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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2973 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

3 escape from Sophia juvenile holding centre

September 11, 2016

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Corentyne woman busted P16 with weed

Page 8

– 1 recaptured in Berbice

Ambassador denies being 'mastermind' in US fraud case See stories on pages 9 & 11

… says he paid US$10,000 fine “under protest” ... failed to disclose ‘criminal’ past – AFC

Ramjattan backpedals on expansive SOCU powers …says will listen to Opposition

P2

Heritage Village 2016

President Granger calls on Guyanese to erase differences Page 3

Caribbean Airlines P15 bans use of Samsung Note 7 on all flights

Vendors frustrated over lack of sales at Parliament View Mall P14 …says barely surviving on meagre income Members of the Mainstay/Whyaka Dance Group and the Surama Dance Group in their traditional wear celebrated Indigenous Heritage Day at Mainstay/Whyaka Village, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday

“Hammer will fall” on squatters – CHPA Page 13

Child killed in Sheriff St accident

Page 14

World Suicide P7 Prevention Day

Voices unite for decriminalisation of attempted suicide

2 NEWS Ramjattan backpedals on expansive SOCU powers SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

… says will listen to Opposition

T

he powers imbued in the Government’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are indeed expansive and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, in the face of mounting criticism, has indicated a willingness to scale back on the mandate of the Unit.

Ramjattan made the commitment to reassess the powers of SOCU on Friday during an Alliance For Change (AFC) press engagement.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been at the forefront of criticising the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Killed SOCU agent, GDF Sergeant Robert Pyle

Attorney Anil Nandlall

Administration’s SOCU protocols, saying that it is too expansive and does not meet

with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force.

Ramjattan on Friday told media operatives “we are going to listen to the voice of the Opposition” and other stakeholders, with a view to reducing the SOCU powers should cogent arguments be presented.

The Public Security Minister did use the occasion to lament the fact that when the PPP/C demitted Office in May last year, SOCU was left without a clear mandate.

This situation, he said, is what led to the fatal accident which left three persons dead, including Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Robert Pyle, who was at the time seconded to SOCU and was killed on duty.

He said when the coalition A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) took office, it was met with a situation where a clear mandate in the form of protocols had to be put

in place.

Speaking to the expanded nature of the protocols, Ramjattan firstly pointed to a situation where there are no referrals for investigations by the Financial Intelligence Unit and questioned whether the qualified ranks would be left doing nothing.

He said, this was among the considerations when the SOCU protocols were put in place so that the Unit could also be looking into matters of ‘white collar’ crimes.

On the matter of having the body investigating murders and such like offences, Ramjattan questioned what obtains in the event that a murder is committed as a result of some white collar crime and asked if SOCU would have to sit back and call in the Police Force’s homicide department.

He nonetheless said the Administration is open to lis-

tening to the criticisms and would scale back the mandate of the Unit.

Ramjattan was adamant it appears that the only criticism of SOCU is its mandate being too wide and this can be scaled back, adding “this is what the great democracy is all about.”

SOCU was established in 2013 as a law enforcement agency to investigate exclusively allegations and reports relating to money laundering and terrorism as part of Guyana’s international obligations to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML&CFT) apparatus.

The Unit’s responsibility has since been expanded to include the investigation of numerous other offences, apart from investigating referrals from the FIU and suspected criminal transactions relating to financial crimes, including money laundering and financing of terrorism, the body is also tasked with probing nonfinancial crimes.

Among the “specific responsibilities” of SOCU as spelt out in the protocols introduced by Ramjattan are investigating corruption and bribery, murders, grievous bodily harm, robbery or theft, forgery, piracy, counterfeiting currency, counterfeiting and piracy of products, environmental crimes and gold smuggling.

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Demerara – Sunday, September 11 – 13:00h-14:30h and Monday, September 12 – 14:00h-15:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, September 11 – 11:45h-13:15h and Monday, September 12 – 12:55h-14:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers with chances of sunshine can be expected throughout the day. Clear skies with chances of light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 0.89 metres to 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 11:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.11 metres.

Low Tide: 05:15h and 17:52h reaching minimum heights of 1.04 metres and 1.13 metres respectively.

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Heritage Village 2016

President Granger calls on Guyanese to erase differences …as rich Amerindian culture displayed

By Indrawattie Natram

P

resident David Granger is calling on Guyanese to work together with their elected leaders at the central, regional and municipal levels to erase all differences and foster equality in order to build a better Guyana.

He was speaking to Guyana’s Indigenous people as he addressed a packed audience on Saturday at this year's Indigenous Heritage Month Village Day celebration, being held in Mainstay/Whyaka community in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

During his address, he said Guyanese should persevere with the main principle of equality, and to operate under one umbrella of unison hence stamping out all forms of exploitation, especially against Indigenous people.

According to the Head of State, even though much has been achieved in hinterland development over the years, there is still much more to be done to remove existing gaps and eradicate inequality in hinterland communities.

“We have to make a choice between progress and prejudice. We have to make a choice between integration and segregation, and once we make that choice, we have to work strenuously to ensure that our people all over the country receive the benefits of this great country,” he stated.

Speaking about the Indigenous people and their rich culture, the Head of State pointed out that while Guyana's population consists of 10.5 per cent Indigenous people, who control over 14 per cent of its territory, the country nevertheless operates as one state with one constitution that seeks to protect the rights and provide betterment for all of its people.

To this end, President Granger stated that his Government is committed in revising the Amerindian Act by ensuring that there is new reform to protect the Indigenous people and their rights. He therefore called on all the communities and the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) to support the revising of the Act as well as to help protect Amerindian lands. The President added too that he has also lobbied for Indigenous people to sit on the Land Commission.

“Changes are taking place and as a people, we cannot pretend we cannot dream; we have to make choices and they have to be wise,” Granger posit-

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger being escorted into the Heritage Village by Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Joel Fredericks

ed.

Against this backdrop, the Head of State implored all local authorities such as the RDC, village councils and municipalities to work together with the common aim of improving the livelihoods of Guyanese.

Protecting Guyana's borders

Moreover, during his lengthy address, the President touched on the border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela. He said that even as Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary, its borders continue to face threats from the western neighbour, thus obstructing development: “We need to stick together, we all have a common future and we must see ourselves as united, combine our energies. We need to protect our territorial borders from disputes, as such I will seek UN (United Nations) for help.”

Meanwhile, Toshao of the Amerindian community and chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Joel Fredericks, welcomed everyone from across the country in attendance of the celebrations in his community, being held under theme: “Our Culture, Earth, Future; Save the Environment, Live the Indigenous the Way”.

During his welcoming address, Fredericks called for the upgrading of the road leading from the Chineselock area to the community. He also called on President Granger to give priority to the village developing agriculture and blackwater tourism, while requesting that the village airstrip be re-commissioned to allow flights there again, which will further boost business for the Lake Mainstay Resort.

This call for upgrading the road

and airstrip of the prestigious community was supported by Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, who told those gathed that Indigenous people over the years have been performing well in every sector.

He underscored that while there is a need for celebrations, it must not be forgotten that many Indigenous children cannot attend school due to lack of finances and the inability to access a secondary education.

He further highlighted that Indigenous pensioners are finding it very difficult to uplift their pension due to the new requirement for birth certificate that has been put in place by the Ministry of Social Protection. These issues, the regional chairman noted, must be addressed to allow the country’s Indigenous people to have a better life.

Among the dignitaries attending the celebration were First Lady Sandra Granger; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Lowe; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, and Toshaos from the various communities.

The programme featured dances by the Mainstay, Rupertee and Surama dance troupes, poems and songs also done by residents of the community.

In addition, the history of the community was done by an elder Milton Fredericks. Indigenous people were seen clad in their indigenous wear and lots of their dishes were on displayed.

The day concluded with pageant, cultural extravaganza, cannoe racing and a campfire.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

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Editorial

Bring back Gatekeepers

Y

esterday, the world, including Guyana observed "World Suicide Prevention Day" under the theme "Connect, Communicate and Care". As on most of the previous occasions, there was a flurry of very highly publicised activities to show the world "something is being done" in this country that has the dubious distinction of having the highest suicide rate in the world. The Public Health Ministry hosted one of these highly publicised events at the Giftland Mall that kicked off a "month of activities" related to suicide prevention.

But when one examines the programme, most of the activities are the well-worn placebos that have been trotted out annually and are not direct interventions that can make an impact on potential suicide victims. "Walks", "vigils" and "Suicide Bereavement" merely highlight the suicide problem: the question is not "to know or not to know about suicide" – everyone knows. The imperative is to DO something that will have an impact to bring the numbers down.

The Ministry's release claims there was a "National Suicide Prevention Programme" launched since last year that is being "continuously implemented". "The multisectoral approach to suicide prevention has seen focus being placed in four strategic action areas: risk factors reduction, health promotion and prevention; reducing access to the means of suicide; improving health systems response to suicidal behaviour; and strengthening surveillance and research on suicide in Guyana." This is tantamount to seeking to reinvent the wheel.

In 2001, a National Suicide Prevention Strategy was drafted; in 2007, a National Suicide Prevention Committee was launched and in 2009, in conjunction with Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the only initiative that had an impact on suicide reduction – the "Gatekeepers' Programme" (GP), was launched. By this time, suicide had been labelled a "public health problem" within the "mental health" area.

GP broadened the suicide prevention effort beyond the counselling centres which presumed the potential victim would reach out and seek help. Individuals in the community were to be trained by qualified Public Health Ministry personnel as "Gatekeepers" who could recognise signs of individuals contemplating ending their lives. The Gatekeepers would be known in the community.

Studies have shown that once potential suicide victims have been persuaded away from the act, most of them do not attempt to repeat it. The "secret" of dealing with suicidal behaviour then, is to have the institutional capacity to counsel those that may be contemplating taking their lives, to desist. Statistics in the immediate years following the introduction of the programmes suggest that had a salutary effect. Very soon, however, the interventionary programme died on the vine and this Administration seems determined not to resuscitate it, even though one NGO, The Caribbean Voice has been pleading for this to be done. The high profile "photo-op" routes seem to be preferred.

The National Committee on Suicide Prevention appeared to have committed suicide and while the Health Ministry just informed there are some 16 "Satellite Clinics" in nine administrative regions, what happened to all the "counselling centres" that were opened with great publicity before? Or the "lifelines" that were supposed to be manned 24/7 so that potential victims could reach out for help via the now ubiquitous cellphone?

Even during the previous Administration, the funding for GP was always tenuous and this Administration spending impetus is geared more towards mega celebratory events.

When in Opposition, the parties now in Government had promised to place suicide prevention higher on the agenda of health priorities. But as with most of their "promises", this has clearly been forgotten. In the meantime, as reports such as the one in yesterday's edition of this newspaper show, the suicide phenomenon has spread into our hinterland communities.

The incidence of suicide in our country can be reduced but not through events merely focusing on "awareness".

Suicide is ultimately an individual act that needs individual interventions from people who are both aware and trained to deal with suicide prevention. The Gatekeepers Programme can do this.

Volunteers from the audience took part in a friendly wood-chopping competition, much to the amusement of the crowd at Mainstay/ Whyaka Village, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) on Saturday

The Granger APNU/AFC Government totally untransparent Dear Editor, The nation was promised so much by the APNU/ AFC prior to May 2015, but after a year-and-a-half in office and despite all the lip-service the APNU/AFC Government proffers especially to the international liaisons a few of whom seem keen to buy hook, line and sinker, the Granger led APNU-AFC government is entirely un-transparent.

In support of this assertion, the following non-exhaustive litany of examples is cited: 1. Despite all efforts pursued, the citizens of Guyana to this day still do not know who were the criminals pardoned by President Granger. We do not even know exactly how many were released or what were their crimes of conviction. In addition, when the opposition sought to solicit this information through the Parliament, the Speaker who was proposed by the APNU/AFC government refused to allow the question being put.

2. After hundreds of millions of public dollars have been spent without tender on audits none of those audits have been released to the public.

3. To this date, no one knows who donated to the D’Urban Park project or what was the total amount spent on it, or how much is outstanding to contractors even though the nation was initially told that no public funds will be spent on it.

4. This nation has seen Harmon’s refusal to address comprehensively the private jet China trip. We were promised a press conference on the issue upon Harmon’s return but that never happened. More importantly, this nation has not been told what Harmon was doing on that private jet in the first place.

5. The opposition has asked scores upon scores of questions and promises were made on the floor in Parliament by ministers to provide information and in most occasions that requested information was

never provided.

6. President Granger’s repeated refusal to have an open press conference with the media. There are these staged events with selected media personnel.

7. This nation still does not know much was spent on the inauguration. Further, the government was dishonest by saying to the nation initially that no public funds were spent when it was later revealed in the Parliament that public funds were indeed spent.

8. The Government has now stopped the release of names of persons contracted to work for the government. The PPP/C government were required to release the names and the APNU/AFC in opposition used that information to scandalise professionals.

9.

There are a host of contracts which the Government promised to release but never did. In fact, we say the position of this government articulated when the minister stated

openly in Parliament that a contract would be released if the other party consents.

10. What exactly happened the night Plye, his wife (a nurse), and the truck driver got killed when SOCU in what Granger termed as a “legitimate operation” attempted to unlawfully detain my wife and possibly kidnap her.

A host of questions remain unanswered, eg who gave the orders, and this nation is left in the dark because President Granger has said there will be no inquiry.

Though this would not come as a surprise to many given Granger’s military history and his affirmations at the recent PNC congress the nation had hoped for better.

Promises are meant to be kept and sometimes, trust once broken can never be regained.

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Attorney Member of Parliament

A salute to our Amerindian brothers and sisters Dear Editor, Guyanese, more particularly our Amerindian brothers and sisters, mark September as “Amerindian Heritage Month.” This year’s theme “Our Culture, Earth’s Future” could not be more apt, given the rich culture of our First Peoples.

In the settlement of the Americas, the various tribes brought their customs and traditions.

These customs and traditions have shaped our nation; these customs and

traditions we all identify with and benefit from. The names, places, food, architecture, building materials, etc, of our First Peoples have seamlessly been woven into the nation’s fabric and have helped in shaping our aspiration to be “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

Guyana (Land of many waters) is of Amerindian origin. So toois the Cacique Crown which graces our Coat-of-Arms and is one of our National Honours.

Pepper pot, cassava bread, and cassareep – just to name a few – are among the customs and traditions taken for granted today.

What stands out importantly about our brothers and sistersis their unwavering belief in the right to self-determine.

This conviction has seen valiant struggles carried out to protect the innate desire to shape their lives and to live consistent with their ideals. That the Government of Guyana

has respected and protected this in the Constitution is indicative that our Amerindian brothers and sisters were on the right track centuries ago.

Having fought against the odds and live today to tell the stories of struggles and successes from these, such a heritage is worthy of celebration.

Happy Amerindian Month!

Sincerely, Sharma Solomon

guyana-times.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 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

Reckless political interference Is this the good life Guyanese were expecting? can be counterproductive Dear Editor, One of the notable “achievements” the Granger Government did when it took office last year, was to invite the Barbadian Prime Minister to their 50th Anniversary Bash. In fact he was the only foreign Head of Government to visit the bash that was so lavishly laid out by the Guyana Government.

Freundel Stuart was accorded all the courtesies the Guyana Government could afford even conferring on him a National Award.

This in itself was not an ordinary welcome party for a Caribbean Brother, it was also a move meant to rub it all in the faces of the predominantly Indian opposition, that here we are a black dominated party showing all the “love and appreciation” for our black comrades in Government across the Caribbean. If I am not mistaken an invitation was also sent to Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad.

Now, this forms the basis of my argument today, after having done all to make another Black Brother and friend comfortable and happy why should the Guyanese be up in arms or even to protest the way Barbadians treat a citizen from that host country? Why the hullabaloo about a pregnant black woman being ill-treated by the Barbadian Authorities?

This is my point: there should not be any fuss or comments about the Bajan excesses, it’s just the usual way friends treat good friends.

So, it was quite easy for the Barbadian immigration to inhumanely deny a pregnant woman entry into their “beloved” country as well as have her put in de-

tention for more than 12 hours without food and water. Fantastic!

What is more distressing is the fact that the uncivilised immigration department falls under the direct purview of the prime minister’s office - the office of the prime minister is responsible for defence and security. Those immigration officers were doing what they were instructed to do, the directives came from higher quarters.

The bad treatment of Guyanese was somewhat dormant during the Owen Arthur years, however, what happened to that pregnant lady reeks of the general contempt they have for Guyanese.

I can boldly say these things because I lived and worked in Barbados for three years, Barbadians have no respect for Guyanese (especially the Black Guyanese). I am very much au fait with those red chairs having had the onerous opportunity to sit there once before I was cleared and apologised to, when the Barbadian immigration realised that they were about to throw out a qualified geography teacher that was on legal employment.

So, this is the Barbadian position: whenever they perceive a country is “on the down low” and this is the Guyana situation right now, the immigration takes up the stance of being “more vigilant” and the raw brutality is meted out to the “foreigner.”

This was rampant during the 70s 80s and early 90s, when most Guyanese had the horrific experience of being sent back. All of that was greatly eroded when the PPP/C was in office; Guyanese had some respectability when they arrived at Caribbean airports.

However, I am afraid we have returned to that horrible place.

Let me be frank with you, do you remember the days when Guyanese were at every airport begging you to take home boxes of corn curls, cheese, bicycle and car parts?

Do you remember those years of “traders” and “trading” when the PNC-led Government was in control here?

Do you remember those years?

Do you remember those years when no immigration officer wanted to see a Guyanese? It took a herculean task of the PPP/C Government to wipe out that entire degrading situation, but, sadly, it seems like we are going back there.

So, brace yourself Guyana you are in for some bitter days, not only at the hands of the Bajans but from all other Caricom States as they step up the “vigilance.”

It is just past a year of this new Government in Guyana and all of these restrictions and bad treatment is befalling us, what is going on?

Is this the good life Guyanese was expecting?

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Dear Editor, Kindly publish this letter to add more clarity to the issues I raised with regards to the Region 6, 2017 Budget Proposals.

The caption of the budgetary estimates speaks for itself: “Proposed Capital Expenditures 2017” so there is no doubt that it is a proposal made by the RDC to Central Government.

On September 9, the Regional Vice Chairman held a press conference in an attempt to do some damage control and kept on reiterating that the 2017 Estimates “is just a proposal…only a proposal.”

He also belaboured the fact that there were many proposals made by NDCs and that all cannot be accommodated. He then made a remark about the whole issue being politicized by an RDC Councillor.

Firstly, I made it pellucid in my letters to the media that the ‘proposals’ in the 2017 Estimates were not derived from a broad consultation from stakeholders and that it was admitted by the Regional Vice Chairman that himself and the Regional Engineer drove through the areas and knew what proposals should be in the budget. I also emphatically stated that consultation should be at the heart of any budget formulation.

Secondly, I also admitted in my letter that not all the NDCs proposals can be incorporated in the RDC estimate but pointed out that proposals from the NDCs should be prioritised.

This prioritisation of proj-

ects should have been subjected to consultation with the NDCs and this was not done.

Therefore the Regional Vice Chairman failed to address these pertinent issues in his press conference and even failed to give valid reasons.

Furthermore, he claimed that I made ‘wild allegations’ with regards to the fact that he caused the NDIA to assign small excavator to do ‘private works’.

I want to assure him that I took photographs of the ‘private work’ in the presence of an NDC Councillor and I took pictures of the flooding at Chesney the said day in the presence of the residents who were affected. These pictures were attached to my letter to the press.

Lastly, the Vice Chairman instructed the Hymac Operator to move out of the Cropper School area even though some residents, upon my instruction, approached the Hymac operator to clear some clogged drains which contribute to

flooding in the area.

We have works scheduled, which was prepared by the NDC, at its statutory meeting, yet the Vice Chairman showed total disregard for the work prioritised in that schedule.

This has led us in the NDC to conclude that Deoroop is also the Chairman of the Kilcoy/ Hampshire NDC and Joshua Appadoo, a councillor of the said NDC is the Vice-Chairman.

Deoroop made an important observation that the PPP/C is not in government but what he failed to admit is that he should stop behaving as though he is in government. This type of political interference by him will be counterproductive to the functioning of the NDC and I again call on Minister Bulkan to address this dictatorial attitude of the Regional Vice Chairman.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf Chairman Kilcoy/ Hampshire NDC

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

Rain and eternity “Rain is not only drops of water. It’s the love of sky for earth. They never meet each other but sends love this way." – Anon

B

Anu Dev

ack in the days of my callow youth in primary school – was it really that long ago? – along with "as white as snow", we crammed the simile, “as changeable as the weather.” My voracious reading also made the ubiquitous greetings, "nice weather" and "good morning" untethered from their moorings as commentaries on the PHYSICAL environment.

Our good old Guyanese "rainy season" and "dry season" were predictable enough, not to need comments. Well, at least that's what I thought! I'm back home for a few days before I start a new rotation and I've experienced extremes of heat and rain all within a few short days.

I must confess that I love the rain. Not "walking in the rain" or "raindrops keep falling on my head" or, God forbid, "singing in the rain" for me, however. Yes, yes, I know libraries are filled with poetry about that experience; especially in India with their Monsoons and all that. Call me humdrum.

Pneumonia, hy-

pothermia, and such things don't really excite me, thank you!

I just love the rain when I'm in bed. Really! I've heard of the joys of the "patter of little feet" – but that's a whiles away. In the meantime, the patter of raindrops on my roof and window panes, do wonders for me!

Some of the most pleasurable moments of my life have been waking up when the rain's just started to fall and

then burrowing down into the sheets for a little more of that sweet slumber. And you can never have enough of that delicious moment that you just wish could stretch into eternity. If Blake could see eternity in a grain of sand, why not in the sound of rain on zinc roofs?

But there's a downside.

When you have to snap out of that sliver of eternity to get out of bed and get ready for class. That’s when I start making bargains with myself, “I could sleep in for 10 more minutes and I’d still be able to make it to class in time if I take that shortcut to class. But that route gets a bit muddy in the rain. No! It doesn’t matter, sleep is more important (read, "luxurious!")

I’ll deal with the mud when I get there.”

It's cruel and inhuman punishment, I think, having to leave one’s warm, comfy bed to deal with raging winds and torrential downpours. I mean, lying in bed, sometimes in that in-between reality connecting the dream world and this harsh one here: isn't this when you have your most creative ideas? The only problem is we don't generally remem-

ber anything of it when we’re awake. But we do retain that feeling of thinking "deep thoughts".

I was very pleased to read later (in a Chemistry text, of all places!) that one of the greatest of discoveries in organic chemistry occurred to the scientist Kekule while he was dozing. I won't bore you with the details (I bore that ordeal all for you!) save that

it had to do with a snake seizing its own tail. I frequently tell myself that I’m channeling Kekule and just about to make the next great breakthrough in "string theory" when I’m trying to snag that extra 15 minutes of sleep.

At this rate, I may be well on my way to making some breakthrough discovery surpassing Higgs "God Particle" during one of my frequent

naps. Nobel Prize, here I come!

But even with all of my kvetching about the weather, I have to admit that there’s something nice about sprinting home in the pouring rain, changing into dry clothes, putting on a cup of coffee, snuggling up under a blanket, and just listening to the rain pitter-patter across the roofs.

Environment Peace Corps volunteers preparing for stint in Guyana

The first batch of Environment US Peace Corps volunteers

T

he first batch of Peace Corps Environment Volunteers from the United States has arrived in Guyana to work with hinterland families in develop-

ing environmental awareness and leadership skills among youths.

The 10 Peace Corps trainees arrived in Georgetown last week to prepare for two years of service to the people of Guyana. This new batch of trainees make up the 29th group of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Guyana and the first group to focus on environmental education and natural resource management.

Their arrival comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that was signed by the Government of Guyana and the United States Peace Corps on June 30, to support ongoing activities in the areas of environmental protection, sustainable use, and management of Guyana’s natural resources.

Over the next nine weeks, trainees will live with local host families, who will teach them how to cook local food, negotiate in the market place, and participate in community activities. Pre-service training also entails technical sessions on environmental education techniques, Guyana’s biodiversity, local and national environmental issues, and current and past conservation efforts undertaken by envi-

ronmental sector agencies and communities.

Additionally, the trainees are expected to be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers on November 7. They will live in remote indigenous communities in Regions One (BarimaWaini) and Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) where they will work with youths to build environmental awareness and leadership skills, and collaborate with adults to promote communitybased natural resource management.

President John F Kennedy created the Peace Corps in March 1961 to provide human resources and technical assistance to developing countries that request such engagement. The Peace Corps was first active in Guyana from 1966-1971. In 1993, Peace Corps was invited to return to Guyana by President Dr Cheddi Jagan. Since 1995, nearly 700 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Guyana in the health and education sectors.

The Peace Corps extends its gratitude to the Government and the Guyanese people for their hospitality and the opportunity to work together to advance Guyana's sustainable development aspirations.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

World Suicide Prevention Day

Voices unite for decriminalisation of attempted suicide

O

n the heels of a failed motion to decriminalise attempted suicide, anti-suicide advocates on National Suicide Prevention Day intensified calls for amendments to the archaic legislation which institutes penalties for attempting to take one’s life.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Dr Vindhya Persaud, to resounding applause appealed to everyone to support the call for attempted suicide to be decriminalised.

“It is still in our legislation where people can go to jail for attempting suicide. I am going to table (the motion) again and again until we get it out of our legislation because I think if people feel that they are at a point where they have to take their life, we shouldn’t punish them further. We should help them. We should help them find a reason to live,” she expressed during the Public Health Ministry’s launch of National Suicide Prevention Day at the Giftland Mall on Saturday.

Persaud had tabled the motion in the National Assembly calling for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide; however it was not

alism in reporting on suicides.

He explained that the media have a critical role to play in helping to curb the high rate of suicides in the country by making it appear less desirous to end one’s life, noting that the constant descriptive reporting of suicide gives rise to the copycat effect.

Senior Psychiatrist, Dr Bhiro Harry; MP, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Acting Director of Mental Health Unit, Dr Meena Rajkumar; PAHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow and Psychologist Caitlin Vieira

supported by the Government on the grounds that her presentation was too politicised.

Chapter 801: Section 96 of the Criminal Law Offences Act states that anyone who attempts to commit suicide would be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.

Nonetheless, the parliamentarian and rights-advocate said she will not be deterred but will exhaust all efforts until attempted suicide is no longer recognised as a crime.

Furthermore, she said it is time to move from being a judgmental society to one eager to create support networks to show people who are hurting, that we care: “We need to move towards being a society of care,” she emphasised.

Persaud also noted that

everyone has a role to play in ensuring people understand that life is a precious gift worth living: “Life has its fair share of challenges. Everyone has bad days, everyone has good days…we need to let people know that just as you get good days, you get bad days.

Don’t succumb to those bad days. Don’t let those bad moments overwhelm you; and more importantly, understand that when you have to walk a dark path, a difficult road, you don’t have to do it alone,” she advised.

Draft legislation

Senior Psychiatrist Dr Bhiro Harry disclosed that the mental health ordinance was revised and is currently being reviewed by draftsmen and that the draft legislation does not include penalties for

Ramjattan backpedals on...

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had recently criticised the expanded mandate saying “This is a Special Organised Crime Unit, it can’t do 21 things, it has to go back to its core functions, which was [fighting] money laundering and terrorism. There are other places in the Police Force where they deal with piracy, smuggling, fraud, murder… you have the CID or environmental crimes and counterfeiting of products, that’s not for SOCU,” the Opposition Leader declared.

SOCU had come in for intense scrutiny from many quarters of society, including rights groups after a botched operation on December 30, 2015, involving a high-speed chase on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, which resulted in the deaths of three persons – Guyana Defence Force Sergeant Robert Pyle, his wife Stacy Pyle and the driver of a canter truck Linden Eastman.

Sergeant Pyle and a team from SOCU were supposed to be conducting surveillance on the home of former Head

FROM PAGE 2

of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington at Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown, and became engaged in the highspeed chase down Carifesta Avenue with a vehicle occupied by Opposition parliamentarian Charles Ramson Jr, his wife Alana Seebarran and her brother.

During that high-speed chase, Pyle slammed into the truck that was travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in the three deaths.

attempting suicide.

“We are awaiting the draftsmen to do their bit so they can take it to Parliament for a ‘yes’ and then the President can ascent to it,” he stated, noting that the new legislation is more people-friendly, bestowing more rights on patience.

Additionally, Dr Harry expressed gratitude to the media for toning down its sensation-

Connect, Communicate, Care

National Suicide Prevention Day 2016 is being observed under the theme: “Connect, Communicate, Care.” Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow explained that the theme is very relevant as he urged everyone to adhere to it in order to save a life.

He said it is important to build networks and relation-

ships with people, to openly communicate with them and to genuinely show that you care. In fact Dr Adu-Krow pointed out that a study shows that if you can keep someone on the verge of committing suicide engaged for approximately ten minutes, you are likely to prevent them from taking their life.

He noted that it is mindboggling that a country which contributes about 0.01 per cent to the world’s population also contributes 0.03 per cent to suicides globally.

In this regard, Dr AduKrow urged everyone to do their part in helping to save a life. Amazingly, notably absent at the event were Public Health Ministers Dr George Norton and Dr Karen Cummings. (Devina Samaroo)

8

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 escape from Sophia juvenile holding centre – 1 recaptured in Berbice

H

ours after three young men broke out of the juvenile holding centre at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Saturday morning; one was recaptured while two others are still on the run.

The teens were taken to the facility on Friday after they were transported from Essequibo and Berbice.

Two of them were reportedly charged with break and enter and one was arraigned with robbery.

Based on information, the three teens created a hole in the wall of the lower flat of the holding centre and escaped by scaling the security fence of the facility.

Police confirmed that the recaptured juvenile hails from Adventure, Essequibo Coast, and was on remand for attempted murder. He was recaptured at Rose Hall, Corentyne. The 16-yearold was recently jointly charged with Mark Rafino, of Queenstown, Essequibo

Eyew tness Angels and Devils...

The juvenile holding centre at Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Inset is the hole the teens escaped through

Coast for the attempted murder of barber Troy Hercules, who was shot to his body three times during a robbery in front of his home.

The duo were remanded

by Magistrate Sunil Scarce when they appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

The Police are making every effort to recapture the remaining two.

When Guyana Times visited the scene on Saturday, no one was at the facility to provide an official comment;

however, the children in the correctional institution indicated that they want to meet President Granger.

There were also several Police officers monitoring the events at the centre. When contacted, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine explained that the Police are making every effort to recapture the two young men.

Guyana Times understands that the Police in all districts were put on alert.

Children, who would have committed criminal offences, are housed at the juvenile fa-

cility instead of being placed with adults in the state penitentiaries.

The Juvenile Offenders Amendment Act, passed two years ago, makes provisions for Holding Centres for Juveniles. Section 20 (a) of the Act says that the Public Security Ministry may establish and maintain as many centres as may be necessary as the Holding Centres for Juveniles for the reception, care and custody of children and young persons under the orders of the court or for any other appropriate reasons as the Minister may determine.

Duo to be charged with murder

A

lexis Turpin, 25, of Campbell Street, Lodge, Georgetown and Stephon Barley, who are currently charged with attempted murder will have their charge upgraded to murder at their next court appearance after the man they allegedly stabbed succumbed to his injuries.

They appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It was alleged that the duo stabbed Sherwin Johnson, father of Turpin’s child several times in the head with a crow bar.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the initial charge which stated that on July 2, 2016 at Georgetown, while being in the company

Alexis Turpin

of another they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Johnson with the intent to commit murder.

The prosecution on a previous appearance by the duo objected to bail based on the gravity of the offence, while stating that Johnson was still critical at the hospital.

The defendants will return to court on September 22, 2016 for reports.

O

...in government

nce again Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has invoked the "man aren't angels" argument to excuse taking action against governmental malfeasance. In this instance to dismiss widespread calls and demands to go beyond the wrist slap of "ducking the commission of a crime by an official "big one" means just saying "sorry"!

This outrage has moved beyond tiresome because it's actually moved into the realm of encouraging an increase of "official" crimes. And since, as we saw during the first time at the helm by the PNC, the small man will inevitably follow suit. After all, since we are all "man" in the generic sense, so where does one draw the line to invoke culpability to impose sanctions against such behaviour?

As the "big ones" do, so will the "little ones" follow.

It's especially ironic that Ramjattan's in charge of the entire State apparatus charged with taking action against transgressors of public law – including pilfering from public and private purses. Aren't all criminals – whether for felonies or misdemeanours – part of the genus "man" and not "Angels' and are therefore to be excused?? But every month Ramjattan gloats about the Police Force being successful in going after these "men" outside the "official" ring and placing them before the courts and behind bars.

But Ramjattan doesn't stop there – he's calling for an escalation of efforts to hunt down folks who aren't angels.

Take for instance Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which falls inside his bailiwick and mandate: he wants to enlarge this Unit even though his own Attorney General thinks the present Guyana Police Force (GPF) can handle the crimes that don't involve financial shenanigans. The Unit was supposed to go after folks who launder money.

Why doesn't Ramjattan give the poor slobs a break – they aren't angels, are they? And are all those People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials he's been railing against for years – and still does – for "siphoning" off "billions and billions" from the public purse, angels?

But we all know what's going on here, no? Ramjattan invokes the "man not an angel" trope only whenever he wants to excuse one of his own who's caught with their hands in the till. Word in the street is while Norton's no angel (pardon the expression!") he's just the fall guy (a "fallen man"?). And that the one who whispered more than sweet nothings into Larry Singh's ears is the one who got the obligatory piece of the action. Which was much more than 10 per cent!!

Ain't it a shame that big men can fall into the trap of thinking the "small man is a foolish man"?? But time longer than twine – especially when the time is 2020.

Guyanese will see clearly by then!!

...and widening hot pursuit

In the sixties, the doctrine of "Hot Pursuit" was born to justify US troops following Viet Cong troops into neighbouring countries. You couldn't expect the US troops to suddenly wheel aside when they met a border, did you? So much for the UN-declared "sanctity of borders"! By the 1990's, under the now fully developed doctrine of "Hot Pursuit", the US justified crossing international borders – especially in Latin America, to go after smugglers in its "war against drugs".

Well, never let it be said we in the Third World don't learn from our teachers in the First World. The PPP Government, under prodding of G20 induced Financial Action Task Force (FATF) passed legislation against money laundering and financing of terrorism (AML/CTF). As part of this regime, they formed SOCU. Folks are now wondering why this Government wants to expand SOCU's mandate to include garden variety crimes, like murder and rape.

Well...DUH!! SOCU, unlike the GPF, can engage in "Hot Pursuit"!! And we know who'll be the targets, nuh?

...in business

The PPP's wondering why there's differential treatment in the Government reaching "out of court settlements" with some companies and not others like BaiShanLin. Jeez!! Don't they know about the doctrine of "Man and Angels"?

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Ambassador failed to disclose ‘criminal’ past …it did take us all by surprise – AFC Leader

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uyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally, did not disclose his past legal woes to the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government nor did he make any disclosures to his party – AFC. In fact, Alliance for Change Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, has said that the news of the Ambassador’s past, “did take us all by surprise.”

Ramjattan made the disclosure when the party executives met the media on Friday and said that the party is awaiting the results of the investigation into the veracity of the legal troubles.

He was quick to point out however that Dr Ally’s legal troubles were not criminal in nature since, based on the available information it was more of a civil case.

Dr Ally was convicted in March 2003 of financial crimes.

Ramjattan told journalists that Dr Ally has been encouraged to cooperate fully with the investigators in an expeditious manner, “so that we can make a decision.”

According to the AFC

Guyana’s Ambassador Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally

to

leader: “It is true that all aspects (of Dr Ally’s legal woes) ought to have been disclosed and the fact that it was not done by him did leave us somewhat surprise.”

Ramjattan was adamant however that the recent revelations do not necessarily mean that Dr Ally should be “guillotined.”

The AFC head did seek to point out that based on available information Dr Ally was fined without an admission of guilt. He said this will be among the considerations when a determination is made regarding Dr

Ally’s future tenure in his Ambassadorial post.

Ramjattan said he is certain Dr Ally will defend himself and that the information will be relayed to Cabinet through Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge.

He did use the occasion to remind that the incident was not one that had caused Dr Ally to surrender any voting rights in the United States and that the Guyana Ambassador did in fact serve on several boards and other bodies in North Carolina where he resided.

The explanations by Ramjattan came on the same day that the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) made public its position that Dr Ally should not have been appointed in the first place.

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira was at the time addressing the local media and said Dr Ally had been convicted of fraud and as such should have never been appointed. She used the opportunity to rubbish the integrity of government’s due diligence, since according to officialdom, the necessary checks on Dr Ally’s credentials had been done.

Displaced vendors

Granger urges City Hall to find alternative location

P

President David Granger

resident David Granger is calling on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to ensure that safe alternative arrangements are put in place before the removal of vendors from the roadside through the city.

The Head of State’s remarks came in light of the recent removal of vendors along Robb Street, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the Bourda Market. In this regard, he urging City Council to ensure that there is a new vending location for these persons to continue plying their trades.

“I would urge the City Council to ensure that before any move is made, any action is taken (to remove vendors) that there is an alternative…

We need to build markets before we can move the vendors. We can’t move the vendors into nowhere, we have to move the vendors into particular places and we must put in place the accommodation for vendors to conduct their activities,” he posited.

According to the President, he already indicated to City Hall during his visit earlier in the year that his Administration sees vending as a legitimate economic activity; hence, adequate and secure arrangements must be put in place for them to conduct their business.

He pointed out that there are persons vending in the open and on the roadside throughout the country when tarmacs and designated areas should be provided for them to carry out their “legitimate business” safely.

“I recommended that a site be found with a roof so that the vendors could be given a clean, sanitary and safe accommodation and customers would be able to access those places.

Even if it means building double-decker markets, we need to assure our vendors of sanitary and safe premises, and that is our general policy,” the Head of State declared.

Only on Friday, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan commented on the frequent robberies and break and enters at the Bourda Market. He explained that one of the major challenges that the Council faces is efficiently equipping the Constabulary.

“I have made recommendations personally on this matter. In comparison with some of the weaponry that the criminals have, the City Constabulary don’t have that and so we have to move in a sense to recapitalise the City Constabulary so that they are able to go toe-to-toe with the

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

criminal elements who want to break and enter into stalls...,” the Deputy stated.

Moreover, President Granger outlined that while Central Government does not attempt to micro-manage the City, he is advising the City Council to handle issues that would affect citizens in a more humane manner.

The Georgetown M&CC has been at odds with vendors in Georgetown, with many being removed from their regular vending spots – many of whom are yet to be given a permanent site for relocation.

Furthermore, City Hall has come in for much criticism over the past months, particularly from the Private Sector, saying that decisions are being made without any consultation. Some of the issues that have caused much public outrage are the controversial parking meter project, which will see meters being installed throughout the city, and the implementation of the highly unpopular container taxes.

According to Teixeira, government should immediately do the honourable thing and ask Dr Ally to step down and to have him replaced.

The Kuwaiti Ambassador was in 2003 investigated and found guilty of dissemination of false financial information through a US registered company, Acrodyne Communications, Inc. He had at the time copped a plea bargain agreement with the United States Government for a lesser sentence, and also paid a fine.

Dr Ally was appointed Guyana’s Ambassador to Switzerland under the current APNU/AFC Government, but was later seconded to Kuwait.

According to the United States Securities and

Exchange Commission, Dr Ally was convicted of “the dissemination of false financial information” using his company, Acrodyne.

According to the SEC, Acrodyne’s former Finance Comptroller, Dr Ally and others “were aware of numerous and significant problems with Acrodyne’s accounting controls, but failed to assure that Acrodyne’s financial transactions were accurately recorded”. The SEC stated that as a result of Dr Ally and others, Acrodyne engaged in inaccurate and improper cost accounting and revenue recognition.

It also alleged that, starting in the second quarter of 1999 and continuing through the first quarter of 2000, Dr Ally directed that unsupported

journal entries be made to the cost of sales and inventory accounts to bring Acrodyne’s financial statements in line with the gross margin percentage he had estimated for that period.

The SEC claimed that another of Dr Ally’s co-conspirators approved these fraudulent adjustments. The US securities body had also claimed that another of Dr Ally’s co-conspirators recklessly provided false information to Acrodyne’s auditors relating to its guarantee of a customer’s debt.

In a related matter, in March 6, 2003, the SEC had also ordered Acrodyne to cease and desist from future violations of the antifraud, periodic reporting, and books and records provisions of the Exchange Act.

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Teixeira blasts KN for “besmirching” Sat Sawh’s character

O

pposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has called out local newspaper Kaieteur News for publishing “untrue” information about slain People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Agriculture Minister, Satyadeow Sawh.

According to Teixeira, in Kaieteur’s Tuesday, September 7, 2016 edition, it carried an article titled “Guyana appoints convicted fraudster as Kuwait ambassador” in which it attempts to besmirch the character of the late Minister, who was executed over a decade ago.

The Opposition Chief Whip explained in a statement on Thursday that the article focused on the fraud conviction of Ambassador Shamir Ally, but made it seem as though this was not the first time such an appointment was made, by mentioning Sawh, a former Ambassador.

The section of the article Teixeira is referring

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

PPP/C Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh

to states: “Earlier this year, Ally was also named as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

This is the second time that Guyana actually appointed a convicted felon to a diplomatic posting. The last time this happened was in 1993 when the late President, Dr Cheddi Jagan appoint-

ed Satyadeow Sawh as Ambassador to Venezuela.

That appointment did not go through because Venezuela responded to the report on Sawh and refused to grant its agreement”.

Teixeira pointed out that this statement was absolutely untrue.

“Had the author done any cursory check even on Wikipedia or with the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this lie would never have been published. Unless the author deliberately meant to make it seem that this was not the first time by casting aspersions on a former Ambassador and a PPP/C Minister Satyadeow Sawh, who was assassinated in 2005 along with his brother and sister,” the Opposition Chief Whip stated.

She went on to set the record straight, stating that former Minister Sawh was appointed in 1993 as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, where he not only served in the post for three years but was also awarded the country’s second highest honour, the Order of Francisco de Miranda (First Class) upon completion of his tenure.

Teixeira further noted that in 1996, Sawh was recalled to Guyana

by Dr Jagan to serve as a Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture.

She added that he became the Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, with responsibility for Forestry, and was later named the acting Minister of Agriculture.

“I am calling on KN to correct this terrible misinformation which besmirches the character of the former Ambassador and Minister in the PPP/C Administration, and apologise to the widow and sons of former Ambassador and Minister Satayadeo Sawh and the People’s Progressive Party where he proudly served as a leading member on its Central Committee,” she urged.

Not knowing their place

S

atiricus was fuming something fierce. If he were a dragon, smoke would've been coming out his ears, much less his nostrils, which were flared wide at his heavy breathing. As usual, on a Friday evening, he was ensconced at the back of the Back Street Bar with his old buddy Cappo.

"Suh wha' wraang now, chap?" asked Cappo the Cane cutter. Cappo heartily detested the label "cane harvester", which he thought made him seem like a rice combine or something.

"Didn't you read what that Rabbi said about our First Peoples?" Satiricus demanded of Cappo indignantly.

"Wan Rabbi insult Luzia, de lady dem seh ah de oldes' skeletan in Brazil?" Cappo was amazed. And almost choked on his beer.

"No, Cappo. I'm talking about who you people call "Amerindians", but are really the First Peoples", explained Satiricus patiently.

"Suh wha' de Rabbi seh' 'bout Amerindians?" inquired Cappo as he signalled for another beer.

"He said that First Peoples encourage their girl children to have sex early in life. Even before they are teenagers!" Satiricus' voice picked up some steam again.

"How could he be so ignorant and insult people so?"

"But na de same t'ing Minista Volder and North Ton seh yestaday?" asked Cappo archly.

Satiricus paused and looked at Cappo carefully. "But the Rabbi also said the girls own relatives get them pregnant?" Satiricus continued. "That's incest!"

"But na de same t'ing Minista Volder and North Ton seh yestaday?" repeated Cappo calmly as he took a quaff.

"Cappo, I don't think you understand the consequences of what the Rabbi said," pointed out Satiricus. "He said the sex was 'statutory rape' for which they have to jail you."

"But Sato, if yuh gat sex wid wan gyaal wha' na tu'n sixteen, na da dem call "statatery rape?" Cappo wanted to know. "Minista Volder and North Ton na bin GAT fuh seh suh."

Satiricus took a deep breath. "OK Cappo..So Minister Volder and North Ton said all those things," he admitted.

"But what right a little no-nothing Rabbi from some unknown Synagogue had to say it? He should know his place."

"Yuh right Sato. And wha' right wan Cane cutah like me gat fuh seh anything," Cappo concluded. "An' yuh a pay fuh de beer, na?"

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Greenidge bemoans Guyana Ambassador denies being foreign service mastermind in US fraud case …says he paid US$10,000 fine “under protest” appointment bureaucracy G

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

F

oreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has identified one of the major challenges that the Ministry faces in terms of fulfilling its foreign service mandate is the mechanism in place for the appointment of staff within the public system.

According to Minister Greenidge, the process that has been put in place is highly unsatisfactory.

“Whilst they aren’t all the PPP’s (People’s Progressive Party) doing, those arrangements in my view, and I feel very strongly about it perhaps more so than my colleagues, are far from satisfactory,” he stated.

Greenidge, who is also a Vice President of the ruling coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), explained that the shortage of skills from whom to recruit is only the first of a number of absurd arrangements to get a foreign service officer within the system. He pointed out that firstly, there needs to be an advertisement and that, along with the other processes which follows, are not done by the subject Ministry.

The Minister noted that even with a representative from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the team that conducts the interviews, more than often, the persons who are recruited are not considered to be the most appropriate for the position.

“Somewhere in the Public Service Commission, they seem to feel that the only officers that should come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are people with Degrees in International Affairs.

Foreign Affairs involves or requires a range of skills and that is one of the absurdities of the system,” he posited.

Moreover, the Foreign Affairs Minister went on to touch on the shortage of accountants and financial staff for posting at overseas missions, noting that the issue is not entirely remedied. He explained that some of the difficulty has to do with the fact that a reasonably high level of skills is required but not adequate attention is given to the level of emoluments and conditions. This issue, however, is not just peculiar to this group of staffing, the Minister stated.

Nevertheless, Greenidge disclosed that the Ministry recently received four new accountants but added that this is still insufficient.

“There is need for others because in some of the missions, we are operating without any home-based accountants. There are people who were recruited abroad and while some of that is necessary, you can’t leave all the missions and their accounts to be managed by people who are recruited from foreign countries and who are foreigners,” the Minister outlined.

On the other hand, the Vice President said that he is highly satisfied and confident in the batch of diplomats that his Administration has appointed to strengthen and further Guyana’s ties with the right of world.

Greenidge opined that there is a great depth of experience and qualifications among the new strong of Guyanese ambassadors and high commissioners.

“We are comfortable with those we have in place and I’m sure they will do a very good job… It’s the best set of ambassadors you could put together for the work that they are required to undertake, and compared with the teams that we have had over the years, they I think are very well placed to undertake the goal that we set ourselves,” he stated.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, most of the diplomats have just been in place such as the High Commissioner to South Africa and the new Permanent Secretary to the United Nations (UN) – both of whom have been to their posts in two weeks. He noted that the longest or earliest arrival has been the High Commissioner to Canada, Clarissa Riehl, who has settled in quite well. He also mentioned that the ambassador to the European Union (EU) has been there for a week now and already he has had a number of meetings.

“So we are satisfied with the work that they would be able to do and with what they have done so far,” the Minister stated.

However, Greenidge pointed out that there are many things that these diplomats will do that will not be highlighted.

“It’s a very wide range of things they are required to do so it isn’t as though they are going to be doing one set of things all the time and be in the lime light.”

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, a considerable portion of the work that the Heads of Missions will be tasked with has to do with simply networking, speaking with bilateral representatives, looking at documents and dealing with problems that nationals may have.

uyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally, has finally come forward to confirm his involvement in a financial fraud case at a US company during the late 1990s early 2000s – but denies being the mastermind in the scheme and instead claims he inherited the system and that he paid his fine “under protest.”

Dr Ally and his co-accused had copped an out of court plea deal with the SEC to pay fines ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000.

The Guyana

Ambassador’s credentials came into question this past week when information surfaced that the he had run afoul of the law during the late 1990s and had been charged by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2002 for “the dissemination of false financial information” using his company, Acrodyne.

The Guyana diplomat, and others, said to be “aware of numerous and significant problems with Acrodyne’s accounting controls, but failed to assure that Acrodyne’s fi-

nancial transactions were accurately recorded”.

His party – the AFC – on Saturday however, released a public statement on behalf of the Ambassador it had sponsored.

Make a deal

According to the AFC statement, Dr Ally was charged jointly with two other senior executives of Acrodyne but, “Instead of proceeding with a long and costly trial, the three professionals were strongly advised by that company’s

Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Steven Thomas, to make a deal with the SEC to pay fines without admission of guilt.”

This was done but Dr Ally in denying culpability said he reached the financial practices for which he was charged when he started working at the company.

Seeking to clear the air, the AFC in a statement on behalf of Ambassador Ally said he, “vehemently deny the charges but agreed to pay the US$10,000 penalty under protest.”

TURN TO PAGE 12

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

1 injured in 3-vehicle MPI assisting GPL in remedying collision on Brickdam Bartica power interruptions

O

ne man narrowly escaped death while a woman had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital following an accident at the corners of Camp Street and Brickdam, Georgetown on Saturday afternoon.

Two vehicles – a bus belonging to Cell Phone Shack with registration plate GSS1718 and the Toyota Raum collided at the intersection, before involving a third vehicle belonging to the Education Ministry.

Guyana Times understands that the Raum was heading West on Brickdam while the bus belonging to Cell Phone Shack was heading in the opposite direction.

As the car turned South and made its way onto Camp Street, the driver collided with the Cell Phone Shack bus. After the collision, the bus ended up in the roadside drain and the car slammed into the Education

F

ollowing the recent interruption of electricity in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) after two engine failures, the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) has dispatched a team to support the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc in remedying the situation.

The Public Infrastructure Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson have been briefed by the util-

Public Infrastructure Ministers are calling on residents of Bartica to display understanding and patience while a major overhaul is underway. These works are expected to be completed September 17.

“The Ministry further thanks the residents of Bartica for their resilience and extends its sincere apologies for the inconveniences they are experiencing,” the statement contains.

Guyana Ambassador denies...

One of the damaged vehicles

Ministry’s vehicle.

A pedestrian, Fabion Barton, who narrowly escaped injury, spoke to this newspaper and related what he witnessed. According to the clearly rattled man, he was walking along Brickdam when he saw the car slam into the bus which

ity company and are placing special attention on Bartica’s situation. To this end, measures are being put in place to remedy the situation at the earliest time possible.

“The failure of two of GPL’s engines in Bartica has led to an untenable situation and the Ministry will assist where possible,” a statement from the Public Infrastructure Ministry details.

In the meantime, the

then skidded in his direction.

“I saw the bus coming towards me and I managed to jump out of the way but it got so close that my bag that was on my shoulder ended up pinned under the bus.”

One occupant of the car had to be rushed to hospital and is said to be in a serious condition. She is the mother of the driver of the car.

However, the other four persons involved in the accident managed to escape unhurt. The Raum and the bus belonging to Cell Phone Shack were badly damaged, while the vehicle registered to the Education Ministry received minimal damage.

Police have since launched an investigation.

He has accused the United States SEC of “making him a scapegoat since the accounting procedures he had worked with, he had inherited from his predecessors, and he has consistently iterated that he worked under the close supervision” Dr Ally in continuing to denying guilt said he was prevented access to the accounting records “which would have enabled him to substantially rebut the SEC’s 2002 charge.”

The AFC said he was employed by Acrodyne, for a short period “from February 2, 1999 to May 9, 1999 as the Cost Accounting Manager…

On May 10, 1999 he was promoted to Controller and he served in this position for 15 months up to July 10, 2000.”

Power struggle

Dr Ally was fired from Acrodyne in July 2000 which he blamed on a “pow-

er struggle, falling revenue/ income & a depleting labour force” in the company.

He was later charged along with two other Acrodyne executives including its president in May 2002, by the SEC with civil action.

Dr Ally in seeking to provide an explanation said Acrodyne used to prepare quarterly financial reports “based on some actual, and some estimated figures.”

He said the company would at the end of the year, do an annual stocking and these reports, would be audited and sent to the SEC. He maintains that this system of preparing records based in part through guesses (estimates), “was Standard Operating Procedure at Acrodyne.”

The former Acrodnye Finance Comptroller said at the time he was at the com-

FROM PAGE 11

pany there were no highly computerised systems to offer closer evaluations from one year to the next.

Meanwhile the AFC in defence of its sponsored Ambassador said Dr Ally “was charged and required to pay a penalty by the SEC…He was not convicted of a crime.”

Dr Ally was appointed Guyana’s Ambassador to Switzerland under the current APNU/AFC Government, but was later seconded to Kuwait.

The SEC in charging Dr Ally’s and his co-conspirators said they had routinely approved fraudulent adjustments in their financial records.

In March 2003, the SEC had ordered Acrodyne to cease and desist from future violations of the antifraud, periodic reporting, and books and records provisions of the Exchange.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Sacrifice builds “Hammer will fall” on squatters – CHPA character S

By Ryhaan Shah

I

t is the end of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, and today Muslims the world over will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Eid of Sacrifice, which commemorates the event of the Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his young son, Ismai’il, in obedience to a dream in which God commanded him to do so.

Both Ibrahim and Isma’il were ready to make that ultimate sacrifice – Ibrahim of his son and Isma’il of his life – because they were able to transcend the notions of self and attachment to the material Ryhaan Shah world, and Allah accepted their immediate willingness as the fulfilment of the command.

Allah, ever Merciful and Compassionate, would never ask a father to go against His command of “thou shall not kill” and to take the life of his own son in order to gain His favour. That Allah would sanction such an immoral act would be contrary to every sense of divine justice.

While the commemoration of this event involves the ritual slaughter of animals this must be understood in relation to the time and circumstances of the Quran’s revelation when people made this kind of personal sacrifice in order to share their limited resources with the poorer members of their community.

The sacrifice itself is the legacy of Ibrahim who combines the Prophetic patronage from three religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, and the rituals of Eid-ul-Adha symbolise the trial of his faith and loyalty towards God. As practised by Muslims today, the sacrifice represents ridding the self of base, animal instincts such as avarice, anger, and violence, and reminds us of the need to submit to God’s will.

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your devotion that reaches Him."(Qur'an 22:37) By making sacrifices you do not lose but gain something greater than you have. To accomplish this means having the will and resolve to face challenges and stay the course. That is, that you have faith in yourself and your beliefs such as Ibrahim and Isma’il had.

Sacrifices, then, contribute to the success of our earthly struggle. They strengthen our inner spiritual and moral resources and help us to develop qualities of character which are essential to succeeding in a world that is increasingly filled with the noise and busyness of material distractions.

These actually make time-honoured traditions even more important for reminding us of the essential principles that have guided people for centuries. The lessons of Eid-ul-Adha could never be set aside as being irrelevant to our time. Every act of sacrifice increases our level of tolerance, strength, determination, firmness and purpose.

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Nothing is gained in this world but through sacrifice. It can be made at great personal expense or at group and national levels. Soldiers on the field of battle make the ultimate sacrifice for their country by being willing to give up their lives for the cause and the struggle.

And activists around the world – leaders like King, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela – all made immense personal sacrifices in order to bring equality, freedom and justice to their people.

In fact, the whole idea of progress and advancement is bound up with that of sacrifice and it marks a particular selflessness of character when someone chooses to give up comfort and security in order to win a battle, or to forgo monetary rewards in order to engage in charitable work.

In the same way, parents sacrifice so that their children can have a better future and students give up play to study and gain better grades at exams which will improve their chances of making more successful lives for themselves.

Gratification is, thus, deferred for a greater good and a better advantage and this principle of giving up the pleasure of the moment for a longer-term gain underscores the attainment of success in every area of life, from wealth creation to personal and career fulfilment.

Every success story is almost always accompanied by anecdotes of the sacrifices that were made in order to realise the desired goals.

The story of Ibrahim and Isma’il will never lose its relevance to the world and today we should all take time to reflect on the importance of sacrifice and faith and how we can each nurture and develop these attributes in order to improve our lives.

To Muslims everywhere, Eid Mubarak!

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

quatters in Regions Four, (Demerara/ Mahaica) and Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), were on Friday warned against defying the no squatting rule during a visit by Minister within the Communities Ministry, Valerie Adams-Patterson to Paradise Village, East Coast Demerara and Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

During the visit to these locations, it was observed that many persons, who were warned against squatting on previous occasions, have once again taken up residence on these lands.

It was some days prior to Friday that officials from the two communities visited the minister to lodge complaints of the deplorable state of the road and terrible irrigation in the area, caused by these squatters.

“CH&PA had written them, telling them to stop squatting on the reserves.

Some of them moved and have now moved back.

That is defiant,” AdamsPatterson stated.

A squatter’s house at Tuschen, Region Three

It was further recognised that many of the persons squatting had been issued with house lots.

In a statement reiterating government’s commitment to providing alternative solutions for those who will be moved for the squatting area, Adams-Patterson said house lots will either be issued to them or they will benefit from easy access to affordable apartments that Government intends to build.

“We are going to give them first preference and we are going to make it affordable,” the minister is quoted as saying by GINA. However, she warned that if the squatters continue to occupy state reserve then “the hammer will fall.”

“We are going to warn them again, and if they do not move we are going to break the structure. I believe that you can only give people a chance if they are willing. We have to bring or-

der to this country, and if bringing order means that we have to remove some of these people, then we have to” she said.

Additionally, Minister Adams-Patterson visited and inspected the communities given that the schemes are yet to be handed over to the respective local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and as such, are still the responsibility of the Ministry of Communities.

14 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Vendors bemoan lack of sales Younge’s Take at “Parliament View Mall” Politics, ethics

…says barely surviving on meagre income

W

ith the burden of having to remain at the plot of land south of Parliament building until December, vendors are becoming more and more frustrated as hardly any customers are visiting the area now being referred to as a “ghost town.”

As they voiced their plight to Guyana Times on Saturday, many vendors were emotional in highlighting that they can barely afford to provide for their families since they were moved to the “Parliament View Mall.” They blamed this on the significant reduction in business at the location.

“I losing so much from staying in here. I got five children to send to school.

How I gon mek it? One sale a day in here is nuff!,” one visibly frustrated vendor said.

Other merchants questioned the intentions of the Mayor and Town Clerk by having their [vendors] stay extended at the location.

They asserted that they were forced to remain there simply because the “Mayor

The current state of some of the tents at the Parliament View Mall, in Georgetown

and Town Clerk wanted we to punish.”

Another issue, making the extended stay more unbearable, was the lack of water facilities.

The merchants complained that after the first week of being moved from the Stabroek Market Square to the plot of land, water facilities became “a thing of the past.” They complained that since their move, no one from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has ever returned to check on the state of the area.

“One week after we come

in here, water stop. Pipe break. No water, no nothing. We got to buy we own water to use the washroom too. That’s another thing.

The washroom stink stink, nobody don’t come to clean it, nothing. Them neva come check on we since they plant we here to punish.

They neva come to see how we struggling to stay in dis place,” another vendor said.

Additionally, the vendors complained that the tents provided to them have become broken and torn, serving no purpose anymore. They further high-

lighted that the M&CC have indicated that this problem “was none of their concern.”

The vendors told this publication that though they hope for betterment soon, they have given up on asking for assistance from the M&CC since their desperate cries are always ignored. “It’s like throwing water pon duck back. They don’t care about we.”

Vendors were removed from the Stabroek Square in May and relocated to the plot of land now called “Parliament View Mall.” This relocation was initially declared to be just for three months, since the M&CC’s Market Committee needed time to propose a permanent location for the vendors.

However, at the end of the three months in August, no solution was arrived at and owner of the land, Haresh Sugrim granted the M&CC permission to continue using the plot until December 2016.

A permanent location for vendors is yet to be announced by the M&CC.

Child killed in Sheriff St accident

A

child was killed following a collision at Garnett and Sheriff Streets, Georgetown.

While reports remain sketchy, Guyana Times was told that the child was trav-

elling in a Toyota Allion bearing registration plates PMM 1426. A Toyota Tundra registered to C Ramnarine of First Avenue, Bartica collided with the Allion.

Reports are the child,

whose father is called "Pastry Man", died on the spot. When this newspaper arrived on the scene, the child’s body was still lying on the roadway.

This publication was told that the child’s mother and grand-

mother were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Both drivers were taken into Police custody as investigations continue. (See more details in Monday’s edition of Guyana Times)

and the people

I

firmly believe that all governments elected democratically are servants of the people and therefore they are answerable to the masses not just the elites for the decisions they make while holding public office.

Also, these governments are duty bound to be responsible, just, nondiscriminatory and truthful whenever they decide to exercise Executive authority in order to further the overall development of our economy and the lives of the people who inhibit our collective space.

These principles I hold now were impressed upon me during my years at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School and the University of Guyana.

They were cemented when I entered the media whilst being just 16 as a result of my Michael Younge interactions with thousands of Guyanese and my pursuit for truth from politicians who sometimes appeared unresponsive, indifferent and concerned more about their careers as well as image in government and opposition.

With that being said, I have noticed a sharp resurgence of a culture that sees some Guyanese politicians treating the masses as if they were stupid, uneducated, low and naïve especially when sections of citizenry raise their voices collectively against the misuse of government funds, the misallocation of state resources and contracts, and the double standards exhibited on issues related to transparency and accountability within the democratic regions.

This culture of neo-arrogance and outright modern day highhandedness under the new Government has reached alarming levels over the past year. This is not to say that similar cultures did not exist under the 23-year tenure of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic but it did not start so early in that party’s term in office.

Recently, the media has carried alarming and mindboggling reports that eat away at the moral and ethical fabrics of this Government. These reports have implicated mostly persons in President David Granger’s Cabinet in all sorts of wrong-doings, missteps and acts of political sorcery which see some in that pool pursuing vendettas and vengeance against those now in opposition and private business life.

What is even more distasteful and unethical, is that the Head of State and President as well as his Prime Minister appear comfortable with these missteps and wrong-doings of their colleagues.

I say this with all due respect to these senior politicians, as they have offered never ending justifications and questionable explanations for the deeds of those who should have been subject to serious disciplinary action within the coalition Government before being made examples for others especially their junior counterparts in the Police and Public Service Sectors.

From all indications, the culture of highhandedness will continue and so will the cover-ups and justifications which are being offered.

The sad reality which has not yet dawned on the current Government is that no one is fooled or convinced by their afterscandal rhetoric and apologies. The masses are become lesser and lesser convinced that the new office bearers are interested in transparency, accountability, ethics and good governance.

They are playing rite into the hands of the opposition who is still thirsty and working harder than ever to regain Executive Power by improving their image.

What is even worse is the fact that the public is becoming less trustful of politicians in general and are turned off by their overtures, appeals to race and ancient ideological developments and figures. These government politicians and some in the opposition are contributing to their own decline as they are being defined as “selfish, unethical, liars, thieves and bourgeoisie”.

And there appears to be some truth in those descriptions because World personalities such as Adolph Hitler understood what was at stake if the public only saw the driving forces behind what some politicians said when he remarked “No politician should ever let himself be photographed in a bathing suit”.

Also, Greek Philosopher Aristotle in his teachings also shared the view that those who hold public office must understand the weight of their responsibility and deliver justice to the people.

He said: “At his best man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice are the worst”.

Urging them to accept when they are wrong, practice good ethics in line with the concept of the Golden Mean and restrain themselves from arrogance in governance, Aristotle remarked famously “you will never do anything in life without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour”.

I therefore call on all politicians, more so those in Government, to exercise the courage to be honest and truthful with the public while respecting their will. Rescind the pharmaceutical contract, reduce your pay and increase those of Guyana’s working poor, discipline those ministers who acted wrongly, end the wave of government corruption and siphoning funds for party activities and the further enrichment of those campaign financiers and businesspeople, and deliver on real change.

15 Caribbean Airlines bans use of Samsung Note 7 on all flights R NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Let’s talk about suicide

Y

esterday, September 10, was World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and around the globe great efforts were being made to raise awareness, educate and support at-risk individuals, families and communities in an attempt to prevent these heartbreaking, daily occurrences under the slogan of “Connect, Communicate, Care”.

The message is that so many suicides can be prevented if we reach out and offer people and communities an understanding, listening ear and promote the Samaritans key note; it is “Okay to Talk”.

Sadly, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year.

Unfortunately we are all well aware it continues to be a serious concern here in Guyana, with high incidents in many of our regions. Each of those individual suicides in turn affect many other family members, friends and communities, meaning millions are touched by these tragedies.

Still alluded to by many as a selfish act, the realities of those suffering mean their perception is often quite the opposite. The misconceptions and ill-advised responses to suicidal feelings do nothing to support the crisis and part of the campaign is to outline more suitable and helpful intervention.

For many people who feel suicidal there seems to be no other way out. Helplessness defines their world at that moment and the strength of their suicidal feelings can be consuming.

The thoughts and emotions are overwhelming and can include loneliness, rejection, feeling marginalised, deep sadness or guilt, anxiety and stress, helplessness and a complete loss of selfworth.

When a person reaches a point where they are focused on taking their life, they have likely given up trying to find a solution to their problems. The stability of their mental health is rocked and although this period usually only lasts a short while, rational decision-making becomes distorted. The message from WSPD is that often it doesn’t take a huge amount to bring someone back from that decision and move someone out of a suicidal crisis.

Simply offering a listening ear and letting them know its ok to talk can often be enough.

To be supportive, offering advice, sharing our own experiences, or trying to find solutions is not likely to be the answer. Neither is a condescending assurance that everything will be alright. It is better to be quiet and listen at first. People who feel suicidal are not initially looking for answers or solutions; they want a safe place to express their fears and anxieties and to be themselves.

What is needed is someone who will take time to really listen to them, who won't judge, or give advice or opinions, but will give their undivided attention. Someone who will respect them and won't try to take charge, who will treat everything in complete confidence, put the person at ease and speak calmly. Someone who will reassure, accept and believe.

That someone may not necessarily be a family member or friend, as it can sometimes be difficult to express deep feelings to someone close. Some find it easier to talk to a stranger; with volunteers who have been trained to listen.

Often people want to talk, but need an invitation and wait until someone asks how they are. There are so many avenues of support for people going through difficulties and feeling despair but to reach out sometimes seems like the most difficult thing in the world. Depression brings with it a very narrow perspective that is difficult to climb out of without a helping hand.

Suicide is an unnecessary permanent solution to a temporary problem. When we consider that a week or a month later life can usually look completely different, the loss of life for problems that are transient is truly tragic. Most people who once thought about killing themselves are glad to be alive today. The real goal was not to end their lives but they just wanted to stop the pain.

There are no magic cures for the problems people are facing but the lack of communication and their inability to talk to anyone about those problems are underlying reasons that the feelings of helplessness become overpowering.

The Samaritans ask that you start a conversation today if you think a friend, colleague or family member may be struggling.

Together we can work on prevention and make a difference that matters.

People who feel suicidal should not try to cope alone. They should seek help NOW. For help and support visit online: The Samaritans.

Befrienders Worldwide.

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

egional carrier Caribbean Airlines has issued a ban with immediate effect on the inflight use and charging of the defective Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone on its aircraft.

Samsung has received reports that the smartphone’s battery poses a threat of fire once it becomes overheated.

Caribbean Airlines in a release on Friday stated that its decision was based on a directive from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority and it advised that the device can be taken onboard in a person’s carry-on luggage or on their person, but they are NOT to be used once onboard.

The airline also advised that passengers will NOT be allowed to store

A Galaxy Note 7 that caught fire shortly after its charger was unplugged

the device in their checked luggage.

Caribbean Airlines pointed to safety as its number one priority regarding its passengers and crew.

Following reports that Note 7s were catching fire and exploding, Samsung investigated and immediately recalled the devices. It was reported that the Low-quality battery cells are susceptible to overheating and failing when charged and used frequently.

Samsung in a statement said that customers will be able to replace their Note 7s with new devices after they have been approved by the relevant authorities.

However, Caribbean Airline issued the statement following advice from the Federal Aviation Administration.

16 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

ICT improvement needed in Region 10 – Culture Committee Chairman

C

hairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Culture, Youth and Sports Committee, Douglas Gittens believes more effort should be placed on developing sport facilities as well as providing easier access to Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technology (ICT) in the region.

It is in this vein that he has urged the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to move swiftly in identifying an area for the construction of a multi-purpose complex, opining that it will raise the development of sport in the Region.

Douglas Gittens

"We cannot continue to move like this. We have to have facilities for our children to practice. We have to have facilities to improve the sporting sector.

We have to have a place for youths when they finish school," Gittens said.

He added that when the committee recently met, it sought to provide recommendations geared at improving the lives of youths in the Region. One such recommendation he noted is the promotion of sport and culture for peace.

Gittens further stressed the need to assign a sport officer to the Region to assist in planning and executing such initiatives. He said that the Culture, Youth and Sports Committee has also made recommendations to partner with youth groups in the Region to foster the

initiative of the Youth Business Forum, expected to take place on November 23 in Linden.

Stressing the need for improvement in the area of ICT in Region 10, Gittens said it is as if the Region is being left behind: "We are moving into the future and the ICT sector is growing and is leaving us in Region 10 here behind. So we want to incorporate an ICT development programme in that programme that we plan to do in November."

He added that digital citizenship and youth media as well as E- courses should be explored: "We see people travelling all the way to the University of Guyana. There are several courses online...If we can have a planned programme throughout the Region to promote same," Gittens

said.

Meanwhile Regional Chairman Renis Morian said the committee is on the right track, adding that plans are in place to have a formal "day of conversa-

tion" with youths across the Region to discuss relevant issues. This, he said, should provide a documented report for the administration to work with in 2017.

Corentyne woman busted with weed

A

Corentyne, Berbice, woman of Chesney Squatting Area, was on Saturday busted with close to half kilo marijuana at her home by Police.

Reports are that a detective led a posse of five to the woman’s home and conducted a search for arms, ammunition and narcotic drugs.

During the search a container with two plastic bags

was found.

Inside was a quantity of foil-wrapped parcels which when opened, was found to be containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The woman, 36, who was home alone at the time was taken into custody.

She is expected to be charged sometime the week.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ANNA'S

Political discrimination in Kuru Kururu

Freak storm destroys several roofs on Essequibo Coast

Anna Correia

A

few days ago my presence was solicited in Kuru Kururu on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, by the Community Development Council (CDC) currently headed

by Tasleem Drepaul. The CDC was formed since the 1990s and is comprised predominantly of Amerindian residents who are seeking an investigation into Anna Correia what they feel is a violation of their rights. Kuru Kururu is not a titled Amerindian village but a mixed community, despite Amerindians of Arawak, Warrou and Carib descent comprising a significant majority of the population. I had never met the CDC or its Chairman before.

This column transcribes the grievances of these residents as presented to the Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN) through my person. It was found that the root cause of the complications arising in Kuru Kururu is the antagonistic relationship between two CDCs – the one mentioned above and another body composed in more recent years, headed primarily

by Afro-Guyanese and a Chairman named Hubert Smith. It appears that with the advent of a new Government, the latter is being favoured by Government institutions and the Police, and has resorted to bullyism and disregard for community cooperation.

Disregard for a legally held Permission to Occupy State Land The CDC headed by Chairman Drepaul is recognised within the community as having contributed to significant developmental progress since its establishment, considering the small budget with which it is bestowed annually. Among these achievements are the fencing of the Kuru Kururu Primary School, a one-mile all-weather road, the installation of solar panels, the acquisition of a building for youth activities and training programmes and perhaps more importantly, the acquisition of a GLSC Permission to Occupy State Land.

This permit was issued in 2001 by the GLSC and concerns 3.2 acres of land located within the community for recreational purposes and youth development, which was later fenced by the CDC. It is here that for more than twelve years, the CDC hosted its annual Amerindian Heritage activities. The CDC developed the reputation for organising one of the largest Amerindian Heritage Month events countrywide, usually scheduled for the last Sunday in September. Kuru Kururu’s renowned heritage festivities attract visitors from across Guyana, some coming from as far as Orealla in the Corentyne River.

However, this year, the CDC was unable to host heritage activities on the ground over which it has legal rights, because Mr Smith obtained a Police permit for his CDC to use the land as it desires. When presented with the GLSC Permit to Occupy, the Police is said to have brushed the document aside without considering its legal implications.

Mr Drepaul and his Councillors reportedly made representation before a high ranking Police Commander in Georgetown who also refused to acknowledge the validity of the Permit to Occupy State land.

Political discrimination Mr Drepaul and his Councillors believe that Amerindians are now the victims of political discrimination since Mr Smith and his Councillors are close to the APNU/AFC regime and are being granted special favours. They also feel that Mr Smith and his Councillors have contributed little to community development and are without experience in organising important events, particularly one which requires indigenous expertise.

This scenario is not unfamiliar to Amerindian communities across the country. As a matter of fact it is not unfamiliar to most communities since the Government changed. Despite the promises of inclusive governance aimed at promoting “unity” in Guyana, the APNU/AFC coalition continues to fail miserably in protecting the political rights of its citizens as it allows its representatives in the counties to diffuse political discord which often fuels ethnic tensions within communities.

Bullyism is what best describes the attitude of leaders who transgress established protocols in governance and sideline the need for dialogue. This applies to Kuru Kururu where the Police joins in discriminating against Amerindians. It also reflects the incompetency and bias of the Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who has repeatedly and deliberately neglected the rights of Amerindians in this country.

More interestingly however, is the silence of the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry which continues to be oblivious to the plight of those who do not benefit from communal land titles, and those who no longer believe the hallow promises of Allicock’s beloved APNU. It appears that the Ministry would rather sacrifice the village economy and the rights of its peoples, to benefit a group of incompetent men and women who have nothing else to boast about except their affiliation with the PNC. Send comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

S

Businessman Derick Samaroo's house

Another damaged roof after the storm

everal houses in Zorg Village and surrounding communities in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), lost sections of their roofs after an early morning freak storm hit the region on Saturday.

Reports are residents were awakened by loud noises as howling winds ripped roofs apart.

Severely affected were businessman Derick Samaroo and another res-

Several pieces of household equipment and furnishings – sofa, chairs, television sets, an electric iron and beds – were destroyed as a result of water damage. According to Samaroo, the upper flat of the two storey building was completely drenched by rain.

Samaroo said he will be out of business until he can afford to conduct repairs.

Meanwhile, Dripaul said a section of his roof was damaged, added that his three

ident, Gobin Dripaul.

According to Samaroo, at about 04:30h, he was awakened by “pounding” noises and upon investigation; he saw the zinc sheets from the roof of the liquor shop he operates blown away. He said he was amazed to see how far the zinc sheets were tossed by the winds, with some landing on other residents’ roofs and in trees. It was the same experience for Dripaul who also operates a liquor store.

children were terrified during the incident. “We scream when we saw how fast the zinc sheets were travelling, they ended up in a tree nearby of us and also on our roof, we were so scared, we held onto her bedroom beds,” one of the children related.

Additionally, the area was plunged into darkness after several transmission lines were damaged by the storm. (Indrawattie Natram)

18 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Draft telecoms regulations to be released soon – foreign companies eye open sector

T

elecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has announced that the first draft of the telecommunications regulations would be released within the next two weeks.

Hughes indicated that once the draft regulations were in place, it would be put forward for consultations.

The Telecommunications Bill was passed in the Parliament in July, ending a monopoly held by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, now rebranded GTT, for over two decades.

Hughes related to Guyana Times on Friday that since the monopoly has been broken, foreign companies have shown an interest in setting up in Guyana.

“There have been enquiries…mostly casual conversations, but there are no applications because we still have to put the regulations in place, set up the agency and appoint a director,” she said.

According to Hughes, although the Bill has been passed, there was still much more work to be done – work which could not be done overnight.

The Minister, however, did indicate that the initial draft would be made public, and once everything was ironed out, she would make a public presentation for there to be consultations.

According to the Explanatory Memorandum, the Bill presents an “open, lib-

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

eralised and competitive telecommunications sector that will be attractive to new market entrants and investors while preserving the activities of the current sector participants”.

It explained that by creating this environment, the legislation is expected to result in “greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers”.

The Bill also specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunications networks and services into unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new universal access/universal services programme in an effort to expand national and regional social and economic development.

It stated further that the new legal framework was to be typified by transparency and non-discrimination in the issuance and monitoring of licences and authorisations to use the spectrum, seamless

interconnection and entrance between and among telecommunications networks and services, and price regulation where required to ensure competition and protect consumers.

However, GTT has stated that while it welcomed the passage of the Bill, the Government should honour its contracts with service providers.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd indicated that the company was looking forward to further talks with the Government and was confident about Government honouring its contract.

GTT, which had the legal monopoly on international voice and data transmissions and the domestic wire line service, has always declared that the sector is free because of the existence of other service providers. But, Digicel, its competitor, had lambasted the company for its statement.

“In order to get the liberalisation after the passage of the Bill, we have to talk to the Government, work out some negotiations and hopefully, we’ll get that done soon. And again, I emphasise, we are ready to do that very quickly,” Nedd had said.

A source from the Telecommunications Ministry has disclosed that the Government and the telecoms giant were still engaged in conversation.

In November 2013, the National Assembly sent the

legislation to a Special Select Committee with the then Opposition indicating that while it supported the Bill, it was uneasy over the then Minister’s scope of control. The Bill was put back several times because the two telecommunications giants in Guyana were in discussions about breaking the monopoly held by GTT.

“This is great for the people of Guyana and GTT remains ready to work quickly with the Government to complete the path to market liberalisation.

Guyana will be very different with the development of the robust 4G broadband services that liberalisation will enable.

GTT intends to be a big part of that transformation,” Nedd

added.

Digicel has stated that the legislation “is the first step in the long overdue ending of the telephone monopoly, which is a laudable achievement and a position that Digicel supports”.

Digicel is awaiting engagements with the Government to discuss its licence and regulations for a level playing field.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

England Premier League

Leicester beaten by Liverpool in first home game

Roberto Firmino’s two goals is enough to make him man of the match. He also attempted more passes in Leicester’s half than any of his team-mates - with 43.

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iverpool easily beat Premier League champions Leicester in their first home game of the season.

The Reds looked in control when Roberto Firmino converted James Milner’s pass and Daniel Sturridge backheeled to Sadio Mane to clip home a second.

But Leicester were given hope when Lucas inexplicably passed the ball to Jamie Vardy to shoot into an empty net.

However, Adam Lallana sealed the win by firing a shot into the top corner and Firmino got a second from Mane’s pass.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are up to seven points from four games, having played their first three matches on the road because of the expansion of Anfield’s Main Stand.

Meanwhile, Leicester remain on four points as they prepare for their Champions League debut against Club Brugge on Wednesday.

Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet picked up blood injuries to his nose and then eye, but he lasted the 90 minutes with summer signing Loris Karius remaining on the bench.

Their opener was a good passing move, which ended in left-back Milner playing a great ball through to Firmino, who stepped inside Robert Huth to steer the ball into the bottom corner.

The Foxes defence were again caught out

by Jordan Henderson’s ball forward for the second and Sturridge squared it with his heel for Mane to score on his home debut.

But there will be cause for concern as Brazilian midfielder Lucas started at centreback, with Mamadou Sakho not in the squad, and he let Leicester back into the game.

He miscontrolled a simple pass from Mignolet and - under pressure and in a panic played the ball across goal to Vardy, who just had to tap into an unguarded net.

That gave Leicester hope and they could have had an equaliser when Robert Huth headed a Luis Hernandez long throw-in off the bar.

Luckily for the Reds, they got their act together in the second half and Lallana scored his second goal in a week, after his England winner against Slovakia, to wrap up the win, from Georginio Wijnaldum’s lay-off.

And they added a late fourth when Kasper Schmeichel - who made seven saves in an otherwise good performance - came flying out of his goal with Mane rounding him and unselfishly passing to Firmino to steer the ball past several Leicester defenders.

Their opener was a good passing move, which ended in left-back Milner playing a great ball through to Firmino, who stepped inside Robert Huth to steer the ball into the bottom corner.

The Foxes defence were again caught out

by Jordan Henderson’s ball forward for the second and Sturridge squared it with his heel for Mane to score on his home debut.

But there will be cause for concern as Brazilian midfielder Lucas started at centreback, with Mamadou Sakho not in the squad, and he let Leicester back into the game.

He miscontrolled a simple pass from Mignolet and - under pressure and in a panic played the ball across goal to Vardy, who just had to tap into an unguarded net.

That gave Leicester hope and they could have had an equaliser when Robert Huth headed a Luis Hernandez long throw-in off the bar.

Luckily for the Reds, they got their act together in the second half and Lallana scored his second goal in a week, after his England winner against Slovakia, to wrap up the win, from Georginio Wijnaldum’s lay-off.

And they added a late fourth when Kasper Schmeichel - who made seven saves in an otherwise good performance - came flying out of his goal with Mane rounding him and unselfishly passing to Firmino to steer the ball past several Leicester defenders. (BBC SPORT)

Titans Table Tennis Gold Cup slated for October 28-30

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he Titans Table Tennis Gold Cup will serveoff on October 28 and will be played for three days until October 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in its second edition.

The categories set to be contested are under 9, Under 11, 13, 15 and 18 boys and girls, Under 21 Open, B Class Open, and Over 40 and 50 Open.

Top performers will be rewarded – $60,000 will be awarded to the first place winner in the male senior singles category, $50,000 for the female and $40,000 for the veteran category.

According to Club President and former National player Dwain Dick, the aim of the tournament is to raise

awareness for the sport and provide marketing opportunities for corporate companies.

Dick explained that “this is the second edition of the tournament, the whole general idea is to see if we can replicate it into other sister countries, maybe firstly Jamaica then Trinidad and Tobago”.

The Club President added “what we are doing is trying to ask the corporate community who are looking to expand in the region to support us, we will give them visibility; we want it to grow, and probably become developmental, where children can look forward to these tournaments”.

Dick revealed that he is “expecting a contingent from Jamaica and a contingent from Trinidad and several of

the local clubs”.

Last year, the tournament’s were Banks DIH Limited, P&P Insurance Brokers, Guyson’s Engineering, Bakewell, Trophy Stall, Mike’s Copy Centre, Hurricane Enterprises, Sambora Communications Incorporation Vegetable Gardens Inc, La Pink Beauty Salon and Make-up Studio, Netsurf Telecommunications, BAC Courier, Cornbread Hangout Bar and Fish Shop, The Business School and Westfield Preparatory School.

The table tennis club has been in existence for five years and has produced Caribbean medalists such as Thuraia Thomas, Isaiah Layne and the Wong brothers (Miguel and Colin).

19

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

US Open 2016

Kerber beats Pliskova

Djokovic & Wawrinka to clash in final

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erber, 28, won 6-3 4-6 6-4 in New York to add the US Open to her victory at the Australian Open in January.

Pliskova’s semi-final win over Serena Williams had already ensured the German will top the new rankings on Monday.

“All my dreams came true today and I’m just trying to enjoy the mo- KERBER after winning the US Open on Saturday ment,” said Kerber. be enough, but she levelled against her,” said Kerber. “I nis on the big stages. She “It’s incredible. I’m standing here with a second at 3-3 and then roared as a was trying to stay in the mo- proved she’s the world numGrand Slam trophy and it blistering forehand winner ment, be aggressive, I was ber one. I knew it was going helped her move ahead once just trying to enjoy the final. to be difficult, but I found means so much to me.” myself some power in the It’s an amazing stadium. again.

“It means a lot to me. second set.”

At 4-4 in the final set it Women’s final as it happened Kerber is the first Kerber was appearing came down to a test of nerve, When I was a kid, I was alin her third Grand Slam fi- and Kerber’s was rock solid ways dreaming to be the German to win the US Open nal of 2016, and the German as she held impressively be- number one player in the since Steffi Graf in 1996 and her ascent to the top played with the authority of of the rankings is the a world number one in waitresult of a spectacuing. lar year.

Pliskova, 24, went into She began 2016 the final with a WTA Tourranked 10th in the leading 447 aces this year world after failing and on an 11-match winning to get past the third streak that included victory round of any of the over Kerber in last month’s Grand Slams in 2015, Cincinnati final. but Saturday saw The Czech had never her claim a Tour-best been past the third round of 54th win of 2016. a major before this tournaKerber won her ment and made 17 unforced first major titles in errors in the first set, but fought back with 17 winners Kerber (Right) is the first German to win the US Open since Steffi Graf in 1996 Australia and the US, as well as reachin the second before powering 3-1 ahead in the decider. fore Pliskova fell 0-40 be- world and to win Grand ing the Wimbledon final, It looked as though hind and blazed a forehand Slams, and today’s the day.” where she lost to Williams, Pliskova said: “I found and the Olympic final, where Kerber’s athleticism and wide on match point.

“It’s always tough to play out I can play my best ten- she lost to Monica Puig. defensive skills would not The German began the season with a shock win over Williams in Melbourne, which was only possible after she had saved a match point against Japan’s Misaki Doi in the first round. (BBC Sport)

Djokovic has struggled with a shoulder issue throughout the tournament

D

efending champion Novak Djokovic will take on third seed Stan Wawrinka in the US Open final after both men won semifinals in punishing conditions.

Djokovic beat 10th seed Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-2, with the Frenchman adopting unusual tactics to try and counter the world number one.

Stifling humidity was still a factor as Wawrinka beat Japan’s sixth seed Kei Nishikori 4-6 7-5 6-4 6-2.

“It’s really humid, really hot. I knew it would be tough,” said Wawrinka.

Djokovic will attempt to win his third US Open and 13th Grand Slam title on Sunday, while Wawrinka - who beat Djokovic in last year’s French Open final - is going for a third major victory and first at Flushing Meadows.

Wawrinka and Nishikori played out another gruelling contest as the temperature and humidity remained brutal for the second semi-final, with the Swiss proving just the stronger.

Nishikori looked sharp-

er for the best part of two sets but was pegged back by Wawrinka with a break at the end of the second.

The Japanese player appeared to be suffering for his four-hour quarter-final win over Andy Murray but he recovered from 4-1 down in the third to level, with play interrupted briefly as rain forced the roof to be closed.

A relieved Wawrinka let out a huge roar when he saved a break point at 4-4 and powered through five straight games to move a break up in the fourth.

There was one final push from Nishikori, who broke back when Wawrinka played a woeful service game at 3-2, but the former French and Australian Open champion reeled off another three games in a row to clinch victory.

“Kei is a tough player and he played well from the beginning,” said Wawrinka. “I had to wait and fight and make him a bit uncomfortable and he started to get tired.

“That is when I put my game to be aggressive. To be in the final is something crazy.”

Nishikori (left) and Wawrinka after their semifinal match

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21

Western Tigers hunt Mayor’s Cup title

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SPORTS

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Calvin ‘Flue’ Allen

he battle lines have been drawn between defending Mayor’s Cup champions, Western Tigers and challengers Guyana Police Force Sports Club when the curtains come down on the annual event tonight at the Tucville ground.

Police already issued a warrant for the title currently in the possession of Western Tigers who are on the hunt and will be looking to take the confidence out of the Police camp.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Calvin ‘Flue’ Allen, Coach of the Western Tigers, declared that his team will be continuing its attacking nature and there will be no stopping the team who are hungry for the cup.

Allen brushed off the tag that Police have placed on themselves as the ‘underdogs’ saying; “The status ‘underdogs’ does not apply to a team playing who will be playing in the finals and as far as I am concerned, Police had to be playing some quality football to reach the finals.

For this reason the Western Tiger team will not be taking Police for granted.”

Adding that, “We will not be considering the underdog tag, we are going out to play football with one thing on our mind and that is the prize.”

Flue went on to say that from his point of view, it is not Police who have everything on the line, as they had surpassed expectations, a position that coach of Police, Dwayne Bobb has acknowledged but rather it is Western Tigers as the senior team to win.

“If anything, the pressure would be on Western Tigers having come into the tournament with more experience that Police and

we have to be on our game from the get go.” Flue said The West Ruimveldt based team will be doing whatever it takes to lift the cup, saying “we don’t care how ugly or how nice it looks, we intend to win the finals so we are going to go hard.”

While, Allen was keen not to disclose his plans ahead of the game, he pointed out that he has always found the Brazilian style of football eye catching and it was only destiny that he be paired with a team that has a tradition of producing players who share the same passion for the attacking nature of the game.

Highlighting that this was his first finals with the team, Allen noted that the team has been playing as a family and he as a coach has given them the opportunity to enjoy what they love to do and how they favour playing indicating that these were all contributions to the team’s success.

Speaking on their opponent, Allen said he has had quite a look at the team and have studied their style of play.

According to the West Ruimveldt resident, Police had started the tournament a bit shaky but has managed to destroy a number of top ranked teams on their way to the finals and should not be taken lightly.

Because of that feat, Allen acknowledged that confidence is running high throughout the team but made it clear that his team’s intent is to beat that confidence out of them pointing out basics do not change and they will be keeping it simple.

Key player for Western Tigers and among the top goal scorers, central attacker, Randolph Wagner also added that he, along with his teammates are training hard for this final and the plan is to keep it simple, stick to their game and go out and do what they do best, attack.

Looking back on the progression of the tournament, Wagner pointed out that they have not played under the best of conditions but through hard work and dedication Western Tigers have managed to maul teams and reach the pinna-

A lifetime of fitness Sarwan went on to say that “this is probably one of the best fitness facilities in the country and we would like Kaysan to utilise the facility and work hard since it is important to be fully fit for any sport that one plays”.

Similarly, Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) thanked Sarwan for making the ges-

ture and stated that he is looking forward for more corporate entities giving their support to the Association’s athletes.

Munroe disclosed that “We have recently got good news from the ITTF [International Table Tennis Federation] that he has been selected to participate in a World Hopes training camp in October from the

Randolph Wagner

cle of the tournament.

Speaking on the venue for the final match, Wagner indicated that the ground is of equal quality as the rest of the grounds used in the competition but having played a practice match there only a few weeks ago, the field was wet and play was not the best but hopefully the sun can shine and keep it dry which can work in favour of Western Tigers.

Allen on the other hand, chuckled that he is still a kid at heart and the team is not afraid of “getting into the mud” Another benefit Wagner mentioned was the privilege of having their previous coach teach them a defensive style of play and now, to have a coach that teaches attacking plays, it is no doubt that we are one of the more rounded teams in the country.

As a personal goal, Wagner said this is the game he loves and it keeps him out of trouble and to actually be one of the top players is a proud achievement.

The champions will cart off with Aruwai first prize of $700,000. while the runner up will walk away with $300,000 and the Ansa McAL trophy.

The third place match will be between losing semi-finalists Ann’s Grove and Federal Winners Connection with the winner collecting $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy while the fourth placed team will collect $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy.

Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team, while tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store.

FROM PAGE 23

18-25 in Lima, Peru, and he is one those prospects that could represent us in future at the Olympics”.

The 10-year-old who has already attracted support from other corporate entities such as Gizmos and Gadgets and Colours Boutique, plans on making good use of his support as he seeks continued success when representing his country.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League

Lower Corentyne remains unbeaten

— Khan bags 6

L

ower Corentyne.

Upper Corentyne Left arm spinner Kassim Khan inspired Lower Corentyne to an emphatic come from behind victory which continued its unbeaten run in three matches so far.

At Port Mourant Ground the former national youth player, Kassim captured 6-33 as he dismantled his Upper Corentyne opponents for 114 to help his side to a 34 run victory.

With just 148 to achieve on the final day’s play the home team struggled for most of the day before they were eventually stopped at 114. Joshua Ramsammy fought hard in his innings of 44, which was also his team’s top score.

Prior to the final’s day play Upper Corentyne took a vital first innings

Eon Hooper

lead over table toppers Lower Corentyne. Upper Corentyne resumed day two on 133/5 replying to 162

Surujnarine Kandasammy

made by Lower Corentyne and were eventually bundled out for 220. Rajiv Ivan made 62 on day one.

Kassim Khan

Lower Corentyne then fell for 205 all out in their second innings with

Surujnarine Kandasammy top scoring for the second time in the match with 86 while Jonathan Foo made 40 and David Latchaya struck 49. Eon Hooper was the chief destroyer again with his second five wicket haul of the match, claiming 5/48, Omesh Mathura had 3/23 while Clinton Pestano took 2/20. Hooper finished with 10/66 in the match.

The win gave ensured Lower Corentyne remains unbeaten with wins over Essequibo, Georgetown and now Upper Corentyne.

While Upper Corentyne loss their second game of the tournament.

Meanwhile both games in the city ended in draws after being affected by persistent rain which left wet outfields.

In the match between Georgetown and East Coast on Friday at the

Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda. Only four and a half hours of play was afforded out of the three day a total of 13 wickets fell during that period.

East Coast won the toss and made 148 while Georgetown was stuck on 63-3 when the game was eventually called off after lunch on the last day.

Off spinner Gajanan Suknanan took seven wickets for Georgetown.

At Everest Cricket Club Ground, the entire second and third days were lost due to wet out field caused by rain on Thursday. On the first day Essequibo began their innings and at 8-1 rain forced a premature end to proceedings.

The tournament will continue next weekend with four matches slated for venues across the country.

GBTI/GLTA Diamond Camp concludes

GTLA President, Jamal Goodluck (extreme left) with participants of the camp

T

he partnership between the the Guyana Tennis Association (GLTA) and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) seem compatible since the two always collaborate to host successful events.

And this time around it was no different as the partnership has once more has in another successful tennis camp. Despite the rainy weekend, the GBTI/ GBTI Diamond Camp ended with excitement at the GBTI Tennis Courts in Diamond.

In an opening statement on the final day of activities, the President of GLTA, Jamal Goodluck, praised GBTI for their collaborative efforts. He expressed his gratitude to the scores of tennis enthusiasts for their zeal and willingness to participate in the camp.

The association will be working on maintaining a programme in the community. Parents were encouraged to continue to make tennis a key part of their children’s development, while the adults were congratulated for their endurance throughout the camp, yet fun-filled competitions.

Mr. Surendra Samdass,

Manager of GBTI Diamond Branch, conveyed the commitment the financial institution has in supporting the development of tennis in Guyana and the community. He upheld that GBTI will continue to foster a relationship with GLTA, by not just sponsoring the annual GBTI Tennis Tournament, but through the Diamond Tennis Camp as well.

He motivated the participants of the camp to take advantage of the opportunities available to utilize the bank’s tennis courts, so that they can develop their skills learnt over the pass few weekends.

Immediately following his address, the Bank Manager presented the players with certificates of participation in the three-weekend tennis camp. Outstanding players won trophies in their respective categories.

Those categories were: Adults- Winner: Saeed Gopie and runner-up: Andy Jafer.

IntermediateWinner: Donnie Anderson and runner-up: Renaldo Alexander.

Juniors- winner: Johnny Dick and runner-up: Kevon Aaron. Beginners- winner: Noah Persaud and runnerup: Paul McKenzie.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

23

A lifetime of fitness!

Green Machine gelling — Kaysan Ninvalle gets lifetime well ahead of Mexico clash membership with Fitness 53

Ninvalle collects his membership key from Ramnaresh Sarwan while Godfrey Munroe looks on

The Guyana Ruby team engaged in practice (File Photo)

T

he Guyana National Rugby team, the “Green Machine” are currently engaged in training at the Rugby turf at the national park and head coach Lawrence Adonis said that the team is gelling well ahead of their match against Mexico in the RAN 15s Championship final and 2019 World Cup Qualifier.

Speaking to media operatives on Saturday, Adonis said, “We are starting to mend things well together, people starting to understand each other better, it is looking good”.

The Guyana team will play travel to the Spanish speaking country and the major concern will be the fact that matches will be played at higher altitude, something which the coach

says improving player fitness will be vital.

“The most we can do is up our fitness and the stamina of these guys; it’s always troubling when have to play at that height but we got one good thing going

Lawrence Adonis

BCB/NBS 2nd Division 40-over cricket

Tucber Park, Courtland to clash in semi-final today at Cumberland

Julian Moore

Keon Sinclair

keen contested match is anticipated today as the semi-final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) /New Building Society (NBS) Limited 40over second division cricket competition will be played today at the Cumberland ground in the East Canje area from 11:00h.

After several postponements due to the prolonged rainy season, the second semi-final of the tournament which started in 2015 will be played between hosts Tucber Park of New Amsterdam and Courtland of Lower Corentyne.

The winner will clash with Rose Hall in the final on a date and venue to be announced shortly.

Both teams possess great all-round strength, with former Berbice under-19 opener and current level three coach, Julian Moore, leading the Tucber Park side. He is expected to get support from promising pacer Niall Smith, a former national youth cricketer; West Indies winning World Cup female player Tremayne Smart; and wicketkeeper/batsmen Hakeem Hinds, Joel Seitaram, Keon DeJesus and Steve Deonarine.

Courtland will be led by the energetic John Percival and will be supported

by Keon Sinclair; former Berbice senior player Eon Gibson, Troy Mathieson and Leroy Bristol.

A

for us is that we played in the country before although this match will be a different venue which is higher so we have to see how early we can adapt”, the coach explained.

Guyana would have defeated Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago too book a spot in the fi-

nal but throughout their matches, a falling scrum has been a cause for concern. However, Adonis is buoyed by the prospects of having an Argentine scrum specialist coach to assist the team in the coming days.

Guyana and Mexico are slated to clash on October 1.

Y

oung Kaysan Ninvalle seems to be winning gold on all fronts, as on Saturday, the table tennis player was gifted lifetime membership to Fitness 53 at the Gym’s Providence, East Bank Demerara location.

Ninvalle secured Guyana’s only gold medal at the Caribbean Pre-Cadet Table Tennis Championships last month in Jamaica when

he defeated Trinidad and Tobago’s Jalen Kerr in the final of the boy’s Under-11 singles category.

Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan who is the proprietor of the gym revealed that he heard great things of the young and talented player and was extremely pleased of his performance at the championships.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 21

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

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

guyana-times.com

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Third round action of the Jaguars Franchise League

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Kerber beats Pliskova

A lifetime of fitness!

— Kaysan Ninvalle gets lifetime membership with Fitness 53

Page 20

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