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Education Ministry launches study on “Outof-school children” P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2929

Thursday, July 28, 2016

PRICE

Racial,Political discrimination

Cases cannot be “wished away” by spin doctor – Teixeira

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: P7 Wanted bulletin issued for escaped murder suspect

Page 3

…Ramjattan, Nagamootoo themselves also victims – Nandlall Woolford Ave accident

Scout battling for life at GPHC Page 2

Oil production not immediately possible – ExxonMobil

Page 10

Babita Sarjou’s murder

Arresting officer P2 testifies as PI continues

…No date for commencement …suffered fractured skull, punctured lung of oil production – Harmon

Probe launched into MV Sabanto’s crash

…Captain, sailors accused of being under the influence

Page 10

Drop-in Centre fire

“Bad” safety arrangements at facility – preliminary findings P7

MV Sabanto moored at the Supenaam Stelling in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as transport authorities work to have the damaged stelling repaired

Venezuelans entering legally are welcome – Govt Page 9

Rice farmers accuse GRBD of marginalisation Page 11

Small-scale miners need supportive mechanism, land – PSCP12 Glass maker given 2nd chance P17

by Chief Magistrate

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Woolford Ave accident

Babita Sarjou’s murder

Scout battling for life at GPHC Arresting officer testifies …suffered fractured skull, punctured lung as PI continues

The car which struck the two children

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ne of the two Scouts who were struck down by a motor vehicle on Tuesday was released from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), having sustained minor injuries, while the other is battling for his life after sustaining a fractured skull and a punctured lung.

The injured children were identified as eight-year-old

Nick Omarie Joseph, who is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and nine-yearold Darnell Matthews. They are in Guyana for the 14th Caribbean Cuboree.

Reports are that the accident occurred around 12:10h on Tuesday. According to eyewitnesses, the two boys were walking along the Avenue, under the guidance of a St Lucian adult,

heading towards the Scout Association building when a motor car with registration number PSS 1236 struck them.

A Police statement on Tuesday said that investigations revealed that the driver parked her vehicle in front of the North Georgetown Primary School, on Woolford Avenue, went into the school to do registration, but was refused entry because of her mode of dress. As a result, she became annoyed and drove out of the Avenue, in the process hitting the two children.

The driver remains in custody. Joseph’s mother is expected to arrive in Guyana on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Scout Association of Guyana has reassured the respective parents and guardians of the 1000 Cub Scouts that all measures are being implemented to ensure their safety.

Sharnandand Naraine

Babita Sarjou

Dorel Pronton

he Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of Babita Sarjou, the woman who had disappeared six years ago, continued on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Sharnandand Naraine, called “Anand”, the exhusband of Sarjou, of Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown

and Dorel Pronton, called “Yankee” of Lot 54 Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, both appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

One of the arresting officers, Corporal Sherwin Laundry, gave his testimony in on Wednesday.

He was among the group of officers, who arrested both Naraine and

Pronton and was also the officer who transported Pronton to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

Attorney Peter Hugh is representing Naraine, while Pronton is being represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes.

It is alleged that on November 4, 2010, the two men conspired to murder Sarjou. The Preliminary Inquiry is set to continue on August 4.

After being missing for six years, Police were able to crack the case after they received information about the death of Sarjou.

On May 22, 2016, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, accompanied by several Policemen, swooped down on the home of Naraine, where they dug up a shallow grave in the yard in which a woman’s remains were found.

Sarjou went missing on November 4, 2010, after she allegedly received a call from Naraine, who stated that he would accompany her to a Diwali motorcade. It is alleged that Sarjou got into Naraine’s vehicle where she was strangled by Pronton who was in the back seat.

Her lifeless body was reportedly transported to the home of Naraine where it was allegedly buried in the shallow grave.

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NEWS

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 28 –12:30h-14:00h and Friday, July 29 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 28 – 11:25h-12:55h and Friday, July 29 – 12:50h-14:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Racial, political discrimination

Cases cannot be “wished away” by the spin doctor – Teixeira … Nagamootoo, Ramjattan also victims – Nandlall

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, while light rain showers with light cloud cover can be expected in the afternoon and the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly to between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 11:30h and 23:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.39 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:56h and 17:25h reaching minimum heights of 0.81 metre and 0.91 metre respectively

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2016

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PPP/C Executive Member Gail Teixeira

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

PPP/C Executive Member Anil Nandlall

o amount of distortion and denial by the “spin doctor”, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, can change the fact that racial and political discrimination is being actively practiced by his administration. So says Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who came out in defence of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, after he was accused by the Government of promoting racism.

She was at the time speaking at a press conference co-chaired by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member Anil Nandlall, on Wednesday at Freedom House.

Teixeira strongly supported the assertion that there is an assault on the Indo-Guyanese population and believes that the backlash against the Opposition Leader for making those statements was merely an attempt by the Government to embarrass him after learning of his prestigious appointment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as a Special

Ambassador for Forests and the Environment.

In fact, the veteran politician opined that speaking about an observation can in no way be considered race baiting and in this vein, she berated the coalition Government for trampling on one’s freedom of expression.

Sometime after telling a gathering in New York that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration is guilty of political and racial discrimination, the Ministry of the Presidency released a statement condemning the comments, accusing Jagdeo of sowing seeds of division, discord and race hate.

But as previously highlighted by Jagdeo himself, Teixeira validated her contention that the criticisms were only an attempt to cast embarrassment upon the Opposition Leader by pointing out that the comments made in New York are no different from what is being said in Guyana.

“The release of the

Government’s statement 72 hours after the event in New York, but only 10 hours after the announcement that the leader of the Opposition had been appointed by the FAO as Special Ambassador on Forest and the Environment is more than a mere coincidence and meant to embarrass him. Whether the Government admits it or not, the numerable cases of ethnic and political discrimination are public knowledge and cannot be wished away by the official spin doctor, ie, Prime Minister and First Vice President of the APNU/ AFC Government. No spin can remove the facts,” she explained.

Indo-Guyanese in the public sector without a hearing and compensation, the repossession and attempts thereof of Core Homes and house lots from predominantly Indo-Guyanese, continuous attempts to expropriate private properties owned mostly by Indo-Guyanese who possess their Transport and Certificate of Titles, the targeting of mainly IndoGuyanese by the Special Organised Crime Unit and the State Assets Recovery Unit, as well as the confiscation of large sums of money and jewellery, the wanton dismissal of senior management staff at the Guyana Sugar Corporation, the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate affecting hundreds of Indo-Guyanese, the refusal to offer assistance to the rice industry which is predominated by Indo-Guyanese, and the removal of street lamps from Indo-Guyanese villages, while installing street lights in Afro-Guyanese communities are only a few instances of the discrimination being executed by the Government.

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Proof

Presenting the evidence to prove that cries of discrimination are not just a figment of one’s imagination, Nandlall outlined incidents which can be categorised as discrimination against IndoGuyanese people and persons perceived to be affiliated with the PPP/C. He said the widespread dismissal of hundreds of

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

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Editorial

Crime-fighting at the community level

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here is the ongoing debate whether or not crime is being brought under control, as the Police claim.

Statistics alone will not convince citizens until they actually begin to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and are not forced to convert their homes into jails with the "iron grills" installed over their doors and windows.

While "intelligence-led" policing has been touted as one approach to address the challenge, this is more tactical than strategic.

In his 1982 article, "Broken Windows", Harvard sociologist James Q Wilson took a contrarian position to the dominant "root causes of crime" approach. Crime would not decrease, it was asserted, until we first address the social and environmental causes like poverty, racism, bad housing, poor education, inequality, etc.

Not surprisingly, the Police loved the idea: basically it absolved them from ever reducing crime in absolute terms.

Their stock answer to the US’s stubbornly high and growing crime figures was: “it was society’s fault.” In Guyana, there is a persistent section of officialdom that insists on pushing the “root causes” theory of crime reduction. We hope that they will take a look at Wilson’s “broken windows” alternative.

The broken windows theory derived both its inspiration and its name from a widely-observed phenomenon.

"Social psychologists and police officers tend to agree," Wilson and his co-author Kelling wrote, “that if a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken. This is as true in nice neighbourhoods as in rundown ones. Window-breaking does not necessarily occur on a large scale because some areas are inhabited by determined window-breakers whereas others are populated by window-lovers; rather, one unrepaired broken window is a signal that no one cares, and so breaking more windows costs nothing. (It has always been fun.)”

What was true of windows, Kelling and Wilson argued, was also true more generally of disruptive public behaviour in a community. Wilson pointed out that culture matters and if such behaviour is not nipped in the bud, it can quickly develop into institutionalised criminal lifestyles.

While Wilson was thinking mostly of urban areas, with our older, densely packed villages joined by newer and larger housing developments with no organic community spirit, the now ubiquitous petty drug dealers and users in the villages might just be our tip-off "broken windows".

We can already see in our villages the alienation, anonymity and anomie that used to typify towns. Unruly children, who are not "raised by the village" grow up to be teenagers who get into fights and bully people on street corners. They drive their cars with their music blaring from their amplified speakers in the middle of the night. Rum shops are opened at every other street corner and drunks meander the streets panhandling unwary pedestrians.

Fearing that more serious crimes would occur, residents will keep indoors more often, and very soon, the streets are left to the unruly elements. Agricola might be a good example of this transformation. In essence, Kelling and Wilson were arguing that minor crimes, if unpunished, led to major crimes and massive social breakdown. The goal of "Broken Windows policing" is to allow a neighbourhood to police itself and reduce crime.

In this approach, the role of Police is to reduce fear through foot patrols, maintaining order, and the judicious use of officers' discretion through "community policing".

While our “community policing” and “neighbourhood police” initiatives have adopted their names from “Broken Windows” policing, they have entirely missed its essence.

In Guyana, the Community Police is not part and parcel of the official Police Force and merely ride around in their officially supplied vehicles, throwing their weight around on ordinary residents.

The Public Security Ministry must integrate the two units into one, with the Community Policing unit dedicated as "beat police" that patrol "broken windows" neighbourhoods constantly on foot or bicycles.

Pilgrims dance during World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland July 26, 2016 (Reuters)

Ominous signs: GECOM database, Ministries of Citizenship & Social Cohesion Dear Editor, The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at a press conference on July 18, had expressed great concerns about the steps being taken by GECOM to share its database with the Ministry of Education and Social Security. He sounded the warning that there is more in the mortar than the pestle.

His fears are not unfounded.

There is absolutely no justification for sharing the database. The excuse of placing children in schools closest to them does not hold water. If the authorities responsible for placement have reasons to question a parent’s/child’s address, they could do like the banks and ask for proof of address, which can include utility bills (electricity, water, telephone).

They do not have to have GECOM’s database to do this.

Indeed, this is very strange for in the past GECOM refused to assist the Ministry of Home Affairs in relation to a request to assist in fighting crimes and identifying criminals. That is considered to be far more justified than checking addresses of children. Yet GECOM never co-operated.

In the July 21 issue of the media, a letter by Mr Alexander was published in response to Mr Rohee’s letter to GECOM and the public concerns he raised.

In it, he stated…”not to mention that the said information and more is accessible online….”

Why request this from GECOM if this is so?

Since 1992 the securi-

ty of the data and the vote has been seriously reduced.

These measures are further undermining the security of the vote. From all the actions and statements by top officials of GECOM one could be justified in fearing that some have been compromised. Their hostility to the PPP/C is a reflection of this.

The PPP’s General Secretary pointed to the contempt being showed by the Chairman of GECOM to legitimate requests made by the PPP for answers to questions posed to him. Dr Surujbally had promised to reply in writing, but the PPP’s General Secretary said the Chairman had changed his mind and has since refused. Most worrying, GECOM should want to appear to be fair and unbiased, but this is now lost.

It is giving the PNC/APNU all it wants.

With many questions about the last elections still unanswered, with the efforts being made to delay the hearing of the Elections Petition Case, and with a heavily militarized regime in place; it is clear that all democratically minded and peace loving Guyanese must be concerned.

However, those concerns, serious as they are, are not the only ones. Two of the Ministries created by the regime when it came to office fourteen months ago raise suspicions as to their real purpose. These are the Ministry of Citizenship and the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

The Ministry of Citizenship has been functioning very quietly. No reports about how many new birth certificates have been issued over this period. No

reports as it relates to how many persons have been granted citizenship here and where those persons originate from. These types of information are not readily available.

During the consideration of the estimates of the 2011 budget, Mr Felix, in explaining sums voted, said it was to import hundreds of thousands of birth certificate forms.

Where are these forms?

How have they been distributed? The only reason coming to mind is that the PNC/APNU does not head the Ministry of Public Security, formerly the Ministry of Home Affairs, but they want to control areas of Citizenship, birth certificates, etc.

They want their man to be in charge of these functions, a former Commissioner of Police at that, whose views on what he will do to help the PNC is well known. Recall the recording by Roger Khan of the conversation with Mr Felix, then Commissioner of Police and Basil Williams, Chairman of the PNC. In that conversation, Williams was thanking Mr Felix for turning the attention away from PNC links to the criminal gangs.

That Ministry’s function can impact on National Elections.

It therefore needs to stop functioning in the dark. The public has a right to know what is happening. I recall also that they have removed the head of the Birth Certificate area, Ms McDonald, a woman who worked professionally. This raised more fears as to their real intentions.

The other Ministry is the Ministry of Social Cohesion. That seems to

have been set up to throw dust into people’s eyes.

Obviously the APNU/ AFC regime has no intention in promoting national cohesion.

If they had any real interest in national cohesion they would not have carried out the mass dismissal of Indo-Guyanese and others whom they feel are sympathetic to the PPP/C. How can anyone promote social cohesion, while victimizing and discrimination are happening in such a blatant and open way?

Just from the few reports that find their way in the media, we see that this Ministry seems focused on disproportionately satisfying the needs of the communities. Most of its resources appear to be going into those communities where the APNU is strong and won most of it’s votes.

Hardly anything flows to areas where the opposition is strong.

Clear discrimination.

Those two Ministries are also under the direct supervision of the Ministry of the Presidency. They are heavily politicised and designed not to help the Guyanese people in general, but the PNC/APNU primarily.

These are very ominous signs. These matters and the observation of the PPP’s General Secretary must be examined closely to prevent the PNC/ APNU from rigging future elections and manipulating public opinion. That will only drive our country backward.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

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

Vigil against violence Dear Editor, I write to commend The Caribbean Voice and other groups and individuals for planning and organising a vigil, “Voices Against Violence”, to be held on September 10. With rising violence in Guyana and around the globe, that kind of social activism is needed now more than ever. I appeal to the public to join the organisers to help make the vigil a success – a virtual cost free vigil that benefits the nation and that promotes harmony.

The vigil is an attempt to get communities across Guyana to engage in anti-violence activism, while fostering the concept of communal action for community well being. The candle light vigil coincides with World Suicide (an act of self-inflicted violence) Prevention Day. The vigil is held under the theme, ‘Connect Communicate Care’, an initiative that is inexpensive and easy to organise in bringing communities together. According to the organisers, each participant simply needs a candle or can even use a cell phone. Vigils can be organised by religious institutions, local businesses, sports and youth clubs, political party groups or just

about any entity. Where possible, two or more groups can collaborate to make it effective. Each vigil can select routes around the community, end at a central point or any other selected place where the participants can be accommodated and hold a rally whereby pre-selected individuals from within or out of the community can speak on the theme of anti-violence and, if desired, inter faith prayers can be conducted. During the walk, anti-violence slogans can be chanted.

As the organisers noted, for the purposes of this vigil, all of the following are considered as acts of violence, either against oneself or others: trafficking, suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic and child abuse, rape, incest, teenage pregnancy, road carnage, dysfunctional relationships, neglect of the elderly and abuse of the mentally and physically challenged. Besides, relationship violence and its dysfunctional socialization, which are more and more looming as issues of critical urgency, do shape personalities that easily gravitate towards crime and attending violence. Thus, violence

should be addressed holistically and when communities come together, they can begin to become more caring and build more togetherness, while getting their feet wet in the practice of mindfulness. In effect, anti-violence must become everybody’s business and immediately so!

The candle light vigil, held in communities throughout the nation, is a step in this direction.

Guyana is small both in terms of demographics and inhabited landscape, making this vigil very doable, especially given that most of what needs to be harnessed is already in place. Our history teaches that politics, race and religion are never obstacles in the face of the peoples’ willpower and resolve.

Besides, the vigil will foster community collaboration and racial harmony, with a focus on saving lives and preventing harm, and fostering the process of societal transformation.

Several groups are on board including Golden Om Dharmic Youth, Save Abee Foundation, Orchid Foundation, Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, NJASM, Art of Living (Guyana), Nirvana Humanitarian

Foundation, Imagine Nation Foundation, GIVE Foundation, Monique’s Helping Hands, Guyana Women’s Roundtable, and Miss Universe Guyana.

Other NGOs, the media, and the government should lend their support. Community leaders, business people, including religious institutions, sports clubs and other organisations need to join the effort so that it is held in every community.

The organisers are appealing for groups or individuals to spearhead a vigil in their community.

Vigil organisers can be contacted at 621-6111 or 223-2637. Other organisers are Pandit Deodat at 6274432 and Chandanie at 6979968. In North America, call Anna at 646-461-0574, Ty at 646-589-3135 or Sham at 954-778-3222. Send email to bibiahamad1@hotmail. com, keshni.rooplall@yahoo. com,deodatpersaud25@yahoo.com or caribvoice@aol. com. Or contact any of the following persons via Facebook, Deodat Persaud, Chandanie Rooplall, Bibi Ahamad, Ty Talbot, or Annan Boodram.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

Shirley Chisholm: 1st woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination Dear Editor, It was Shirley Chisholm who, in 1972, became the first African American, and the first woman, to seek the nomination as candidate for President of the United States.

Decades before Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton,

there was Shirley Chisholm.

As the first black woman to run for President for a major political party, she was years ahead of her time. So why don’t more people know about her?

Forty-four years ago this week, Shirley Chisholm made

history, as she announced her candidacy for the White House. Her bid for the top job was short lived, but the symbolism is as powerful today as it was then.

She was a pioneer for her generation, a woman of many firsts - the first African

American congresswoman, the first African American to run for president and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

Yours Faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

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BY DARLENA CUNHA

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top telling us to embrace it!

“Mom, I’m so bored.

Are we doing anything fun today?”

This question is usually launched at me in the morning, before I’ve even had my coffee, from my children’s bedroom, before they’ve even gotten their little feet on the floor.

Summer is brutal and gruelling by its mid-point, and families around the world suffer the consequences of expecting elementarygrade children to entertain themselves for two and a half months.

While I appreciate on an intellectual level psychologists telling me to allow my children to be bored, in my day-to-day life, I can do nothing but laugh in the face of such advice and frantically search the Internet for more summer-camp options.

There was a time when boredom could have helped children discover what truly interested them. When I was a child, if we became a nuisance to my parents, they booted us outside. Often that freedom to roam ended up with us lying on our backs in the yard bemoaning our existence, but other times we scampered into the woods behind our house, or went to pester the neighbourhood children.

We were allowed to do that by our parents. And our parents were allowed to do that by society. These days, leaving children to their

guyana-times.com

Foundation own devices outside could result in a Child Protective Services visit. People get nervous when they see seven-year-olds playing by themselves.

In order for boredom to create self-sufficient children, we would need an entirely different system and society than the one we currently have. Giving children room to explore and come

and let them stick their face in “Temple Run” for an hour? That’s what boredom leads to these days.

Plus, it’s nothing short of hypocritical to force our children to figure out something to do that doesn’t involve technology. When was the last time any of us were bored for more than five minutes without checking social media, flipping on Netflix or

up with ideas on their own without fear of restriction is impossible in a culture that expects parents to be right on top of them whatever they do.

If I am to allow my children to be bored, that means we have to do it in the house – near the television and their tablets and my computer and my phone. Be honest, parents, how many whining pleas do you have to hear before you give in

playing a video game?

But I also fail to see how making the long, hot summer days more enjoyable for my children by allowing them to socialise with their peers doing productive activities is a bad thing.

Our suggestions for productive activities may actually help them become selfreliant adults more than boredom ever will because they add those ideas and categories to their lexicon. Just

because I often give them the first step doesn’t mean they don’t take it from there and hone their imaginative skills. And I deal with a lot less whining this way.

The bottom line is:

it’s not fair to expect young children to figure out how to deal with their boredom when most full-fledged adults never have to face boredom, either. And it’s not fair to give children nothing to do when we’ve stifled their natural environment but not allowing them to find something to do outside the four walls of their home.

Psychologists telling parents to let children be bored amounts to no more than just another parent-shaming tactic. We’ve been told for years that we need to help our children get outside experiences and socialisation. We need to help our children understand rules and hierarchies of authority and schedules and time and appropriate activities.

We need to do all this, and always be watching them, and keeping them schoolready come September, and giving them special parental attention. But apparently we also have to ignore them and let them be bored, as long as they stay within our earshot.

Not everyone has the bandwidth to redirect unhappy, bored children for hours a day. I’ll take mine to the park, thank you very much. And I won’t feel bad about it. (Time.com)

(CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY)

If you’re the new partner

Meeting and being involved with your partners’ children can be daunting. You will want to support your partner in his relationship with the children and hopefully get along with them too. It can be a minefield and the following advice will help you avoid stepping on a bomb! * Allow the relationship to develop slowly, don’t expect the children to love you or even like you initially. Aim for a relationship where you respect each other and treat each other fairly. * Be prepared to accept a back seat when the children are around. Accept that your partner’s first responsibility is to his or her children. He or she can give you their undivided attention when the children are not with you. * You are not a substitute parent; be supportive but don’t expect to take on a parenting role. * Don’t criticise, complain or even joke about the other parent in front of the children. * Remember that part of being a good mum or dad is having a good co-parenting relationship with the other parent.

Accept that there will be communication between your partner and their ex about the children. * Try to understand the loyalty conflicts your partner might experience. It will help your relationship if you can

empathise (even if you don’t like it!) when your partner feels like ‘piggy in the middle’ between you and his/her old family. * If there are arguments and disagreements between your partner and their ex, remember that you only hear one side of it.

Top tips for helping children with new partners

1. Ideally, do not introduce new partners straight after the separation. Children need time to adjust to parents being separated first. They are also less likely to feel worried that they are being replaced by someone else.

2. Only introduce children to someone you want to be part of your everyday life.

3. Take it slowly at first and be sensitive to your child’s reactions. Just because you think your new partner is great doesn’t mean that your children will agree.

4. Tell the other parent about your plans before this person is formally introduced to the children. Be prepared to offer reassurances about your new partner’s involvement with the children and the continuing importance of the children to you.

5. The children need some time alone with you without the new partner being present. This is especially important if the children do not live with you. Their time with you is precious.

6. Make it clear that the new partner is not a substitute parent – mum and dad are not being replaced. A new partner should behave as any responsible adult would towards children but this is very different from adopting a parenting role.

7. Support your children in adapting to the reality of life moving on. If it’s your ex who has the new relationship, be neutral about the new partner. Avoid asking questions about the new relationship and respect your child’s wishes if they do not want to talk about the new partner. (theparentcon-

nection.org.uk)

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Wanted bulletin “Bad” safety arrangements at issued for escaped facility – preliminary findings murder suspect Drop-in Centre fire

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he preliminary report into the recent fire at the State-run Drop-in Centre has revealed that proper fire safety regulations were not adhered to, according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

The preliminary report into the July 8 fire, which claimed the lives of six-yearold Antonio George and his two-year-old brother Joshua George, was handed over to Government last Friday

by Retired Colonel Windee Algernon who was ap-

that there were not enough drills for emergencies and/ or fire,” the Minister of State outlined.

Harmon noted that these issues are not limited only to the Centre but all Government buildings. He stated that efforts will have to be undertaken to ensure that the relevant fire code and building standards are adhered to.

These findings comes less than a week after President Granger had warned that anyone found

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

The funeral service of Antonio George, age six; and his two-year-old brother Joshua George

pointed by President David Granger to conduct the inquiry into the tragic incident.

Harmon told reporters at the post Cabinet briefing on Wednesday that preliminary findings highlighted some systematic problems that needed to be addressed.

“The preliminary report pointed to some issues of bad policy arrangements for fire, it pointed to the fact that there was not enough collaboration between entities that had to do with the management of the Drop-in Centre, it pointed to the fact

culpable of negligence will be held accountable for the death of the two young boys.

“If any persons are culpable of gross negligence or dereliction of duties, yes we will make a judgment as to whether they are fit to hold those positions and if you equate that with rolling of heads, then yes,” the President posited.

Nevertheless, he outlined that the aim of the inquiry is to prevent a reoccurrence.

“We need to find out what happened and prevent a reoccurrence. In investigat-

ing what occurred, if we find that there was gross dereliction of duties, yes persons who omitted to commit acts, which would have prevented that catastrophe will be punished and if the punishment proposed is that they be removed from their positions so be it,” Granger told reporters on the weekly televised programme, the Public Interest, which aired on Friday last.

Just after midnight on July 8, the two young brothers perished in a fire which occurred at the Drop-in Centre on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Care tak-

ers at the facility claimed that there was an electrical spark on the top floor of the building, where the girls were housed, and a fire immediately broke out, spreading throughout the building.

According to reports, the elder brother Antonio was asleep in the dormitory at the time when the fire started and as the younger brother Joshua was being taken out of the building by care givers, he realised that his brother was not with him.

The two-year-old managed to free himself from the grip of the care giver and ran back into the burning building. The two brothers were trapped in the building and their charred remains were subsequently recovered.

Wanted: Anthony Jhaggroo

T

he Guyana Police Force is seeking the assistance of the general public to locate a West Bank Demerara (WBD) murder suspect, who escaped from lawful custody two weeks ago.

Wanted is 20-year-old Anthony Jhaggroo of Lot 35 Goed-Intent, WBD. He was held in connection with the murder of 31-year-old mechanic, Yogeshwar Shivcharran, who was beaten at Bell West, WBD, earlier this month and who succumbed to his injuries six days after the incident occurred.

However, while in custody at the La Grange

Police Station on July 13, Jhaggroo escaped during a power outage in Region Three.

The suspect supposedly escaped through a gap in the wall of the holding area of the Police Station, despite reports of two Police ranks being on duty at the time.

According to reports, the Bell West mechanic was beaten by a group of drunken neighbours.

Guyana Times understands that Shivcharran suffered regular seizures and in a mental episode, he removed his clothing and approached his neighbours, who were consuming alcohol next door.

These neighbours reportedly pelted him with beer bottles before beating him about his head and body.

The Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Anthony Jhaggroo to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-2227, 225-8196, 2682343, 268-2298, 268-2222, 911 or the nearest Police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS

Woman slapped with dangerous driving charge

A

woman on Wednesday made her appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with dangerous driving.

Shelly Ramdian, 43, of Lot 2 Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 3, 2016, at Georgetown, hav-

ing driven her vehicle, PLL 1356, in a dangerous manner, she struck Elaine Dailey, causing her bodily harm.

In court on Wednesday, the Magistrate was informed that the case file on the matter is still incomplete, and as such, the defendant was granted $50,000 bail. The case will continue on August 15.

Lindener granted $140,000 bail for larceny charges

A

Lindener who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse, charged with two separate larceny offences, was granted bail on Wednesday.

Paul Marciano, 41, a labourer of Lot 12 Water Lily Road, Wismar, Linden, had been on remand since last December.

The first charge states that between December 23 and December 25, 2015, he broke and entered the home of Devon Peters at Third

Alley, Wismar, and stole a 32-inch television set valued $100,000 and two Samsung Galaxy cellular phones, valued $100,000. Both items were property of Peters.

The Court was told on Wednesday that Marciano was a repeat offender. He was granted $70,000 bail for this offence, as well as another break and enter and larceny offence for which he was granted an additional $70,000 bail. Both matters were adjourned until August 23.

EBE man charged for narco trafficking

A

n East Bank Essequibo (EBE) man was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Lennox Goodman, 33, of Lot 4 Archer Road, EBE, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on July 23, at Brickdam, Georgetown, he had in his

possession 530 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution contended that on the day in question, the Police were called after the defendant was found with a stolen cellphone for which he was buying a battery.

Police carried out a search on his person and found the drug in a bag he was carrying.

He was told of the offence, arrested and charged.

The case will continue on August 25.

Lindener charged for simple larceny

A

Lindener facing a simple larceny charge was on Tuesday granted bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Ashton Cummings, 25, of Yarowkabra, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on July 18, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession one cellphone belonging to Daniel Allicock, knowing same to be stolen.

The prosecution had no objections to bail and it was granted at $10,000. He will return to court on August 8.

Eyew tness Sweeping...

Y

...race under the rug

our Eyewitness would like to continue the discussion from yesterday on the Government’s charge that the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo was “race baiting” in New York. It’s important we state the former President’s claim specifically since these things have a habit of morphing degeneratively on repetition: “Guyana needs a spirit of community to ensure that we defend our people through these dark times. There is an assault on democracy, on the people of Indian origin and there is an assault on the supporters of the PPP…” Now, your Eyewitness had assumed the parties in the present Government – APNU/AFC – had acknowledged race was the line of cleavage in Guyana along which folks vote. Why else would APNU – with PNC as the overweening and overwhelmingly dominant partner – decide to give the AFC 40% of the spoils for bringing in 11% Indians? So when the PPP mentions race in describing the political landscape, can we automatically jump all over them for “race baiting”?

In your Eyewitness’s estimation, this is an extremely dangerous development – since it seeks to silence the PPP from articulating the concerns of the bulk of their supporters. We can pick just one instance to illustrate our point. When the APNU/AFC coalition took over and announced their Cabinet, Red Thread – not an “Indian Rights” organisation – objected to the dearth of Indians.

Was this “race baiting”. Well, they certainly weren’t pilloried by the Government as Jagdeo was.

A bit later when the Boards to Government corporations were announced, the Government didn’t consult with the Opposition as had been agreed to back in 2001. A non-Indian letter writer to the press, Gordon Forte, pointed out “only 7 out of 37 members of Boards were Indian Guyanese”. He said this “look bad” and “I find it intensely painful that in my country – indeed in my world – qualifications of personal worth and potential contribution have to include racial division, and that responsible people would actually make a count like that.” Was that “race baiting”? Well, Mr Forte wasn’t pilloried by the Government.

Your Eyewitness can point to dozens of subsequent letters to the press that detailed discrimination against Indian Guyanese on “racial” grounds. While he would in no way say it amounted to “ethnic cleansing”, he doesn’t feel “assault” is over the top. Especially when those early claims were acknowledged by the Government, but the later ones were left unaddressed with the unbalanced optics continuing in appointments and other official activities.

Now some may say with Jagdeo being a politician, his words carry greater force. But the question is, “Are those words true?”

And truth cannot be silenced.

...Hillary’s dirt under the podium

Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated by the Democratic Convention as their party’s candidate at the upcoming November presidential elections. She becomes the first woman in the 240-year history of the US to receive that honour. But is she going to become President? A month ago, your Eyewitness would’ve said it was a slam dunk. But now...even a three-pointer wouldn’t do it. Her hiring of the Chairman of the National Democratic Committee – after the latter had been dismissed for actively sabotaging her opponent Bernie Sanders’ campaign – just further justified the disgust a substantial chunk of Democratic voters feel for her. And this disgust isn’t confined to partisans of Sanders who even refused his call for them not to boo her from the floor of the Convention. It’s spread wider than the blood from a Tarantino film shooting!!

So the Democrats will go into overdrive to sweep Hillary’s consummate “insider” proclivities under the podium while she continues with the same ole, same ole.

And it’ll just backfire come November.

...climate change under the ocean

The Republican Congressional Chair of its Science Committee doesn’t believe in Climate Change and is subpoenaing NY’s AG to reveal Exxon’s cover-up of its evidence.

And evolution is also a myth!

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

NEWS

9

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Wales Estate severance matter

Venezuelans entering legally are welcome – Govt

GuySuCo prepared to pay workers severance – Holder T

The 11 workers who voiced their concerns on Wednesday were Dyanand Sham, Wilbert Daymon, Azeez Khan, Safraz Alli, Sherla Leitch, Lloyd Benjamin, Cyril Joseph, Shafeek Khan, Prem Kumar Lakhan, Mohammed Haniff and Bridgnanan

W

hile 99 of 105 sugar workers remain without employment at the Wales Sugar Estate as a result of a court battle between the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and trade unions, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Wednesday heard the concerns of 11 workers.

At the meeting, it was noted that GuySuCo is prepared to pay workers the severance packages as long as the court order is lifted.

According to a press statement, a delegation of Wales Estate sugar workers met with the Prime Minister to “listen to their concerns regarding the payment of their severance packages.”

This comes months after the workers were given letters to the effect that they would have been paid their severance in May. During the meeting at the office of the Prime Minister on Monday, the workers explained that GuySuCo officials met with them and explained the

plans to merge the Wales and Uitvlugt estates, and that they would be offered continued employment at the Uitvlugt estate.

As the workers opted against being transferred and instead accepted the severance packages, an agreement was made to commence payment of said packages.

“The workers explained that shortly before the date on which the severance was to have been paid, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) sought and received an order from the court which stopped GuySuCo from making the payments…

[They] expressed frustration that several months have now passed and GuySuCo continues to be prevented from effecting the payments by order of the court,” the statement noted.

It was also stated that Prime Minister Nagamootoo

told the 11 workers that he had been advised that GuySuCo is prepared to pay the severance and monies have been set aside for same, but the company could not act in violation of an injunction that was granted in the High Court.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, who was also present at the meeting, was said to have confirmed that GuySuCo is “prepared to effect the payment with immediate effect should the order of the court be lifted.”

The Wales sugar workers were promised their severance payments on May 4.

Before May, the workers were given letters on March 22 stating that they would have been paid their termination benefits, but GuySuCo has however maintained that the injunction barred the payments to workers. GAWU in response had noted that the agreement between the workers and GuySuCo was reached before the May 6, 2016 injunction was granted and as such, this cannot prevent GuySuCo from paying the workers.

The court action was first brought on after GuySuCo began discussions with individual employees of the Wales Estate to negotiate severance packages, without informing or involving the unions. At one point, the workers were given a three-day ultimatum to make their decisions, but GuySuCo later folded those plans. It was in January that it was announced that sugar operations at Wales would come to an end.

he Government of Guyana has stated that Venezuelans wanting to escape the deplorable conditions in their home country caused by a deteriorating economic crisis, are welcome here, but they must enter through legal means.

This position comes three days after 14 Venezuelans were deported after it was found that they had entered Guyana illegally.

According to Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday, Government has a humanitarian responsibility to accept Venezuelans coming here in search of better lives but maintained that they should not do so illegally.

In fact, he stated that Guyana is part of international agreements to give support to countries in situations like Venezuela.

“We have made it clear that on humanitarian grounds we will not turn back Venezuelans who come to seek help here in Guyana… so anybody coming from Venezuela for food and things like that, we support people who come to Guyana on those grounds,” the Minister noted.

However, he outlined “We of course have our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our borders and that the immigration procedures which are applied to persons coming to Guyana, we will apply those procedures.”

Asked whether Government would con-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

sider relaxing restrictions on those Venezuelans entering the country illegally, Harmon shutdown the idea and reiterated that Guyana’s laws must be adhered to at all times.

“Any person who comes to Guyana and are deported, have actually violated some parts of our laws… the Government will not tell the courts how to act.

The fact that the persons were brought to court meant there would have been some offence that was committed,” the Minister of State posited.

On Monday, 14 Venezuelans were deported to the neighbouring state after they were found illegally in Guyana. Among those refugees deported were five mothers and nine fathers who were miners.

According to court documents, the group of Venezuelans illegally entered Guyana by sea in the vicinity of Iterinbang, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

With the help of a translator, the refugees explained that they departed Venezuela with the hopes of finding jobs in Guyana to support their families back home.

The women explained that they were punishing in Venezuela since there were no jobs and only limited food available. Meanwhile, the men told the court that it was a struggle to provide for their families in Venezuela, as such, they came to Guyana in search for work.

Sources have confirmed that an additional 100 more are expected to be deported in the coming weeks.

Back in May, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had declared a 60-day State of Emergency as the country experiences economic turmoil following the decline of oil prices on the world market over the past months.

Reports coming out of the Spanish speaking nation reveal that there is a massive food shortage and limited access to basic health care and basic amenities, such as electricity. Reports of rampant outbursts of looting and violence are also emerging from the neighbouring country.

With the situation in Venezuela deteriorating and no evidence of an economic turn-around, it was predicted that there will be a refugee crisis in the region as persons from the Spanish speaking country are likely to flee to neighbouring nations. (Vahnu Manickchand)

10 NEWS Oil production not immediately possible – ExxonMobil THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

… no dates for commencement of oil production – Harmon

I

n light of the June 30 “world-class discovery” of hydrocarbon reserves which is the equivalent to some 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of crude oil offshore Guyana, there has been much buzz locally and internationally about Guyana’s emerging oil sector.

However, officials have stated that there is a process to go through before actual production commences.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told a post Cabinet briefing on Wednesday at that production dates have not been indicated as yet by US-based ExxonMobil.

“The company said they are still in a phase which will require several other steps to be taken before they can arrive at decisions with respect to production dates but we are hopeful that those dates can be compressed so that we can have the benefit of exploration and the benefit of production very quickly,” Harmon stated.

Cabinet was briefed by a team from ExxonMobil on Tuesday last. The briefing saw Cabinet members being brought up to date with the operations of the USbased oil company and covered an array of activities including the overall preparation of eventual produc-

tion in the coming years.

“The company outlined plans for the proposed usage of a floating production storage off-loading facility during the production phase and went through plans for training and integrating Guyanese into the various spheres of activities associated with petroleum exploration and production,” the Minister related.

Moreover, Harmon stated that Cabinet was briefed in detail about the potential for, and the utilisation of, the “associated” natural gas that was discovered in the Well. He noted that some areas that are being looked at to use the gas as a form of power generation, fertilisation production and the production of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) for domestic use.

However, Jeff Simmons, Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) – the local arm of ExxonMobil, told a Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources later on Wednesday that it would not be feasible to utilise the gas because of the small amount found.

“Right now, the only real economics to the gas are to put it back in the ground and keep it there until we have a more significant gas

The US-based oil and gas exploration giant announced in June the drilling results from the Liza-2 well, the second exploration Well in the Stabroek block located some 120 miles offshore Guyana, confirmed a “world-class discovery” of oil with a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oilequivalent barrels.

This is the second major announcement of oil find coming from ExxonMobil that has been conducting explorations off the find that we can generate some kind of plateau of gas production… The difficulty with associated gas instead of a pure gas reservoir is that a lot of the monetisation of that gas requires investment which requires the gas stream that’s consistent and expanded over more than five or six or seven years,” Simmons, who was among the team that briefed Cabinet on Tuesday, explained.

According to the official, the difficulty is getting sufficient gas to build a LNG facility over a long period. Moreover, he noted that EEPGL is carrying out a number of studies and will report to Government on a number of things that could potentially work with the gas.

shores of Guyana. On May 20, 2015, the company disclosed a significant oil discovery on the Stabroek Block after its well Liza1 encountered more than 295 feet of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoirs.

Against this backdrop, Simons told the Parliamentary Committee that EEPGL has already applied for an environmental permit and then would put arrangements in place to begin oil extraction and production by 2021.

Probe launched into MV Sabanto’s crash

… captain, sailors accused of being under the influence

By Indrawattie Natram

T

ransport officials have launched a probe into Tuesday evening’s crash of the MV Sabanto after the captain reportedly lost control of the vessel while mooring at the Supenaam Stelling, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The crash resulted in severe damage to the back of the vessel and sections of the stelling. The incident occurred about 18:30h as the vessel arrived from Parika with hundreds of passengers and vehicles onboard.

Persons who were on the boat at the time of the incident began to panic as they were only able to disembark almost two hours later at 20:00h, while several vehicles were damaged as a result of the collision.

Eyewitnesses described the situation at the stelling as “chaotic.”

Information reaching

The damaged ramp

Guyana Times indicated that the captain of the vessel as well as his sailors were reportedly all under the influence at the time of the accident. As such, investigators have since turned their attention to the crew.

While the probe is ongoing, owners of the vehicles that were damaged are demanding compensation.

Meanwhile, several vehicles, loaded with goods, including perishables were left stranded at Supenaam, forcing authorities to turn to the age

old ferries – the MV Malali and the MV Moukoria to ply the route.

The MV Malali takes approximately five hours to travel from Supenaam to Parika, while the MV Sabanto plies the route in just 90 minutes.

Transport authorities told this publication on Wednesday evening that they were working to have the damaged stelling repaired at soonest. Authorities also warned that anyone found culpable will be sanctioned.

nEWS

11

thursday, july 28, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Rice farmers accuse GRBD of marginalisation

By Shemuel Fanfair By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Nature vs Nurture

A

re we born with our personalities or are they shaped by our environments?

One of the oldest arguments in the history of psychology is the Nature versus Nurture debate: are we predisposed by our DNA or is the influence of our environment stronger? The prewiring of our genetic inheritance determines the colour of our eyes, hair type, skin pigmentation and some genetic diseases. It also influences other physical characteristics such as weight, height and life expectancy.

The question is are other parts of our personality a result of inherited genes or reactions and responses to our experiences of the environment?

The debate began with two very opposing views: one side arguing that nature plays the biggest role and that the processes of development are innate. For example, they profess that the bond a child has with its mother is a natural survival instinct, that we have a built-in language acquisition device enabling us to learn to talk and we have a pre-determined aggression drive that manifests itself in our temperament. All of which, it is believed, we are born with.

On the other extreme side of the debate are those that contend we are born an empty vessel and the psychological characteristics and behavioural differences that emerge throughout childhood are learnt. This is the Nurture side of the argument. The belief is that attachments are responses to love and attention and that bonds are made due to this.

Language is formed by imitating others we are interacting with, cognitive development derives from stimulation in the environment and aggression tendencies come from seeing others behave aggressively.

As the debate continued over the years, it became accepted that we are in fact the product of a combination of both nature and nurture, and the question has shifted to how much of each determine our personality and behaviour.

Opposing sides moved to the argument of which is more important? But I think the most interesting question is how nature and nurture interact.

If we consider the differences amongst siblings who have been exposed to similar environments and behaviours it would follow that their personalities would be similar if we agree with the idea that the most important factor is environment.

However, it is clear that siblings tend to have very different personalities and behaviours. They may share the same genes and have been exposed to similar environmental factors so it becomes even more interesting that they develop so dissimilarly. It is acceptable to conclude that the innate processes and personality we inherit effects the way we interact with, respond to and react with our environment. Where one child may react to a difficult situation by withdrawing, another may learn to cope with it and build resilience. Where one can develop emotionally with little affection shown to them, another’s development may be impeded.

Twins especially show that even identical genetic makeup produces children with very unlike personalities. Despite the similarities with both genetics and environment, the influences on children must be absorbed differently. Studies have shown that identical twins become more dissimilar the older they become, suggesting the strength of the effect of nurture.

Children separated from their biological parents can still exhibit similar personality traits and specific behaviours to those parents so we have to consider that nature has a large part to play in personality type and behaviour. Studies have suggested that intellectual ability runs in the family and yet children from the same family do not all have the same intellectual outcome. Is this because of the way they react to the stimulation of learning? Do they have the same potential from genetics and not reach it due to other factors?

The debate no doubt will continue, as with human beings it is difficult to prove or disprove theories due to the complexities of our personalities, changing behaviours and the difficulties to isolate study areas. Each of us is so unique and a product of so many factors that we have to accept we can only attempt to understand some of the reasons behind why we are who we are and consider how this information is useful to us. We are very interesting entities influenced by people, situations, life experiences and, undoubtedly, our genetic makeup. There is unlikely a correct answer to which is most influential and most likely, they affect each of us to a differing degree at various stages of our lives.

E

ver since the Venezuela-Guyana PetroCaribe deal ended last year, rice farmers have seen reduced earnings for their paddy. However, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) signed deals with two Jamaican rice companies for 80,000 tonnes each but farmers have surmised they are unaware of the deal’s benefits as the GRDB has reduced its meetings with them.

Guyana Times interviewed farmers on the Essequibo islands of Leguan and Wakenaam in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who all related that the GRDB has not been engaging them on the future of the rice industry.

Late last week, this publication was told that rice board last visited the island of Wakenaam over one month ago and farmers were not given any information on the possible benefits of the Jamaica rice deals.

“Me aint hear nothing

as yet, dem nah keep no meeting as yet,” rice famer Jaichand (only name) explained. He, however noted that the current weather is more favourable for his rice acreages, as opposed to the significant amounts of losses he encountered during the El Niño period.

This newspaper was also told that at Leguan, the GRDB has not met with farmers to discuss their concerns in over three months.

Meanwhile at Mahaicony, a female farmer Sharmilla Ally told Guyana Times that her challenges have been significant, so much so that she and her husband, Astraf have not been able recover the costs of their investments.

“The last time me cut was $2500 a bag; de first load that we cut, we get $2650… this time we bust a lot, we didn’t even cover half of the amount… [we lost] over a million,” Ally noted.

Before the PetroCaribe deal ended last year, farmers had received premium rates for their paddy. The deal was due for expiration in November of 2015, but Venezuela axed the rice

GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan

deal months before the official due date. However, Government had said in March that the Spanishspeaking nation may still be purchasing Guyana’s rice, but through neighbouring Suriname.

When the Jamaica rice deals were announced earlier this year, media reports highlighted alleged corruption within the rice deal’s contract in addition to the secretive nature in which it was signed, without the full consent of GRDB members.

The deals which were finalised and signed in May were

Cases cannot be...

Nagamootoo, Ramjattan are victims

Nandlall went on to highlight that even IndoGuyanese members of the coalition Government, including the Prime Minister and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, are also victims of discrimination.

“Ironically, many commentators have publicly pointed out that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister Khemraj Ramjattan are themselves victims of discrimination within the coalition Government. It is public knowledge that the Prime Minister has not been given the type of functional responsibilities contemplated by the Cummingsburg Accord. Similarly, a host of important powers and functions were deliberately removed from the Home Affairs Ministry and transferred to the Ministry of the Presidency upon the appointment of Mr Khemraj Ramjattan,” he contended.

State boards

Meanwhile presenting some evidence, Teixeira revealed that a number of State boards comprise mainly Afro-Guyanese.

She said only one of nine persons on the National Commission on the Elderly is Indian, two of eight on the Adoption Board, three of 13 on the Women’s Leadership Institute, three of 15 on the Central Board of Health, one of 11 on the National Sports Commission, eight (Indian and Amerindian) of 20 on

the University of Guyana Board, none on the National Accreditation Council, two (Indian and Portuguese) of 11 on the National Shipping Corporation, five of 11 on the Central Housing and Planning Authority, four (three Indian and one Portuguese) of nine on the National Broadcasting Authority, one of five on the Bureau of Statistics, one

of six on the Privatisation Board, and one of four on the Guyana Gaming Authority.

Teixeira contested this as ridiculous justification that Indo-Guyanese or Guyanese of other ethnicities are not qualified to sit on those boards.

Moreover, the PPP/C dismissed suggestions that they too were guilty of eth-

defended by the GRDB but one board member has posited that farmers will not reap its benefits.

“The farmers will not benefit…because the price that they are selling it for is being undercut by Suriname,” Board Member Jinnah Rahman noted.

When asked what measures should be implemented to revitalise the industry, Rahman pointed out that “the entire GRDB has to be reorganised.”

In a June 10 court order, the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association (GREMA) were granted an injunction against the GRDB for their objection to the deals with Jamaica Rice Milling Company Ltd and Musson (Jamaica) Limited.

The matter is still before the High Court.

Meanwhile, rice farmers in many districts stated that they have started to plant seed paddy and are hopeful to be provided with assistance for fertiliser to sustain this current crop.

Guyana Times was unsuccessful in reaching GRDB General Manager Nizam Hassan on Wednesday for a comment.

from page 3

nic discrimination when they were in Government.

Both Executive Members outlined that the Public Sector remained dominated by Afro-Guyanese and that many key positions in Government including the Army, Police Force, and the Judiciary were held by persons of African descent.

12 news

thursDay, july 28, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Unconscious Lethem mother

Public Health Minister disappointed that relatives approached media first … says Ministry will be looking into matter

By Renella Bourne

I

n wake of the ailing mother of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) who underwent gall stone surgery and never regained consciousness, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton expressed his disappointment over patients who prefer to reach out to media houses to relate their situations rather than disclosing their health matters to the Public Health Ministry.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Dr Norton disclosed that the Ministry is not aware of

Thelma Rebeiro

thing of that sort, I only became aware of the situation when I read the newspa-

“I was not aware of anything of that sort, I only became aware of the situation when I read a newspaper but it is surprising to know that these patients would go and tell the media houses everything and would not bother to inform me or my Ministry; however I do commend the media for highlighting the issues.” the pending health situation of the Lethem mother, Thelma Rebeiro.

“I was not aware of any-

pers, but it is surprising to know that these patients would go and tell the media houses everything and

would not bother to inform me or my Ministry; however I do commend the media for highlighting the issues.”

Dr Norton continued, “I have been in Lethem only a week or two ago in many of the villages because I am concerned with what is happening in these places and none of the relatives made any effort to contact me on this matter. All of the information I have seen in the newspaper, I would have liked to receive that from the relatives directly. The Ministry is always helping people; we provide millions directly to pa-

tients’ welfare in the health sector.”

He assured that he will look into Rebeiro’s condition and determine what assistance can be rendered, but did not give a commitment until all the details were available to the Ministry.

Thelma Rebeiro is in a critical state, and the situation is worrying her relatives. Her condition was first highlighted by Guyana Times on Tuesday after relatives, who are unable to provide a solution to her breakdown of health, spoke with the media.

The woman’s condition has even caused her husband to be in and out of hospital, as his blood pressure has been soaring since her illness.

According to relatives, Rebeiro had first undergone surgery at the Lethem Hospital after she was diagnosed with gall stones.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

However, they said that something went wrong during the surgery, and as such Rebeiro was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). Four days later, another operation was conducted.

However, since that operation, the woman has spent a number of days in hospital and has not regained

consciousness. In fact, according to family members, they were told by doctors that there was nothing more that they could do for her.

The family said Rebeiro was later discharged from the hospital, still in an unconscious state. The family said that they are at loss as to their next move.

Small-scale miners need supportive mechanisms, land – PSC

T

he Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources raised its concerns over diminishing land and the need for more support to be given to small-scale miners, to the Natural Resources Ministers.

At its regular meeting at Parliament Building, Committee Chairman, Opposition Member of Parliament Odinga Lumumba told Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Minister within the Ministry, Simona Broomes on Wednesday that “One of the considerations that we have to look at is not only establishing giving them land, but the supportive mechanism to make sure they exist,” Lumumba said.

Lumumba contended that the definition of small-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

to equipment are essential if the small-scale miner is to survive.

Minister Broomes, acknowledging the struggle of small-scale miners, explained that she has addressed these concerns with Minister Trotman. “I agree it is something that needs to be looked at. I will agree with you that there are categories of miners who really need this support in terms of equipment, financing, and not only access to land,” Broomes told the Committee members.

The Minister within the

scale miners has to be reevaluated, even as he highlighted the excessive cost of mining in the gold industry.

He pointed out that shortterm financing and access

Odinga Lumumba

Natural Resources Ministry told Lumumba that the Ministry would welcome working with the committee “to fashion something” to address the situation.

Meanwhile, Minister Trotman told the Committee members that the recently re-constituted committee on land reclamation is seeking to address the issue of available land for mining.

news

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thursday, july 28, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Americans visit St Cuthbert's Education Ministry launches during cultural study on out-of-school children Mission exchange

T

he Education Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday, commissioned a study into Out of School Children (OOSC) with the aim of working towards achieving equitable inclusive education.

The study commenced on Wednesday with the launching of a two-day workshop targeting stakeholders in the education sector.

The main objective of the workshop is to share with participants the goals, methodologies and potential results of the study, while building capacity to achieve the agreements of the Ministry and key stakeholders to initiate the OOSC study, and to create inventory with available data.

The Global Out of School Children Report notes that despite dramatic improvements towards achieving universal primary education, more that 59 million children of primary school age were out of school in 2013. In Latin American and the Caribbean, more than 21 million children and adolescents are out of school or at risk of dropping out. Guyana has not been exempted, as significant disparities exist between and among schools in the urban, rural, riverine and hinterland locations.

Speaking at the event held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PM), Delma Nedd, pointed out that in Guyana, the unacceptable drop-out rate, unqualified teachers, espe-

Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd (left), UNICEF Deputy Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Paolo March and Chief Education Officer (Ag) Donna Chapman

cially in the hinterland and riverine areas, and overall low performance of boys, are the major concerns for the Ministry.

“Currently the country is struggling with data on the causes of drop outs and Out of School Children at both the national and sub-regional levels. This study will set out to correct these issues and bottlenecks caused by the lack of data on Out of School Children, as well as accelerate efforts towards improving the quality and consistency of reliable data collected through the regional administration,” Nedd said.

She explained that this study is part of Government’s efforts to address the growing number of dropouts and Out of School Children across the country, and to ensure equitable delivery of education.

It is estimated that about 16 per cent of the projected age appropriate population is out of pre-primary school, and although there are less primary school aged children out of the system, there is a need to address the 14 per cent or more that are out of

school at the secondary level. Some children who are enrolled in the system struggle with the consequences of an age gap, for instance, a 2010 survey shows statistically that more than 600 boys and girls were overage at age seven with the figure rising to 4300 by age 14.

Nedd noted that a number of factors have contributed to children not attending school, including children that are from single parent families, poor families, working children, children with disabilities and children living in rural and remote areas. It is proven that children living in these circumstances do not complete school, she said.

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry intends to formulate and implement appropriate policies to effectively reduce the number of children out of school. “This issue is of high priority for the Government,” she emphasised.

This process, Nedd said, has already started with the implementation of the ‘Five Bs’ Programme (books, bicycles, boats, boots and breakfast) and it is anticipated

that by September 2016 the enrolment rate will increase.

Meanwhile, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Paolo March lauded Guyana for it efforts in attaining universal primary education and commended the Government for its endeavours in making education more accessible to all. However, he said that once children are in school, there should a system in place to ensure that they remain in school and receive the quality of education that they deserve.

“Understanding the causes of the issues is (the) key pre-requisite to then develop plans and programmes to ensure all children in Guyana can attend school in an inclusive manner…

Together with the Ministry and all of you, we can all make sure that the root causes for children out of school or children who drop out are going to be eradicated,” March told the participants.

This study is one of several which have been embarked upon or are scheduled to take in many countries around the world.

St Cuthbert's Mission Toshao Lennox Shuman demonstrates the proper use of an indigenous bow and arrow to CULP participants

O

ver two dozen students and faculty members from universities across the United States were taken on a cultural exchange visit to local Amerindian village, Saint Cuthberts Mission.

The event was planned by members of the US Embassy in Guyana and village leader Lennox Shuman.

While in the village, the 32 students conducted various exercises in youth leadership and team building with the 70 plus school-aged youths in attendance.

In addition to providing some lessons on the basics of leadership and the importance of role models and personal values, the event provided local youths and their American counterparts with the opportunity to interact and develop an understanding of each other’s culture

and way of life.

After some practice with traditional bow and arrows and hunting spears, the US visitors enjoyed a traditional Guyanese lunch of “cook up.”

The students and staff are part of the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) programme that provides college students and faculty with the opportunity to travel around the world to conduct humanitarian projects and events, enhancing their understanding of different lifestyles and cultures.

The US Embassy will continue with its commitment to support local, regional and national government initiatives to support on-going programmes for youth and remote populations throughout Guyana.

14

guyana-times.com

thursday, july 28, 2016

Regional

UK nabs 3, Barbados Aedes aegypti not the only arrests 1 in massive mosquito spreading Zika liquid cocaine seizure B

U

nited Kingdom border officials believe they have successfully disrupted an organised crime group after intercepting £3 million (US$3.9 million) of liquid cocaine in a shipment from Barbados.

Three men, including a Barbadian, have been arrested in London, while one has faced the court in Barbados. The 18 kilos of the narcotic, which had been dyed pink, was hidden inside metal canisters described as oil filters in a shipment to Gatwick Airport last week.

Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) subsequently arrested 54-year-old Errol Watson.

Two other men were also held in London and were re-

The liquid cocaine, which had been dyed pink (left), was hidden inside metal canisters (right) described as oil filters

leased on bail.

Watson, however, was remanded on a charge of importation of controlled drugs. At least one other man was held in Barbados, according to UK reports.

Larrie Chesterfield Thompson, 51, was arrest-

ed after police found 1.03 kilos of liquid cocaine in a cupboard when they executed a search warrant at his home.

He was charged with possession of cocaine, trafficking cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Argentina announces new anti-gender violence plan

T

he Argentine President, Mauricio Macri, has announced a national plan to fight violence against women. Macri said every 37 hours a woman was attacked in Argentina and that education was the key to ending deeply rooted cultural patterns of violence.

The plan, due to start next year, includes creating a network of women's refuges, and money for the electronic tagging of violent men.

Last year 235 women were killed in gender violence incidents in Argentina.

The Government's

National Plan for the Eradication of Violence against Women is putting into force a 2009 law.

Presenting the plan President Macri said: "We all need to commit ourselves.

This is not only the job of government it is for society too."

Maria Fabiana Tunez, the president of the National Council of Women, a government agency, said the plan would last three years and include introducing gender violence awareness into the school curriculum. Staffing at a telephone helpline for women will also be increased.

The national plan comes after a series of rallies and demonstrations in several cities last year.

The initial demonstration last year followed the murder of a 14-year-old pregnant schoolgirl, Chiara Paez, who was found buried in her boyfriend's garden three days after being reported missing in the town of Rufino in central Santa Fe province.

In the past year there have been protests elsewhere in Latin America against gender violence, in countries including Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia and Brazil.(BBC News)

razilian scientists have found the Zika virus in the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, which is far more common and widespread than the species previously identified as the vector for the virus.

The findings of research by the South American country’s top public health institute, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), suggest that Brazil may need to change its Zika response strategy, and comes as a blow to a nation in the grip of an outbreak less than two

weeks before tens of thousands of visitors arrive for the Olympics.

The virus was discovered in Culex quinquefasciatus in the north-eastern city of Recife, regarded as “ground zero” for the rash of microcephaly cases caused by the virus.

Culex is 20 times more common there than Aedes aegypti, which until now has been identified as the main vector, moreover.

Constancia Ayres, the entomologist who conducted the research and who insisted that it was risky to focus ex-

clusively on Aedes aegypti as the country struggled to respond to the Zika outbreak, described the development as “very bad news for Brazil.”

Responding to the announcement, Brazil’s Ministry of Health said that it remains convinced that Aedes aegypti is the most important vector.

A Ministry spokesperson added that ultimately the findings change nothing because the public-health response is the same regardless of the mosquito species.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Cops put brakes on thieves who stole bikes and shipped to T&T

T

wo Englishmen who allegedly stole motorcycles based on what clients needed and then shipped them out to Trinidad and Tobago for sale, have been jailed for their role in what prosecutors described as a professional and sophisticated enterprise.

Ellis Thomas, 33, who was pinpointed as the head honcho of the operation,

ate who acted as an intermediary between Thomas and the international exportation of vehicles, primarily to Trinidad and Tobago, was jailed for two years on one count of conspiracy to handle stolen goods and one count of possession of a taser.

Thomas, the former director of ECU Master and current owner of Crazy

City of London Police. This included the recovery of two new BMW S1000RR vehicles recovered from Portsmouth Docks, due for shipment to Trinidad. These vehicles had earlier been stolen as part of a high-value commercial burglary in Essex.

In total, more than £100,000 (US$131,343) worth of stolen vehicles have been attributed to Thomas’

From left: Ellis Thomas, 33; Mario White, 47; and one of the stolen bikes

was slapped with six-year and four-year concurrent jail terms on two counts of conspiracy. His partner in crime, 47-year-old Mario White, a criminal associ-

Custom Quads, was arrested at his home address following an investigation targeting his criminal enterprise, during which 12 stolen motorcycles were seized by the

criminal enterprise, with 50 vehicles detailed in evidence during the trial, many of which remain unidentified and unrecovered. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Antiguan Govt rejects “paltry” US offer in WTO gaming dispute

N

egotiators from the United States (US) Government have failed to impress the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda with a settlement offer in the ongoing online gaming dispute, but have instead raised the ire of the Prime Minister Gaston Browne who has dismissed their offer as “paltry”.

At the same time, the apparent frustration of the process has driven the Government to alter its strategy in the dispute, advising that it is now prepared to implement the sanctions awarded to Antigua and Barbuda by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Due to the unsatisfactory nature of the proposal, Browne said, “We have not

been able to accept them.”

Concurrently, Browne issued the warning that the government was “prepared to pursue the remedies as authorized by the WTO” According to him, those measures included the suspension of protection of US copyrights “to recover the money due to our country”.

He said, “In other words, our country has the legal right to sell US material, such as films, videos, music, books including text books, without the payment of copyright.”

The threat is a change in language from the strategy that the Government described in late 2014. At that time, following the June general elections, its policy changed from threatening

to implement WTO awarded sanctions, to solving the matter through diplomacy.

The online gaming dispute – now over a decade old – began in 2003 when US authorities began to restrict its citizens from accessing internet gaming services based in Antigua and Barbuda. The move was seen by the WTO as contrary to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) – a WTO managed international treaty.

When the US failed to observe the WTO’s 2004 ruling to allow online gaming, the organisation ruled in 2007 that Antigua and Barbuda could violate US copyrights to recover what was estimated to be losses of US $21 million annually. (Excerpt from Antigua

Observer)

thursday, july 28, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

US election: Trump UN urges Indonesia to halt looming executions encouraging Russia to hack emails – Clinton camp

Donald Trump said anyone who found the hacked emails would be ‘rewarded mightily by our press’

D

onald Trump has “actively encouraged” foreign powers to hack his presidential rival Hillary Clinton, her camp says.

Clinton did not hand over 30,000 emails as part of an investigation into her private email server as they contained private details.

“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” Trump said on Wednesday.

“I think you’ll be rewarded mightily by our

press.” The emails would contain some “beauties”, he said. Soon after, he wrote on Twitter that if anyone had the emails, they should hand them over to the FBI. His appeal comes as Russia stands accused of hacking emails from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for Trump’s benefit. Both Russia and Trump deny the allegation. “This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent,” Jake Sullivan, Mrs Clinton’s senior policy adviser, said.

“This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue.”

In a statement released within an hour of Trump’s comments, his vice-presidential candidate Mike Pence said there would be “serious consequences” if the FBI could prove Russia was attempting to interfere with the election.

The emails were leaked to the WikiLeaks organisation and published on Friday.

The FBI is continuing its investigation into the leak, which included emails that showed DNC officials, who are supposed to remain neutral, favoured Clinton, and derided her Democratic rival Bernie Sanders. (Excerpt from BBC News)

An Indonesian anti-drugs protester burns the effigy of a drug dealer during a rally supporting death row executions [File: EPA]

T

he United Nations human rights chief has urged the Indonesian Government to stop the looming firing squad executions of 14 people for drug offences.

The group of convicts, including foreigners, have been given notice of their executions and could be put to death as early as Friday.

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed alarm on Wednesday at the planned executions.

Turkey to close all army high schools after failed coup

T

he Turkish Government is set to issue a new decree to close down military high schools and restructure war academies in the wake of a failed coup attempt earlier this month.

After the publication of the new decree, which will be the second taken under the powers of the state of emergency, all military high schools will be shut, and all cadets will be transferred to regular state schools, Al Jazeera Turk reported on

Wednesday citing government sources.

A total of 8651 soldiers took part in the failed coup attempt and 1214 of these soldiers were “military students”, according to the Turkish military.

Immediately after the coup attempt on July 15, a total of 62 students at Kuleli Military School, the oldest such establishment in Istanbul, were arrested by Turkish authorities.

The cadets, aged between 14 and 17, were ac-

cused of having connections to the movement of US-based cleric and businessman Fethullah Gulen, who Erdogan blames for the failed coup bid.

Their relatives have since denied the youths were willing participants in the coup attempt, saying they were summoned to school from vacation by commanders who duped them into taking part in the rebellion and deployed them onto Istanbul’s streets.

But, Turkish authorities

continue to believe that the military’s educational institutions are mostly controlled and occupied by Gulen supporters.

“Government officials told us that some military cadets may not be connected to the Gulen organisation, but, they said at this stage it would be impossible for them to determine who is connected and who is not,” said Al Jazeera Turk’s Didem Ozel Tumer. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Freddie Gray case: Last charges dropped against Police

A

ll charges against the last Baltimore Police Officers facing trial over the death of Freddie Gray have been dropped.

Gray, 25, died in April 2015 a week after sustaining a spinal injury while in the back of a police van.

Garrett Miller, William Porter and Alicia White were due to face charges in-

cluding assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.

The move means there will be no convictions in the case.

Prosecutors dropped the charges after earlier trials of three other Police Officers had ended in acquittals.

They announced the move at a pre-trial hearing for Miller

on Wednesday.

But speaking afterwards, State Attorney Marilyn Mosby defended her decision to prosecute, saying she stood by her belief that Gray’s death was a homicide. “We do not believe that Freddie Gray killed himself,” she said.

A post-mortem report found that Gray sustained

his injury by slamming into a van wall during the ride.

He was handcuffed but not restrained with a seatbelt.

His death sparked civil unrest in Baltimore, and became part of a wider national debate on police brutality and the death of unarmed black men at the hands of police. (Excerpt from BBC News)

“The increasing use of the death penalty in Indonesia is terribly worrying, and I urge the Government to immediately end this practice which is unjust and incompatible with human rights,” he said in a statement.

“The death penalty is not an effective deterrent relative to other forms of punishment nor does it protect people from drug abuse.”

Security has been tightened at Nusa Kambangan prison island in preparation

for the executions.

Those who would be executed include citizens of Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Senegal, Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo told reporters at the state palace on Wednesday.

Other reports said at least four Indonesians and an Indian would also be executed.

It would be the third set of executions under Jokowi, who campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Pope Francis warns world is at war after Europe attacks

P

ope Francis has warned that a recent wave of jihadist attacks in Europe is proof that “the world is at war”.

However, he stressed he did not mean a war of religions, but rather a conflict over “interests, money, resources”.

He was speaking ahead of his visit to Poland to reporters seeking his comments on the murder of a Catholic priest by French jihadists on Tuesday.

Father Jacques Hamel was killed at a morning mass in his church in SaintEtienne-du-Rouvray, northern France.

The killing was the latest of a spate of attacks carried out in France and Germany over the past few days and weeks, many of them attrib-

uted to Islamist militants.

“The word we hear a lot is insecurity, but the real word is war,” the pontiff said.

“We must not be afraid to say the truth, the world is at war because it has lost peace.

“When I speak of war I speak of wars over interests, money, resources, not religion. All religions want peace, it’s the others who want war,” Pope Francis added.

He later arrived in the southern Polish city of Krakow, for a gathering of young Catholics from across the world. The World Youth Day was expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people.

Ahead of the visit, the Vatican appears to have toned down criticism of Polish politicians’ views of migrants.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Reagan would-be assassin John Hinckley Appointment of new S Sudan VP is “illegal” – old PM Jr to be released

S

outh Sudan’s former Vice President and prominent Opposition Leader Riek Machar has told Al Jazeera that his replacement by President Salva Kiir is “illegal”.

In an exclusive phone interview on Wednesday, Machar said: “I’m still the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan.

The appointment made yesterday by President Salva Kiir is illegal.

“It has no basis because the peace agreement does not give him the powers to appoint a First Vice President under the current circumstances.”

Kiir replaced Machar

South Sudan’s former Vice President and prominent Opposition Leader Riek Machar

on Monday with General Taban Deng Gai, after a sharp surge in violence ear-

lier this month between Government and Opposition fighters threatened to send

the world’s youngest country back to all-out civil war.

Machar told Al Jazeera that he is currently “around Juba”, adding, however, that he will only return to the capital when an outside force intervenes.

“I am waiting for the international community and regional body to say they will deploy troops to Juba and once they do that, I will return to implement the [peace] agreement.”

But, Machar said, that if the international community failed to intervene, he might order his followers to make a move to march towards Juba in the future.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

J

ohn Hinckley Jr, the man who tried to assassinate US President Ronald Reagan, is to be released from a psychiatric hospital next month after 35 years.

Reagan and three others were injured in the shooting outside a hotel in Washington in March 1981.

Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity but was sent for treatment to a Washington hospital.

He has already been spending 17 days a month at his mother’s home in Virginia under strict conditions.

A judge ruled that Hinckley, now 61, could reside full-time there on “conva-

lescent leave” from August 5.

Restrictions, including a ban on talking to the media, will remain in place.

The shooting, just weeks into Ronald Reagan’s presidency, shocked the world.

Reagan was shot in the lung, but recovered.

His press secretary James Brady was shot in the head, suffered brain damage and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Brady’s death in 2014 at the age of 73 was ruled to be a homicide, but no further charges against Hinckley were brought.

Two law enforcement officers suffered less serious injuries in the shooting. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

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thursday, july 28, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Ulene Abiola Garraway: Cinderella Design and Repair Shop

L

ike the mythical Cinderella, Ulene Abiola Garraway is “very hardworking, dedicated, courageous and strong”, spending up to 16-hour days putting together nature-inspired designs and sewing away in her Essequibo workshop. Her creativity is evident in the name of her establishment, in one word she evokes images of the beloved fairytale character and simultaneously pays homage to her home in the Cinderella county.

The Bush Lot, Essequibo resident started sewing when she was seven, taught by a kindly neighbour who she often visited after her father died a year earlier and her mother was left with six children to raise on her own.

In 2013, some 30 years later, Garraway, who was working as a security guard, decided to formally set up shop as a fashion designer and seamstress after years of honing her sewing and design talent.

“I dream of being successful,” she responded simply when asked what prompted her to take that step.

The divorced mother of two sons and an adopted daughter says it is hard to juggle long hours, designing at home and family life, but “I balance it”. “God gives me strength and courage to do whatever I have to do.”

While kept busy by a stream of clients who see work she has done for others and are inspired to get their own Cinderella Design, those with specific dress-

making needs, or others who just want their garments repaired, the former Cotton Field Secondary student is

keen to make a splash on the international stage, embodying her advice to would-be entrepreneurs: “Aim for the

sky and you will fall somewhere between the ground and the sky. If you fall down, get up and try again. The second time will be easier.”

For all her optimism, Garraway, who defined success as “being able to achieve what you set out to do”, noted that it was hard to cement a place in business locally.

The dearth of a vibrant local manufacturing industry , particularly in custom fabrics, and the competition from cheap, ready-made imports have made life difficult for the designer, who has been paid what some may consider to be the sincerest compliment – having some of her designs copied and mass produced by foreign firms.

But Garraway is determined to press on with her dream

of an international collection as well as moving from the space she rents at the Anna Regina Post Office into her own place. “I have my dreams and goals and I am working hard towards that.” She is currently offering a back-to-school special on uniforms – that is, parents can get them within 24 hours.

The businesswoman, who says she has learnt to be patient and never give up, advocated for assistance for entrepreneurs in the form of start-up grants, help getting the right equipment as well as import restrictions.

She encourages: “Give it your best, whatever you do.

There is no room for correction: first impressions count.”

Contact: 645-1666

Venezuela roils corporate Facebook trounces Wall profits around the globe Business News

Street estimates with sharp ad sales growth

F

acebook Inc provided more evidence on Wednesday that it can turn eyeballs into profit as the maker of the world’s most popular app and social website trounced Wall Street’s estimates, sending its shares to an all-time high.

The leading social media company’s mobile app and push into video attracted new advertisers and encouraged existing ones to spend more. It now has more than 1.7 billion

monthly users, well ahead of any rivals.

Its shares were up 5.4 per cent in after-hours trading at US$130.01, after hitting their highest since the company went public in 2012.

“Facebook has shown that you can be a giant and you can be innovative,” said analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy. “What is working very well is their very quick shift from desktop to mobility. This was their

U

biggest issue when they went public.”

Facebook is adapting better to the shift toward mobile and video than social media rival Twitter Inc, which reported its slowest quarterly revenue growth in three years on Wednesday.

Mobile advertising revenue accounted for 84 per cent of the company’s total advertising revenue, compared with 76 per cent a year earlier. (Reuters)

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$269.84

$273.26

CAN

$156.16

$157.97

USD

$205.98

$208.44

EURO

$ 226.25

$229.15

Calculated at 94% purity, July 27

USD

$1320.80

Gross

$255,040

Net

$237,187

Indicators as on July 27, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$43.47

Price Rough Rice London Sugar

USD

$217.91/ ton $533.60/ ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

-1.40 Change %

+0.080 0.00

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1337.10

$1338.10

Low/High

$1316.80

$1343.00

Change

-2.60

-0.19%

Business Concept – Attribute 1. Marketing: A characteristic or feature of a product that is thought to appeal to customers. Attributes usually represent a manufacturer’s or a seller’s perspective and not necessarily that of a customer. Attributes of instant coffee, for example, may include its aroma, flavour, colour, caffeine content, packaging and presentation, price, shelf-life, source, etc. Attributes have only two possible ratings (negative or positive) expressed as acceptable or unacceptable, desirable or undesirable, good or bad, etc. (Business Dictionary)

S companies operating in Venezuela have escalated the use of an accounting manoeuvre to insulate themselves from a worsening economic crisis in the South American country that has erased more than US$10 billion in profits over the past 18 months.

A growing number of US companies, including Colgate-Palmolive, Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo, began deconsolidating the financial results of their Venezuelan operations in 2015 be-

cause of the plunging value of the country’s bolivar currency and their inability to set prices on products such as shampoo and laundry detergent.

The OPEC nation’s unprecedented economic collapse has caused massive shortages, forcing tens of thousands of Venezuelans to stream across the border for basic goods.

Deconsolidation means that Venezuela operations can largely no longer hurt or benefit a US parent company’s financial results. Often companies

are taking a big one-time charge against earnings so that they can ring-fence what is left in Venezuela.

Avon Products Inc took an after-tax loss of about US$120 million in the first quarter as part of its deconsolidation move.

Meanwhile, companies around the globe that have not deconsolidated their Venezuela operations are suffering hits to their income statements. Or they have signalled future writedowns if the country’s economy remains in severe distress. (Reuters)

Investors’ Guide

Asia stocks edge up, dollar sags after Fed meeting

A

sian stocks edged up early today after the Federal Reserve provided a positive assessment of the world’s largest economy and lifted risk sentiment.

The dollar sagged against its peers as some in the currency market had hoped the Fed would give a clearer indication that it could raise rates within the year.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.3 per cent, climbing to its highest level since August 2015.

Australian stocks added 0.2 per cent and South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.1 per cent. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.6 per cent, hurt by a stronger yen.

Asia was unable to take a strong lead from Wall Street, where shares ended little changed overnight following the Fed’s policy decision to leave interest rates unchanged, It did say, however, that near-term risks to the US economic outlook had diminished, opening the door

for a potential near-term hike in the eyes of many.

But it also noted that inflation expectations were on balance little changed in recent months, and gave no firm indication of whether it would raise rates at its next policy meeting in September.

“While a number of investment banks have increased their internal probability models for a September hike, the interest rate markets have gone the other way and priced out the prospect. The reverberations of this re-pricing can be seen in weakness in the USD and a bold rally in gold,” wrote Chris Weston, chief market strategist at IG in Melbourne.

The Fed’s latest policy statement spurred traders to favour longer-dated US Treasuries over shorter-dated issues, pushing the yields on 10-year notes US10YT=RR and 30-year bonds US30YT=RR to 1-1/2week lows as prices rose.

Spot gold XAU= hovered near a two-week high of US$1342.18 an ounce

touched overnight when it gained 1.4 per cent.

The dollar index slipped to a nine-day low of 96.606, pulling back sharply from a 4-1/2-month high of 97.569 scaled early in the week.

The euro, which gained 0.7 per cent overnight, edged up to a nine-day high of $1.1074 EUR=.

The dollar was down 0.3 per cent at 105.05 yen JPY=, with caution over potential monetary easing by the Bank of Japan limiting the greenback’s losses. The BOJ concludes a two-day policy meeting on Friday.

Against the broadly weaker US currency, the Australian dollar was up 0.3 per cent at $0.7518 AUD=D4 and sterling nudged up 0.1 per cent to $1.3239 GBP=D4.

US crude rose 0.3 per cent to US$42.04 a barrel on bargain hunting after sliding to a three-month low of US$41.68 on Wednesday after news US crude and gasoline stocks had surged, reflecting weak demand during the peak summer driving season. (Reuters)

News

17

thursDay, july 28, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Delinking environment from Natural Resources Ministry

Govt defends decision as PPP predicts recipe for disaster

G

overnment is defending its decision to establish a separate department with responsibility for the environment while the parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) predicts disaster.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, chairing this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, disclosed that the move to remove overview of the environment sector from the Natural Resources Ministry was to lessen the responsibilities which lie on the shoulders of the subject Minister Raphael Trotman.

He explained that in so doing, it will alleviate potential conflicts which often existed between the simul-

State Minister Joseph Harmon

taneous management of the extractive industries and the environment.

In this vein, President David Granger made the de-

cision to have responsibility of the environment be handed over to a Department of the Environment under the Ministry of the Presidency,

Natural Resources Minister agrees to random bauxite quality testing

since a number of environmental areas, including the Office of Climate Change, are already there.

Prompted for a comment on this development, PPP/C Chief Whip and Executive Member Gail Teixeira laughed at the apparent indecisiveness of the Government in outlining how it wants its ministries to function.

Making reference to the many changes in Ministries and transfers of Ministers since the coalition’s assumption to office, Teixeira sarcastically declared that the reigning confusion was making it challenging to keep track of who was responsible for which sector of the country.

On a more serious note, however, she explained that these constant changes are a demonstration of ineptitude and an undermining of the public service.

“They (public servants) like to know where they are,

PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

they like to know their supervisors, they like continuity, they don’t like that one morning you wake up and you are with this minister, the next morning you wake up and you’re with another minister and then suddenly you are moving back; you then find yourself making arrangements to move to another building and then

suddenly you moving back to another building. This is a recipe for disaster in a public service,” she stated.

Teixeira added that the situation could also arise where important files go missing as a result of the numerous moves.

Furthermore, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall pointed out that this move will result in financial chaos in the accounting system.

“Because we had a national budget where the National Assembly approves line items situated under a particular ministry and now it is cut in half or quarter and transferred over…there are financial implications on how they will account for the money and without parliamentary scrutiny. That is why these abrupt changes are minimised because it leads to mismanagement,” he explained.

Glass maker given 2nd chance by Chief Magistrate

A N

atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has agreed to random testing of the bauxite that is being shipped out of Guyana that would dispel the misconceptions of residents of Linden.

Minister Trotman appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Wednesday, along with heads of the agencies from his Ministry to answer questions posed

by Committee members.

He was briefed about the Committee’s findings during a recent outreach to Councillors and residents of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and to bauxite companies Bosai and Rusal.

The Committee met with Councillors from Linden last week where they learned that residents were very sceptical about the quality of the ore being shipped.

Chairman of the Committee, Odinga Lumumba, questioned how often the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) tests the ore at the bauxite plant. He was particularly referring to the Bosai plant in the heart of Linden.

Acting Commissioner of the GGMC, Newell Dennison

told the Committee that while the GGMC fully inspects the operations quarterly; testing of the ore was not done. Lumumba then recommended that random sampling should be done.

“It is something we will consider. I think it is important from time to time to do random sampling of the water, of the air quality, of the ore. I see nothing wrong with it,” Trotman acceded and added, “I have confidence in the GGMC to carry out the monitoring.”

Addressing the general misconception of Linden residents that minerals beside bauxite were being shipped out of the country, Trotman said he will ask the GGMC to look into their concern. “We are not in any way dismissing what we’ve heard, we will make some checks,” Trotman noted.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Chance (APNU/AFC) Member of Parliament and committee member Audwin Rutherford told the Minister that it is only, “fair to just let people know what is going on.” If the Ministry through its regulatory agency GGMC, “updates the community of Linden as to production figures for different quality of bauxite” then the

misconceptions will be displaced, Rutherford noted.

Meanwhile, the dispute between workers and the bauxite companies was also raised with the minister. Trotman advised the committee that it is best to let the Social Protection Ministry address all labour matters.

At Rusal, the Committee heard concerns for the recognition of a union for workers. Over at Bosai, the Committee was updated on the salary dispute between the company and the workers’ union.

As for the issue of tax-free overtime, Trotman said he will raise the concern with Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Councillors indicated that while Government had announced the restoration of this benefit last year, it is still to take effect.

Minister Trotman informed the Committee that during the month of August, agencies from the Natural Resources Ministry will conduct outreaches in Region 10. The team will meet with residents and companies in the natural resources sector, to get “a sense of what is happening”. The Minister then extended an invitation to the Committee for the outreach.

glass maker on Wednesday was given a second chance and placed on a bond to keep the peace for a year by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after begging for leniency.

Mark Singh, 42, of Lot 150 Regent Street, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to the charge of threatening behaviour towards Sujata

Persaud on July 23, 2016 at King Street, Georgetown.

Singh pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge. He told the court he recently came out of jail after spending a year and wished never to go back. He said on the day in question, he got out of jail and returned to the house he and his reputed wife shared, but she had someone else in the house. He further added that he took his clothes and went away, but was later detained by Police ranks.

Singh begged the court for leniency, claiming he would do well with his life and he never wanted to return to prison recalling some gruesome acts that happened to him while serving his time.

Chief Magistrate McLennan told the man that everyone deserved a second chance, which would be given to him on the condition if he breached the bond of peace he would be placed on for a year, he would be sentenced to prison.

18

guyana-times.com

thursday, july 28, 2016

ARCHIE

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WORD GAME

SUDOKU

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Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Pallekele...

Australia strike after handy lead of 86

Y

Laskshan Sandankan spun a web around the tail, picking up 4 for 58

ou wouldn't know it to look at the wicket tally, but two full sessions have so far been lost in this Test. Two days, four sessions of play, 21 wickets taken. And enough afternoon rain to fill a dam. It was as if the weather gods were conspiring to stretch this Test to a fourth day. Or, come to that, a third. And despite Sri Lanka's fightback on day two, Australia still had the upper hand at stumps.

It was a day on which Sri Lanka's spinners dragged their side back into the contest after their miserable first-innings 117. Rangana Herath was always going to be a threat to Australia in this series and he ran through the top order before lunch. After lunch Laskshan Sandankan spun a web around the tail and prevented Australia extending their lead into triple figures.

Sandakan's 4 for 58 were the best figures ever by a left-arm wrist-spinner on Test debut, beating Chuck Fleetwood-Smith's 80-year-old record by six runs. Herath's 4 for 49 was no surprise to anyone, his mastery of drift and natural variation causing confusion for Australia. Australia were bowled out shortly before tea for 203, with a lead of 86.

The afternoon rain set in at the tea break, but not before Sri Lanka lost a wicket of their own. Kusal Perera, sent out to open instead of Dimuth Karunaratne, last-

ed only five balls before he was beaten for pace by Mitchell Starc, who trapped him lbw with a fullish delivery for 4. Karunaratne walked to the crease at first drop to join Kaushal Silva (2 not out) but before he could face a ball, the rain came.

If cricket is about timing, then Perera's could hardly have been worse. He had spent much of the afternoon keeping wicket after Dinesh Chandimal failed to emerge

batting in the first innings.

The bowling of both sides, though, has been exemplary. Sri Lanka applied pressure right throughout the second day, Herath and Sandakan bewitching Australia with their variations and Nuwan Pradeep toiling admirably as the sole frontline fast man. Adam Voges was the only batsman from either side to last 100 balls on a pitch that was perfectly fine for batting.

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st Innings 117 all out Australia 1st innings J Burns b Herath 3 D Warner b Pradeep 0 U Khawaja lbw b Herath 26 S Smith*st †Chandimal b Herath 30 A Voges c Mendis b Pradeep 47 M Marsh b Sandakan 31 P Nevill† c MDKJ Perera b Herath 2 S O’Keefe c Mendis b Sandakan 23 M Starc c MDKJ Perera b Sandakan 11 N Lyon lbw b Sandakan 17 J Hazlewood not out 2 Extras (b 4, lb 7) 11 Total (all out; 79.2 overs) 203

following the lunch break, a stomach complaint keeping him off the field. It was otherwise a pretty decent day for Sri Lanka, whose main problem was their own poor

Fall of wickets 1-3, 2-7, 3-69, 4-70, 5-130, 6-137, 7-160, 8-179, 9-190, 10-203 Bowling: Pradeep 16-6-362, Herath 25-8-49-4, Perera 14-1-43-0, Sandakan 21.23-58-4, Mathews 3-1-6-0 Sri Lanka 2nd innings M Perera lbw b Starc J Silva not out Extras Total (1 wicket; 2.2 overs) To bat: FDM Karunaratne, BKG Mendis, LD Chandimal†, AD Mathews*, DM de Silva, MDK Perera, HMRKB Herath, PADLR Sandakan, N Pradeep Fall of wickets 1-6 Bowling: Starc 1.2-0-31, Hazelwood 1-0-3-0

4 2 0 6

Two Australians lost their cool, inexplicably trying to attack Herath before they were settled: Steven Smith in the second over of the day when he danced

down the pitch, was beaten in flight while trying to smash one down the ground, and was stumped for 30; and Peter Nevill, who on 2 uncharacteristically tried to go over the infield and lofted a straightforward chance to mid-on.

Smith's departure meant Australia were under early pressure and Herath doubled it by trapping Usman Khawaja, the other not-out batsman overnight, in his next over. Coming around the wicket, Herath fired one in quicker and straighter.

Khawaja failed to get his bat in the way, and was lbw for 26, having added only one to his score.

Voges, who had narrowly survived a big lbw shout first ball - Sri Lanka's review showed Herath's delivery was sliding just far enough down leg to remain with the umpire's not-out call - led Australia's steadying effort and had support initially from Mitchell Marsh.

However, on 31 Marsh failed to pick Sandakan's wrong'un and was bowled to leave Australia at 130 for 5.

While Voges remained, Australia could dream of a healthy 100-plus first-innings lead, but he was the only Australian to fall to pace on day two, edging to gully when Pradeep found a little extra bounce. Voges had made 47 from 115 balls and would be one of seven Australians to reach double figures without any going on to post a half-century.

Failure to convert starts is a pet peeve for coach Darren Lehmann.

The tail wagged a bit, Steve O'Keefe occupying the crease for 80 balls for his 23, Starc launching a six in his 11, and Nathan Lyon adding 17 useful runs. But they all found Sandakan hard to pick, and in the end he picked up all of their wickets. Starc edged a conventional wrist-spinner behind, O'Keefe was caught at bat-pad off a wrong'un, and Lyon was trapped lbw playing his favourite sweep shot.

Still, in a low-scoring Test a lead of 86 was not insignificant. And as Perera found out a few minutes later, Sri Lanka still had a mountain of work ahead of them to achieve parity. (Cricinfo)

19

Rio 2016...

Vladimir Putin says Olympics ‘less of a spectacle’ without Russians

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) speaks to sports minister Vitaly Mutko, whose request to the IAAF to reinstate Russia’s track and field athletes for the Rio Olympics was rejected

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin says medals won at Rio 2016 will be devalued by the banning of Russian competitors.

There have been 108 Russians banned from next month's Olympics so far, including 67 out of 68 from the athletics team.

Putin said there was a "deliberate campaign targeting our athletes".

"The other sportsmen understand that the quality of their medals will be different," he told the Russian Olympic team at the Kremlin in Moscow.

Putin, who said the Games would be "less of a spectacle" as a result of the bans, said the "campaign" he alleged "was characterised by so-called double standards and opted for the idea of collective responsibility, which is not compatible with sport, justice in general, or the basic norms of law".

Russia's fencing, volleyball and triathlon squads are the latest to have been cleared to compete at the Rio Games, which begin on 5 August.

Governing bodies are making rulings on whether Russian athletes can take part following the damming World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) report into statesponsored doping in the country. here are 16 Russian fencers due to compete in Brazil and six triathletes.

The International Volleyball Federation has cleared the Russian volleyball and beach volleyball teams for Rio, with 30 players across the respective squads.

Fencing's governing body

the FIE said it had re-examined the results from 197 drug tests taken by Russian fencers between 2014 and 2016 and all came back negative.

An International Triathlon Union (ITU) statement said: "None of the six Russian triathletes (three men, three women) that have qualified for 2016 Olympics are included in the McLaren report, nor have any of them served suspensions or bans for failed doping tests.

"Additionally, they have all been tested outside of Russia. Therefore, ITU will recommend to the IOC that these six athletes be permitted to compete in Rio next month."

The International Olympic Committee has said individual federations should decide if Russians in their respective sports can compete following Wada's report.

Some international federations have banned Russians from competing altogether, some have issued a partial ban, while others have cleared all Russians to take part.

All Russian competitors from equestrian, shooting, judo, tennis and archery have been given permission to compete.

Athletics' governing body, the IAAF, opted to ban Russian track and field athletes unless they can satisfy strict doping criteria. So far, only one has been able to do that.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko sent a letter on Monday to IAAF president Lord Coe, asking him to reverse the ban, but said on Wednesday his request had been refused. (BBC)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

"Biggest Party in Sport" takes centre stage in Florida

BY JOHN RAMISNGH in Lauderhill Florida

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents will be part of history as the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) makes its long awaited debut in the United States of America with the first of six matches bowling off this evening in Florida.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors were having their final practice session ahead of the historic match while the ground staff were seen

Adam Zampa demonstrating the art of leg spin bowling to a young cricketer from Florida

The new addition to the venue is the CPL VIP pavilion

Umpires Peter Nero (hands raised) and Leslie Reifer Jr were getting their eyes in as well

putting the final touches to the venue to have it in perfect shape for the expected sold out crowd at the Central County Broward Recreational Park in Lauderhill.

Amazon Warriors Head coach, Roger Harper and Assistant coach Esuan Crandon were seen taking the players through their paces while Umpires Leslie Reifer Jr and Peter Nero took the opportunity to get some ‘nets’ in as well which is now a custom for modern Umpires.

On the task at hand, both camps are focused knowing that nothing more than a victory is needed.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Rayad Emrit said that his team is looking to win both matches to put themselves in a good position in the play-offs but reiterated the importance of taking it one match at a time and not getting too far ahead of themselves.

His opposite number, Kieron Pollard said that despite the Warriors not having the ‘big’ names in their camp they play as a team which is very important.

The outspoken Pollard also said that Rayad Emrit is a former Trident player is very capable of getting the job done. Pollard said it is a must win game of his team and they are committed to go all out with nothing more than a victory on their minds.

The straight boundaries are short and there is a high wind blowing across the ground from east to west and both Emrit and Pollard are aware of that and are prepared to coun-

Steven Jacobs signs an autograph while Adam Zampa takes a photograph

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was in the grand stand

ter the effects. The pitch is laden with dry grass and both captains said that they have full squads of 16 fit members to choose from and they will make a final assessment before deciding on their final composition.

Legendary former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was also at the Central Broward County Recreational Park among a group of 15 cricket coaches and was a favourite among those gathered at the venue as well.

Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Omar Khan along with players Dwayne Smith, Steven Jacobs and Adam Zampa took time off from their practice session to interact with young and prospective cricketers who gathered at the ground to get a glimpse of their stars ahead

Warriors opening batsman Nic Maddinson had a good knock in the nets

Amazon Warriors Manager Omar Khan (third left) and members of the team were in an interactive session with young fans

Guyana Amazon Warriors bowlers under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Roger Harper

of their key clash this evening. The cricketers told the youngsters the importance of working hard to get what they need out of life and also the importance of balancing academics with

playing sports (cricket).

The Warriors players also signed autographs and took photographs with the young American fans while Adam Zampa gave an aspiring leg spinner some tips

on the art of bowling and later presented him with his own number 63 Adam Zampa tee-shirt.

The large diaspora of Caribbean citizens in Florida mixing with the cu-

rious Americans will all be part of history as they experience the biggest party on sport and the memory will be with them for a long time to come.

YELLOW PAGES THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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T

Alzarri Joseph

he West Indies selection panel has decided to increase its squad for the second home Test against India starting on Saturday, July 30, and none other than the young and exciting fast bowling prospect Alzarri Joseph has been gifted with that additional spot.

The lofty 19-year-old fast bowler, who recently impressed at the Youth World Cup in Bangladesh and is currently playing for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League, will join the team in time for the second Test, which starts in Jamaica on Saturday.

Joseph, who plays for the Leeward Islands and de-

buted against the Windward Islands in 2014, has made eight First-Class outings so far in his short career and has picked up 24 scalps. He boasts an average of 24.45 with the ball and is known for hostility towards batsmen with the pace he generates while bowling.

The right-hand fast man joins a squad which already includes two fast bowlers, Shannon Gabriel and Miguel Cummings and should he be given the opportunity to play, he will be looking to turn around the West Indies’ fortunes, as they are one down in the four-match series.

Sabina Park’s pitch is regarded as the fastest in the Caribbean and it would be

the ideal place to give the youngster his International debut.

Besides Joseph’s inclusion, there were no changes to the squad which reads; Jason Holder (Captain); Kraigg Brathwaite (Vice Captain); Devendra Bishoo; Jermaine Blackwood; Carlos Brathwaite; Darren Bravo; Rajindra Chandrika; Roston Chase; Miguel Cummins; Shane Dowrich; Shannon Gabriel; Alzarri Joseph; Leon Johnson and Marlon Samuels Commenting on the squad, Courtney Browne, Chairman of the West Indies selection panel, said he would like to thank the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for supporting the request to increase the squad to 14, which allowed the selectors to add Joseph.

“We feel that Alzarri, who led the attack so expertly in the ICC Youth World Cup earlier this year in Bangladesh, will now benefit from the professional guidance of our coaching staff and the presence of fast bowling legend Joel Garner as manager,” said Browne.

“As we develop our Test team, we see this as a positive step in the process. We would like to wish the team every success for the rest of the series.”

German’s Restaurant supports baseball team

G

erman’s Restaurant has given support to the Guyana Under-21 Women’s Baseball team, which are preparing to make history come next month when they visit Halifax, Canada to play in an invitational tournament from August 4 to 8.

Proprietor of German’s Restaurant Clinton Urling made the timely donation to team captain Nia Gonsalves last week.

Urling, who once headed a Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation, said: “Sport is a pathway to so many things: education, life’s lessons and empowerment. I look forward to seeing our ladies represent the Golden Arrowhead with pride and poise.”

The team, which feature some of the top young ladies, most of whom hail from Berbice, have written the subject as part of their Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) curriculum and have now gone on to playing and coaching.

Captain Gonsalves, of the team also known as “Kanimas”, thanked Urling on behalf of the team, for his continuous support of sport in Guyana and promised to make a path for future female baseball teams to follow.

German’s Restaurant proprietor Clinton Urling (left) hands over the cheque to Kanimas Captain Nia Gonsalves. At right is Guyana Baseball League President Robin Singh

Director of Sport, Chris Jones, on behalf of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Wendy Quinn, wife of British Ambassador Gregory Quinn, have also thrown their support behind

the ladies who will attempt to break new ground.

The Kanimas will play in the Canadian Women’s Invitational and the matches will be broadcast live on E-Networks.

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Digicel’s Schools Football Championships…

ChristianburgWismar survive scare to reach 6th final

Inaugural co-ed U-13 tournament gets support from GFF

— set up rematch with Chase Academy

From left: Shaquille Campbell and Omar Brewley

D

efending champions ChristianburgWismar Secondary won in the most dramatic fashion against Sir Leon's Lesson to reach their sixth consecutive final in the Digicel's Schools

last year’s final with Chase Academic Foundation, who had earlier disposed of Bush Lot Secondary 10-0.

After several missed opportunities, a goal by O'Neil Sharp in the 53rd minute gave Sir Leon’s the lead.

game but their persistence certainly paid dividends, and they will now be booming with confidence as they chase their fifth consecutive title.

Earlier, North Georgetown champs, Chase Academic Foundation made light work of Bush Lot Secondary by inflicting a 10-0 drubbing.

Nicholas McArthur started the rout in the seventh minute with a powerful strike from the top of the box; he then made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute, slotting home one into the roof of the net.

Kelsey Benjamin was next to score in the 31st minute, unleashing a powerful right foot shot into the top left corner; Benjamin then sealed his double in the 39th minute, skipping past the challenges of two defenders.

The lopsided contest continued in the second period as six more goals were fashioned. Ryan Hackett took over the goal scoring responsibility as he netted twice in the 60th and 64th minute.

Completing the rout were Stephon Reynolds, McArthur, Shamol Smith and Joshua Williams in the 85th, 86th, 88th and 90th+1 minute respectively.

The final is slated for July 31 at the National Stadium and the winner of the event is slated to receive $1,000,000 toward the funding of a school project

Coordinator Otis James (left) collects the footballs from acting GFF General Secretary Merson Jones

T

he inaugural coed Under-13 football championship has received some support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), with acting General Secretary Merson Jones gifting the organisers a set of footballs.

The championship is as a result of the members of the Alex Bunbury Sports,

Academics & Academy (ABSAA) and Next Generation Entertainment hosting the Round Robin Football, which sees action last for 20 minutes per match.

This football format will see 10 boys and 2 girls on each team and will be held this Saturday at the Parade Ground, Georgetown from

11:00h to 17:00h and will feature (12 teams) with a total of 26 games showcasing Guyana’s young male and female football talent.

COED Football provides a welcoming environment for youth to develop and hone skills, exercise and meet new friends.

Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three finishers, compliments of Aqua Water and Little Rock Hotel.

Other sponsors on board are: GECOM; GFF; Samuel Bunbury; James Paul (USA); Puran Brothers Disposal Inc; Petra Organisation; Donna Shop (Fort Kingston) and Frontline Hardware Store (Plaisance).

The participating teams are: Tucville, East Bank, Kingston, Alberttown, Tiger Bay, Plaisance, West Ruimveldt, Eastville, Golden Stars, Golden Warriors, Lodge Church Team, Santos, East Bank B and Alpha.

Foreign Affairs Ministry hosts domino competition

S

ix teams across the various Ministries and Government Agencies will do battle in the Foreign Ministry’s Office Assistants Sports Committee Domino competition on Friday, July 29 on the lawns of the Ministry’s

Protocol Division.

The knockout competition is expected to begin from 16:00h and will see teams trying to win the coveted Winston Felix Trophy and $20,000 cash prize.

Runners-up will receive medals and $6000.

Teams wishing to participate are advised that registration will be done at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and closes at noon on Thursday, July 28. Only the first six teams will be entering the competition.

Andrew Lewis Boxing C/Ships starts Friday at Gymnasium

T

Young Kelsey Benjamin (orange and red) proved to be a handful for the Bush Lot unit, netting two skilful goals

Football Championship on Wednesday at the Track and Field facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

National Under-17 forward Omar Brewley scored a penalty in the 93rd minute to seal a 2-1 win, in their miraculous comeback to create a rematch of

The chances continued to be crafted for Sir Leon’s Lessons, but their failure to convert their chances came back to haunt them as Shaquille Campbell scored in the 82nd minute to send the sizeable crowd into a frenzy.

The Lindeners by no means played the better

and the championship trophy while the second-place unit will receive $700,000 and the runners-up accolade.

The third and fourthplaced unit will walk away with $400,000 and $350,000 and the corresponding trophy. Similarly, $100,000 will be awarded to each zone winner.

he Andrew “SixHeads” Lewis Novices Boxing Championships will start on Friday and run until Sunday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The event, which is in its second year, was originally set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last weekend, but had to be shifted owing to several unforeseen circumstances.

Based on reports, the young boxers have been preparing at their respective gyms and are eager to get into action. They will be required to present themselves today for the weighin and medicals from 17:00h at the Six-Heads Gym in Albouystown.

The event involves 11 gyms from all three counties and keen competition is anticipated among the young fighters over the three nights.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will seek to defend their title in the tour-

Some feisty battles are expected among the young pugilists

nament, which has attracted over 60 young pugilists.

The action is set to start at 19:00h nightly. The competition will feature action in both male and female categories.

Two gyms from Essequibo; two gyms from Rose Hall Town, Berbice;

two gyms from the mining town of Linden and six from other parts of Demerara will participate.

Admission is $500, while children will be admitted free. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the young boxers.

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

Tridents, Warriors clash in historic CPL match

T

Ravi Rampaul

he Caribbean Premier League (CPL) shifts from the Caribbean to the United States of America (USA) for the first time, with the last group games being held in Florida.

The Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors will be part of history, as the two teams to participate in the first CPL game in a foreign territory in a key contest tonight at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Fort Lauderdale.

It will be the first encounter between the two teams in this edition of the CPL and it is predicted to be a highly competitive match, with lots of energy and entertainment in a new atmosphere.

In head-to-head matches, the Tridents hold the advantage with three wins compared to Warriors’ two; however, it is the latter who have been playing better this year and are currently in second place behind Jamaica Tallawahs while the Tridents are currently in fifth position.

With the exception of the Tallawahs who have already qualified for the playoffs and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who are in the cellar, the remaining four teams are heading for a photo finish. A win tonight for the Warriors can secure a playoff berth while the Tridents must win to keep their hopes of advancing alive. So it’s do or die for the Tridents, while a win for the Warriors will

ease the pressure ahead of their final preliminary match, which is also against the Tridents.

In an address to the media, the Tridents’ Shoaib Malik said he believed that conditions should be great for some excellent cricket.

“The wicket is not very different to what we have been playing on in the Hero CPL. I don’t really see much difference, but today was my first day that I have practised on these pitches, but these are good pitches and I must give credit to the curators and groundsmen. I think it is going to be great fun for us and for the American people.”

There is clearly an appetite for high-quality cricket in the USA and Malik is looking forward to a big crowd at the Lauderhill ground. “As a cricketer, I would want to see people coming and obviously the huge community from India and Pakistan live here and I am sure they are going to turn up and are going to make these games very entertaining. I would request them: we are only here for a week, please come to the ground and support all of the teams.”

Malik says the Tridents are just going to take one match at a time as they look to secure a spot in the finals week in St Kitts and Nevis. “We are not looking forward to two games; we are going to take it match by match, but obviously these are very important games for us. If we win both the

games we should be able to go to the playoffs. Our priority is to win match by match and see what comes.

We haven’t played against Guyana this season, but we have seen they have quality cricketers in their team, so it is going to be a battle between two good teams.”

For his part, the Warriors’ Captain, Rayad Emrit said judging from his experience at the ground previously, the wicket play similar to the one at Providence and his team are looking to making good of what it has to offer.

The Warriors were dominant at the start of this year’s campaign, winning two games on the road before heading home to win three out of four matches.

Since leaving home, they have lost to the Tallawahs and the Zouks and are now looking to get back on track.

Chris Lynn has been their most outstanding performer with the bat and has received support from Dwayne Smith, Jason Mohamed and Martin Guptill, who has returned home to New Zealand to fulfil national duties. However, all of their other batsmen and allrounders have failed to execute with the bat.

Their bowling department is intact and has been a worry for opposition batsmen, especially in Guyana.

However, since they have moved from home, the quintet attack, which comprised Emrit, Sohail Tanvir, Veerasammy Permaul, Adam Zampa and Steven Jacobs, has been broken up and the other bowlers tried did not perform to expectation. The Warriors should include Jacobs and make it more difficult for opposition batsmen to score.

Barbados, on the other hand, has a strong batting line-up which features young hitting sensation Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Ahmed Shehzad and Malik, but the unit has not performed as it did in previous tournaments. Due to their lacklustre performance so far, it will take the Tridents a spectacular all-

WICB Regional U-19…

Guyana lose 1st innings points on opening day — Adams bags seven

R

onaldo Renee and Akenie Adams started with bat and ball respectively, but defending champions Guyana lost first innings points on the opening day of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19 Tournament at Park Hill in St Vincent.

Renee made an even fifty as Guyana fell for 120 in reply to Jamaica’s 143 all-out on a day where the bowlers

dominated the proceedings.

Left-arm spinner Adams was the pick of the bowling for Guyana, grabbing seven wickets to mark his Under-19 debut.

Fellow debutant Bhaskar Yadram supported Adams with two wickets, while the other wicket was due to a run out.

In the Barbados- Trinidad clash, the latter closed the day on 312-6, with West Indies youth player Kirstan

Kallicharan top scoring with 110. Bryan Boodram was unbeaten on 77, while Cephas Cooper and Dejourne Charles stroked 59 and 51 respectively. Leniko Boucher claimed three wickets for Barbados.

In the other match Leewards were closing in on first innings points against Windwards, ending on 75-4 in pursuit of the 109 all out made by Windwards.

Teams

Mat Won Lost N/R

Pts Net RR

Jamaica Tallawahs

8

6

1

1

13

+1.502

Guyana Amazon Warriors

8

5

3

0

10

+0.017

Trinbago Knight Riders

8

4

4

0

8

-0.029

St Lucia Zouks

8

4

4

0

8

-0.101

Barbados Tridents

8

3

4

1

7

-0.184

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

8

1

7

0

2

-1.022

round performance to win against the Warriors.

Withstanding their strengths and weaknesses, a win for either team will see them enter the record books as the first team to win a CPL match outside the Caribbean.

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Rayad Emrit (Captain); Sohail Tanvir;

Dwayne Smith; Chris Lynn; Nick Maddison; Adam Zampa; Jason Mohammad; Christopher Barnwell; Veerasammy Permaul; Orlando Peters; Assad Fudadin; Shimron Hetmyer; Anthony Bramble; Paul Wintz; Steven Jacobs; Steven Katwaroo and Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan.

Barbados Tridents: Kieron Pollard (Captain); Ahmed Shehzad; Shoaib Malik; Ravi Rampaul; Nicholas Pooran; David Wiese; Robin Petersen; Raymon Reifer; Ashley Nurse; Shamar Springer; Marchant de Lange; Akeal Hosein; Imran Khan; Kyle Hope; Navin Stewart; Kyle Corbin and Steven Taylor.

RHTY&SC Cricket Teams 2016 Town Week

Guyana Tourism Authority, King’s Jewellery World official co-sponsors

Director of Tourism, Indranauth Haralsingh and RHTY&SC, MS, Secretary /CEO Hilbert Foster seal the deal while executive member Mark Papannah looks on

T

he plans of the eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, to host the best-ever Town Week in the history of Guyana received a major boost when the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and King’s Jewellery World came on board as co-sponsors.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, along with executive member Mark Papannah, last Thursday paid a working visit to the Sophia Exhibition Site of the GTA and held a follow-up discussion with the Director of Tourism, Indranauth Haralsingh and Tourism Officer Raj Roopnarine.

Haralsingh had visited the Club’s office in June when a proposal package was submitted to the GTA. The two organisations agreed to work together to organise the best-ever Town Week with the main objectives being promoting the township and attracting tourists.

The GTA would be joining the Office of the Prime

Minister to donate another 100 Guyana flags to decorate the entire township and two large banners to welcome visitors to the town, to sponsor the publication of 500 large posters depicting historical sites located in Rose Hall Town and sponsoring the first prize of $50,000for the Rose Hall Town Cuisine Competition.

The GTA would also be operating a booth at the historic Rose Hall Town Career and Business Fair on Thursday, September 22, while the RHTY&SC would be accommodated in the GTA booth at the Berbice Expo to promote the event to the general public.

The GTA Director also promised to assist the Club to seek sponsorship for some tourist seating in the Family Recreational Park, which would be opened during the Town Week by the cricket teams.

The Club Secretary/CEO expressed gratitude to the Tourism Authority for its support and assured them that the events would be well organised. Meanwhile,

the RHTY&SC has also received the cooperation of Managing Director of the world-renowned King’s Jewellery World, Looknauth Persaud in hosting the firstever Rose Hall Town Cuisine Competition. Residents of the township would be involved in a Yard Fowl Curry Cooking Competition.

The top three winners will take home over $100,000 in cash, trophies and medals. King’s Jewellery World will help provide the necessary cooking equipment, banners to promote the event, trophies for the top winners and judges for the historic competition, which will be open to only residents of Rose Hall Town.

Foster expressed gratitude to Persaud and King’s Jewellery World for their continued assistance.

He also disclosed that Demerara Bank has indicated that it would sponsor the Spelling Bee competition for primary school students, while the organisers are also on the verge of clinching several deals with other major sponsors.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

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

Tridents, Warriors clash in historic CPL match

Pg 23

Digicel’s Schools Football Championships…

— set up rematch with Chase Academy

Pg 22

Christianburg-Wismar Secondary pose showing the “number five” sign, the number of times they would be successful should they win in the final on July 31 (Photo courtesy of

Adrian Narine)

Christianburg-Wismar survive scare to reach 6th final

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