Guyana Times Daily

Over 25 babies born on New Year’s Day P6

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2726 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Janurary 3, 2016

Secrecy looms over removal of sensitive NICIL documents

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Specialty Hospital Project:

MoU not P7 legally binding ‒ Health Ministry PS CJIA collects over $1B in revenue for 2015 P16

Page 3

– Police, Govt mum on internal; criminal probes As crime spirals out-of-control

January off to a bloody start with 4 deaths Pages 7,9,10&11

President prays for faith, strength as 2016 breaks Page 17 Across the nation, Guyanese ushered in the country's Jubilee year. President David Granger, like many others, spent the time in prayer and reflection at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mandela Avenue. The Head of State is pictured here kneeling in prayer on arrival at church on Old Years' Night

PPP/C’s $4.5B budget restoration

Ramotar defends Ashni Page 17 Singh’s actions

‒ Ramjattan vows to ensure Singh is charged “criminally”

Decomposed body found at Linden Page 17

Man Page 9 arrested with cocaine strapped to body

Shot Federal driver still seeking P9 compensation

Allegations against GPL’s CEO…

Govt under fire for P16 double standards

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NEWS

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SunDAY, January 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 3 – 12:30h-14:00h and Monday, January 4 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 3 – 11:30h-13:00h and Monday, January 4 – 12:25h-13:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers can be expected throughout the better part of the day, while heavy rain showers are expected in the late afternoon hours.

Cloudy skies and thundery rain showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-Easterly between 3.57 metres and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:04h and 23:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.17 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:30h and 17:06h reaching minimum heights of 1.02 metres and 1.03 metres respectively.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS H 03 04 07 13 15 28 06 Bonus Ball

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Secrecy looms over removal of sensitive NICIL documents ‒ Police, Govt mum on internal; criminal probes

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

T

op officials in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday remained tight-lipped about the ongoing criminal investigation which was launched into the operations of the National Industrial Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), even as known, and in some cases unknown officials, continue to remove piles of sensitive documents and information from the entity.

Over the past 48 hours, more documents were being accessed and taken away by officials reportedly linked to the GPF and the Guyana Defence Force as (GDF) well as individuals linked to the Special Organised Crime Unit.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud when questioned by the media on December 31, 2015, confirmed that the Police had launched an investigation following the handing over of the forensic audit report of the entity to them by the Government.

He did not state or specify which aspects of the report were being investigated criminally or what would be the process that the crime sleuths would follow given the special type of probe.

Attempts to contact Police Commissioner Persaud for clarity on the removal of documents on Saturday proved futile.

However, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when questioned by Guyana Times declined to offer any clarity on the matter surrounding the removal of sensitive and classified documents from NICIL. He then referred all questions to the Head of SOCU Sydney James who could not be reached.

Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj

NICIL Chairman, Dr Maurice Odle

Ramjattan when contacted for a comment also declined, pointing this newspaper in the direction of the Police who he said would be more informed and competent to answer the questions being posed.

But NICIL Chairman, Dr Maurice Odle confirmed that Police had visited the entity’s headquarters and presented a “warrant” to take away documents. NICIL officials complied, he reported.

When asked, Dr Odle disclosed that the Police officials are removing documents in relation to Pradoville 2. He was unaware if the documents were originals or copies.

He could not say how many times they had visited the headquarters or how many documents were removed.

He also unable to say whether a tally or register of the documents being removed was kept by NICIL officials or where the documents were headed.

Dr Odle assumed they were being taken to the “Police compound”.

Several questions still remain unanswered about the investigation into the State entity, including the purpose for removing the documents, since they could be utilised right at the headquarters or even copied and

taken to the Police if needed.

Recently, reports surfaced that GDF Sergeant Robert Pyles died in a car crash while in pursuit of an individual suspected to be affiliated with NICIL Chief Executive Officer Winston Brassington.

The relevant authorities are yet to respond to this development.

Questions are once again rising about the involvement of the GDF in the NICIL probe, the reason behind having a GDF Sergeant

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

staking out the home of the NICIL CEO and making unexpected advances towards

Winston Brassington

his affiliates, among others.

That aside, several stakeholders have expressed the view that the Government has embarked on a fishing expedition with pure political motive, hence the decision to send NICIL’s Boss Winston Brassington and his deputy Marcia NadirSharma on leave.

Also, the Government has been heavily criticised by stakeholders for misleading the country about the operations of NICIL and all of its transactions which he is maintaining are above board, legal and fully transparent.

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SunDAY, january 3, 2016

Views Together for 2016!

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Road Mayhem

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s 2015 ended, it appeared Guyanese using our roadways wanted to literally go out with a bang: “3 dead in Carifesta Ave Smashup” the headlines screamed. Deaths from road traffic crashes are one of the top ten causes. It is the number one cause of death among persons between the ages of five to 14 and the number two cause of death among persons ages 15-24. The record for the most traffic deaths per 100,000 of population is held by Namibia. Guyana is twenty-third in the entire world with 27.

When the number of vehicles on the roads increased in the developed countries they also passed through a stage in which their rate of accidents and deaths rose rapidly.

However, in the last half century, they all took concrete steps to reduce this – with very commendable results. As a region, the European Union has the lowest overall rate worldwide at 5.5 per 100,000 – with Sweden clocking in at an incredible rate of three. The US has a respectable rate of 11.4. The developing countries uniformly have very high rates with some notable exceptions such as Fiji at six per 100,000.

What the global statistics demonstrate is that without a planned and comprehensive approach to deal with the increasing number of vehicles as the developed countries did, the carnage on our roads will continue to escalate. At the top of the list must be a commitment by the authorities to place safety on par with the demand for faster transportation. Take for instance, the fact that pedestrians constitute half of our fatalities in road accidents. This used to be the pattern in the developed countries until they moved to build sidewalks that separated pedestrians from vehicles.

Our roadways were mostly built originally in the horse and buggy era and when some were “upgraded” in the sixties, they accommodated vehicular traffic but not pedestrians. With the exponential increase in vehicles in the last two decades (140,000 +) these roads are treated like “highways” even though they are shared with pedestrians.

The results are not surprising. Even in the present, though we had the benefit of the experience of the developed countries, we yet did not incorporate sidewalks on the East Bank and East Coast Demerara roadways that are works in progress.

The focus has been totally on increasing the number of driving lanes, with no provisions for pedestrians. The West Coast Demerara roadway is being rebuilt and we hope sidewalks for pedestrians are part of the design.

In addition to incorporating road building techniques that address our changing road usage patterns – for example increased numbers of motor cycles – the traffic laws must also address drivers’ behavioural patterns that contribute to road accidents. Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) are two major contributors to accidents.

In addition to equipping more traffic police with breathalysers, the penalties for violating the law must be increased significantly in tandem with a Zero Tolerance policy for infractions. In New York City, for instance, in addition to fines amounting to half the value of most vehicles, a person’s vehicle can actually be forfeited and licences suspended for DUI violations.

But if there is one area that can make a significant dent in our vehicular accident rate, it is in the issuance of drivers licences. It is common knowledge that a significant number of licences are sold by the traffic police responsible for issuing them. While there have been some positive responses to previous public outcry on the issue, the Police Force must be forced by their administrators to clean up their act. The failure in this area is not just the immoral act of bribery but in the deadly consequences of placing what are lethal weapons in the hands of individuals untrained in using them.

The fatal results should not be surprising.

Guyanese writer Jamal Adam on Friday evening proposed to his significant other during half time at the finals of the GFA/Banks Beer Knockout Cup at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Photo by: Marceano Narine)

PU/NICIL has been good for people and country Dear Editor, I write to make the case that PU/NICIL has been good for people and country. I would be failing in my duty if I were not to. I put myself on record also, that I have known and worked closely with CEO Winston Brassington and DCEO Marcia NadirSharma, weekly and often daily throughout the years and have found them to be knowledgeable, able, diligent, hardworking and earnestly committed to advancing people and country. It is said that every person is liable to some moment(s) of failure; nonetheless I put myself on record as standing at the side of colleagues who earned my greatest respect and appreciation for their work. And I am not doing so recklessly, flying in the face of evidence. What evidence is there? In all that I have seen and heard I have not sensed any criminal act: there is no indication of any money flowing to any of their pockets. The CEO’s crime (and that of PU/NICIL as an institution along with all its employees) seems to have been that he did his able best to carry out the policies and programmes of our PPP/C administration, accepting them and pursuing them rather than taking his cue from the then opposition.

Just recall the complaints related to Amaila, the Berbice Bridge, the Marriot Hotel, particularly the Mariott: what have they been other than means

to discredit those projects and deny our PPP/C Administration opportunities to bring good to people and country and win favourable consideration? Those projects made manifest our policies, outlook, worldview, our ideas of our stage of development and the next steps that we should take.

Those were essentially political choices and the attacks should be launched against us the political leaders of the PPP/C, not the administrators.

Let me acknowledge that in the competitive and perhaps inevitably adversarial politics in democracies, even more so in our historical demographics, and especially so after our 2011 elections when on the basis of provisions in our Constitution we set up as a minority government, an Opposition is likely to doubt, question and disparage all that the government says and does and see deception and corruption in every place but this should only go so far.

We of the PPP/C then in opposition were not ourselves free from such inclinations in the run-up to the 1992 elections – but we have always been a responsible group even though we had real reason to be bitter. Yes, we criticised the Barama, CRL/CLICO and Omai agreements, earnestly and responsibly, arguing mostly that the PNC had no mandate then to enter into those agreements.

Thus, when we came into office Dr Jagan could have had

the agreements reviewed by persons in whom he had great trust (amongst which was a Dr Maurice Odle, then with an international agency). We could and did accept that the Agreements were fundamentally standard international agreements. We laid them in Parliament and with a few adjustments and they have been our standard documents throughout our years in office.

The APNU/AFC went so far in demonising us of the PPP/C that more than six months after our elections they cannot start pulling back, expending valuable money and time, and delaying the re-establishment of some degree of political accord.

PU/NICIL has been at the centre of APNU/AFC demonising because it was able to complete the Mariott Hotel, despite their efforts to stop it midway. The PU (Privatisation Unit, which we set up formally), NICIL (National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, set up by the PNC after they retreated from State ownership of more than 80 per cent of the economic activity in Guyana) and the later merged PU/ NICIL have been important elements in our integrated approach to the overall growth and development of people and country, and we grew noticeably. This is not the forum but now may well be the time to talk extensively about the bringing of people and country from where we were in October

1992 to where we were in May 2015.

Managing the ongoing refashioning of the bauxite sector and communities within the commitments of the outgoing PNC to the international bodies, gave rise unto about 2006, to a large part of the work of PU, NICIL and later PU/NICIL as we sought to turn people and assets no longer required by the core, to new activities and to attract new international bauxite and other companies to those communities. Other sectors for which I was responsible – other mining, electricity, energy, telecommunications – also gave rise to much work for PU/NICIL. So, I was much involved with PU/ NICIL. In time I urged the merger of PU and NICIL. It was a natural and sensible thing to do, to utilise remnant and other available state assets to facilitate and enable new investments particularly those that bring increased diversification in our economy.

PU/NICIL’s focus was directed not just on the large and foreign but also on the smaller and local. Take for example the tourism and hospitality sector. We gave the go-ahead to direct negotiation for purchase of adjacent property so that Duke Lodge could expand. There was some notice and comments about that but we had PU/NICIL do similarly for the elegant expansion of Herdmanston. continued on page 4

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SunDAY, january 3, 2016

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Is legalising marijuana really a priority for Govt now?

Dear Editor, In recent weeks the media have been reporting on several calls for the decriminalisation of the use and possession of marijuana. Discussions involving this topic have even engaged the Minister of Legal Affairs. Notwithstanding, unless there is a comprehensive understanding and analysis of the proposal, with the public being fully informed of all the major implications, decriminalisation of cannabis and hemp should not be of serious consideration.

Decriminalisation is the removal of criminal penalties for drug law violations (usually possession for personal use). Less than five per cent of the countries in the world have gone this route. Why so few?

Now, anyone who has researched marijuana would have heard of Raphael Mechoulam. He is an 84-year-old organic chemist, born in Bulgaria, lived most of his life in Israel, spent most of his life studying cannabis, is the author of more than 400 scientific papers and the holder of 25 patents. He is also an emeritus professor at Hebrew University’s Hadassah Medical School.

He is literally the Father of Marijuana.

A few months ago

Hampton Sides, a journalist from the National Geographic Magazine interviewed professor Mechoulam and here are some of his revelations.

1. Professor Mechoulam discovered that marijuana has two major ingredients, namely tetrahydrocacabinol (THC) - which is the stuff that makes you high and cannabidiol (CBD) the key component which has many potential medical uses.

2. He says that he has never smoked marijuana and is not in favour of legalising it for recreational use.

3. He does not believe that anyone should go to jail for possessing it.

4. In young people especially, his studies show that prolonged use of highTHC strains of marijuana can change the way developing brains grow. It can also provoke serious and debilitating anxiety attacks. Cannabis may trigger the onset of schizophrenia among those who have a genetic predisposition to the disease.

5. Professor Mechoulam believes that cannabis should only be used for its medical properties (CBD) but for it to work efficiently in the medical world, this substance has to be separated from the plant and

quantified. As he puts it, “If you can’t count it, it’s not science”.

6. Cannabidiol can treat glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer, Aids among other conditions by extenuating the symptoms. Manuel Guzman, a colleague from Spain who studied marijuana for 20 years called it the “miracle drug”.

7. The most critical challenge facing the research of cannabis is separating the mind-altering essence (psycho active effect) - (THC) from the medical therapeutic ingredient (CBD).

8. The good news is that a geneticist named Nolan Kane is presently developing at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, a variety of marijuana with a low percentage of THC (the bad component).

Finally, in the face of the government’s gigantic task of mitigating our world record of suicides, increasing murder rate and widespread poverty, does the Coalition see decriminalisation of marijuana as a priority at this time when control and monitoring of such would be adding further burden on our already beleaguered law enforcement agencies?

Faithfully, Bertrand R Stuart

The Caribbean Voice Wish List Dear Editor, If The Caribbean Voice were to present a pragmatic wish list for the year 2016 elimination of the law, criminalising attempted suicide would probably top the list.

Prior to May elections, we had discussed this issue with two current cabinet members and both had expressed an interest in exploring the possibility of instituting a process to get rid of the law.

We now appeal to both those gentlemen as well as the government in general and members of the opposition as well, to please move with alacrity to take steps to discard this archaic law that was premised on premises that have long been debunked.

Other very doable measures, all of which have been ventilated many times in the public domain include: 1. Bringing back the Gatekeeper’s Programme or a similar replacement in order to train first responders within every community not only with respect to suicide prevention but also to tackle related issues such as domestic violence and child abuse.

2. Instituting a programme to address pesticide suicide. Early last month a forum on suicide in the Cayman Islands, attended by a number of government

representatives, had a oneday focus on pesticide suicide.

Additionally, The Caribbean Voice has presented to both government agencies and in the media the highly successful Shri Lankan Model of Hazard Reduction as well as other models that were also successful.

3. Placing counsellors in high schools. When President Granger suggested that the government could not afford this, he might not have considered strategies that have been publicly presented by TCV and others to identify teachers with social work training and use their knowledge and skills as well as to employ social work graduated from UG. Additionally the government may want to consider the one-year diploma in counselling that was in place in the seventies and eighties, with classes held on Saturdays.

4. A phased integrating mental healthcare into the general healthcare system as the World Health Organisation has suggested for developing nations like Guyana.

5. Fostering awareness and information dissemination by reaching out to the media to offer public service announcements as part of their social responsibility.

Also the business sector can

be requested to offer space on their billboards and electronic advertisements for the same purposes.

Simultaneously, sport and performing stars as well as other influentials can be persuaded to become spokespersons for suicide and related causes.

6. Harnessing NGOs on the social landscape to set up a coordinating committee to foster collaboration, establish a national network, and broaden collaboration on suicide prevention and related issues. This would facilitate mapping and eliminate duplication, while fostering cost effectiveness maximal use of resources.

7. Aggressively publicising and promoting the suicide hotline also by harnessing the media and private sector billboards and electronic advertising, as well as social media, NGOs, religious and educational institutions and so on.

We are very much aware that much more than this needs to be done but the measures referenced here are practical, affordable, and easily implementable and sustainable.

The most fundamental requirement is political will, underpinned by an attitude of caring concern.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

Why is the Government pulling wool over the eyes of the people?

Dear Editor, It has been reported in the media that the Cabinet has given clear instructions to the Minister of Finance to send Winston Brassington on administrative leave pending the outcome of a probe into the affairs of NICIL. The same was done to Sattaur at the GRA. Cabinet did the right thing in accordance with the principles of “Due Process of Law” and to preserve their constitutional rights by sending them on administrative leave with full pay. This is the normal practice and procedure for any government and Guyana is no exception to take such actions against the heads of departments who are allegedly accused of corrupt practices. But it appears what is good for the goose is not good for the gander in the Guyana under the APNU/AFC government.

It has been reported in the private media that the Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson has refused to send the acting CEO of GPL on administrative leave pending a probe into his alleged tampering with the procurement process.

According to the Minister, there is no reason to send GPL’s CEO on administrative

leave pending the outcome of the probe, it is up to the board of directors of GPL to act but at the moment, there is no board of directors. It is a blatant cover-up for one of their own.

Others who were not aligned to the government were sent home for the same reason.

It is clear that the Minister and by extension the government is pulling wool over the eyes of the people. Where are the voices of reason and fairness in the Cabinet? Where is the accountability and transparency promised by this government? The CEO has been under a cloud of suspicion since his appointment last August for allegedly forging his credentials and yet he was appointed to the position. It seems as though due diligence was not done by the minister.

It is clear that the Minister’s actions will cause irreparable damage to the government and could result in its demise. There can be no proper investigation of Welch who is the custodian of all the records and who can influence the outcome in his favour. Isn’t there some level of self-interest and self-preservation here?

The English Philosopher and Political Theorist John Locke has clearly stated in one

of his essays that human motivation is principally driven by the essential self-interested nature of human beings.

Therefore, it was found that the fundamental laws of nature necessitate the following: 1) a duty to preserve one’s selfinterest; 2) a duty to preserve others when self-preservation does not conflict.

Are we witnessing hedonism in public office again as was the case with the last government? Should President Granger allow this debauchery by the Minister, it will destroy image and morality of his administration which could result in huge loss of confidence in the government by the people. There has to be an independent investigation and let the chips fall where they may be. If not, how can the government justify sending other heads of departments on administrative leave pending investigations and not the acting CEO of GPL? The integrity of the government is at stake and it will pay a heavy price for this injustice. The people will be the judge and the jury.

Dr Asquith Rose and Harish Singh

PU/NICIL has been good...

I was Chairman of the Board of PU/NICIL for a period: thus, I am obliged to and I can speak up for PU/NICIL and shoulder what we the politicians, not the officers, should.

What should the Guyanese public make of the claimed unearthing of billions of dollars in the accounts of PU/NICIL and its subsidiaries, and of other autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies and now being sent to the Consolidated Fund (CF)? First, those accounts were not unknown, not hidden, not secret, and not unlawful. Second, the fact that there are billions in these accounts should raise questions about whether there was any stealing at all. Third, it is an achievement of note that there are surplus funds in bodies which before drew from the CF. Fourth, the records would show that without fanfare, billions of dollars had been transferred steadily, from time to time over the years to the CF from these accounts including the accounts of PU/NICIL. And yes, particularly in the earlier years we needed to and did use such accounts for what is known internationally as “off-budget financing”.

In our first years, Guyana’s economic position was so bad and the international strictures on various budget ratios so tight, we had to have the GGMC fund maintenance of the air corps of our GDF, as prepayments for servicing greater monitoring of mining across our hinterland. Again, with a good reason in hand I had the GGMC fund the extension of the MMC mini-

bus-grade trail into Madhia transforming the outlook and prospects for that community. Whatever the wrongdoing in such actions, I and members of the Cabinet then, are ready and willing to pay the price.

Having now transferred these billions of dollars to the CF what can we expect?

The danger is that it would be used to raise recurring current expenditure to unsustainable (at this time) levels, putting us at risk of again getting on a path to a downward inflationary spiral such as we got on soon after Independence and only very painfully began working our-

selves out of in the late 1980s.

Additionally, more immediately, the stated intention to withdraw all these billions in accounts in the banks would reduce the ability of the banks to lend and further constrain our economy.

We of the PPP/C, citizens of Guyana, no more so or less so than others, hope that those dangers would be avoided. No one would want a return to the 1970s and 1980s.

Time will tell.

Yours truly, Samuel AA Hinds Former Prime Minister and Former President

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Foundation

“Of all sound of all bells... most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the Old Year.” – Charles Lamb

O

year would bring, and the other looked backward to see what happened during the past year. This is symbolic since you can never move forward if you completely ignore what hap-

(representing completing a year’s cycle) for luck or to the Scottish belief that it’s especially lucky if a tall, dark and handsome man is the first person to enter your house, it’s clear that

pened in your past.

There is the caution that “those that forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them!” I guess in the case of Janus, being ‘two-faced’ wasn’t a bad thing!

They’re so many different traditions and superstitions concerning New Year’s Day in every country, it’s impossible to keep track of all of them. From the Dutch tradition of eating a donut

different cultures have very different ideas about what makes you lucky!

But what is common in all cultures, is the fact that the New Year represents a new beginning - a chance to start afresh with new resolutions for the New Year (unfortunately, I’m as guilty as anyone else of conveniently forgetting those resolutions by the next week!).

Of course, we won’t be

Anu Dev

n Friday, we officially kicked off the New Year with music and good food, family and friends. Interestingly, though the “New Year” was celebrated more than 4000 years ago, in Western cultures it was only celebrated from about 400 hundred years ago. For instance, in India, New Year is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaithra (Mid April) and it’s been observed for more than 5100 years – of the present Kali Yuga.

In fact, the current date celebrated as “New Year’s” day was chosen in 153 BC

by Julius Caesar. If you’re a fan of Roman and Greek mythology, you’ll be interested to know that the month January was named after the God of Doorways - Janus. He was given two faces - one which looked ahead to see what the new

guyanatimesgy.com

hoping for only ourselves to change for the better this New Year, we’ll be wishing for other things as well.

Maybe for West Indies to become the number one Test team again (please?)

New Year’s Eve truly is a magical time. When we were very young (and still naïve) my father insisted that we be up and outside to see the “Old Year Clouds” move over and be replaced by the “New Year Clouds”.

Do others also have this tradition? There’s a special joy in counting down those last few seconds until you light off the fireworks to usher in the New Year. And then the invariable hugs, shouting and general pandemonium as everyone celebrates making it through yet another year - another year full of possibilities and dreams.

But the New Year doesn’t just have to mean moving on, the New Year is also a time to strengthen bonds with those you love, keeping in mind that January 1, 2016 isn’t the end, in fact, it may only be the end of the beginning.

Happy New Year (or as they say in Greece, “Eutychismenos o kainourgios chromos!”)!

Over 25 babies born on New Year’s Day By: Kizzy Coleman

B

abies are hope of new beginnings for parents. With their coos, squeals, giggles and wails these bundles of joy brightens any room with their presence.

3.1kg. The Grandma is hoping he is named Devon.

Rena exclaimed she is beyond happy to have a new child especially born on New Year’s.

Little baby Sage, yet another New Year’s baby looked

Nekeita Lorrimer and Ronella

All expectant parents want the birth of a healthy, happy baby but to have that baby born on New Year’s day adds more to the special moment.

When Guyana Times visited the Maternity Ward of Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) on Saturday, it felt touching to see both mothers and fathers elated to greet their newborn.

Early on New Year’s morn-

adorable in her pink outfit.

Her mother Shellon Bourrey was overjoyed not only to have her baby on New Year’s but happy to have her very first baby.

“I must say that this experienced is very exciting, joyful in every way you could think because this has been a long process for me, so all my hard work has paid off and I’m very happy to have a bouncing

Chantey Williams and her first boy

ing Sabrina Nickson, 31, welcomed her little girl into the world, the first to be born at GPH on New Year’s. She is the fifth child for Nickson.

“I had a c-section and I was so excited because she was born really fast. I have much joy now that she is here and she is healthy. And I must say that my family members are even more excited than I am.

My husband had to keep the kids home because of how excited they are about having a new little sister”.

Rena Stanislaus of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was visibly ecstatic to welcome her New Year’s baby born at 14:35h weighing in at

baby girl’ she gleamed.

The grandmother expressed gratitude that both daughter and granddaughter are safe.

“I’m glad that everything is over now and that the baby came out healthy and the mother is well”, May Benn said.

Chantey Williams was very happy to talk about her bundle of joy to this newspaper. She was visibly elated to have her son and even happier to have delivered him on New Year’s. She expressed thanks for all the support given to her. Son is to be named Jonathon after his father. turn to page 17

NEWS

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SunDAY, january 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Specialty Hospital Project:

Father of one beaten to MoU not legally binding death at Cane Grove – Health Ministry Permanent Secretary

P

ublic Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Trevor Thomas does not believe government should heed the magnitude of concerns expressed by numerous stakeholders regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with disqualified construction company Fedders Lloyd to construct the specialty hospital here.

Thomas, during a media conference Thursday, told the media that the MoU is not a legally binding agreement so the whole question of the need for a procurement process is premature.

“It might be premature because there is no contract,” he stated when asked for a response to the recent concerns expressed by the Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI).

TIGI President Father Compton Meerabux is one of the recent persons calling for the scrapping of the MoU on the basis that there are too many uncertainties surrounding the agreement, including the fact that the company was disqualified by the National Tender and Procurement Administration Board

(NTPAB).

However, Thomas pointed out that there was no contract signed with Fedders Lloyd – indicating there is no need to go to tender.

“We are at a stage of the MoU where Fedders Lloyd will do an assessment and look and see what needs to be done. So I wouldn’t want us to pre-empt anything at this stage. We don’t know what will come out after Fedders Lloyd completes the assessment,” Thomas said.

Further, he acknowledged the mounting comments expressed by prominent individuals on the matter nonetheless, he indicated government has no intention of rescinding its decision to contract Fedders Lloyd.

According to reports from another section of the media, Fedders Lloyd is already making preparations to start construction after the holiday season, with the intent to complete the facility by 2018.

Works have already commenced on cleaning the site.

The Public Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the grant from India will be used to design, construct and cover the operating expenses of

the Specialty Hospital in its initial stages.

Meanwhile, former government minister Dr Henry Jeffrey posited that secrecy shrouds the entire process, adding that there is a complete lack of transparency in the undertaking.

“It is quite clear that these people criticised the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) about openness and transparency and tendering process and they’ve broken all in one stroke,” he said.

Political commentator Ramon Gaskin raised similar points as he expressed that the entire situation appears to be laced with corruption, given the close relationship between Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and the company that was single-handedly selected to construction a facility the APNU/AFC coalition had vigorously rejected.

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran had also called for a tendering process to be initiated.

Additionally, TIGI Vice President Christopher Ram called on the government to revisit the transaction, especially amid immense public disapproval.

Man arrested with cocaine strapped to body

D

The suspected mule, Gordon Lino

ays after he was bestowed with the title of best cop in B Division (Berbice), Constable Mark Fraser played an integral role in the arrest of a Surinamebased Guyanese as he was attempting to smuggle a quantity of cocaine through the Moleson Creek Crossing Saturday morning.

Gordon Lino, 41, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, but formerly of Mangrase Straat No 2 Paramaribo, was found with just over 1kg of the illicit substance strapped to his body. He was reportedly heading to South Drain Terminal from Moleson

Creek.

The police in the area believed his accomplice had

used the backtrack route but Lino decided to use the legal route thinking he would have passed with the cocaine.

Upon his arrest, the police ranks during investigation realised that he was in contact with several persons in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Aruba and Suriname, all of whom were enquiring about a “package” that was supposed to be delivered.

The phone numbers have been released to drug enforcement officers in those countries. The police have alerted their counterparts in Suriname with information regarding the suspected accomplice.

The two packets of cocaine that were strapped to the man’s body

A

father of one succumbed to injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) following an altercation at Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara access road on New Year’s Night.

Dead is Deokumar Basdeo, 22, of Sawah Village, Cane Grove, ECD. According to reports the now dead man attended a traditional event called “Greasy Pole” in the village and took a few drinks at one of the shops.

While at the shop, he reportedly got into an argument with a group of men who had travelled to the village to witness the activities. After sometime, the argument ceased and Basdeo left the shop.

Guyana Times understands that after the men left the show, five of them followed Basdeo in their car and in the vicinity of “Jango House”, pulled him into the vehi-

cle where he was severely beaten.

After they were done, they dumped him out of the moving vehicle. He was subsequently found in an unconscious state and taken to the GPH where he died a few hours later.

The men have since gone into hiding as police continue their investigations.

When Guyana Times contacted relatives of the dead man on Saturday, his wife Sherry Baig explained that she had travelled to Berbice to spend the New Year with her parents and at about 22:30h she received a phone call that her husband was involved in a fight and he was at the hospital.

“I couldn’t come down that late so early this morning (Saturday), I went to the hospital only to find meh husband lying dead on a bed”, she cried.

She last saw her husband on New Year’s morning

when he left home for work at about 04:00h.

She stated that her husband’s body was battered, which gave an indication that he was brutally beaten. The distraught young woman told Guyana Times that people in the area saw her husband being beaten but no one went to his assistance.

In addition, she stated that most of the people remained tightlipped about the entire incident and refused to cooperate with the police.

She noted that the men who committed the murder are from Mon Repos, ECD, and are known to several people in the area but they have not come forward to assist in apprehension of the five perpetrators.

She is calling on the police to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Basdeo leaves to mourn his wife, one child, two siblings and his parents.

8

news

SunDAY, january 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness Rhyme and reason…

W

…for Ministerial changes?

hen the new PNC-led APNU/AFC Government squeezed into office they’d promised a lean and clean regime. The PPP, they complained, had led a bloated and top heavy administration that was more of a holding pen for supplying milk to fat cats.

To the consternation of a bemused populace, however, the coalition proceeded blithely to create one of the highest government:civilian ratio govts even seen in the Third World. Or the First World or any world for that matter.

With one of the smallest economies in the world, Guyana now weighs in with one President, four Vice Presidents and 26 Ministers to run a government for less than one million persons. 200,000 less! The US, in comparison, with 300 million people has One President, one Vice President and 15 Cabinet Secretaries (the equivalent of Ministers) to run their administration.

Lean, the new govt wasn’t – especially when they promptly rewarded themselves with humungous pay raises. Without telling a soul.

While the President didn’t say so, because of the political machine he constructed to oust the PPP from office after 23 years, its size was dictated by its own logic. First the PNC had to be camouflaged to give it deniability for its past: the five paper partners – like the WPA – forming the APNU with it, served that purpose.

They had to get their pound of flesh – or in this case their ministerial and Vice Presidential titles and salaries.

APNU’s key coalition agreement with the AFC didn’t leave anything to the imagination – 40 per cent of whatever number of bodies formed the government.

And so Guyana ended up with a lumbering and bloated Cabinet having absolutely no nexus with performing the tasks of government. Agriculture? Natural Resources?

Housing? National Security? It was like the government was playing “Pin the Tail” on the donkey!

But then after seven months of desultory rumblings and bumblings – a “shakeup” was rumoured. Palpable excitement! Alas, the mountain rumbled and produced a mouse. Keith Scott was moved to “Social Protection” from “Communities” – read Housing - and replaced by newbie, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson. So now there are 27 Ministers! Fractious Region 10 had to be given a bone?

Raphael Trotman’s now “officially” Minister of Natural Resources – with assistance from “I is” Broomes, who Scott had replaced over at ”Communities”. What happened to Trotman’s Governance hat? Still there – as far as your Eyewitness (and Nagamootoo) knows. To say these changes are underwhelming would be hyperbolic – but SOMETHING had to be done to show the ship of state wasn’t just drifting, no?

Trouble is, not a single sector of the economy that matters has someone at its head that inspires the kind of confidence needed at this time.

Flying blind in 2016 isn’t the way to go.

…in Awards and Rewards

While there was a lot of head scratching on the musical chairs being played with the Ministers, the National Awards to 12 organisations were much less puzzling: this was good, old fashioned back scratching to keep and extend political support. ACDA had provided yeoman support in the field in the PNC’s (and by definition, the government’s) key constituency and had to be recognised.

GIT had to be given a crumb since the newbie Islamic group offering earliest support had been gloating a bit too much – and the big enchilada CIOG had been acknowledged. Ditto Roadside Baptist from the Corentyne. All in the effort to widen the coalition’s support base now that Nagamootoo had shot his wad.

The confirmation of the tactic was leaving Dharmic in the cold – even though whatever might be said about them, one had to concede they had made SOME contribution in education and social services.

But what about that new lot? Too new?

…in WICB’s refusal to dissolve

Surely Caricom leaders didn’t think the WICB would roll over and commit suicide, did they? Too much gravy on that train for the fat cats!

So what now?

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

news

9

SunDAY, january 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Tuschen man killed during Shot Federal driver still seeking compensation brawl at Greenwich Park

A

fter living overseas for the past six years, the first Christmas holiday back home ended tragically for a Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) man who was killed on Friday evening, after he got involved in a brawl at Greenwich Park, EBE. Dead is Dewaun Anthony Baksh of Lot 55 Tuschen, EBE. According to reports, the incident occurred sometime around 22:25h at a popular bar called “Pink Shop”, located on Greenwich Park Public Road.

Guyana Times understands that Baksh was with his younger brother Rafeek and two friends at the time of the incident. The men had gone to a party and then went to the shop afterwards, where Rafeek, 20, saw another man, known as “Wali”, with whom he had an old grievance.

The two had an exchange of words outside of the shop, during which Dewaun intervened. By this time, another man, “Rocky” (only name given) came up and began chucking Dewaun. After realising what was happening, Rafeek began walking away

Dead: Dewaun Baksh

aware of what was happening, Dewaun had already been attacked and stabbed.

They managed to free Rafeek from the clutches of the two and then went to rescue the elder brother.

Guyana Times was told that one of the friends, Akash Shamlall, threw himself onto Dewaun’s body to protect him and sustained several stab wounds to his right hand and bruises about his body.

Speaking with this pub-

‘Pink Shop’ in Greenwich Park where the murder took place

and thought his older brother had done the same.

But when he turned around, he saw his brother on the ground with “Rocky” over him, stabbing him with a knife. As he was about to go to his brother’s rescue, he was hit in his head and then held down by “Wali” and another called “Black Boy”; both of whom hail from Zeelugt, EBE. The two friends who were with the Baksh brothers were inside in the bar at the time of the stabbing and by the time they were made

lication, Shamlall recalled that when they arrived at “Pink Shop”, he went to meet some other friends.

“When we go in the shop, we go and shake two ah we friends hand and then we friend say watch your partners them fighting out there.

When I watch, I see Dewaun falling down and I run now to cover he and I get a set of jook up and lash up. Then I say this man (Dewaun) deh bad, let we take he hospital. The fellow them back-off and get away, then we put

he (Dewaun) in the bus and carry he away,” the friend recalled.

According to Shamlall, Dewaun reportedly died on the way to hospital. He further noted that while three persons were physically involved in the brawl with the Baksh brothers, there were about seven of them together.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s twin brother, Dewane, told Guyana Times that they left a friend’s party in Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara and he headed home in a car with the impression that his brothers and friends were following behind in a bus.

After they did not show for some time, the young man said he figured they had gone somewhere else, so he went to bed. But around 10:30h, he got a call from a friend saying that there was an accident.

“My friends tell me go to the hospital and when I reach there, they tell me my twin brother die,” he distraught young man said.

Dewaun sustained four stab wounds to his upper body – one to this left side temple, left side neck, his chest in the region of his heart and to his right side abdomen. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Rafeek, was treated for a head injury and sent away.

The 22-year-old was described as a friendly person who stayed away from trouble. He leaves to mourn his four siblings, parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends.

The Police have since launched an investigation into the incident but are yet to make any arrests.

However, this newspaper was told that the wife of one of the men who attacked the Baksh brothers had gone to their house on Saturday morning. She was handed over to the Police to assist with locating her husband.

Guyana Times was told that “Rocky”, the person who stabbed Dewaun, hails from Tuschen New Scheme, EBE.

A

driver attached to Federal Management Systems Inc, Preston Chance, is still awaiting compensation or justice for the permanent injuries he sustained six years ago after being accidentally shot while on duty at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat.

Chance, an armed driver for over 10 years, attached to the Federal Management, was sent to work at the Caricom Secretariat on December 4, 2009, where he was accidentally shot in his right shoulder by a colleague, whose gun went off while “picking it up”. The colleague was taken in for questioning but later released and fired from the job.

The accident has left Chance without a ball and socket joint, according to his wife Vanessa Chance, who spoke with Guyana Times. As such, he is unable to work and maintain his household which includes his wife and five children, who are all below the age of 18.

As a result of the accident, Chance was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital for two weeks, during which he was told that surgery was to be performed on his shoulder. Upon visiting another doctor and having his shoulder assessed, he was informed that it was infected and urgent care was needed to control the infection. Four surgeries were done; however, doctors were unable to completely fix the badly wounded shoulder, leaving Chance’s right arm “disabled for life”.

The man’s wife further explained that these surgeries were very costly and Federal Management declined to contribute in any way, even though her husband paid insurance.

“The company told us that insurance doesn’t cover industrial accidents so we had to find all this money by ourselves. And one of the surgery costs $300,000. They called on NIS to contribute, but they didn’t give anything either,” she reported.

Vanessa expressed her anger at the way in which the case is being handled by the court.

She informed Guyana Times that she has been “back and forth” to get justice for her husband but her attempts were futile in securing compensation and justice.

“We went all over, Ministry of Labour, court, everywhere. And nobody is helping us out. We are not getting justice anywhere we go,” a frustrated Mrs Chance related.

According to the man’s wife, on reporting

Injured on the job, Preston Chance

the case to the Labour Ministry, a lawyer was assigned to them but he was unsuccessful in winning the case since Federal Management’s lawyer was more experienced. Subsequently, the case was dismissed.

“We can’t win against Federal unless we have a good lawyer. So we are pleading for a new lawyer to be assigned to us so we can appeal this case. This is injustice, and we don’t have money to hire a lawyer,” Vanessa implored.

The family is pleading with the relevant authorities to look into the situation and investigate it thoroughly so that justice will be granted where it is needed.

She disclosed that her family is going through an arduous time since her husband has been deemed unfit to work in his condition.

“We’re pleading with Mr Granger to please look into this matter. It is unfair to poor people of this country to go through such a hard time with just to receive justice for their loved ones.

We need to stop employers from doing this to their employees; it is advantage on the lower people. It’s our children who are suffering because their father is injured and can’t provide for them,” the frustrated woman told Guyana Times.

It is the family’s hope that for the New Year, the case resurfaces and justice be afforded to them.

10

SunDAY, January 3, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Crabwood Creek man murdered on New Year’s Day G

uyana recorded its first murder in the New Year following the death of Andre Britton, 50, of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Potaro, which occurred at about 01:30h on Friday.

The Guyana Police Force is currently investigating the murder of Asif Hafeez, 24, of Crabwood Creek, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

According to a release from the police, Hafeez was imbibing with another man at Crabwood Creek when an argument ensued between them and he was stabbed to his neck. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital.

The now dead man’s wife Abiola Garnette also called ‘Annie’ said she and her husband had just returned

Asif Hafeez and wife, Abiola Garnette a few days before his death

from an Old Year’s Night party held at the house next to their Lot 72 Grant 1780 CWC home.

The two, according to Garnette, became involved

The house where the incident occurred

in an argument.

“Me an me boy had a lil talking upstairs an the man that living downstairs, called Mosses, put in he mouth an start talk up to

me husband. Me husband tell he that nobody ent talk to he…”

Garnette explained that Hefeez became aggravated and went downstairs to meet ‘Moses’ who is a relative of hers. “I go behind he and I see he pull open the downstairs door and Moses went stand up right behind the door. Me boy trow one cuff to he face an like when he hear we coming down the step he go an get a knife so when me boy gee he the cuff he jook he same time.”

She said immediately there was a gush of blood which hit the ground.

Neighbours rushed to the scene and desperately tried to stop the bleeding and then he was taken to hospital by a neighbour who is also a police officer.

Meanwhile, Moses Samuels, 56, walked out of the yard and has not been seen since.

Sources say Samuels was earlier imbibing at a different location in Corriverton.

He is sad to have been working at Goat Landing backdam at CWC doing logging.

Garnette and Hafeez had been living together for two years.

According to Hafeez’s mother, Sandra Brideolall he was the eldest of four children and leaves to mourn his brother, sisters, and parents.

Belle of the Ball S

atiricus liked to open his New Year by opening his newspaper to see all the movers and shakers shaking their booties at the New Year’s Ball. He was not disappointed. THERE was Rum Jhaat in his Top Hat, twirling away on the dance floor with his goofy grin in place! The ball had just started when the pic was snapped, but the Jhaat already look like he was smashed and holding on for dear life to his partner.

But Satiricus was a tad disappointed Rum Jhaat didn’t wear his patented Green Suit to the ball. “If he could wear his lime green suit to Cold Toronto to show all those darksuited fashion clods how we tropical men dressed, why couldn’t he have done the same here?” fretted Satiricus.

As Satiricus looked around for some fashion statement – like a cummerbund or something – he realised it was Naga Man’s turn to be the fashionista of the night. These KFC types divvied up the duties.

Cutting a dapper figure in his white suit, Naga Man reminded Satiricus of the sharkskin white suit BurntHam had persuaded his colleagues in the PPP to wear back in 1953 when they became Ministers. It was clear Naga Man had a keen sense of history, Satiricus smiled knowingly. “It couldn’t be he was following BurntHam’s fashion lead to score brownie points because he’d now joined up with the PNC, could it?” He wondered. Naaah!

But then he was wearing a purple shirt!! Wasn’t purple the colour of royalty and therefore the colour of BurntHam? “Sheer coincidence,” said Satiricus firmly to himself. But Naga Man did stand out like the belle of the ball with his white suit and purple shirt. It was magical.

Soon it would be 2am and he would have to rush away in his SUV Carriage pulled by its 4500 cc engine, which had been given to him by his fairy godfather GrainJa to visit his constituents.

Or else he would turn back into the fella who used to catch crabs on the Whim foreshore while swigging Bush Rum with his pal, Rum Jhaat!

PM receives Constitutional Reform report P

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo received the interim report from the Convener of the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR) Nigel Hughes on Thursday.

The SCCR commenced work on September 1, 2015 with a view to completing its work on December 31.

The SCCR met the deadline by presenting to the Prime Minister the interim report but requested an extension for the purpose of completing extensive consultations.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo is favourably considering the request for the extension, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

PM Nagamootoo thanked Hughes and members of the SCCR for their tireless work in preparing the interim report and indicated he will review it thoroughly before making any public pronouncement.

The Prime Minister had appointed Hughes as the Convener and had also appointed Prof Harold

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo receives the interim report from Convener of the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform Nigel Hughes

Lutchman, Haslyn Parris, Geeta Chandan-Edmund and Gino Persaud as members of the SCCR in August last.

The SCCR was tasked with setting up the framework for a substantive Constitutional Reform Commission intended to be broad-based and inclusive of all major stakeholder.

At the time PM Nagamootoo had said: “I am most pleased that Nigel Hughes has agreed to kick

start this stage to come up with modalities and timeframe for the actual reform process.”

The Prime Minister had also said the SCCR would not undertake any change to the existing constitution but was tasked with mainly defining the scope of the actual reform process and establish the terms of reference and mechanisms for consultation to establish a Constitution Reform Commission.

NEWS

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SunDAY, january 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Presidential lawlessness By: Ryhaan Shah

S

eema Mangar lost her life for the sake of her Blackberry cell phone. James Peter, an Indian National, also lost his life most brutally for a cell phone just over a year ago. Cell phone robberies occur daily and there is most likely a big payoff in black market sales that make these particular crimes a most lucrative business.

You would think that these brutal and still unsolved murders would give our president so much compassion for the victims that he would have ordered up strategies to curb these crimes and stamp Ryhaan Shah out the underground trade in cell phones. Not so.

Instead, President David Granger, with a gravely misplaced sense of justice and compassion, dismisses cell phone robberies as a matter of little consequence, and pardons the robbers.

He followed up the pardon of 61 young convicted criminals shortly after his inauguration by releasing 11 more, all mothers, for Christmas.

The Guyana Bar Association has already expressed much uneasiness over the secrecy and disregard for legal requirements surrounding these releases. No names are published; no information of the crimes which the president deems pardonable is known; no follow-up is given on the supposed rehabilitation of the criminals.

Because of his comment dismissing the gravity of cell phone thefts, we can assume that cell phone robbers account for more than a few of those released. Where are they, and what are they doing right now? And if everything is above-board as the president insists, why then the secrecy?

The president says young people should be in school and not behind bars. Just so, except when they break the law. Then, in accordance with our judicial system, the criminals are expected to take responsibility for their crimes. For young offenders, this is the learning experience.

Many commentators have already pointed out that instead of serial pardons – the president vows to do it again and again – the laws could be changed to emphasise rehabilitative programmes for first-time offenders.

However, the president’s current highhandedness is more in keeping with his style which flouts all accountability and transparency.

It is a clear sign of a creeping totalitarianism.

Granger has his supporters and social activist Sherlina Nageer said in the “Daily Chronicle” that the president should have released more than 11 mothers. She reasons that these women commit crimes out of “economic desperation” and that there should be financial empowerment to give them alternatives.

No one argues that everyone is entitled to a good wage and a decent life. This is exactly why governments are elected. Or, at least, voters expect that the people they place into that position of trust and responsibility will effect the social and economic changes needed to give youths, women, mothers, etc, all a good life.

Even then there will be transgressors and mothers, most of all groups, must be the ones to set proper examples for their children. If they don’t, their children could well learn that crime pays. What, for instance, have the children of the released mothers learned by the president’s pardon?

Since women are still seeking to be treated justly and fairly both socially and economically, they, more than any other group, must uphold the law. If women defend female criminal behaviour they lose all credibility when they then expect men who commit crimes, including violence against women, to be dealt with by the full letter of the law.

Wanting to be treated fairly comes with a great deal of responsibility and any move to have women be seen as “more equal” in any respect would seriously set back the gains made by the women’s movement over the past hundred years.

There are many mothers who face “economic desperation” who do not commit crimes to make a living. However, the cry of marginalisation is familiar and is used by the PNC/APNU to justify all manners of criminal activities, including street violence, arson, robberies, assaults, rape, and murder.

This is familiar territory for Granger, and his preference for working around the system instead of using his presidential office to effect universal social and economic change that would benefit everyone makes his moves all the more suspicious.

He is very aware that granting favours inspires unswerving loyalty from the recipients. The released criminals will always be grateful to him personally and could well be called on to serve in whatever capacity is required. It is a way of buying loyalty and obedience. Is the president building a cadre of such loyalists?

Given the PNC’s record of organised thuggery during its last illegal term in power, these questions must be asked and Granger’s absolute comfort with presidential lawlessness must be more than lightly considered.

In a country with a continuous rise in serious crimes, the president’s pardons send the wrong message to criminals and wouldbe criminals. They raise more than allay the fears of law-abiding citizens. At the start of a new year, there is always much talk of hope and optimism. However, in this instance, the outlook for 2016 remains bleak.

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

3 hospitals for major overhaul Another

By Devina Samaroo

T

hree regional hospitals are in the line-up for major rehabilitation works this year as Government forges ahead to improve the nation’s primary healthcare services and lessen the usual overcrowding at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara), the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and the Bartica Regional Hospital in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are already identified to benefit from the US$14 million loan by Exim Bank of India that was initially allocated for the construction of the Specialty Hospital.

Permanent Secretary of Public Health Ministry Trevor Thomas explained that Government is in the final stages of identifying a consultancy firm to carry on an assessment of the health institutions and draft a technical proposal for the works that needs to be done.

The firm selected by the National Tender and Procurement Administration Board will be mandated to thoroughly examine the existing programmes at the three hospitals and come up with a plan for improvement.

This would include providing a cost for the scope of work required, making recommendations for the improvement of the physical structure, the equipment needed to enhance the standards and the categories of human resources needed to boost capacity.

When this is done, Government will move forward accordingly.

Upon completion of the entire undertaking, the three hospitals will be able to provide quality healthcare services which will eventually lessen the burden at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The three regional facilities will also be able to perform surgical procedures which would normally be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Aside from those three hospitals, the Public Health Ministry intends to get the maternity section at all hospitals throughout the country functioning.

With the case of the Leonora Hospital, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton explained that the maternity section there has well equipped wards, birthing rooms and neonatology unit but it is not operational.

On this note, he said works are underway to get the section up and running.

In addition, moves are afoot to establish a neonatal department at the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Brazilian miner stabbed to death

A

Brazilian miner was on Thursday last stabbed to death during a robbery at Puruni Backdam, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The identity of the dead man was given only as “Brain”.

According to information received, the now dead man was working on a mining operation at Puruni Backdam when he was confronted by an armed man who held him at gunpoint and demanded gold.

The Brazilian national reportedly got into a scuffle with the suspect, during which he was shot to his neck.

The suspect then relieved the injured man of a quantity of gold and attempted to escape.

Other persons in the mining camp upon hearing to sound of the gunshot reportedly ran towards the mining pit where they saw “Brian” in a pool of blood and the alleged suspect fleeing the scene. He was subsequently apprehended and handed over to Police.

He is expected to be charged with the capital offence of murder as soon as Monday. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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sunday, January 3, 2016| gu

Ushering in t

Love is in the air. To start the New Year, this couple hit it off with a bang in 704 Lounge

Ministers of Government at the Square of the Revolution enjoying the festivities as Government launched its 50th anniversary jubilee celebrations

From left to right – Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali; former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon; and former Amerindian Affairs Minster Pauline Sukhai at Red House

Former President and current Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo being embraced by a patron upon his entry into Palm Court

Former Tourism Minister and Proprietor of Palm Court, Maniram Prashad and his sons

Brigadier Mark Philips in the along with Prime Minister Moses Nagam

Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan and his family as they usher in

Some Guyanese chose to ring in the New Year at a ball at the 704 Lounge

Out of the old and into the new together! Prou presence of friends and loved ones

the New

uary 3, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

ster Moses Nagamootoo and his spouse Sita Nagamootoo

mily as they usher in 2016

Year

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception saw hundreds of Guyanese in attendance as they ushered in the New Year in the presence of the Lord

Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister within the Social Protection Ministry Keith Scott; Jaipaul Sharma, Junior Finances Minister; and Attorney General Basil Williams posing with friends and family for a picture at the Policeman’s Ball

ew together! Proudly entering the New Year in the d ones

13

Commander of A Division Clifton Hicken slow dances to the jams of some old soul at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, his daughter and a friend taking a drink at Red House

Guyanese turned to the tallest wooden building in the world – the Saint George’s Patrons flooded Gravity Lounge to ring in the New Year Cathedral, to ring in the New Year in prayer

14 news

SunDAY, January 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Essequibo farmers complaining over inadequate vegetable markets

L

arge scale cash crop farmers living within Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and the Pomeroon River are complaining bitterly about having to dump bag loads of vegetables on a daily basis, due to the lack of markets, resulting into low sales.

According to farmers there is an abundance of vegetables flooding the markets at Anna Regina, Suddie and Charity but there are not many buyers. As such, the vendors are calling on the Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Marketing Corporation, to intervene.

The “glut” situation farmers described is particularly linked to the negative effects of the rice industry. Region Two is predominantly a rice growing area and if the sector is down, then it has spin-off effects on every other sector within the region.

Explaining the situa-

tion, a large scale cash crop farmer, Ramesh Persaud, said he has over 10 acres of land under bora, tomatoe, lettuce, cabbage, corilla and pepper cultivation. The frustrated farmer stated

Fresh lettuce having being dumped due to lack of market

that he is very disappointed since he has not been able to earn back the money he invested during the holiday season.

“The vegetables are not selling, I have a worker working with me assisting in the harvesting and bagging, when you take the vegetables to market its not selling, I am selling it cheap

Younge’s Take 2016 – The Year of Renaissance

A

One of the market stalls in Region Two

and still” Persaud related.

Like Persaud, other vendors related similar sentiments, adding that farmers are suffering. There are some farmers who have diversified from rice cultivation to other crop farming and are now regretting it due to the glut on the market.

“If rice down, everything else down. We are

investing our money into the farms and the situation is bad in the market, fresh vegetables not selling, something needs to be done to end this suffering,” a farmer related.

At a recent meeting, businessmen as well as farmers, had complained of the state of the economy to Business Minister Dominic Gaskin.

s the feelings of joy and pride soaks in with the start of 2016 approaches, I wish Guyanese from all walks of life and political persuasions, a happy and prosperous New Year filled with memories that will form part of their life story.

As a country, we still have a long way to go to Michael Younge achieve our true growth and developmental potential.

We have to work together to ensure that our country reaches new heights regardless of some of the deliberate grandstanding and unreasonable postures adopted by key and leading political forces on both sides.

2016 must be the year when Guyana wins and our people emerge the winners. It must be the year when politicians demonstrate selflessness by taking pay cuts and removing their sticky hands from the cookie jars; 2016 must be the year when Guyanese YOUTH are placed on the front burner and offered high-level Government and opposition posts because we have the power to change and lead even though we may not be experienced. It must be year where our young people are not seen as tokens and political meat for political parties even as Local Government changes.

The year must also one where our society demonstrate higher levels of tolerance and respect for the multicultural fabric that underlies our “Guyanese-ness”.

There must be an end to violence driven discrimination against members of the differently gendered community here and a return of full respect for the differently-abled community.

Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese must work much harder to have their voices heard especially where injustices and excesses are committed against them deliberately by the State, Government or Opposition. There must be no silence on the part of the representatives of these communities as this can lead to more harm than good. If people speak up and start the dialogue going, a solution can be found to the problems that lead to racial divisiveness and strive in these core ethic-hubs.

In 2016, the Government must work harder to deliver on its manifesto promise of a ‘Good Life’ for all Guyanese. The time for lip service is over and the handpicked Ministers must put their backs and hips to the wheel even if they are aged, rusty and in need of oil.

President Granger’s Government has a responsibility to end its continued discrimination within the business community. There must be policies and meetings with one section of the business community because they financed your campaign while others who exercised a right to support the loosing political party are excluded, deliberately and secretly targeted, locked out of core contracts as a result of systematic and strategic changes to various policies and agreements.

If there will be attempts to rebuild the country and restore its national patrimony and pride, then those who wield Executive power cannot afford to continue to function and rule by excluding the legitimate opposition and their voice. The PPP matters and the party’s view matters. As soon as the new Government recognizes this, the easier its tenure in office will be.

Also, this culture of berating the PPP and blaming must end in 2016. Let the Government give the police the evidence of all of the PPP’s alleged corruption and let them start probes that could possibly lead to the prosecution of those who were guilty of wrong doings.

Get on with it or remain silent. Guyanese are tired of hearing about PPP corruption especially as the new Government is proving day by day that it is incapable of holding itself to higher standards as its hands, though full, are not clean.

President Granger’s decision to code name 2016: ‘the year of renaissance’ is fitting but his vision can be achieved if he works in a realistic way to turn ‘banter’ into ‘actions’.

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sunDAY, january 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

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SunDAY, January 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Carpenter stabbed to death Allegations against GPL’s CEO… Govt under by knife-wielding cousin

Ganesh Ramlakhan (in green) and the suspect, Vishal Baldeo, in happier times

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ess than 48 hours into the New Year, and crime continues to spiral out of control, as another man was stabbed at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) by his knife-wielding cousin on New Year’s day. The incident occurred at about 15:00h.

The dead man has been identified as Ganesh Ramlakhan, 34, of Lot 127 First Street, Mon Repos, ECD, while the suspect is Vishal Baldeo, also called “Vicky”.

Bases on information received, the father of two was in the yard when his cousin who returned from sea pulled up in a motor car. The man reportedly whispered something into his ear before entering the house and returned with two knives in his hands.

The suspect reportedly stabbed Ramlakhan once

to his chest and back, after which he collapsed. As relatives saw what had transpired, they rushed to the injured man’s rescue but were also injured by the perpetrator. Those injured are the victim’s uncle Richard Gowkarran and his father Ramlakhan Motilall.

Both men would have sustained injuries to their hands and heads. However, after injuring the two men, the suspect reportedly turned his attention again to the injured Ramlakhan, stabbed him several more times before making good his escape. When Guyana Times visited the man’s house on Saturday, several family members were gathered and were making preparations for wake.

One relative, Bibi Ameena Hakh, who witnessed the entire stabling incident, related that she and the now dead man were

in the yard “gaffing” when she saw Baldeo enter the yard. She said he walked up to the deceased and whispered something in his ear.

“Ganesh ask he if he &*&@ing mad… and Vicky went into the house… all I hear is things tumbling in the draw so I walked over to the house and see he coming out with two knives. I ask he where he going but he shoved me in a corner,” the woman stated.

Hakh recounted that as he walked down the stairs; he went straight to Ramlakhan and dealt him two blows – one to his back

lated to her husband was imbibing with some friend at a nearby village.

“He come home and pulled knife on his mother after she enquired about his whereabouts and left… this is not the first time he pulled knife on the woman, one time she had to run and hide in some neighbour house but he ended up beating up the man and he wife”, Hakh stated.

However, after committing the murder, he left and did not return home. Early Saturday morning, he reportedly contacted the family and upon enquiring his

a six per cent increase for the corresponding period of the previous year; while international passenger arrivals for 2015 is 250,241 or six per cent higher than 2014.

The Airport Corporation related there was a six per cent increase in imported cargo and a six per cent decrease in exports when compared with the previous year. It was disclosed that of the cargo imported; 86 per cent was agricultural industrial products and livestock while six per cent was industrial supplies.

Additionally, it was released that of the 3,486,397kg for incoming cargo, 71,676kg were related to mails and of the 2,693,908kg of outgoing cargo, 24,948 related to mails.

Meanwhile, expenditure last year was $761 million, a 10.8 per cent increase from 2014’s $687 million, the CJIA divulged.

“Increase can be attributed to increase in staffing and additional maintenance work in Terminal Building and other infrastructure.

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ormer Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member, Dr Asquith Rose is criticising the Government over its handling of the matter concerning the allegations of corruption against the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc Colin Welch.

Dr Rose is contending that it is outright unjust for the Government to justify sending other heads of departments on administrative leave pending investigations but refuses to take action against the acting GPL CEO who is being accused of tampering with the procurement process.

Public Infrastructure

Injured: Richard Gowkarran

and the other to his chest.

“After them two stabs, Ganesh fall and then he uncle and he father rushed to intervene but they get cut up”.

She noted that the suspect is always gets into trouble but this time, it is worst since he has committed murder. The young woman explained that earlier in the day, the suspect who is re-

whereabouts, he told them that he was at Stabroek Market.

“We turn and ask he if he know the man dead and he say yes… we ask he if he coming home but he cut off the phone… we tried calling he back but he nah answer”, another relative stated. The Police revisited the scene on Saturday morning to continue their investigations.

CJIA collects over $1B in revenue for 2015 T he Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation has recorded another successful year in 2015 as it has collected revenues in excess of $1 billion. This is according to a release by the corporation which disclosed that the income in 2015 has almost doubled in the last six years.

Based on the report, 2015 saw the CJIA attracting $1,112 million in revenue as compared to $1,017 million for 2014, an increase of 9.3 per cent. Of this sum, $418 million was transferred to the Consolidated Fund in comparison to $393 million in the previous year.

According to a statement by the corporation, these increases were as a result of an increase in financial activity through improvement in the transactions at the airport. These factors were the increase in the transport of passengers, mail, goods, including oil.

Statistics rendered show a total of 504,717 passengers flown from the airport,

fire for double standards

During 2015 staffing increased from 171 to 193 due to recruitment in the Aviation Security department,” the release stated.

The Airport Expansion Project contract was signed with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd on November 11, 2011 with a commencement date of January 16, 2013 and an expected completion date of September 16, 2015.

The release explained that the total project cost was garnered to be US$150 million however, the Government of China through the Exim Bank of China provided US$138 million and the balance to be met by the Government of Guyana.

At the end of 2015, the existing Terminal Building was expected to be renovated and extended. The runway was also expected to be extended the same length on both sides while construction of one Code E remote parking position was scheduled to be completed, the release stated.

As it stands, the Runway Extension project stands 7.81 per cent complete while the Terminal Building is at 2 per cent. The expected date of completion has now been rescheduled to December 2017, the corporation explained.

In addition to the expansion project, it was revealed that repairs were made to the main taxiways, the secondary runway, and the public car park.

A water treatment plant was also established incorporating the use of a 20,000-gallon water reservoir, and the Executive and VIP Lounges were refurbished and upgraded. The Aviation Security Office and Staff Lunch Room were also refurbished in addition to the establishment of a Staff Centre in the EMD compound to facilitate fitness training.

In closing the report, the corporation revealed that based on the recorded numbers, the surplus recorded stands at a whopping $184 million, a 23.5 per cent increase from 2014.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Minister David Patterson made it clear that there is no need to send Welch on leave pending the investigation into the matter.

Welch was elevated from Deputy CEO Technical, following former CEO Bharat Dindyal being relieved of his duties in August. At that time, Welch was accused of forging his credentials.

The acting CEO has once again found himself in hot water after allegations surfaced of his alleged involvement in the tendering process for a multimillion-dollar meter contract. However, Welch told Guyana Times that the allegations being levelled against him were totally fabricated, and, as such, he saw no “validity” in the accusations.

However, the former AFC Executive posited that it is an inequitable move by the Government to rightfully send other department heads on leave pending allegations of corruption but make an unjustified exception for the GPL CEO. “It appears what is good for the goose is not good for the gander in Guyana under the [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU/

GPL Inc Colin Welch

AFC Government?” Dr Rose said, as he reminded that the Head of the Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur and the Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited Winston Brassington were sent on leave pending the outcome of the respective probes.

Against this backdrop, Dr Rose concluded that the Government is pulling wool over the eyes of the people.

“Where are the voices of reason and fairness in the Cabinet? Where is the accountability and transparency promised by this Government? The CEO has been under a cloud of suspicion since his appointment last August for allegedly forging his credentials and yet he was appointed to the position. It seems as though due diligence was not done by the Minister,” he stated.

Dr Rose said it is clear that the Public Infrastructure Minister’s action will cause irreparable damage to the Government and that it could result in its downfall.

“There can be no proper investigation of Mr Welch who is the custodian of all the records and who can influence the outcome in his favour. Isn’t there some level of self-interest and self-preservation here?” he questioned.

He further queried, “Are we witnessing hedonism in public office again as was the case with the last Government?”

Dr Rose expressed that President David Granger, should not sit idly by and allow this to happen as it could result in a huge loss of confidence in the Government by the people.

“The integrity of the Government is at stake and it will pay a heavy price for this injustice. The people will be the judge and the jury,” he concluded.

news

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SunDAY, january 3, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana roars as fireworks mark 50th anniversary year

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housands of Guyanese congregated in front of the 1763 Monument at Square of the Revolution and the Independence Arch at Brickdam on Thursday to usher in both the New Year and Guyana’s 50th year of being an independent nation.

Government, in an effort to make this occasion memorable and festive, had a number of activities to entertain the crowd which included fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

Minutes leading up to the New Year, President David Granger in a pre-recorded speech deemed 2016 to be Guyana’s year of ‘national renaissance’, emphasising that this year is a time for ‘renewal’ and ‘reform’.

He posited that 2016 is a time for all Guyanese to ‘chart our course’ for the

next five years and beyond, since it is an opportunity to hasten economic recovery, strengthen social integration and also deepen mutual, cultural understanding.

“We, the Guyanese people, shall commemorate the Golden Jubilee of our Independence on May 26.

This 50th anniversary of our nation’s Independence, our ‘quinquagenary’, is a time for determination, decision-making and decisive action. Guyana became independent fifty years ago… the new nation was born under a state of emergency, the Head of State said.

The massive crowd was reminded that when Guyana gained its independence in 1966 there was much civil conflict, ethnic insecurity and political disunity hanging like a cloud over the nation.

Guyanese usher in the nation's 50th anniversary with Jubliee celebrations

“We subsisted in a dependent colonial economy.

We languished as a small, servile satrapy ruled over by a colonial governor. We became independent, nevertheless, and we struggled dauntlessly to build a nation that had been damaged by disunity and division and to

PPP/C’s $4.5B budget restoration

Ramotar defends Ashni Singh’s actions

– Ramjattan vows to ensure Singh is charged “criminally”

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ormer President Donald Ramotar has defended the actions of former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, who under the Ramotar Administration restored some $4.5 billion cut from the 2014 National Budget.

Ramotar’s most recent defence on Saturday came after Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan was quoted in sections of the media, vowing to bring criminal charges against Dr Singh.

But, Ramotar in a statement said his Finance Minister acted legally.

“The spending of the monies was based on a written decision by the Chief Justice interpreting our Constitution. It was also done on a written legal opinion by the then Attorney General and by decisions of the Cabinet. Moreover, I wish to point out that the monies were used to promote the economic development of Guyana and to enhance the welfare of our people,” Ramotar said.

The former Head of State said this behaviour of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change

(APNU/AFC) regime is a clear demonstration of its intentions to “witchhunt individuals of the former [People’s Progressive Party] PPP/Civic Administration.”

“It should be noted that when Mr Ramjattan was part of the then Opposition, he reported this matter to the Police; it was investigated and sent to the Director of public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. The DPP found that no laws were violated.

Now in Government, he is using his position to pursue ends that were already dealt with and found to be without merit,” he noted.

Ramotar described this as “pure harassment “of Dr Ashni Singh and his family, adding that it is a “crude tactic” to try to embarrass Dr Singh who made an outstanding contribution to Guyana’s development.

“This latest attack follows vicious attacks on Winston Brassington, even though Mr Brassington had answered all questions given to him by the auditors and fully cooperated with them.

Further, he publicly provided explanations for every single query raised by the

auditors. Despite this, his office was raided in his absence and files taken away.

The regime is misusing the State apparatus to serve its narrow political ends, to harass political opponents in the case of Dr Ashni Singh and to create scapegoats in the case of Brassington,” Ramotar stated.

He said that the path being taken by the coalition Government is a dangerous one and warned Guyanese that this is just the beginning of the “harassment and victimisation” Guyanese will face.

The former President also issued a call for democratic and peace loving forces to make their voices heard and to “stop this abuse of our institutions for narrow political objective. We have seen where such policies took us under the Burnham/Hoyte PNC [People’s National Congress] regime.”

In 2014, following cuts to the national Budget, then Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh expended some $4.5 billion from the national coffers to fund projects and programmes that were affected by the Budget cuts.

Partly decomposed body found at Rainbow City

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he discovery of a partly decomposed body of a Linden man identified as Francis Peters was made Friday evening, in the vicinity of Rainbow City, Mackenzie, Linden.

He was a resident of Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie. Peters’s body was found in a forest-

ed area in close proximity to the Guyana Forestry Commission building.

E Division Commander Calvin Brutus, when contacted stated that Peters appeared to have been dead for approximately 4 to 5 days, however he had not been reported missing by family or anyone else.

Guyana Times understands Peters lived alone and was said to have been ailing for some time. The Commander stated he was informed by a sister of the deceased that prior to Peters’s death, he had been suffering from tuberculosis and hypertension.

Investigations are ongoing.

promote peace and national unity…” he stated.

According to the President the country continued to ensure that its national university, multilateral schools, airport, bridges, highways were built along with national institutions.

Repairing Guyana’s roads, sea defences and international alliances was also priority while securing “our territory from external aggression” as the country took its place in the international community, he further said.

There was also the creation of a ‘credible’ Foreign Service, erection of municipalities and other institutions, among other noteworthy achievements mentioned at the celebrations.

“We are proud of our achievements over the past fifty years. We shall be prouder if we use this special year of our ‘national renaissance’ to remove the remaining obstacles that still keep us disunited, underdeveloped and insecure… It is time to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and pover-

ty,” Guyana’s Head of State urged.

Priorities in 2016 include the strengthening and reinforcing of national unity, the expansion of infrastructure, fortifying national institutions, ensuring national security, and extensions of public services, he further stated.

“The New Year 2016 will bring us closer to the goal of realising our mission. Our mission is to remake Guyana as the most beautiful, bountiful and greenest country in the Caribbean. Let us resolve, together, to grasp the opportunities that this year provides for us to enjoy a national renaissance to recapture the spirit of Independence and to secure a good life for generations to come,” President Granger implored.

President prays for faith, strength as 2016 breaks

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s across the Nation, Guyanese ushered in Guyana’s Jubilee year, President David Granger, like many others, spent the time in prayer and reflection at Church of the Transfiguration on Mandela Avenue.

President Granger said his New Year resolution is to create a virtuous cycle of public trust and confidence, while providing the resources for the country to move forward. The President said he believes this will see

Guyanese becoming more committed to the development of the country.

“My New Year resolution is to ensure that we continue to increase the level of public confidence and public trust. That is most important to me. That public confidence can move mountains; public trust can move mountains. Once people are sure that the government is on their side they will come out to clean up their communities; to clean up the city, to invest and to turn the econ-

omy around,” the Head of State said.

President Granger said he is confident this can be accomplished in 2016: “We are creating the virtuous cycle in which people who are confident in this country, after 50 years of Independence; they see the roads being built, they see the city being cleaned, they see better health and education, better sanitation, they feel more secure. I believe this will be good for Guyana.”

Over 25 babies born on...

All mothers who this newspaper spoke with expressed thanks and appreciation to the doctors and nurses of GPH as they were all treated well.

Meanwhile, the Maternity Ward of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) ushered in the New Year with good cheer as it welcomed the births of three healthy babies on New Year’s Day. The first was Ronella Bovell born by caesarean to Nekeita Lorrimer, 24, at 05:02h.

"The year ended and started on a good note", Lorrimer, who was transferred from the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) on New Year's Eve, exclaimed.

The child is the first for the student Nurse of the Charles Rosa School of Nursing at Linden. Lorrimer, who was in smiles said the experience was bittersweet while she praised the health professionals Dr Farouk Riyasat and Sister Morris, noting, "they took good care of me".

Baby two, a male, was born to Lovern Bethune, 21, at 15:03h, weighing 2.6kg.

Meanwhile another male child was born via caesarean to Gwendolyn Phillips, 23, at 15:20h weighing 5 kilograms.

Mothers from Essequibo

were also filled with joy, thanks and blessings as four of them ushered in the New Year with their newborns.

Delivering the first New Year’s baby at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was Serena Rodriguez, 18, who delivered a bouncing baby boy at 07:48h weighing 3kg 510 grams.

Meanwhile, Tiffany Wallace, 19, from Charity delivered via a C-section at 00:46. The mother delivered her first baby boy weighing 3kg.

New Year’s Day proved to be most symbolic for Sarita Persaud, 21, of Windsor Castle. What was special is that her baby daughter was born same date and almost same time as she did. She Joyously said it is indeed a time for celebration.

Shivanie Singh, 23, of Middlesex was also excited over her new born/New Year’s baby. The baby’s dad who was visiting expressed happiness for New Year.

Berbice also recorded nine newborns for New Year’s as mothers delivered successfully at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Salome De Souza of Albion Front, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was the first to give birth to a 2.8kg girl at 01:50h.

De Souza was expecting her baby on January 4 but she and the father, a cane harvester, were excited.

At 09:20h Nazeema Bacchus, 28, of Goed Bananaland, East Canje gave birth to her third child, a boy weighing 2.6kg while Leslie Giddings, 26, of Alness Village, Corentyne, gave birth to her first child weighing in at 3.2kg.

At 11:19h the fourth New Year’s baby was a boy, born via caesarean to Alicia Herman, 20, of Orealla, Corentyne River. He was her first baby.

Just over an hour later, Liyi Feng of Reliance, East Canje gave birth to a boy.

The baby, her first, was born at 12:50h.

Candacie Richmond, 22, delivered her baby boy successfully. The mother of Number 10 Village, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) gave birth to a 3.1kg infant, her fourth child.

Precisely ten minutes later, Jean Chitram, 18, of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder gave birth to a 2.9kg boy.

At 17:00h Harmranic Haimraj, 19, delivered her 2.2kg girl.

The final New Year’s baby of the New Amsterdam Hospital was born at 20:40 hours to Gloria Ramsueerr, 25, of Bust Lot, Corentyne.

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SunDAY, january 3, 2016

RHTY&SC describes 2015 as most successful year

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Spelling Bee, Bank of Nova Scotia’s Tribute to Teachers, Berbice River Bridge’s Tribute to Retired Teachers Programme, Leon Wiggins’ tribute football tournament, Western Union’s Junior Cricket Programme, Medical Outreach Programme with the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and the distribution of $1 million worth of school bags to less fortunate students.

The RHTY&SC also joined hands with the Edward B. Beharry Company Limted, the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force and the Region Six Department of Education to host a hugely successful ‘Say No to Drugs, Suicide Crime and Say Yes to Sport and Education Programme.’

Under this outreach programme, a massive school march and rally was held for all secondary schools and selected primary schools in Berbice including a thousand students, while schools received banners, posters for every classroom and a 40page information booklet.

Schools also received donation of educational materials, less fortunate students received school uniforms, footwear, school bags and materials to attend school, while cricket clubs and schools also received cricket balls and sport equipment.

RHTY&SC won the Assuria tournament during the past year

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has described 2015 as its most successful year, noting that it was able to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The club completed a record 302 programmes/activities, surpassing the projected 225 it had set for itself for its Silver Jubilee Anniversary in 2015.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, stated that the activities/ programmes were hosted under the numerous subheadings including cricket, sport, charity, education, anti-drugs, anti-suicide, youth development, community development, awards/ honour, religious, coaching, social development and funding jobs for youths.

The success of the RHTY&SC for 2015 was achieved, according to Foster, due to sheer hard work by the club’s management, the support of numerous official sponsors, the club’s remarkable ability to transform vision into reality and for coming up with visionary ideas to touch and change the lives of others.

On the cricket field, a total of 10 club members represented Guyana at the national level. Assad Fudadin and Royston Crandon represented Guyana at the senior level, while Fudadin also played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors 20/20 team.

Kevon Anderson and Junior Sinclair played

for the National Under-15 team while Sylus Tyndall represented the Under-17 team. At the female level, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneeta Grimmond, Melaine Henry and Plaffinna Millington represented Guyana.

A total of 18 players represented Berbice or played in Guyana Cricket Board’s Local Franchise League.

Crandon, Fudadin, Rajiv Ivan, Eon Hooper, Shawn Perriera, Clinton Pestana, Keon Sinclair and Jason Sinclair all played in the 50-over national tournament.

The club’s Metro Female team was also reformed under the captaincy of Shemaine Campbelle, while Collis Butts was appointed coach of the club’s cricket team.

RHTY&SC won the Berbice River Bridge 50-over first division tournament and has to date reached the final of the 2015 Busta Champion of Champions, the Tenelec 50-over first division and the Tenelec Under-15 tournament. The RHTYSC also won the club’s Farouk Kudrath Memorial Under-17 tournament, Bernadette King/Isabella Smart Memorial Female, Peter Trim Memorial Under-19 and the Assuria Insurance five-over second division competitions.

The club has also reached the semi-finals of the Raffik Second Division 20/20 tournament and to date the quarter-finals of the New Building Society 40-over second division tournament.

Anniversary celebrations

The club made donations of footwear to less fortunate children in 2015

The club also organised a total of 12 tournaments at different levels with sponsorship from the Guyana Beverage Company, Assuria Insurance, Bakewell and Ansa McAl among others. The club also hosted the GBTI Inter Secondary School Male and Female tapeball tournament, GTT Inter-Primary School softball tournament and Imran and Daughters Female softball tournament.

Telling impact

The RHTY&SC’s involvement in other disciplines came by way of cosponsorship of over 26 tournaments across Berbice in the disciplines of cycling, athletics, basketball, volley-

ball, hardball and softball cricket, football and chess with donation of close to $1 million worth in trophies, medals and prizes. A total of 32 clubs and NGO’s have also benefitted from the club with donation of $1.5 million worth of gear and equipment.

Foster stated that among the major activities by the club in 2015 were the historic Christmas Village, awards ceremony, Mother and Father-of-the-Year, Youth Magazine, Ansa McAl’s Award of Excellence, Basil Butcher Cricket Trust Fund, Gregory Gaskin Memorial, Berbice Sport Award Scheme, Ansa McAl’s Tribute to Head Teachers, Demerara

The RHTY&SC during the month of September also played a major role in the 45th anniversary celebration of the Rose Hall Town achieving the status of township. A total of 15 major activities were organised, including the construction of a billboard, public exhibition, medical outreach, publication of an anniversary brochure, evening of music with the Guyana Defence Force and several sporting tournaments for cricket, football and basketball for residents. October was specially named the Month of the Silver Jubilee and among the 30 major programmes hoted were the hosting of the Tribute to Heroes and Tribute to Outstanding Cricketers events.

President David Granger, Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry and Director of Sports Christopher Jones were also inducted as Honorary mem-

bers, while the RHTY&SC unveiled its highest ever award- the Dolphin Award of Excellence- which to date has been presented to Robert Selman, Ravi Mangar, President David Granger and Jennifer Cipriani.

Under the RHTY&SC charity programme, the club was able to distribute over $10 million worth of clothing, footwear and food items to less fortunate families, while under the pro-education outreach programme a total of 23 educational competitions were hosted, including debates, essays, posters, public speaking, etc.

With such a remarkable year of success in 2015, the RHTYSC is targeting a projected 300 programmes/activities in 2016. President David Granger would be inducted as the club’s fifth Honorary Patron, replacing Beverly Harper.

Major plans include the restoration of the club’s Head Office at the Area “H” ground, the construction of an outdoor cricket practice facility, expansion of the junior cricketers coaching programme, hosting of at least 20 major cricket tournaments at all levels, and the construction of a recreational park for children.

The RHTY&SC is also involved in major discussion with a CARICOM government to have a former West Indies batting maestro visit Guyana on a three-day Calvary of Sport in February.

The RHTY&SC would like to express gratitude to all the media houses in Guyana who assisted it to promote its work, including NCN, Kaieteur News, Gem Magazine, Guyana Chronicle, Guyana Times, TVG, DTV-8 and LRTVS Channel 10. Special mention was made of journalists Gregory Rambarran, Franklin Wilson, Avenash Ramzan, Reeaz Mohamed, Simeon Corbin, Sean Devers, the late Calvin Roberts, Rajiv Bisnauth, Stephan Sookram, Claude David, Travis Seymour and Leon Horatio.

The RHTYSC, which is headed by Keith Foster, would also like to express gratitude to its numerous supporters and sponsors, who collaborated with the executives in 2015.

sundAY, january 3, 2016

guyanatimesGY.com

19

Finding new Windies Manager Wright’s ton carries Stars on WICB agenda home in Melbourne derby Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades, BBL 2015-16, Melbourne…

Michael Muirhead

W

est Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Chief Executive officer (CEO) Michael Muirhead has explained opening up applications for the new West Indies Manager, as well as speaking with the high profile players who will be playing in Twenty20 leagues instead of domestic competition will be high on board’s agenda in early 2016.

As is well documented, current manager and Windies legend, Sir Richie Richardson will join ICC’s elite panel of match referee’s as replacement for retiring Sri Lanka Roshan Mahanama after the Sydney Test versus Australia.

Recently, the WICB replaced its long-serving Manager of Communications and Marketing Imran Khan, with Miss Carole Beckford, who was WICB president Dave Cameron’s campaign manager during his re-election campaign last year.

That decision has had sources in the West Indies senior team camp telling Newsday that they are concerned the board will similarly appoint a replacement for Richardson who might be close to the board and that post might not be advertised. It has been rumoured that current Windwards Islands manager Lockheart Sebastian is already favoured by the board to take over from Richardson.

Muirhead addressed this stating: “The first week in January will begin advertising the manager post. We will simply be looking for a person with strong expertise from managerial and human resources front. These human resources skills should see them being able to handle conflict resolution, be a good link between board and players and just all the general skills of a manager should have in modern sports. “If the person happens to be a former player like Richie, then great but it’s not a necessity.” On December 18, WICB sent out a press titled “WICB wants best players for regional competition” to ensure they remained eligible for selection in international competition.

Currently, players such as Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Samuel Badree, Lendl Simmons, Kevon Cooper, Darren Sammy and current captain Jason Holder have all been selected in teams in the ongoing Australia Big Bash League or upcoming Pakistan Super League that is clashing with NAGICO

Sir Richie Richardson

Super50 and second round of Professional Cricket League.

Considering that Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board took a highly controversial move to remove Rayad Emrit as captain and take away his contract alongside Evin Lewis and Kevon Cooper after they played in Bangladesh league, Muirhead was asked to clarify what he meant by the somewhat threatening and intransigent tone of the WICB release to the players.

“No (it’s not a threat), having communicated with regional boards I was made to understand all of them were unavailable for Super50 and I would like to find out why,” Muirhead said. He continued: “Certainly we need to speak to Holder and all players to understand their position. All I can say at this stage until I engage him is that I hope he considers playing regionally instead of Pakistan League.” (Newsday)

Man City beat Watford 2-1

Everyone in City colours were below their best, but captain Yaya Toure’s deft finish sparked a comeback which leaves his team just three points behind leaders Arsenal

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rilliant late goals from Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero rescued Manchester City as they came from behind to beat Watford 2-1 in an entertaining finale.

Watford went ahead after the break when Aleksandar Kolarov headed Ben Watson’s corner beyond Joe Hart, who had the situation covered, for an own goal.

With defeat looming, Toure side-foot volleyed Kolarov’s corner into the near post to level.

And Aguero headed Bacary Sagna’s fine cross home to secure a rare away win.

The title contenders were eight minutes from falling six points behind league leaders Arsenal, before Toure and Aguero struck for goals which could prove pivotal this season.

It was a first away victory for City since Kelechi Iheanacho scored a late winner against Crystal Palace on 12 September.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini had said that his

team’s troublesome away form would get better once his players improved their finishing, but until the final 10 minutes there was little evidence to suggest they had turned into ruthless goalpoachers away from the Etihad.

Fernandinho had twice gone close, while Toure and Kevin de Bruyne tested Heurelho Gomes from distance before the Ivory Coast midfielder sparked an unlikely comeback with his third goal in his last four Premier League games. (BBC

Sport)

Luke Wright’s unbeaten 109 was a memorable innings for the record crowd that showed up at the MCG

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orecasts had suggested the Melbourne derby might break the Big Bash League’s record attendance (previously 52,633). But in the end, the record was veritably smashed, with 80,883 people watching Luke Wright’s masterful century guide the Melbourne Stars to a crucial seven-wicket victory over cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades.

Earlier 12,901 people - more than have ever watched a Women’s WT20 Final - had seen Renegades Women sneak home against their Stars counterparts.

That game was also the first women’s fixture to be shown on one of Australia’s main TV channels.

Crowd-wise, this was the perfect storm, a warm Saturday evening at a family-friendly time at the backend of the holiday season.

The significance of such a crowds - particularly with regard to the BBL’s relationship with Test cricket in Australia - cannot yet be known. What is for certain is the tournament has landed; the MCG is used to filling like this for the AFL’s finals series and flagship days, for Ashes Test matches, or for World Cup Cricket.

Wright’s innings was brutal, stalking down a Renegades total that always looked light, vindicating David Hussey’s decision to invite them to bat first.

Chris Gayle - the self-proclaimed biggest draw of the night - never got going; looking to heave John Hastings’ second ball, Gayle contrived to find Kevin Pietersen at mid-off.

Aaron Finch shared 49 with Cameron White, but the Renegades continued to lose set batsmen at inconvenient junctures. Finch heaved Ben Hilfenhaus for a leg-side six before miscuing Marcus Stoinis to point.

Every time Adam Zampa entered the attack, White seemed to find an extra, utterly brutal gear, launching the leg-spinner for three sixes between cow corner and long-off. White put on 58 with another former Stars player, Matthew Wade, who the ball over Stoinis’ head for a beautiful four. Both

batsmen, however, fell in the space of three balls just as the Renegades needed to motor. Wade attempted to ramp Hastings and edged behind, then White sent Michael Beer straight to deep backward square.

Tom Beaton nailed his first ball for a straight six but was gone an over later, caught in the deep on the leg side, then Hastings picked up two wickets in the final over to finish with 4-29. Tom Cooper hit a marvellous ramped six, but mistimed a pull to fine leg. An uncomfortable Dwayne Bravo innings ended in comical fashion, his bat flying towards midwicket - for the second time this competition - as he was comprehensively yorked.

Wright looked ravenous from the off. The Renegades bowling looked shy once more, and after a series of hard-run twos to get going, he pulled Nathan Rimmington for four, then bunted him over long-on for six next ball. His opening partner Stoinis was scratchy, and fell to a stunning catch by Wade off Chris Tremain, the wicketkeeper diving full-stretch, onehanded to his right to take a thick edge.

Wright continued on his

merry way, briefly joined by Kevin Pietersen, who drove his first ball for a beautiful four but was caught behind playing a half-hearted pull off Cameron Gannon, the pick of the Renegades’ bowlers. Wright’s first half-century for the Stars in his last 15 innings came after consecutive boundaries - pulled, then straight-driven - off Gannon. Wright is seldom elegant, but is more calculated than he looks, and his strong wrists and brutal bottom-hand make him tough to bowl to when set.

Glenn Maxwell came, shone briefly, then left; a stunning swept six off Xavier Doherty followed by a horrid misjudgement to Bravo, who bowled him through the gate at the end of an over that saw Wright biff him for two more boundaries.

Wright stepped up a gear to Doherty’s next over. He was dropped by Beaton at longon on 64, and punished the fielder to the tune of two consecutive sixes straight over his head. In the company of the calm Peter Handscomb, it was a cakewalk, Wright bringing up his century in the penultimate over with a pull over midwicket for six, and finishing the job off the first ball of the last, hitting Gannon down the ground.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Melbourne Renegades innings (20 overs maximum) AJ Finch* c Faulkner b Stoinis 36 CH Gayle c Pietersen b Hastings 4 CL White c Zampa b Beer 54 MS Wade† c †Handscomb b Hastings 24 DJ Bravo b Hastings 7 TM Beaton c Zampa b Hilfenhaus 12 TLW Cooper c Faulkner b Hastings 12 CJ Gannon not out 2 CP Tremain not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 6, nb 1) 9 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 161 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Gayle, 3.2 ov), 2-66 (Finch, 9.2 ov), 3-124 (Wade, 15.6 ov), 4-124 (White, 16.2 ov), 5-137 (Beaton, 17.3 ov), 6-156 (Cooper, 19.2 ov), 7-158 (Bravo, 19.4 ov) Bowling: JP Faulkner 3-026-0 (4-w), BW Hilfenhaus

4-0-33-1, JW Hastings 4-029-4 (1-nb, 2-w), MA Beer 4-0-30-1, A Zampa 3-0-300, MP Stoinis 2-0-11-1

Melbourne Stars innings (target: 162 runs from 20 overs) MP Stoinis c †Wade b Tremain 7 LJ Wright not out 109 KP Pietersen c †Wade b Gannon 6 GJ Maxwell b Bravo 22 PSP Handscomb† not out 13 Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6 Total (3 wickets; 19.1 overs) 163 Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Stoinis, 5.3 ov), 2-50 (Pietersen, 7.3 ov), 3-99 (Maxwell, 12.6 ov) Bowling: XJ Doherty 4-0-43-0, CP Tremain 4-0-22-1 (2-w), NJ Rimmington 3-0-33-0 (1-w), DJ Bravo 4-0-28-1, AJ Finch 1-08-0, CJ Gannon 3.1-0-26-1

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Federal Winners Connection are UDFA/GT Beer champions

Holder wants fairer Test match wages

– Topp XX win third place playoff

GT Beer Brand Manager, Jeffrey Clement (right), with Winners Connection team celebrating the win

I

n front of a frenzied capacity crowd of adoring football fans, Federal Winners Connection’s veteran striker Rawle “Boney” Gittens once again delivered by scoring the lone goal of the game, as his team beat Silver Shattas 1-0 in the final of the third annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)/GT Beer championship.

It was a historic third straight championship win for Winners Connection.

Playing at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground on Friday night, the versatile Winners Connection started with a burst as their

front line of veteran Gittens and 20-year-old striker Marmalaque Davidson did create some anxious moments for the opposing goalkeeper.

However, underdogs Silver Shattas were not kept quiet as their duo on the forward line of Rawlston Fraser and Colwyn Drakes made the defence of Winners Connection work overtime as the two sides impressed with their counterattacks.

While Winners Connection looked slightly the better of the two sides early in the first half, the Shattas announced their intentions before the half

time whistle, but Winners Connection bounced back to steady their flow, even though the first half ended scoreless.

The second half was a continuation of the Winners Connection trying hard to get the go-ahead goal, but their defence, held together by the warring captain Marlon Maxius, often had their plates full in dealing with this courageous Shattas side.

However, just when it looked like an extra period of play would be necessary, the wily striker Gittens was there to slam home a diagonal cross from the right

side inside the 18-yard box, which stunned the helpless goalkeeper in the 88th minute of regulation play to virtually seal the win.

The title win did not come easy for the champions, as they pocketed the $800,000 first prize and the winner’s trophy and replicas.

Silver Shattas did make the final a memorable one, but they were unable to convert chances which went their way. The composed play of Winners Connection allowed them to come away with yet another sterling performance, and they are still to be beaten in three years of this year-end competition.

In the supporting game, goals from second half substitute Oswald Benjamin and veteran player Collie Hercules were enough to give Topp XX a 2-0 win over Netrockers in their third place game earlier.

After the games, Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) President Sharma Solomon told the crowd that the UDFA will be working to forge partnership with the authorities of the MSC to improve the seating conditions, while Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters, in the presence of GT Beer Brand Manager, Jeffrey Clement, assured the fans that the beverage giant is committed to continued sponsorship under the GT Beer brand for the tournament.

Benjamin Sports outfits FACC for new season

Owner of Benjamin Sports, Wilber Benjamin (left), hands the new uniforms to Patron of the FACC, Errol Alphonso, in the presence of members of the club

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he Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) will be riding this year in new mauve and white uniforms, compliments of Benjamin Sports of Number One Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice /Corentyne).

This is the second change of colour for the club, which has been in existence for 30 years. The FACC’s first set of uniforms was a blue top.

The mauve and white threepiece replaces the club’s yel-

low and white tops, which it has been using for the past three years.

Owner of Benjamin Sports, Wilber Benjamin, at the handing over of the 30 uniforms to Patron of the FACC, Errol Alphanso, noted that as a member of the club at its formation, it was one of his ways of giving back to the club, which he rode under when he represented Guyana during the mid 1980s.

Meanwhile, after only being allowed to dress in the new colours for a brief photo opportunity, club members will have the opportunity to be decked out in their uniforms today when the 2016 racing season commences.

The year’s opener will be hosted by the FACC and is a 40-mile race, which is opened to all cyclists. The event, which is being sponsored by several businesses in Berbice, will pedal off

from outside Lewisons’ Auto Parts, Cycle and General Store at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, and proceed to Number 51 Police Station and back to the starting point for the finish.

Prizes will be awarded to the first six finishers, first three juniors and the first three club cyclists. There will also be 10 prime prizes up for grabs during the course of the race.

Jason Holder: “Obviously we’re in a situation where the money isn’t great for us at the moment…”

W

est Indies captain Jason Holder has thrown his support behind Kevin Pietersen’s call for a central ICC fund to provide more competitive wages to cricket’s less wealthy nations.

Holder stated his interest in the proposal after ESPNcricinfo revealed the exact dimensions of the vast pay gap between West Indies and Australia, a scenario that has made it near enough to impossible for many Caribbean players to continue playing Tests when they could be earning far greater sums as Twenty20 freelancers.

Pietersen, in Australia to take part in the BBL alongside the likes of Andre Russell, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, suggested that the game should try to balance the disparity, much as the ICC has already done in terms of staging Test matches by creating a fund to subsidise series where they are not so profitable as in England or Australia.

“The ICC ... should say: ‘Right, we need Gayle, we need even [Kieron] Pollard, we need [Darren] Sammy, we need Bravo, we need Andre Russell’,” Pietersen had said. “Andre Russell is bowling at 150kph, whacking big sixes in the Big Bash. He should be doing that in a Test match, he shouldn’t be doing it here.

“It’s just a sad state of affairs that these guys here, who are star attractions all around the world and they command big numbers from T20 franchises, it’s just sad they’re not playing the longer form of the game. Test players should be paid a hell of a lot of money. That’s the only way they’re going to get the guys back playing. They should get paid so much more money than we get paid playing domestic tournaments.”

Pietersen’s suggestion has been tried effectively in other sports. Salary caps make a difference, as do equalisation funds.

Australian Rules football has witnessed one of the more successful regimes of this kind over the past two decades, allowing a national competition to be sustained with strong teams in all states despite disparities between in terms of

income and fan following.

Having presided over a tour played opposite so many noteworthy performances by fellow Caribbean players who have chosen the BBL while the Test team struggles, Holder said there needed to be a better incentive for cricketers to choose the game’s most challenging format over its most lucrative. West Indies player wages were cut back drastically in 2014 to help fund a professional domestic four-day tournament.

“I think it’s possibly a way to keep [Test cricket] alive,” Holder said of Pietersen’s idea. “Obviously we’re in a situation where the money isn’t great for us at the moment and we’ve been in numerous battles for that but that’s beyond our control at this present time. We’ve just got to play cricket. At the end of the day hopefully somewhere along the line we can have an increasing pay and be paid a little bit better than at the moment.”

While he is clearly passionate about playing Tests - to the point of researching the story of the Caribbean “cricket anthem” Rally Round the West Indies Holder stated that he also enjoyed the hustle and bustle of T20 and its attendant financial rewards. He would like to see a greater balance struck between formats so that international and T20 interests are not in such constant competition.

“I think we need to strike a balance,” Holder said.

“I’m not knocking T20 cricket because I love T20 cricket myself, but we just need to find a way where the country comes first and then we are flexible in terms of allowing people to make money outside of international cricket. I don’t think we should be playing hard ball and deny people from going and playing, but there has to be a situation where we make international cricket our first priority.

“I think once we get to that stage the players will buy in. We’ve had so many issues that are beyond our control - some players have chosen to go this way [to T20], and others have chosen to stay. I just control what I control at the moment and that’s just me playing cricket and trying to instil in the guys to play cricket to the best of their ability.”

On this tour, Holder’s men started poorly but have slowly improved. He desires further progress at the SCG. “It just shows what we can do when we actually stick it out,” Holder said of his side’s fighting effort in Melbourne. “We fought really well in the last two days of the last Test match and it gives us some confidence going into this one. It is important that we build on that and make sure we finish this Test match on a high.” (Cricinfo)

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Stokes late show gives tourists edge

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late flurry from Ben Stokes gave England the upper hand on day one of the second Test against South Africa.

On a true Cape Town batting surface, Alex Hales (60), Joe Root (50) and Nick Compton (45) all failed to kick on and England slipped to 223-5.

But Stokes flayed the second new ball in 74 not out from 93 balls to take the tourists to 317 without further loss.

Kagiso Rabada, the 20-year-old playing his fourth Test, took 3-74, but South Africa had become tired in the evening session.

Pace bowler Rabada had earlier characterised a South Africa performance improved on the 241-run first-Test defeat, as the Proteas kept England in check with wickets at important times.

But after captain Hashim Amla curiously used parttime bowlers with England five wickets down, Stokes capitalised on some poor bowling with the second new ball to move the tourists towards an imposing score on a pitch that looks likely to deteriorate.

Although England had the advantage of batting first in ideal conditions, they looked set to end the day with nothing better than parity.

That was until Stokes set about attacking the second new ball, which at one point was costing South Africa nine runs an over.

Driving and cutting, Stokes helped himself to 11 fours and a six in an unbroken partnership of 94 with Jonny Bairstow, who made an unbeaten 39.

The England sixth-wicket pair were afforded the luxury of facing the likes of part-timers Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar as Amla opted to save his frontline bowlers for the new ball.

The decision proved costly as England’s late assault took the day away from the previously spirited Proteas.

“I don’t want to be too critical but I don’t think we’re enamoured with Amla’s captaincy,” former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott told Test Match Special. “There

Ben Stokes’ last session attack swung the momentum in England’s favour

SCOREBOARD England 1st innings AN Cook* c Morris b Rabada 27 AD Hales c de Villiers b Morkel 60 NRD Compton c Bavuma b Rabada 45 JE Root c †de Kock b Morris 50 JWA Taylor c †de Kock b Rabada 0 BA Stokes not out 74 JM Bairstow† not out 39

are things he could have done better.

“England are the better side. I’ll be surprised if they don’t win.”

England had earlier been guilty of wasting strong positions, with 129-1 and 167-2 eventually sliding to 223-5.

After Alastair Cook was brilliantly caught at third slip by debutant Chris Morris off Rabada, Hales showed he had learned from the mistakes of his debut in the first Test.

Demonstrating sound judgement around off stump, he picked up boundaries through mid-wicket and third man on the way to a maiden half-century before he edged a lovely delivery from Morne Morkel that seamed away from a difficult length.

Compton again looked solid, accelerating through the afternoon before he and James Taylor fell to successive Rabada deliveries either side of tea.

Root got England back on track, but even he had reprieves off Rabada on 13 and 23, dropped by the flying Morris and then getting into

Extras (b-10, lb-1, w-7, nb-4) 22 Total (5 wickets; 87 overs) 317 Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Cook, 16.3 ov), 2-129 (Hales, 43.5 ov), 3-167 (Compton, 55.2 ov), 4-167 (Taylor, 55.3 ov), 5-223 (Root, 67.5 ov) Bowling: M Morkel 18-3-511 (1-w), CH Morris 22-3-991, K Rabada 19-2-74-3 (4-nb, 2-w), DL Piedt 21-5-63-0, S van Zyl 5-0-12-0, D Elgar 2-0-7-0

an ugly tangle to a bouncer, with the ball just landing safe of the diving AB de Villiers.

While the surface could be trusted by the batsmen, it also encouraged the pace bowlers, none more so than the pacey and hostile Rabada.

Having already accounted for Cook and caused Root problems, he struck twice in as many balls to drag South Africa back into the contest.

Compton hooked a short ball straight to mid-wicket, then Taylor played an expansive drive to be caught behind by Quinton de Kock, who was recalled to the South Africa side for the omitted JP Duminy.

Root busily scored off the back foot, but when he wafted an edge behind to give Morris a deserved maiden wicket, the day was in the balance.

Enter Stokes and Bairstow, who counter-punched at five runs an over. Bairstow was lucky not to be bowled by a delivery from off-spinner Dane Piedt, but the turn only served to highlight the problems South Africa could face later in the game. (BBC Sport)

Tenelec Inc. U-15 cricket…

WANTED

Karim (83), Glasgow Jr (8-40) guide Blairmont to semi-finals

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lairmont Community Centre defeated Young Warriors outright to earn their spot in the semi-finals of the Tenelec Inc. Under-15 cricket competition in Berbice.

In the quarter-final played at Cumberland, Blairmont chose to take first strike. Berbice Under-15 batsman Javed Karim, opening the batting, held the innings together, putting on 65 for the second wicket with Saheed Khan (24) before he was eventually caught off legspinner Brandon Pydana for 83 (9x4s) at 135-7. Blairmont eventually made 149 all out in their first innings with Pydana picking up 4-29 for Young Warriors.

That target turned out

Seon Glasgow Jr

to be too much for Young Warriors as they were in turn bowled out for just 112 in reply with Berbice Under-15 off-spinner Seon Glasgow Jr doing the damage with 4-21. Topscoring

were Trevon Stanislaus with 37 and Junior Williams 25.

Enjoying a first innings lead of 37, Blairmont Community Centre made 129 all out in their second innings with Talim Inshan topscoring with 30, while Chandradat Veerasammy and Azad Ishahack made 28 each. Pydana took 4-49 to end with match figure of 8-78. Bacchus took 3-15.

Set a target for 167 in their second innings, Young Warriors found the Blairmont spin attack hard to cope with and were bowled out for 120, giving Blairmont victory by 46 runs. Glasgow Jr took 4-19 to end with match figures of 8-40. while Berbice left-arm spinner Nigel Deodat took 3-28.

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BCB/Ramnarine Appiah Memorial 20-over cricket…

Stag Super XVI…

Young Warriors, Canje Panthers Grove Hi Tech outlast Ann’s Grove in tense final to clash in today’s final

D

Alden Lawrence (right) and Ron Collins of Victoria Kings

efending champions Grove Hi Tech had to once again pull out all the stops to take home the top prize of $1.5 million and bragging rights for the next year, when they outlasted Ann’s Grove United 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks, following a 4-4 tie after the first five kicks and a 0-0 score line at the end of regulation and extra time.

The result brought an end to the second edition of the Stag Super XVI knockout football tournament that featured 16 teams from the East Bank, East Demerara and West Demerara Football Associations, who battled over eight days of exciting action at venues in the three associations.

The third place match, which saw Mahaica Determinators taking on Victoria Kings, saw the latter prevailing, also via penalty kicks 4-3. Regulation and extra time ended 1-1 with Mahaica Determinators equalising on the stroke of full time from the penalty spot.

It was the perfect climax to a truly intense tournament and it was the second time in a row that Grove Hi Tech had defeated Ann’s Grove in the championship match, the first ending 5-0. This time around however, Ann’s Grove, which had lost their semi-final match to Mahaica Determinators on penalty kicks 3-4, were gifted a spot in the final owing to the fact

that Determinators fielded a player, who was not duly transferred; thus losing the match and being relegated to the third place game.

Ann’s Grove went about the task of upsetting the defending champs in businesslike fashion and would have put the game away early if they were potent in the attacking third as they were all over the Grove Hi Tech team, but just could not finish.

Grove Hi Tech had a few good moments, as it was the home team which enjoyed great fan support from the 3000+ spectators.

Even the minutes added on in extra time could not separate the two sides as the fans from both teams sought to add some energy to their players by cheering them on.

It was evident that the grind of multiple matches over thepast two weeks was taking its toll.

Regular penalty kicks too, did not produce a winner as after the first five, the score was locked 4-4. Ann’s Grove’s third shot taken by Marlon Adams was saved Grove Hi Tech’s custodian Michael Matthews. Hi Tech also missed their third shot, which was sent wide of the left upright by Orson Francois.

However, both teams restored order by sinking the next two shots each, which meant that at the end of the first five neither team held the advantage. It was now down to sudden death penalty kicks where the team to

miss would be out.

Both teams sunk the first two shots each before Ann’s Grove missed their third, Antonio Jackson buckling under the pressure of the moment. Hi Tech’s Devon Joseph then put the sealer on the match and championship for his team by hitting the ball into the back of the nets past Ann’s Grove’s substitute goalkeeper, Travis Allen, who was inserted into the match for Narvado Denny in the 110th minute.

Joseph’s goal sent Grove Hi Tech’s fans storming onto the field in wild celebrations as they complimented the players for delivering the goods and easing a very pressurised situation in their favour, whilst the Ann’s Grove team and fans were naturally, very disappointed. The losing side will collect $500,000.

Victoria Kings had taken the lead in the third place match against Mahaica Determinators through the third goal of the tournament from Alden Lawrence in the 26th minute. The exchanges were back and forth with both teams exhibiting the desire to go after each other.

The second half saw a much more determined Mahaica side, but the Kings stood firm in attack. The persistence of Mahaica was rewarded in the final minute of regulation time when they were rewarded with a penalty, which was converted by Kurt Roberts to tie the match and force extra time.

Penalty kicks were required after a fruitless extra time period. Kings missed their first shot taken by Samuel Blackett, but converted the next four through Winston Pompey, Sherlock Dowden, Lawrence and Ruben Morris.

Mahaica converted their first, second and fourth shots taken by Terry Caesar, Roberts and Ewart Abel, but missed their third and fifth.

Kings will receive $300,000, while Mahaica will be rewarded with $200,000. The presentation of prizes will take place during this week.

Navendra Mangra

T

he picturesque Cumberland Cricket Club of East Canje, Berbice, will come alive today, when top second division players in the Number 19 to East Canje area will participate in the third place playoff and final of the 2015 Ramnarine Appiah Memorial 20-over cricket competition, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

At 09:30h, Betsy Ground Triple Star will square off with the exciting Kendall’s Union A, a team from the village of the sponsor.

Betsy Ground will have an equally exciting lineup and will include players such as Rommel Bassant, Ramnarine Jugisteer, Wohmeshwar Sobhai and Kishan Doerga, while the Number 19 based team will be lead by skipper Navindra Mangra, with support from Dasrath Debiden, the Baker brothers, Daniel and Samuel, and Jerry Seecharran.

The grand final will start at 13:30h and will feature host Young Warriors Cricket Club and Canje Pathfinders. Videsh Singh, the most prolific scorer in the competition, will lead Canje Pathfinders batting,

Alex Algoo (left) and Zaheer Moakhan

Videsh Singh

Rommel Bassant

and he will be supported

by Kishan Gangaram and Kishan Sobhai among others.

On the other hand, the slightly favoured home team has a nice blend of youth and experience. They will be led by former national senior cricketer, coach, selector and administrator, Hubern Evans. The aggressive Mortimer Fraser and Berbice youth batsman Alex Algoo will lead the bat-

ting, with support from the in-form Rudolph Baker, allrounder Zaheer Moakhan and former national junior cricketer, Balram Samaroo.

A massive trophy for the champion team, along with cash incentives totalling over $100,000 will be up for grabs. A well stocked bar, ball-by-ball commentary and musical entertainment will all form part of activities beyond the boundary.

Guyanese players unsuccessful at CFU/MLS Combine

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has received correspondence from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), through the office of its General Secretary, regarding the participation of Jumane Somerset and Delon Lanferman at the recently concluded CFU/MLS Combine, held in Curacao from December 17 -20.

It is with deep regret that the CFU has informed the GFF that neither Somerset nor Lanferman was selected to participate at the Adidas MLS Combine in Florida from January 8-13.

According to Diedre Davis, General Secretary of the GFF, “We are happy to have afforded Mr. Somerset and Mr. Lanferman the opportunity to attend these ses-

Delon Lanferman

Jumane Somerset

sions. It is our [GFF[ intention to continue to support the development of players within Guyana with the intention of realising their selection to a professional club within the global football network.”

Meanwhile, the CFU said it is pleased to have decentralised the third annual initiative, giving more Caribbean players the opportunity to be seen by the MLS scouts. The CFU is confident that continuation of this will augur well for regional players in the future.

The CFU/MLS Combine caters for players between the ages of 18 and 22, and is an annual showcase of Caribbean football talent organised jointly by MLS and the CFU, with the inaugural Combine being held in January 2014.

The Combine provides opportunities for Caribbean players to be observed by MLS scouts with the hopes of being invited to the MLS Combine, an invite-only showcase event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida prior to the annual MLS Super Draft.

Through their partnership with CFU, the MLS conducted Combines in St Kitts and Nevis, and Curacao and the scouts would later only invite 21 year-old Jamaican Jorginho James to their Combine in Florida next year.

James has made three senior national team selections for Jamaica, and the mid-field player, who suits up for Harbour View Football Club, has also represented the “Reggae Boys” at several international youth tournaments.

sundAY, january 3, 2016

guyanatimesGY.com

23

GFA/Banks Beer Knockout Cup..

Riddim Squad edge Western Tigers 2-1 in final

Part of the action between Riddim Squad and Western Tigers

By Akeem Greene

T

he January 1 final of the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Banks Beer Knockout Cup at the National Stadium certainly thrilled spectators, as it had them on the edge of their seats with the amount of close chances that were created and the skills taken to score the three goals that materialised.

Amidst the electric atmosphere, the Mocha-based Riddim Squad won the fifth annual tournament by virtue of defeating Western Tigers FC 2-1 in an intriguing display of football, while a dominant New Amsterdam United defeated Santos FC 4-2 in the third

place playoff.

Before the highly anticipated final began, Minister Simona Broomes did the official kick-off with much enthusiasm.

As the final began, Western Tigers were quick to produce a set piece in an effort to take an early lead.

In the 26th minute, Jamal Pedro, who just minutes before was brought as a substitute was the centre of a goal scoring opportunity for the Tigers.

Pedro slid in front of the goal in an attempted shot, but only succeeded in passing to Randolph Wagner whose shot on goal lacked power and was easily blocked by the goalkeeper.

There were other at-

tempts made on goal by Western Tigers, who had more ball possession in the first half, which ended nilall. However the second half was a twist of events as Riddim Squad were playing as a rejuvenated side.

Number 10 Amos Ramsey scored four minutes after the break by simply guiding the ball into right side of the net, sprinting off in jubilation with the roar of the crowd behind him.

On the counterattack, Western Tigers Randolph Wagner had a shot on goal, but goalkeeper Rawle Liverpool frantically grabbed the ball to ensure the score line remained the same. In the 55th minute,

it appeared that Riddim Squad had doubled the lead, but Sceyon Hope had committed the off side infraction with the ball in goal.

In the 77th minute, Riddim Squad’s defence committed a foul in the box to give the West Ruimveldt based team a penalty, which Wagner powered to the left of the box to equalise. Three minutes later however, a Delon John goal would again put Riddim Squad in the lead.

The #2, who came on as a substitute, wrapped his right foot around the ball to score emphatically, which quickly dented any hopes of a Western Tigers comeback, as Riddim Squad simply played for time.

In the third place playoff, New Amsterdam United inflicted a 4-2 drubbing on Santos FC. New Amsterdam United’s standout player was surely Jamal Butts, who scored a double in the 52nd and 78th minutes.

George Winkson and Travis Williams scored in the ninth and 28th respectively to complete the score sheets for the Berbice side.

For Santos FC, Dwayne McLennon scored in the 84th and 87th minutes.

McLennon, playing as a centre forward, created a ruckus among the spectators when he speedily took on three New Amsterdam United players and was good enough to carry the ball a mere six yards from

goal before spilling the valiant run on the side left side net.

At the presentation ceremony, Riddim Squad’s Sceyon Hope was awarded the Most Valuable Player prize; Rawle Liverpool of Riddim Squad was deemed best boalkeeper; and Western Tigers’ Randolph Wagner was the highest goalscorer with seven from four games.

By virtue of being champions, Riddim squad received the cash prize of $2 million, while Western Tigers took home half that amount. New Amsterdam United and Santos FC won $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.

RHTY&SC wraps up successful Christmas events T he eight cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sport organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), from December 20-24 successfully hosted Berbice’s first-ever Christmas Village in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The historic event was a joint effort between the RHTY&SC, its cricket teams- Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division- and the Ministry of Tourism. Thousands of Berbicians visited the Village and for many children it was their first visit to such a venture.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC described the hosting of the Christmas Village challenging, but hailed it as a huge success, which achieved all its objectives. The Village, Foster stated, allowed many to experience the old tradition of celebrating Christmas in a peaceful and respect-

ful manner with the birth of Jesus being the main theme.

The entire compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School was transformed into a dreamland with Christmas characters, the fairy lights and children’s characters. The Village also included the Nativity Scene, Santa, his sleigh and reindeers, a 20feet locally made Christmas Tree with plastic bottles, Christmas games and fun park, a very popular horror house, computer games section, a photo studio and food booths.

First Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes, were present at the opening of the Village and both hailed the RHTY&SC for its vision of hosting the Village. Foster expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Nand Persaud Company Limited, Gizmos and Gadgets, Bakewell, Scotiabank, Edward B. Beharry, the Ministry of Education, Region Six Regional Democratic

First Lady Sandra Granger and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes were on hand to flip the switch to light up the Christmas three

Council, Rainbow Signs, Rose Hall Town Primary School, B Division of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Berbice Division of the Guyana Prison Service, Poonai Drugs Store, Balram Shane Store, Décor Gift Gallery, China Trading, Guyana Beverage Company, National Communication Network and Berbice Regional Health Authority for their support of the

Christmas Village. He also announced that the event would be an annual one by the club. This would be undertaken by the RHTY&SC, based on the response from the general public, who all expressed great pleasure that families were able to enjoy Christmas in a special way.

Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC was also able to successfully complete its annual multi-million dol-

lars charity programmes, despite having to host the Christmas Village.

The year’s programmes included sharing out of toys to 1,500 less fortunate children, 300 food hampers to less fortunate families, distribution of clothing to children, general feeding of the poor programmes, visits to children and senior citizens homes in Berbice, among others.

The main objectives of

the programmes were to make positive difference in the lives of others during the festive season.

Foster praised his fellow executives, members of the cricket teams and the club’s Over-35 section for their hardwork and dedication in making all the plans for the season a reality.

The RHTY&SC would like to express gratitude to all the major sponsors of its 2015 christmas charity programme, especially the Bank of Nova Scotia, H.A. Snacks Company Limited, Toucan Industries, Busta, Sueria Inc., DDL, Edward B. Beharry Company Limited, Impressions, Starr Computers, Ansa McAl Trading, Namilco, Fitness Express, F and H Printery, De Sinco Trading, H.A. Nauth, Narine’s Trading, The Gift Centre, Tiger Sports, Lens Craft, Woodpecker Sports, Kanhai’s Electrical, Gizmos and Gadgets, Farfan and Mendes Limited, Sentinel Security, Guyana Lottery Company, Bermudez, China’s Trading, Bounty Farm Limited, A. M Khan and John Lewis Styles among numerous others.

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

sundAY, january 3, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

GFA/Banks Beer Knockout Cup..

Riddim Squad edge Western Tigers 2-1 in final

Page 23

GFA president Clifton Hicken and GFF president Wayne Forde present the winner’s cheque and championship trophy to the Riddim Squad players (Marceano Narine photos)

Amos Ramsey (left) and Delon John of Riddim Squad

West Indies v Australia, 3rd Test, Day 1 Lunch time update: West Indies 92-1 (Kraigg Brathwaite 50*, Darren Bravo 32*, Shai Hope 9, Josh Hazlewood 1-24)

Stag Super XVI…

Grove Hi Tech outlast Ann’s Grove in tense final

Page 22

Ansa McAl’s Public Relations Officer, Darshanie Yussuf, makes the symbolic presentation to members of the Grove Hi Tech team GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, Tel: 231-8064, 231-0544, 225-8697, 225-6695, 225-5634, 225-8696, 225-6707 - SALES AND MARKETING - sales@guyanatimesgy.com PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.