools, but was there any form of consultation with the several communities to ensure that all the musical strains are taught?

"Cultural industries" or "creative industries" have become accepted as an adaptation to the world-system into which even our villages are plugged into, and which combine the creation, production and distribution of goods and services that are cultural in nature and usually protected by intellectual property right. Have all the cultural groups in Guyana been brought to the table when the policy in this area was discussed recently at a "stakeholders' meeting"?

It is clear that there is a great danger we may be repeating the historical tragedy - this time as farce - of the colonial era when all cultures were systematically marginalised by the government appointed gatekeepers.

This situation must be corrected and all cultures be given their rightful place.

Orthodox Christians in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa marked last week the Meskel festival. The Meskel celebration is based on the belief that Ethiopia’s 16th century Queen Eleni once had a revelation during a dream, and was told to make a large bonfire, known locally as the Demera, whose smoke would then show her where the cross of Jesus was buried. The Christian community believes the right wing of the cross on which Jesus was crucified was brought to Ethiopia and buried at the Gishen Mariam Monastery in Amhara Region, some 483 kilometres (around 300 miles) north of Addis Ababa (Reuters photo)

Mr E Jefford, did Sport Minister Mr Jones sanction your representation in the press?

Dear Editor, I thought this issue with relation to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) was focused on the senior athletes at the Olympic and World Championship levels respectively. I now noticed that Mr E Jefford has roped in the junior aspect with his KN report dated Sunday, October 2, 2016 and captioned 'An account of Yassin's failure at GOA’.

Editors, each one of you can attest to the fact that I have penned articles on Miss K Baird via your respective newspapers in the past, but unfortunately I can't get to them because they are in storage. I did pen in at least one of my article's that if the young lady was to gain citizenship of the USA and given the break to rep-

resent the flag with sponsorship of corporate America and making the American team, I will support such a move because Guyana is not prepared to undertake the full cost of maintaining the wellbeing of her.

Overseas based athletes are all in a league of their own and are at a greater advantage under their respective clubs with nurturing and I honestly don't have a clue what level of communication there is with the GOA, National Sports Commission, Athletics Association of Guyana and the Sports Ministry and their overseas counterparts.

Editors, Mr E Jefford and the general public, perhaps we are jumping the gun… Basic common sense knowledge is that the GOA

would have to consult with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) which is headed by Mr Aubrey Hudson on athletics matters.

I am almost sure that the AAG has to rope in the National Sports Commission on such matters, so perhaps a lot of answers lie within the National Sports Commission and the Athletics Association of Guyana… Why haven't those two offices graced their presence to date via the press for the general public to have a deeper understanding of everyone’s role?

Mr E Jefford, I believe you are still a sitting and senior member of the 'NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION', which I believe is an arm of

the government of the day.

Is your representation in the press on behalf of that office? Mr Christopher Jones, Junior Minister of Sport (I think) and Chairman of the 'NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION’ is third in command (I think) after VP Rupert Roopnarine and Senior Minister of Sport, Nicolette Henry, did he sanction your representation?

I will go out on a limb and take a gamble and say that I don't believe that the GOA handpicks anyone to represent Guyana at the Olympic Games… I believe it's a collective decision between sports fraternities and the GOA… Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

Thursday is the 40th anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster

Dear Readers, Thursday, October 6, marks the 40th anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster which claimed the lives of 73 people, including 11 Guyanese, mainly students.

I remember that terrible day vividly since a colleague of mine, Hubert "Bertie" Marshal, had disembarked the aircraft in Barbados less than three hours before the explosion.

I was a student at the time at Cave Hill and from the Campus, we could have seen parts of the plane in the Caribbean Sea. Two bombs exploded 11 minutes after takeoff

from the Grantley Adams International Airport when the aircraft was at an altitude of 18,000 feet.

Those who perished were 57 Cubans, five North Koreans, and Guyanese Ann Nelson, Jacqueline Williams, Sabrina Harripaul, Rita Thomas, Margaret Bradshaw, Violet Thomas, Rawle Thomas, Raymond Persaud, Harold Norton, Gordon Sobha and Seshnarine Kumar.

Four men were arrested in connection with the bombing and a trial was held in Venezuela. Freddy Lugo and Hernan Ricardo Lozano were each sentenced to 20 years prison

terms. Orlando Bosch was acquitted and later moved to Miami, Florida where he lived until his death on April 27, 2011.

Luis Posado Carriles was held for eight years while awaiting a final sentence, but eventually fled. He later entered the US where he was held on charges of entering the country illegally, but was released on April 19, 2007.

A monument was erected four years ago on the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana, which was dubbed the Cubana 455 Monument.

The task of building the monument was under-

taken by the Ministry of Public Works and takes the form of a fountain, four elevated stairs and a plaque with the names of those who died, as well as the flag of Guyana, Cuba, Korea and Barbados.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, then President Donald Ramotar said the monument will serve as a reminder to Guyanese to understand that the disaster represents the use of terrorism in political struggles.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

monday, october 3, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

2 injured in West Students plan to protest Demerara accident UG’s tuition increase Strike the Hike

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n wake of the University of Guyana’s (UG) announcement of increased tuition fees for the academic year 2016/2017 by some five per cent, students have planned a number of activities to disturb the said increase.

Today, the students plan to assemble at 09:00h at the junction of UG road and the line top, where they will proceed to UG by way of protest.

In addition, a group of students will be waiting at the Admissions building on campus (Turkeyen) to secure a meeting with Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Ivelaw Griffith.

On Tuesday, the students plan to assemble at Ministry of the Presidency at 09:00h while Cabinet meets to air their concerns.

In efforts to give every student a chance to voice their concern, another protest will be held on Wednesday commencing at 17:00h, mainly targeting the working people. A petition signing will also be done on the same day.

On Thursday at the Turkeyen Campus, President David Granger is expected to attend a commemorative ceremony around 16:00h. The students plan to line both sides of the roadway with placards leading to the campus where another group of students will be present at the ceremony in an effort to secure the President’s inter-

vention.

The concerned students are urging the public to support their actions since the country’s premier tertiary institution plays a vital role in the development sector.

The Tuition increase announcement was made to students via email only a few days ago and just over a month into the semester. The email has caused a massive outburst of students, particularly on social media.

The email coming out of the office of the Registrar reads, “The University administration informs the University Community that the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the University had approve the increase in tuition fees for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 academic years.”

It said the annual tuition fee for the 2016/2017 Academic year is now $168,000 instead of $160,000.

The email went on to state that the University regretted any inconvenience caused and advised that all invoices will be amended accordingly. It said the difference without penalty becomes payable on or before November 15, 2016. The facilities fee remains unchanged.

Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande told Guyana Times that the decision for the five per cent increases was made back in 2014 by the council and that stu-

dents were fully aware of this. However while the decision was made in 2014, it was never applied to the 2015/2016 academic year.

“So last year students did not pay. Students will (now) pay five per cent 2016/2017 and another five per cent 2017/2018. The 2015/2016 was not applied.

It is now being applied here,” the Registrar told Guyana Times.

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

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

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wo persons are nursing injuries at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) while five others escaped unhurt during an early morning accident at Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara.

Guyana Times understands that the accident occurred at around 02:30h on Saturday.

While information surrounding the accident remains sketchy, residents of the village recall hearing a loud impact and upon investigating noticed the car with its four wheels in the air.

Public-spirited persons pulled the occupants from the muddy water and rushed them to the WDRH. Five of them were later discharged.

Commander of D Division (West Demerara), Leslie James, confirmed that the car, bearing registration plate PRR 6669, was proceeding in a westerly direction when the driver lost

The vehicle involved in the accident

control, resulting in the vehicle ending up in a nearby trench.

An investigation has been launched into the accident.

Peace reigns: this is cause for celebration Dear Editor, The issue of paramount importance in the world today is international peace.

Peace has broken out in the Western Hemisphere— for the first time in history, nations in the entire western half of the world have stopped fighting with each other!

With the Colombian government’s recent peace agreement this past

August with the FARC— Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—the last active war in the hemisphere has ended: Today there are no military governments in the Americas.

No countries are fighting one another. And no governments are battling major insurgencies.

If anything deserves a party with joyous dancing and singing—this is it!

Peace!

Of course, Colombia celebrated after their country’s fifty-two years of armed insurgency finally came to a close, and dancing and singing did break out in the streets there.

But strangely, few other places in the West even observed this remarkable milestone.

Editor, what an incredible, historic achievement

mankind has reached: So for those who maintain that world peace is a pipe dream, a remote and unattainable fiction; the current evidence completely contradicts that pessimistic and widely-held viewpoint.

In fact, we now know that world peace is possible and even inevitable.

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

How to respond to

(CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY)

Things that can influence people to act too aggressively are: * being overconfident * focusing too much on getting their needs met and their opinions across * not learning to respect or consider other people’s views or needs * not learning listening skills or how to ask for input from others

compliments

and criticism

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any of us don’t handle interpersonal relationships well, particularly at work. Instead of feeling good about ourselves, our reactions and responses to others often make us feel tongue-tied and inadequate, on the one hand, and angry and critical on the other. Here are some of the ways to deal with everyday situations and come out feeling good.

Responding to compliments

People who have low self-esteem tend to dismiss compliments. Deep down they feel unworthy and are likely to respond to praise with phrases such as, “Who me?” or “It was nothing”. You can use three techniques to stop yourself using such self-denigrating replies.

First, when someone says something nice about you, simply say “Thanks” in a way that is clear, grateful, and accepting. Secondly, ask people what they liked about what you did. Thirdly, find something in what they said that you can agree with.

Positive enquiry

Positive enquiry and positive assertion are simple techniques for handling praise and compliments.

Positive enquiry asks the compliment-payer for more details about what they liked.

Them: “I really like your hair today.”

You: “Thanks. What is it about my hair that you like?”

Positive assertion takes all or part of the compliment and agrees with it.

Them: “I really thought the presentation went well.”

You: “Thanks. Yes, the presentation did go well, didn’t it.”

Responding to criticism

Criticism is another difficult area for non-assertive people. If they tend to aggressive reactions, they might hit back. If they tend to submissive reactions, they might feel even more miserable than before. Criticism isn’t easy to take. But there are some rules to follow. First, remember that it is only someone else’s opinion. Second, learn not to take it personally. Third, practise the technique of asking for more information so that you can weigh up whether there’s something in what they said that will help you to do better next time.

Negative enquiry

Negative enquiry and negative assertion are simple techniques for responding to criticism and judgment.

Negative enquiry replies to the critic by asking for more details about what they didn’t like.

Them: “Well, I’ve seen better presentations by monkeys.”

You: “Exactly what didn’t you like about it?”

Negative assertion takes all or part of the criticism and agrees with it.

Them: “The slide show was dreadful.”

You: “Yes. That was the most difficult part of the presentation.”

This way of dealing with criticism and judgment has an equivalent positive version when handling compliments and praise assert-

ively.

Overcoming shyness

Unassertiveness and shyness are twins. They both lead to feeling inadequate in social settings. As a result, unassertive people hold back and take no part. One trick you can use to make yourself feel more comfortable in unfamiliar settings is to imagine in your mind that you are somewhere safe where you can be yourself, like “Ma and Pa’s” or “down the pub”.

Admitting you’re wrong

We all make mistakes but not all of us have the courage to own up to them.

However, mistakes are what make us human and not something to be ashamed of. Once you realise a mistake, own up to it simply and concisely without over-apologising or hand-wringing.

Then, get to work on putting it right.

Things that can lead people to act assertively (“just right”) are: * self-confidence * believing their opinions count, their ideas and feelings matter, and they have the right to express themselves * being resilient (able to deal with criticism, rejection, and setbacks) * respecting the preferences and needs of others * having role models for assertiveness * knowing their ideas were welcomed or assertiveness rewarded in the past

How to be more assertive

Being assertive is a matter of practicing certain communication skills and having the right inner attitude.

Some people are naturally more skilful when it comes to being assertive. Others need more practice. But everyone can improve.

something more important. * Give your opinion. Say whether or not you liked a movie you saw and why. * Practice using “I” statements such as: “I’d like...” “I prefer...” or “I feel...” * Find a role model who’s good at being assertive – not too passive and not too aggressive. See if you can imitate that person’s best qualities. * Remind yourself that your ideas and opinions are as important as everyone else’s. Knowing this helps you be assertive. Assertiveness starts with an inner attitude of valuing yourself as much as you value others.

To work on being less aggressive and more assertive: * Try letting others speak first. * Notice if you interrupt.

Catch yourself, and say: “Oh, sorry – go ahead!” and let the other person finish. * Ask someone else’s opinion, then listen to the answer. * When you disagree, try to say so without putting down the other person’s point of view. For example, instead of saying: “That’s a stupid idea,” try: “I don’t really like that idea.” Or instead of saying: “He’s such a jerk,” try: “I think he’s insensitive.” * Find a role model who’s good at being assertive – not too passive and not too aggressive. See if you can imi-

Raising your self-esteem

It is thought that up to 80 per cent of us regularly suffer from low self-esteem. This often happens when we compare ourselves to others who appear to be more confident, more assertive, and more successful than we are. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap of your ego.

You are no better and no worse than anyone else. You are you, perfect in yourself as you are and with the same worth and value as anyone else. (bookboon. com)

Here’s how: Start by considering which communication style (assertive, passive, or aggressive) comes closest to yours.

Then decide whether you need to work on being less passive, less aggressive, or simply need to build on your naturally assertive style.

To work on being less passive and more assertive: * Pay attention to what you think, feel, want, and prefer. You need to be aware of these things before you can communicate them to others. * Notice if you say “I don’t know,” “I don’t care,” or “it doesn’t matter” when someone asks what you want.

Stop yourself. Practice saying what you’d prefer, especially on things that hardly matter. For example, if someone asks, “Would you like green or red?” you can say, “I’d prefer the green one – thanks.” * Practice asking for things. For example: “Can you please pass me a spoon?”

“I need a pen – does anyone have an extra?” “Can you save me a seat?” This builds your skills and confidence for when you need to ask for

tate that person’s best qualities.

Even naturally assertive people can build and expand their skills. To work on improving a naturally assertive style: * Find role models who are good at being assertive – not too passive and not too aggressive. See if you can imitate their best qualities.

(You’ll notice this is the same tip we give for helping with a style that’s too passive or too aggressive. That’s because we never stop learning!) * Notice where you’re best at being assertive. People behave differently in different situations. Many people find that it’s easy to be assertive in certain situations (like with friends) but more challenging in others (like with teachers or when meeting new people). In tougher situations, try thinking, “What would I say to my close friends?”

When you speak assertively, it shows you believe in yourself. Building assertiveness is one step to becoming your best self, the person you want to be! (Kids Health)

7 Terminate lopsided CHEC Suriname stone import contract – former AFC economist P news

monday, october 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

ublic Infrastructure Minister David Patterson is on record saying that China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC) – the contractor for the US$150 million Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project – has begun importing stones from Suriname because of price and capacity constraints, but his former colleague is calling for the lopsided contract for inferior stones to be squashed and re-tendered.

Former Alliance For Change (AFC) economist Sasenarine Singh made his position known in a recent public missive.

Patterson, who through his spokesperson, according to Singh, said the Surinamese are prepared to supply and deliver the stone landed at the Timehri docks at US$28 per tonne, compared to the local quotes which were around US$36 per tonne at Georgetown.

“But one of the suppliers hit back by saying our Guyanese quarry products are of a superior quality and they were prepared to adjust the prices downwards based on the volume… Even if they had to cut their profits, every one of the Guyanese quarries would have done the right thing for Guyana.”

Price cap

As such, Singh has since called for the lopsided contract for inferior stones to “be squashed and re-tendered with a geographic clause inserted along with a price cap of US$30 for the

better quality Guyanese stones”.

He noted that at least one local stone supplier said, based on volume, it could reduce its prices significantly and may even match the price of the Surinamese supplier, “so why not give the locals a chance to put up?”

Singh noted too that Head of State, President David Granger “talks about national pride all the time…

Isn’t it President Granger who spoke about let us cooperate for Guyana? This tender seems not to be following

in the economy and direct stagnation in the quarrying sector”.

Inferior stones

The former AFC economist is of the view that “we are not being economically efficient by sourcing inferior stones from a foreign country when we have worldclass stones at home”.

This publication recently reported on Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) President Eon Caesar calling on Government to do

Singh noted too that Head of State, President David Granger “talks about national pride all the time…

Isn’t it President Granger who spoke about let us cooperate for Guyana? This tender seems not to be following the President’s wishes.” the President’s wishes.”

The former AFC economist recalled too that when large national projects, like the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, were being implemented under the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, he always ensured that the “locals shone”.

“So what is really wrong with the PNC these days… where is that economic nationalism from the Burnham era?” he questioned.

According to Singh, being frugal does not mean saving money, “so we may be having these stones cheap now, but it could cost us multiples in the long run with lost jobs

more to ensure that there was greater protection or consideration for local content when it comes to the implementation of foreignfunded, or foreign-executed contracts.

At least two local stone suppliers have lodged complaints with regard to the news that a Suriname-based quarrying company had been awarded a mega contract to supply stones for the local project.

CHEC recently inked a US$7.5 million contract with Suriname’s Stateowned mining company Grassalco, to supply some 300,000 tonnes of crushed

Former AFC economist Sasenarine Singh

stone to be imported over a 12-month period for the CJIA Expansion Project.

Caesar at the time had told Guyana Times that while CHEC was a private company that would have to make its own decisions with regard to completing its project within its timeframe and specifications, the project was being funded by taxpayers’ dollars and as such, it was imperative Government do more to protect local content.

Speaking on the complaint lodged by the local suppliers, Caesar said that even if it was a case that one of the companies could not meet the demand in terms

of the amount of stones requested, at least both companies together could have met the quota.

“Even if one could not supply all, both could have fulfilled the order,” Caesar said.

According to international reports, Suriname’s Grassalco and Zhong Da International Engineering Company will deliver the material in partnership to CHEC in Guyana.

The contracts were reportedly signed by Grassalco’s Chief Executive Officer, Sergio Akiemboto; Zhong Da International Engineering Company General Manager Wu Qiong; and CHEC Project Manager Sun Wei. The Guyana CHEC contract is reportedly the largest contract the State-owned company has signed with a foreign contractor.

Local content

The matter of the protection of local content was recently catapulted into the limelight during the construction of the US$58 million Marriott Hotel, as Guyanese labour and supplies were largely ignored by the Chinese contractor.

The matter was raised again by representatives

of the local Private Sector Commission (PSC) following the discovery of oil offshore Guyana by ExxonMobil.

Local content has come to be known as the quantum/percentage of locally produced materials, personnel, financing, goods and services rendered and which can be measured in monetary terms.

The matter of local content was also raised recently in the media by Presidential Adviser Eric Phillips, who had called for the necessary legislation to be put in place.

Phillips said if managed strategically and if good governance became the norm in Government and the Private Sector, exponential growth in Guyana’s economy was a real possibility with the discovery of oil.

Phillips at the time had called for a Local Content Bill, which he argued was “an absolute necessity at this time during the early days of oil exploration…

Exxon and other multinational entities who occupy the value chain of oil production and associated industries, should know from day one, that Guyanese must be involved in the initial spend to produce oil and later as oil is produced”.

8 news

mondAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

9-year-old blinded after accident

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boy child is now a patient at the Linden Hospital Complex following an accident which led to him losing his right eye on Friday afternoon in Kwakwani, Berbice.

The boy, Shavis Wilson, 9, of Kwakwani is a student at the Kwakwani Primary School.

Guyana Times understands that at about 17:00h the child was playing and tried to tug off a stick from some bushes when one of the branches struck him in the face.

As a result of the impact, both of the boy’s eyes were punctured. His parents were informed of what had occurred and he was rushed to the Kwakwani Hospital.

However, doctors their informed his parents that they were not equipped to deal with such situations and so the child was sent to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) by ambulance..

The boy’s sister, Shaunel Wilson,

Shavis Wilson

told this publication that the injured lad and family waited for several hours

before the ambulance showed up.

Repeated calls were made to the LHC but all were met with “the ambulance is one its way”. However, in the wee hours of Saturday morning the child arrived in Linden and was immediately taken into surgery.

After the surgery, the doctors informed the parents that they were unable to save his right eye and are uncertain what the condition of the other eye was.

The family would have to wait for days before the condition of his left eye would be revealed.

Speaking to this publication, his distraught parents relayed their uncertainty for him ever seeing again.

Michelle Wilson, sitting at his bedside said that he was still unconscious. “The doctors said that they operated on his left eye but we are uncertain what the results would be when he wakes up”.

Elderly man hospitalised after hit-and-run accident

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n elderly man was hospitalised after he was struck by a minibus in a hit-and-run accident Saturday morning.

Patrick Ennis, 86, of Pigeon Place, South Ruimveldt Park Georgetown was reportedly riding along Homestretch Avenue in the vicinity of the National Communication Network when he was struck by a speeding minibus.

According to information gathered, the driver of a Route 48 minibus bearing registration plate BTT 7720 swerved from hitting another vehicle but instead hit the elderly man.

He then lost control of the minibus and ended up in a

The driver fled the scene soon after he struck the elderly man

nearby canal.

Additional information garnered by this publication revealed that the driver who was proceeding east along the avenue fled the scene after hitting the elderly man.

At the scene of the accident, several persons who are acquainted with the driver attempted to contact him however, these attempts proved futile.

The bus however was pulled from the canal and taken to a police station as traffic ranks launched their inevitable investigations. Meanwhile, the elderly man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient.

Sister narrowly misses jail

– fined $15,000, 4 weeks community service

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he sister of a prisoner almost landed in jail when she tried to smuggle marijuana in her brother’s food at the Brickdam Police Station.

Rachel McLean, 27, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts to answer to a charge of possession of narcotics.

McLean pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 27, 2016, at Brickdam, she had in her possession 2 grams of cannabis.

Police prosecution’s case revealed that on the day in question, McLean

approached a Police Constable to give him a box of food for her brother who is a prisoner.

The Constable realised the food had a funny scent and upon checking, he spotted a transparent bag with what he suspected to be cannabis.

The prosecution further added that the defendant

was told of the offence and she admitted. The illicit drug was weighed in her presence, and amounted to two grams.

She was fined $15,000, along with 4 weeks community service for the offence.

Should McLean fail to pay the fine she will be imprisoned for eight weeks.

Eyew tness No shame...

I

...on warehouse graft

t's clear there are elements in this government who have no shame. None! But then you'll always find such miscreants in any random collection of folks.

And when that collection isn't random, but those who seek "government wuk", the "shameless quotient" jumps by a factor of at least 10! Anyhow, that was the reaction of your usually stolid Eyewitness when he heard the Junior Minister of Health declaring the Bottom House Warehouse hasn't been nixed - it's actually been receiving government drugs!!

Shameless! At the final handing over by the US-built 26,000 sq ft Government pharma bond at Diamond, the Junior Minister offered another "reason" for the rental of the Albuoystown bottom house- "… you know there are times where we have several containers, sometimes four (at one time) so it can be packed to capacity.”

Now let's pick some sense from nonsense. From one side of her mouth the Minister accepts that the facility has more than enough capacity to store ALL the purchases of the government. Got that? ALL. So if it's "packed to capacity" - which means MORE than the government could possibly store - why would FOUR more containers suddenly arrive with pharma?

Is the Ministry of Health in the habit of buying TWO years supply of drugs? No wonder we've got all these "expired drugs" dumped at Haags Bosch! And then… this Minister thinks the Albuoystown bottom house with no loading docks and one gate - can handle FOUR containers of pharma? Madame Junior Minister - since you're a medical doctor - your humble Eyewitness will put that claim in terms you may be familiar with.

Unloading four containers simultaneously would be like using a turkey baster to deliver an injection into the human eye! Ouch!!

But let's return to the main news - that Larry Singh will be getting away with the most barefaced scam since Ocean’s Eleven. Has the outrage meant nothing to President Granger? Your Eyewitness likes Prezzie and all that - but the buck stops with him.

What more proof does he need? There were so many "smoking guns" - how did Larry know about the need for a warehouse, the prepaid rent/buying price; the lie about comparative pharma storage rentals etc, etc - it looked like the Fineman's last shootout!

What this (sordid) episode does is to encourage all and sundry in the government - from the lowest clerk in the Public Service to the Police rank on the beat - to increase their runnings. What's all this nonsense about "no corruption" they'll ask. If three Cabinet Ministers can't find wrongdoing in this scam… why worry?

If them "big ones" can do it...why can't they?

...on juice for our children

The feeding programme in our schools is supposed to help those most needy: to give at least their kids the basic nutritional requirements for them not to be malnourished. By now, all of us should know about the effects of malnutrition - including underdevelopment of the brain. And of course this leads to intergenerational poverty and misery.

So when someone in the Ministry of Education's Procurement department connived to pass off fruit juices from Suriname rather than our own higher quality locally produced "Topco" you're talking about some real bottom feeders here. You can't sink lower than a snake's belly? Well whoever did this (dirty) deal just succeeded.

The latest revelations confirm this. When the story initially broke, the shill from the government (the DPI) immediately announced shrilly that tests by the Government Analysts showed the foreign drink had more "fruit juices" than the local one.

Not so!! Says the Analysts. They couldn't do the testing and went by the labels supplied.

But were never given the local label!! Ow maan!

...on diaspora helpers

The letter from the APNU/AFC diaspora helpers still haunts your Eyewitness. It was such a cri de coeur. The deep wrenching sobs could still be heard.

Couldn't the administration at least give them some certificates of appreciation?

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

news

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monday, october 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Narco trafficking “mother of all crimes” – President Granger ...says efforts being undertaken to curb illicit trade

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resident David Granger has stated that in tackling the mounting crime rate in Guyana, focus should first be placed on dismantling the local drug network, which he believes is the driving force of criminal activities.

Speaking on the weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’, the Head of State called drug trafficking the “mother of all crimes”, pointing out that most criminal activities stem from the narco trade.

According to the President, as long as narco trafficking is prevalent, crimes such as gun running, money laundering and execution murders will continue to exist. “…as long as drugs keep coming into this country, it will be very difficult to control crime. Narco trafficking is the mother of all crimes…

The huge amount of money that is generated in narco trafficking can be used to order executions, recruit rogues who could carry out crimes (foot soldiers), they can get young people to sell their drugs and they can bribe law enforcement officers,” he stated.

Granger mentioned the role narco trafficking has

President David Granger

been playing, particularly between 2000 and 2015, in contributing to the country’s crime wave which has been on a consistent high during that period.

He continued explaining that while there is no single answer to curbing the illicit drug trade, emphasis must be placed on the root of drug networks and that is what his administration is working on.

The President noted that Government has recognised that narco trafficking is a transnational crime, and that it has the responsibility to ensure that Guyana’s land space and borders are more secure and free from the illicit trade.

He mentioned the recent discovery of an illegal aircraft in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and noted that local law enforcement is yet to establish a connection to the narco trafficking network.

However, he stated that while this incident shows how easy it is to illegally get into the country, the discovery of the aircraft shows that local law enforcement is stepping up their ante.

Furthermore, the Head of State sought to respond to criticisms that the coalition regime is yet to dismantle any local drug network, reminding that the country’s narcotics situation has been built up over the last 60 years and cannot be easily infiltrated.

Nevertheless, President Granger posited that his administration has been taking steps to tackle the drug trade in Guyana, mentioning the creation of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) which is headed by retired Major General Michael Atherly and the establishment of the National Security Committee which examines every week the conduct of the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Anti-

The illegal marijuana cultivation discovered by the Police last Thursday at Araray Village, Upper Essequibo

Narcotics Unit, as well as the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

The President added that these efforts, coupled with interactions with its

international partners, particularly the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), will be used to interdict narco trafficking in Guyana. He recalled that Guyana has been partnering with other countries, United Kingdom and Jamaica of recent, in probing major drug busts that have connections here.

“So I think (the criticisms are) unfair because we have set up the institutions and I think recently the National Drug Strategy Master Plan has been reissued. We are also now conducting investigations into an aircraft coming into our airspace illegally and we taking other measures to ensure the narco trade is brought to an end,” Granger emphasised. turn to page 11

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guyana-times.com

monDAY, october 3, 2016

News

Guyana’s best graduating law student GPHC Chairman calls for nurses’ salary increase treated to grand welcome

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hile urging other youths to strive for what they want and to be successful at it, Latoya Roberts was on Sunday afternoon treated to a grand welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) after graduating as the best Law student from Guyana in Trinidad last week.

The Calphay’s Seventhday Adventist Youth Federation welcomed the 28-year-old with great pomp and enthusiasm.

In tears, the surprised young woman accepted gift and hugs from her loved ones and those whom she made proud with her accomplishment.

Commencing her studies in Guyana, she moved to Trinidad to complete her studies. Roberts graduated with a Law degree from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Roberts is also an accomplished athlete and the winner of the female sprint for ten consecutive years in Guyana.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Roberts said that the welcoming is one that she did not expect. She thanked those who welcomed her,

Best graduating student Latoya Roberts

saying that they all are like “family to me”.

Alluding to her journey to success, the woman said that it was not an easy task, noting that being away from her family proved most difficult.

Roberts explained that financially, it was also a struggle for her family and those who assisted.

The young lawyer disclosed that she has already

identified a prominent attorney that she will be working with as she begins her new journey.

“I have a already identified an attorney that I will be working with, but really, I am not sure what the future holds, I am interested in a number of different areas,” Roberts relayed enthusiastically.

Speaking about her

achievement in copping the award of best graduating student, Roberts said, “I have not been able to find the correct adjectives to describe my emotions but I am definitely honoured that I made my country proud.”

Being a religious person, she thanked God for her accomplishments and for bringing her through her journey, stating that nothing could have been possible without His hands in her life.

Also speaking with this publication, her brother, Leon Benjamin, said that his sister is indeed very special, having an outstanding role in leadership throughout her life.

President of the Calphay’s Federation, Gerald Gittens pointed out that Roberts is indeed an outstanding example for others to follow: “The federation, we do feel very honoured for her because she sets an example for other young people for which, if they commit themselves to hard work, there is no height that they cannot reach.”

Over 20 students last week graduated and have all returned home in recent days.

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hairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr Carl Max Hanoman is calling on the government to increase nurses’ salary or face losing them.

Hanoman stated that he is currently in the process of asking for an increase in nurses’ salary— something, he said, he has appealed for more than once.

Hanoman stated that while it is arguable that nurses at the GPHC are the highest paid nurses in the country, they are also the ones under the most pressure. He explained that the Corporation has considered the conditions under which the nurses work and had ensured that certain allowances are incorporated into their salaries.

Noting that he hopes to improve the quality of nursing care in the Corporation, Hanoman is appealing to government to hike the pay.

“I’m appealing to those in power to look after nurses if not we will lose them and we don’t want to lose them,” he said, explaining that the hospital’s major constraint is a shortage of nurses and that that shortage leads to poor quality healthcare.

“The more nurses we get

Chairman of the GPHC, Dr Carl Max Hanoman

the better is the hospital and how do we get more nurses is if we pay them more money.

We have to encourage them,” he said, adding: “I hope the government sees this vision”.

Nurses complain incessantly that they are being forced to work and study under poor conditions, most time with a shortage of lecturers and slow internet access.

However, their major protest has always been for better wages.

In 2013, GPHC nurses had staged several protests outside of the hospital Accidents and Emergency Unit, objecting to what they said was a “measly” salary increase.

news

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monday, october 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

29 cases struck from Criminal backlog during June Assizes in Demerara

– October session opens with 141 cases

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he criminal backlog has been reduced by 29 cases that were disposed of during the June 2016 Criminal Assizes, which wrapped up on Friday last following a gaol delivery done by Justice James Bovell-Drakes.

The June session commenced with Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Justice Bovell-Drakes joined Justice Singh and Justice Beharry from July until the end of session.

During that Assizes 116 cases were listed to be heard, 29 of which were disposed of.

However, only 15 cases received attention in the High Court of Demerara, while the other 14 matters were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Of the 15 matters that were presented in court, there were eight formal verdicts of not guilty, three not guilty verdicts by jury, one guilty plea, two guilty verdicts and one hung jury.

The June Assizes saw Justice Singh disposing of five cases. In a murder case, the judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict. The same was done in a Carnal Knowledge of Girl Under 15 Years and Abduction matter after the

complainant testified that she did not wish to proceed with the trial.

The accused in two rape cases were also acquitted after the jury was directed to return verdicts of not guilty following testimonies by both complainants who did not want to proceed with the matters.

Meanwhile, the accused in a Rape of A Child Under 16 Years case was acquitted after the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

During June, Justice Barlow completed four cases, one of which saw the accused, who was indicted with three counts for murder, pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a chance of pa-

role after 30 years.

A matter of Carnal Knowledge of Girl Under 15 Years resulted in the accused being acquitted after the complainant testified that she did not wish to proceed with the matter.

Another case for the combined offences of Buggery and Indecent Assault in which three accused were indicted together, the jury found the number one accused unanimously guilty of buggery and indecent assault. He was sentenced to a total of 29 years imprisonment.

The Number Two accused was found guilty by a majority verdict for the offence of indecent assault and was sentenced to four years imprisonment. While the num-

Narco trafficking “mother of all...

The Head of State further outlined that the country does not have adequate aircraft to patrol the borders; ships to patrol the sea space and vehicles to control the land space; his administration is nevertheless committed to arresting the local drug trade. However, he posited that Guyana is going to adopt extreme measures that other countries, such as the Philippines, has undertaken in tackling narcotics trafficking.

The President’s statements came on the heels of the Guyana Police Force highlighting that its antinarcotics efforts continue to be successful.

In fact on Friday at a media briefing, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, emphasised that “Our Narcotics Branch has been doing well so far and this substantiates the fact that our narcotics branch is still relevant and important.”

He went on to disclosed that over the last three months, a total of 43 kilograms of cannabis, worth a street value of $22 million, was seized. Some 108 persons, including 96 males and 12 females, have since been charged.

Additionally, the Police Commander detailed that during the same period, some 102 kilograms of co-

caine, with a street value of $92 million, was seized. This resulted in 28 persons, 23 males and five females, being charged.

According to Ramnarine, of the 102 kilograms of cocaine, some 90 kilograms alone were seized at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from outgoing passengers in three separate cases.

On the other hand, the acting Top Cop outlined that the Police Force has also been successful in its eradication efforts. He revealed that during such exercises over the past three months, a total of 21,150 kilograms of cannabis sativa plants were destroyed by fire in the Linden, Region 10 (Upper

from page 9

Demerara-Berbice) area alone.

The most recent drug eradication exercise undertaken by the Police was at Araray Village, Upper Essequibo.

During the twelve-hour exercise on Thursday last, in excess of nine acres of cultivated cannabis with about 8000 plants, ranging in heights from one foot to 10 feet, several nurseries with over 3000 seedlings and two make-shift tents were found and destroyed.

Three males found tending to the cultivation were arrested. They were charged with cultivating prohibited plants and placed before the courts.

ber three accused was acquitted on all three charges.

Moreover, a jury panel returned not guilty verdicts against an accused indicted with two counts of rape of a child under 16 years.

On the other hand, Justice Beharry disposed of three matters, including a murder case, in which the accused was indicted on two counts and was found unanimously guilty on both, resulting in a death sentence.

Additionally, in two separate cases of Carnal Knowledge of A Girl Under 15 Years and Rape of A Child

Under 16 Years, both complainants failed to attend court and as such, both juries were directed to return verdicts of not guilty.

Meanwhile, Justice Bovell-Drakes also completed three matters, one of which saw a murder accused sent back to prison to await a new trial after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

The other two matters were for the offence of Rape of A Child Under 16 Years and one of the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a majority verdict of not guilty, while the complainant failed to attend Court thus the jury was directed to return a verdict of not guilty for the accused.

nolle prosequi

Furthermore, during the June Session a total of 14 cases were nolle prosequi by the DPP. These include 10 matters for sexual offences, one for the offence of Unlawful Wounding, another one for Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent, and two matters of Manslaughter.

In addition, the DPP appeared in eleven matters in the Court of Appeal during June to August.

Four Appellants had their applications withdrawn; of these four, two were for Bail and the other two were for Extension of Time to File Notices of Appeal. Three other Applications for Bail were refused while one Application for Bail was granted by the Court.

In one other matter, the Appellant who is serving time had his appeal against conviction and sentence dismissed. Two Appellants were granted their Applications for Extensions of Time to File Grounds of Appeal Within 7 days.

Moreover, the Demerara Full Court heard one matter in September which saw counsel for the Appellant, who is serving a four-year, two month sentence for Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking, informing the Court that a Notice of Withdrawal to Appeal was filed.

The Demerara October 2016 Criminal Assizes will commence on Tuesday with 141 cases listed. Justice Bovell-Drakes, Justice Barlow and Justice Roxane George will preside during this session.

12 News

monDay, ocotber 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Linden-Soesdyke Highway PNCR Diaspora members disappointed with coalition Government needs urgent attention – residents, officials

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rgent calls are mounting by motorists and officials for the resurfacing and lighting of the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, which according to many is in dire need of attention.

This comes in the wake of several serious accidents along the highway over the years. Citizens are urging the relevant authorities to inspect the Bamia stretch where numerous fatal accidents have occurred. National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) employee Abiola Gomes became one of the latest road fatalities along the Bamia stretch, adding to a list of fatal accidents that have occurred in the Bamia area recently: Agricultural National Researcg and Extension Institute (NAREI) Abiola Gomes, of Long Creek, was travelling along with colleagues Tyrone Phillips, 31, of Cultivation Block road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Litesha Lindrow, 23, of Hauraruni, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, all NAREI employees.

According to reports the Crop Extension Officers were travelling in a CRV bearing license plate PTT 1643 when it hit a depression in the Bamia

stretch which caused the driver, Phillips, to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in it toppling several times. The occupants were all rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where Gomes, who was flung from inside the vehicle later succumbed to her injuries.

The others were treated and sent away.

Reports indicate that only recently, Lindener Rawle Adams and Police Constable Ishaan Caines died under similar circumstances after the vehicles they were travelling in reportedly hit a depression in the highway along the Bamia stretch.

The state of the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway has been a topic of discussion for past and present officials of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) for years.

Only recently councillors of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) made calls for proper markings, signs and lights to be erected, siting that without those elements the highway is a “dangerous” one.

Former Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon had also made several calls during his tenure for close attention to be paid to the state of the Soesdyke/Linden highway.

Present Chairman Renis Morian has indicated that the highway falls under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, therefore it is the responsibility of that ministry to carry out rehabilitative works.

This newspaper spoke to several drivers and citizens who traverse the highway.

One experienced driver indicated that the Bamia stretch should raelly be improved: “If you don’t take your time when you driving at Bamia you could easily lose control.

Especially for somebody who don’t really know the road, they could easily get carried away. You does really got to take your time when you driving there.”

A resident of Linden who traverses the highway frequently also bemoaned the conditions along the stretch: “You know how long this highway build? Since I was a lil boy. And they never put light on it. Highways does need lights. Look, when you go to Trinidad and them places you does see how the highway well lighted. Why we can’t get lights on the highway after all these years? I think is high time the Ministry of Public Infrastructure do something about it.”

Some of the disappointed Diaspora members following Saturday’s meeting

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fter some 16 months of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government being in office, members of the Guyanese Diaspora in New York who had supported the coalition are today frustrated and disappointed by the manner in which they are being treated by the Government.

Many of them believe that they are treated as outcasts, while others have stated that they are being viewed as foreigners by the Government.

They noted that the promises made to the Diaspora by now President David Granger and other leaders of the Government are not being fulfilled.

Several members of groups of the major coalition partner, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in Brooklyn have noted that prior to last year’s General Elections, Granger went to New York on several occasions and was the host of many fundraising events for the elections. He also visited the Indo-Guyanese community in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York where he was enthusiastically greeted by hundreds of devoted supporters of the coalition

and where hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for the elections.

Members of the Diaspora are of the belief that the President and his Government team are ungrateful. The Guyanese migrants claimed that the President visited New York on several occasions, but at no time did he ever attempt to meet with grassroots members in the Diaspora. In fact, they observed that President Granger failed to meet the grassroots Guyanese in the area, but on a few occasions, met with a group of a dozen or so elitist Guyanese who did not mobilise any support for the Government before or after the elections.

The members of the Diaspora further noted that during President Granger’s second visit to the United Nations last month, and unlike the other Heads of State from the Caribbean, Africa and Asia who took time out from their busy schedule to meet and address their nationals at town hall meetings, Granger met briefly with a handful of elitist Guyanese before quickly hopping on a plane back to Guyana.

Not only has the President been mistreating his supporters in the Diaspora,

he has not established a Diaspora Department, or a Commission, or appoint a Member of Parliament from the Diaspora, or provide jobs or consultancy positions as he had promised before the elections, the Guyanese migrants pointed out.

In fact, they claimed that there was absolutely no proper communication between the grassroots members of the Diaspora and the Government, and many lay the blame squarely at the feet of the President.

The neglect by the David Granger-led Administration of the Diaspora resulted in a meeting of a number of concerned Guyanese in Queens, New York on Saturday last to formulate a resolution with several demands to be sent to the President no later than October 10, 2016.

The meeting was well attended by Guyanese from all walks of life and from the various PNCR groups in New York.

Among the attendees were prominent Attorneysat-Law Colin Moore and Derrick Arjune; businesswomen Guiliana Jacobs and Candice Wickham; former Chairman of the AFC’s defunct Queens organisation Charles Sugrim, Vice Chair Leyland Roopnarine, and Secretary Sase Singh; Pastor Jean Banmattie; prominent letter writer Mike Persaud; former School Principal Noel Moses; several former members of the PNC’s youth arm, Young Socialist Movement (YSM), including Euctace Hall and Michael Aarons and members of the North American Region and PNCR groups in Brooklyn.

After several attempts to contact the President failed, the groups felt that it was time to make their concerns known to public.

NEWS

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monday, OCTOBER 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Rose Hall Town Primary Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair held in Region 2 retains spelling bee champion title

Participants at the Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair in Region 2

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Champions three years running, Rose Hall Primary

R

ose Hall Town Primary has once again topped the Rose Hall Town Anniversary and Development Organisation’s (RHTADO) annual spelling bee competition.

The event, now in its 12th year, was held last Wednesday organised for Primary schools in the area as part of the town’s anniversary celebrations.

The town is currently celebrating its 46th anniversary.

Rose Hall Town Primary with a total of 69 points, were ahead of Port Mourant Primary (65 points), Tain

Primary (64) and Cropper Primary (52).

This is the third straight year that Rose Hall has won the competition.

Meanwhile, Port Mourant and Tain received trophies donated by Godfrey Persaud Button Shop for their efforts which placed them second and third, respectively.

The spelling bee champion, Kayla Stewart, of Rose Hall, attained 26 points while runner-up Crystal Persaud, of the same school, earned 23 points. Both Stewart and Persaud received bicycles donated by

the Office of the President and gifts from Poonai’s Pharmacy and Touch of Class Boutique.

The competition was held at Rose Hall Town Primary School and was organised by RHTADO for the past 12-years. The organisation extended special thanks to Lucky Dollar, Home Lime Furnishing, Digicel, Frasers Hall and Auto Rental, Touch of Class Boutique, Poonai’s Pharmacy, Godfrey Persaud Button Shop and Wynette’s Beauty Salon, D Balram Shane and Son, Digital Edge and the Office of the President.

cores of persons in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) flocked the Anna Regina Car Park area last week to attend the first Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair, held under the theme ‘’Connect, Communicate, Care”.

The team, headed by Director of Mental Health, Dr Meena Ramkumar and consultants; physicist, Dr Maria Carmen Perez, Dr Elizabeth Nickram, Dr Stephon Henry, social

worker, Sharon Ramkarran and physiologist Marianela Fonseca, offered free counselling and other advice to Essequibians.

According to Dr Ramkumar, the activity was staged to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day which is slated for October 10.

The team offered much needed information on Suicide Prevention and other ills that are affecting society. During the activity, counselling ses-

sions were also conducted with Police trainees at the Richard Faikall Police College. During the fair, brochures, t-shirts, posters and other items relating to suicide prevention were distributed.

Those desirous of accessing the service can contact the suicide prevention helpline on (592-223-0011), (223-0009), (600-7896) and (623-4444).

Suicide is preventable, one just needs to speak up and reach out.

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guyana-times.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016

Regional

Colombia referendum: Voters reject FARC peace deal

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oters in Colombia have rejected a landmark peace deal with FARC rebels in a shock referendum result, with 50.24 per cent voting against it.

The deal was signed last week by President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Timoleon Jimenez after nearly four years of negotiations. But it needed to be ratified by Colombians in order to come into force.

FARC rebels had agreed to lay down their weapons after 52 years of conflict to join the political process.

President Santos has previously warned that there is no plan B for ending the war, which has killed 260,000 people.

With votes in from more than 99 per cent of polling stations counted, 50.2 per cent opposed the accord while 49.8 per cent supported it – a difference of less

The result of the vote was much closer than expected and shocked many Colombians

than 63,000 votes out of 13 million ballots.

The deal would have brought an end to one of the world’s longest-running insurgencies Turnout was low at less than 40 per cent.

The surprise result means the peace process is now shrouded by uncer-

tainty. It is a major setback to President Juan Manuel Santos, who since his election in 2010 had pledged to end a conflict blamed for displacing about eight million people.

Less than a week ago, President Santos was celebrating with world leaders and FARC commanders the

end of Latin America’s last and longest-running armed conflict at a ceremony in the historic city of Cartagena.

The rebels were making plans to lay down their weapons and become a political party within six months.

But the President is now facing one of the most difficult moments in Colombia’s recent history, says the BBC’s Americas Editor Leonardo Rocha.

If he sticks to his word about there being no plan B, the bilateral ceasefire will be lifted and the war will resume, our correspondent says.

Opposition to the peace accord was led by influential former President Alvaro Uribe. He argued that the Government was treating FARC too leniently. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Travel leader calls for urgent investment in Caribbean human resources

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erard “Jerry” Inzerillo, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, known for his innovations and relationships in the tourism, hospitality, and entertainment communities, called for an urgent investment in the next generation of Caribbean travel and tourism leaders to elevate service standards within the Region.

“We have the soul to do it – this region has soul and that is a bankable commodity, more than the beautiful turquoise waters,” Inzerillo told a packed audience at the opening of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Puerto Rico last night.

“Importing (talent) is not

an excuse,” he contended, underscoring the importance of training local workers. “It is (our) obligation to develop our own people…and talent,” said the chief executive who started his career as a busboy.

Inzerillo, who celebrates 50 years in the industry next year, asserted tourism, now 10 per cent of global GDP, is “the single, great ambassador of humanity in the world because it celebrates all the stuff that’s in our soul.”

“It is not growing incrementally, it is exploding…we are in the right place at the right time. What is going to happen in travel in the next five years is breath-taking,” he remarked, highlighting trends such as multi-generational family travel, women traveling in groups and millennial travel. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Caribbean countries warn of impending ‘economic collapse’

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f the world was not listening before, Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders ensured, in the last two weeks, that their voices were heard – loud and clear – on the vexing corresponding banking issue, sounding loud alarm bells on what they characterised as impending “economic collapse”.

As they addressed the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate, which concluded last Monday, Caribbean leaders once more warned the global community of the grave challenges to the Region’s economic viability, describing the corresponding banking problem as “an urgent and existential threat of considerable relevance”.

In the international campaign against money-laundering and terrorist-financ-

ing, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne noted that very strict penalties have been imposed on banks by regulatory bodies in North America and Europe for any infringement of stringent regulations.

He said that, in this environment, where even the slightest infraction could expose a bank to a fine of hundreds of millions of dollars, many banks have chosen to withdraw essential correspondent banking relations from financial institutions in the Caribbean, Central America and Africa.

“They call that process ‘de-risking’; I call it economic destruction,” Browne told the UNGA, stating that “derisking” is now “prevalent” in the Caribbean, as well as in parts of Africa and Central America. (Excerpt from CMC)

Grenada conducting national labour force survey

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renada is conducting a national labour force survey that the authorities say is among the most important measures of economic performance of any economy.

The survey is being conducted by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) of the Ministry of Finance and Energy, in collaboration with the St Luciabased Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The authorities said that the main objectives of the 2016 Labour Force Survey (LFS) are to divide the working-age population into three mutually exclusive classifications; provide descriptive and explanatory data on

each of these classifications and to assess the level of poverty in Grenada using the multi-dimensional approach to poverty measurement.

“LFS data are used to produce the well-known unemployment rate as well as other standard labour market indicators such as the employment rate and the participation rate. The LFS also provides employment estimates by industry, occupation, public and private sector, hours worked and much more,” the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

It said that in addition to the labour market indicators the survey will also produce poverty indicators like the multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI), the incidence of poverty indicator (multidimensional poverty rate) and the intensity indicator, a measure of how deprived are the poor. (Excerpt from CMC)

monday, ocotober 3, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the World

Dozens reportedly killed in Ethiopia stampede

An estimated two million people were attending the annual Irrecha event in Bishoftu

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ozens of people have been reportedly crushed to death in Ethiopia in a stampede after Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse an anti-Government protest that grew out of a religious festival.

There were conflicting death toll reports following Sunday’s stampede in Bishoftu, a town 40 kilometres southeast of the capital Addis Ababa.

15

The Oromia regional government, however, confirmed the death of at least 52 people.

An Associated Press news agency report said “several dozens” have died.

“As a result of the chaos, lives were lost and several of the injured were taken to hospital,” the Government communications office said in a statement, without giving exact figures.

“Those responsible will

face justice.” An estimated two million people were attending the annual Irrecha event in Bishoftu. The event took place in one of the country’s most sensitive regions, Oromia, which has seen several months of sometimes deadly protests demanding wider freedoms.

Merera Gudina, chairperson of the Opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, told Reuters news agency that the deaths occurred

when people fled after Police fired tear gas and shots in the air to disperse anti-Government protesters at the religious festival.

Crowds chanted “we need freedom” and “we need justice” and prevented community elders, deemed close to the Government, from delivering their speeches at the festival, prompting Police to fire tear gas that caused the stampede. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indian army camp in Kashmir comes under attack

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ttackers opened fire at a paramilitary camp in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to an army spokesperson, killing one border guard and wounding another.

According to reports, it was the 46 Rashtriya Rifles army camp in Kashmir’s Baramulla district that came under attack on Sunday evening.

Sunday’s incident comes just days after forces from India and Pakistan were involved in exchange of fire across the de facto border dividing the Kashmir valley.

“Terrorists opened fire on an army camp in Baramulla town,” Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP news agency on Sunday.

“An exchange of fire between soldiers and attackers is still on.”

An official confirmed that one soldier was killed in the attack.

“One BSF personnel

was killed and one injured when militants tried to enter an army camp,” said local Superintendent of Police Imtiyaz Hussein.

The camp is located around 54km from Srinagar, capital of Indianadministered Kashmir.

Tensions between the neighbouring countries have been on the rise following the Uri attack on the Indian side of the Kashmir border last month in which 17 soldiers were killed.

India then claimed to have carried out “surgical strikes” across the border which the Pakistan army dismissed as an “illusion”.

Meanwhile, India’s Defence Minister said it will take “some days” to secure the release of a soldier who was captured after he “inadvertently” crossed over into the Pakistani side of the Kashmir border. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trump ‘a genius’ if he paid no taxes – allies Thailand introduces new

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hite House candidate Donald Trump’s allies have said he is a “genius” if a report is true that he paid no federal income taxes for 18 years.

The New York Times said it had received some of Trump’s 1995 tax documents revealing $915 million losses that allowed him to legally avoid paying taxes.

The real estate tycoon’s camp refused to confirm or deny the report, but said the filing was “illegally obtained”.

The campaign of his rival, Hillary Clinton, called it a “bombshell”.

But the Republican pres-

idential nominee’s surrogates took to the airwaves on Sunday morning to defend him.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said the New York Times article was a “very good story” because it showcased the “genius” of Trump.

Christie told Fox News Sunday the report would only underline that Trump is best qualified to ease tax policy on working people.

Rudy Giuliani, a close adviser to Trump, also said the Republican nominee was an “absolute genius” if he avoided federal income taxes.

“A lot of the people that are poor take advantage of

anti-corruption court

T

White House candidate Donald Trump

loopholes and pay no taxes,” the former New York mayor told NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.

Trump himself played down the report on Sunday.

“I know our complex tax laws better than anyone who has ever run for President and am the only one who can fix them. #failing@nytimes,” he tweeted. (Excerpt from BBC News)

hailand is set to open a specialised corruption court after Prime Minister Prayauth Chanocha promised to eradicate corruption in the country within 20 years.

Thailand’s first ever corruption court will open today and initially try 70 cases.

With a dedicated court, the Government hopes that the reach of corruption cases will expand into the Private Sector and to lower-levels of Government.

Also, analysts believe that the new court may make it possible for such cases to be finalised more quickly than in regular courts.

“When the case involves

Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on EU leaders to note the result

H

ungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared victory in a referendum on mandatory European Union migrant quotas, despite a low turnout that appeared to render it invalid.

Nearly 98 per cent of

those who took part supported the Government’s call to reject the EU plan.

But only 43 per cent of the electorate voted, short of the 50 per cent required to be valid.

A Government spokesman said the outcome was

outreaches Hungarian borders.”

But a Government spokesman said the result could not be regarded as invalid.

“The Government initiated the referendum, so both politically and legally the outcome is binding,” he said.

“The 50 per cent would have made a difference because Parliament could have no alternative but to make a decision. But Parliament is behind the Government regarding the decision. This is a reinforced mandate for the Government.”

During last year’s migrant crisis, Hungary became a transit state on the Western Balkan route to Germany and other EU destinations. (Excerpt from BBC News)

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brexit: PM May to trigger Article 50 by end of March

Hungary PM claims EU migrant quota referendum victory T binding “politically and legally”, but the Opposition said the Government did not have the support it needed.

Orban urged EU decision makers to take note of the result and said he would change Hungary’s Constitution to make the decision binding.

The controversial EU plan to relocate 160,000 migrants across the bloc would mean Hungary receiving 1294 asylum seekers.

Ferenc Gyurcsany, leader of the Opposition Democratic Coalition, said the low turnout showed that most people did not support the Government.

“According to this result with such low turnout, the people do not support the Government. And this is good. The migration issue

politicians or the Private Sector, it will have to go directly to this court,” Weerasak Krueathep, a public-policy expert from Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, told Al Jazeera.

“We believe that changing the procedure will speed up the process.”

But he said he views the corruption court as a “symbolic move” by the Government to gain ground in the court of public opinion.

“The Government is trying to show that they are making good on their promise of cracking down on corruption.”

he United Kingdom will begin the formal Brexit negotiation process by the end of March 2017, PM Theresa May has said.

The timing on triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty means the UK looks set to leave the EU by summer 2019.

May told the Tory Party conference – her first as Prime Minister – the Government would strike a deal with the EU as an “independent, sovereign” UK. Voters had given their verdict “with emphatic clarity”, she said, and Ministers had to “get on with the job”.

In a speech on the first day of the conference in Birmingham, she also gave details of a Great Repeal Bill which she said would end EU law’s primacy in the UK. She attacked those who “have still not accepted the result of the referen-

dum”, adding: “It is up to the Government not to question, quibble or backslide on what we have been instructed to do, but to get on with the job.”

She told delegates: “We are going to be a fully independent, sovereign country – a country that is no longer part of a political union with supranational institutions that can override national parliaments and courts.

“And that means we are going, once more, to have the freedom to make our own decisions on a whole host of different matters, from how we label our food to the way in which we choose to control immigration.”

May said a “truly global Britain is possible, and it is in sight”, adding: “We don’t need – as I sometimes hear people say – to ‘punch above our weight’ because our weight is substantial enough already.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

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monDAY, october 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Is Government doing enough to help sustain the local manufacturing sector?

"I think local companies should be given first priority in

Guyana for any project. In that way, they would be able to develop more; hence, when that development happens, more manpower will be needed and persons can be able to get jobs through them. If you support local, then the people in Guyana will benefit. Government need to do more for the cottage industries. Local investors need to make a profit in an effort to strive and sustain. I think the Government needs to support local by providing a gateway of opportunities of investment to them and in the end, the country benefit in taxes also."

Chandrapaul Ramboodhoo – Essequibo Coast

"I think the Government should give those businesses operating in Guyana the opportunity to strive and earn more so that they can make profit; in that way, also employment will be created. If they would take produce from another country and local investors are producing same, then this will send extra burden to the local; hence, [they] can for closure and lack of confidence. Local people need to live and as such, they need a Government that see their company progress as theirs too."

Malene Dyal – Essequibo Coast

Mark Moseley – Linden

"Well, it is like shooting yourself in the foot. They

Alexander Sukhram – Georgetown

“Well, for me, I see great potential when I look at the sector. There is, however, a lot of room for improvement. But I think, what needs to be done is more focus should be placed on Guyanese products and services, before we venture out into our neighbouring and other countries.”

are giving valuable tax dollars away to a foreign entity when locals can provide the same. If there was an issue with DDL, then they should have sourced another local supplier. By going to Suriname, you are not only hurting local business, you are helping foreign competitors. Same with the sourcing of stone from Suriname for the CJIA expansion.

It's a malady that affects the entire body politic. You source locally first. If it is not available at all locally, then you go foreign."

Dalon Chapman – Linden

"I think it would have been

Ezra Thorne – Buxton

“From an economic standpoint, outsourcing is good if you are trying to reduce cost as a private enterprise, but such a move by the Government to import products that can be locally sourced is not the smartest move. Because for one thing, money is being poured out of Guyana. That can only be a good thing if Guyana would be able to save more and that money could be invested in ventures that would benefit Guyanese.”

better if they had chosen to let Guyana continue being the supplier instead of over in Suriname.

At least, it would give our local suppliers a chance to bring much more needed economic gains to our own country. In this case, I would say it is clear that our local suppliers weren't given a fair chance, but apart from that the juice provided by the feeding programme is a good initiative, because a lot of families can't afford to send their children to school with anything to eat."

Colwyn Abrams – Linden

“I believe when I voted, it

Safrana Cameron - Georgetown

was for change and I'm from Linden, so you know where my vote went. Now that they are taking work from people, this is not cool. We must support the local industries, especially the agriculture sector. Why are they telling young people to invest in Guyana when they importing goods from overseas?

Makes no sense. I love this new Government, but Mr President, wrong move. I voted for change.

I've seen change, some for the good and some for the bad and with this decision this is a bad."

materials for the production of Topco juice starting 2010.

Hence, Government’s decision to invest in a Surinamese company may have its benefits, but it also raises great concern for those farmers that are out of a job. All in all, the Government should pay more attention to the local manufacturing sector so that Guyanese will benefit directly and Guyana’s economy.”

“The Government of Guyana plays an impeccable role in its country's development. Creating employment is one its main focus. When they decided to invest in local industries such as DDL, not only did DDL benefit from this but hundreds of farmers since they were the main suppliers of raw

2 confirmed cases of microcephaly … no link to Zika as yet

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ublic Health Minister Dr George Norton on Sunday confirmed that two cases of the birth defect Microcephaly have been detected within the last three weeks in Guyana but the ministry is uncertain if it is linked to Zika.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. It can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size.

Norton stated that the while the virus is an isolated condition, it has occurred before in Guyana, prior to the prevalence of the Zika virus. He stated that on average Guyana records three cases of the birth defect per year.

“We have two cases, one after the other. It is not something new,” he said,

noting that the ministry has not yet linked the cases to Zika but has not ruled it out.

The virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads the dengue and chikungunya viruses.

These mosquitoes live in standing water in buckets, flower pots, old tyres and vases. They prefer to bite people and so lives anywhere near people. These mosquitos bite during the day and night.

Norton stated that the ministry has taken blood samples from the mothers and sent them to the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad and Tobago for testing.

“We waiting to see if the microcephaly babies are linked to Zika,” he added.

The CDC indicated that birth defects tracking systems have estimated that microcephaly ranges from 2 babies per 10,000 live births to about 12 babies

per 10,000 live births in the United States.

The causes of microcephaly in most babies are unknown. However, some babies have microcephaly because of changes in their genes or exposures during pregnancy.

The CDC scientists announced that enough evidence has accumulated to conclude that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe foetal brain defects. The condition can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born.

Presently, there is no known cure or standard treatment for microcephaly and because it can range from mild to severe, treatment options must range as well.

Babies with mild microcephaly often don’t experience any other problems besides small head size.

These babies will need routine check-ups to monitor their growth and development.

Village Feature 17 monday, october 3, 2016 | guyana-times.com

A site of interest

I

f you ever have a burning desire of touring nature at its best without losing a touch of civilisation, think Bartica. The newly commissioned town offers a variety of refreshing and breath-taking activities to nature lovers and to persons who wish to get away from the neatly crafted tarred roads.

Bartica is located approximately 42 miles from the City; however the duration of the trip to the town depends upon the mode of transportation.

Not so long ago, Jags Aviation Inc (JAI) launched their brand new aircraft, Cessna Caravan EX that has the capacity to accommodate 13 passengers. JAI offers three flights per week to the town. Bartica is also accessible by road but it is known as the longest route, and is usually ruled out by many.

Public water taxis are available from Parika, East Bank Essequibo but would require you to take other transportations to reach your destination of nature at its best. Also, there is a ferry that operates from Parika to Bartica which is cheaper but takes much longer.

Whichever mode of transportation is used, a mighty scope of discoveries awaits you.

There are a number of refreshing beaches that encompasses every aspect of recreation. On many of these beaches, one can find poles stuck in the sand representing goal posts along with huge speaker boxes blasting music to the beach lover’s choice.

If by any chance you choose not to soak in the mighty Essequibo River that along the town, a number of hotels offer stylish swimming

pools that are more secluded.

In this amazing budding international tourist site, you can be sure to gear your taste buds to a variety of drinks and food. While you are soaking up the sun or toasting to your “buddies” there are endless wild meats to satisfy your taste buds. If you are not a lover of meat, not to worry, there is a range of fresh caught fish that are scrumptiously prepared.

The most anticipated tourist event is the annual Bartica Regatta held during the Easter weekend which features a variety of exciting activities including water sports (main event - boat racing); cricket, football; boxing; talent shows; musical concerts, street parades, and an exhilarating Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant.

Throughout the years, the event has earned itself a place on the National Tourism Calendar by attracting much investment, sponsorship and multitudes of tourists from near and far.

Over the years, there have been several initiatives aimed at developing and promoting domestic tourism. The Bartica Summer Regatta remains one such feature that continues to grow rapidly, providing the perfect opportunity for thousands of tourists and locals to experience Guyana’s unique blend of culture.

Like any other town, there are secondary, primary and nursery schools, and a number of churches of different denominations.

All of the commodities that a town possess, Bartica comprises, but what makes this town exceptional is its bountiful nature-oriented places.

These young people enjoying football on the beach

Aerial view of a section of Bartica

18

guyana-times.com

monday, october 3, 2016

ARCHIE

Set goals that you know you can reach without feeling (March 21- stressed. Only take on what’s April 19) necessary, and don’t put up with demanding people trying to take advantage of you.

ARIES

Conversations will help TAURUS clear up any misunderstand(April 20- ing you encounter. Express your May 20) feelings and make it obvious what you want to see happen.

Partnerships will take a positive turn. Romance is encouraged.

dilbert

Weigh the negatives and GEMINI positives before taking action.

(May 21With a little discipline and June 20) compromise, you can come out on top when dealing with children, elders or loved ones.

Set the record straight and CANCER let people in both your person(June 21- al and professional lives know July 22) what you want to accomplish.

Once you establish your position, help will be offered.

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take care of your responsibilities before someone complains. Once the coast is clear, you will have a much clearer view of what is and isn’t possible. Reach for the stars.

You must rely on your intelVIRGO ligence to determine your next (Aug. 23move. Taking on too much or Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

overspending will not help your situation. An unusual partnership will lead to greater prosperity. Romance is on the rise.

Accepting and adapting to LIBRA what’s going on around you (Sept. 23will better position you for Oct. 23) what’s to come. Keep your strategy simple but effective, and play to win.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

A subtle change to the way SCORPIO (Oct. 24- you look, act or do things will Nov. 22) result in favourable offers and suggestions. A benefit will come from an unexpected but solid source.

Keep your conversations SAGITTARIUS simple, straight and to the (Nov. 23- point. Someone who feels the Dec. 21) need to compete with you will misinterpret what you have to say. Challenge anyone trying to dupe you.

SATURDAY'S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

If you show a little symCAPRICORN pathy, you will be entrust(Dec. 22- ed with valuable informaJan. 19) tion. Sharing your emotions will help bring about positive change in a personal relationship. Romance is in the stars.

Stay focused on what you AQUARIUS need to achieve. Discipline (Jan. 20will be your ticket to sucFeb. 19) cess, and will bring about the changes necessary to improve your health and finances.

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 Look for creative ways (Feb. 20- to use your cash or invest in March 20) something that will help you get ahead. Physical changes will add to your appeal and appearance. Romance is highlighted.

monDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016

19

Windies reeling from Sammy, Simmons loss claims Younis F

o r m e r Pakistan pace bowler Waqar Younis is convinced that the sudden firing of West Indies T20 skipper Darren Sammy and coach Phil Simmons has left the team unable to compete Waqar Younis

during the ongoing tour of Pakistan.

The World T20 champions were brushed aside easily by the hosts in the United Arab Emirates, not only losing by a 3-0 series margin, but really failing to compete in any of the matches. Having only claimed the T20 crown a few months prior, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) dismissed both Sammy and Simmons ahead of the Pakistan tour. Sammy was replaced as leader of the unit by Barbadian Carlos Brathwaite, while Simmons is yet to be

replaced.

“To be honest, I feel there are plenty of loopholes. They don’t really look like a unit, having sacked their coach before coming on this tour,” Younis said.

“They are having issues with new captain (Carlos Brathwaite) having to step in as they also sacked their captain Darren Sammy. These things are never good and easy when you are going to play in someone else’s backyard.

“All these have really affected them and you could clearly see it during the T20 series, their body

language is not there.”

The team has taken its poor form into the One Day International (ODI) series, losing by 111 runs to Pakistan in the first ODI. Younis fears the series, which also includes Test matches could be over in a hurry if the West Indies does not find a way to focus.

“They have to really pull their strings very quickly before it gets too late. At the moment, after what I have seen in this series it looks like it might be 9-0, to be very honest.” (SportsMax)

Lewis Hamilton Du Plessis century underpins... out in Malaysia as

Daniel Ricciardo wins Daniel Ricciardo last won a race in 2014

L

ewis Hamilton’s title hopes were dealt a heavy blow when his engine failed as he led the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Briton dominated the race until flames started pouring from his Mercedes on lap 43, prompting him to say on the radio: “Oh, no, no.”

His team-mate Nico Rosberg finished third to extend his lead in the championship to 23 points with five races to go, and 125 points available.

Daniel Ricciardo beat Max Verstappen in a Red Bull onetwo in a gripping race. After the race, Hamilton told BBC Radio 5 live’s Tom Clarkson: “My question is to Mercedes.

We have so many engines made, but mine are the only ones failing this year.

“Someone needs to give me some answers because this is not acceptable. We are fighting for the championship and only my engines are failing. It does not sit right with me.” Hamilton was cruising to victory on an unexpected one-stop strategy when his engine, and perhaps his title hopes, literally went up in smoke.

He had converted pole into a lead at the first corner, and the day seemed to be going his way when Rosberg was hit by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel as a move to try to pass Verstappen down the inside went wrong.Vettel was given a three-place grid penalty for next weekend’s Japanese

G r a n d Prix after he was adjudged to have caused the crash.

Rosberg rejoined at the back and set about climbing back through the field as Hamilton appeared to be set fair to reclaim the championship lead. An early virtual safety car when Romain Grosjean’s Haas suffered apparent brake failure tempted Red Bull to bring Verstappen in early for fresh ‘soft’ tyres.

That made him de facto leader for a while, a position he assumed on track when Hamilton made his first pit stop on lap 20. But he stopped again seven laps later and, from then on, Hamilton appeared in total control, only for his car to suffer an internal combustion engine failure. (BBC)

continued from 20

Aaron Finch fell for just one in the second over of Australia’s response to set the tone, but De Kock’s wondrous leg-side catch to remove Smith (14) really swung the momentum.

David Warner made 50, despite George Bailey (9) and Marsh (19) failing to provide adequate support, and his partnership with Head threatened to bludgeon Australia back into the game, but the opener picked out midwicket off his first ball after registering a 16th ODI fifty.

Head and Matthew Wade (33) put on 69 for the sixth wicket, but fell in the space of four balls to kill all Australia’s momentum and leave Smith with plenty to ponder as his side’s woes on the road go on ahead of the third game in Durban on Wednesday. (SportsMax)

SCOREBOARD South Africa innings (50 overs maximum) Q de Kock† c Tremain b Hastings 22 R Rossouw c sub (DJ Worrall) b Hastings 75 F du Plessis* c Smith b Marsh 111 JP Duminy b Marsh 82 D Miller c Zampa b Hastings 26 F Behardien c Warner b Tremain 13 W Parnell not out 8 A Phehlukwayo not out 13 Extras (lb 1, w 10) 11 Total (6 wickets; 50 overs; 224 mins) 361 Did not bat: DW Steyn, K Rabada, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-70 (de Kock, 10.6 ov), 2-146 (Rossouw, 24.1 ov), 3-296 (Duminy, 41.6 ov), 4-308 (du Plessis, 43.2 ov), 5-334 (Behardien, 47.1 ov), 6-347 (Miller, 48.2 ov) Bowling: Tremain 10-0 -78-1 (2w), Mennie 100-82-0 (1w), Hastings 10-0-57-3 (1w), Marsh 10-0-68-2 (1w), Zampa 8-0-54-0, Head 2-0-21-0 (1w)

Australia innings (target: 362 runs from 50 overs) A Finch c Behardien b Rabada 1 D Warner c Miller b Duminy 50 S Smith* c †de Kock b Steyn 14 G Bailey b Parnell 9 M Marsh c †de Kock b Parnell 19 T Head lbw b Rabada 51 M Wade† c Duminy b Parnell 33 J Hastings c Miller b Phehlukwayo 23 1 J Mennie b Imran Tahir A Zampa b Phehlukwayo 8 not out 0 C Tremain Extras (lb 4, w 6) 10 Total (all out; 37.4 overs; 167 mins) 219 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Finch, 1.2 ov), 2-29 (Smith, 6.1 ov), 3-55 (Bailey, 10.6 ov), 4-87 (Marsh, 16.1 ov), 5-114 (Warner, 20.5 ov), 6-183 (Head, 30.6 ov), 7-185 (Wade, 31.3 ov), 8-204 (Mennie, 34.1 ov), 9-213 (Hastings, 35.5 ov), 10-219 (Zampa, 37.4 ov) Bowling: Steyn 7-0-37-1 (1w), K Rabada 7-0-31-2 (4w), Parnell 7-0-40-3, Phehlukwayo 6.4-059-2 (1w), Imran Tahir 7-1-311, JP Duminy 3-0-17-1

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

monday, october 3, 2016

India v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Kolkata, 3rd day…

Rohit stars as India edge closer to series triumph

R

ohit Sharma recorded his third-best Test score as India finished day three in Kolkata with a 339-run lead.

India took another step towards a series victory as they furthered their command of the second Test with New Zealand after a dominant performance on day three at Eden Gardens.

New Zealand started the day on 128-7 in reply to India’s first innings 316 and, though Jeetan Patel hit a boundaryladen 47, the tourists were dismissed for 204.

The hosts’ hopes of setting a daunting target appeared to be in jeopardy when they slumped to 43-4 inside the first 14 overs, Matt Henry (3-44) doing the early damage for New Zealand.

But Rohit Sharma led India’s recovery with an impressive 82, as India closed on 227-8, finishing 339 runs ahead going

into d a y four.

88 years of West Indies cricket must not go down the drain

SCOREBOARD India 1st innings 316 New Zealand 1st innings M Guptill b Kumar 13 T Latham lbw b Mohammed Shami 1 H Nicholls b Kumar 1 36 R Taylor* c Vijay b Kumar L Ronchi lbw b Jadeja 35 M Santner lbw b Kumar 11 B Watling† lbw b Mohammed Shami 25 M Henry b Kumar 0 J Patel c Mohammed Shami b Ashwin 47 N Wagner lbw b Mohammed Shami 10 T Boult not out 6 Extras (b 9, lb 4, w 5, nb 1) 19 Total (all out; 53 overs) 204 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Latham, 1.5 ov), 2-18 (Guptill, 2.4 ov), 3-23 (Nicholls, 6.4 ov), 4-85 (Ronchi, 24.4 ov), 5-104 (Taylor, 28.1 ov), 6-122 (Santner, 32.1 ov), 7-122 (Henry, 32.2 ov), 8-182 (Patel, 47.1 ov), 9-187 (Watling, 50.2 ov), 10-204 (Wagner, 52.6 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 15-2-485, Mohammed Shami 18-

Says Delvon Mc Ewan

1-70-3, Jadeja 12-4-401, Ashwin 8-3-33-1

India 2nd innings M Vijay c Guptill b Henry 7 17 S Dhawan lbw b Boult C Pujara lbw b Henry 4 45 V Kohli* lbw b Boult A Rahane c Boult b Henry 1 R Sharma c Ronchi b Santner 82 R Ashwin lbw b Santner 5 W Saha† not out 39 R Jadeja c sub (JDS Neesham) b Santner 6 8 B Kumar not out Extras (b 10, lb 1, w 2) 13 Total (8 wickets; 63.2overs) 227 To bat: Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Vijay, 5.4 ov), 2-24 (Pujara, 7.5 ov), 3-34 (Dhawan, 10.5 ov), 4-43 (Rahane, 13.1 ov), 5-91 (Kohli, 23.6 ov), 6-106 (Ashwin, 30.3 ov), 7-209 (Sharma, 60.2 ov), 8-215 (Jadeja, 60.6 ov) Bowling: Boult 14 -5-282, Henry 15.2-2-44, Wagner 13-2 -43-0, Patel 8-0-500, Santner 13-1-51-3

S Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha added a century stand for the seventh wicket © BCCI

Patel added to his overnight five and solitary boundary in style, finding the rope eight more times before falling to Ravichandran Ashwin (1-33).

Mohammed Shami (3-70) took the catch to remove Patel and it was he who claimed the final two wickets of BJ Watling (25) and Neil Wagner (10), both lbw.

Henry had India teetering early as Murali Vijay (7), Cheteshwar Pujara (4) and Ajinkya Rahane (1) all went cheaply to the right-arm seamer, while Trent Boult (2-28) pinned Shikhar Dhawan for 17.

Captain Virat Kohli led by example as his 45 steadied the ship somewhat before he too was trapped lbw by Boult.

After Ashwin fell to Mitchell Santner (3-51) for just five to leave India 106-6, Rohit rescued the situation in a fine stand of 103 with Wriddhiman Saha (39 not out).

Rohit enjoyed much of his success through the off-side as he plundered nine fours and two maximums to record his sixth Test half-century and his third-highest score in the longest format.

The spin of Santner - which also accounted for Ravindra Jadeja (6) - robbed him of a century but by that point the damage had been done as India seek an unassailable 2-0 lead ahead of the third and final Test in Indore. (SportsMax)

South Africa v Australia, 2nd ODI, Johannesburg…

Du Plessis century underpins crushing South Africa win

A

captain’s knock from Faf du Plessis led South Africa to a 142run victory over Australia to take a 2-0 series lead.

Faf du Plessis scored a century and JP Duminy also starred with the bat as South Africa dominated the second oneday international with Australia to take a 2-0 series lead at the Wanderers thanks to a 142-run victory.

The Proteas had won the five-match series opener in comfortable fashion in Centurion thanks to Quinton de Kock’s 178 and their potent batting line-up once again showed no sign of missing leader AB de Villiers at the scene of an 872-run thriller between these sides a decade ago.

While lacking the fireworks of that legendary encounter, there was still plenty to cheer for the home faithful, not least Du Plessis’ 111, which anchored their innings of 361-6.

Australia’s response never really got off the ground, the tourists slumping to 55-3, as an eye-catching maiden ODI fifty for Travis Head proved in vain.

Visiting captain Steve Smith opted to bowl after winning the toss and entrusted debutants Chris Tremain and Joe

Mennie with the new ball.

De Kock and Rilee Rossouw, keeping his place in the team despite Hashim Amla’s return to fitness, were rarely troubled by the duo and reached 66 without loss from the first 10 overs.

Having reverted to a support role, De Kock’s attempts to pick up the pace cost him as he toe-ended John Hastings (3-57) to Tremain at mid-on, but Du Plessis and Rossouw quickly picked things back up, the captain playing the aggressor.

Du Plessis passed 50 with his 42nd delivery, shortly after Rossouw (75) had given Hastings his second scalp, but further inroads eluded the tourists, with the captain and Duminy offering up a chanceless union.

With 10 overs to go, South Africa had not hit a six, despite Du Plessis bringing up a sixth ODI hundred, but Duminy went about changing that with three maximums in the space of nine deliveries before his charge was halted by chopping on to Mitchell Marsh.

Late wickets fell as the hosts swung lustily and Andile Phehlukwayo set an imposing total with a four and a six off the final over from Tremain. turn to 19

Faf du Plessis notched his sixth ODI ton © AFP

ometime shortly after noon on Friday, September 30, I heard the cries of hundreds.

It was so loud and everywhere, in the streets, in the news, in the bars, and especially on social media. I certainly could not have missed it. And even if I had missed those voices, I would have heard at least one because I was part of the cry.

Astonishingly, it was not a Delvon Mc Ewan natural disaster causing havoc on the earth’s surface, or some attack by an extremist group causing death to many or some inhumane action that caused emotions to rise. It was a heart rendering cry from the child, the doctor, the nurse, the teacher, the coach, the housewife, the security guards, the Police, the soldier, from the people of the Caribbean, known as the fans of West Indies cricket.

Yes the cries were very loud and it was all for one thing. Again to my surprise, not the performance on the day due to the loss against Pakistan, but a cry that yelled for answers. Answers none of the voices who cried could accurately answer, otherwise to assumption. But answers only one entity could provide; answers only the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) could provide, but for years now continues to ignore.

Immediately I asked myself, with such loud cries, would the WICB ever fix the structure of West Indies Cricket, or are they are going to sit by on their thrones and see 88 years (the official age of West Indies cricket) of hard work fall by the waste side?

Well judging from the current actions of the incumbent board, I am not too optimistic of betterment. I do believe the Board has no respect for itself, much less the millions of Caribbean and other fans whose sleepless nights, among other, means just to see the brand that the West Indies team has to offer.

As a youth I would have done almost anything to get to view an entire match involving the West Indies, there were side attractions, but none substantial enough to grab my complete attention. Presently a youth would prefer to watch Usain Bolt run, the NBA, or even the English Premier League instead of viewing a match involving the West Indies; especially when they are batting. Watching the match via Facebook live on Friday, when Pakistan were batting, the viewership was over 5000 but when West Indies began their reply, it dropped below the 3000 mark. A situation that was not imminent.

How is it possible for a team to win a World Cup then lose three successive matches in the same year to a team rated far below them? How could a team be competitive against the number one side and another powerhouse but faltered against a team weaker than them? These questions would puzzle the thinking of anyone in the right frame of mind, but again could only be answered by the WICB. Hastily, the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell, tendered his resignation as Chairman of Caricom’s sub-committee on cricket governance because he was angered by the behaviour of “a couple of our leaders in the region”. However, in his absence who will represent the fans?

Who will try to correct what is going on in West Indies Cricket?

Personally, it probably was a good move for Dr Mitchell to resign due to the internal fighting at Caricom. But was it a good move for West Indies cricket? I do not think so. Dr Mitchell needs to return there and continue to be the leading voice for the regional fans. There is no other voice that is louder than Dr Mitchell’s in opposition to the Board.

Again, the cry was loud on Sunday as West Indies suffered another defeat against Pakistan and if there is no immediate action, then the cry would only get louder once the West Indies are playing. It is vivid that there is a void in the hearts of Caribbean people, that void could only be filled when the once unbeatable West Indies return to their successful ways.

The Board executives care less about the main resource (the fans) that is keeping West Indies Cricket alive. Eighty-eight years must not go down the drain; there must be the renaissance of West Indies Cricket. That joy needs to return to the Caribbean people. Cricket is a part of the Region’s DNA.

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– 3 other teams record victories

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Action between MYO (fielding) and GYO during their GCA/NBS second division 40-over clash at GYO

A

ce Warriors upset Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) in their low scoring clash on Saturday at the GNIC Ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

As play continued in the New Building Society (NBS)/Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) 40 overs second division tournament, minnows Ace Warriors clinched a one wicket win at GNIC. Needing 83 runs for victory from 40 overs, the visitors persevered to the end thanks to M Whyte’s brilliance to the end of the innings which allowed him 10 not out and his team the win.

That was after a spectacular all-round performance from former Everest Cricket Club player Abzal Gafoor, who made 15 after capturing 4-10 from 6.4 overs.

After being asked to bat, GNIC was routed for a paltry 82 all out from 24.4 overs with David Dick hitting 21 and national youth player Joshua Persaud 19. Gafoor was the leading bowler for Ace Warriors and he received support from Roger Abrams who took 3-14 from five overs.

In pursuit of the target, it looked like Ace Warriors would have fallen short, but thanks to M Parks 27, Gafoor 15 and Whyte 10 they got over the final hurdle in the 28 over. Dick completed a fine all-round performance after top scoring for his team, he returned with the ball to be their best bowler with 5-15 and was supported by T Grovesnor, who snared two wickets in a brilliant effort. Meanwhile, in other matches on Saturday, Transport Sports Club (TSC), Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) also recorded victories.

At the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground, TSC made light work of the University of Guyana (UG). UG won the toss and opted to bat. They were dismissed for 100 in 21 overs, compliments of Azim Azeez, who mesmerised the students to claim 8-26 from 7.5 overs of off spin.

UG was off to a good start as they lost their first wicket with the score on 62. However, as the old staying states, “All good things must come to an end”, and that was the case with the University of Guyana team, as all of their other wickets fell for just 38 runs.

Azeez was introduced as the fifth bowler, but since he entered the attack, he caused trouble for the UG batsmen. He was assisted by former national under-19 pacer Keon Morris, who claimed 2-27 from his quota of eight overs.

In reply TSC cruised to101-4 in 24 overs with Shawn Massiah and Rafael Singh contributing 31 and 20 not out respectively. Off spinner Dennis Heywood put in the works to capture 3-18 from seven overs. At the renowned Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda, hosts GCC demolished Maltenoes Sports Club (MSC) by eight wickets. MSC won the toss and chose to bat, falling for 65.

The host raced to victory as they reached 662. At the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) ground the host GYO lost to Muslim Youth Organisation by four wickets. Batting first, GYO made 146 all out in 26.5 overs, with John Champagne top scoring with 43. S Ishmael was MYO’s most destructive bowler with 5-13, while R Matilall claimed three wickets. In response, the visitors reached 147-6 to emerge as the victors.

GFF partners with Habitat For Humanity Guyana

“I

t was a pleas u r e coming here; I think all the members are proud of themselves for assisting in this project, I think it was a great experience as well”.

Those were the words of Golden Jaguars’ striker, Vurlon Mills, who was among six (L-R) Daniel Wilson, Andrew Nestor, Vurlon Mills, Cash London, Pernel Schultz team members and Colin Nelson assisting in the scheduled for Suriname (Oct 8) and the construction of a house being built by Habitat For Humanity National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, Guyana (Oct 11).

Guyana Inc. (HFHGY) The other team members who participatThe partnership between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), via the Golden ed in the HFHGY partnership were Andrew Jaguars, and HFHGY saw the team members Nestor, Cash London, Pernel Schultz, Colin assisting in the laying of boards for the floor Nelson and Daniel Wilson.

Habitat for Humanity mobilizes local leadin a house owned by Ms. Lynette Cambridge at Farm, East Bank Demerara on Saturday, ership and resources to expand access for peo1st October, 2016. The work was super- ple to decent and affordable shelter. Typically, vised by the on-site contractor and HFHGY’s volunteers and home partners work togethstaff including Nakasi Fortune, Volunteer er to build or renovate houses. In this process, Habitat forgoes making a profit on loans Programme Assistant.

The collaboration, the first of its kind with through interest, putting value instead on HFHGY, is part of the public relations pro- meeting human need.

The Golden Jaguars will be featured in a gramme as a lead-up to the ScotiaBank 2016 CFU Caribbean Men’s Cup Championship caravan in Linden on Monday, 3rd October from 16:30hrs.

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016

Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd ODI, Sharjah...

Azam, Malik inspire Pakistan’s series win P

akistan followed up their 3-0 T20I series win by sealing the ODI series with yet another clinical display against West Indies in Sharjah. Pakistan’s 59-run win was set up by their most and least experienced batsmen – Shoab Malik and Babar Azam -who combined to display the art of batting

SCOREBOARD Pakistan innings (50 overs maximum) Azhar Ali* lbw b Holder 9 Sharjeel Khan c Holder b Joseph 24 Babar Azam c CR Brathwaite b 123 Joseph Shoaib Malik c Bravo b Narine 90 Sarfraz Ahmed† not out 60 Imad Wasim b Holder 11 Mohammad Rizwan not out 6 Extras (lb 2, w 12) 14 Total (5 wickets; 50 overs) 337 Did not bat: Mohammad Nawaz (3), Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Azhar Ali, 4.5 ov), 2-40 (Sharjeel Khan, 5.1 ov), 3-209 (Shoaib Malik, 33.4 ov), 4-282 (Babar Azam, 45.1 ov), 5-320 (Imad Wasim, 48.3 ov) Bowling: Holder 8-1-51-2 (1w), Joseph 10-062-2 (6w), C Brathwaite 8-0-60-0, Narine 8-0-39-1 (1w), Benn 8-0-61-0, K Brathwaite 3-0-18-0, Pollard 5-0-44-0 West Indies innings (target: 338 runs from 50 overs)

J Charles c Imad Wasim b Mohammad Amir 2 K Brathwaite run out (Mohammad Nawaz/†Sarfraz Ahmed) 39 D Bravo run out (Hasan Ali) 61 M Samuels b Wahab Riaz 57 D Ramdin† b Wahab Riaz 34 K Pollard c Shoaib Malik b Imad Wasim 22 C Brathwaite run out (Wahab Riaz) 14 J Holder* not out 31 S Narine not out 1 Extras (lb 8, w 9) 17 Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 278 Did not bat: SJ Benn, AS Joseph Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Charles, 1.4 ov), 2-92 (KC Brathwaite, 21.2 ov), 3-127 (Bravo, 28.3 ov), 4-194 (Samuels, 37.2 ov), 5-209 (Ramdin, 39.2 ov), 6-231 (CR Brathwaite, 42.1 ov), 7-273 (Pollard, 48.3 ov) Bowling: Imad Wasim 10-0-62-1, Mohammad Amir 9-0-49-1 (2w), Hasan Ali 9-0-56-0 (1w), Wahab Riaz 10-0-48-2 (3w), Shoaib Malik 5-2-16-0, Mohammad Nawaz (3) 7-0-39-0 (2w)

through the middle overs on a slow surface to lead them to 337 for 5, the third-highest total in Sharjah.

Azam struck a chanceless century, his second successive one, and Malik blitzed 90 as the pair strung together 169, Pakistan’s highest stand for the third wicket against West Indies. In reply, West Indies found the chase too steep and could only manage 278 for 7.

Openers Azhar Ali and Sharjeel Khan put West Indies under pressure from the outset after Pakistan opted to bat.

Sharjeel used his bottom hand to clear the infield regularly, collecting three fours and a six in his 12-ball 24 before West Indies hit back, removing both batsmen in the space of three balls. Thereafter, Azam and Malik stalled West Indies with sound technique and calculated risks. Azam pierced the field while Malik went over it, both equally effective in collecting frequent boundaries and keeping the score moving. Sulieman Benn’s introduction was delayed, but Malik capitalised on the bowler’s modus operandi of flight and loop from around the wicket. Malik struck five sixes off Benn - three in succession in the 27th over - by shimmying down, getting underneath the ball and going over the arc between long-on and midwicket.

The period between overs 21 and 35 yielded 107 in conditions not suited to effortless run-scoring.

In between, Azam unfurled classy drives through cover and found gaps in the outfield to accumulate runs. After Malik carved one to point, Azam utiMarlon Samuels’s lised Pakistan’s stumps are clattered strong platform. by a Wahab Riaz yorker His 126-ball 123 included nine fours and a six, which indicated his ability to maintain a high strike rate through ones and twos.

Neither Malik nor Azam offered even a “half-chance”

until their dismissals. Towards the latter stages of the innings, West Indies seemed to stall Pakistan’s ease at finding the boundary through clever variations in pace until Sarfraz Ahmed plundered four fours in five balls in the 47th over.

Sarfraz struck an unbeaten 60, but it went largely unnoticed behind Azam and Malik’s pyrotechnics. West Indies needed to pull off the highest successful chase in Sharjah to stay alive in the series, but their innings got the same start as the four previous games on this tour: an early wicket. Johnson Charles, looking to clear the off-side infield, toe-ended a catch to cover off Mohammad Amir to start the slide.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo were left with the task of stabilising the innings in the face of some accurate bowling.

Their 89-run second-wicket stand Shoaib Malik tonked was built on the back of some sweet- Sulieman Benn for ly-timed boundaries and plenty of three sixes in an over singles, but it also took up 118 balls not quick enough for a steep chase in tough run-scoring conditions. However, West Indies remained in the fight as Bravo took the onus of accelerating by attacking left-arm spinners Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz. He struck three sixes over long-on off over pitched deliveries, two of which cleared the ground.

Hasan Ali, though, removed Bravo with an athletic piece of fielding off his own bowling. Bravo nudged a yorker towards short leg and Hasan sprang towards the ball in his followthrough, picked up while sliding, turned around and fired an accurate throw at the non-striker’s end, all in one swift motion.

Marlon Samuels was up against a mounting asking rate and a wily bowling side. He stuck around for 52 balls and struck 57, but the enormity of the task in front of West Indies meant that his effort didn’t suffice.

Eventually, the asking rate was too steep an ask even for West Indies’ powerful middle order. That they couldn’t capitalise on six dropped chances by Pakistan told the story.

Guyana records best showing at CAC 2016 T

he Guyana Bodybuilding 6-member team has lifted the Golden Arrowhead proudly as the 44th annual Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships (CAC) concluded in the Dominican Republic.

Guyana registered their best performance ever at this event with an astonishing two gold, two silver and one bronze.

All four of Guyana’s male contenders entered into the finals as Canadian based Guyanese; Selvon Bruce Whatley flexed his way to the gold medal as expected in the Masters Class. Whatley would then return to win his second medal of the night, lifting the silver medal in the flyweight category.

A hard fought

Emmerson Campbell

effort by reigning Mr Guyana, Kerwin Clarke, paid off as he dominated the competition to muscle his way to the gold medal. Clarke placed fourth in the event last year.

Clarke took to his Facebook

Express Guyana’s #1 Supplement and Nutrition supplier, my #1 Choice. Credits to the proprietors Mr Jamie McDonald and Angelina McDonald for their continued contribution towards my success! My

tude to my beautiful and loving Fiancée, Attorney-at-Law Anastacia Sanford who came into my life and brought unity & love which resulted in nothing but success and happiness

Devon Davis

Gold Medallist Kerwin Clarke flexes in front of the audience after winning page to express his excitement and pay his respects to all those who played an integral part of his success.

“Since my success was as a result of a wealth of support, my ultimate desire is to extend heart-felt gratitude accordingly, To the almighty since without him absolutely nothing is possible, hence, I will continue to worship his precious and holy name!

Secondly, Fitness

mentor Mr Hugh Ross, MSM (Mr Universe, World Champion, USA National Champion, CAC double Gold Medallist & Musclemania Professional) for his guidance and the level of knowledge and expertise that he continuously shares with me, both in Sports an my personal day to day life! My training team Rhon Ivylaw Allicock and Janelle Fu-Sum for their steadfast support in and out of the gym and my brother Kereon Watson Clarke who did an excellent job of coaching Team Guyana to victory.

I also wish to extend grati-

for both of us.“ Clarke also thanked those who financed his trip including Fitness Express, Space Gym, BK International, The National Sports Commission, Mr Nigel Johnson, DevCon Construction & Contracting Services, ACS Auto Parts and Mining Supplies, Danesh Persaud, AKBAR Auto Sales, The Gift Centre, Regal Sports, Attorneys-at-Law Sohan Poonai and Roger Yearwood, Starr Party Rental, Essential Care Pharmacy and Indesco Mining Supplies, C&L Construction.

Additionally, Emmerson Campbell copped silver in the men’s physique category. This is Campbell’s second outing at the CAC. Golden Boy, Devon Davis, in the Bantamweight category captured a bronze medal. Davis has won gold twice at the event and was entering the event as the defending silver medallist.

Veteran bodybuilder, Alicia Fortune and Senior Judge Franklin Brisport-Luke was also a part of the Guyana contingent in the Dominican Republic.

This is the most medals ever won

by Guyana at the Central America and Caribbean Championship.

guyana-times.com

monday, october 3, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League 3-day…

Hemraj, Yadram score big for East Coast A

fierce penultimate round of the Jaguars Franchise League ended with two teams recording victories on the third and final day, while the other two matches ended in draws. Upper Corentyne and Georgetown were the two teams to score big wins in this round.

At the Everest Cricket Club ground, Upper Corentyne destroyed East Bank Demerara by 209 runs after the latter were dismissed for 202 chasing 412 for victory in the fourth innings.

Steven Jacobs finally showed form with the bat to hit his side top score of 61 while promising teenager Ershaad Ali scored 33. Marrk Rhobe (29) and Stephan Harris (25 not out), were the other contributors.

Bhaskar Yadram recorded successive centuries for East Coast against Essequibo in their Jaguars Franchise League clash

Bowling for Upper Corentyne, former Guyana under-19 captain, Shawn Perreira, bagged 6/55 while Eon Hooper 3/74 was once again a tormentor for the opposition.

At Cumberland ground in Berbice, West Berbice resuming on 112/2 rallied to score 361 chasing 439 for victory. Avishwar Sewkarran compiled a top score of 82 and Steffon Adams struck 81, Kevin Jawahir made 60, Leon Andrews 33 and Brentnol Woolford 22 were the other batsmen to offer resistance.

Bowling for Georgetown, their most consistent performer, Christopher Barnwell 3/51 led the way with the ball while there were two wickets each for Sunil Singh, Devon Lord, Gajanan Suknanan.

At Tuschen ground, Lower Corentyne in their second innings, were bowled out

Chandrapaul Hemraj

Steven Jacobs

for 221 in 61 overs. Devon Clements followed up his unbeaten century in the first innings with another important innings of 77 which included 10 fours and three sixes.

His knock helped tournament leaders, Lower Corentyne, to post a lead of 217. Royston Crandon and Jonathan Foo supported with 33 and 30 respectively.

West Demerara requiring 218 for victory in a minimum of 46 overs, were left stranded on 163/5 off 37.3 overs when the match was called off with 10 minutes remaining in the days play. Raymon Reifer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul both struck 52. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Royston Crandon took 5/60.

Meanwhile at the Imam Bacchus ground in Essequibo, East Coast batsmen Chandrapaul Hemraj, who made the tournament’s first double century and teenage prodigy Bhaskar Yadram, who scored his second century of the match, led their side to a mammoth total of 468-3.

The discarded national player Hemraj,

23

Devon Clements

finished unbeaten on 250 after smashing 19 fours and 17 gigantic sixes, while Yadram follow up his first innings knock of 118, with a superb 121 which consisted of 14 fours and two six- Shawn Perreira es.

Kamesh Yadram was also unbeaten on 56 when play ended. East Coast Demerara resumed the day on 2/1 but registered such a healthy score after Hemraj teamed up with Bhaskar Yadram and his older brother. Kamesh Yadram for two double century stands worth 232 and 207 respectively. Bowling for Essequibo, Keemo Paul had 2/90.

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

Buxton United whip Victoria Kings 6-0

B

uxton United continued their impressive run in the East Demerara leg of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power national under-17 league when they inflicted a 6-0 hammering over a hapless Victoria Kings side at the Melanie Ground, East Coast Demerara, on Sunday.

Isaiah Anderson began the route when he netted in the 19th minute, three minutes after, Kobe Durant continued his goal scoring form by hitting the back of net then once more in the 27th. Anderson returned to record his double with a goal in the 33rd to end the first half 4-0. An own goal by Dexroy Culpeper put united ahead by five in the 53rd after which Ronaldo Fedricks placed the final nail in the coffin in the 85th.

In the other match, Buxton stars eased

to 3-0 win over Buxton Youth Developers by virtue of goals from Akeem Broome in the 30th, Clensford Osbourne (45th) and Collin wills (90th).

Over at Den Amstell in the West Demerara Football Association, Eagles FC won without having to After a spirited show against Slingerz FC last week, Eagles FC (pink attire) were eager to take the break a sweat by virtue of a walkfield once more but Wales failed to turn up for the contest over from Wales.

On Saturday, Bachelor’s Tishawn Gordon doubled their lead in the overs from Soesdyke Falcons and Herstelling Adventure and Paradise Sports Club com- 65th minute. Jerome Robinson netted for Raiders respectively.

Title sponsors bined and Plaisance defeated Beterverwagting BV/Triumph in the 75th minute but the out- NAMILCO, have been urging both players /Triumph United and Golden Grove respec- come was sealed 10 minutes later when and persons at large to live a healthy lifestyle tively. The combined Bachelor’s Adventure Gordon scored his second goal. Meanwhile, by indulging in the usage of its heath orientand Paradise Sports Club team defeated BV/ Plaisance edged Golden Grove 2-1 at the ed products Maid Marian Harvest High Fibre Triumph United 3-1.

Grove Community ground while Diamond Whole Wheat Flour, Maid Marian WheatRonaldo Morgan opened the scoring for United and Grove Hi-Tech secured wins with- Up Breakfast Porridge, and Maid Marian the winners with a 10th minute strike while out breaking a sweat after receiving walk- Multigrain Flour among many other products.

Monday, october 3, 2016

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

Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd ODI, Sharjah...

Babar Azam eased to his second consecutive hundred to set up Pakistan’s series win © Getty Images

Azam, Malik inspire Pakistan’s series win

Guyana records best showing at CAC 2016

Pg 22

Jaguars Franchise League 3-day…

Pg 22

Hemraj, Yadram score big for East Coast

Pg 23

Guyana recorded their best performance at CAC 2016 with five medals

250 not out: Discarded national batsman Chadrapaul Hemraj stakes a further claim for national recall with an unbeaten double century

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