Guyana Times Daily - November 27, 2015

Massive corruption in award of US$18M Specialty Hospital contract

friday, november 27, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Several Region 2 D&I pumps inoperable

Sonly so much the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) authority within the region can do, due to the lack of resources.

She also explained that two excavators are currently out of operation and are parked near the community of Capoey. Other machinery used by the D&I are also down, posing serious drainage problems within the region. The region urgently needs drainage and irrigation enhancement in various areas, including the Pomeroon.

The Vice Chairman ex-

plained that if rainfall continues and areas are not cleared, then it could lead to flooding. She however stated that once complaints are brought to her attention, her colleagues within the region are informed and same is forwarded to the Agriculture Ministry for necessary intervention.

Many farmers from the Sparta and Windsor Castle communities made a collective request for a boom excavator and pontoon to come to the area so that the Hampton Court sluice –

which is presently clogged with sling mud – could be cleared. Due to the lack of proper drainage in the area, as a result of clogged channels, many rice lands have excessive water and the crop is already 10 days old.

Rice farmers in the communities of Windsor Castle, Sparta and Lima said the out fall at Hampton Court

needs to be cleared and a pump needs to be put into operation, since over 5000 acres of land depend on proper drainage.

Farmers are therefore calling on Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to intervene and send machinery to assist in the clearing of outfalls and clogged channels.

CJIA cocaine bust

St Lucian jailed for 3 years for trafficking

In a recent interview, Coonjah said she has been receiving numerous complaints – in various areas –about elevated water levels in drains and in rice lands but explained that there is

everal pumps in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are inoperable, resulting in residents complaining about poor drainage. According to the region’s Regional Vice Chairman, Nandranie Coonjah, out of nine pumps, only two are operable; noting that one has been working around the clock at Capoey, in an effort to decease the water level in the Queenstown areas.

Twenty-six-year-old Kendal Joseph was sentenced to three years in prison as well as a fine of $1,296,000 for drug trafficking

ASt Lucian has been jailed for three years after admitting that he swallowed 480 grams of cocaine to traffic to London via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Twenty-six-year-old Kendal Joseph admitted to Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts that between November 22 and 24, he had in his stomach 480 grams of cocaine pellets which he attempted to traffic to London.

According to reports, on November 21, Joseph was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airlines Flight BW460 destined for London.

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit saw the man acting in a suspicious manner and questioned him.

Reports stated that based on the man’s response and gesticulation, they took him into custody. He was taken to the Woodlands Hospital and an X-ray was done. The X-ray showed foreign objects in his stomach and over the course of two days, he excreted cocaine pellets which he admitted ownership of. The substance was tested and weighed, and an investigation led to the charge being laid.

In court on Thursday, in a plea of mitigation, the defendant told the Magistrate that he was forced to swallow the drugs.

He related that he received an employment offer from a Guyanese woman and travelled to Guyana to take up the offer. He stated that when he arrived in Guyana, he could not locate the woman and as such, asked to return to his home country.

He stated that he was told by an unnamed man that he would not be able to return home unless he transported the illicit substance to London. According to a Police source, Andree Willy and Chermisa Wheeler, both also of St Lucia, who were arrested and imprisoned for trying to smuggle cocaine in their vaginas, are close associates of Joseph. The defendant was sentenced to three years in prison as well as a fine of $1,296,000.

Mandela Avenue teen remanded for stealing cellphones

Ateenager was on Thursday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for robbery.

Eighteen-year-old Akeem Jones, of Lot 1 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, denied the allegation that on November 24 at Hadfield Street, he robbed Tamaroo Sukhoo of two cellular phones valued $17,000. He was also slapped with a charge which stated that he made use of personal violence against Sukhoo during or after the robbery.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne objected to bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the penalty it attracted. She added that a medical certificate was also pre-

Eighteen-year-old Akeem Jones

sented to prove the Virtual Complainant’s injuries. The Prosecutor further revealed that the cellphones were recovered on the defendant, but added that the file was incomplete. The young man was remanded to prison. He will make his second appearance in Court on December 8.

A clogged channel at Hampton Court

A clogged sluice

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, November 27 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, November 28 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, November 27 – 05:15h-06:45h and Saturday, November 28 – 06:00h-07:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:07h and 17:19h reaching a maximum heights of 2.70 metres ans 2.82 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:54h and 23:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.41 metre respectively.

Lack of transparency

Massive corruption in award of US$18M Specialty Hospital contract

– says Opposition Leader – Ramjattan at helm of scandal

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Public Security Minister

Khemraj Ramjattan has come under intense pressure and the situation promises to heat up even more, following the announcement by the David Grangerled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government, that it has contracted Indian Company Fedders Lloyd to continue the construction of the controversial Specialty Hospital.

The situation is troubling, not just because Government has back pedalled on the stance it took against the building of the State of the Art facility, but because the contractor, to whom the project has been given, is closely connected to Minister Ramjattan.

Concerns have already begun mounting following Government’s announcement on Wednesday that it

Hospital.

His role as lawyer for the Indian firm had long been questioned by the then PPP/C Government. It was believed that the then AFC Leader had political rather than legitimate motives for objecting to the US$18.1 million contract for the design and construction of the hospital which was awarded to Surendra

had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian company, which had lost the bid to Surrendra Engineering Company back in 2011.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday between Finance Minister Winston Jordan and a representative of the company, Ajay Jha. This now paves the way for works to restart the construction of the Hospital.

But the now Public Security Minister is facing severe criticisms and there are talks that the move is an “underhand” one, particularly because there was no tendering process for the project. The sudden move by Government to use the company without giving any other construction company a fighting chance at the tendering process has raised eyebrows.

During the tenth Parliament, Ramjattan was almost hauled before the Committee of Privileges on the charge of failing to declare pecuniary interests in matters debated in the National Assembly.

Ramjattan was said to be in a “conflict of interest” position over his legal representation of the Fedders Lloyd Corporation, which he then believed, was cheated of the contract to build the Specialty

Engineering company.

The PPP/C believed that Ramjattan had acted in contravention of Standing Order 107 which states that “No Member of the Assembly shall appear before the Assembly or any Committee thereof as Counsel or Solicitor for any party, or in any capacity for which he or she is to receive a fee or reward.”

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said that the new agreement between Government and the Indian company “reeks of corruption”, as it serves the interest of its own.

According to him, a single source company could not be awarded a contract that is $18 million.

“How could you ask the person that is making the proposal to you to do the assessment of work done. The proper thing to do was to seek the independent assessment by a consultancy firm of work that has been done before, do new bills of quantity and then go out to tender”, the Opposition said.

According to the MoU, Fedders Lloyd will review the works already started, conclude a design of the hospital that is acceptable to the Government, and commit to fully equip the facility on completion of its construction. The company also undertakes to commence work on the facility immediately following the signing of the MoU.

The Specialty Hospital, a project initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration, is aimed at catering for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations, organ transplants to cosmetic surgeries. In 2012, a US$18 million contract was awarded to India-based company Surendra Engineering, which was tasked with designing and building the controversial facility. The funding was provided by the Indian Government through a Line of Credit (LOC).

The current Administration, which was on the Opposition side of the National Assembly during the 10th Parliament, had heavily criticised the project. The coalition had even cut the $1.25 billion that was budgeted for the Hospital in 2013.

The previous Administration had only received $34.4 million as supplementary funding for the hospital in the 10th Parliament as a result of

the absence of APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence, when a vote had been taken for the funds. The previous Administration was hoping that the hospital would be a pull factor to bring tourists and overseas-based Guyanese back to Guyana for “health tourism”. However, the new Administration had said with the current state of affairs in the health sector, it was better that the construction of the Specialty Hospital be put on the ‘backburner’ and the money used to enhance the primary health care system. Government had requested the EXIM (Export, Import) Bank of India to cancel the LOC for the Specialty Hospital and to reallocate the balance of funds to a project to modernise three primary healthcare facilities – Bartica, Suddie and West Demerara Hospitals.

However, the Government of India while indicating that it had no objection and support for the modernisation of primary healthcare facilities, suggested that Government should consider salvaging the Specialty Hospital as it will complement primary healthcare facilities in Guyana.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Fedders Lloyd’s representative Ajay Jha during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of the Specialty Hospital

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Tobacco: A dangerous killer

Many countries in the world have already passed tobacco control legislation and many more are in the process of doing so. In essence, these countries have recognised the need to have this crucial legislation in place aimed at protecting their citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco use.

Just a few days ago, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Regional Adviser on Tobacco Control, Dr Adrianna Blanco was quoted in the media as saying that there is no reason to justify why tobacco control legislation has not yet been tabled in Guyana’s Parliament. Blanco, like many of us here, is of the view that passing tobacco control legislation should be a top priority for this country considering the number of persons dying from various causes as a result of tobacco use.

Tobacco is a deadly product that kills millions of people every year, and most of its victims are from low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO) uses the term “global tobacco epidemic” to describe the deadly effects and the high number of persons dying from tobacco use. It says that every year more than six million people die of preventable diseases caused by direct tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. These statistics are indeed worrying and should cause all stakeholders, including both Government and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) to recommit themselves to taking the necessary action needed to protect citizens.

There are quite a few interventions which the authorities here may wish to consider in addressing this problem; these include ensuring that the tobacco control legislation is passed in the Parliament without any further delay. Guyana cannot afford to lag in terms of the legislative requirements needed to tackle this issue holistically.

The Tobacco Control Bill fulfils requirements laid out in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The legislation is intended to protect present and future generations from the “devastating harms” of tobacco use, exposure to tobacco smoke and specifically to prevent tobacco use among youths. The legislation would also seek to ensure that the public is protected from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry, while preventing the illicit trade in tobacco products.

There is also need for mass public education campaigns which could be used as an important vehicle for changing public attitudes regarding tobacco and tobacco control. Mandatory aggressive, well-funded counter-advertising campaigns, using multiple messages maintained over a long period of time for example as in the states of California and Massachusetts in the USA; in Ecuador, Malaysia, Peru and Romania have been shown to contribute significantly to reduced tobacco use in youth and overall tobacco consumption. Legislation in this regard ensures a binding obligation on the public authority and ensures permanence of public educational programmes for tobacco control.

Additionally, a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is at the core of effective tobacco control legislation and programmes generally. A comprehensive ban involves a ban on all forms of direct and indirect advertisements, promotion and sponsorship.

Further, price and tax measures are an important and effective means of reducing tobacco consumption, especially among young people. Raising taxes, and hence the price of cigarettes and other tobacco products, has a double advantage: it not only generates revenue for Government, but has proven to be effective in reducing tobacco use, particularly among young people and low-income groups.

There are many more effective mechanisms for tobacco control which policymakers and other stakeholders here could capitalise on. There are also many success stories and good practices from leading tobacco control countries such as Russia, Australia, India, Iran, Brazil, USA, etc. which we could learn from.

There is no doubt that we could be successful in the fight to ensure that the numbers of persons dying as a result of the harmful effects of tobacco use or being exposed to secondhand smoking is significantly reduced. However, as a start, it is necessary for all stakeholders to cooperate and coordinate their actions in a more efficient and effective manner. The lobbying by the various groups could begin with pressing the Administration to ensure the tobacco control legislation is passed without any further delay.

Indian

Advocates

are not “self ascribed Intellectuals”

Dear Editor, I am very disturbed with the contempt shown for Indian intellectuals by Abu Bakr. I urge him to inculcate and show respect for those with whom he engages or seeks an intellectual discourse.

The media has made a one-sided affair by not publishing all the responses to his attacks on Indian advocates. In focusing on Indians who advocate “the Indian cause”, Bakr unwittingly gives them credit for their work unlike say the PPP that deliberately ignores the significant contributions made by these altruistic figures. However, Bakr misses the importance of their intellectual work as well as their (grass roots) activism in focusing on problems facing Indians. Indians don’t live in isolation; Indian problems are national and affect others as well. So when Indian intellectuals address issues affecting Indians, (except in some cases,) they are in all likelihood addressing national matters. They are interested in the welfare of the entire nation. There is no definition of an African intellectual. So why must there be one for Indians or for other ethnicities.

One may or may not be considered an intellectual by others. The honour is ascribed by others who hold regard for the person as being “bright” or has consistently laid out an argument based on

logic and evidence; it is not a self-ascribed honour like what Freddie Kissoon gives himself; Freddie lacks the characteristic of an intellectual and he frequently misunderstands what he reads. I consider Bakr, David Hinds, Kwayana, etc as intellectuals. Generally speaking, an intellectual is someone who has distinguished himself or herself in some field(s) of endeavour (academic or otherwise) and/or has consistently propounded on public issues or national discourse as Tacuma Ogunseye has done.

The Indo-Guyanese Diaspora would not agree with Bakr’s description of eminent personalities who advocate for Indian interests as “self-defined intellectuals”. Indian intellectual thought emerged a few decades after indentureship. Peter Ruhoman, JB Singh, etc were some of the early intellects.

Dr Ramharack’s book “Centenary Celebration of the Arrival of Indians in Guyana” gave some glimpses of the work of earlier intellectuals.

Dr Jagan came later. But he did not celebrate his Indianness or focused on Indian issues. He focused politics of race, national unity, and development.

Vassan Ramracha, Baytoram Ramharack, Rhyaan Shah, Ravi Dev, Swami Aksharananda, Annan Boodram, Harry Hergash,

etc are emerging as outstanding contemporary intellectuals who are held in increasingly higher esteem. They advocate and respond on behalf of Indians when none of their kind (not even those in the PPP) ever historically did so. Bakr’s acidic response serves notice of the contempt Africans have of these intellectuals. At the grass-roots level, the ideas of these individuals are finding stronger resonance and people view them as more than intellectuals.

In the US, Canada, UK, Trinidad, and India, these names are highly respected for their writings, activism, advocacy, altruism, social thought, etc. Their views on various issues are highly sought after. They are invited as keynote speakers and presenters at various conferences, seminars, banquets, and other public functions. Their prominence and recognition as intellectuals are felt at Indian Diaspora conferences. They have been the vanguard speaking up (fighting on behalf) of Indians which the PPP and Indian groups failed to do when Indians were under attack. These Indian intellects (unlike their de facto party leaders) elevate the voices and perspectives of discriminated (and disenfranchised) Indians to build a just, better and inclusive society.

Bakr made reference to “inferiority of creole

(African) culture and the superiority of a millennial Indian culture” (apparently stated a decade ago) and warned “they have another think coming” if it is repeated. But none of the Indian intellectuals ever put down Black culture. So what is Bakr’s pique? To be identified as a proponent of Indian or Amerindian rights is not socially or politically correct? Indians get attacked even from some totally disconnected Indians who don’t even know who they are.

The socio-politico views and “ethnic ideology” expounded by Ramracha, Dev, Ramharack and other intellectuals I have worked with over the last few decades come nowhere near the idea of a superiority of any culture or ethnic group.

For as long as I have known Ramracha when we originally commenced university studies at CCNY in 1977 and later met Dev around 1984, we have advocated for justice for all. The fight for justice is something Bakr should applaud the Indian rights activists for; few stood up like them for equality and freedom. The Indian rights thinkers (in ROAR or other organisations) have never sought special or exclusive privileges for Indo-Guyanese. They have devoted themselves to the upliftment of all groups.

Lights, cameras, action! A scene from one of the competitive plays in the National Drama Festival 2015 which is ongoing at the National Cultural Center on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Let’s look at the Celina’s issue closer

Dear Editor,

The article (in another section of the press) on Sunday, November 22, 2015, headlined; “Celina ignores government to halt works” is deceptive.

Mention is made in the article that; “Workers said that a ‘Mr Larry was in charge but was not there’ ”.

Kaieteur News must come clean and tell its readers what they knew long ago: that the person in charge is a close friend and associate of certain Ministers of Government and the Police. He usually tenders for the procurement of arms and ammunition. The quiet and strong backing the known

APNU/AFC supporter receives from Government gives him the confidence to proceed with the works at the seawall sites.

It is noteworthy to see that a known APNU spokesperson is the spokesperson for the new proprietor of Celina’s.

The known APNU spokesperson is a close associate of the APNU+AFC administration; he was one of the key organisers at the Presidential swearing in at Parliament Buildings and at the Inauguration Ceremony at the National Stadium.

The known APNU spokesperson is also on the National Preparatory

Committee to plan for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration. The known APNU spokesperson has to be one of the “blue eyes” boys to be in that circle.

Nowadays, in Guyana we don’t know who or what to believe. Why should Patterson be believed? Are these people to be believed when they say that “at least three Court orders have been issued and ignored?”

The known APNU/AFC supporter must have powerful backers indeed.

Yours sincerely, Majeed Hussain

Continuous power outages tormentful

Dear Editor, Out of frustration I’ve decided to write this letter to highlight GPL’s apparent new mandate. Almost daily there are power outages, sometimes more than once a day, not to mention the voltage fluctuations.

At 4am on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, I was awoken by a power out-

age. I quickly realised that it was actually ‘low voltage’ and so, I had to get up to take off all appliances and lights. Leaving for work at 6:35 it still had ‘low voltage’. These voltage fluctuations can damage people’s appliances but GPL doesn’t seem to care. Power outages are becoming too frequent and needs addressing imme-

diately. Consumers actually burn more electricity because of these outages.

I’m hoping whoever is in authority or is responsible for the functioning of GPL, will do what’s necessary to ensure the power company functions effectively.

Yours faithfully,

Anthea Spencer

Indian Advocates...

They have not negated Africans or others. They are not seeking the elevation of Indians or Amerindians or others at the expense of the rights and freedoms of anyone else. They have initiated the idea of power-sharing. They have consistently advocated for a system of governance in which power and resources are shared among the diverse ethnic groups and no group will be superior to another group. They have also articulated for the devolution of power away from the centre and towards the local communities so that all the groups will exercise power at the local level and not feel alienated as currently obtains or as obtained under the previous regime. They have not negated Africans.

A report last week pointed out that some 50 years after independence, Indians are still required to say Christian prayers in government schools. An Indian girl was banned from her church because she danced an Indian classical dance at a Hindu function. Should intellectuals not raise these and similar matters? Aren’t these enough proofs that (up to now) Indian culture is considered to be inferior, despite what Bakr may feel about some Indians say about superiority of Indian culture?

Bakr stated he was critical of his own when they “violently attacked and robbed Indians”. Indian rights exponents have also been critical of their own; they have critiqued the politics of the PPP on racial tokenism and of neglect of its own supporters. They have condemned the appointment of someone from another racial group to be the representative of that group. Africans won’t accept them as their reps even if they advocate African inter-

From page 4

ests as they in fact did in the PPP cabinet. That is the reality of Guyana’s politics.

Ethnic groups have to choose their own leaders to advocate for and represent them. No party should appoint representatives of groups. Such racial manipulation is bound to fail as experience in Guyana and other multi-ethnic societies have shown.

The Indian intellectuals are saying that members of all groups should be free to articulate their concerns –ethnic and otherwise. There should be no marginalisation of any group.

Right now, Indians, Amerindians, and Chinese complain that members of the dominant group view others as outliers. Also, one ethnic group’s culture is considered as the norm for others. For example, the government has introduced pan and calypso in the school’s curriculum. Is this not discriminatory? What about the music and culture of Indians, Chinese, Amerindians and Portuguese? Should they not be treated with respect and equity and given the same prominence as the norm?

The Indian opinion writers in the mass media have become leading advocates for

racial equality. They have worked to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons regardless of ethnicity. But there is still a long way to go and much work to be done to combat all forms of racial discrimination. We must applaud the Indian intellectuals for their honesty and courage to address controversial ethnic issues. While others (politicians) have evaded the issues, the Indian intellects confront them head on just like how Prof Cornell West does in America in fighting for the Black cause. Bakr and other Afro intellects (and Indians as well) have to be honest to themselves – how many Afro intellects have advocated an Indian concern or vice versa? We must all work together (regardless of ethnicity) to eliminate racism and to advance racial equality. The Indian intellects have been calling on African leaders or intellects for all of us to work together in finding an acceptable response to ethnic issues. We cannot bury our heads under the carpet and pretend there are no ethnic problems.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu

Bisram

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana

Page Foundation

By courTney Defeo

Istill remember the look on her face. Sheer embarrassment emanated from her huge, brown eyes, and she was fighting tears.

My daughter Ella and her school friend Sarah were playing at our house when Ella accidentally marked on Sarah’s nose with a permanent black marker. When my children noticed the mark, they started giggling. Sarah was embarrassed.

I understood Sarah’s feelings because I, too, had been a sensitive little girl. Just as Sarah was about to cry, I gasped and said, “Sarah, wait right there!” I ran to get a pen. When I returned, I drew a mark on my nose, and then on my daughters’ noses. In seconds, we were all laughing, including Sarah.

Every day I find myself facing moments like Sarah did — moments when I can let an embarrassing incident, disappointment or mistake shift the course of a day and affect my attitude and our home’s atmosphere. Or I can choose to lighten up in the midst of the chaos we call life.

Although these scenarios aren’t always as simple as laughing off a pen mark on the nose, life gives us numerous opportunities to choose which way to go. As parents, we can intentionally model how to enjoy life, whatever the day brings, or we can model an array of joy-killers.

Parents carry the sobering responsibility of protecting our children from dangers, training them to be good people who love God, and teaching them how to handle disappointments and failures. Those responsibilities can tempt us

to keep focused on the serious side of life and forget that God gave us joy to help us thrive in the midst of struggles.

As Pollyannaish as it seems, I believe we can choose to interject joy into otherwise difficult days. Dancing just might mend a wounded spirit. An unexpected pizza night and some one-on-one time just might soothe a crabby teenager. A tickle attack just might cheer up that pouty toddler.

When we intentionally commit to pursuing joy with

schedules time to bounce on the trampoline with him. By scheduling fun, she is making sure she has focused time to talk with her son and participate in something he loves to do.

I’ve discovered so many fun ways to schedule joy: weekly game nights, dance parties, movie nights, karaoke sing-offs and picnic dinners. The list is endless!

All of these activities seem simple, but they communicate a clear message to our children: My parents enjoy me and want

our family, we lighten the mood in our home for the benefit of everyone. The mess of life is still there, but we find ways to appreciate the life given us (. To that end, I’ve found four ways parents can create a joyfilled atmosphere in day-to-day family life.

Make time to play

Play does not have an age limit. One of the best ways to pursue the virtue of joy is simply to play with our children.

My friend Ashley does not naturally like to play. However, she realises how important play is to her son. So she

to spend time with me.

Children love knowing we will consistently be there for them. That doesn’t just build joy; it builds their confidence and self-esteem.

My girls look forward to our playtimes. We’re eyeballto-eyeball – with no phones and no distractions. They thrive when I engage on their level.

If I’m honest, scheduling playtime isn’t always easy. Other commitments, distractions and even weariness can tempt me to forgo it. But when I stick to it and really put myself in the moment, I notice the joy level rises in my children and in our

home.

Change the mood

As parents, we are often the CMO (Chief Mood Officer) of the house. If we are stressed, our children are stressed. If we are joyful, they are often joyful. If we are intentional, we can often change the mood in the house.

My friend Shay had been planning a “family night” all week. As it started unfolding, everything went wrong, and no one was having fun. Everyone grew cranky, and the night was a big, fat disappointment. She told her family that they had a choice: They could cancel the event altogether or change the mood. They turned on some favourite music and just danced. Instantly, everyone was in a better mood. They started laughing together, and family night was salvaged. It actually turned out better than Shay’s original plans.

If you want to change the atmosphere, change the mood. Even simple tweaks can do the trick. Take your children outside and help them with their homework there. Order takeout or prepare an unusual meal. Go on a walk together and look at the moon. Bust out an old photo album. Ask funny questions at dinner. Host a joke contest. This mood-changing tip is still all about spontaneity. The element of surprise can make all the difference.

If the family is in a foul mood and fighting, literally change environments. I often put my children in the car and go for a drive. We’ve been known to go on a milkshake run in our pyjamas. A change of venue can interrupt a bad mood and refocus everyone’s attention on something more positive. (Excerpt from focusonthefamily)

(Continued from thursday)

By MalcolM TaTuM

Unlike the permissive approach, authoritative parenting provides a foundation upon which the children can build. While the rules may be broad, they give home life a degree of definition and stability. The nice thing is that having this stability does not mean children don’t have room to ask questions, wonder about things, or test their limits. All those tools will be needed once they are adults and should be honed while they are still under the care of their parents

At its best, authoritative parenting sets perimeters on acceptable actions and behaviour while still encouraging children to develop their talents and personalities.

What are the pros and cons of authoritative parenting?

As with any child rearing approach, authoritative parenting does have negative as well as positive aspects.

In terms of negative aspects, this approach:

Puts an additional responsibility on the parents. Since the house rules are somewhat broad and don’t cover every conceivable situation, parents sometimes find themselves having to develop a completely new response to something the child says or does.

Can be difficult to maintain

when faced with a particularly wilful child. A high degree of patience must be cultivated if the parents are to maintain an authoritative atmosphere in the home.

Requires periodic review and refinement in order to continue benefiting the children as they grow and their needs change. House rules that make are relevant at age six may be hindrances by age eight. Parents must be alert to the need to modify and amend the rules when necessary, rather than clinging to the same rules year after year.

Authoritative parent also has a number of positive aspects:

Children can know what is expected of them and also know why those expectations are in place.

Children feel free to ask questions and voice opinions, even if they do not agree with the thoughts of the parents.

Children incrementally take on responsibilities that are age appropriate and are within the scope of their abilities.

Children choose to obey parents more out of respect and less out of fear of punishment.

Is this parenting model the right one for our family?

In the final analysis, only the parents can determine if authoritative parenting is the right approach for their home. It is important to keep in mind that this model will require dedication and in some cases an adjustment of attitudes and ideas on the part of the parents in order to work.

Authoritative parenting is the right approach if you have a strong desire to allow your children room to grow emotionally and mentally as well as physically. This model is a great choice if you want to encourage creativity and the development of effective social skills. Finally, this type of parenting will be the right choice if your ultimate goal is to raise children with all the skills they need to be successful in life.

Conclusion

For couples who are expecting or are new parents, taking the time to investigate authoritative parenting is an excellent idea. A number of resources are available online, as well as several excellent books on this approach to child rearing. As you delve deeper into the applications of authoritative parenting within the family circle, you may discover that this approach is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

(justparents.co.uk)

Midwives’ conference

Govt urged to improve midwives’ working conditions

Dr Karen Cummings

Amid the number of challenges faced by midwives across the country, government is being implored to take proactive measures to improve the working conditions of these critical health practitioners.

During the opening ceremony of the Fifth Annual Midwives Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Thursday, PanAmerican Health Organisation Country Representative Dr Adu Krow urged the Health Ministry to work on five areas which would tremendously improve working conditions of midwives.

He urged the Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings to improve the workforce retention of midwives in remote areas.

“Find out why they are leaving and do a little bit, just

a little bit, about why they are leaving and you’d be surprised… why don’t we give them a pension package and you’d be surprised how many decide to stay. I think the ball is in our court, let us improve the workforce retention in remote areas,” Dr Krow stated.

Secondly, he urged government to focus on increasing the recruitment and employment of midwives, “…and please, when we send someone to a particular location, let us not leave him or her there and forget about them, I remember we visited a place, I forgot the name, and the person said ‘thank you for coming, this is the first I’ve had a visitor in three years’; please let us do something about it.”

Additionally, Dr Krow called on government to prepare plans to establish regulatory bodies; a code of practice;

and an improved data collection system.

“Let us improve information and accountability because if we do not have important data then we won’t know what we are doing,” he stated.

Challenges

The lack of resources and unavailability of quality services are just a few of the reasons behind some of the preventable maternal and neonatal deaths that occur at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

This is according to Dr Cummings when addressing the over 130 midwives from the ten administrative regions at the Conference.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Chairperson of the Midwifery Association of Guyana Maria Francois explained that midwives are often faced with challenging circumstances, which often lead to the death of mother and/or child.

Reports indicate that Guyana’s maternal and neonatal deaths are on the rise. Several families have already taken steps to sue the various health institutions; alleging negligence and professional malpractice.

But, during several presentations, the midwives lamented the fact that they are often blamed for the cases of maternal and neonatal deaths that occur at public hospitals.

According to the chair-

person the midwives give the best care even in the most difficult circumstances. Francois explained that midwives often have to treat mothers who come in late and who would have already developed highrisked complications.

“Sometimes, most of the times when we have deaths, it’s not the midwives or doctors responsible, we try our best to save lives… it’s just that it could not have been prevented… it’s just that these mothers come late to seek anti-neonatal care, they come late in the maternity department so we could not have acted in an emergency situation. So usually when mothers come to the Georgetown Public Hospital or any hospital setting, we give our best care,” she stated.

Additionally, Francois stated there are a lack of resources at all the health institutions across the country, which proves a challenge when treating maternal patients.

“In any institution we have lack of resources, lack of human resources to work with, and equipment to work with… we are short of staff,” she said.

Moreover she explained: “Usually, when you have high-risk cases going to private hospitals, they do not want to take that responsibility at all so all the referrals and high-risk cases they send to GHPC and that’s why

we have the highest maternity rates.”

MDGs

Meanwhile, Dr Cummings noted that Guyana has been performing well in all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) except for goal five which addresses maternal mortality.

“The Guyana report stated that the maternal mortality ratio declined from an adjust-

the highest per capita in the region,” the Minister stated.

On that note, the Minister urged midwives to identify the immediate causes of maternal morbidity and mortality such as the nutritional status and the health status of women; help women to know their reproductive and maternal health rights; ensure women participate in the decision making process; inculcate the correct attitude towards preg-

ed baseline of 320 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1991 to 115.9 per 100,000 in 2004; 86 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008; whereas the infant mortality rate was 20.8 per 1000 and the neonatal mortality rate was said to be 15 per 1000 in 2004, from the date of the launch of the report to present, there has been 44 per 100,000 reported maternal deaths which still remains

nancy and childbirth, and encourage women to desist from harmful practices including violence and abuse.

She also urged the midwives to correctly document their findings into any investigation surrounding infant or maternal deaths: “Midwives must provide valid reasons for a new and fresh approach to the important service they offer patients and the nation.”

A section of those gathered at the Annual Midwives Conference

friday, november 27, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo businessman robbed, shot

– hospitalised as Police arrest two suspects

BY: INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Owner of Seeta’s License Liquor and Restaurant Bar at Zorg in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is presently at the Intensive Care Unit at Suddie Public Hospital nursing a gunshot

robbed of his personal jewellry by two unmasked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Hel said he along with a villager, Fareeda Khan aka Farah was sitting on a bench outside his restaurant when the suspects came up and demanded his jewellery.

wound to his left foot obtained during a robbery.

In immense pain, Mohamed Fizool, 50, told Guyana Times he is still shocked over the entire ordeal which took place around 20:00h, Wednesday 25 November 2015.

Presently Carlos Petri, 21, of Maria’s Lodge and Chatish Singh, 20, from Onderneeming Sand Pit are in police custody assisting with investigations. They are the main suspects in the robbery. According to Fizool, father of two, he was attacked and

“Them ride through the Zorg road then one of them went at the bus shed watching on, then like they communicated with each other and they both came up, one of them say tek off all the jewellery you have and give me. I refused and put up a fight with them,” Fizool explained. He said after he started a scuffled with the young men, they robbed him of his 45 pennyweight gold band and a chain. He said they also snatched his gold chain.

During the entire scuffle Fizool, was reluctant to give

in to the bandit’s request and as such four shots were fired. The fourth hit the businessman to his left foot thereafter the suspects escaped.

Meanwhile Khan, the eyewitness, confirmed that she and Fizool were sitting and chatting when the young men approached them. Still shaken, the thirty-nine-year-old housewife said she ran after she noticed a gun. Khan said after she ran for safety she saw the men took the businessman on the Zorg Public Road and beat him before the gun shots were fired. Khan said she couldn’t believe her eyes what was going on.

Wife of the injured businessman Seetawattie Mohamed related she was inside the shop when the entire ordeal happened. She explained she knew her husband and a villager were sitting outside. After the gun shots sounded the business-

woman said she shut her doors and began to scream, raising an alarm. She said neighbours then came out in their numbers to assist but by then the men had already fled the scene.

Fizool was rushed to the Suddie Hospital where he underwent an operation to remove the bullet. According to him, he was never robbed before even though he lives alone with his wife.

The police were informed and visited the scene approximately half hour after.

They are continuing their investigations.

Only recently two more businessmen from Zorg area were robbed: Sales agent attached to Edward Beharry Bhesham Seepersaud’s house was broken into and robbed and Haniff Khan’s grocery bond was ransacked by thieves.

Eyew tness Greed…

….and politics

Two weeks ago, when the APNU/AFC Government did a volte face (which was soooo sudden it must’ve given Winston Jordan whiplash!) to announce the Specialty Hospital was “on again”, your Eyewitness wrote thusly: “Wanna bet Ramjattan’s client (Fedders Lloyd) wins the bid this time?” But even your jaded yours truly couldn’t conceive that Ramjattan’s client would be handed the contract WITHOUT a bid!

Assuming office as the Minister of Public Security (and he sure did assume a lot! Half his bailiwick had already been hived off to Winston Felix!), Khemraj Ramjattan did say that all crimes were caused by greed. He should know because he seems determined to test the limits of what constitutes a “high crime and misdemeanour”. GREED!

His predecessor (but with the full powers), Clement Rohee had cited Erskine May’s 23rd edition, page 132, footnote 4, to define the crime: “The offer of money or other advantage to any Member of Parliament for the promoting of any matter whatsoever depending or to be transacted in Parliament is a high crime and a misdemeanour.”

And Ramjattan’s “high crime and a misdemeanour”? Well, being the lawyer of the Indian company Fedders Lloyd pursuing the constructing of the Specialty Hospital under a Government of India Letter of Credit for US$20 million – WHEN HE WAS AN MP!! The man was all for the Hospital, but as soon as his client lost out, this is what the Stabroek News reported back in August 2012: “Legal representative for Fedders Lloyd Corporation, Khemraj Ramjattan says that Government should “retract and rescind” the contract awarded to Surendra Engineering to build a specialty hospital as it falls short on technical expertise and financing.” Apart from the fact that Ramjattan assumed the knowledge to judge the “technical expertise” to build a Specialty Hospital, the paper elaborated (we quote the Stabber lest some cynic claims your Eyewitness isn’t a modern Solomon):

“Ramjattan and his client have charged that the procurement process was fraudulent and plan to raise the issue with the Government of India and the India’s Export Import (EXIM) Bank as well as the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) here.”

But, incredibly, when the conflict of interest and “high crime and misdemeanour” were raised in Parliament, Ramjattan claimed HE NEVER TOOK FEES FROM FEDDERS LLOYD!! Now talk about “testing the credulity of the electorate”!!! Has anyone in the world EVER – even ONCE – gone to a lawyer and had him represent them for FREE??? It’s not that ALL lawyers are GREEDY – their Code of Ethics instructs them they HAVE to take a fee before representing their client!!

So what is it? Ramjattan is in the business of practising law for free? For a multinational client that did US$200 million last year?

Ramjattan is the new Gandhi of politics! All hail!

…and lies

Now since your Eyewitness knows the then SN’s undisputed and uncontested description will now be challenged by Ramjattan (the man who said he didn’t really say “dead meat”, but “deer meat”) let’s hear what the Chairman of the AFC, Nigel Hughes, had to say to a press conference in “defence” of his leader’s “high crime and misdemeanour”.

“The real issue is whether or not the procedures that were set out in the tender documents were adhered to. There is no rule in the profession that stops Mr Ramjattan, who is a practising attorney, from plying his trade as a lawyer.”

In words that have a bearing not only on Ramjattan’s status as Fedders Lloyd’s lawyer, but on what transpired for the present award, Hughes continued: “If Fedders Lloyd is awarded the contract, I would assume and hope that it is after a very transparent process of retendering, where everyone who has been invited to tender and the process of evaluation is transparent.”

It looks like Hughes’ “assumption and hope” were dashed. Hope he would ask his leader to resign.

It would be the honourable thing to do. And they’re all “honourable” men, no?

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

Mohamed Fizool's business premises at Zorg

Mohamed Fizool on his hospital bed

Guyana suffers as APNU/AFC flipflops – Irfaan Ali

– says coalition wasted time on key developmental projects

With the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition continuously backpedaling on its initial position towards key developmental projects, the country continues to suffer tremendously. So says People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member and Parliamentarian Irfaan Ali.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the politician lamented the fact that Guyana continues to lose as a nation, as a result of “the destructive politics pursued by the APNU/AFC” between 2011 to date.

“We have lost almost four years of implementation time and costs associated with the list of time. By today, we could have had a positive investment climate with a heavy focus on manufacturing. The continuous flip-flop on policy and political negativity has cost this country tremendously,” Ali stated.

The former Minister was referring to several projects, including the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the Specialty Hospital; both of which were heavily criticised and shutdown by the then APNU/AFC Opposition.

Dubbing the situation as a “typical example of deception, fluff and immaturity”, the former Minister pointed out that Finance Minister Winston Jordan clearly stated during his Budget speech that “It would not only be irresponsible, but downright criminal act of deception, were we to proceed with the Amaila Falls.”

Then, at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) annual dinner recently, the Minister retracted his comments and stated, “I hope that it is absolutely clear that contrary to reports that we have abandoned the project; that the project has always been on the burner.”

Drawing attention to

the duplicity and absurdity of the situation, Ali asserted that it was the APNU/ AFC Administration that conveyed to the people of Guyana, investors and the international community, that to pursue with the Amaila Falls project would be “criminal”. Jordan had stated that Government in seeking another review of the project, however, the former Minister strongly believes that the talk of another review is just a play to save face by the Administration.

“Of course they are many other statements by Government officials that contradicts this position and branded quite rightfully this project as a PPP/C project,” Ali stated, noting that just like the Specialty Hospital, the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Amaila Falls Project are all proof that the PPP/C’s development agenda and platform was the right path for Guyana.

Ali went on to highlight that the APNU/AFC Administration has no choice but to go back to the transformational agenda of the PPP/C.

“It is clear that the new Government has realised that the developmental path of the PPP is the prescription for Guyana. I therefore call on the Government to stop the time and money wasting,” Ali stated.

Trio remanded for robbery

Three men were on Thursday remanded to prison after they were denied bail on a robbery charge by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The men – 27-year-old Carl Hillman; 19-year-old Kevin Cumberbatch and 28-year-old Troy Scott – all denied the charge which stated that on November 25 at Georgetown, they robbed the Virtual Complainant, Troy Fields, of one cellular phone valued $20,000.

Anns Grove residents to receive water service for the first time

– GWI offering flexible payment plan

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van WestCharles at a community meeting organised by residents of the Anns Grove Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday November 19, outlined a programme which will result in residents receiving water for the first time since the creation of the housing area, which has been in existence for over 12 years. A release from GWI stated that the scheme is located in Anns Grove and has in excess of 500 households.

Speaking to residents in the presence of GWI officials, Dr Van West-Charles stated that he was concerned about the lack of water within the community, particularly with the number of households with large families residing in the housing scheme.

“Our mandate is to ensure that every citizen of this country has access to safe water,” Dr Van WestCharles stated, adding that “to assist the low income families in Anns

Grove, GWI is offering a flexible payment contract so that families can afford to pay for the new service connections required to provide the community with water service”.

Representatives of the commu -

nity also offered to partner with the Guyana Water Inc to assist with the labour needed to install the distribution network, including the laying of pipelines and the installation of distribution and transmission mains.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne objected to bail, revealing that additional charges of a similar nature were expected to be laid against the trio soon. It was also disclosed that Cumberbatch had been charged in the past for armed robbery. The objections were overruled and the men were granted bail in the sum of $75,000 each. They are scheduled to make their second appearance on December 8.

PPP/C Executive Member Irfaan Ali

GWI CEO in dialogue with a representative of the Anns Grove community

Govt’s poor policy outlook killing rice industry

– “No one appears competent or willing to avert the crisis facing farmers” – PPP/C MP

BY EDWARD LAYNE

Former Minister of Industry and Commerce

Irfaan

Ali believes the seemingly unclear position of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government on the rice industry is the root of the current crisis facing the industry, which is the economic lifeblood of many families across the country.

Ali said this is further compounded by the administration’s continued failure to chart a clear course on how it intends to pull the rice industry back from the brink of devastation:

“The Government is not clear on its own position on the industry where the crisis is, you cannot say it is private business, otherwise you will approach the problem from a different perspective. If you look at what is happening in regions three and two, six and five, where 80 per cent of the economy there depends on the rice industry, you have a situation of wait and see, now. The government has not announced any straight cut strategy in dealing with the rice sector. There has been no plan communicated to the farmers.”

He said government needs to urgently decide what they are going to do in relations to the industry, pointing out that if the situation is not urgently arrested, many farmers may very well end up bankrupt.

“The banks are going to foreclose on the rice farmers, a lot of the rice farmers and millers have huge loans in the banking sector, they have their assets pledged to those loans and the banks will have no other choice but to come down hard on the rice farmers. We have seen no attempt by the

government to mitigate this situation, by having any discussion with the banks and the rice farmers or having joint consultations between banks and the rice farmers so as to have an ease whether in interest rates or to have write-offs or anything of that sort,” he noted.

Many farmers have already indicated they will not be returning to their fields since they are not in any financial position to do so and according to Ali, this will have a significant impact on the village economies in the various rice-producing regions, as well as the National economy, of which rice plays an important role in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Additionally, an abandonment of the fields will also impact the production target while the gains made over the years in modernising the industry can be reversed.

However Ali is of the view government is least bothered by this as there has been no communication on whether or not

farmers will benefit from fertilizer and fuel subsidies or seed paddy so they can return to the fields, pointing to positive action his People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government would have taken when the industry faced challenges.

“The PPP/Civic government when we came to office the production of rice was at an alltime low. Then we had interventions by the government that brought production up to more than 250,000 tonnes. When we had the crisis of price the government intervened in discussion between the banks and rice farmers to have loans written off, to have interest rate waived, and interest rates reduced and to have subsidy placed on the equation to help the rice industry. After that crisis rice continued to grow, then you had what you called the fuel crisis… again the government intervened in terms of taxes…in order to compensate for the increased production costs in terms of the price of fuel. We had seed paddy distributed, especially to small farmers, we had fertilizer subsidy and then we went further to have a centralized buying of fertilizer; this not only gave the subsidy benefit, but brought down the acquisition cost for fertilizer,” Ali said, adding: “the past PPP/C government has a strong track record in terms of its support for the industry. That’s one thing I think we can stand strongly on.” He further called on government to adopt the “elaborate” 9-point plan presented by the PPP/C, which according to him, outlines the strategies and policies that should be taken into consideration in arresting the current situation facing the sector.

Presidential Guards complain about poor treatment –

Head of security “unaware” of concerns

Presidential Guards working under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government are complaining about the terrible treatment meted out to them, coupled with the fact that they are subjected to work with poor accommodation.

A number of these security officers who work directly with President David Granger and declined to provide their names out of fear of victimisation recently told Guyana Times that when they are on duty out of Georgetown with the Head of State, they are faced with challenging conditions.

One guard stated that he is employed with the special team which is sent out three hours prior to the President’s arrival at a location, to ensure that the environment and immediate surroundings which the President will be visiting are safe and secure.

However, when the Head of State finally arrives with his escort which includes more Presidential Guards, the team which was already on the site/location is not allowed to leave or return to their base.

The affected guard told Guyana Times that under the previous Administration, this special team was allowed to retire from wherever they are sent because upon the President’s arrival, their job is complete.

He noted that although they are being “forced” to remain at the location, they would expect to receive better treatment.

“We don’t even get access to water or proper refreshments when we are out there and have to wait so many hours in all type of conditions and weather. Our job is done and the team coming with the President is supposed to be taking over. But when they arrive, we still have to wait and this should not be since the jobs of the teams are different,” the man posited.

Another guard told this newspaper that when the former Government was in power, the meals provided for presidential guards were of “quality” and healthy, so as to ensure that they remain fit.

These meals were being provided prior to the change in Government. However, upon this Administration taking office, such an arrangement no longer exists.

“Now they opened up a kitchen there for

us to get meals right where we are located and you would think that this would mean we have better meals and such. But this is not the case because what they serve to us is fatty and unhealthy and sometimes not edible. We are given such things to eat and it isn’t right,” the Presidential Guard argued.

Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Guard Service Brian Joseph, on Wednesday told this publication that he is shocked at the allegations being levelled.

He emphasised that to date, he has not heard of any such complaints being formally or informally made at his office, and as such, cannot understand why guards who would have such issues would not bring the matters to his attention.

“I don’t know if they are uncomfortable with the arrangements, they can ask for a transfer. It is the correct thing… If they request water they will get water,” Joseph stated.

While reluctant to comment on the allegations, the security head did clarify that the role of presidential security guard is to ensure that the Head of State is protected at all times.

With regards to the special team which is sent out hours in advance to “scout” out the area and ensure it is secure, Joseph explained that in any country, these special teams are to remain with the President until he leaves that location.

“If you travel overseas you will see… If President Obama goes anywhere, the advanced team does not leave. Previously, our Presidential Guards never had a kitchen and now we have a kitchen… I always have an open door policy they can come to me if they have issues,” he stated.

According to the Head of the Presidential Guards, if any of his staff has a problem which needs to be addressed or is facing a difficulty in executing his duty, the individual should approach him.

“That is not professional… the persons who are doing that are not professional, anybody can speak to me... If they come and difficulties arise we can arrive at a consensus.It is strange that they are asking to come off after the President arrives… I will have to address this,” he posited. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Former Minister of Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali

GAWU urges sugar workers to end strike against GuySuCo

– workers expected to resume duties today

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

Workers across the sugar belt who downed tools over the past few days and protested against the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are expected to return to work today.

According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) it was decided upon at a special meeting held by the Union’s General Council that sugar workers would be advised to suspend the current strike.

In a media release Thursday, GAWU stated that these workers are being urged to resume their duties and end the strike which commenced shortly after the union met with GuySuCo last Friday to have discussions over the Annual Production Incentive (API) 2015.

Guyana Times understands members of the union’s negotiation team who were present at those discussions but were not a part of the General Council also participated in the “special meeting.”

GAWU’s General

Council also noted the commitment and spirit of the workers who “gallantly are prepared to protect and defend their hard won gains,” their right to increased pay like other workers.

According to the media release this is deemed necessary, at least, to allow workers the opportunity to maintain their purchasing power in conditions of rising costs of essential goods.

“Sugar workers were aghast when they were informed last Friday by their colleagues who are members of the union’s negotiating team that the Corporation adamantly held on to a quantity of 85,000 tonnes sugar for a day’s pay as API. This is a vast difference from the union’s amended claim of 37,000 tonnes sugar for a day’s pay which was the average over the last four years. Last year for instance, the API payment was 4.5 days’ pay on the production of 216,242 tonnes of sugar,” the statement said.

GAWU also contended that if the sugar industry attains its production target of 227,000 tonnes sugar, then workers should earn as API approximately 6.13

days’ pay but GuySuCo is only offering 2.6 days’ pay.

It was also reminded that between 1989 and 2013, the lowest incentive was five days pay while the

says the union.

GAWU maintains that the Agreement existing between Union and Corporation, is breached by the Corporation, driving un-

Senior Counsel Ashton Chase wrote to the Corporation citing the Agreement and the TURA with a view to getting a commitment from the

highest was 23.5.

In one instance production was recorded to be below 130,000 tonnes sugar.

Meanwhile, regarding the wage negotiations, GuySuCo continues to blatantly breach the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA) which requires the process of Collective Bargaining to take place,

easiness in the union and among the workers.

This publication was told the relevant clause of the Agreement requires the Corporation to begin to address the union’s claim no later than two weeks after its submission and to complete the negotiating process no later than two months.

“The Union’s Attorney

Corporation towards its engagement in Collective Bargaining with the Union. Counsel’s letter was not even acknowledged by GuySuCo. No increase in pay retroactive to January 01, 2015, at this time, and a token API payment for the increased production to some 227,000 tonnes signifies that an important segment of the

country’s hard-working labour force faces a grim and bleak Christmas made possible by the GuySuCo and the owners of the industry,” the Union’s media release also stated.

GAWU emphatically reiterated that sugar workers are resilient and what is denied and withheld from them will not be “ignored and surrendered” as they would “certainly contemplate further struggles.”

On Wednesday GuySuCo workers continued their protests over the Corporation’s API offer.

Striking sugar workers upped their demands, calling on GuySuCo to meet with them on their own turf.

Workers at the Albion Estate on Wednesday took to the streets in protest, stating that they will not return to work until they receive an officer from GuySuCo that is acceptable.

However they indicated reluctance to meet with management of the sugar company at a roundtable, demanding that management meet with them on the street. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Some of the workers on strike

APNU/AFC commences preparations for LGE

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition are making preparations for the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for March 2016.

A release from the coalition party stated that representatives from all ten administrative regions met at a regional leadership level in preparation for the local government elections scheduled for Friday 18 March 2016. In attendance also was Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities as well as Dawn Hastings, Minister within the Ministry of Communities.

Facilitating the training programme was Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally who dealt extensively with what the campaign structure is expected to be. Ally also discussed with participants requirements for the local government elections, such as selection of symbols, selection of candidates, support signatures, and other matters of importance to parties contesting the elections.

She also explained the legal framework, time lines and arrangements for the effective conduct of LGE.

Following the presentations, participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on the topics, with the session being chaired by Citizenship Minister Winston Felix.

In an invited comment, Minister Ally said this session was fully attended by representatives for all regions and by both the APNU and AFC: “The session was to ensure that participants are equipped with relevant knowledge for the upcoming local government elections.”

The A Partnership for National Unity also stated they are committed to the formation of a Government of National Unity to rid

Guyana of winner-takes-all politics: “APNU is dedicated to ensuring that our multiethnic and multi-cultural society will succeed through respect for the diversity, hard work, thrift and sacrifice of all our citizens.”

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan last Friday announced that the much anticipated Local Government Elections will be held on March 18, 2016.

LGE, which was last held in 1994, will be conducted across the country in every constituency.

Bulkan said this is an important time in Guyana’s history since government has declared that Guyanese will have the opportunity to democratically elect councillors to manage towns and neighbourhoods.

Bulkan said local governments are mandated by law to provide many essential services, such as improving living conditions, creat-

ing jobs in the various local areas, maintaining roads, bridges and other important infrastructures, garbage collection, cleaning of drains, promoting a healthy environment and encouraging citizen involvement in their communities.

The legislation governing local government organs was further strengthened following the local government reform process initiated in the aftermath of the 1997 General Elections and the ensuing menu of measures accompanying the Herdmanston Accord.

The five new pieces of legislation include the Local Authorities Amendment Act of 2009, the Municipal and District Council Amendment Act of 2013, the Fiscal Transfer Act of 2013, the Local Government Commission Act of 2013, and the Local Government Amendment Act 2015.

Over 400 Cane Grove residents benefit from FFTP donations

Rodney: On organising

There has been raised the issue of who is an “Indian intellectual”? This discussion has been going on for a while. In one formulation in 1998, and again in 2005, during the “Third Force Talks”, I pointed out that the answer can only be situated within our Guyanese reality and offered Walter Rodney’s 1970 riposte to the question of how we can organise. I was then writing A Levels.

Dr Rodney said, “Let us take the fact that, over the last decade, Indians and Africans in Guyana, have been at one another’s throats, for a variety of reasons, internal and external, and that there is a tremendous amount of ill-will and suspicion, on both sides; let us take that fact. Now some people deny this and talk about racial harmony, but it is not so. It may be submerged, but it is there; it has to be there: the system ensures that.

Over 400 residents of Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, were on Saturday last the recipients of a number of donations from Food For The Poor (FFTP), Guyana as the organisation continued its outreach programme for 2015.

The residents received a number of items including books, clothing, food items, and personal care items, among other essentials.

Bhagwandin Ramsarran, a beneficiary of the donations and Chairman of the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), expressed his gratitude to FFTP, saying “we’re expecting over 500 people to benefit from this great venture and we are very thankful. I want to thank Food For The Poor for entering into this venture of distribution of food so close to the Christmas season”.

Another resident expressed his appreciation to the organisation for the timely donations. “We want to extend our gratitude for Food For The Poor and what is being done. We are thankful for the donations and we are glad that they’re doing this in our community. It will enable us to do a lot more with our money. We have a lot of struggles and we look forward to more help,” the man stated.

Over the years, the organisation has been continuously donating essentials to underserved communities as well as constructing homes for the less fortunate.

But what can we do about it? I feel that there are at least two levels at which one must try to organise against the prevailing condition of racial antagonism. One must organise within the African community, within the Indian community, too, to build different forms of consciousness, different types of social bases, which will ultimately be the form of a new State, and simultaneously, one must begin to find effective revolutionary integrative mechanisms, both organisational and ideological, in terms of people, purely and simply, people, you know, as contributors to the new concept of group consciousness, group power, as for example, like putting six persons. Three Africans, three Indians, not just in form of a symbolic show (they have, of course, to be ideologically consistent and so on), but putting them in a meaningful, nationally-powerful position of leadership, and as a unit.

Now, you have at the second level, to begin to indicate what you would like the society to be like, what that unit should be about, because, if you organise separately, this may well be construed by each group as something exclusive and hostile. So, you have, at the same time, while doing that bringing together, which is historically necessary, to produce the integrative mechanisms, and act in the kind of fashion, and use the kind of language which makes it clear to the other group (let’s say the African and the Indian are the main groups) what the national aims are, what the country’s Socialism wants to achieve, in spite of race.

We have a number of other people, including the Amerindians, the original inhabitants of the country, who are the most neglected. Our integrative mechanisms must be organised to include that group…. As we move towards Socialism, we’ll also be, in the process, contributing to the total eradication of racism, in its most violent forms, a racism which has arisen through the slave trade, slavery, indenture, class and colonial oppression.

What we must try to understand (and this is a point I’m always trying to make very clearly) is that there is no contradiction between saying that, at this particular point in time, a man needs to assert his given identity, so that, at another point in time, he won’t need to assert it. It would be taken for granted, the whole business of identity, because people will respect that fact, in the changed society, where race will have no marks of identification, whatsoever, on which anybody can lead for support, or for whatever.

But it is a respect which no group has, at the moment, in the present system, in Guyana. And I think that within our community of Guyana, different ethnic groups need to assert their identity, need to put themselves together, to pull themselves together, and when they have and when they can operate on the basis of mutual respect, which they are not now doing, now, then I think the way will be clear for building a new society, a society of a mixed unit through Socialism. But, first, the various groups must be built up, made conscious of their own potential, their own dignity, their own power, as Guyanese.”

I asked, “How much has since changed from 1970, 1988 or 1998 or 2005??

And today, in 2015, I ask the same question.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

Abattoirs’ performance exceedingly high, despite challenges

Deonarine Arjune

“In spite of the challenges, the Municipal Abattoir continues to perform at an exceedingly high standard, ensuring safe and wholesome meat reaches the consumers” said Chief Meat & Food Inspector Deonarine Arjune when he was asked to report on the status of the Municipal Abattoir by the Georgetown City Council.

Council at its statutory meeting lamented on the state of the Municipal Abattoir but Arjune said the Abattoir needs urgent repairs to the floor and hot water chambers. He further stated that the manner in which animals are slaughtered is archaic. Arjune said the Abattoir needs to use a captive bolt pistol or stun gun in the process of slaughtering, which is more civilised, and in line with modern trends.

Arjune further stated that the Abattoir has certi-

fied meat and food inspectors who work beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and health of consumers are preserved. He stated that although the Abattoir has its challenges it is in a better condition than similar facilities in the country.

Councillor Ranwell Jordan mentioned: “Council could not be certain of the wholesomeness of meat coming into the city, therefore the Council should ensure urgent repairs are executed to the facility in time for the Holidays”.

Town Clerk Royston King assured Council that works would commence at the facility before the festive season and a stun gun would be purchased.

During October 2015, 628 animals were slaughtered at the Municipal Abattoir. 326 originated from Berbice, 197 from Demerara, and 105 from Essequibo.

The Municipal Abattoir condemned and disposed of a carcass for generalised Tuberculosis and two four quarters for localised Tuberculosis.

The Council is urging citizens even as they purchase meat for the festive season, to be watchful and alert, ensuring they purchase meat that has been inspected and certified as fit for human consumption.

UG commends staff, students for ‘heroic’ actions during fire –

classes recommence, in full swing

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

Classes have resumed as per normal at the University of Guyana (UG) as investigations are still on-going into the cause of the fire which destroyed two buildings in the Natural Sciences Faculty on Tuesday evening.

Vice Chancellor (ag), Dr Barbara Reynolds in an email to students on Wednesday commended the work of both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in ensuring that the blaze was contained and preventing further damage to the educational institute.

She also stated that there were a number of students, staff and Council members who exercised “true community spirit” on the night of the incident through the repeated phone calls to report the blaze and offer support to evacuate the campus.

“I would like to personally commend… the cleaning staff and security personnel who maintained their post; and particularly the heroic efforts of faculty and students to rescue documents and equipment. Our Safety and Security Advisor immediately initiated clearance of nonessential personnel from campus. The Fire Service, with four engines, quickly contained and then extinguished the fire, the GFS

and Police are conducting routine investigations,” she said.

According to the Vice Chancellor (ag), the administration of the UG is also extremely grateful that no one was hurt on Tuesday evening and assured that the relevant authorities are currently in the process of determining the extent of material damage and loss.

She further stated that as of Wednesday, the campus is secure and all buildings are safe to access with the exception of the site of the fire which has been cordoned off by the Police.

“To aid us in understanding as quickly as possible what happened, anyone who was in the immediate environs of the fire yesterday afternoon are asked to contact the Police and/or Fire Service personnel who have set up an office in the Faculty of Natural Sciences Conference Room… In the coming days and weeks, we shall seek to understand and therefore minimise the likelihood of a similar outbreak, and to build back better what we have lost,” the woman said.

Meanwhile, according to the Vice Chancellor (ag) in light of the fire taking

place during class hours where many students were subjected to emotional trauma, UG has put in place the opportunity for those affected to obtain ‘help’.

“We know experiencing a fire at close quarters can be a traumatic experience. We are therefore securing support for any student or staff member who wishes to debrief with a professional. Students should contact the Registrar; staff members should contact the Personnel Office, attention Ms Mona Roopsind,” the email added.

On Tuesday evening, pandemonium broke out at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen campus, as hundreds of students rushed out of the campus after fire engulfed the two buildings.

A staff member of the Natural Sciences faculty who was on campus grounds told Guyana Times that the gutted buildings formerly housed some lecturers but presently due to on-going renovations, the teachers were relocated.

However, though it was unused by the teaching staff, a number of them had stored teaching material and documents in the wooden structure.

“They are accommodating or facilitating the storage of books and things like that… that building is also a staff building but everybody, most of the people have vacated the offices, but the rooms are being used for storage… There are desks and chairs and lecturers’ materials that have gone up in flames,” he said.

Guyana Time was further told that whatever was salvaged from the fire would now be destroyed since the materials would have been drenched with water which was used to douse the flames and embers.

With regard to upcoming examinations, students from the Natural Sciences Department would have to sit those examinations next week.

“These are not classrooms so it won’t affect the finishing of the semester and it would not affect the exam locations. What it will affect is the people who have for years saved stuff and things like that. Most of the lecturers would have carried home some of their stuff that they are using to teach presently,” the lecturer said. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

28 graduate from Texila American University

Amid pomp and ceremony, twenty doctors of medicine, seven dentistry surgeons and one nurse graduated from the Texila American University on Wednesday evening at the Princess International Hotel, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Chinedu Joseph Asigebu of Nigeria was crowned the best graduating student while George Scaria of Indian National was the second best graduating student.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who delivered the feature address during the ceremony, congratulated the class of 2015. He underscored the importance of human development towards

Neonatal deaths

Berbice

Anation building and on that noted, encouraged the graduating class to stay and develop Guyana.

Texila American University (TAU), one of the best Caribbean Medical Schools is located in Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America. TAU offers Health Science programs with a high level of professionalism and exactness.

The American Texila University is recognised by the National Accreditation Council, the World Health Organisation, the Medical Council of India, the International Association for Dental Research, Global Alliance for Medical Education, the

International Association for Medical Education, the Swiss Association of Pharmaceutical Professionals and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, among several others.

Some of the programmes offered by the university include the Doctor of Medicine Programme (MD) (four years for students with 90 college level credits), the Pre-med Programme + MD Programmes (in a total of 5.5 years for high school graduates), the Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (four years) and the RN-BSN (two years) Advanced Standing Nursing Programmes.

Wanted bulletin issued for driver in Mahaicony fatal accident

Investigators have issued a wanted bullet for a Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, man in relation to a fatal accident which claimed the life of a 45-year-old mother of seven about three weeks ago.

Altab Bacchus of Lot 29, Block 3, Craig Mill, Cove and John, is wanted for questioning in relation to the 7 November accident, which occurred at Mahaicony Public Road, ECD, resulting in the death of Irene Ramsay of Perth Village, Mahaicony.

The police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Altab Bacchus to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 229-2702, 227-2272, 229-2600, 911 or the nearest police station. The police advise that all information will be treated with strict confidence.

Bacchus has been evading law enforcement officers since the accident. According

Wanted: Altab Bacchus

to reports, Bacchus was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident and allegedly promised to turn himself in to police shortly after the accident with his lawyer, but never did.

He reportedly claimed he was not aware someone had died in the accident and had he known, he would have rendered assistance. This

newspaper understands the man had told relatives he could not recall what took place on the night of the accident.

Based on reports, Bacchus lost control of the car, thus causing the death of Ramsay. Several other persons were also injured as a result of the accident.

It was reported that the now dead woman and several church members were heading home from church after partaking in a birthday celebration when the accident occurred. They were picked up and taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where Ramsay was pronounced dead on arrival. Once he surrenders, Bacchus will be slapped with several charges including causing death by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to render assistance and failing to turn himself in to law enforcement officers.

mother joins other families in suing public hospitals

twenty-two-yearold Berbice mother joined the bandwagon of other mothers who are in the process of filing lawsuits against public health institutions across the country, over the deaths of their newborn babies.

Lisa Garbarran, of Lot 18 Philippi Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will be suing the New Amsterdam Public Hospital over the death of her one-week-old baby girl who died on April 22.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the mother explained that she finally decided to sue to Hospital after realising that no progress was being made in receiving compensation since the death of her baby seven months ago.

“Since baby died, we were talking with the hospital trying to work out something but nothing aint happening, so I decided to do this,” Garbarran told this newspaper.

Garbarran is claiming that negligence of the institution’s staff and the lack of resources were the reasons why her baby girl died.

Garbarran explained that her baby was born at her countryside home on April 15 and was subsequently taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

“The baby born home around 7:00pm… whole day, I keep getting a slight pain but it was not a pain like to go to the hospital. Then later in the afternoon, the start

feeling this thing (pain) more and I told my mummy that I will go to the hospital,” Garbarran related.

Before departing, the young lady took a trip to the washroom where the pain intensified. It was then she realised that the baby was ready to be delivered. The family immediately summoned a midwife who lived nearby and the baby was delivered at the house.

“So afterwards, we took the baby to the hospital,” she stated, noting that they arrived around 20:30h.

At the Hospital, Garbarran recounted that her baby needed oxygen; however, the hospital staff took a substantial amount of time before her newborn could receive the much needed substance.

“They said the baby had to get oxygen however there was no oxygen in the hospital because the lab had an infection and they had to close it down…They keep the baby in an incubator and they eventually found oxygen for the baby from the storeroom,” the mother stated.

Two days later, Garbarran said when she went to visit her baby in the labour room; the little girl was completely blue while the oxygen bag was hooked up on another infant.

“So when I see they remove the oxygen and my baby was blue, blue… I went and looked for the nurses but they were with another patient so I had to look for a doctor because I couldn’t

find the doctor who was looking after my baby,” she related.

According to the mother, her initial doctor had stepped out of the hospital for a while. “So when the other doctor came, the doctor had to call the other one on the telephone to figure out what treatments the baby is on and what to do,” Garbarran stated, noting that eventually, the oxygen bag was returned to the baby.

Later in the afternoon, the mother said she inquired from the staff about her baby’s health, to which they replied that the infant was “okay”.

Then around 19:00h, Garbarran said the doctors reported that her baby’s situation had gotten worse and that they were transferring the infant to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“But they did not have an ambulance... so we had to wait until an ambulance come from Port Mourant,” she said.

When the ambulance arrived around 20:30h, the baby was transferred from the incubator to the ambulance however; no doctor

was available to travel to Georgetown with the infant.

The mother alleged that the doctor on duty at the time refused to go to Georgetown. “She say that she nah able go Georgetown now,” Garbarran stated.

“So now they don’t have any doctor, the baby was without oxygen and was in the cold in the ambulance,”

Two days after fire destroyed the University of Guyana’s (UG) National Sciences Faculty, another major disaster was averted at the Turkenyen Campus, Greater Georgetown, when a small fire was ignited.

According to reports at around 20:00h on Thursday, the Guyana Fire Service received reports of a fire, believed to be of electrical origin, at another building in the compound. The fire was started at an area that is currently under construction.

At the scene, firefighters and the police cordoned off the area, preventing any

the mother pointed out.

After much delay, Garbarran said the doctor eventually called out a trainee nurse from home to go with the baby to Georgetown. Then when they were ready to depart the New Amsterdam Hospital around 21:00h, they realised that the baby was in desperate need of oxygen, which they did not have.

“So the driver of the ambulance said he has half bottle oxygen from Port Mourant Hospital and that what was used,” she stated.

But the delay did not end there.

“When we about to leave, somebody came into the hospital with his head chopped in half and he needed to

use an ambulance to go to Georgetown and he needed oxygen,” the mother exasperatedly stated.

After much bickering, the ambulance finally left the Hospital. Halfway through the journey, the mother claimed that the oxygen was consumed and the nurse had to summon the Georgetown Hospital to be on standby with oxygen.

“When we arrived, the doctors at Georgetown told me that it’s too late, that New Amsterdam delayed too much with the baby and how she lungs too weak now,” the mother alleged. Her baby died one week later.

access to the scene of the fire. However, this newspaper understands that the blaze was contained without any major damages. An investigation is expected to be launched into Thursday’s fire. This fire occurred even as the Guyana Fire Service are still investigating the cause of Tuesday’s huge blaze that left the entire faculty destroyed.

The New Amsterdam Public Hospital

The fire that occurred on Tuesday

Russia plans sanctions against Turkey over jet downing

Russia is preparing wide-ranging economic sanctions against Turkey after Turkey downed one of its military jets on the border with Syria.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the measures would be drafted within days, and could hit joint investment plans.

Also on Thursday, Russia’s military suspended all communication channels with the Turkish military, including a “hot line” to help avoid air accidents.

Turkey says the plane violated its airspace – charges Russia denies.

Russia has sent troops and aircraft to Syria to back up the Syrian Government of Bashar al-Assad in the civil war.

Turkey has been strongly critical of Assad since the war began in 2011.

Tensions between Turkey and Russia have risen sharply. The United States, the European Union and the United Nations have appealed for calm.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met his French counterpart Francois Hollande on Thursday and pledged Russia’s support for a grand coalition in the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group.

IS controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq and claimed the attacks in Paris earlier this month.

Turkey and Russia have important economic links. Russia is Turkey’s second largest trading partner, while Turkey is the biggest foreign destination for Russian tourists.

Medvedev said: “The Government has been instructed to work out a system of economic and humanitarian measures in reaction to this act of aggression.”

He said the focus would be on “the introduction of bans and restrictions with respect to the activities of Turkish economic structures on Russian territory” such as “shipments of goods including food” and “on works and services provided by Turkish companies”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pope Francis warns Africa on illegal ivory and diamonds trade

Pope Francis says that the illegal trade in ivory and diamonds fuels conflict and could destroy Africa’s environment.

Speaking on the second day of his visit to Kenya, the Pope linked trafficking to “organised crime and terrorism”.

He also warned world leaders not to pursue their own countries’ interests in the current climate negotiations.

The Pope earlier addressed a Mass in Nairobi where he urged people to create a “just” and “inclusive” society.

He turned his attention to environmental issues when he was talking at the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme in the Kenyan capital.

In his fourth speech of the day, the pontiff said that “Africa offers the world a beauty and natural rich-

ness” which inspired people to praise God.

But that was being threatened, he said, as people’s poverty was being exploited to push them into the illegal trade of diamonds, rare metals, timber and ivory.

He also had a hard-hitting message ahead of next week’s climate talks in Paris, saying it would be “catastrophic” if the needs of poorer nations were ignored.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Stranded migrants try to storm into Macedonia, tear down fence

Hundreds of Moroccans, Algerians and Pakistanis tried to storm the border between Greece and Macedonia on Thursday, tearing down part of the barbed wire fence at the

crossing and demanding to be allowed to carry on into northern Europe. They were among about 1500 migrants who have been stranded near Greece’s northern border town of Idomeni after Europe decided to fil-

Around the world

Venezuelan Opposition Leader shot dead during campaign event

AVenezuelan Opposition Leader was shot dead during a campaign event, political leaders said Thursday, raising tensions ahead of a legislative vote that could weaken the major oil producer’s socialist Government.

An attacker shot Luis Manuel Diaz on Wednesday evening at an event also attended by Lilian Tintori, the wife of a jailed Opposition Leader and a high-profile critic of President Nicolás Maduro, the official said.

“As the rally with Lilian finished, we heard shooting... We saw Luis fall to the ground bleeding,” a regional leader of the Justice First Opposition party, Abrahan Fernandez, told AFP.

Another political ally of the victim, the Chairman of the Democratic Action party Henry Ramos Allup, said on Twitter that Diaz was shot at short range near the stage where he had made an appearance.

He said Tintori took refuge with security guards in a nearby shop.

Polls have indicated Maduro’s Government could lose its majority in the national assembly in the December 6 vote, potentially weakening the president’s grip on power.

That has raised fears of unrest in the Latin American nation of 30 million people, already wracked by violence and an economic crisis with many families short of basic supplies. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

Family traumatised as vehicle slams into home in T&T

ANational Security Ministry vehicle slammed into a house in Bristol Village, Mayaro, on Thursday morning, causing major infrastructural damage. The house was home to a family of five.

Around 18:45h, a Toyota Hilux, which was heading East along the Naparima/ Mayaro Road, began to swerve out of control.

The vehicle ran off the road, skated through the yard of a private resident, and slammed into a house next door. It hit the side of the house breaking down the walls. It eventually stopped inside the living room.

Catherine Mohammed, a mother of three, is now demanding that the National security Ministry swiftly compensate her for the damages to her home. Mohammed said she and her children were “very traumatised” by

the event but she was thankful that none of them was injured.

Aside from the driver, whose identity was not divulged, there were four NESC students in the vehicle. No one was hospitalised. (Trinidad Guardian)

ter migrants, allowing only those fleeing conflict in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq to cross into the Balkans.

Some threw stones at Police while others fell to their knees shouting, “We want to go to Germany!”

A few ran across into Macedonia but were quickly detained by Police. Police in riot gear guarded a gap where migrants had torn down about 30-40 metres of fence, and a Reuters photographer saw riot Police armed with assault rifles.

More than 800,000 refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Africa and Asia have arrived in Europe by sea so far this year, most through the Greek islands, seeking a better life in wealthier European countries such as Germany. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia is preparing wide-ranging economic sanctions [Reuters]

Migrants confront Macedonian Police Officers after trying to cross the border from Greece into Macedonia, near Gevgelija, Macedonia, November 26

Venezuela’s Opposition has been hoping to capitalise on the unpopularity of Nicolás Maduro, pictured in poster, to win control of the National Assembly in the December 6 polls

2 killed, 1 critical in Coverden smash-up

Two persons are now dead and another critical after the vehicle in which they were travelling smashed into a filled sand truck on Thursday at Coverden, East Bank Demerara.

Dead are George Madhulall, 72, a Canadianbased Guyanese, and 49-year-old Rohini Durga of Lot 337 Block X Section A, Diamond New Scheme, EBD, while her husband George Durga, 62, is hospitalised in a critical condition.

The accident occurred just before 10:00h in the vicinity of the Prairie International Hotel.

Guyana Times understands that the couple was heading to Timehri to drop their guest at his relatives, when the Toyota Spacio car, bearing registration number PPP2513, slammed headon into the truck which was travelling in the opposite direction.

The vehicle was pinned under the truck, GRR 7651, and Madhulall in the front

on into the truck and just fit right under it,” he disclosed.

When this newspaper arrived at the scene, the bodies were already removed. However, persons at the scene related that it appears as though the driver of the car fell asleep or had lost control of the vehicle, since it was seen swerving in and out of its lane.

According to an eyewitness, she recalled hearing a loud ‘crash’ sound and upon investigating saw the car

passenger seat, died on impact. Durga was sitting in the backseat and her body reportedly sustained severe damages. This newspaper was told the woman was alive after the collision but died when the car was pulled from under the truck.

Meanwhile, her husband who was driving survived the impact. He was pulled from the wreckage and immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors said his condition was critical.

At the scene, the traumatised truck driver briefly recounted to Guyana Times what transpired. He recalled that on his way to Georgetown, he saw the car heading in his direction and at the time there were no vehicles in front of him or the car.

“The car just come over on my lane and just head straight into the truck. I was blowing my horn really loud on him, I even almost deadstop, and he still came head-

truck and sometime after, it was removed.

Meanwhile, at the home of the dead woman’s sister, the family gathered as close friends and relatives poured in to offer condolences. The sister, Nanda Persaud, said her mother who recently came into the country, informed her about the accident.

“One of we neighbour was passing same time and see the accident and call my mother, so come she call me. But when we reach there we didn’t see anything, the police just tell we that the female and the male in the front seat passed away and that we need to go to the hospital,” Persaud related.

She explained that whenever Madhulall came in the country, he would stay with the Durgas and on Thursday morning, the couple were taking him to Timehri to attend a relative’s religious function when the accident occurred.

Durga leaves to mourn her three children, husband, six siblings and elderly parents. Mahulall who came to Guyana for a court case and was schedule to stay for the Christmas holiday, has nine children, all whom are overseas.

Man dismembered in horrific West Coast Berbice accident

Police are investigating the circumstances which led to the death of a West Berbice labourer on Thursday afternoon at Rising Sun Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

Dead is Shermon Harper, 41, of Lot 11 Seafield Village, WCB. He sustained a severed hand and leg, along with broken ribs and other bodily injuries.

While details of the incident are sketchy, Commander of B Division (Berbice), Assistant Commissioner Christopher Griffith told Guyana Times that the driver of the car – Davendra Singh of Rose Hall, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) –has been arrested and is in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

According to the Commander, the driver was

tested and found to have zero alcohol in his system. Nevertheless, Griffith related to this newspaper that initial reports suggest Harper was crossing the road when the accident occurred.

However, the dead man’s stepdaughter, Keisha Moore, told this publication that shortly after 13:00h, she received a telephone call informing her of the accident. She said she went to the neighbouring village, where she saw Harper lying on the road with an arm and leg missing. “When I went there, the Police were already there and they said they are investigating,” Moore related.

The woman further explained that a part of one of Harper’s hands was left in the car which was parked some distance away from the body. Another relative, Samuel Daniels,

told Guyana Times that when the family arrived at the scene of the accident, Harper’s covered body was lying on the road. He noted that the man’s leg was across the road from where his body was lying. The relative said the man was riding home from his boss’s house, where they were celebrating someone’s birthday. It was unclear whether Harper was intoxicated at the time of the accident. There were no witnesses to the accident.

Reports are that the labourer, who is differently able and has a hearing impediment, was pushing a bicycle alongside a boy, when the boy ran to safety leaving him in the path of the oncoming car. This publication understands that the driver of the car was allegedly speeding at the time but this information is yet to be confirmed.

Windsor Forest man feared dead after truck topples

A27-year-old man is believed to be dead after the truck he was travelling in toppled on a trail along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Up to press time, information about the accident remained sketchy, but Guyana Times was told on Thursday that Ravi Persaud, a logger of Seven Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, may have lost his life in the accident.

According to reports, Persaud’s father has a logging site on the highway and he was returning home from there when the accident occured. It is believed

that he was pinned in the truck while one of the porters travelling in the lorry is missing.

This newspaper was told that sometime around 11:00h on Thursday, Persaud’s family received a call informing them that he was in a serious accident and died. The man’s father immediately left to go into the trail to confirm whether his son was indeed killed. It is said to be a 12-hour journey to get to the location. A relative told Guyana Times on Thursday evening that they are unsure whether Persaud was indeed killed in the accident since he had his workers with him. He noted, that up to the time he spoke with this publication, they had not heard any news from Persaud’s father.

Pizza Hut returns to Guyana under new franchise holder

pinned under the truck. The woman noted that by the time she came outside, persons were already rushing to the vehicles while those passing stopped to render assistance.

“People start building up trying to get the victims out but they were pinned down but then they try, try till they get out the driver cause he was alive and when the police come, they take he to the hospital,” the eyewitness recalled.

She added that Fire Service later arrived and moved the car from the truck’s clutch: “When they pull out the car, the whole front fold in and the man in the front seat pinned down. The woman in the back, her head was down between the seats, like it got stuck there or something.”

About an hour later, the wrecked car was removed from the scene but the truck could not move. However, repairs were done to the

Pizza Hut is set to reopen its doors in Guyana on Wednesday under its new franchise holders, the Corum Group. The Corum Group includes Gravity Lounge, Marble Slab creamery and the distribution of Maybelline, Revlon and Loreal products.

The franchise was closed in October 2014 reportedly due to the failure of the then franchise holder Deonarine Singh, to maintain the requisite standards.

In a meeting with the press, Director of Marketing for Pizza Hut Guyana Navin Singh revealed that the Group is aiming to open six branches within the next three years, adding that two will be opened before the end of 2015. He related that on Wednesday, the first store will be opening its doors on Regent and Camp Streets while the second one is expected to be located at Stabroek Square.

It was also disclosed that Pizza Hut’s franchise and the Coca-Cola Company have entered into an agreement whereby Coca-Cola products will be used at all locations. It was also revealed that under this franchise holder, the stores will be selling pizza by the slice, to cater to the needs of all their customers.

The stores are expected to feature an extensive menu which includes thin crust, stuffed crust, pasta bowls, bread sticks, cheesy stick, cinnamon sticks, brownies and Hershey dunkers. It is also anticipated that in 2016 they will be introducing the Wing Street Line to the menu.

Singh stated that the franchise will see over 350 people employed over the course of time, with the employees providing excellent customer service. He revealed that persons have already

been hired and are undergoing rigorous training. He also said that in order to be employed by the Group, interested persons must possess a friendly personality, as good customer service is important to the company.

Franchise Coach Carlos Martinez stated they are very excited to return to Guyana, adding that monthly inspections will be carried out to ensure the franchise holders are maintaining the service and health standards set by the franchiser.

Marketing Director of the Corum Group Padma Beharry; Franchise Coach Carlos Martinez; Director of Marketing for Pizza Hut Guyana Navin Singh and Banks DIH Marketing Executive Carlton Joao

Dead: Rohini Durga Dead: George Madhulall

Firefighters removing the bodies from the wreckage in Thursday’s collision at Coverden, EBD

Feared dead, Ravi Persaud

We have seen her in Indian movies and for the first time in Guyana, her fans will have the opportunity to see her in person. Yes, we are talking about the talented, beautiful and mesmerising Preity Zinta.

The Bollywood actress will be heading a team of actors and actresses from India for an evening titled ‘Night of the Stars” which is billed for the Giftland OfficeMax Mall, Pattensen, Greater Georgetown on December 5.

Known for her roles in hit movies such as Kya Kehna, Soldier, Mission Kashmir, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho and many others, she is bound to leave her fans satisfied after her performance.

Joining Zinta will be Dhoom Machaao Dhoom’s actress Sriti Jha, who also appeared in several television shows including Jiya Jale, Shaurya Aur Suhani, Dil Se Di Dua Saubhagyavati Bhava and Balika Vadhu. Also performing at the show will be Gurmeet

Choudhary, an Indian television actor, model and dancer. He played the role of business magnate “Maan Singh Khurana” in Geet –Hui Sabse Parayi. He had played a lead role in the show Punar Vivah as “Yash Sindhia”.

In addition to the high quality cast is Shakti Mohan who is a contemporary dancer from India. She was the winner of Zee TV’s dance reality show Dance India Dance season 2.

Shabbir Ahluwalia who

The participants have started to arrive and are ready to tantalise the taste buds of the judges and patrons, as they vie to be the best duck curry chef in the Caribbean, at the 15th annual King’s Duck Curry Competition.

The event is set for Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The participating teams are drawn from Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, the US, and for the first time, a team from Barbados.

They have all promised to bring their A-Game at the cook-off which will see over one million in cash and prizes up for grabs.

However, a massive Trinidadian posse of over 100 persons will be a part of the evening that is expected to be aired LIVE on Win Radio, Trinidad. And in even better news for duck curry lovers, this year, there will be duck curry on sale.

Persons wishing to participate in the competition must bring a minimum of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of duck meat. All participants are allowed to clean and cut their ducks at home, but the meat must be marinated and cooked at the venue. Participants must also bring their cooking utensils and ingredients. A readyto-use stove will be provided by the promoters.

Apart from the cookoff, there will be entertainment galore. There will be performances by Chutney King Rikki Jai; Guyana’s Baboo Terry Gajraj; Trinidad and Tobago’s versatile band Karma and the best in Guyana, the Shakti String Orchestra.

The King’s Jewellery World Duck Curry Competition would not be possible without the generous corporate support of Banks DIH, Digicel, Guyana Lottery Company, Maggi, Caribbean Airlines, Cloud 9, the Tourism Ministry, Impressions, E-Networks, and Massy among others.

Admission to the event is absolutely free. Action starts at 14:00h.

is a television actor, best known for his roles as “Rishi Garewal” in the soap opera Kahiin to Hoga and “Milind Mishra” in the serial Kayamath. He made his debut in Bollywood with his rolle in the movie Shootout at Lokhandwala.

Finally, finishing off the cast will be Shibani Kashyap, an India singer, who is actively working in the Bollywood film industry.

Some of her songs are very popular, such as “Sajna Aaa Bhi Ja” from the movie

Waisa Bhi Hota Hai

She was also the hostess a singer hunt show named Bathroom Singer.

General admission tickets cost $4000 while the VIP tickets cost $10,000. Georgetown tickets are available at the Giftland Mall, Survival Supermarket, Essential Care Pharmacy, Bhagwan’s; Dilip Variety Store and M&M Snackette, Demerara Harbour Bridge.

For those in Berbice, tickets can be uplifted at Nand Persaud (Corriverton),

Imran and Sons, Hamid’s, J’s Supermarket, and A Ally and Sons.

Tickets on the West Coast are available at R Mohan, Vreed-En-hoop and R Tularam. Essequibians can purchase their tickets at Jaigobin and Bulkan, Parika Junction. The show is promoted by NEXGEN Global Promotions and Stars Entertainment.

– Part II.

Preity Zinta Sriti Jha

Gurmeet Choudhary Shakti Mohan Shabbir Ahluwalia Shibani Kashyap

The Xtra brand of products is set to add a new beverage to their brand, with the introduction of Xtra Beer. This new beer will join Xtra Orange Juice and Xtra Energy Drink; both already available on the market.

The introduction of this new beverage will be done at the “Xtra Beer Launch Beach Party” set for Hits and Jams Water World,

Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Saturday, November 28.

The beach party will feature top Caribbean performers, such as Olatunji, I-Octane, Demarco, Patrice Roberts and Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo.

Persons can take full advantage of the ongoing ticket deal, which states that after a purchase of six Xtra products, you get a ticket FREE.

The ticket locations are Roger Phillips Beverages Depot in Stabroek Market, Georgetown; Nicola’s Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Tajoe’s Bar in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara; Penny’s Beer Garden in Mocha Arcadia, Ease Bank Demerara (EBD); Patsy’s Bar, Soesdyke Junction, EBD; Chiree’s Bar, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD);

Sweet Point, Orange Walk, Georgetown; Stephan’s Bar, Leopold Street, Georgetown; Frontline Bar, Orange Walk, Georgetown; Candy Shop, New Amsterdam; Yam’s Liquor Store; Triple A General Store; Teo’s Bar, Plaisance, ECD; Nigel’s Supermarket and White Castle Fish Shop.

However, early birds tickets are now available for $2000 while patrons will be charged more at the gate.

HJ Water World will be opened from 16:00h sharp for performances. All Xtra products – Xtra Orange Juice, Xtra Energy Drink and Xtra Beer will be on sale all night long.

Please be advised that all food, firearms and sharp objects are strictly prohibited from entering HJ Water World.

With every intention of making the 2016 Mr Guyana International pageant a resounding success, local franchise holder Paul Burnette is staging a lavish launch of the event on Saturday evening at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Road, Georgetown.

The actual pageant will be staged on April 30, 2016, at a venue to be announced later. There, six of Guyana’s talented young designers and veteran designer Paul Burnette, will also unveil their ‘Men’s Collection’ for 2015-2016.

The launch will take the form of a fashion show and cocktail reception, and patrons will be given the opportunity to meet with the contestants after they are introduced to the public and sashed.

Contestants will also be competing in their first leg of the competition, this being the runway challenge and national costume competition.

There will be special performances by young male and female Guyanese artistes, both in the spoken word and song, and the reigning Mr Guyana International, Paul Charles, has declared that he has a special surprise for patrons.

Burnette has shifted the hosting date to April 30, 2016 so as to give promoters enough time to coordinate better and secure the kind of prizes they hope to achieve for the winner. The contestants for the 2016 competition are Delon Grandison, Kefia Smith, Satesh Jagdeo, last year’s finalist Stowell Bentham, Raphael October, Jade Huggins, Alex Jones, Javone Vickorie, and winner of the West Demerara PYARG Pageant Meshak Howard. Interested persons can call Paul Burnette on telephone numbers 687-8000 or 682-8919 for more information.

Outshining six other delegates, 10-yearold Angelina De Jonge, a Grade Five pupil, was on Saturday evening last crowned Miss CV Nunes Primary School.

De Jonge also won the intelligence segment after she brilliantly answered the question “What sets you apart from the other girls that are competing in the pageant?”

The brave little lady impressed the judges when she stated that it was her perseverance, her passion and her talent that made her determined in pursuing her desire to enter the pageant, as well as to use her time as Queen to promote her school to the best of her ability.

Yasmatta Lall was adjudged 1st runnerup, while Nelesa Mahadeo was given the 2nd runner-up spot. The other delegates who competed in the pageant were Alena Khan, Kelesa Bholo and Teana Brathwaite.

The delegates were selected from Grade Five classes and participated in the talent, intelligent and evening wear segments.

The newly crowned queen received an electronic device, gift sets and a bouquet while others also received gifts and bouquets, compliments of the business community.

The pageant is an annual feature which is held as a fundraising activity. The objective of the pageant is to build the children’s self-confidence and skills.

Patrice Roberts Olatunji I-Octane Demarco

Reigning Mr Guyana International Paul Charles

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will host Kala Utsav, its annual festival of arts on Sunday, November 29 at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, beginning at 10:00h.

The Utsav will see more than 200 young people under the age of 25 participating in a friendly competition in the categories of Ramayan chanting, male and female singing, duet singing, classical dance, folk dance and Kirtan.

Kala Utsav, which was introduced by the Sabha more than 20 years ago, was conceived as an innovative way to propagate and preserve the Indian art forms.

Its intention is to motivate young people to continue the traditions of their foreparents and to achieve excellence in the various art forms, while

simultaneously building talent bases in the various regions.

It is a launch pad for talented youths across the country and allows for talent to be discovered for future development. Trophies, certificates and cash incentives are given to all participants to encourage them.

Prior to the final Utsav, each of the Sabha’s Praants hold preliminary Utsavs in their communities to pick the best to represent them at the final.

Participants will come from Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, East Berbice, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Coast Demerara and Essequibo.

One of the highlights of the Utsav is the Ramayan chanting category with dramatic depiction. This is aimed at promoting elements

Popular radio and television Broadcaster Feliz Robertson is GEM’s cover choice for its Christmas 2015 edition. Robertson is on the cover dressed in a close fitting yellow laced gown by designer Randy Madray. Her make-up was done by Lisa Calistro and the picture was taken exclusively for the magazine by Artistic Marketing Inc.

The well-known Robertson can be heard hosting a number of shows on the Boom radio station and in

numerous radio and television commercials. The candid interview of this vivacious beauty was conducted by contributor Macaela Cameron who used her experience and wit to get Robertson comfortable enough to discuss aspects of her that will make interesting reading.

In the 70th issue, GEM also releases its list of under 40 professionals for this year. This is the third consecutive year that the magazine has sought to recognise a group of career-driven individuals and

of the Ramleela tradition and last year saw many creative and excellent presentations in this category.

The Kirtan and folk dance segments have always been audience favourites and this year is expected to be no different, as large groups in these categories have been practicing dedicatedly to perform to their best. It is anticipated that some amazing new singing talent will be discovered on Sunday was well.

It is recalled that singers such as Purnash Durgaprasad, Vishalie Sukram, Artie Sookhai and Suchitra Rampersaud made their debuts at Kala Utsav.

All are invited to come and be a part of this special day with the Sabha. Admission is free. The Sabha wishes to express its thanks to Digicel and Pepsi for their generous support.

Furniture giant Courts extended the joy of the Christmas season to the mining town of Linden on Wednesday, with its annual road show and light-up.

Patrons who came out to shop at the company’s Republic Avenue, Mackenzie location were treated to exciting giveaways throughout the day, as 22 persons received their purchases absolutely free when they made purchases at $49,999 and over and got an opportunity to ‘spin the wheel’. Customers who shopped

Oentrepreneurs from a wide cross-section of backgrounds and industries. The class of 2015 includes 37 highly ambitious persons from the media, legal, medical, culinary arts, education, public relations, fitness and other professions.

As has become customary with GEM, the Christmas issue is packed with content that every Guyanese can relate to. From its special Christmas Wish List of Goodies, to an interview with Tourism Minister Kathy Hughes, to delicious recipes, a fashion launch, art exhibition, golf, an album release, music shows and many other interesting features and photos.

Launched in 2004, the two-time awardee, GEM continues to be a leader in glossy magazine production, with its high quality pictures and easy to read format. The publication transcends race, religion, politics and class to celebrate Guyanese at home and overseas.

For more exiting features and to find out who made the under 40 list of professionals this year, don’t forget to pick-up a copy of GEM when it hits leading newsstands shortly.

items $5000 and over were also eligible to enter for a chance to win $2 million. Other prizes were also up for grabs on the ‘spin the wheel’ segment.

In the evening, the Christmas cheer continued as scores of Lindeners braved the weather; many with umbrellas and other rain gear, to witness the excitement of the annual light-up outside of the Courts Linden branch location. Santa Claus put in his grand appearance along with his helpers, and a variety of Disney characters, along with SpongeBob and Dora, much to the amusement of the little ones who were also rewarded with gifts.

ne again, fans from the Westside are gearing up for the much anticipated Annual Parika Car and Bike Show which will kick off at the Parika Community Centre ground, East Bank Essequibo, tomorrow.

This time, the mega event which is being hosted by To-To Gas Station Sand and Stone Depot will see a much larger influx of vehicles entering the various categories, which will see winnings amounting to over $800,000 in cash and prizes.

Some of the big names slated for a fierce faceoff are Massive Team, Wolferine, Red Jet, A Team, Star Car, Hot Man, Hunter, Junior Sheriff and many others.

Both bikes, cars, vans and buses can compete in the Mini Extreme category, Open Extreme, Cleanest Sound, Cleanest Vehicle and the Bus With the Most Girls competitions.

This year, the event has also attracted a larger amount of sponsors, inclusive of To-To Gas Station, Bulk Motor Oil, Two

Also, there to put on a show in concert form were singing sensations Malika Boyd and Yoland Nedd, among other entertainers. Courts thanked its customers for remaining loyal throughout the year, while wishing them a joyful Christmas season and vowed to continue to provide excellent service in the years ahead.

Brothers Gas Station, Sonny’s Sawmill, Stag Beer, and Khan’s Construction. Also on the supporting end of things are R Ruben Sawmill, Benjie Stockyard and Tug and Barge Service, Big Shaw Cargo Boat Service, Pandit Auto Spares, Yaga Electrical Workshop and Pargoo General Store.

Rounding off the lot are Prakash General Store, and Mangal Lumber Yard.

Admission to this event is quite affordable!

Feliz Robertson

Linden 10/10

Play-offs and semifinals on Saturday

... West Coast Demerara teams set to invade Linden on Sunday

Semi-finals in the Linden 10/10, organised by the Linden Softball Cricket League in collaboration with the Guyana Softball League, will be completed this weekend for both the male and female categories.

Three teams – Spikeland Challengers XI, Bad Boys XI, and Kairuni will compete in the male category to meet Hillfoot Vipers in the final, while All-Star Conquerors, Sunrise and Aroaima will contest the female category.

The match line-ups will be decided on Saturday, November 28, at the Bayroc Ground. The male teams will contest their semi-finals and final on Saturday; the females will contest their semi-finals and final on Sunday.

The male teams are evenly matched and are expected to compete fiercely to become the champion of Linden. Spikeland Challengers possess a good all-round unit and have a good captain who leads by example in Dennis D’Amill.

Bad Boys may have the crowd in their corner as they have a mixture of some of the more experienced players in their line-up –players of the

calibre of Khaimraj Chand who incidentally is their skipper and possess a good head on his shoulders. Chand can also change the game with his aggressive batting and bowling.

The Kairuni boys are known for their flamboyant play and ability to upset their more experienced opponents and have shown that they enjoy the 10/10 version, as they have done really well. They can stake a claim as being the most comfortable team in this format. Their team are packed with all-rounders who can be relied upon to bat anywhere in the order. These very players can also be devastating with the ball and have displayed their acrobatic nature in creating pressure on their opponents in the field.

In the female category, Aroaima seem to have the edge and in Captain Angela Grimond they possess one of the most complete players. She has led her team thus far by her sheer weight of runs and accurate bowling. The other players, having recently taken on Wellwoman at the opening of the Mobile Wizard 10/10, will be confident of doing better than the rest,

thanks to that experience.

The All-Star Conquerors have been busy so far throughout the downtime leading up to this stage and will be hoping to get past their opponents.

The Sunrise Girls will be looking for revenge as they were stretched to their limit in the preliminary rounds on both occasions. They were ultimately successful against the All-Star Conquerors, but lost against the Aroaima girls.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, three teams – Wolf Warriors, Crossbreed XI and Brickery All Stars will be playing against three select Linden teams in a bid to bring the Lindeners on par with the other tournament leaders in the 10/10 format. These matches are part of the Guyana Softball League’s plans to ensure teams coming out of different areas are of similar quality. Wolf Warriors and Crossbreed XI are presently unbeaten in the Mobile Wizard 10/10 and the Brickery All Stars are having a good run so far as they have won their last two matches on the trot. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Pakistan v England, 1st T20, Dubai…

Billings and Plunkett inspire England win

England were vindicated in their decision to use an international match to experiment with team changes, after their fringe players powered them to a 14-run victory over Pakistan in Dubai.

England, mindful that they had only five T20I games to play before picking a squad for the World T20 in India, took the brave decision to omit Joe Root and Jos Buttler, both of whom can be considered automatic selections for that tournament, and instead give opportunities to James Vince, who made his T20I debut, and Sam Billings, who kept wicket for the first time in international cricket. There was also a recall for Liam Plunkett, who had not played a game on the tour and who played his only previous T20I in June 2006.

All three enjoyed fine games. And if Billings, who thrashed a 24-ball half-century, was probably the most impressive, Vince, with a classy 41 made in testing circumstances, and Plunkett, who bowled in excess of 90 mph in an impressively fiery spell, also did their chances of inclusion in that World T20 squad no harm at all.

This was an inexperienced England line-up. Only two men - Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan - had 10 or more T20I caps, so when they subsided to 19 for 3 after four overs, with all three wickets coming as the batsmen pushed at balls that may have gripped on a surface used for last week’s ODI, it seemed the absence of Root and Buttler might prove crucial.

But Vince, who timed the ball sweetly and looked far from overawed by the occasion, helped his captain add 76 in 10 overs for the fourth wicket, before Billings pressed the accelerator as England plundered 93 from the last 10 overs and 59 in the last five.

Vince was impressively calm amid the chaos. While he has played one ODI, he did not bat in it - it was the rain-ruined game in Ireland in May - so the manner in which he helped England rebuild while still engineering run-scoring opportunities hinted at a maturity and confidence that can serve England well.

He times the ball unusually sweetly, too. Wahab Riaz, having been pulled for four, was then driven through extra cover as Vince, taking a step back to give himself room, unfurled a flowing drive that may well become famil-

iar in international cricket. His sweep, played off seamers and spinners, is also productive as Imran Khan, powered for six over midwicket, and Shahid Afridi, who was placed for four through fine leg, discovered.

When Vince was beaten by a good slower ball from Wahab - the final ball in a marvellous over that cost only one run and saw Morgan beaten like a snare drum - England could have faltered, but instead they increased the tempo in a passage of play that effectively settled the game.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings 215

South Africa 1st innings

D Elgar b Ashwin 7

S van Zyl c Rahane b Ashwin 0

Imran Tahir b Jadeja 4

HM Amla* c Rahane b Ashwin 1

AB de Villiers c & b Jadeja 0

F du Plessis b Jadeja 10

JP Duminy lbw b Mishra 35

DJ Vilas† b Jadeja 1

SR Harmer b Ashwin 13

K Rabada not out 6

M Morkel c & b Ashwin 1

Extras (lb-1) 1

Total (all out; 33.1 overs) 79

Fall of wickets: 1-4 (van Zyl, 3.1 ov), 2-9 (Imran Tahir, 6.5 ov), 3-11 (Elgar, 9.5 ov), 4-12 (Amla, 11.1 ov), 5-12 (de Villiers, 12.3 ov), 6-35 (du Plessis, 16.6 ov), 7-47 (Vilas, 22.2 ov), 8-66 (Harmer, 27.2 ov), 9-76 (Duminy, 32.1 ov), 10-79 (Morkel, 33.1 ov)

Bowling: I Sharma 2-1-4-0, R Ashwin 16.1-6-32-5, RA Jadeja 12-3-33-4, A Mishra 3-0-9-1

India 2nd innings

M Vijay c Amla b Morkel 5

S Dhawan c †Vilas b Imran Tahir 39 CA Pujara b Duminy 31 V Kohli* c du Plessis b Imran Tahir 16 AM Rahane c Duminy b Imran Tahir 9

RG Sharma c Elgar b Morkel 23

WP Saha† c Amla b Imran Tahir 7 RA Jadeja b Harmer 5 R Ashwin lbw b Morkel 7 A Mishra b Imran Tahir 14 I Sharma not out 1

Extras (b-8, lb-5, nb-3) 16

Total (all out; 46.3 overs; 210 mins) 173 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Vijay, 4.2 ov), 2-52 (Pujara, 17.3 ov), 3-97 (Dhawan, 26.5 ov), 4-102 (Kohli, 28.1 ov), 5-108 (Rahane, 30.3 ov), 6-122 (Saha, 34.1 ov), 7-128 (Jadeja, 35.3 ov), 8-150 (Ashwin, 41.4 ov), 9-171 (RG Sharma, 45.4 ov), 10-173 (Mishra, 46.3 ov)

Bowling: M Morkel 10-5-193, SR Harmer 18-3-64-1, K Rabada 5-1-15-0 (1-nb), JP Duminy 2-0-24-1 (1-nb), Imran Tahir 11.3-2-38-5 (1-nb)

South Africa 2nd innings (target: 310 runs) D Elgar not out 10 S van Zyl c RG Sharma b Ashwin 5 Imran Tahir lbw b Mishra 8 HM Amla* not out 3 Extras (b-4, lb-1, nb-1) 6 Total (2 wickets; 14 overs) 32 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (van Zyl, 7.4 ov), 2-29 (Imran Tahir, 11.1 ov) Bowling: I Sharma 3-16-0 (1-nb), R

Sam Billings made 53 off 25 balls to help revive England

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Big wins for Crossbreed XI, United Muslim Youth, Speedboat XI and Next Level XI

The Mobile Wizard 10/10 softball cricket tournament, organised by the Guyana Softball League in collaboration with the West Demerara Softball League, has produced results that have some fans in a furore. Some of the frontrunners have lost their way and are now in danger of being overtaken by the teams that have come on strongly in the last two rounds.

Teams like Omesh XI and Leonora Youths have moved down the ladder as the leaders of the pack are now beginning to take shape. Teams like United Muslim Youth, Crossbreed XI, and Speedboat XI have dominated this weekend, slowly staking a claim to be among the top teams in West Demerara.

In an exciting match-up, Speedboat XI defeated a youthful Meter-Meer- Zorg XI by 31 runs. Speedboat lost the toss and were put in to bat, making 127-7 in 10 overs. Man of the Day Wazir Hussain scored a scintillating 80, packed with 10 massive sixes and one four, off 30 balls for Speedboat XI. The best bowler for the MMZ XI was Yassin Mohamed with 1-17 from two overs.

In reply, MMZ XI started brightly, racking up 45-2 in three overs, with Ashaik Mustapha scoring 36 (1x4, 4x6s). In the latter stages of the innings, Yassin Mohamed, who is turning out to be a potential all-rounder, clobbered 16 not out off five balls in a desperate attempt to take MMZ to the target. They were eventually all out for 96 in 9.5 overs. Wazim Sundar took 2-5 off two overs for Speedboat XI.

In a surprise outcome, United Muslim Youth defeated a shell-shocked Omesh XI by nine runs. United Muslim Youth won the toss and batted, with Akram Samad 41( 1x4, 4x6s) making all the bowlers look ordinary and Brian Mc Allister blasting 56 off 18 balls to propel United Muslim Youth to 107-7 off their 10 overs.

favour of Superstreet Reloaded and they fought hard to keep it that way with some tight bowling and good fielding. Omesh XI barely made it as the dot balls were piling up, but a change in tactics by the number five batsman Yogeshwar Boodhoo – the taking of quick singles and frustrating the fielders took them home with one ball to spare.

Superstreet Reloaded XI in their second match won by a walkover from Enemy Lines who failed to show.

Travis Drakes was the pick of the bowlers taking 1-8 in his two overs for Omesh XI. In reply, Omesh XI depended on the reliable Aftab Bacchus 36(4x6s), but the bowling for United Muslim Youth was on target and the fielding was outstanding as they took all their catches, making even improbable ones look easy.

Nailbiter

In a reversal of fortunes, Omesh XI beat Superstreet Reloaded by six wickets and one ball to spare in a nailbiter. Omesh XI were pushed to the max in this game as they lost the toss and elected to field against a charged-up SuperStreet, who scored their highest total of the tournament – 104-5. Skipper Ameer Khan made 24 (2x6s). His partnership with Vashish Ramnarine 18 (1x6) added 50 to the score.

The bowling of Travis Drakes was again outstanding, but he was unlucky not to have any wicket in his spell of 2-1-8-0.

Omesh XI, in their turn at bat, reshuffled their line-up, with the skipper himself, Omesh Parboo, opening the batting with a quick-fire 19 (1x4, 2x6s). But, when his wicket fell to an outstanding piece of fielding by the quick-footed Seepersaud Persaud, the game swung back in

Next Level XI then got their first points in the tournament by defeating Irfaan XI by nine runs. Next Level batted first and scored 99-8, with Riaz Mohamed (25) topscoring. The bowling of Irfaan XI was led by Bindraban Rooplall with 2-20 from two overs.

In reply, Irfaan XI lost wickets regularly and were in danger of being bowled out in less than five overs. Michael Abedin (20), however, had other ideas and blasted three huge sixes and two fours, but he was not supported by his teammates and they ran out of overs with the score on 90-8.

In a match-up that had the whole of Leonora buzzing in anticipation for the entire week, Crossbreed XI demolished Leonora Youths by six wickets, as the home team failed to live up to expectations. A seemingly nervous Leonora Youths batted first and tumbled to 34 all out in 6.3 overs. Anthony Arjune (2-17) and Sheik Haniff (2-15) destroyed the batters up front and the other bowlers completed the job. In reply, careless batting and overconfidence from Crossbreed gave them a scare, but they recovered to score 36-4 in four overs.

The one ball “manto” was Vickash Totaram and he received $1000 in credit, compliments of Miss Love Trading. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Surinamese set to sizzle at Flex night

With Flex Night fast approaching, Guyanese could be in for a treat as one of Suriname’s top athletes is set to grace the National Cultural Centre stage.

Vanity Boue, who trains at Studio Body Shape in Paramaribo, won the Miss Bikini competition at the Suriname National Championships in 2014, then later placed third at the Flex Night event.

Only recently, Boue beat her field of competitors at the Suriname Studio Body Shape Gym Expo. She is a seasoned stage performer, having won a number of pageants in her native Suriname.

When not hitting the weights in the gym, Vanity is sweating over the books to complete her Degree at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, where she expects to be graduating with her Social Sciences degree. She will be travelling to Guyana to compete in the December 6 Flex Night International event.

Akram Samad plays a shot in his blazing innings of 41 for United Muslim Youth

Vanity Boue

GFF/Stag Elite League

Slingerz and Alpha to clash in Genesis Final on Sunday

– Pele and Fruta Conquerors

to do battle for third place

B y A keem G reene

Slingerz FC and Alpha

“The Hammer”

United will contest the final of the Guyana Football Federation/Stag Elite League at the Lenora Stadium on Sunday. The two heavyweights are set to produce a cracking final, while Pele FC and Fruta Conquerors will do battle for third place.

Slingerz, who topped the League Stage, continued to show their supremacy in local football as they produced a commanding performance over Fruta Conquerors to book their final place with a 2-0 win off goals by Vernon Mills and Anthony Abrahams at the Guyana Defence Force Ground on Wednesday.

The game had quite a first half as the wet conditions hampered many set plays and both teams were full of enthusiasm in their hunt for a final place. The second half had more action, as in the 57th minute Mills missed in front of the goal, after he got a shot off his right foot from a pass from Dwain Jacobs. Mills slipped and sent the ball wide in a close attempt to open his team’s account.

On the counter-attack, Fruta Conquerors’ Dennis Edmond, running wide on the right, took a longrange shot which troubled the Slingerz custodian as he pushed it out into a pre -

carious position, but it was soon put to safety by their right back.

In the 65th minute, winger Eon “Beckham” Alleyne had a wonderful opportunity to put Conquerors in the lead after he got a volley right in the middle of the goal after a precise pass by Trevon Lythcot, but Alleyne failed to properly wrap his right foot around the ball, sending it wide of the goal.

“Beckham” was again in the limelight in what was seen as Fruta’s best chance to take the lead when he got past the defenders and the keeper, but slipped while taking his shot at goal in the 70th minute. What was more fascinating about the attempt was the build-up leading to it, as Fruta in their half were under immense pressure from Alpha due to a series of corners.

In the 78th minute, Slingerz FC’s Gideon Payne from about 15 yards from out sent a jumping header wide of the post. Slingerz continued to apply the pressure, as just minutes afterwards, Devon Millington hit the right side netting. These two attacks came as the Conquerors’ defence started to unravel. And in the 81st minute, Mills broke the deadlock, flicking the ball off his right foot into the back of the net.

The men in orange and white were then desperate

to equalise and Jermaine “Panky” Junior went oneon-one with Slingerz FC’s custodian but failed to produce the required finish.

In keeping with the counterattacking nature of the game, Slingerz FC’s Anthony “Awo” Abrahams scored the second goal (90+3) to sink the hopes of the Fruta team.

Hammered

In the second game, Alpha United hammered a listless Pele FC 3-1. Pele, who played an uncharacteristic game, had Alpha pressing in their half far too much. From the first whistle, Alpha were extremely aggressive, pressing on Pele’s line constantly. It was in the 17th minute, the first goal came when Grenadian Kithson Bain slid between two defenders and pushed the ball into the left side of the goal after receiving a goal from William Europe. Two minutes later, Pele made a tackle change as they brought on Deon Alfred to aid the midfield. Alpha with their No 9 Dwight Peters back in the team seemed a more upbeat side. Peters, who can be considered one of the best crossers of the ball in local football, added to Alpha’s tally when he scored in the 44th minute to end a dominant first half by Alpha United.

Trailing by two goals, Pele would have wanted to score early in the first half, but this was not the case, as the League’s leading goalscorer Delon Lanferman (11 goals) scored in the 59th minute for Alpha.

Alpha can be commended for some of their tactical plans as they smartly marked Pele’s pointman Gregory “ Jackie Chan” Richardson, blunting their opponents’ attack. However, Richardson’s class was hard to stop as in the 65th minute, he opened Pele’s account. With 25 minutes left on the clock, Pele went tirelessly in search of two more goals to take the game into extra time, but Alpha held their composure to make sure they reached the epic match-up against Slingerz FC.

The winner of the Alpha United and Slingerz FC final on Sunday will pocket $4 million; the secondplace finisher will receive $2 million; third, $1 million and fourth place, $500,000.

Organisers have indicated that there will be a show after the games which will feature Jamaican Dancehall artiste Aidonia. The action kicks off at 19:00h. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

GCN

to honour 2015 top riders on Sunday

By AvenAsh rAmzAn

Guyana Cycling News (GCN), a Facebook forum, will on Sunday recognise the efforts of the country’s top riders of the 2015 season.

The award ceremony is billed for the Latino Bar on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, starting at 18:00h. At races held from January to November, the riders were given points based on the positions they finished.

Now that the season is over, those points have been tallied to determine the winners of three main categories- Senior, Junior and Veteran.

Team Gillette Evolution’s Orville Hinds, and the Team Coco’s pair Jamal John and Junior Niles have emerged as the top riders for the year.

After the tabulation of points, Hinds emerged as the leading Senior rider, while John was the top Junior cyclist, and Niles the leading Veteran rider.

Hinds, who recorded a chart-topping seven victories in the Senior category this year, finished the season with 203 points, 22 more than Alanzo Greaves (181 points and five wins) of Roraima Bikers Club. Greaves was one of six riders to record five or more wins in 2015.

Reigning Tour of Guyana Five-Stage champion Raul Leal of Team Gillette Evolution, who had four first place finishes, occupied third spot on 161 points, followed by Evolution’s Michael Anthony (149) and Team Coco’s Hamzah Eastman (148).

Anthony had the second most victories (six), while Eastman was the first to the line on five occasions this season.

Four riders also notched up over 100 points, and they were Paul DeNobrega of Team Alanis (128), Jamal John of Team Coco’s (120), Geron Williams of Continental (114) and Marlon Williams of Team Gillette Evolution (109).

Raynauth Jeffrey of Team Coco’s rounded off the top 10 with 90 points. Jeffrey and Geron Williams copped five wins each.

In the Junior division, John of Team Coco’s was the runaway winner with 190 points, followed Raphael Leung of WS United on 100 points. John had 25 first place finishes, while Leung had five.

No other rider managed to accumulate 100 points, as Andrew Hicks of Trojan scored 93, followed by clubmate Romello Crawford (50); Christopher Griffith of Team Alanis (63), and his teammates Jaleel Jackson and

Kemuel Moses with 21 and 11 respectively.

In the Veterans category, Junior Niles of Team Coco’s, who racked up an impressive 24 wins during the season, amassed a whopping 176 points, followed by Jaikaran Sookhai of Carlton Wheelers, way behind in second spot on 65 points.

Ian Jackson of Flying Stars finished third on 52, followed by the Carlton Wheelers pair of Shameer Baksh on 47 and Ralph Williams on 32 to round off the top five. In terms of wins, Williams was second to Niles with four.

Paul Choo Wee Nam (Team Alanis), Warren McKay (Roraima Bikers Club), Jude Bentley (Carlton Wheelers), Stephen Fernandes (Team Gillette Evolution) and Talim Shaw (Flying Stars) followed in that order to seal the top 10 positions.

The top five Senior riders and the leading three in the Junior and Veteran categories will be rewarded on Sunday.

Prizes have been donated by GCN, cyclists Jude Bentley and Thuran Harris among others.

Rockville Hotel and Bar donates $500,000 for road race in Bartica

Local and foreign athletes participating in the Rockville Promotions four-mile road race scheduled for December 1, 2015 (World AIDS Day), starting from 16:00h at the junction of the Four Mile Potaro Housing Scheme, will have the opportunity to cash in on the $500,000 in cash prizes made possible with a donation from the management and staff of Rockville Hotel and Bar of 108 Third Avenue, Bartica.

Winners and first and second runners-up in the various categories, namely Under-13, 15, 17, 19, Open, 40-45 and 45 and over, will receive $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

According to coordinator of the activity, Aaron Blackman, Rockville Hotel Promotions is committed to the development of sports and cultural tourism, and as such, this activity will be staged annually to herald in the series of sports and cultural events.

This will be done in collaboration with the Regional

Administration and the Neighborhood Democratic Council or Town Council, along with other community groups leading up to the grand finale to be held annually on April 23 to celebrate Bartica township status.

“Our vision is to encourage competition between athletes on the coast land and their brothers and sisters in the hinterland, and giving them an opportunity to experience and cover a slightly hilly course and feel the vibes of our rich hinterland. We invite local and for-

eign tourists to come and witness this spectacular event, bringing together athletes from the Secondary and Primary Schools in Bartica, and the Open and Masters Categories are open to all Guyana and any foreigner wishing to participate in this inaugural event,” Blackman explained.

At the presentation, members of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat are expected to deliver presentations to generate HIV/AIDS awareness in Bartica and its environs, while athletes and fans will be given an opportunity to tour the Rockville Hotel and Bar.

The National Sports Commission and the Regional Administration of Region Seven will also be presenting trophies and cash prizes.

All interested athlete can uplift registration forms from the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue, Rockville Hotel and Bar, Regional Chairman Office at Region Seven, or Guyana Olympic Association on High Street, Georgetown.

Slingerz’s goalscorers Anthony Abrahams (left) and Vurlon Mills

Orville Hinds

Aaron Blackman

National Schools’ Championships...

Phillips, Samuels break records

McKoy quadruples

By TreisTon Joseph

East Coast (District 4) Kenisha Phillips won her second event at the National Schools Championships in recordbreaking fashion when the fourth day was held on Thursday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Phillips used her brilliant top-end speed to pull away in the final metres of the race after a stiff challenge from East Georgetown/ District 12’s Cassie Small who finished second.

The new record set by Phillips is 25.4s, while Small ran 26.0s. Tiffauna Garnett of South Georgetown (District 13) was third in 26.2s.

North Georgetown/ District 11’s Avon Samuels was also in top form running away with the Girls’ Under-18 200 metres in a new record time of 25.5s. Natricia Hooper of East Georgetown finished second in a time of 26.1s, while Sheneal Hugh of West Demerara (District 3) was third in a time of 26.9s.

Meanwhile, top national athlete Jason Yaw out of North Georgetown (District 11) was impressive in the male Under-20 200 metres, clocking 22.2s to win the event. Linton Mentis of East Georgetown was sec-

ond in a time of 22.5s, while Tevin Garraway of West Demerara finished third in 22.6s.

The male Under-18 200 metres was won by Compton Caesar of Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10), who clocked a time of 22.3s to win the event. Tyrell Peters of New Amsterdam (District 15) finished in second with a time of 22.5s, while Titus Webster was third in 22.7s.

Daniel Williams, of Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani, equalled the male Under-16 200 metres record of 22.6s to win the event. Umkosi Vancooten of South Georgetown finished second in 23.3s, while Esan Leitch was third in 23.4s.

Meanwhile, North Georgetown’s Claudrice McKoy won the Girls’ Under-16 1500 metres with a time of 5:10.1s (the fastest of the 2015 Championships) while featuring in the winning North Georgetown female team that clocked 4:11.8s. McKoy has claimed four gold medals at the Championships thus far with wins also in the Girls’ 3000 and 800 metres.

North Georgetown’s Orin Prince carried his gold medal tally to two with a win in the boys’ Under-20 1500 metres on Day Four after clocking 4:38.7s.

Matthew Mckenzie, of

North Georgetown, after his 10K blunder on Monday returned strong in the boys’ 1500 metres to win the event in the fastest 1500 metres time of the day with 4:29.0s.

Shontel Hinds of Upper Demerara won the female Under-20 1500 metres in 5:26.4s, while North Georgetown’s Maria Urquhart won the female Under-18 1500 metres in 5:26.6s.

North Georgetown’s Jeremy Garrett also won his second gold medal of the Championships with a win in the boys’ Under-16 1500 metres after clocking a time of 4:37.8s.

In 4x400 metres action, Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani put on a show in the male event to win in a time of 3:30.7s, topping North Georgetown who brought second in 3:34.6s. West Demerara finished third in 3:35.4s.

The female 4x400 metres was won by North Georgetown who defeated East Georgetown who clocked 4:17.9s for second.

Corentyne (District 6) finished in third with a time of 4:22.8s.

Action will continue today, the final day, with the 400 metres final along with the 4x100 metres final from 10:00h.

Lloyd foresees severe...

“He (Hope) looks a good cricketer. I think he was played out of position in Sri Lanka but that’s because of the situation on the ground.

“I normally would prefer two genuine openers, that’s what we have to aim for, and yes, I would want to think that Chandrika will open in Australia.” With Chris Gayle regularly injured and Lendl Simmons opting not to play Test cricket due to the controversial new WICB MOU/ CBA pay structure for that format, Lloyd acknowledged the West Indies’

problem of finding a settled opening pair and stated he was pleased to hear the revelation on the Jamaican Sportsmax Zone recently, that Anguilla- born opener Chesney Hughes, who has done well for Derbyshire in county cricket, wants to play for the West Indies.

“Yes I’ve seen Chesney, that’s great (that he is available for West Indies). Hopefully, he can come back in our cricket and play. He would have had English experience and his technique would probably be in pretty

Johnson pleased with Guyana Jaguars’ all-round performance

By Akeem Greene

Guyana Jaguars Skipper Leon Johnson has credited them catapulting to the top of the table with three wins from three games to the side’s all-round performance.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Johnson said: “We have been doing well in all areas: fielding, batting and bowling. However, there can be some improvement in the fielding.”

The Guyanese are looking to retain the silverware in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) and after their victory over Barbados on home soil after some 31 years, retaining the title looks even more an eventuality. The Captain was quick to caution against overconfidence, saying that the team could not get ahead of themselves, as there was still a long way to go in the tournament.

Guyana, who have a 19-point lead over the Jamaican Scorpions, will play their first away game when they tackle the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queens Park Oval, starting on December 4.

Asked about the new challenges faced by playing away games, Johnson said:

“I think we will still do well. Last time, we performed extremely well away from home which was a main reason why we won the title; it’s about adapting to the conditions that are presented.”

The team, which fall under the Guyana Cricket Inc, have been without the services of their usual spin twins, Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo, but have still been a serious threat with the ball. This is thanks to the outstanding performances by young Berbician left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has picked up 23 wickets from his first three First-Class games. At the age of 20, Motie has 3 five-wicket hauls, including match figures of 11-105 against the Leeward Islands which helped Guyana to win by an innings and 35 runs.

The skipper was ex-

National Schools’ Championships…

tremely pleased with the performance of Motie, stating “he has been exceptional, picking 23 from his first three games. He has been a big factor behind our success, I hope he continues to do well”.

Permaul only joined the team for the last game against Barbados Pride at the Providence Stadium, and Bishoo is still on West Indies duty. This has given another opportunity to Steven Jacobs to perform and he has been partnered with Motie.

Johnson, in assessing his personal performance, said: “I’m a bit disappointed with my performance so far: I have not gotten the runs I was hoping to achieve.”

It was reported that the fluent left-hander, who plays for the Georgetown Cricket Club in domestic cricket, was given a central retainer contract by the WICB. He is hoping he can cement his place in the top order with an influx of high scores. Johnson, who has played four Test matches with a high score of 66, played his last Test on a difficult tour to South Africa in January this year. He can count on a recall for both the One-Day and Test team once he gets among the runs again this season as the regional side continues to go through its developmental phase. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Phillips pleased with performances

B y T reis T on J oseph

ast Coast/District 4’s

event with a blistering time of 12.0s.

good order.

“Obviously, openers is a position we don’t have settled.

Brathwaite (Kraigg) right now is the main guy. We have to shape a Test team and it will take some time to do so, but they are getting tested all the time.

They played against spin in Sri Lanka; now we will have pace in Australia. I still have a strong feeling we will do well in Australia if we apply ourselves to the tasks.” (Trinidad Newsday)

EKenisha Phillips has had an outstanding campaign at the 2015 edition of the National Schools Championships being contested at the National Stadium, Providence, with the final day set for today.

Phillips has won gold in both the 100 and 200 metres female Under-16 events, breaking the records in both events, with her 100 metres being the most impressive since she became the fastest female ever in the 55 years of the

Guyana Times Sport caught up with the 15-yearold out of Buxton, who highlighted her plan in the 100 metres.

“The 100 metres was good. I had a bad start in the heat and wanted to get out quicker and that’s what happened ,so I’m happy with 100 metres,” Phillips told Guyana Times Sport

Talking a bit about her 200 metres which she won in 25.4s, which is also a record in the Under-16 category and just 200 hundredths of a second off the

fastest time at the event in 25.3s, Phillips noted that it was all about her turn.

“I just wanted to get out and come off the turn as hard as possible and I came home, it was a good race,” the dynamite from District Four noted. Meanwhile Phillips who will miss out on the female 400 metres final after being disqualified for marginally running out of her lane in the preliminary round on Tuesday will contest the final of 4x100 metres females today in hope of leading East Coast Demerara to a win.

Jason Yaw wins the boy’s under-20 200 metres to capture his first gold medal of the championships (Treiston Joseph photo)

Leon Johnson

Kenisha Phillips runs the all times fastest 100 metres in the championships’ history on Wednesday (Treiston Joseph photo)

National Schools Championships

Pg 23

– McKoy quadruples

Phillips, Samuels break records

Lloyd foresees severe test Down Under

Chandrika tipped to open

Legendary West Indies captain and current Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd has defended the selection panel’s decision to take an unchanged

Test squad to Australia despite losing both Tests in Sri Lanka, along with giving his view on other player matters relating to the regional team going forward.

Lloyd spoke with Newsday during the just concluded fourday match between the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions at the Queen’s Park Oval, for which he was present all four days.

Interestingly, Lloyd and his panel announced the 15man Australia tour squad before the final T20 match versus Sri Lanka on November

10th and stated the team would leave for Down Under on November 23, thus bypassing the opportunity to consider any good performances in the opening three rounds of the domestic fourday competition.

“Well, we had to choose the team at a particular time. It’s obvious we don’t have a great set of players to choose from, but the point is, we are trying to work with a group of players, so we have to groom and give them a chance to prove their worth,” explained Lloyd.

He continued, “They will be tested severely in Australia as they were in Sri Lanka and came very close to winning the final Test, bowling one of the top sides in the world for around 200 in both innings.

“So we have to take players who have Test experience- even if we brought in any new player, they wouldn’t have had any significant Test experience.

As I sit here at the Oval and see some new guys scoring centuries, those who don’t perform could be replaced by these guys, since this is the

only type of cricket we have to choose our players from.”

One of the strangest decisions of the current selection panel has been the choice of middle-order batsman Shai Hope as an opener in four of his five Tests to date, despite his scoring all of his runs during the 2014/15 domestic season at number three to earn a West Indies call-up.

In his two games for Barbados since returning from Sri Lanka, Hope batted at three and Lloyd conceded that the talented 22-year-old has indeed been batting out of position and expects Guyanese Rajendra Chandrika to open in Australia.

turn to page 23

Kraigg Brathwaite

Clive Lloyd

Rajendra Chandrika

Avon Samuels runs away with the female under-18 200 metres in record breaking fashion (Treiston Joseph photos)

Kenisha Phillips breaks another record during her under-16 200 metres win (Treiston Joseph photo)