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guyana-times.com

Issue No. 3020

Thursday, October 27, 2016

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police hunt teen after clubbed WCD man dies P2

Page 9

Guyana’s Doing Business Ranking P12 increases Cabinet meetings at GDF

Govt afraid of crime P14 situation – Ramotar

AK-47, ammo INTERPOL trains found in Linden local Police on TIP house Page 13

Page 2

Analysis needed to determine Guyana’s authentic crime rate – diplomat Page 3

GPA bemoans no consultation on chicken imports for year-end Page 7

Robbery victim under investigation for staged P2 attack

Govt boldly defends budget cuts to constitutional agencies P9

2 news

thursDAY, october 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Police hunt teen after clubbed WCD man dies AK-47, ammo found in Linden P house olice have launched a manhunt for an 18-year-old suspect following the death of a West Coast Demerara (WCD) man, whom he had clubbed with a cricket bat one week ago.

According to reports, 40-year-old Deonarine Manbodh, called “Ramesh” of Lot 668 Plantation Best, WCD, was beaten about his body and head on Thursday last by the suspect. However, Manbodh succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday sometime around 20:30h while

in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Investigations revealed that the deceased had stopped his niece from talking to the teenager. This resulted in an altercation between the two men last week. A heated argument subsequently ensued during which the teenager, who was armed with a cricket bat, dealt Manbodh several lashes.

The injured man was rushed to the West Demerara

Regional Hospital in a semiconscious state and was later referred to the GPHC, where he was admitted and subsequently fell into a coma. He was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he died.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on the body of the 40-year-old man on Wednesday, giving the cause of death as brain haemorrhage, compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

The search continues for the 18-year-old suspect.

Dead: Deonarine “Ramesh” Manbodh

Robbery victim under investigation for staged attack … feels frustrated with treatment from Police

P

The AK-47 and ammunition found in the haversack

olice in E Division (LindenKwakwani) are investigating the discovery of a high-powered weapon and several rounds of ammunition and ammunition components at a house.

According to reports, the Police were able to recover an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 15 rounds of matching ammunition; 15 live .38 rounds, 39 9mm live rounds and 21 .223 live rounds, along with a magazine.

The discovery was made after a man stumbled upon the cache while house cleaning. The Police said that while cleaning,

the 42-year-old citizen observed a haversack behind a wardrobe and upon examination of its contents, found the firearm and ammunition.

The individual subsequently rushed to a nearby Police Station and lodged a report of his discovery. This resulted in a Police team to responding and taking possession of the cache.

Initially, investigations revealed that the owners of the house reportedly reside overseas; however, the property was rented prior to the discovery. Nevertheless, further investigations are continuing.

A

robbery victim is beyond frustrated and has practically given up the little bit of hope he had of justice being served now that the Police have placed him under investigation.

Corentyne businessman, Jacob Mootoo, proprietor of J Mootoo Grocery Store in Alness Village, Corentyne, reported a robbery occurring on Sunday last in the wee hours of the morning.

Initially, he told Guyana Times that two men entered his home by breaking through a grilled window and upon hearing the loud crash, Mootoo said he quickly armed himself with a cutlass and waited in a corner to ward off the bandits.

He detailed that when he confronted the intruders, they fired two gunshots in his direction. The businessman said he immediately retreated and

went into hiding.

The bandits then reportedly escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash and two Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphones without harming anyone in the home.

But Police sources have informed Guyana Times that the businessman’s stories are inconsistent and as such, they are investigating whether the robbery could have been staged.

Police visited the crime scene once again on Tuesday to further question the businessman and took samples with the intention of running tests to determine if he had gun residue on his body.

Sources also disclosed that the businessman’s property was searched for illegal firearms.

Commander Divisional Kevin Adonis said acting upon

Jacob Mootoo

information received, Mootoo’s premises was searched and dusted as Police intensify their investigations to unearth the truth behind the alleged robbery.

“Pick sense from nonsense” But the businessman is in disbelief at the twist in events for never in his life would he think a robbery victim would

be treated by law enforcement as the assailant.

“I fed up with this here. Put me in your shoe, how would you take it? I was terrorised by bandits and now the Police terrorising me. How would you take it,” Mootoo lashed out irritably, during a telephone interview with this publication.

Mootoo said the suspicion of him having an illegal firearm and also staging the robbery is farcical since he has nothing to gain from doing such.

“Pick sense from nonsense.

If me had a firearm in this house, wouldn’t I use it when the bandits break in my home?

When they come and search me house, they wouldn’t find it?” he explained. The businessman is extremely frustrated with the treatment from the Police and has lost all faith in the deliverance of justice.

news

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 27 – 14:30h-16:00h Friday, October 28 – 14:30h-16:00h.

C

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 27 – 14:40h-16:10h Friday, October 28 – 15:15h-16:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with sunny weather returning in the later afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly ranging from 2.68 metres to 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 02:11h and 14:32h reaching maximum heights of 2.36 metres and 2.45 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:05h and 20:27h reaching minimum heights of 0.81 metre and 0.75 metre respectively.

wednesday, October 26, 2016

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Analysis needed to determine Guyana’s authentic crime rate – diplomat

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Evening Draw

17 21

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

anadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux, said there is need for some studies to be carried out to make a determination of Guyana’s actual crime rate.

The Ambassador was responding to questions posed

by Guyana Times during an exclusive interview at his office on Tuesday.

While monthly statistics from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) suggest decreases in criminal activities, concerns continue to mount over what seems to be growing incidences of crime in various categories.

Asked to comment on the situation, the High Commissioner said he does not know the country that well to understand the dynamics, but suggested that studies should be done to understand the phenomenon involved.

According to the Ambassador, the gathering of crime statistics is rather complicated.

“Let’s assume there is a society where 100 crimes are committed and people do not report the crime. So they report 30 of the 100.

You have the impression that crime is under control, but its more, it’s actually 100. Now let’s assume that we now have a situation where Government improves the justice system for crime. It now goes from 100 to 90, so there has been an improvement, but then this gives confidence to people and they start reporting more.”

He continued, “So suddenly your crime reporting increases. It goes from 30 to 50, but actually your total crime was reduced by 10.”

The High Commissioner said what is not known is what phenomenon is being observed.

“Is the actual crime rate reducing, or is it because people are reporting more crime? So what we need is much more studies to have an assessment… To answer

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux

your question, I don’t know.

Is the crime really increasing or is it reducing because people are reporting or is it increasing because people are reporting more than they do.”

He said he hopes that it’s the latter, that the crime rate is really being reduced in total absolute numbers.

He said, however, that the relative numbers might increase because people are reporting more, which would seem to indicate that the people have more confidence.

“It is something that I don’t know the country to understand the dynamics of when people are the object of a crime, what do they do.

Do they go to the Police and report it, or they don’t report?” he said.

Earlier this month, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported a 21 per cent reduction in serious crime when compared to the same period last year.

This announcement came in for much criticism as many debunk this revelation as far from the truth.

One such criticism came from Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo who questioned the statistics.

“On one hand you are hearing that there is no increase in crime, then on the other the sycophant contradicts them and says it is happening,” Jagdeo noted.

According to the Police Force, in its monthly statistics for September, there was a nine per cent decline in reports of murder cases with 105 cases in 2016, relative to the same period last year which had 115 cases listed.

With regards to robberies, it was disclosed that gun-related robberies saw a five per cent decrease with 563 cases this year compared to 592 cases last year; while there was a 17 per cent decline in robberies with other instruments, which recorded 235 cases this year against 284 last year.

Additionally, robberies with no instruments saw a 15 per cent reduction with 33 cases in 2016 compared to 39 in 2015; while robberies with violence recorded a 25 per cent decrease with 76 cases in this year, against 102 last year, and robberies

with aggravation reduced by four per cent, recording 52 cases this year and 54 in 2015.

Moreover, there was a 19 per cent decline in rape cases during the comparative period between this year, which recorded 204 cases, and last year when 251 cases were listed.

Furthermore, the Police Force reported that some 67 illegal firearms were seized during this period; that is, 29 pistols, 21 revolvers and 17 shotguns. Last year, a total of 89 firearms were seized by the Police. It was reported too that the Force has maintained consistency in clearing up serious crime cases from January to September. During this time, there were 2497 cases reported, of which 535 were cleared up, thus reflecting 21 per cent. According to the Force, the consistent and continuous reduction in serious crimes is an indication that the strategies are working well, have yielded and will continue to yield positive results, thereby assuring all citizens that their collaborative effort in partnering with law enforcement is vital. In fact, when questioned at a press conference recently about the public perception that crime might be on the increase and not declining as being touted by the Force, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had explained that the situation is not as extreme as being perceived.

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guyana-times.com

thursday, october 27, 2016

Views Innocence in the face of war Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Revisiting sugar

T

he news that the European Union has finally released the $5,500,153,527 to the sugar industry that had been withheld, because President Donald Ramotar had exercised his legal constitutional option of proroguing Parliament, is welcome. But it illustrates the realities of the international regime in which small countries like Guyana have to operate.

When in 1975 sugar prices had spiked to historic highs, Europe had offered a price to the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP), which included Guyana, lower than the then price for all our sugar under the Lomé Convention. This was agreed to in writing to continue "in perpetuity". When prices later fell, Europe insisted on referring to the price in the agreement as a "preferential price", since it was higher than the world market price.

No one bothered to mention that the said "world market price" was a residual price since most sugar was traded through bilateral agreements.

The Europeans benefited from the Lomé price because they pegged it to what they paid their farmers for their beet sugar – and in effect offering the latter a massive subsidy. But as world trading regimes changed in tandem with the interests of the EU – to increase production of isoglucose (fructose) from corn and to impose EPAs on the ACP, in 2006 the Europeans unilaterally slashed the price of sugar from the ACP by 39 per cent. This is what plunged our sugar industry into a tailspin after the slow recovery from the PNC regime that made sugar production shrink from 350,000 tonnes in the 1960s to almost half of that by the end of the 1980s.

During the PNC years, the politicisation of management of GuySuCo and a levy imposed from 1975 during the years of the "preferential prices", scooped off the profits of the industry, which could have been used to modernise the industry. Countless billions were transferred into the Consolidated Fund to subsidise Government spending in other areas.

It was a plus for Guyana that as early as 1998, GuySuCo crafted a Strategic Plan for the Corporation to cut its costs from an average of US 25 cents/lb to below the world price average of US 25 cents/lb. Part of the plan was to concentrate sugar cane production in Berbice where soil and climatic conditions were more suitable and inter alia to replace the Skeldon factory, which was the oldest in the industry. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), with which Guyana had signed a Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), prohibited any spending on the factories and this inhibited increased efficiencies from improved processing.

The plan foundered for three other reasons: the exodus of skilled personnel from the industry and country, the seemingly fatal problems with the Skeldon factory and, of course, the European unilateral price cut. The EU did initiate a compensation scheme called the "Accompanying Measures Programme", from which the funds mentioned above emanated. According to the EU, "For the period 2007-2013, the Sugar Programme indicative envelope for Guyana amounted to €143 million thereby protecting 20,000 jobs. The EU supports the Guyanese sugar industry with the aim to bring about sustainable improvements in the competitiveness of the industry and of the nontraditional agricultural sub-sectors.”

Apart from the EU monies being absolutely insufficient to compensate Guyana for the loss of revenues, the Government did not utilise all of it within the industry, which then continued in a seemingly downwards death spiral. It is, therefore, very ironic that there are complaints from some quarters about injecting funds into the industry - especially after a $54 million Commission of Inquiry (CoI) offered suggestions for bringing back sugar into a viable industry. Instead, the Government has shelved the CoI's Report and evidently signalled its intentions on the sugar industry by closing the factory at Wales at the end of this year; in effect, dooming sugar cultivation there.

Sugar should not be used as a political football and it is imperative that the Government and the Opposition sit down to avert a social crisis of gargantuan proportions.

Internally displaced children sit in a car near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul, Iraq (Reuters/Goran Tomasevic)

Subsidising sugar workers Dear Editor, While it is good news for GuySuCo that $5.4 billion has been received from the EU’s Accompanying Measures Programme, which will be utilised under the Action Programme, the average sugar worker is yet to understand how these monies are being spent in ways which will propel the Corporation on the road to profitability.

Sugar workers are always bombarded with the bad news so as to keep their demands for wage increase in check. Losses and debts have now been ingrained in the psyche of these workers who are stupefied by the huge sums of bailouts from this and the previous Government and the huge sums received from the EU. In order for these workers to fully appreciate the dilemma of the Corporation they need information and this is where the communication is lacking. I have spoken with many of them and they do not have a clue as to how these monies are being spent. What improvements have been made that have impacted on the production capacity and productivity of the Corporation? These must be quantified to let the work-

ers know specifically where the Corporation is heading.

Sugar workers have been toiling harder than ever before, yet they have been receiving lesser and lesser each year. Yet they are repeatedly told about increasing losses and indebtedness, and their sufferings continue.

It must be recalled that the Corporation achieved an unprecedented target going back to 11 years. It achieved 231,145 tonnes of sugar- exceeding the target by 3,702 tonnes! Despite this great achievement the, sugar workers got a measly three day pay as bonus and no increase in wages and salaries. They produced and perished! The CEO had said that this achievement came about mainly because of motivated management, workers’ efforts and non-interference from politicians of the Government. What he failed to mention is the fact that the Corporation was reaping the rewards of improvements done under the PPP/C Government. The bailout and the EU funds were well spent by that Government.

Moreover, with increased bailouts, a motivated management, no political interference and a new Board, the sugar production for the first crop has fallen by 30 per

cent. The Corporation has only achieved 56,645 tons of the budgeted 80,269 tonnes - a massive decline of 23,624 tonnes. Many factors were suggested, ranging from the adverse El Nino conditions, delays in tillage, planting and crop husbandry operations; however, many of these factors, if not all are controllable and should have been addressed by a proactive Board and management. Are we to believe that the annual target was set at 241,000 tonnes without due consideration to these factors?

Even in an El Nino situation, fields can be irrigated to alleviate the negative effects on the sugar canes. The decline of 12.25 tonnes of canes per hectare could have been lower if proper crop husbandry was done. What was the Chairman of the Board doing? What were the CEO and his management team doing?

Therefore, sugar workers must not be made scapegoats and be denied a wage increase. What has the Government Ministers done to warrant a salary increase of 50 per cent? Public servants are given a wage increase of 5 per cent last year and 10 per cent this year, while the sugar workers true wages have declined by 10 per cent from last year to

now. How can efficiency and productivity be increased when the workers’ wages are declining and their standard of living is being eroded with each passing day? Will this motivate 17,000 workers to be committed to work? Will this boost their morale?

The Government must give some assistance to the sugar workers by even subsidising their electricity and water bills. This can lessen the impact of the current wage freeze situation which has no solution in sight.

This is being done in Linden where an annual electricity subsidy of $3 billion is being given by the Government.

Sugar workers gave more than $100 billion as sugar levy from 1974 to 2003, yet today they are being treated most unfairly. This punitive measure resulted in the decline of the sugar industry or else today it would have been more competitive.

The 17,000 workers are the life blood of the industry and they must be assisted to stem their increased cost of living in order to resuscitate the industry and initiate its survival. Workers must not be penalised for the current state of GuySuCo! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Judges can help/hurt other Govt branches Dear Editor, When the question is put applicable to the above topic, it explains that the Executive and Legislature branches of Governments most often do their utmost to provide Laws that guarantee ‘a better life’ for all the people. The Judiciary is responsible for interpretation and enforcement of the laws justly as originated from the constitution. In Guyana, are Judges intentionally, or in ignorance, ‘missing the mark?’ some do! Points of reference: 1. Dataram’s trial escape

to Suriname was explained as a lack-of-confidence to obtain a fair trial by a particular Judge.

2. A known litigant was granted ‘nothing’ by a High Court Justice who allowed the late start of a hearing against the State - The Guyana Police Force.

The State’s Attorney was one hour late, was unprepared for the trial, which even though in default, the Justice took away the rightof-recourse [appeal] from the Complainant in a ruling as un-redeemable. The not lis-

tened-to facts are that the Police was guilty of intentional ‘TORT’ wrongs done to the Plaintiff.

3. An accused woman was verbally abused by a Magistrate in the environment of a Courthouse on the East Coast of Demerara, for which he was disciplined.

How many more of such occurrences over the past years took place in Guyana’s courthouses? That hurt the Governments and distressed our People.

A late USA President Alexander Hamilton wrote

about the Judiciary: “The propriety of the institution is not disputed relative to the manner of constituting it”. He further noted that “the Courts on the pretence of repugnance may substitute the constitutional intentions of the Legislature”.

Therefore, Governments can have no less a responsibility than to appoint fit characters [Judges] of qualified capable hands to administer justice with utility and dignity.

Moon does run til day ketch am! continues on page 5

guyana-times.com

thursday, october 27, 2016

5

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

Jagdeo most approved politician in Guyana Dear Editor, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo is the “most approved” political leader in the country and is likely to win the Presidency with a comfortable majority of votes if a free and fair general election were to be held soon, according to the findings of the poll recently conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA). However, a majority of voters do not feel the next general election, due by May 2020, will be free and fair. Even the business community overwhelmingly feels Jagdeo would win a general election once it is free and fair, but almost all of them said the next general election “will be rigged” because they are of the view that the PNC will not yield power. As such, voters do not feel the PNC (APNU) will allow a free and fair election, noting that the country will return to the period of rigged elections so that the PNC can remain in office, albeit fraudulently. Interestingly, many who voted for APNU/AFC coalition also think the next election will be rigged. It was noted that the PNC rigged all elections after the country became independent in 1966 till 1992, when international political pressure forced the dictatorship to allow its only democratic election resulting in its defeat.

A slight majority (51 per cent) of voters also feel the May 2015 general elections involved some fraud that allowed the APNU/AFC coalition to capture power. However,

significant credible evidence was not presented to support an argument that the last election was fraudulent in favour of the coalition; the poll did not ask for evidence to substantiate a claim of electoral fraud.

The findings were based on interviews with 710 voters reflecting the demographic composition of the population.

Asked (overall) if they approve of the performance of the government, 39 per cent said ‘yes’, with 54 per cent saying ‘no’ and 7 per cent not offering a response. Some feel the government needs to be given a few years in order for a fair evaluation of its performance to be undertaken. Asked if they approve of David Granger’s performance as President, 48 per cent said ‘yes’, with 47 per cent saying ‘no’ and 5 per cent not offering a response; many feel President Granger is not running the government. Moses Nagamootoo has an approval rating of 46 per cent and a disapproval rating of 48 per cent, with 6 per cent not offering a response; almost every PPP supporter rates Moses negatively. The government, Granger and Nagamootoo receive support primarily from traditional PNC supporters.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has the highest approval rating (for his performance as Opposition Leader) among the three political leaders. Jagdeo’s approval is 55 per cent, with a disapproval rating of 39 per

Judges can help/hurt...

Editor, the time for a National Judiciary Retreat [Judges, Magistrates, and Justices] is very, very long overdue. The Government - His Excellency, the Head of the Legislature, the Speaker of the House and the Chancellor ought to ensure this fulfilment for guidance and instructions to all judicial officials to enhance just, responsible and trustworthy performance in

all Courts.

Last but not least, the Nation must be cognizant that the Chancellor of the Judiciary is an honourable person [Justice Carl Singh]. Without all the bad reports to his distinguished office about the many flaws of Judges (unfairness, verbal abuse, bribes, and other forms of corruption including disrespect) the immediate purge and improve-

cent. Even many PNC supporters and some AFC supporters give Jagdeo a positive rating, expressing their disappointment in the coalition government. Several AFC and APNU supporters say that they are disappointed with Nagamootoo’s silence on violations of the APNU/AFC Accord signed before the general elections that called for sharing of powers between the coalition partners. Many who supported a change in government in May 2015 expressed regrets saying the new administration is “not performing”.

A large majority of respondents (58 per cent, including some who will not vote for him) feel Jagdeo will win the next elections if it is free and fair, and if the constitution allows him to be the PPP Presidential candidate.

But some 55 per cent feel the next election will be rigged, ruling out the return of the PPP to office; even many AFC supporters say they are concerned about the direction of the country and are worried that the next election will be rigged. Almost every PPP supporter feels the next election will be rigged.

The poll also queried voters on who are best performing Ministers and Opposition members of parliament. The findings will be released later.

Sincerely, Political analyst Dr Vishnu Bisram

from page 4

ments of Guyana’s Judiciary can be readily at-hand to help and not hurt anyone as professional standards demand.

About the bill-of-rights and due-process of law; the said USA late President again wrote: “the Courts’ unwillingness to extend the protections from the Governments of individual rights, are often limited to explicit constitutional lan-

Vetting of GDF recruits

Dear Editor, I wish to give special recognition and applause to Brigadier George Lewis for putting things in place to properly vet recruits into Guyana’s Armed Forces.

This is a necessary procedure which should have been in place for some time now.

It is no secret that many military personnel are involved in criminal attacks on civilians of this country who pay them via their tax dollars. It is also known that some Police Officers have been involved in criminal activities during their service, while being active members of the Guyana Police Force and after they had left.

It will appear that many join these historic serving institutions of our nation not for the purpose of serving the people of this country or to protect our borders and our people, but to profit from their appointments by taking advantage of the people and country they were hired to protect.

I recall sometime in the past the Police Force had a policy of publishing the photographs, names and addresses of recruits or persons applying to the Guyana Police Force so that people who are aware of any nefarious activities they might have been involved in, can identify them and forward such information to the relative department.

I know also, that many persons objected to the fact that photographs were being published in the media for persons who are applying to join these forces.

I believe personally that a government is employed by the people and in that employment, is a contract by which they make decisions.

guage”.

The late President Hamilton also stated “considerate men ought to fortify against the tempers of the Courts to be certain that they do not become victims of the spirit-of-injustice.”

In consideration as opinions, USA Supreme Court the late Chief Justice Marshall put the question: “if a man has a right and that right has been violated; do the Laws offer him a remedy?” He established such must be shown as an

Sometimes decisions may not be agreed upon by all, but that is what they are hired for. To make decisions that will be in the best interest of the people and country.

In my opinion, it is the same with Guyana’s Armed Forces, as they have to make certain decisions. An example would be the practice of publishing the photographs of recruits in the national newspaper. Regardless of objections from people in the country, it should be done.

It is also possible that one may not have a record, as the Police department has a unique system of vetting persons’ criminal records via their fingerprints. However, some of them might be serious delinquents and involved in banditry in the communities, but it is not recorded in the country’s fingerprint department, which houses the only way they will be able to identify persons involved in criminal activities.

I encourage these law enforcement agencies of great calibre and history in our county to do all they can to keep away negative elements from the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force.

Once again, congratulations to the Brigadier for his appointment as Brigadier of the Guyana Defence Force and for this excellent idea of trying to identify recruits who may be involved in activities and who could be dangerous to the people of this country.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan CEO/Chairman/ Founder, RK’s Security Services

exercise of jurisdiction for that jurisdiction. Hence, no authority [judge] is ultimatum to deny the rightof-recourse through review/ appeal to the Head within his Courts and/or within Superior Courts of higher jurisdictions. The Judiciary must build Guyana impar-

tially with devotion for His /Her Worship; your Honour as designated.

Sincerely, Arnold W Christiani [M-imh], UK (Ex) Army Captain Legal Assistant/ Consultant

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thursday, october 27, 2016

Page

Foundation

By Dr Joan Simeo Munson

D

o you ever struggle with temper tantrums at your house? You know what they involve: yelling, screaming, bad-language, and allout loss of control until you almost can’t take it anymore and you just want to… put yourself in time out? Yes, I’m talking about our own parental “temper tantrums,” which we’ve all been known to experience at one point or another as we raise our children. Read on for tips on how to stay in control.

“The first step to look at is why you lose your temper.

Understanding your triggers as an adult is just as important as trying to figure out what sets your kids off.”

Children are notorious for bringing out the best in us as parents. There are moments when we find we are better people because of them; we may model better behaviour, be more honest, forgiving, caring, and kind. And then there are those moments when our children bring out the very worst in us. These are the times when we are exhausted, overworked, stressed to levels we never knew existed – and the next thing we know we are no calmer than a toddler, yelling and screaming, red-faced and enraged. Here’s the truth: losing your temper is a fact of life, one that is very normal, albeit upsetting, when it happens. But there are solutions that can help you stay calm and regain control. Follow these eight steps and you should be able to see a change in your approach very soon.

Step 1: Recognise your triggers

guyana-times.com

The first step to look at is why you lose your temper. Understanding our triggers as adults is just as important as trying to figure out what sets our children off so that we can help them control themselves. As the mother of a

proverbial middle child teenager who also has ADD and has a hard time controlling his impulses, I know that what triggers me is his bad attitude. When he starts with negativity or backtalk, it’s important for me to take a step back and really focus on how I’m feeling at the moment: my neck tenses, my cheeks feel flushed, and, having a hot temper myself, I can almost taste the words readying themselves to roll off my tongue in response! By recognising my emotional triggers as well as the physical sensations in my body that are associated with them, I am better

the worst about after we lose it is how we’ve talked to our child. Too often parents fall into bad communication habits we learnt from our own parents when we were growing up. These can include giving our children the silent treatment, withdrawing from the family, giving overly harsh punishments in the heat of the moment, yelling, saying snide or sarcastic remarks, swearing and name calling. It’s very easy to fall into this pattern, especially when you have a toddler screaming at you or a teenager swearing and getting in your face. But again, it’s important to remember that you are modelling how to deal with anger and frustration for your child, not just in their childhood and adolescence but for when they are adults as well. This is not to say that you can’t express anger, disappointment, or frustration with your child. Sometimes it’s important that our children know we aren’t happy, but we have to find ways to express our feelings in an appropriate manner. When you are feeling overwhelmed and fear you might resort to lessthan-helpful ways to communicate your frustration, finding a way to stay calm is key.

(More on that next.)

tence, sit down and use deep breathing to calm myself. This makes my teenagers nuts, but it really works.

While sitting upright, place both feet on the floor. Place one hand on your abdomen beneath your rib cage.

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose into the bottom of your lungs, sending the air as low down as you can. Make sure you are breathing from your abdomen instead of shallow breathing from your chest. If you are breathing from your abdomen, your hand should actually rise and your chest should move only slightly while your abdomen expands. When you’ve taken in a full breath, make sure to pause momentarily and then slowly exhale through your nose or mouth, whichever is most comfortable, making sure you exhale fully. Practise doing ten full abdominal breaths until you are calm again.

Count backwards: Before

opening your mouth to respond, consider counting backwards towards calmness, until you are in a different place. Whether you’re driving, making dinner or trying to relax at the end of a hard day, a perfect way to stay calm and stop your anger dead in its tracks is to begin with a number that’s higher than your stress level. For some people this can be 100, for others it might be as simple as going from 10-0. Whatever number you choose, this exercise buys you time before doing or saying something you’ll regret.

Long-term strategies: For longer-term calming practices, integrate physical exercise into your weekly routine. We are all busy, overworked, and short on time, but one way to be the best parent possible is to practice self-care. This can come in the form of yoga, meditation, running, biking or simply walking. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com) (TO BE CONTINUED)

patience with

Step 3: Find your strategies to calm

equipped to say, “Okay, I know that I’m not going down a good path. Stop.”

Some triggers at your house might include your toddler saying “No!” for the one-hundredth time that day, your daughter rolling her eyes at you, or your high school student failing to do their chores…again. When you are able to recognise what frustrates you the most, you are on the path to stopping your temper from boiling over.

Step 2: Find new ways to communicate

For most parents, what we feel

Finding a calming strategy that works for you can stop you from losing your temper. Some ideas are: Walk away (literally): When you find you are about to lose it, walk away from your child. Not only does this prevent you from starting down the wrong path, it models for your child an appropriate response when they are feeling overwhelmed themselves. For older children, feel free to say, “You know, I’m not ready to talk to you about this right now so I’m going to be alone for a few moments until I can calm down.”

Practise deep breathing: There are many times when I stop mid-sen-

Y

our three-yearold is grouchy and dragging his feet.

Your six-year-old is upset that her favourite shirt is in the wash and now she “has nothing to wear”. You can’t find your keys. And to top it all off, your son knocks over your cup of coffee and now you need to change your shirt.

You’re trying to get everyone ready and out the door quickly, but it’s as if the kids are conspiring with the universe to make you even more late! You’re so frustrated, you’re about to blow your top.

Can you relate? How can you make it through a morning like that without losing your temper? Is that even possible?

Give yourself credit. To start, give yourself credit for getting through that stressful morning – even if you didn’t handle it exactly the way you wanted to. Beating yourself up makes it hard to move forward. You want to take a moment to acknowledge that parenting is hard and that you are doing your best.

Do some problemsolving. When you’re not stuck in a struggle and pressed for time, you can see things differently. You might even be able to find some humour in a difficult situation. Is there anything you can do to make your morning less stressful by planning ahead of

time? Maybe setting an extra alarm could help so you have more time in the morning. Choosing outfits the night before can also help prevent the morning rush. Sometimes taking something off your plate in the morning is a welcome relief.

Communicate.

It’s OK to admit a mistake – it shows our children that we are learning, too. It can be something as simple as, “I’m sorry I lost my temper this morning.

It was a really stressful start to the day, wasn’t it?

Here’s what we are going to do differently tomorrow…”

Sometimes, people believe that patience means that nothing ever bothers us. That isn’t very realistic! We know that you might be coping with some very serious and stressful situations. Instead of trying to make it so you feel NO stress, use your stress response as important information.

What is causing you the most stress and how can you help yourself alleviate some of that stress?

Is there something you can let go of or someone who can help you?

Give yourself permission to find patience by dialling down the stress bit by bit. Find ways to take care of yourself so that you aren’t at the stress level of blowing your top every day. (Empoweringparents.com)

news

7

thursday, october 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GPA bemoans no consultation on chicken imports for year-end D rifting away from convention, Government did not hold consultations with local producers on the availability of chicken for the demanding Christmas season before it distributed licences for the importation of the commodity.

Traditionally, the relevant Government agency would meet with the local producers in the third quarter of the year to enquire about their capacity to fulfil the increased demand during the holiday season before making a decision to grant licences to import chicken.

But Guyana Poultry Association (GPA) Member

issue those licences when there was no shortage of chicken.

The Business Ministry recently explained that consultations were held with stakeholders in the industry on January 8 prior to issuing any import licences to chicken importers for 2016.

According to the statement, the participants agreed that import licences for frozen chicken would be issued in two batches for the year 2016, one for the first half and another for the second half of the year.

It was also agreed during that meeting that licences would be issued for the importation of 950,000 pounds of chicken for the first half

made and this publication even visited the office only to be told by the staff that they needed authorisation

of 2016.

The Ministry also assured that a list of those who participated in the consultations was available to the public, but all efforts exhausted by Guyana Times to receive a copy of those names were unsuccessful.

Phone enquiries were

to release the information that the Ministry, in its statement, announced to the public.

The GPA, according to Fernandes, participated in the consultations in January, but he indicated that his understanding of the outcome differed from

Guyana Poultry Association Member David Fernandes

A local chicken farm

David Fernandes explained to Guyana Times that the process embarked upon to grant licences was far from inclusive.

Fernandes said the meetings would usually occur in October when the GPA and other producers would provide data and statistics on their capacity to supply the forecasted local demand and then Government would decide if there was need to import chicken if a shortage was predicted.

He lamented that unlike last year and the previous years, this stage was bypassed and some 19 persons were issued licences to import some 800,000 pounds of chicken.

Fernandes, who is also the Assistant Managing Director of Bounty Farm Ltd, had previously expressed having “no clue” why the Government would

the Ministry’s.

Fernandes expected another engagement in October to discuss the demand and supply for the Christmas season.

He posited that it was impossible to forecast the production levels for December during a January meeting.

The importation of chicken has always been a controversial issue in Guyana, as some importers have been very unscrupulous in the quality of chicken brought into the local market.

Only recently, the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) seized millions of dollars’ worth of chicken, which was smuggled into Guyana via Suriname.

Local farmers have also expressed that they would be able to meet the demand once given the opportunity.

This precipitate importation of foreign chicken is considered to be not in the interest of the Guyanese consumer or the national interest.

In the past, chicken imports consisted of the lowest grade of chicken, some of which was designated pet food.

Imported chicken

Other chicken imports were birds which had been kept in refrigeration 10 to 12 years or even longer, and were not meant for human consumption.

Reports suggest that the local importers go after the cheapest chicken they could find, little aware that it is substandard meat the exporters are dumping on them.

In addition to potential health risks to consumers, the import of chicken, which could be supplied by the local producers, only undermines national interest.

The chicken industry has been a large and reliable customer of the rice industry, which has been going through a crisis.

Additionally, the in-

dustry is one of the largest employers in the rural areas and if minimised, citizens in these communities would suffer greatly since the industry provides employment for thousands of workers. One well-known producer, Bounty Farms, for example, employs more than 500 workers.

If given the opportunity to satisfy local needs without disturbance, this newspaper was told, the chicken industry could eventually be in surplus and ready to join the league of exporters. This publication was told that such a move by the Government will have devastating consequences on local chicken producers and the feed industry.

8 news

THURSdAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS Pomeroon farmer’s murder

Trio committed to stand trial in High Court Don’t give

T

he three persons charged with the murder of Victor Williams, the Pomeroon farmer who was killed in 2015, were committed to stand trial in the High Court by Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Frank Henry, 39, and his wife, Josephine Henry, 41, along with their family friend Trevor Abrams, 41, are accused of murdering Williams on July 22, 2015 at Friendship, Canal, Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

When the trio appeared in court on Wednesday, Magistrate McGusty announced a prima facie case had been made out against them, thus they were com-

a damn…

I The trio accused of the murder

mitted to stand trial in the High Court.

The body of Williams was found about a mile away from a wedding house

at Friendship with wounds to his forehead and his leg.

Reports are that Abrams and Williams had an altercation during which he was

dealt the blows which ended his life. However, the Henrys were both charged as Abrams was at the time living with them.

Businessman remanded for unlicensed gun, ammo

A

Palmyra, Berbice businessman was remanded to prison

by Magistrate Alex Moore

on charges of possession of firearm and ammunition when he appeared in a New Amsterdam Magistrate’s

Court.

Kevin France, 51, of Lot 55 Palmyra Village, East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) pleaded not guilty to the charges.

It is alleged that on October 22, 2016 at Lot 20146 Palmyra, he had in his possession one 9mm pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence. It is also alleged that on the same day he had in his possession 13 live matching rounds.

According to reports, Kevin France

about 01:00h, ranks of a Police mobile patrol, acting on information, attempted to stop motor car PVV 2423 that was driven by France, but failed after the defendant sped away, sparking a high-speed chase around a section of New Amsterdam.

France was eventually apprehended when he arrived at his Palmyra home and was about to exit the vehicle. He was subsequently searched, and the gun and ammunition were discovered.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Godfrey Playter objected to bail, citing the nature and prevalence of the offence. He further objected to bail on the grounds of substantial evidence that at the time, France was the only occupant of the car in which the weapon was found.

France was represented by Attorney-at-Law Charandass Persaud, who did not advance any special reason for bail to be granted. As such, the accused was denied bail. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on November 14, 2016.

…about governance optics

n describing the nature of social change, Marxists used to carry on at length about “the qualitative” changing “the quantitative”. All your Eyewitness can say is that it’s clear this government doesn’t give a damn about criticisms it’s slowly changing the qualitative nature of the government and governance of Guyana by its quantitative change in the number of military types they have drafted in and out of retirement.

What was it Burnham had said? “Back to back, belly to belly, Ah don’t give a damn, Ah done dead a’ready”!!

Meaning that the party might’ve as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb in doing things “their way” - which was “Co-operative Socialism” - backed by a militarised State.

And what is it your Eyewitness is frothing at the mouth about? Well, of course, it’s the decision by Prezzie to schedule meetings of the Cabinet at Camp Ayanganna. Yup! The same Ayanganna where all the ballots were brought in 1973 - after two civilians were killed to prevent that - to be “counted” in such a manner to give the PNC the two thirds majority they wanted.

Now what kinda signal is Prezzie signalling to the Guyanese people? Why would the Government want to do something like this apart from arrogance and taking their supporters for granted? Who will buy the rationale offered that “security” concerns dictated the move to Army Headquarters? Yeah, right!! If the Presidential Guards can’t guarantee security at any of a dozen governmental locations available− especially the Convention Centre − they ought to be demobilised immediately! And the Presidential Guards can be deployed all around the perimeter with snipers on the roof of the Caricom Secretariat if necessary.

We know Prezzie has an inflated Cabinet - the largest in the history of Guyana - but still, surely a hundred persons can be accommodated at Liliendaal. The only problem your Eyewitness can foresee the Convention Centre mightn’t be able to accommodate a large oval table such as is available at the Presidential Complex to host Cabinet meetings, and which President Jagdeo and Ramotar used.

But hold it! This might be the clue for the strange choice. In the first Cabinet meeting President Granger held - for which the pic was released to the public - he utilised the Credentials Room. And there he sat, military style at the head of the room behind a desk with the Ministers arrayed in front of him like the juniors they were! So maybe this is why Ayanganna was preferred - since this is the only formation the military knows. You gotta know who’s the alpha male top gun!!

Not so incidentally, was PM Nagamootoo sitting on the left hand of the President as was promised?

...about rice

The “big crop” in rice is coming in. But the prices certainly ain’t “big” for paddy. This is the third crop been harvested since the government stood by and let the Venezuelan market “slip-slide away” even though prices were almost double than anywhere else. And not surprisingly farmers have been crying in the wilderness for something to be done. Last October, Nagamootoo was in Mexico and, remarkably, assured farmers he’s “secured” markets for our paddy in one hour! This would be “fast tracked”.

Well, the track must’ve been slow like the pitch at Providence since a year later, it’s still - no contracts. In March this year, Agri Minister Noel Holder also visited Mexico on some junket - and confirmed the market. But they were doing some “phytosanitary” checks.

And here it is, last week Holder again went to Mexico where he exchanged ideas on all sorts of fancy ideas, including “phytosanitary practices”!

But this time, was mum on the rice contract. Over to the PM?

...about decimal points

Seems someone at the Amerindian Ministry was a tad careless about where to put a decimal point when paying a bill for $252,200 by cheque. The cheque came out at $2,522,000!!

And the contractor, being Guyanese, kept quiet!!

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

news

9

THURSday, october 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

boldly defends budget ExxonMobil strikes more Govt cuts to constitutional agencies oil offshore Guyana T

U

S oil giant ExxonMobil made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana.

ExxonMobil’s partner, Hess Corporation made this announcement in its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, noting that the Liza 3 exploratory well’s net present value could be US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets.

Liza 3, the fourth well spud by the super major, is in the Stabroek block, about 193 kilometres offshore Guyana.

In late June, Exxon’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 5475 metres at 1692 metres water depth.

Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Data from the Liza 2 well test is being assessed.

In May 2015, Exxon confirmed its significant oil discovery at its Liza 1 exploration well, where more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs was encountered.

The Liza wells are being drilled with the Stena Carron harsh environment drillship.

On September 8, ExxonMobil announced that its third exploratory well, Skipjack (the third well drilled and not Liza 3 as reported in the local media) was unsuccessful since it did not yield commercial quantities of hydrocarbons.

ExxonMobil spud Liza 3 after Skipjack turned up unfavourable.

Skipjack was a separate prospect 25 miles northwest of the Liza wells.

The Liza 3 well, like Liza 2, will be focused on testing the flank of the Liza structure to determine the aerial extent of the reservoir.

Stena Carron harsh environment drillship

In July 2016, ExxonMobil submitted a development plan for Liza to Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency to begin the environmental review process.

That plan calls for a pair of rigs to drill development wells from two drill centres, each with a corresponding water injection site to the east.

Business site Bloomberg in June this year reported that ExxonMobil’s oil discovery off the coast of Guyana may hold as much as 1.4 billion barrels, twice the size of the previous estimate, making it potentially worth about US$70 billion based on current prices.

Bloomberg observed that this announcement comes as the oil industry emerges from the worst market slump in decades. Since dipping to a 12-year low in January, Brent crude oil, the international benchmark for crude oil, has risen nearly 80 per cent to about US$50 a barrel.

However, the discovery may not add to global oil supplies for years as deepwater finds can take half a

decade or more to bring into production.

ExxonMobil Country Manager Jeff Simmons had announced that the US super major was likely to start production in 2020 with up to 100,000 barrels per day.

He noted though that the estimated 100,000 barrels per day would not remain constant for the proposed 20year period that the company would be drilling, since there would be continuous drilling and actual production of oil, causing the output to fluctuate.

According to a BMO report on Oil and Gas 360, ExxonMobil plans to use two drillships to simultaneously drill development wells beginning in 2019.

Exxon holds a 45 per cent interest in the project, with Hess holding 30 per cent, and the remaining 25 per cent belonging to China State-owned offshore oil producer CNOOC. ExxonMobil is expected to make an announcement on this new find sometime this week.

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration has boldly defended its move to cut billions of dollars from the budget, insisting that the funds proposed for the constitutional agencies are adequate for their respective functioning.

Director of the Department of Public Information (DPI), in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that the proposed sums for these agencies in the 2017 National Budget are greater than those granted in 2016 but failed to address the concern that the monies approved are less than what was requested by the entities.

Moreover, the Government did not consider the fact that the approved sums for 2016 were also exceedingly shorter than what was requested by the agencies for that year.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on Monday pointed out that the total budgetary allocation for the constitutional agencies in 2016 amounted to some $8 billion, while the Finance Ministry’s proposed amount for 2017 is a mere $6 billion, a major reduction of approximately $2 billion.

Even more alarming, she noted, is that the constitutional agencies altogether requested some $11 billion but Government is only willing to approve some $6 billion, a difference of over $5 billion.

For example, where Government boasts of hav-

ing increased the funds to the Supreme Court from $1.712 billion in 2016 to $1.766 billion in 2017, the sums provided is actually $2.67 million short of what the agency requested.

In the Government’s clarification, it explained that the only reduced allocation was for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) since there are no expenses for elections in the year 2017.

“Both 2015 and 2016 were election years. 2017 is not an election year. Therefore, it cannot be expected that the GECOM allocation for a nonelection year would be greater than its budget for election years,” the statement posited.

Former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill had lambasted the Government for providing a vague justification for the budget cuts in documents he received.

The Finance Minister, in documents dispatched to the Office of the Opposition, explained that the monies were reduced “in the context of existing fiscal space and the consideration of the agencies request within national development priorities.”

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) posited that Government’s priorities are clearly not in order since they conveniently find money for partying, events like the grand jubilee celebration, inauguration ceremonies and to rent a house as a drug bond, but not to provide the requested sums to the constitutional agencies so they can optimally conduct their operations.

TURN TO PAGE 12

10

guyana-times.com

thursday, october 27, 2016

News

Mother charged for embezzling $2M

Industrial accident

Family in shock over A labourer’s death A

family of Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD), is still in shock over the death of 23-year-old Mark Anthony Hodge who died on Tuesday after falling from a four-storey scaffold at the new Texila American University Construction worksite.

According to reports, Hodge of Lot 482 Good Intent, WBD, was working on a scaffold that allegedly became unstable, causing the man to lose balance and fall. It was reported that his feet became hooked on the scaffold before he fell, while two other workers managed to pull themselves to safety.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, the dead man’s brother, Kelvin Hodge, related that the family is unsure of their next move, but noted that they are seeking advice from an

Attorney. “We are not sure what we will do as yet but we are all just in shock now and nobody knows anything.”

The older brother continued that he was not present at the scene at the time of accident but another brother who was present was too distraught to speak.

“My next brother who was with him cannot talk now. He is not talking to anybody. He is just in shock all of the time.”

Kelvin Hodge stated that his younger brother has only been employed with the contractor for approximately one month as a labourer. It was reported that the man was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Reports indicate that he suffered a broken neck.

mother of four was made to stand before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday morning at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with embezzlement.

Pauline Stewart, 42, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between January 1, 2015 and July 18, 2016 in Georgetown, she embezzled $2,085,305, while employed as a clerk or servant at Country Pride.

According to the prosecution, the money was given to the accused to deliver to

her employer but she failed to do so.

However, the Prosecution did not object to bail for the defendant and this was granted in the sum of

$40,000. The case will continue on November 3.

As a condition for bail, the defendant was also ordered to report weekly at the Brickdam Police Station.

$17M thief jailed for 2 years

N Dead: Mark Anthony Hodge

abingingi Gobin, of Lot 1049 Aubrey Barker Road, Greater Georgetown, was jailed for two years by Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

The Magistrate found Gobin guilty of the charge which stated that between July 2, 2015 and July 4, 2015, he broke and entered the dwelling of James Samuels and stole several pistols as well as matching rounds, a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery,

metal safes, one television and other items worth over $17 million.

In court, Magistrate Daly informed the defendant that the evidence against him was sufficient and as such, he was found guilty of the allegation.

Student slapped with forgery charges

A

20-year-old student of Chase Academy was granted bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with forgery.

Deoharry Odit pleaded

not guilty to two charges of forgery.The first charge stated that on September 20, 2016, in Georgetown, he conspired with other persons and forged a Republic Bank cheque for $800,000, property of Naipaul Ramodar.

Additionally, the second charge stated that on

September 27, 2016, in Georgetown, he again forged a Republic Bank cheque valued $1.2 million; also property of Naipaul Ramodar.

In court on Wednesday, Odit was released on $50,000 bail. The case will continue on November 14.

thursDAY, october 27, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

MPI Special Project Unit issues to be resolved “soon” – Minister

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Road Safety: Look out for the children

W

hile not venturing into details, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said that the issues affecting workers in the Special

on Wednesday, said that he was sure the matter would be cleared up soon. In fact, he said, he may be making a statement about that matter in Parliament today.

O

ur children are the most precious beings in the world and most of us would do anything for them.

Keeping them safe from harm should be instinctive and yet all too often the thoughtlessness on the road and in vehicles shows the complete opposite.

The practice of allowing children to stand up in the middle of the back seat with no seatbelt on can be frequently observed. If the driver is required to make an emergency stop, which is a regular occurrence with the many discourteous drivers on our roads, the child could be thrown through the front window. On some occasions I have even witnessed children in the lap of the driver! Surely the dangers are clear. In many other countries children are required by law to use specially designed child safety seats up until the age of 12; with good reason based on extensive safety research. While those types of restraints may not be readily available and accessible here, the message about the necessity of safety measures should be observed and all available measures utilised.

The underuse of seat belts in the back of vehicles is astonishing. Hearing that many vehicles enter the country with rear belts that are taken out or never used is unfathomable. Surely it is common sense that in the event of a collision, the seat belt will secure a person or child, and prevent them from being flung through the air.

The alternative is to be greeted by the dashboard, the windshield or the road outside, with obvious consequences.

Common sense aside, the statistics are clear. Correct use dramatically reduces the risk of death by 45 per cent, and the risk of serious injury by 50 per cent. People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash and more than 3 out of 4 people who are ejected during a crash die from their injuries. Who would willingly remove that safety feature or not insist on it being utilised when it is available? When we consider the data, the simple few second act of buckling up should be second nature.

Those of you who take your children to school on a motor bike or a moped, please consider this; you are required by law to wear a helmet because if you were to have an accident and come off your bike it is highly likely that you would sustain a serious head injury, resulting in brain damage or death. It amazes me how many people take the time out to put on a helmet themselves, and then take their precious child and place them on a potential death trap without any protection whatsoever. How often do you see a helmet clad adult with a bare headed child on a bike?

Surely there is something seriously wrong with this picture?

The nature of the motorbike is to weave in and out of traffic and the reality is that many risks are taken as drivers undertake and cut between vehicles in an effort to beat the traffic. To do this with an unprotected child in tow is undeniably indefensible; I can only hope it is thoughtlessness and not disregard. There can be no excuses to continue to put a child in your care at such grave risk.

Road safety is taught to our children during social studies at school, but it seems the real lessons need to be re-taught to the adults. Not thinking about the safety of our children is inexcusable. Be aware of the dangers and the safety measures that can be put in place.

Seat belts save thousands of lives each year and increasing use would save thousands more. Belt up yourself and your passengers of any age, every trip. Not because the law requires it, but because of the dangers out there on our roads. Where possible, seat children in the back and ensure you use the seat belts for their intended purpose. Get your child a helmet. Do not dwell on the expense; there can be no price put up against the safety of your child. It is not for style or comfort, it’s for protection, and ignorance of the importance of a helmet will be a poor excuse if the worst happens and an accident results in the unthinkable.

There are too many daily tragedies on our roads and little seems to be changing the hearts of the maniacs out there who use them, so we have to start with making our own travelling situation as safe as we can.

Workers of the Special Project Unit interacting with the media on Monday during their protest

Project Unit would be resolved soon.

The Minister, when approached by Guyana Times

Patterson did not go into further details.

On Monday, close to 100 workers employed under

contract by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) in the Special Project Unit took to the streets, protesting what they said was downright ‘disadvantage’ and abuse of power by those in authority.

Their concerns surround their wages and salaries, and particularly their safety on the job. Of utmost concern for them is news that they will not be paid the announced 10 per cent increase for public servants.

The workers said they have been sitting silently and saying nothing since last December when they were denied the $50,000 across-the-board payment.

According to the employees, while the work is great, the salary remains under $50,000.

The workers are hurting, saying that they are the ones who are called upon to com-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

plete tasks left unfinished by private contractors. One such project is the D’Urban Park site, which was left unfinished with millions of dollars already spent by the first contractor.

The workers said they hoped Government could reform the system to make it possible for them to have benefits, for themselves and family members.

12 news

thursDay, october 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Guyana’s Doing Business ranking increases

G

uyana has climbed 16 places on the recently-released World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking for 2017, which is partly being attributed to major reforms at the Lands and Survey Commission and the operationalisation of the Credit

Economy

Dominican Republic at 103, Antigua and Barbuda at 117, and The Bahamas at 121.

According to the report, Guyana’s improved ranking was built on the fact that the country made registering property easier by increasing the transparency of the Lands and Survey

Ease of Doing Business Rank

stitution, one trade creditor and one water utility company as well as from six private commercial banks,” the report stated.

It said Guyana expanded the number of borrowers listed by its credit bureau with information on their borrowing history from the past five

Filtered Rank

Starting a Business

Dealing with Construction Permits

Dominican Republic

103

13

16

3

Dominica

101

14

6

15

Paraguay

106

15

23

8

Honduras

105

16

24

13

Ecuador

114

17

227

11

Argentina

116

18

25

32

Auntigua and Barbuda

113

19

19

18

Belize

112

20

26

16

Barbados

117

21

14

27

Brazil

123

22

28

31

Guyana

124

23

13

23

Nicaragua

127

24

21

30

Bureau.

The World Bank publication titled “Doing Business 2017” stated that out of the 190 countries, Guyana is now ranked 124, compared to its previous ranking of 140.

New Zealand topped the rankings, followed by Singapore.

While Guyana has moved up in the global rankings, it stands as the second lowest ranked Caribbean country only above St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guyana stands some 57 places behind Jamaica which leads the region at 67, followed by St Lucia at 86, Trinidad and Tobago at 96, Dominica at 101, The

Commission and improved access to credit information by expanding the coverage of the credit bureau.

The report stated that Guyana and Tanzania made the largest improvements by expanding borrower coverage.

It said the East African country’s credit bureau, Creditinfo, expanded its borrower coverage from 4.97 per cent to 6.48 per cent of the adult population.

“Similarly, Creditinfo Guyana, which became operational in May 2015, expanded its borrower coverage from 2.40 per cent to 16.40 per cent of the adult population through obtaining data from one microfinance in-

years to more than five per cent of the adult population.

Doing Business measures aspects of regulation that affect small and medium-size enterprises, operating in the largest business city of an economy across 11 areas; 10 of which are included in this year’s ranking on the Ease of Doing Business.

These areas include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

Doing Business also measures features of labour market regulation, which

is not included in the ranking. Data in Doing Business 2017 are current as of June 1, 2016.

The indicators are used to analyse economic outcomes and identify what reforms of business regulation have worked, where and why.

Earlier this month, the Business Ministry in Guyana said it was “quietly” engaging the World Bank International Finance Corporation (IFC) team for assistance in crafting a doing business reforms agenda which would see the Ministry taking definitive measures to improve Guyana’s ranking in the doing business index.

In April of this year, a World Bank IFC team visited Guyana at the invitation of the Ministry and met with stakeholders of both the Private and Public Sectors.

“Those engagements led to an ICT assessment report, a review of laws and regulations that pertain to doing business in Guyana as well as recommendations for short-term reforms,” the Ministry had said.

It added that two of the short-term recommendations that were implemented involved placing information on the Ministry of Business’ website pertaining to the requirements for obtaining building permits and documents required and fee schedules for property transactions and for accessing maps of land plots. (Edward Layne)

Govt boldly defends budget...

FROM PAGE 9

The Party had also raised concerns about the funding for non-existent agencies, but Government did not address this issue in its statement.

Edghill pointed out that there are several agencies, such as the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, the Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Public Procurement Commission, which are not functioning, but yet the Finance Ministry allocated sums for its operations.

The former Finance Minister explained that these constitutional agencies are the ones to determine its priorities and how it intends to operate for the fiscal year, and therefore, will make submissions. He questioned if these bodies are inactive, then who made the recommendations for monies?

The Party contended that these budget cuts are yet another flagrant attempt by Government to interfere in the rights of these autonomous bodies and to evade scrutiny.

Piggybacking C

alls for involvement of all stakeholders and collaborative approaches to dealing with social and mental health issues, including suicide, have been made by President Granger, many of his cabinet members and many other government officials.

In fact, this call was even made at The Caribbean Voice‘s (TCV’s) National Stakeholders Conference on Suicide and Related Issues last August at Cara Hotel in Georgetown and has been repeated since then by TCV and other stakeholders.

Additionally, renewed calls are being made for a communitybased approach to dealing with these issues. Yet nothing concrete has been done to date from officialdom in terms of action to bring collaboration and a community based approach on stream. So awaiting action, The Caribbean Voice urges that using piggybacking as a mechanism that provides requisite training and build a community based approach be used; especially given that scope for this has been in existence and does exist.

Recently the media published an article revealing that 4000 youths and adolescents are expected to benefit from a four-year Community Crime and Violence Prevention programme as the first component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Ministry of Public Security. He noted that young people in ‘at risk’ communities will benefit from several training initiatives meant to improve their skill level and livelihood, with the

aim of reducing crime and violence in their communities. A major part of the project will focus on empowering young people through technical and vocational training to develop entrepreneurial skills.

How about also including training as gatekeepers so these young people can be armed as first responders for the campaign against suicide, alcoholism, sex crime and abuse, all of which are also forms of violence? And how about including training modules on selfesteem, self-worth and coping skills, so that these young people will be better equipped to deal with stresses and challenges? In fact, some, if not all of these young people can turnkey their training in various communities and foster the ‘each one teach one’ approach to get communities involved in anti-violence overall.

As part of the mandate of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, a Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshop Training of Trainers workshop was launched recently, where 15 persons will be trained as part of a core team, which will then train over 700 citizens to become social cohesion advocates. Again, why not also include training as gatekeepers and in self-esteem, self-worth and coping skills?

The media also recently reported that some 98 youths and 19 facilitators from six villages in Region 10, who are participating in the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, received their monthly stipends. The programme provides opportunities for the young people to be able to learn several skills, which will have long-term financial benefits. Here again, perhaps training modules on self-esteem, self-worth and coping skills, along with basic gatekeeper’s training can make this programme much more relevant, while ensuring that those trained are much better able to face the challenges ahead, as well as become torch bearers in the campaign against suicide prevention and violence on the whole at the community level.

Many other examples abound. But perhaps the most significant measure comes out of the World Health Organisation, which has strongly recommended integrating mental health care into the current physical health care system, especially for small economies like Guyana. This coupled with placement of clinical psychologist in every public hospital and setting up visiting schedule for such psychologists for every health centre nationwide would lead to mental health care being decentralized and accessible nationally.

In time, each public hospital could also be equipped with a mental health department where patients can be kept for prolonged periods as they undergo treatment.

The bottom line is that piggybacking is not only economically feasible, but provides scope to extend mental health care nationwide, tackle the various social ills such as suicide, domestic violence and child abuse and ensure that lives are saved and the nation’s greatest asset – all its people – are in a position to maximally contribute to national development instead of significant segments of the population becoming a drain on the economy as a result of the current prevalence of social ills and mental health issues that overwhelm existing capacities and resources.

It is this national, collaborative, multi-layered approach that catalysed the launch of Voices Against Violence in September

by The Caribbean Voice, Save Abee Foundation and almost 40 other stakeholders. In September, over 300 candle light vigils were held in communities across Guyana to mark World Suicide Prevention day. This month, October, saw the message of prayers for peace and non-violence being held by tens of thousands of Guyanese both in Guyana and abroad. November will bring a focus on domestic violence and Voice Against Violence is gearing up to take the message and attend activities across Guyana. We urge other stakeholders, especially the media, the business community and governmental agencies and departments to come on board so Voices Against Violence, which has a monthly focus, can become a viable tool to tackle violence and mental health issues. Please contact The Caribbean Voice at caribvoice@aol.com or long on to http://www.caribvoice.org/ voices-against-violence.html.

news

MoPT, GTT roll out Hackathon competition

A

number of software developers, computer programmers, graphic designers and other technological savvy minds of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development will be afforded an opportunity to showcase their skills at an exciting Hackathon competition.

The competition is a collaborative initiative between the Public Telecommunications Ministry and Guyana Telephone Telegraph company. The competition is slated to begin on November 4 and will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

At a press briefing at Colgrain House, Camp Street, Georgetown on Wednesday, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes stated that the ICT marathon is to encourage both novices and experts to work together to create new programmes and applications.

Hughes continued to say that the Hackathon was conceived to achieve solutions for positive developments in the ICT world.

Minister Hughes stat-

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, along with other officials, at the press briefing on Wednesday

ed that the objective of the programme is to encourage young people who have technological skills to create specific programmes that will bring tele-medicine, e-health, and training aids for e-learning.

The ICT marathon is expected to establish new businesses, create linkages in and out of Guyana and ultimately contribute to the drive to digitise the nation. In addition, the ICT drive is expected to create more avenues for new employment.

“There are very few limits to what can be achieved when groups of people, especially small groups, turn their minds in the same direction and create fantastic things… perhaps to write flexible computer pro-

grammes, or find ways to improve existing services, public and otherwise,” the Minister said.

Participants in the Hackathon competition will be given first, second and third place prizes of $300,000, $200,000 and $150,000 respectively.

The term ‘Hackathon’, also known as a Hackfest or a Codefest, was first used around 1999 to describe a Cryptographic Development event that was held in Calgary, Canada. Since then, many privately owned companies and Government-run agencies all over the world have been staging at least three Hackathons per year. Their purpose, like ours, is to advance the speed of business and national development.

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thursday, OCTOBER 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

INTERPOL trains local Police on TIP

F

ollowing a needs assessment highlighting the need for training of officials involved in the fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP), a series of training courses were held for local law enforcement officers.

These courses were organised by INTERPOL, the international police organisation, which is currently in the Training Phase of its Project to combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in the Caribbean. A number of Caribbean Governments have since partnered with the agency with the aim of improving the Region’s institutional capacity to combat TIP. In this regard, needs assessments, along with other corresponding activities, were undertaken in various countries across the Region.

As it relates to Guyana, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons welcomed INTERPOL to Guyana for the TIP Needs Assessment back in April.

This was followed by several training courses.

In September, Superintendent E Wray and Inspector P Harris of the Police Force’s Immigration Department, and Woman Sergeant Castello, Corporal Pitama and Woman Constable McBean of the Force’s Criminal Investigations Department’s (CID) Major Crimes Unit attended a TIP “Victim Identification,

Presenters and participants in the TIP Training Course for investigators from the Force’s CID Major Crimes Unit

Referral and Assistance Training” in Trinidad and Tobago.

That training course targeted law enforcement agencies that work with victims of TIP in their daily operations.

Trainers sought to equip participating officers with enhanced skills in effectively detecting potential victims and responding to cases of TIP. Also in September, Assistant Superintendent Vishnu Hunte, Woman Inspector A Solomon and Corporal Deniro Jones – all Prosecutors with the Police Force – attended a training course titled “Human Trafficking Training for Legal Authorities” also held in Trinidad and Tobago. This course targeted judicial authorities engaged in the prosecution of human trafficking cases with the aim of facilitating an increase in the capacity to successfully pros-

ecute these types of cases in the Caribbean. These courses would be followed by two more regional workshops – “Investigative Skills Training for Human Trafficking Investigations” Parts I and II scheduled for October and November. Moreover, stemming from the “Victim Identification, Referral and Assistance Training”, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had organised a local two-day training course for 13 officers from the CID’s Major Crimes Unit, which was held in September at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre, Camp and Young Streets. During this course, presentations were delivered by the officers who benefited from the INTERPOL training along with representatives of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, including Non-Governmental Organisations.

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guyana-times.com

thursday, october 27, 2016

News

Cabinet meetings at GDF

Govt afraid of crime situation – Ramotar F ormer President Donald Ramotar believes that the coalition Government is afraid of the country’s crime situation, thus seeking the sanctuary of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Camp Ayanganna to host its weekly Cabinet meetings.

The Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday defended the resort to use Base Camp Ayanganna for the holding of Cabinet meetings in light of ongoing repairs at its Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and South Road location, saying the decision is rooted in the security concerns of the Administration.

However, the former Head of State said on Wednesday that a justification premised on “security concerns” suggests that Government is afraid to own the crime situation they have created themselves.

“They say they are going to the Army compound because of security reasons, which suggests that the Government and the whole Cabinet itself are afraid of

Former President Donald Ramotar

the crime situation in the country,” Ramotar asserted.

According to Ramotar, this action by the coalition can be considered an admission that it mismanaged the country and run the economy to such a state that it has created huge social problems causing persons to “resort to crime”. He added that despite feeding the population with figures purporting to show that crime is going down, Government is now running for security.

Moreover, the former President outlined that the

President David Granger

move to keep the meetings at the Army’s base may be considered an admission by the Administration of its failure to ensure the country’s security.

He further posited that Government had an abundance of Government facilities to choose from, but opted for the Army’s headquarters instead.

“There are many buildings they could have used; the Convention Centre has many offices, many rooms.

There is no shortage of spaces, but the fact that they have decided to use the Army compound, the head office of

the Army and the fact that they said it was for security reasons suggests that they are afraid to own the situation they have created themselves,” he remarked.

This decision by Government to hold the Cabinet meetings at the GDF base comes on the heels of intense criticisms against the David Grangerled Administration over perceptions of increasing militarisation of Guyana over the past year and a half it has been in office.

The political Opposition has railed against what it has called the increasing militarisation of Guyana by President Granger, a retired high-ranking military officer himself, now Executive President.

In fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in a recent public missive, said “The Granger Administration has a penchant for placing retired and serving military officers in Government agencies and departments, and to head Commissions of Inquiry into

one incident after another.”

Since the election of May 11, 2015, several GDF officers under the command of Colonel Khemraj Persaud have been seconded to work in the Defence Secretariat at the Ministry of the Presidency, as well as appointed Chairperson of numerous Commissions of Inquiries. Such persons include Brigadier Bruce Lovell, Retired Colonel Windee Algernon, Major General Joe Singh, Rear Admirals Gary Best and Larry London, and Colonel Nazrul Hussain, who was also appointed to head the Department of National Events.

A number of Army officers have also been appointed to a number of State Boards and other civilian positions.

However, the Ministry of the Presidency has since downplayed the use of former military officers, saying that persons are selected for positions based on their competency.

Moreover, a public statement issued on Tuesday

by the Government’s Department of Public Information, under the hand of Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, points out that a thorough and extensive search was conducted for a suitable space to temporarily host Cabinet meetings, with the main requirements for a temporary alternative venue being privacy and confidentiality, security, document preparation and reproduction, size, cost, accessibility, parking and minimal disruption to traffic and regular business.

“After consideration of a number of options, it was found that the vast majority of these venues did not meet several or some of the most important requirements or were unavailable for the times required… (Camp Ayanganna) is being temporarily used for Cabinet meetings until repair works at the Ministry of the Presidency (including the Cabinet room) are complete,” the statement detailed.

Mining, telecoms high on Guyana-Chile bilateral agenda − as President wraps up “successful” visit

W

ith the aim of deepening cooperation between the two countries, President David Granger has completed a “highly successful” State visit to Chile to

further solidify linkages between the South American nations.

The Guyanese Head of State met with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet,

who had extended an invitation during her visit here in July as part of the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean

President David Granger exchanging a handshake with Under Secretary of Telecommunications, Pedro Huichalaf following their meeting

Community (CARICOM).

Speaking after the last day of sectoral bilateral meetings in the areas of mining, trade telecommunications, and management of maritime zones, President Granger said with Guyana aiming to advance the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, following the passage of the Telecommunications Bill months back, Government is keen to learn from Chile, which has what is described as one of the most developed telecommunications sectors in Latin America.

President Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who accompanied the President on the visit, met on Monday with Undersecretary of Telecommunications, Pedro Huichalaf at the Transport and Telecommunications Ministry.

Minister Greenidge said that Government is currently in negotiation with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) to bring an

end to the monopoly in the sector in keeping with the new legal framework and open the way for wider investment in the sector, but the regulatory framework has to be enhanced.

Chile, Greenidge reported, has offered to provide technical assistance for the strengthening of the capacity of Public Telecommunications Ministry as well as the Public Utilities Commission to ensure efficient and seamless implementation.

On the other hand, Chile has offered support to develop Guyana’s mining sector by providing technical assistance for geological mapping, which would allow for a scientific determination of the location of mineral wealth deposits in Guyana.

To this end, President Granger and Minister Greenidge met with Undersecretary of Mining, Ignacio Moreno Fernandez at the Ministry of Mining on Wednesday. Chile has already issued a call for project proposals in the area of

Geological and Metallogenic maps and Petrographic Studies from Guyana. This is being reviewed by the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

According to President Granger, cooperation in this area can lead to more sustainable management and regulation of the extractive sector.

Describing the management of the operations of small- and medium-scale miners at the meeting, Fernandez disclosed that the country has about 1000 small mines operations with an average of seven employees each and that his Ministry has been able to ensure that they are licensed, that they pay taxes and social security for their employees as well as have adequate safety and mines closure plans. The environmental impact of their operations is also closely monitored by the relevant governmental environmental body.

The President’s final official engagement was held with the Director of Maritime and Environment, Rear Admiral Osvaldo Schwarzenberg at the Complex of Technical Maritime in Valparaiso. As follow up actions on all of the areas discussed, the relevant subject Ministries will advance collaborations and follow-up on offers of support. A part from Minister Greenidge, President Granger’s delegation during the state visit to Chile included Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General, Ambassador Audrey Jardine-Waddell; Desk Officer of Guyana/Chile Bilateral Relations, Sondra Cheong, and Political Advisor to the President, William Cox.

thursday, october 27, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

National Geographic ‘Afghan China receptionist job sees 10,000 applicants girl’ arrested in Pakistan

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n Afghan woman immortalised on a celebrated National Geographic magazine cover as a green-eyed 12-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday for living in Pakistan on fraudulent identity papers.

The haunting image of Sharbat Gula, taken in a Pakistan refugee camp by photographer Steve McCurry in the 1980s, became the most famous cover image in the magazine’s history.

Her arrest highlights the desperate measures many Afghans are willing to take to avoid returning to their war-torn homeland as Pakistan cracks down on undocumented foreigners.

Officials say Gula applied for a Pakistani identity card in Peshawar in April 2014, using the name Sharbat Bibi

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Gul for fraud following a two-year investigation on her and her husband, who has absconded.

Investigators, who have uncovered thousands of

fraud cases over the last decade, launched a probe into her application shortly after she procured the card.

“FIA arrested Sharbat Gula, an Afghan woman, for obtaining a fake ID card,” Shahid Ilyas, an FIA official,

told AFP. Ilyas said the authorities were also seeking three National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) officials found responsible for issuing Pakistan’s national identity card to Gula, who have been at large since the fraud was uncovered.

He said that Gula faces seven to 14 years in prison and a fine of US$3000-$5000 if convicted.

In reality she is unlikely to serve such a harsh sentence -- many Afghans who have been convicted in similar cases have been deported before they could be sent to prison. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

S

erving tea and receiving guests may not be everyone’s dream job, but it was a good enough prospect to make nearly 10,000 people apply for one receptionist job.

China’s highly competitive civil service recruitment process recently saw a record-setting 9837 applicants for a post as “China Democratic League public reception staff”.

The Democratic League is one of several minority political parties in the country which have very limited powers, and is hardly seen as a prestigious placement.

So why are so many people hoping to be its receptionist?

With so many applicants every year and China’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, Government departments have started to become more stringent in their hiring, asking for graduates with higher qualifications and more specific skills.

“Some jobs have attracted many people because they have broader requirements for education and professional and work experience,” civil service spokesman Li Zhong told People’s Daily.

Anyone with a bachelor’s degree and two years of “grassroots experience” can apply for the Democratic League job, according to reports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian warships: Spain says South Sudan: 145 child soldiers released – UNICEF refuelling request withdrawn

R

S

ome 145 child soldiers fighting for two rebel groups in South Sudan have been released, UNICEF has announced.

The children were recruited by the Cobra Faction and the SPLA In Opposition, two armed groups which have been fighting the Government.

They were freed in the eastern region of Pibor and “disarmed and provided with civilian clothes,” UNICEF said in a statement.

About 16,000 children are still in “armed groups”, it says.

UNICEF said it was the largest release of child fighters since last year but warned that children were still being recruited by various armed groups.

Mahimbo Mdoe,

About 16,000 children are still in “armed groups”

UNICEF’s representative in South Sudan urged all parties to “end the recruitment and to release children who are currently serving in their ranks”.

South Sudan plunged into internal strife in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his rival, former Vice

President Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

The two camps have broken a series of peace deals, the latest one in July, meant to resolve the crisis in the country. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and thousands forced from their homes in the latest fighting.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ussia has withdrawn a request for three warships to dock at the Spanish port of Ceuta for refuelling, following concern among NATO allies.

The Spanish Foreign Ministry says the stopovers have now been cancelled.

Spain had been coming under pressure from NATO allies not to allow the refuelling of Russian warships bound for Syria.

A battle group has been sailing for the past week from Russia to the Mediterranean.

“Given the information which appeared on the possibility that these ships would participate in supporting military action in the Syrian city of Aleppo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested clarification from

Air strikes kill 26, mostly UN chief says including children in Syria’s Idlib− women in peace rescuers, monitor negotiations pays off

A

ir strikes by Syrian or Russian warplanes killed at least 26 people, most of them school children, in a village in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib province on Wednesday, rescue workers and a monitoring group said.

The raids hit a residential area and a school in Haas village, the Syrian Civil Defence rescue workers network said on its Facebook account.

A report on Syrian state TV quoted a military source saying a number of militants had been killed when their positions were targeted in Haas, but did not mention a school.

Syria’s civil war pits President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russia, Iran and Shi’ite Muslim militias from Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan against an array of mostly Sunni Muslim rebel groups including some

backed by Turkey, Gulf monarchies and the United States.

Idlib, near Aleppo in northwest Syria, contains the largest populated area controlled by rebels, both nationalist groups under the banner of the Free Syrian Army and Islamist ones including the former al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.

The Civil Defence network, which operates in rebel-held areas in the country, said 20 of the dead in Wednesday’s attacks were children.

Photos taken at the scene showed buildings with walls reduced to rubble, including what appeared to be the school with upturned desks and chairs covered in dust.

It gave a lower toll of 15 children killed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

M

aking sure women are a key part of negotiations to end conflicts pays off in longer-lasting peace deals, Secretary General Ban Kimoon said Tuesday.

The UN chief cited one finding among many: “Peace accords are 35 per cent more likely to last at least 15 years if women are at the table.”

Ban told the UN Security Council that “more women than ever before are making decisions for peace and security in the halls of governments and international organisations,” citing the Colombia peace talks.

However, the Secretary General expressed anger at the meeting on Women, Peace and Security that women continue to be excluded and ignored in many

peace processes, humanitarian programmes and peace building plans.

The Secretary General urged the Security Council to put women and girls at the centre of UN peace operations, and to consider ways to make peace negotiations more diverse.

Phumzile MlamboNgcuka, the head of UN Women, told the council that on the plus side, the percentage of peace agreements containing provisions on gender equality has increased from 22 per cent to 70 per cent in the last five years.

But she said that in Mali, there was only one woman out of 62 members of the committee in charge of monitoring and implementing the West African nation’s peace agreement. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

The Admiral Kuznetsov will join Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast

the embassy of the Russian Federation in Madrid,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement to the BBC. It added that permission had been granted in September for three Russian ships to dock in Ceuta between October 28 and November 2. It said such stops for Russian naval vessels had taken places for

years in Spanish ports.

But following its request for clarification, the ministry said, the Russian embassy in Madrid said it was withdrawing its request for refuelling.

The Russian embassy has confirmed the withdrawal, but has given no further details. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Indian cigarette maker ITC criticises big health warnings on packs

I

ndia’s biggest cigarette maker ITC on Wednesday criticised the Government’s decision to impose bigger health warnings on cigarette packets, saying there was little evidence to link smoking to diseases depicted in those pictures.

India earlier this year ordered manufacturers to cover 85 per cent of their tobacco pack’s surface in health warnings, up from 20 per cent. The rules, still being challenged in a state court, were implemented on orders of the Supreme Court.

The US$11 billion tobacco industry protested against the rules for weeks and even resorted to a brief factory shut down that cost them more than US$800 million.

“There is no evidence to

suggest that cigarette smoking would cause the diseases depicted in the pictures or that large GHW (graphic health warnings) will lead to reduction in consumption,” ITC said in a statement filed to the Indian stock exchanges.

It also said higher taxation and the new health warnings were hurting the business of the organised cigarette industry. ITC, which is part-owned by British American Tobacco, said the health warnings were “excessively large, extremely gruesome and unreasonable”.

ITC’s cigarette packs sold in India currently carry the picture of a man with a diseased throat with a message that says “smoking causes throat cancer”.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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thursday, October 27, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

FoxFarm – making money from the earth with fresh organic fruits and vegetables

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young Berbice farmer has utilised the advances made in technology and combined them with tradition to do what our ancestors would refer to as “making money from the earth”.

Reynard Ward is an ‘agripreneur’ [an entrepreneur in the business of agriculture].

Ward’s business is fruits, cash crops, livestock, honey production and most recently, aquaculture.

The fruits which he produces under the brand FoxFarm are all organic. “It

Reynard Ward is easy for me; all I do is clean the trees and pick the fruit,” Ward jokes, as he emphasises that no chemicals are used on the farm.

However, it is not that simple as technology plays a great role in being able to produce agricultural products, without the aid of chemicals in a world where competitors are finding new and innovative ways to produce.

FoxFarm products are available by order only because of the high demand.

Interested persons can go to the Facebook page to place orders. There is no fooling around in saying that there is a distinct difference in the taste of fruits ordered from FoxFarm as against those purchased in the market.

FoxFarm situated on the East Bank of Berbice at Christina’s Lust, a community without regular facilities

like potable water, electricity, telephone, Internet or modern technology, some 15 miles out of New Amsterdam, is home to some of the most succulent fruits found in the country.

“It’s always a pleasure to have persons visiting and taste our products fresh off the tree; it gives them the opportunity to understand the work that goes into organic farming. We have limes, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, tangelos, shaddock, oranges and five finger. Other fruits are also available when in season,” Ward says.

The business was started in 2011 with only a few trees on the farm in the continuation of a family tradition. One of the factors which worked against the farm expansion was the lack of capital, given the fact that it is virgin forest land.

In September, funding was received through a funding agency.

According to Ward, one of the difficulties encountered was when harvesting – getting the fruits from the tree to farm hut. He said much of the farming time was utilised in transporting produce which made it unprofitable to expand. However, with the introduction of the BUG to the farm, that is no longer an issue.

The BUG was created by Ward and is simply a specialised cart. “I call it the BUG. Its versatility, capability and strength is that of a bug. Small but powerful, and, of course, 90 per cent of the parts used to build it were re-

cycled from dumpsites and old discarded parts. The BUG is used to move harvested products from the field during the rainy season when the other vehicles cannot go.

“It is also used to move other equipment and small loads around the farm. Lastly, it is used for just driving around the farm for fun and brainstorming. Yes, brainstorming great inspirations come while you move around the farm without an agenda.”

One of the things Ward has been able to spend much time thinking about while driving around his farm is taking FoxFarm to another level.

He is hoping very soon to allow persons the opportunity of being able to choose their fruit and get their contents (juice) a few seconds later. “I don’t actually invent things, but use what’s available to make things better. I always see problems that need to be remedied or fixed, then I look around and take what’s available to make something that will make life easier. So yes, I am working on a few things to make life easier.

“Currently, [am] trying to make a mobile electric generator from a gasoline electric part that will be fixed to a small two-wheel diesel land tiller so that I can weld broken equipment away in the field and still use the tiller as it was made.”

He also plans to make a ditcher from used car parts.

Contact: 639-9823/www. facebook.com/foxfarm.cali/

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, October 26, 2016

Selling

USD

$1273.90

GBP

$251.30

$254.50

Gross

$246,175

CAN

$154.02

$155.80

$205.98

$208.44

Net

$228,943

USD EURO

$ 224.65

$227.53

Indicators as on October 26, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$50.79

Price

USD

Change %

-1.32 Change %

Rough Rice

$224.62/ton

+3.65

London Sugar

$596.40/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1265.70

$1266.70

Low/High

$1264.30

$1276.70

Change

-1.00

-0.08%

Business Concept – Sweatshop Business establishment that makes its employees work under harsh and often hazardous conditions, and pays only minimal or survival wages. (Business Dictionary)

Business News

Windows 10 update and Surface Studio PC unveiled New 3D creation and editing tools are being added to the next edition of the Windows 10 operating system, including a revamped version of Paint.

The firm also revealed a range of new virtual reality headsets to encourage users to interact with their creations.

One expert said the moves would help prepare consumers for more radical augmented reality features, which are still under development.

Microsoft also unveiled its first all-in-one desktop, the Surface Studio.

It features what is said to be the thinnest ever LCD touchscreen and has an accompanying dial controller, which can be placed directly on the display or used at its side.

An on-stage demonstration of the 3D Paint application showed how a stylus could

be used to draw 2D-graphics that were automatically given depth by the software.

Photographic elements could also be added to the design, and parts could be animated.

The new version of Paint allows users to make graphics that can be twisted, pushed and pulled in three dimensions To create 3D models of real-

world objects, Microsoft said it was developing a smartphone app that works by waving the handset around the desired item.

The finished creation can be added to Powerpoint presentations, shared on Facebook and other online sites or placed within a virtual reality environment. (BBC News)

Red Stripe’s cassava project gets boost from IDB

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed a non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreement with Desnoes and Geddes Foundation during the 2016 FOROMIC (Forum on Microenterprise), held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on Monday. The funding will go towards a project to improve the livelihood of small and medium-scale cassava farmers, while develop-

ing a climate-smart agricultural system, and generate sustainable employment opportunities for vulnerable youth in Jamaica.

The contribution of the bank, with funds from the multilateral investment fund, is US$814,417.

Meanwhile, the Desnoes and Geddes Foundation will provide counterpart resources of US$4,012,814. Red Stripe’s Managing Director and CEO, Ricardo Nuncio, predicts that

in four years’ time his company will be able to employ nearly 500 cassava farmers across the country. “...So it will allow us actually to employ close to 500 direct farmers across our lands, but actually have an impact of close to 3000 employments when you put the indirect beneficiaries. So we are excited about the project and the support,” Nuncio revealed during Monday’s agreement signing.

(Jamaica Observer)

Investors’ Guide

Earnings in focus as Apple weighs; Boeing lifts Dow

Q

uarterly results were the main driver for Wall Street on Wednesday as a decline in Apple shares weighed on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the priceweighted Dow Industrials was buoyed by gains in Boeing.

Apple, the world's largest exchange-traded company, fell 2.2 per cent after it acknowledged that strong demand for its iPhone 7 Plus caught the company off-guard and it was struggling to keep up.

On the other hand, Boeing shares hit their highest level since December 31 after the planemaker reported a jump in quarterly profit despite slower sales. Boeing closed up 4.7 per cent at US$145.54.

S&P 500 earnings have so far surprised on the upside, with the blended growth estimate at 2.2 per cent, from a 0.5 per cent decline expected at the start of this month. Of the companies that have reported, 74 per cent have beaten analyst expectations – above the 70 per cent beat rate over the past four quarters, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. "There's an expectation that when we finish the season

that the earnings recession will be abated and that should be positive for the market going forward," said Quincy Krosby, market strategist at Prudential Financial in Newark, New Jersey.

She said, however, that a number of earnings misses left the market in a tight range and in search of a stronger catalyst.

"The market looks tired," Krosby said. "Breadth has been narrowing and that has a number of (technical analysts) telegraphing caution."

The number of weekly 52week highs on the New York Stock Exchange has diminished sharply from the year's peak in late June, from more than 1500 to less than 400 last week and just 262 so far this week.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 30.06 points, or 0.17 per cent, to 18,199.33, the S&P 500 lost 3.73 points, or 0.17 per cent, to 2139.43 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 33.13 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 5250.27.

About 6.6 billion shares changed hands in US exchanges, above the 6.4 billion daily average over the last 20 sessions.

Chipotle Mexican Grill shares slumped 9.3 per cent

after the restaurant chain operator reported a biggerthan-expected drop in quarterly sales at established restaurants.

Edwards Lifesciences was the biggest loser on the S&P 500, falling 17.1 per cent after the medical device maker's third-quarter sales missed expectations.

In the positive column, Mondelez added 3.6 per cent to climb to US$44.32 after its quarterly profit beat estimates and it raised its profit forecast for the year.

Earlier, economic data showed new home sales unexpectedly rose and both wholesale and retail inventories increased in September, while the goods trade deficit narrowed sharply, suggesting a stronger pickup in economic growth in the third quarter than is currently anticipated.

Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 1.83-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.21-to-1 ratio favoured decliners.

The S&P 500 posted nine new 52-week highs and five new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 55 new highs and 77 new lows. (Reuters)

17

news

thursday, october 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Taxi driver’s murder

Accused willingly signed confession statement – Police Sergeant

A

s the trial of Clifton Graham continues – who allegedly murdered taxi driver Rolston Bernard Henry – Police Sergeant Radesh Persaud took the stand at Wednesday’s hearing. This was the first time that jurors were allowed to hear the witnesses’ statements after Justice Roxanne George admitted the evidence into the trial. Sergeant Persaud recalled that based on information he received, there was a confrontation between Curt Deen and Graham.

Persaud stated that he interviewed Deen, who recounted the accusation that Graham was involved in the taxi driver’s murder.

At this point, Defence Counsel objected on grounds that Curt Deen’s statements are “hearsay” evidence.

After continuous exchanges between the defence and the prosecution, Justice George allowed the witness to proceed, with expectation that Deen will testify at some point in the trial.

According to the witness’ evidence, Deen outlined what he overheard.“Last night, we hijack a car, took de driver to LBI… [Graham] hold down he hand and ‘Fineman’ cut he throat and kill he,” Deen was said to

Murder accused Clifton Graham

have heard.

After this disclosure, the Police rank stated that Graham was cautioned, arrested and read his rights as a prisoner. Persaud also denied that Graham was ever beaten, which the defence had placed excessive emphasis upon earlier in the trial.

The Police Sergeant also noted that Graham obliged to a written statement, in the presence of another police witness, Sergeant Adams. This occurred between 16:20h and 16:35h.

“At no time did I use threats, force or inducement to obtain the said statement,” Sergeant Persaud claimed, noting that Graham accepted much culpability for the crime.

“Everything that Curt Deen said is true except I neva hold down de man for anybody cut out de man throat,” Graham was said to have expressed to Sergeant Persaud, whose hand-written statement was accepted as an exhibit. “I asked Graham to show me the scene of the crime and Graham pointed out the spot to me and told me: ‘this is where Gavin and Coolie kill de man’,” the Police rank told the jury. He added that the murder-accused showed him the area in which he had “dumped the bloody clothes” belonging to the driver. The court heard that it was at this point that the National Identification Card, insurance policy and taxi cards were found by the witness who retrieved and lodged the articles at a Police station. The jury was however informed that the Police witness never recovered the blood clothes.

Meanwhile, the owner of the silver grey PKK 9036 car that the taxi driver operated, Sheldon Mc Donald and Henry’s then reputed wife Carmitta Collins also took the stand at Wednesday’s trial. McDonald’s evidence established that Henry worked for him. This witness stated that he had only con-

tracted the driver just three weeks prior to his death.

He also noted that the taxi driver kept his car and that he received $18,000 every Monday but did not see him on the day of his demise.

He added that upon Police showing him his car, sometime after, he noticed several missing items including a DVD player, four seat coverings, a six-inch speaker, spare wheel and jack. He was shown the seat coverings in court and identified the set. Under crossexamination, McDonald could not recall the day that he had identified the items.

Henry’s reputed wife, Carmitta Collins, noted that she saw Henry on the night of May 2 and was in the car and noted that everything was intact. After leaving him, she went to Stabroek Market, purchased some items and left for home via minibus. The jury was told that about 23:23h, she called “Raul” on his mobile phone but got no response.

She made repeated calls after which one was eventually answered but “no one spoke”. Collins explained that she “heard a breeze and indecent language” over the phone which was then cut off. The case continues this morning.

HEYS youths hoping to tap furniture market

H

interland youths are hoping corporate Guyana and Government will be lending support to their joinery and carpentry efforts in the ongoing Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme.

Youths in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) in particular are producing a variety of quality furniture, including tables, chairs, desks, cupboards, bed frames, and stools. It is the hope of the young people that corporate Guyana will be willing to purchase the items.

The youths are optimistic that the Education and Public Health Ministries and Village Councils would also support them by purchasing these items to furnish schools, health centres, village offices and guest houses.

The hinterland youth programme, which is a oneyear initiative, is intended to create an enabling environment where youths can become self-sufficient.

HEYS youths enrolled in the garment construction, cake decorating/catering, electrical installation, automechanic and information technology courses echoed similar sentiments.

Their expertise can be

equally utilised. The women are sewing clothing, including pants, shirts, ladies tops, and skirts, and are also involved in embroidery and knitting.

The youth programme is further targeting the tourism industry and is said to be working assiduously to make this a reality.

During last month’s Heritage activities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Vice President and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock emphasised, “Guyana is on the move and quickly being recognised.

While there are hiccups, things are moving on; things are moving quicker than I thought personally and for you to be on that train, we have to respect time.”

The Minister cited the HEYS Programme as one initiative aiming to empower citizens. According to him, youths are learning skills which will take them through life “that is why we have the training of our young people. We are paying our young people to learn; it is a support to your own learning.”

Approximately 2000 youths from across Guyana are assured of positively contributing to society when they successfully complete the HEYS Programme.

18

guyana-times.com

thursday, october 27, 2016

ARCHIE

Put your time and effort into beneficial legal, financial (March 21- and medical opportunities. A April 19) romantic celebration will enhance your personal life and long-term future.

ARIES

A unique professional TAURUS relationship will turn into (April 20- something special. If you May 20) share ideas, you’ll come up with new ways to use your skills, knowledge and attributes to get ahead.

dilbert

Focus on relationships, GEMINI commitment and self-im(May 21provement projects.

A retreat June 20) or lifestyle change will give you a better sense of what you should be doing with your time, money and life.

You must keep the peace at home, or your productivi(June 21- ty will diminish. Too much of July 22) anything will be your downfall. Stick to basics and avoid indulgence. Use intelligence instead of force.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don’t leave anything to chance. Live up to your promises and finish what you start.

The more focused and organized you are, the less criticism you’ll face.

Plan a day trip and make VIRGO a business move. Set up (Aug. 23Sept. 22) meetings and discuss what you have to offer and what you need to help you advance.

Plan to do something exhilarating.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA Taking a peek at your past (Sept. 23- may help you establish what Oct. 23) you can do to improve your life now. The answer lies within you, not in someone else.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Change your direction if it SCORPIO will help you reach your goal.

(Oct. 24Don’t let anyone sidetrack you Nov. 22) when you are so close to hitting pay dirt. Be true to yourself and don’t look back.

Be willing to accept help if SAGITTARIUS it will ensure that you reach (Nov. 23- your target. An emotional reDec. 21) lationship will require a little nurturing if you want to avoid complaints.

YESTERDAY'S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You’ll be tempted to get CAPRICORN involved in a last-minute (Dec. 22scheme or trip that will end Jan. 19) up costing you plenty. Stick to a plan you can trust and a pace you can keep.

Tidy up loose ends in order AQUARIUS to free up time to follow your (Jan. 20heart and dreams. A romanFeb. 19) tic gesture will improve your personal situation. A financial gain is within reach.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Don’t let your emotions (Feb. 20- spoil your day. Be a team March 20) player, and always be willing to compromise. A joint venture looks promising if you are willing to bend a little.

thursday, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Legendary Brazilian Carlos “The Captain” Alberto dies aged 72

B

razil legend Carlos Alberto, the captain of the 1970 World Cup-winning side, has died aged 72.

He scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history in the 1970 final against Italy, rounding off a sublime team move with a powerful low finish.

Right-back Alberto was capped 53 times by Brazil and won domestic titles with Fluminense and Santos, for whom he made more than 400 appearances.

He died in Rio de Janeiro following a heart attack.

The 1970 Brazil side that won the World Cup, which also contained greats Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao and Rivelino, is regarded by many as the finest in history.

Alberto was named in the world team of the 20th Century in 1998 and the Fifa 100 for the greatest living players in 2004.

After finishing his playing career in North America with New York Cosmos, he managed 13 clubs and Oman and Azerbaijan.

He won the 1983 Brazilian Championship with Flamengo and finished his coaching career with Azerbaijan in 2005.

Alberto (middle) appeared at Soccerex in Mexico earlier this year

Carlos “The Captain” Alberto (standing extreme left) scored eight goals for Brazil

“As a coach or pundit, Alberto held no prisoners”

Carlos Alberto had a huge influence in Brazilian football not only for being

one of the best right-backs to ever don the Brazil shirt, but also for being one of the most uncompromising voices of the game in his native country. As a leader, his qualities

were unquestionable, wearing the captain’s armband in the legendary Brazil squad that won the Jules Rimet trophy in Mexico 46 years ago, exerting command over the likes of strong-minded players such as Pele, Gerson and Rivelino.

Alberto was a product of Brazil’s famous marauding full-back lineage, but the difference was that he united fitness with the art.

Brazilians learned the hard way in the 1966 World Cup that style was not enough when they were easily outmuscled by European opponents and went out at the group stage.

‘The Captain’, as he was nicknamed by Brazilians, did not have the same success as a manager, but fans of Flamengo, the most-supported team in the country, have fond memories of his role in winning the 1983 national title. As a coach or TV pundit, Alberto held no prisoners thanks to a fiery temper and a sharp sense of humour. In his trademark raspy voice, he would lambast directors, players and express certain despair with what he considered a fall in standards in Brazilian football. (BBC Sport)

City knocked out after 1-0 defeat

in Manchester derby J uan Mata struck to win a tight Manchester derby as United knocked out EFL Cup holders City to reach the quarter-finals.

The Spaniard pounced to drive low into the corner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s pull-back as United set up a home tie with West Ham. Paul Pogba had hit a post moments earlier as the game came alive in the second period, following a first half in which neither of the bitter rivals managed a shot on target.

City boss Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his side, who are now six games without a win in all competitions - his worst run as a manager.

Their best chance arrived early on when Kelechi Iheanacho headed over from six yards, while second-half substitutes Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero made little impact.

Victory was United’s second in five matches, and

Caballero had to be quick off his line to deal with a cross when Ibrahimovic lurked

only Jose Mourinho’s fourth win in 18 meetings with Guardiola.

United, far from at their best, scored during their only spell of quality in the opening 10 minutes of the second half as Ibrahimovic - anonymous in the opening period - profited from Nicolas Otamendi’s missed header to square for Mata.

There remain areas of

concern for United. Luke Shaw was constantly outwitted by Jesus Navas and again there was no place in the 18-man squad for £26m summer signing Henrik Mkhitaryan.

But while Guardiola said the competition was his “lowest priority” before kickoff, Mourinho perhaps took the chance to shift United’s momentum.

The League Cup was the first trophy he won in England. The last two times United eliminated City in the competition they went on to win it in 1970 and 1976.

Guardiola said City must be “more clinical” after they ended the night without working David de Gea once - the first time they have not had a shot on target in a

19

Caribbean Motor Racing Championships...

“Speed Queen” will be no pushover

Racing blood! Sharima and her father Rafeeq Khan

G

roup one driver Sharima “Speed Queen” Khan is confident of having another strong showing in the 1500cc category when the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) gets underway at the South Dakota Circuit on November 13.

The 21 year-old driver battled last year to achieve some podium finishes and this year she plans to go bumper to bumper with the boys to end in pole position.

“I’m looking forward to podium finishes and possibly finishing in Pole position; We think are in the top three bracket , we don’t know how the other drivers are preparing but we should do well but it is November races and everyone will be preparing to well” Khan explained.

Khan, who will be using a Honda CRX to do her battles, says that preparation has only stepped into first gear as of Tuesday.

“It has been a bit slow; we actually start major race car work yesterday [Tuesday] so from now until race day, it will be full race car preps, so we are going to be ready; We had to get the parts from overseas , now everything reach, so full preparation begins” the driver said.

The daughter of veteran race car driver Rafeeq Khan says that being one of the lone female drivers in Guyana is no daunting since he is confident she can out race the boys.

She disclosed, “I don’t feel anyway different, I still come out successful with them, they don’t always drive fair but I think that is all part of the competition in racing”.

Khan revealed that besides her father and following the sport on Television Andrew King is one she has admired from the beginning.

Meanwhile, Khan’s father Rafeeq says that the constructed car is one which will go faster and stand to the pressure of race day.

We rebuild a new car and this car is better; we built a completely new engine, it is sturdier and we suppose to get more power”, he explained.

Quizzed as to why he believes his daughter excels, the proud father stated, “She puts her mind to it and there is nothing like mind set, since was 10 she has been around the car and from the very first outing it was good”.

Once having a successful outing, Khan is will take the leap into the group two category, in order to be able to tour and attract more sponsors.

The young driver is grateful for the support of main sponsor Guyoil and Bumper to Bumper.

game since 2012.

City, who are top of the Premier League, had an early penalty appeal turned down when Michael Carrick tangled with Aleix Garcia.

The wholesale changes made for the tie may blur detailed analysis of just what is amiss in recent weeks, but a switch to a 4-4-2 formation after two league games where a back three was used perhaps shows Guardiola has not yet settled on the way forward at City.

He could also face more time without captain Vincent Kompany, who, making only his second start

of the season, asked to be replaced at half-time because he was tired.

Kompany suffered a groin strain in September but has been dogged by thigh and calf issues, prompting his playing time to fall from around over 2,700 minutes in 2013-14 to 1,700 last season.

There were some positives for Guardiola as 19-year-old full-back Pablo Maffeo made made some key interventions but if City fail to win on Saturday they would be seven matches without a win, a dire run not endured since 2004. (BBC Sport)

20

Kiwis

M

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursday, october 27, 2016

artin Guptill’s opening salvo, and canny bowling from Tim Southee and James Neesham, ensured New Zealand forced the ODI series into a decider at Visakhapatnam. Having won their first toss of the tour in their eighth match, New Zealand, led by Guptill’s bruising half-century, tactfully exploited the field restrictions and ultimately finished at 260 for 7 on a track that offered turn and variable sometimes negligible - bounce. The bowlers then frequently varied their pace and found equally good support from the fielders to throttle India’s chase.

Southee was New Zealand’s key figure with the ball, first having Rohit Sharma caught behind with a perfectly-pitched outswinger. He returned with the old ball and produced a double-strike to all but snuff out the chase; a ball after Manish Pandey holed out off him, he had Kedhar Jadhav pinned in front by a slower offcutter for a first-ball duck. Three overs later Hardik Pandya was caught at long-off, Tom Latham running to his left to pocket a smart catch. India were left needing 94 off 84 balls, with three wickets in hand. Axar Patel, who was promoted to No. 5, and Amit Mishra briefly rallied with a 38-run partnership for the eighth wicket, Dhawal Kulkarni and Umesh Yadav then added 34 for the last wicket, but the hosts were dismissed for 241 in 48.4 overs.

Neesham had produced a double-strike of his own, before ceding the stage to Southee. He dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for 57 in the 28th over and followed it with the bigger wicket of MS Dhoni. Rahane shuffled across and was trapped plumb in front by a straight ball while Dhoni was bowled through the gate for 11 off 31 balls.

India, however, had started positively in their chase, with Rahane jumping onto any width offered and swatting away short balls with authority. He even uppercut Trent Boult for a six over point. He strung

force series decider with 19-run victory

together 79 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli, who played a few trademark whiplash drives and punches. Mitchell Santner, meanwhile, held his own and spun a few past the outside edge, with his family watching from the stands.

And when he found the outside edge there was nobody at slips to snap it up.

The partnership ended in the 20th over when Ish Sodhi found Kohli’s outside edge with a slower legbreak and BJ Watling, who was playing his first ODI since February 2013, pouched it. The middle order then faded away, and although Axar showed glimpses of bravado in his cam-

Trophy.

catch at long-off when Guptill was on 62.

New Zealand, on the Guptill had reached his half-century off other hand, ticked 56 balls at the start of the 17th over, four many box- balls after Axar had Latham edging a sweep es.

For to short fine leg for 39 off 40 balls. By then s t a r t - Axar and Mishra had settled into an ase r s phyxiating rhythm. Guptill needed 12 balls t h e y to score his first run against spin, and was read the further stifled by Jadhav’s loopy offbreaks c o n d i - and straighter ones. The spinners concedtions ex- ed only 19 runs in the seven overs from the pertly, pick- 11th to the 17th. But it was Pandya who uling three timately removed Guptill, when he had him spinners and playing inside the line and edging behind to taking the leave New Zealand at 139 for 2 in 26 overs. mind back to Mishra dragged them back further by retheir success in moving Kane Williamson and Neesham in the World T20. successive overs. New Zealand scrounged Guptill struck his only 99 runs for five wickets from the last second fifty of the 20 overs of their innings, and only three tour. Latham was boundaries in the last ten overs, including solid as usual, and one of the final ball of the innings. But it Martin Guptill cuts hard for one of his Ross Taylor, under fire proved enough to square the series. (ESPNcricinfo) 12 boundaries from all quarters, spent some time in the middle, although he was edgy throughout his stay.

But the most telling contribution, perhaps, arrived from Guptill. He didn’t always India innings (target: 261 New Zealand innings look pretty, but bent India’s runs from 50 overs) (50 overs maximum) attack out of shape in the MJ Guptill c †Dhoni b Pandya 72 AM Rahane lbw b Neesham 57 Powerplay. He gave Kulkarni RG Sharma c †Watling TWM Latham c Rahane b a cold welcome, hitting three Patel 39 b Southee 11 fours off four balls. The first KS Williamson*c †Dhoni b V Kohli c †Watling b Sodhi 45 Mishra 41 MS Dhoni*† b Neesham two were crooked drives wide 11 LRPL Taylor run out of point and over mid-on. The AR Patel b Boult 38 (Kulkarni/†Dhoni) 35 MK Pandey c Latham b third was disdainfully sliced 12 JDS Neesham c Kohli b Mishra 6 Southee through extra cover. He KM Jadhav lbw b Southee 0 BJ Watling† c Sharma pressed on to unfurl subeo b Kulkarni 14 HH Pandya c Latham b lime inside-out drives 38 off Santner 9 AP Devcich c Pandya b Yadav 11 40 balls too. The nature of the A Mishra run out MJ Santner not out

17 - India are pitch put in perspec14 9 (Santner/†Watling) TG Southee not out tive Guptill’s earyet to iden25 Extras (lb-3, w-13) 16 DS Kulkarni not out ly assault. As tify a genu7 Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 260 UT Yadav c Taylor b Boult the match wore ine finisher Ajinkya Rahane had a shot filled 57 in a Extras (lb-3, w-9) 12 Did not batTA Boult, IS Sodhi on, the odd with only four losing cause Fall of wickets 1-96 (Latham, Total (all out; 48.4 overs) 241 ODIs to go for ball kept low 15.3 ov), 2-138 (Guptill, 25.1 Fall of wickets 1-19 (Sharma, the Champions while severov), 3-184 (Williamson, 35.2 4.1 ov), 2-98 (Kohli, 19.5 ov), al stopped on ov), 4-192 (Neesham, 37.6 ov), 3-128 (Rahane, 27.2 ov), 4-135 the batsmen. A couple of grub5-217 (Watling, 44.3 ov), 6-223 (Dhoni, 29.2 ov), 5-154 (Pandey, (Taylor, 45.3 ov), 7-242 (Devcich, 32.2 ov), 6-154 (Jadhav, 32.3 bers even raised a puff of dust ov), 7-167 (Pandya, 35.6 ov), 47.6 ov) from the surface.

8-205 (Mishra, 42.1 ov), 9-207 Bowling: UT Yadav 10-1-60-1 India could have had (w-3), DS Kulkarni 7-0-59-1 (w- (Patel, 42.3 ov), 10-241 (Yadav, Guptill on 29, but Amit Mishra 1), HH Pandya 5-0-31-1 (w-8), 48.4 ov) could not hold on to one after A Mishra 10-0-42-2 (w-1), AR Bowling: TG Southee 9-0-40-3, (w-2), Patel 10-0-38-1, KM Jadhav 8-0- TA Boult 9.4-1-48-2 diving to his left from mid-on JDS Neesham 6-0-38-2 (w-2), 27-0 - a decent effort, but he might MJ Santner 10-0-38-1 (w-1), IS have done better if he were a Sodhi 10-1-52-1, AP Devcich bit quicker to react. Mishra 4-0-22-0 (w-3) gave him another life later on, misjudging a much simpler

SCOREBOARD

T

his Friday evening, the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will come alive for the Sudesh Fitzgerald Singles Dart Challenge.

The tournament is an open one for males, females and novices, who will get to play handicap.

The first, second and third place finishers will receive trophies while there will be incentives for most 180, highest check out and shortest games.

To enter this compe-

tition, there is an affordable entrance fee of $1000 which allows competitors a chance to feature in the single’s event as well as the luck of the draw.

The event will be sponsored by Fitzgerald, who is national champion for the last eight years, former Caribbean and South American champion, current Caribbean singles and doubles champion and the MVP for 2016 Caribbean championship.

Sudesh Fitzgerald

YELLOW PAGES thursDAY, october 27, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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sports

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West Indies Women returning to favourable hunting ground

T

he Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board has announced a 14-member West Indies Women’s squad for the Tour of India next month.

The Windies Women, the reigning ICC Women’s World Twenty20 champions, will play three T20 Internationals in addition to three Oneday Internationals which all form part of the ICC Women’s Championship, leading to automatic qualification for next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup to be hosted by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

When the West Indies Women were last in India they won the World T20 title after beating New Zealand in the final. The regional side recently completed a five match series against England in Jamaica losing 2-3. The final three matches of that series were part of the ICC Women’s Championship and England won two of those matches to go one point ahead of the West Indies on the overall standings.

Guyanese medium pacer, Erva Giddings, who made her debut in Jamaica will not make the trip to the sub-continent while Kycia Knight and Shakera Selman were recalled. The team will be led by Jamaican top all-rounder Stafanie Taylor with Trinidadian Anisa Mohammed as her deputy.

The experienced squad is being coached by Barbadian Vasbert Drakes.

West Indies Women’s Squad to India; Stafanie

West Indies Women doing the ‘champion dance’ after winning the World T20 in India

Taylor (Captain), Anisa Mohammed (Vice Captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shaquana Quintyne, Shakera Selman and Tremayne Smartt.

The Management Unit comprises; Vasbert Drakes (Head Coach), Ann BrowneJohn (Team Operations Manager), Ezra Moseley (Assistant Coach), Oba Gulston (Physiotherapist), Hector Martinez Charles (Fitness Coordinator), Trent Sargeant (Data Analyst)

Schedule of Matches November Thu 10 *First One-day International – Vijayawada Sun 13 *Second One-day International – Vijayawada Wed 16 *Third One-day International – Vijayawada Fri 18 First Twenty20 International – Vijayawada Sun 20 Second Twenty20 International – Vijayawada Tue 22 Third Twenty20 International – Vijayawada *designated ICC Women’s Championship matches

CURRENT ICC WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Tabulated under: Pos-position, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, T-tied, NRno result, Pts-points, Net RR-net run rate

Manner of awarding points Pos.

Teams

M W L

T

NR Pts

Net RR

1.

Australia Women

18 15 3

0

0

30

+0.994

2.

England Women

18 11 6

0

1

23

+0.763

3.

West Indies Women

18 11 7

0

0

22

+0.273

4.

New Zealand Women

18 10 8

0

0

20

+0.279

5.

South Africa Women

18 8

9

0

1

17

-0.149

6.

India Women

15 6

8

0

1

13

+0.008

7.

Pakistan Women

15 4

11 0

0

8

-1.030

8.

Sri Lanka Women

18 2

15 0

1

5

-1.339

Guyana Softball Cup 6...

continued from page 22

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A

lso at the ceremony, another VicePresident, Ricky Deonarain spoke of the added incentives for spectators.

“At the finals on November 6, four ticket holders stand a chance to win a trip for themselves and a partner to Baganara Resort for one night, Kaieteur/Orinduik Falls, Arrowpoint Resort for one night and Aruwai Resort White H20 for one night. This is compliments of Survival Travel Agency and it is fully paid from Georgetown to destination and back. Ten hampers will also be up for grabs.

Spectators are asked to retain their half tickets and listen for their number to be called during the games,”

Deonarain explained.

He added, “Player-of-theSeries will receive a cricket bat gold pendant (14-karat) with diamond encrusted, again compliments of Steve’s Jewellery. There will also be plaques for special performances, example centuries and five-wicket hauls.

These plaques and all trophies are compliments of the Trophy Stall.”

The champion team in the Open category will receive $800,000, while the runner-up will collect $200,000.

The Masters champion will pocket $600,000, while the losing finalist is guaranteed $150,000. All team prizes will be accompanied by trophies. Regal XI and Regal Masters are defending

champions both categories.

Tickets for the finals day cost $1,000 each and are already available at Trophy Stall, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand Auto Spares, 4R Bearings, Motor Trend, Rohan Auto Spares, Ariel Enterprise, Nauth’s Motor Spares and Nand Persaud and Company Limited.

The tournament has attracted corporate support from Stag Beer, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Survival Group of Business, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta Soft Drinks, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jiwanram Printery, W.J Enterprise and Mike’s Pharmacy.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursday, october 27, 2016

Digicel/Sportsmax Regional 4-Day...

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat U-17 League

Jaguars begin preparation in hunt for 3-peat

Celebration Time! KK Warriors celebrating their first goal against Herstelling Raiders on Sunday at the Grove Playfield

Physical and mental fitness are some of the key areas the players will seeking to address in their preparation

By Akeem Greene

A

fter winning the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional Four Day tournament, now rebranded Digicel/Sportsmax Regional four-day, for two consecutive years, the Guyana Jaguars are no leaving no stones unturned as they seek to make it three successive titles when the competition resumes on November 11.

A large proportion of the players would have played in the just concluded Jaguars Franchise 3-day League and are now a part of a threeday simulation match at the Everest ground.

Guyana Times Sport spoke to Head Coach, Esuan Crandon on Wednesday on preparations ahead of their first m a t c h of the new season against

the Jamaica Scorpions on November 11 at Providence.

“Training has been coming along pretty good so far, we are putting in the fine touches; it is about two weeks from the start, so it is important that we get the guys in good shape,” Crandon stated.

In the two years of championship glory, the Jaguars have played 20 matches, winning 16, drawing on three occasions and losing just once, which should make them strong favourites to cop the title yet again. However, the coach is adamant that the players need to be cautious of being over-confident.

“What happened in the past two years, is the past, we are not really banking on that; it is a fresh season, we just want to get our men-

tal aspect in check and the guys are doing well heading into the tournament.”

The former national player added, “I have said to the guys you look to improve everyday as you go along in specific skills, batting, bowling and fielding and try to get yourselves in the best shape and condition before the start of the tournament.”

In keeping with development of day/night Test cricket, this version of the game has been reintroduced into the fourday construct, with the Jaguars playing two matches, the first being against the (Windward Islands) Volcanoes from November 2528 at the Darren Sammy

National

Cricket Stadium at Beausejour and against the (Barbados) Pride from December 8 to 11 at Providence; as such Crandon says that adapting as quickly as possible to how the pink ball plays will be vital.

“It is important that we get accustom, as soon as the balls are available we will get some practice, there has been comments about the pink ball in the night but we need to concentrate on what we can do best; utilize the conditions during the day then in the night with the ball, so we can devise the best possible plan to deal to counter-attack the opposition.”

Last season, several of the Jaguars players performed outstandingly, with

Head Coach Esuan Crandon

some topping batting and bowling charts and after the local three-day season, some new talents have been brought to light.

Crandon says that selecting a final team will always be difficult but hard decisions must be made, stating that It is not an easy job, in terms of when you have all the players available and then you have to pick your best possible eleven to play your game but a lot things you would take into consideration when picking the team such as the conditions, the opponents; sometimes you have to make tough decisions but I’m sure myself and management will select the best possible team.”

At the player draft in Barbados in June of this year, the Jaguars management selected some new faces to the squad to go along with the familiar faces.

Jaguars squad: Shimron Hetmyer, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Assad Fudadin, Raymon Reifer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Paul Wintz and Romario Shephard.

Two-time winning captain, Leon Johnson and Test leg spinner Devendra Bishoo both have West Indies senior team contracts but will be available for the Jaguars when not on international duties.

K

uru Kururu Warriors hammered Herstelling Raiders 7-1 when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 league continued at the Grove Playfield as part of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) leg of matches.

The Warriors triumphed over the Raiders thanks to a hat-trick of goals off the boot of Jonathan Riley in the lone scheduled match on Sunday at the.

The Linden Soesdyke Highway based Warriors joined Grove Hi Tech and Soesdyke Falcons as teams recording wins on the weekend.

There was no wasting time as the Warriors stamped their authority early in the match when Shamar Gillis blasted the first goal of his double in the 2nd minute. The Soesdyke boys never looked back.

Riley increased the lead for KK Warriors in the 10th minute with the first of his three to further push the game away from the Raiders which was able to cut the lead in half when Adrian Sattaur scored in the 16th minute.

It was a goal that added some hope to the Raiders’ game even as the Warriors held a one goal advantage at the half way stage.

After the resumption with both teams enjoying a 15-minute respite, it was KK Warriors which displayed a hunger for more goals as the Raiders lost theirs.

Riley banged the nets for his second in the 55th minute; Gillis completed hi brace one minute later to make it a 4-1 game in favour of the Warriors.

Sixty-two minutes on, Laven Matthews inked his name on the score-sheet while Riley completed his triple in the 66th minute.

The Warriors were not done yet as two more goals came their way compliments of Carl Dundas and Toney Singh in the 72nd and 81st minute, respectively. Matches will continue this weekend.

Guyana Softball Cup 6 boosted by ANSA McAL’s bounty

T

he biggest softball cricket tournament in Guyana is preparing for the sixth stanza and on Wednesday the organizing body, the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association was given a major injection when Ansa McAl Trading under the Stag Beer brand committed as a major sponsor for the three day event.

At a quiet ceremony at its Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, Headquarters, Ansa McAl’s Stag Beer Brand Manager, Lindon Henry, sealed the company’s partnership with the Guyana Softball Cup for the third year running, stating that the entity is delighted to once again align itself with the tournament.

Jailall Deodass, one of the Vice-presidents of the GFSCA, pointed out that the association is indeed grate-

ful for the support given to the tournament by Ansa McAl Trading. He expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the company for their dedication towards the development of sports in general, and softball in particular.

Deodass assured company representatives that their investment will be worthwhile, as another highly successful competition is eagerly anticipated.

The competition will comprise a total of 43 games in the Male Open and Male Masters categories while there will be three female exhibition games.

Fourteen teams will compete in the Masters and 10 in the Open, with close to two million dollars in cash prizes up for grabs, while the Player-of-the-Series in both divisions will receive a 14-karat gold and dia-

mond pendant, compliments of Steve’s Jewellery. Local teams will once again get stiff competition from teams from New York, Florida and Canada. Matches will be played across several grounds in Georgetown and at the Ogle Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara on November 4 and 5.

The day of the finals, November 6 takes place at the Demerara Cricket Club ground in Queenstown, with the action set to get on the way at 11:00h. The four female teams will open the floor with semi-final action followed by the Master’s Final. The winning female semi-finalists will return to contest the female final making way for the Open final which will bring the curtains down on the tournament. continues on page 21

guyana-times.com

thursday, october 27, 2016

GCB/National Secondary School Cricket League 2016...

Dindyal, Singh propel Diamond Secondary to zone final

T

welve year old Mavendra Dindyal of Diamond Secondary starred again with bat and ball to spur his team to a 69-run victory and book their place in the East Bank Demerara zone final of the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL).

Playing at GCC, the diminutive Dindyal, opening the batting for Diamond followed up his 82 in the first match with a masterful 96 as he helped his team to 184/8 in 30 overs. Dindyal struck 8 fours and 1 six while playing some lovely shots to all parts of the ground as he batted with maturity beyond his age until he was run out attempting a second run off the last ball of the innings.

Mark Fredericks was the only other batsman to post a substantial score when he got to 29. Bowling for Soesdyke, Leron Crawford had figures of 3 for 49 while Neeraj Khan took 2 for 16.

In reply, Soesdyke were dismissed in the 22nd over for 115. Ridge Rajaram top scored with 38 and Leron

23

Determined junior tennis team looking to break jinx

Diamond Secondary’s 12-year-old sensation Mavendra Dindyal on the go against Soesdyke Secondary at Bourda

Crawford made 22. Bowling for Diamond, Anil Singh had 5-14, Phillip McTork took 2-19 and Dindyal returned with his off spin to take 2-20.

At Everest, Tucville Secondary amassed 182/6 in 20 overs. Godfrey Phillips struck 66 and Leon Chesney made 36. Aaron Glasgow had 2/17 bowling for David Rose Secondary.

David Rose then folded for 49 all out in 12.3 overs with Marlon Bowling doing the damage as he took 3-11.

At GNIC, Lodge Secondary thumped South Ruimveldt Secondary after amassing 207/3 in just 20 overs. Shemar Smith top scored 74 including two fours and eight sixes while Omali Barker made 71 not out hitting 3 fours and 6 maximums.

The hapless South Ruimvledt batsmen barely managed 51 runs as they only lasted 10 overs. Bowling for Lodge, Troyston Louzsi took 3-15 and Shemar Smith had 3-6 to complete an excellent all round performance.

Over at Zeeburg, Saraswat made 192 all out in 27.5 overs with Mohan

Seepersaud making 67 while Kevin Latchoo and Rajesh Rampersaud made 29 and 27 respectively.

Windsor Forest Secondary could only make 60 all out in their reply.

Dinesh George and Joshua Reddy took 3-8 and 3-16 respectively.

Meanwhile, at Enterprise, Enterprise Secondary racked up 169/3 in 20 overs with Hemnauth Dindyal hitting 67 and Edmond Person scoring 47 not out.

Annandale were then routed for a paltry 25 in 11.1 overs as Yogendra Samarooand and Bryan Sooku had identical figures of 2/2 while Rajendra Niranjan took 2/12.

The NSSCL continues today with Lodge Secondary taking on East Ruimveldt Secondary at GCC in a South Georgetown zone fixture while Annandale Secondary plays Bladen Hall at Enterprise. Diamond Secondary will face Friendship Secondary in the East Bank Demerara zone final on Friday 28 October at Everest from 10:00h.

Team Guyana strike a pose prior to departure for French Guiana

T

he junior national tennis team look to make amends as they aim to finish atop of the tennis Inter Guiana Games which will run from October 27- 30 in French Guiana.

Twelve players, two coaches and three other officials departed local soil yesterday morning with eyes set on returning home as champions.

The tournament is in its fifth phase and Guyana, who hosted the tournament once in 2014 finishing second in the process is yet to win the tournament.

Suriname won it thrice, twice at home and 2014 in Guyana.

While this year`s host was victorious the last time it was held there.

Just before depart-

ing Guyana, male Coach Orande Dainty spoke to Guyana Times Sport saying that he expects everyone to give their best and be competitive. In addition he said he would not border on his team`s strength because he is optimistic that they all are going to excel.

At the games, Guyana will field boys and girls across three age categories.

In the Boys Under-12, the Marian Academy pair of Jeremiah Kalekyezi and Vadeanand Resaul will represent while Marian Academy’s Sarah Klautky and Sekai Akilah Jones of Green Acres School will compete in the Under-12 Girls.

In the Under-14 division, Marian Academy’s Joshua Kalekyezi and Jordan Beaton were select-

ed along with Ciara Pooran of St. Rose’s High and Kalyca Fraser of Central High.

Afruica Gentle of Apex Secondary and Nicola Ramdyhan of The Bishops’ High School will be on show in the Under-18 Girls while the talented Heimraj Resaul of Marian Academy and Mark McDonald of Reyaz Business Institute will take part in the Boys Under-18.

This year Martinique has been added to the event, so instead of the traditional three teams it will be four thus increasing the competition pool.

The Guyana contingent departed overland yesterday ahead of the tournament which opens tomorrow in French Guiana.

thursday, october 27, 2016

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

Caribbean Motor Racing Championships...

“Speed Queen” will be no pushover Pg 19

Sharima and her Honda CRX leads the pack at the last November race meet (Rohindra Mahase Photography)

Pg 19

City knocked out after 1-0 defeat in Manchester derby Juan Mata made a brisk start to the second half with his third goal of the season

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