Guyana Times Daily

President promises to rectify UG’s grim state P13

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2828

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, April 16, 2016

PRICE

Appointment of “honorary” advisors

PNC, AFC refuse to reveal advisors’ names

WHAT'S INSIDE: Camp Street Prison riot

Deadly fire P2 deliberately set by prisoners – fire service

Ramjattan says “I am not talking” Page 3 ... “I will not answer that” – Oscar Clarke Page 7 Traffic Cop dies Gunman shot Page days after 9 during Mc Doom being struck by gas station robbery speeding canter Pakaraima mountain safari

Ministry proposes hosting event biannually

Page 17

Participants of the 14th Pakaraima Mountain Safari with their certificates along with Telecommunication Minister Cathy Hughes, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh (Dexter Ceres photo)

Region 9 residents petition President to sack REO

$80 vat included

Page 7

– accused of discrimination and targeting Amerindians

Conditions at Bourda Market deplorable – vendors P12

“Lil Man” P8 denies sodomising and killing 2-yearold niece

Nothing sinister in new NGSA format – CEO claims P9

P16 PPP condemns complete shutdown of LBI operations

WPA urges President to accept Rodney CoI findings P2

2 news

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Camp Street Prison riot

Deadly fire deliberately set by prisoners – fire service

Fire Service Investigator Andrew Holder testifying on Friday

By Shemuelfanfair

T

he findings from the investigation into the fatal Camp Street Prison fire are in and it has revealed that prisoners were indeed responsible for the March 3 deadly blaze.

Station Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Andrew Holder, who led the investigation into the fire, told the Commission of Inquiry on Friday that after careful and meticulous examination of the fire scene, he concluded that the fire emanated from inside of the Camp Street facility.

“Scientifically corroborating witness statements with the data from the physical assessment of the structure, along with the dictates of fire engineering science, it is my conclusion that this fire occurred as a result of a prisoner or more than one prisoner setting fire

to a mattress or mattresses within the prison walls,” Holder stated.

In relation to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle’s account of the suspicious deaths of two inmates who perished from causes other than the fire, the investigation revealed an account where an inmate and a relative supposedly “jook up somebody” in the Capital A block of the penitentiary.

The fire investigator said he conducted interviews with inmates housed in the Capital A block prior to and during the blaze. From the testimonies Holder obtained, he gathered the inmates’ account of being told to evacuate the building while another recalled hearing the orders to “lock the door”.

One of the inmates he interviewed related his experience of feeling his eyes and skin burning, which caused

him to run to the back of the building in a bid to reach safety.

“The fire eventually had a natural flow pattern and quickly engulfed nearby combustibles in its path such as mattress, bed sheets, clothing,” the Station Officer observed.

Commissioners were told that this is the “flash-over” phenomenon which Holder termed “a dangerous state” and said was responsible for the “rapid oxidisation of the enclosed structure and its contents.”

He noted that as a fire grows, it rises and flash over occurs. Holder further explained that prisoners were exposed to heat intensity of 500-600 degrees Celsius which would caused dizziness, breathing problems, suffocation and after being exposed to it for some amount of time, they would have become unconscious.

He also explained that smoke and heat deplete oxygen supply which was the case in Capital A. Earlier in his testimony to the Commission, the investigator explained that upon his arrival on the scene, he observed the firemen had the situation under control and from then on, he took an “observatory role”. He described the riot scenes as very “chaotic” and

likened the situation to that of a “warzone”.

“Prisoners were very high in emotions. On that day I entertained the thought that anybody in a uniform looking like mine was considered an enemy,” he noted in reference to the Joint Services present.

He however observed that he did not see any prisoner behaving violently towards any firefighter as most of them were “secured within their cells behaving in very irate manner.”

Holder in his recount also posited that he saw burnt bodies lying on the floor at various locations within Capital A. He said he also observed that at least two separate points in the structure the fires were lit; the first one being the Northern door and the other at the very location when he entered Capital A. He also confirmed the account of other fire service witnesses that the heat would have caused the metal to expand. The investigator however posited that he did not think that the fire at the door would have caused such intensity to prevent the door from being opened.

Under cross-examination, Holder posited that when he conducted the investigation, he did not experience the burning sensations from tear-gas smoke.

He also stated that a prisoner official related that prison officers did not use tear gas on Thursday.

When questioned further, Holder conceded that tear gas smoke may have been a contributory factor to the blaze as it has chemical gases but cautioned that the use of tear gas canisters were not within his realm of expertise. The Inquiry was adjourned and will resume on Monday.

WPA urges President to accept Rodney CoI findings

WPA Leader, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

T

he Working People’s Alliance (WPA) is urging that President David Granger accept the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report as is it and change his position that the findings are flawed.

The party, a member of the seven faction A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), was partly founded by Rodney, a historian and educator, who met his demise some 36 years ago in a bomb blast. The WPA, since Dr Rodney’s death, had been calling for an investigation in to the death of its leader.

In its first official statement, since the presentation of final report of the Inquiry, the party said President Granger, who had the benefit of possession of the report, has already registered the “Presidential disaffirmation” of the report; a posture he had taken before even consulting with his coalition partners.

“It remains to be seen whether on further consideration he will modify his severely critical position or even it remains immutable, he may help to create an environment accommodating differences so that we can rescue something positive out of it”.

Following a leaked circulation of the document, President Granger, when questioned by Guyana Times on the findings, expressed

President David Granger

Dr Walter Rodney

disappointment with the report saying that it was highly flawed. He said the threemember panel, headed by Barbados Queen’s Counsel, Sir Richard Cheltenham, had relied too much on hearsay evidence, particularly from a convict, and had failed to garner the relevant evidence from persons who were really there at the time of the incident. He said Government was going to challenge the findings of the investigation.

Throughout the 17-month long CoI, which was also heard by Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline SamuelsBrown and Trinidad-based Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, the People’s National Congress had been pointed at as the major player behind Rodney’s death. turn to page 17

news

3

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 16 – 13:30h-15:00h and Sunday, April 17 – 06:00h-12:00h (noon) (FOR MAINTAINANCE WORKS) The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 16 – 12:20h-13:50h and Sunday, April 17 – 13:25h-14:55h

Appointment of “honorary” advisors

PNC, AFC refuse to reveal advisors’ names Ramjattan says “I am not talking” “I will not answer that” – Oscar Clarke

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

By Edward Layne

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout most of the day, while light cloud cover is expected in the afternoon and into the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 26 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:10h and 12:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.10 metres and 2.14 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 06:05h and 18:43h reaching minimum heights of 1.15 metres and 1.01 metres respectively.

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) the two larger parties in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) ten-month-old coalition government, have refused to reveal the names of the over 30 persons who were appointed advisers upon their recommendation.

On Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon dis-

General Secretary of PNC, Oscar Clarke

wednesday, April 13, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

09 16 22 26 27 28 18 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Friday, April 15, 2015

Daily Millions

02 06 20 24

01

LUCKY 3

7

5

8

Draw De Line 01

05 07 08 13

14 15

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

closed that during the period 6 October, 2015 to 8 February, 2016, 34 persons were identified on the recommendation of the AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, the PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke, and the APNU General Secretary Harmon, and the instruments were accordingly issued.

However, the other 33, who are supporters of APNU/AFC are yet to be named.

When contacted on Friday for the identities of the AFC nominees who were appointed, that party’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan refused to speak to this publication.

Even before the question was asked, Ramjattan declared, “as I told you all, I am not talking, take care, bye.”

Meanwhile, AFC General Secretary David Patterson also refused to comment on the matter.

“I have no comment, write that I have no comment at all,” Patterson said.

General Secretary of PNCR Oscar Clarke was also contacted but while he confirmed that he did recommend persons for appointment he refused to state how many persons and their identities.

When told about the disclosure by Harmon and asked how many persons he had recommended and their identities, the PNCR GS stated, “you didn’t ask him (Harmon) that question?”.

When the question was put again to Clarke, he insisted that this publication put the question to Minister Harmon “I made recommendations yes, but you ask him how many persons... the 34 persons he mentioned, you ask him how many recommendations I made,” Clarke insisted.

After the question was put repeatedly to the PNCR’s GS, he declared, “I do not propose to answer that, you ask him, I am not going to answer that, you could ask me all night I won’t answer.”

Harman’s disclosure is the first time the government confirmed that indeed it appointed more than 30 “honorary” advisers.

Harmon made the disclosure in his public statements on the appointment of businessman Brian Tiwari as one of the 34 advisers, after the coalition government came under public attacks for the appointment of these persons who were described as “campaign supporters.”

He revealed that the President was not informed at the time of the appointment, but was subsequently informed, but was not in agreement with having Tiwari as an “Honorary

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Advisor” and the appointment was rescinded. The Minister of State said he agreed with the President’s decision and his rationale for rescinding the appointment.

It is unclear whether or not the President will rescind the appointments of the other 33.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been consistently calling for government to be more open in its decision-making, including making public the Terms of Reference (ToRs), as well as the names of the nearly 30 persons, many of whom were appointed in the United States and Canada, as Advisers on Diaspora Affairs.

PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall had told reporters that while a few persons were named, there has been no proper public disclosure by the Administration regarding these persons and what they were appointed to do.

“We have not heard any public announcement emanating from the Ministry of the Presidency. We want to know who these people are, how they were select-

ed, what their qualifications are, what are their sectorial responsibilities, what are their portfolios, what are their remuneration packages, offices going to be rented for them, expenditures are going to be paid, light bills and phone bills are going to be paid, utility expenses are going to be paid. We need to know these things,” Nandlall told a news conference at the PPP’s headquarters on Robb Street, Georgetown.

At an AFC appreciation dinner and dance in Toronto in October 2015, Earth Marshall, Ron Alert and Dr Rohan Somar of the AFC’s New York Chapter and Accountant Tameshwar Lilmohan of the party’s Tornoto Chapter were appointed Ministerial Advisers on Diaspora Affairs and presented with their Certificates of Instruments

by Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on behalf of President David Granger.

The others, according to Nandlall, were appointed at a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the same period.

4

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Unnecessary changes

I

n a matter of days, approximately 14,500 students across the country are slated to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), commonly called the “Common Entrance” exams. This has always been regarded as quite an important exam for our students, considering that it plays a huge part in the authorities deciding which secondary school a student should be awarded.

Usually at examinations time, students suffer from anxiety and some amount of nervousness as they want to be sure that nothing gets in their way of performing to the best of their ability. For many of them they would wish that no impediment gets in their way. For this reason one would have hoped that by now the Education Ministry would have had all systems in place to run off these exams in a smooth manner.

As expected, students and parents alike are very confused about the entire situation and are demanding answers from the officials.To begin with, it is quite unfortunate to see the level of bickering between the Government and the Opposition regarding these ‘changes’. We believe this huge brouhaha could have been avoided in the first place had the Ministry consulted with the relevant stakeholders to seek out their views before making a decision on the way forward.

The Ministry and by extension the Government must be cognisant of the difficulties that could arise and the level of resistance the public can show when changes are foisted upon them without the proper consultation. It is fair to say that the Education Ministry has done a very poor job in helping parents and students understand what the changes are and the justification for such changes.

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand in particular has been asking several questions on behalf of parents and students when it became known that certain changes will be made to the NGSA. For example, the new layout mandates that each student sitting the NGSA write their names on their examination papers. This has caused much discomfort and unease among parents throughout the country since there is no justification for making such a request.

According to Manickchand, she was notified that Paper One of each examination will be marked electronically outside of the country, and while this may be acceptable, the major concern lies with the Education Ministry’s response that Paper Two is to be marked locally, which can allow for unfairness and discrimination to affect the system if Candidate names are included.

This has never been done before; students have always been asked to write their Candidate Numbers on exam papers, instead of names. This prevents anyone marking the paper from knowing whose work they are grading; hence there is no room for any form of discrimination against students. This decision can have more negative effects than positive ones and can affect the integrity of the examination system which Guyana has spent decades to build.

In all fairness to the Education Ministry, it had said that while there will be some changes to the Assessment, these will only be related to the question paper and answer sheets, and not the structure or format of the questions on the question paper. It had also noted that this will have no implications for marking because these answer sheets will all be marked electronically.

However, so far, the Ministry has not provided any proper justification as to why students should include their names on the exam paper, except to say that it is a mechanism to ensure that the candidate for whom the paper was prepared is actually the one who answers the questions.

We believe that this is no justifiable reason for implementing such a change in the NGSA at this time, and certainly will provide no guarantee to parents who have raised numerous concerns about this particular issue, that their child/children work will get a fair and honest assessment.

Going forward, it would serve the Ministry well if it were to take onboard the necessary views which are being ventilated by the various stakeholders in relation to proposed changes to any aspect of education delivery and management. The current situation could best be described as unnecessary distraction to our students which can lead to victimisation.

This decision should be revisited!

This little lady got home in quite a unique way, as her differently able guardian ferried her on her way via motorised scooter (Marceano Narine photo)

Numbering system at NGSA assured fairness Dear Editor, It must be 50 years and more that the Common Entrance Exams now called the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) are being written with students all being assigned a number. The numbered system assured fairness across the board and that no one would be singled out for discrimination.

In a country with a contentious racial divide, Government is honourbound to keep such a system in place and not replace it with one that would require the student’s name.

Assurances that during marking the names will not be known by the examin-

ers allay no fears. Already, there are suspicions that the system will be rigged at the administrative level to favour certain students over others.

Had the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government ever attempted to institute such a system there would have been cries of "education apartheid" and more.

This is an extremely important issue and it is not only parents who should be alarmed about the new naming system that is to be introduced.

Perhaps the Alliance For Change can redeem itself with its 11 per cent electorate and step in here to stop

this change. Change was promised but this is not one anyone wants and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo should understand the fears about what is really afoot here.

Also catching my eye – and still on the subject of education – was a report in Guyana Times about a play “Colour of Race” that will be staged by one of Guyana’s premier schools, Queen’s College.

I am surprised that in a nation so proud of its diversity that the students of a leading school with some of our more intelligent minds would fall prey to the shallowness of a drama about "racial mixing" in the context

of “acceptance or change”.

QC seems to be pushing that tired Burnhamist agenda of this kind of "racial mixing" as the “true” Guyanese when the new age accepts the richness of diversity.

These students should be listening to world leaders instead of our parochial politicians and hearing the language being spoken about respect for the peoples of the world.

It is shocking that QC subscribes to such backward ideology and one must hope that the brighter students will not participate in this offensive bit of drama.

Yours truly, Shanie Jagessar

Personal vendetta lends to misinformation

Dear Editor, It is with sheer repugnance that I read once again in the Wednesday 13 April, 2016 edition of Kaieteur News regurgitating lies and half-truths to manufacture an article captioned “GFC officials are as guilty as their former political bosses for corruption — WPA Executive Member”.

I am also of the belief that Dr David Hinds, executive member of the WPA was duped by that news entity in believing the fallacy they have been publishing over and over. He needs to get the facts of the forensic audit and the response from Anand Goolsarran. It is evident now more than ever that the media house is hell bent on attacking the GFC on the management of the forest sector for perceived malpractices even after a forensic audit was conducted by the former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran clearing the GFC of any malpractice.

He was quoted in the article saying that he could not

find a “single piece of concrete evidence” which actually implicated a specific individual at GFC in the irregularities. Goolsarran was further quoted: “I am aware Government replaced the Board for the Forestry Commission. But I have to say that there was no concrete evidence to show that James Singh, for example, took decisions by himself. They were made by the former Board. I did not have hard or concrete evidence that there were irregularities carried out single-handedly by the Board.”

Yet, Kaieteur News still included in its article: “With all the instances of corruption he uncovered at the Guyana Forestry Commission, (GFC) Goolsarran made no recommendation for the Board or the GFC head, James Singh, to face any sanction.”

We have all been awaiting the outcome and completion of the various forensic audits and now that some are completed like the GFC why can’t we accept the findings?

Over the past few months Kaieteur News have been quoting Anand Goolsarran as credible professional with his expertise in forensic audits so why can’t they accept his findings that there is no level of malpractice nor corruption at the GFC as is constantly being portrayed by Kaieteur News?

The reading public is very well aware of the personal grievances the owner of the newspaper have with the forestry sector, more specifically Bai Shan Lin but these attacks should not be stretched and extended to include working professionals as in this case the Commissioner of Forests and his staff.

It would be useful for those interested in the facts to read the Forensic Audit Report and the GFC Management response by visiting: http://www.forestry.gov.gy/wpcontent/ uploads/2016/04/GFC_ Forensic_Audit_2015.pdf* <http://www.forestry.gov.gy/wp-content/ uploads/2016/04/GFC_

Forensic_Audit_2015.pdf>* and http://www.forestry.gov.gy/wpcontent/ uploads/2016/04/GFC_ Management_Response_to_ Forensic_Audit_2016_1_14. pdf* http://www.forestry.gov.gy/wpcontent/uploads/2016/04/ GFC_Management_ Response_to_Forensic_ Audit_2016_1_14.pdf respectively.

Meanwhile, I strongly believe that the management of Kaieteur News needs to learn acceptance rather than continue to fail as the prophet of exposing corruption and refusing to accept the facts even when provided by the competent authorities. For us all to progress as a nation we need to take the punches as they come good or bad and keep moving on rather than be stuck in a rut.

Sincerely, Saleem Hamid, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016

5

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

Has Moses effectively edged out Trotman?

Dear Editor, Now that Nagamootoo is exclusively Prime Minister of Information and not permitted to chair cabinet meetings, promised under the Cummingsburg Accord, has he moved up a notch? Subsequent to the PNC-AFC coalition’s 2015 ascendency to government, Raphael Trotman was named as Minister for Governance in David “Nassau” Granger’s Office of the President. Later he was promoted as Minister of Natural Resources.

Surprising was a report in another section of the media on April 4, 2016 that a team from the US State Department Wednesday met Nagamootoo as Prime Minister, “to discuss regulatory planning for the oil and gas sector” in Guyana.

The State Department’s Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI) programme apparently discussed providing technical and capacity building assistance to Guyana now on the verge of becoming an oil and gas producer.

The report said the US “team will work closely with the Prime Minister who has oversight of gover-

nance matters; the Ministry of Natural Resources, within whose ambit rests responsibility for oil and gas; and various state agencies and ministries.”

Has Trotman lost his mojo and been cut down to size for his absence at the AFC leadership retreat which issued a blistering censure of the APNU-AFC coalition for corruption subsequently triggering Nigel Hughes (deferred) resignation? It must be recalled that consequent to Trotman’s secret rendezvous with David “this is Nassau” Granger which hatched their 2005 master plan in The Bahamas to form the AFC in 2006, Trotman was six years later on the rise as Speaker after the 2011 elections.

The AFC’s creation successfully reunited, harnessed and prevented disgruntled former PNC supporters from joining up with the PPP/C. It easily co-opted disgruntled PPP/C critics like Khemraj Ramjattan by splitting them off that negligent party, Trotman quickly became the darling prodigal son who quite naturally was returned to PNC embrace later.

The combined APNU-

AFC opposition was able to get a one seat majority after the 2011 elections thanks to PPP/C negligence of their base constituency. Entitled to name the Speaker, Opposition Leader “Nassau” Granger promptly rejected Trotman’s own AFC nominated candidate of the PPP/C’s absconding Moses Nagamootoo.

How was Trotman able to so easily become the preferred choice for services rendered to become Speaker was no secret any longer.

While an ambitious Nagamootoo has claimed the PPP/C did not elect him as their party leader because he was not Hindu enough, he has failed miserably to explain why both non Hindus Donald Ramotar and Clement Rohee actually became the PPP/C’s President and General Secretary.

Why was Nagamootoo again flushed away and fumigated as Speaker by both the PNC and AFC leadership? If he is secretly viewed by his colleagues as a loose cannon why is he in charge of natural resources negotiations for Guyana?

Respectfully, Sultan Mohamed

Vitally important to Guyana diplomatic posture

Dear Editor, I take serious offence with the headlines in the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News of Friday, 15 April 2016, deeming Minister Harmon’s recent issue with GRA as interference.

It seems that both of these dailies have lost their balance and are both bent on character assassination of Minister Joseph Harmon.

One also gets the impression that neither of these newspapers is conscious of what is vitally im-

portant to Guyana’s strategic/diplomatic posture.

Harmon, in responding to the request from the Chinese Embassy, clearly had in his mind Guyana’s strategic interest, and acted in that regard for the benefit of the country.

But like the typical Ostrich, these newspapers buried their heads in the sand and continue to deem Harmon’s action as interference.

I am certain the Minister of Finance and the GRA, having been made aware of the circumstances, are now

more conscious that strategic considerations will always over shadow local tactical measures.

Using the words, “strategic intervention”, instead of “interference”, in the headlines, would have been more appropriate.

Now that you have been given the facts, it is expected that you would cease to operate in the realm of speculation. It’s never too late to learn.

George Gomes Lieutenant Colonel (retired)

Closure of LBI operations not a wise move

Dear Editor, It was saddening to hear of GuySuCo’s decision to end the operations at LBI Estate. From what I understand a number of departments including the Field Workshop would be closed and its tasks discharged from the workshop at Enmore Estate.

I do not think this is a wise move by GuySuCo. Given the distance between

Enmore and LBI it would be both time-consuming and costly for mechanics to travel to repair machines and other equipment in the LBI cultivation.

Time is important especially when tillage operations are being carried out.

I recall when the Diamond cultivation was in existence, GuySuCo maintained a workshop at that location for such occasions.

I also understand that the Enmore workshop is too small and cannot accommodate the total machine fleet from both LBI and Enmore.

This will undoubtedly cause major problems.

What is the real reason for GuySuCo’s hasty decision to close the LBI operations?

Yours sincerely, Fredrick Yuvraj

Nailing the lie of racial discrimination by the former Govt Dear Editor, During the period that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was in Government, the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, including most of the private media, launched a sustained and massive misinformation campaign against the then Administration, accusing it of corruption and racial discrimination.

This malicious act was done without any substantial evidence, but with the skillful use of photography and constant repetition of lies. They used the old Goebbelean tactic to tell big lies and repeat them as often as possible in a bid to make people believe this was the truth.

The sad reality is that this tactic was very successful.

Many people bought into it.

Even though the PPP/C is out of office by a combination of factors, including fraud, many of those in the Government and some of the said private media continue to pursue this line.

The fact is that since Independence, the PPP/C Administration is the only one that did not practice nor preach hate. Successive PPP/C Governments managed in the national interests of all Guyanese.

If an unbiased observer was to conduct an investigation into the actions of the PPP/C, it would reveal that these actions were taken in the national interest and every persons and/or group in Guyana benefited.

Any area that is examined will show the fair-minded and even-hand policies of the PPP/C. no racial motive would be found.

When the PPP/C took office, blackouts were the norm; citizens used to be without electricity for days, even weeks.

During the 28 years that the People’s National Congress was in office, they did not add a single watt of energy to the grid. The equipment was obsolete. Added to this, discrimination in efficient and regular electricity supply had become a norm.

On the Corentyne coast, some villages where IndoGuyanese live were by-passed and electricity supply was given to areas that were predominantly Afro-Guyanese.

These blatant practices of racial discrimination never occurred under the PPP/C Administration.

No home and/or village was ever discriminated based on its ethnic makeup. Moreover, the delivery of these essential services improved significantly.

The PPP/C Administration also worked to bring down cost by seeking the use of renewable energy. The massive Amaila falls hydro project did not get underway because the then Opposition APNU/AFC did everything in its power to

block the project. They took a strong anti-development position.

In the education sector, the PPP/C’s investments were massive. The Administration ended the community high school system which did allow students to write the CXC examinations.

More than 1000 schools were built and rehabilitated.

And the passes at the CXC examinations improved greatly.

For years Guyanese students topped the region.

Schools were built with dormitories in hinterland areas so that all children could have equal access to a secondary education and despite the many challenges, hinterland students performed exceedingly well.

Every child attending the public school system was provided with free exercise and text books. No one ever complained about discrimination here.

New schools were also built in almost every community. Here again, we had very little help from the then Opposition. Indeed, schools were targets for sabotage and many were deliberately burnt and/or destroyed.

One Ministry building on Brickdam was even razed to the ground by saboteurs. This, the PNC (now APNU), saw as political work to destabilise the PPP/C Administration.

In the face of such opposition, the PPP/C Administration still managed to take Guyana to the verge of achieving universal secondary education.

University education had also expanded with a much higher student intake than ever before. More Guyanese were given scholarships to study abroad under the PPP/C Administration in our country’s history.

The availability of technical education has become much more widespread and almost every region now has a technical institute.

The PPP/C Government initiated several programmes to give school dropouts a second chance. Apart from the work of the Education

Ministry, the Ministries of Labour and Youth, Sports and Culture also had similar programmes to assist those youths.

No sane individual with knowledge of these programmes can accuse the PPP/C of practicing racial discrimination while it was in office. The participants were a true reflection of our country ethnically.

We can say the same for health services. The PPP/C Administration not only upgraded the facilities throughout the country, but built new hospitals in every region and numerous health centres were established countrywide.

Another area where glaring development has taken place is the housing sector.

No one can accuse the PPP/C of discrimination in the house lot allocation process. It was an open and fair one since all Guyanese benefitted.

Housing programmes were initiated for every region and this totally transformed the landscape of our country.

Clear evidence that the PPP/C gave every Guyanese equal opportunity was the outcome of the recently held Local Government Elections.

The PPP/C lost in the Parfaite/Harmonie housing scheme because of the continuous racial propaganda pushed by the APNU/AFC. Black people in the main voted for the APNU/AFC coalition. This mere fact clearly states that more Afro-Guyanese were allocated house lots in that area than Indo-Guyanese and that they clearly voted race.

But despite all this overwhelming evidence, the APNU/AFC and the Kaieteur News remain relentless in their unfounded and unjustified attacks about racial discrimination. They have never acknowledged any of the efforts made by the PPP/C to ensure equitable distribution of resources and the equal opportunities that were created for all.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

6

saturDAY, april 16, 2016

Page T

guyana-times.com

Foundation

ways to talk so your children will listen

he way we talk to our children has a huge impact on their learning and ability to listen to us. We are constantly modelling to our children how to act and behave and the way we talk to them fits right into this category. The way we speak to them and those around us is showing them how we want them to speak back to us. I have found that there are generally three different ways that parents communicate with their children. The first one is in an aggressive way. These parents yell a lot, put their children down and use attacking words. Their children respond in many different ways, mainly by playing up a lot more, feeling fearful, yelling back and ignoring their parents’ constant orders.

The second form of communication commonly seen is a passive form. These parents mutter soft, cautious words and tones to their children finding that they run riot and walk all over them.

Unfortunately these parents are so passive that sometimes when they are pushed to their limits, they suddenly turn their communication into an aggressive tone. Lastly the third way that parents can communicate with their children is in an assertive way.

This is what I have found to be by far the most effective way to communicate with children at all levels. An assertive way of communicating is firm, consistent, clear, positive, warm and confident. Communicating with children in an assertive way is a real skill yet it shows your children that mum and dad know what they’re going on about and to listen.

Here are my 20 top tips for improving the way we talk to our children: 1. Use your child’s name.

Your own name is music to

(Part one)

your ears. Our children are no different, plus it helps to get their attention before delivering your message. eg “George, please go and get…”. Young children can often only concentrate on one thing at a time. Call your child’s name until you have their attention before you speak. Eg “Helen”. (Wait until she stops kicking the ball and looks at you.) “Lunch will be ready in 10 minutes”.

2. Use positive language.

Try not to being saying “no” or “don’t” all of the time. There is no doubt that if we say “Don’t drop that glass” or “No running inside” or “Don’t drag your coat in the dirt” your child has that image and thought imbedded in their mind and more times than not, they will drop the glass! Instead, try to word what you want them to do. Eg “Only walking inside please” or “Hold onto that glass, it is a special one” or “Hold the coat up so it doesn’t drag”. This requires much thought and practice but is well worth the effort. Try to eliminate words you use that may be ridiculing (“You’re being a big baby.”), name-calling (“You’re a really bad boy.”), and shaming (“I was so ashamed of you today”). This type of language achieves very little except leaving your child feeling worthless.

Children will often cut off communication with those who use these words with them and begin to develop a poor selfconcept.

Positive and kind words give your c h i l d m o r e

confidence, makes them feel happier, helps them behave better, encourages them to try hard and achieve success.

They learn to imitate you and deliver the same respect and praise to others. Examples of positive words are: “I like to way you remembered to pack up your toys”, “Thank you for helping me clean up this mess”, “You tried so hard to share your things with your sister, it made me feel really happy”.

3. Connect with your child with eye contact. You may need to get down to their level or sit at the table with them.

When you are chatting with your children, this shows them also what they should do. Not only is it good manners, it helps you to listen to each other. Say your child’s name until you get their eye contact, especially before giving them a direction.

It is important that they give you their attention, and you should model the same behaviour for them.

4.

Use volume appropriately.

Don’t ever compete with a yelling child.

When they have calmed down, then talk. If you use the volume of your voice appropriately for the majority of the time, raising your voice in an urgent situation should not be ignored.

They will sit up and take notice because it doesn’t happen all of the time. Yelling orders or directions f r o m another room may

also fall on deaf ears after a while, for example yelling “Turn off the TV now please Chad” or “Hurry up and get dressed” from the kitchen gives the impression that you’re busy and not too serious. Walking into the room, joining in for a minute or two and waiting for the commercial break will go down with far more cooperation. You are modelling respectful behaviour to start with and you have come to them with your direction, so they know you mean it!

5. Suggest options and alternatives. When you want your children to cooperate with you, it is far easier if they can understand why they need them to do something and how it is to their advantage to do so. They need to see the importance of following your directions.

For example, “When you get dressed, you may go outside with Daddy”, “Which jumper would you like to put on, the red one or the blue one?”, “When you do your homework, you can then watch TV”, “Which book would you like to read, this one or that one?” “When you are dressed for school, you may then play with your toys”. By adopting words like “when” and “which” makes the child feel as though they have choices, even though there is no room for negotiation.

This works far better than using “if” words. Also, try to include your child in helping you solve a problem. For example, instead of saying “Don’t leave your toy trucks out there”, try saying “George, think about where you should store your toy trucks so they’re in a safe place, come and tell me when you’ve decided on a good spot.” Try to offer alternatives rather than saying a straight out “no” or “don’t”.

For example “You can’t get the paints out just now, but you could draw with the crayons instead”. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

BY TRACY ENRIGHT

Y

ou might think listening is an automatic response, and it’s true it can be hard to shut out the noise of the world around you, but effective listening is about processing the sounds and responding appropriately to the cues. Effective listening is an essential skill for learning and it’s something you can help your child develop.

The advantages If your daughter learns to listen well, she’ll be better at gathering, analysing, storing and retrieving information.

She’ll be more able to use that information to make the intuitive leaps needed to understand what’s being taught at school. Her language and communication skills will be stronger making her better at seeking clarification, expressing ideas and sharing her thought processes; this leads to increased engagement in the learning activity that will help her consolidate her new knowledge more effectively.

Socially, she’ll form stronger relationships with others; by listening to others she’ll find it easier to find common ground, develop empathy, manage any

conflict and provide support.

She’ll feel more included which will, in turn, improve her selfconfidence and self-esteem.

She’ll gain more pleasure from social activities and feel able to get more involved.

How you can help Playing games that involve sound can help your daughter associate sound with meaning.

You can use rhyming songs and games to help her learn anything from counting to brushing her teeth. You can encourage her to listen more carefully by taking her on a sound walk to give her the opportunity to explore the world around her with more than just sight. Playing verbal word games, such as Twenty Questions or I-Spy, will help her concentrate on what’s being said, extract the relevant information and use it to formulate an appropriate response. This will also help develop the neural pathways in her brain that support memory. Children learn by imitating the adults around them and by demonstrating good listening skills you can make sure being a good listener becomes second nature to her.

This includes; paying attention when she talks to you; maintaining eye contact, crouching down to her eyelevel if necessary; reflecting her words back to check your understanding, encourage her to add information, or as a subtle way to correct mistakes in her use of words or tense; and asking her to repeat what she’s said if you can’t grasp her meaning.

When you’re talking to her, it’s important to remember she may not be able to cope with several instructions at once. Starting with simple directions, making them more complex as she develops, will teach her how to listen to and follow instructions. Talking about a story you’ve read, asking about her favourite character or the best part, will get her used to remembering what she’s heard for later use.

It can be infuriating when your child doesn’t listen to you and, while this can sometimes be because she’s so absorbed in what she’s doing she’s blocked out all distractions; it could be she needs to improve her listening skills.

It’s comforting to know you can play an active role in this; the better she gets the more effectively she’ll learn and the easier she’ll find it to make and keep friends. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

7 Region 9 residents petition President to sack REO news

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

– accused of discrimination and targeting Amerindians

O

ver 1200 residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have petitioned President David Granger, calling for the removal of Regional Executive Officer Carl Parker who they accused of discriminatory practices and “unprofessional misconduct.”

The petition, dated Monday, April 11, 2016, was sent to President David Granger on Wednesday April 13, 2016, and copied to several Government Ministers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The petition, in the name of Berlinda Duncan, is signed by 1200 residents of Region Nine, and accuses Parker of discrimination and targeting Amerindians since his appointment last year, following the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

The petitioners said several letters of complaints were written to various Ministries of Government to investigate the REO’s

Region Nine REO Carl Parker

unprofessional misconduct, but to date, there was no satisfactory response.

The document details some 13 accusations against Parker, including sexual harassment of female staff of the regional administration, including Shaharazade Atkinson, a District Education Officer.

“Several of these victims were forced to leave their jobs due to Mr Parker’s ha-

rassment and improper behaviour,” the petition stated.

Parker is also accused of discriminating against Amerindian staff, including withholding of salaries and transferring staff without proper and prior consultation.

The petitioners said that the REO is refusing to accept the appointments by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of both new recruits and promotions, claiming he has no confidence in the PSC. He is accused of dismissing staff over political differences while persons employed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) are warned against interacting with the Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman; both of whom were elected on People’s Progressive party/Civic tickets in the last national elections.

“Employees at present are working in fear of losing their jobs,” the petitioners stated.

Among some of the oth-

er accusations against the REO are holding unauthorised meetings in villages and demands that Village Councils report to him, while showing total disregard for decisions made by the RDC by overriding its decisions.

“Persons who have applied for jobs in the region claim they are being victimised by Mr Parker.

According to our people, Mr Parker insists that they have to join the APNU party before he can recommend them for jobs. The majority of complaints come from Amerindians,” the petitioners alleged, adding that ,”When staff in the region, such as teachers, request or apply for transfers, Mr Parker also demands that they join the APNU party or else their request will not be processed.”

“Mr President, we the people of Region Nine humbly request your urgent intervention. Our people have

been suffering for months and the situation has become unbearable. We can now only depend on your own good office to ensure that the Ministry of Communities corrects this anomaly and violation of rights.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Guyana Empowered Peoples’ Action Network (GEPAN) and The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) wrote Communities Minister Ronald Bulkhan, advising that they have received copies of the petition.

They noted that they were informed that on Friday, Berlinda Duncan, the Amerindian mother of three who submitted the petition on behalf of 1200 other signatures, was being intimidated and forced into going to the Lethem Police Station on the said REO’s instructions.

The two Amerindian

rights groups reminded that Guyana’s indigenous people are guaranteed special rights against discrimination through the Constitution, the Amerindian Act 6-2006 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

“Mr Parker is being accused of violating several of these rights since his appointment to the function of REO and we now calling on you as the Minister of Communities, to rectify this anomaly by placing an REO who respects the right of all residents of Region Nine, regardless of race, gender and political persuasion.”

Parker is one of the 10 politically-appointed REOs who after the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections was installed in the 10 administrative regions.

Efforts to contact Parker proved futile.

Albouystown man jailed Gunman shot during Mc Doom for trafficing

gas station robbery

A

suspected bandit was shot in the wee hours of Friday morning in an exchange of gunfire during a robbery at the Shell Service Station, Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown.

The injured man who was reportedly shot to one of his legs is under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to information received, at about 02:30h, four armed men went to the gas station and held up three employees, relieving one of them of $51,000 and a mobile phone before engaging Police in a high-speed chase and exchange of gunshots.

However, the men managed to escape into the village after the exchange of gunfire. The Police, however, went in search of the men and based on information received, the ranks went to a house where they found an unlicensed 9mm Glock Pistol and 35 matching rounds and twenty-six .32 rounds of ammunition.

At the scene on Friday, one of the pump attendants who was robbed explained that she was taking a nap and when she woke, she realised her colleague was nowhere around and thought that she was in the wash room.

After serving several cars, she noted that the young lady did not return hence she went to check on her. When she reached the washroom area, she saw her colleague and the guard lying on the ground and as she looked around, she was confronted by one of the gunmen who held her at gunpoint.

“He told me don’t move and that I must act normal and to hand over all the money I sell for the night… I give him the last set of money that I sell…there was three of them,” she noted.

The young lady further explained that one of the men left and went to the cashier but before doing so, he broke into the minimart section and discharged several

rounds.

He then instructed the cashier to hand over the money she had at the time, while hurling abusive remarks towards her.

By this time, she noted that the Police arrived and there was an exchange of gunfire. Out of fear, she ran into the washroom and locked herself in. When she came out, everything was over.

She also noted that the gunman relieved her of $4000 but was unsure how much he collected from her colleagues, stating that he might have collected over $20,000 from the cashier.

The pump attendant also told Guyana Times that after the men attacked, the cashier was attempting to call 911 but the calls went unanswered.

“She must be call the 911 number about 100 times… but her have a dispatcher number of the wall and we called them and less than three minutes, the Police came,” she noted.

A

n Albouystown, Georgetown, resident was on Friday jailed

by Magistrate Annette Singh for three years after he was charged by police with being in possession of a quantity of cocaine and marijuana.

Shawn Peters, 28, of Lot 183 Calendar Street, Albouystown, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on April 12 he had in his possession one gram of cocaine, for the purpose of trafficking.

The defendant also admitted that on the same day

at Albouystown, he had in his possession, a utensil used for smoking cocaine that is, an improvised pipe.

Additionally, Peters also admitted that on the same day he had in his possession one gram of cannabis.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question, at about 03:20h, police were on patrol duty in Albouystown, when they saw the defendant walking in the area.

Prosecutor Grant revealed that Peters, known to the police, was searched by

ranks who found in his right pants pocket the illicit drugs wrapped in grease-proofed paper.

When asked by Magistrate Singh if he accepted the facts of the case, Peters responded “yes.”

He was fined $10,000 together with three years imprisonment; for the utensil he was fined $6000 and sentenced to six months. As to the marijuana, he was fined $3000 and ordered to perform 15 hours of community service. All the sentences will run concurrently.

8 news

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS “Lil Man” denies sodomising and killing 2-year-old niece

A

s the trial against Kevin Rankin who allegedly murdered his two-year-old niece in 2013 continued Friday, the defendant vehemently denied sodomising or killing the child.

Rankin, also known as “Lil Man”, is on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a jury for allegedly killing little Kimani Phillips on 12 October, 2013 at Lot 46 Haslington South, East Coast Demerara. The defendant was 15-years-old at the time.

At the commencement of the trial Friday last, State Prosecutor Narissa Leander related that on the day in question, the toddler was left in the care of Diane Graham, the defendant’s mother.

During the course of the day, the woman reportedly went to conduct some errands, leaving the toddler and Rankin at a neighbouring relative’s house.

Leander explained that the prosecution’s case would be built by the circumstantial evidence which would prove that Rankin inflicted the fatal injuries on the child.

On Friday, Rankin maintained his innocence, telling the Court he did not commit the sordid offence. He said that on that day he was indeed left to care for his niece, however he denied the allegation that he sexually molested her, causing her death.

On Monday, Kiana Primo, the defendant’s cousin, admitted that she had supplied the Police with an untrue statement when relating the incident. She stated that early that day, she was on the upper flat of the house when she noticed a strange odour, which was later discovered to be the toddler defecating.

She stated that she ordered Rankin to clean the child up while she continued

her chores. Sometime later, she recalled that Rankin had rushed to her clad only in a pair of short pants, telling her that the toddler was not breathing. She said upon investigating, she noticed that the child was lying motionless with her eyes and mouth open, while Rankin was nervous. She explained that they then rushed her to the health centre where she was pronounced dead.

While under cross-examination by Defence Counsel Sandil Kissoon, Primo confessed that she had told the Police a different version of what occurred. The woman, who was 18 at the time, admitted she told the Police that when she discovered the child on the bed, the toddler was moving her head from side to side. She claimed that she lied because she did not want her cousin to be arrested, but now she wished to clear her

conscience and tell the truth.

State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh also testified that the autopsy revealed that the child had been sodomised.

Dr Singh said the cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to multiple abdominal injuries.

He explained that Philips had been “subjected to anal penetration”, which left behind fresh samples of blood.

He further related that the child suffered abdominal trauma as a result as well as massive internal injuries to her spleen, liver and anus.

He contended that the injuries were caused simultaneously, adding that the toddler suffered injuries on her head and neck and blunt force trauma consistent with being hit, compression or a fall.

Dr Singh also revealed that he could not determine by what the child was penetrated.

Nottinghamshire backlands murder

Prosecution fails to locate eyewitness

T

he murder trial against Lakeraj Fredericks, 28, accused of murdering Clifton Bonus in Linden commenced on Wednesday but so far the Prosecution has been relying on the Caution

Statement (CS) to build their case.

The charge for which he is before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury alleges that on 4 June, 2011, at Nottinghamshire backlands,

Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), he murdered Bonus, also known as “Mutty”.

Fredericks of Lot 12 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara,

was the alleged mastermind of the killing allegedly carried out by him and a teenager.

Fredericks and the alleged accomplice were working on a farm in the backlands at Nottinghamshire when Bonus was murdered. Fredericks had allegedly returned home after the murder. The accomplice was later questioned by Police, and after giving a statement, reportedly assisted with the recovery of Bonus’s body.

The accomplice told Police he was working on a farm when he heard gunshots and as he went to investigate he saw two men standing over the dead man.

One of them, Lakeraj Fredericks, reportedly had a gun in his hand. He said Fredericks reportedly held the gun to his head and ordered him to take the shovel and cutlass and bury the dead man.

The case against the then teen was thrown out.

Fredericks eluded Police but was subsequently apprehended after he reportedly committed another murder at First Street, Garden of Eden, while Police were in pursuit of him.

The victim was identified as Vernon Renaldo, 22 who was reportedly asleep when he was fatally stabbed.

Fredericks allegedly fled the scene but was apprehended by a community policing group member, while walking on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.So far, the Prosecution has been relying heavily on the Caution Statement and Police Witness, as the only eyewitness to the murder has gone off the radar.

The young man who was previously charged for the murder is the only witness to the day’s incident; however the Prosecuting team related that they have failed to present him in Court as his location is currently unknown.

The matter is expected to be wrapped-up by Tuesday.

Eyew tness

Height of absurdity...

I

...on NGSA

t’s said “Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.” This Eyewitness really believes some folks making policy at the Education Ministry may be “mad” – in the sense of how the ancients used it. Doing things that just doesn’t stand to reason. Take this latest decision on the NGSA – to now have the kids write their names on the exam papers.

Why in the world would they want to do this? Well let’s look at the reasons they provided. For Paper I – which is all multiple choice – they claim the students writing their names will guarantee they were the ones who actually answered the questions!! Well they should tell the long suffering students and their parents, what will be different if stand-ins write those same names.

Is the Ministry going to have a data bank of signatures of these 11-year-olds to compare the written signatures against? But really!! The NGSA’s written in the same schools the kids attend. Can anyone really think an “imposter kid” can show up among kids who spent six years together and not be outed? What a crock!!

And even if some precociously cunning kids are gaming the system by having “imposters” take their place – wouldn’t it be better to install the system in place for CSEC. Have the cherubs submit their pics which can be presented with their Candidate Numbers on the Exam Day? For Paper II, the students will now have to not only write their names – but also their addresses, date of birth and gender on a page that’s kept by the administrators – but doesn’t go up to the markers!

We’re not told why the administrators need that data – which should be already in the system. Or what they’ll do with it. But with Paper II going up to the markers without the names on the kids’ submissions, couldn’t the aforesaid precociously cunning kids substitute their “stand-ins” for them?

But we all know this is all BS...isn’t it? So will the powers-that-be who will determine the life chances of the next 14,500 kids writing the NGSA (specific high school attended and income are highly correlated) give us the real scoop? As it is, folks out there think the present Administration wants to fiddle with the present randomised distribution of the top 10 per cent.

In a country so divided that people look at the origin of people who’re selected as dog catchers. Can you imagine the rap the Government will take if they allow this hare-brained scheme to go through?

Hope they’re learnt from the present imbroglio that silence may be golden, but not in politics.

...on Holder in Costa Rica

We know Agriculture Minister Noel Holder’s out in Costa Rica...no one is sure why...but he’s there all right. Our media says he’s there for development of our livestock sector. But this Eyewitness thinks that’s only because the fella in charge of our livestock programme accompanied him. However, the Costa Rican media says: “Among the areas for discussion are the systematic, participatory, and organised approaches to dealing with agriculture in the region; support for the construction of medium and long-term visions, enabling each country to achieve its development goals and to look at the international vision for dealing with global phenomena related to agriculture and rural life.

“The objective of the visit is to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, strengthen agriculture’s contribution to the development of territories and well-being of the rural population and improve agricultural capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change.”

In other words – more bloviating BS.

...in closing LBI

Minister Holder was heavily criticised for not visiting Wales Estate when he closed it down and threw 1700 sugar workers into the streets.

They can’t do that with the closure of LBI throwing another 700 out on their ears.

The man’s not in the country!!

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

news

9

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Nothing sinister in new NGSA format – CEO claims

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

C

hief Education Officer (CEO), of the Education Ministry Olato Sam said there is “nothing sinister” in the Ministry’s move to change the format of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations to include a requirement for the students to write their names on the examination paper.

Since publicly announcing the new requirement, the Ministry and Government have come in for censure from certain sections of the public.

Opposition member and former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand have blasted government over “not being able to explain the value of such a move.”

Speaking with the media on Friday however, Sam restated that, “there is absolutely nothing sinister or secretive” about the process, and further, the officers of the Ministry of Education are professionals that “do not get themselves involved in sinister and secretive processes.”

The CEO explained that in changing the format, the Ministry consulted the

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam

premier assessment entity in the region, (which is the Caribbean Examinations Council). He also said the Ministry adopted the new format and measures because “they are more efficient and will be more effective in preserving the integrity of our assessment in Guyana and that is our primary concern.”

“It is not my place to get involved in any of the other things, but I can assure all of the public that our assessment process is going to be conducted with the standards and the expectations that are not just local, but are regional,” Sam stated.

“We have certainly ensured that all of the expectations that are actually enshrined in the assessment processes that have international standards are now being brought to bear on the local process,” he added.

According to Sam, the Ministry is currently crafting a broad-based response to public concerns raised over the new format for the examination.

This is in addition to a press release that the Ministry would have already sent out outlining clearly, that the new

requirements are administrative functions that will in no way affect the marking process of the examinations.

Manickchand had again lashed out at Government over the “real” changes made to the format of the NGSA, noting that it could lead to subjectivity.

The NGSA, expected to be written by more than 14,000 students across the country in a matter of two weeks, now requires students to inscribe their names on the examination paper along with their identification/registration numbers.

Manickchand suggested that the move to change the format and layout of the exam from the way it has been done for decades, could be an attempt at victimisation. But that is just a suggestion and the former Education Minister said she hopes Government through the Education Ministry could show reason for its sudden decision to ask students to now write their names on their examination papers.

Manickchand said this new development could cause much more trouble than in any way help, and her Party is still seeking to figure out in what way the change could help. She said the Ministry has not been forthcoming with information regarding this.

A number of parents, she noted, have contacted her with concerns over the changes. That had prompted her to make contact with officials at the Ministry, including Chief Education Officer Olato Sam and the officer responsible for primary education.

According to Manickchand, although she had a detailed response, she still could not fathom the reason for children’s names being written on their exam paper.

She said it is always hard to keep integrity of examinations intact. This new development, she said, will most definitely shake the integrity of the examination, which took “many years building up”.

Traffic Cop dies days after being struck by speeding canter

Dead: Police Constable Kelvin La Fleur

T

hree days after being struck while performing duties at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, a traffic officer succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Dead is 25-yearold Kelvin La Fleur, of Demerara Road, Lamaha Springs, Georgetown. At the time of his demise, he was attached to the Providence Police Station.

According to reported

received, the traffic rank who served at the Kitty and Brickdam Police Stations was in the process of crossing some school children when he was struck by a canter which was overtaking another vehicle.

Following the accident, La Fleur sustained injuries to both hands and a broken right leg. He was discharged from hospital but due to persistent pains, he was rushed back to the medical facility on Thursday morning.

La Fleur however took his last breath just after noon on Thursday.

The former Science Teacher was described as a loving individual who was dedicated to his job and family. La Fleur was also instrumental in planning many activities with the aim of bridging the void between the public and the Police Force.

A close friend of the officer stated that “a loved person indeed has gone. He may not be my loved one, but he was loved by many with whom he came into contact”.

The driver of the motor vehicle was arrested and is expected to be charged shortly.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, april 16, 2016

News

Linden Market washroom facility

Sparks fly as Mayor meets vendors

By Utamu Belle

S

parks flew high in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) on Friday as a consultation with vendors of Mackenzie Market and Mayor Carwyn Holland and Councillors of Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) got underway.

With the aim of the consultation being to address vendors on issues affecting them and to update on future plans of LM&TC, the opportunity presented itself for talks on the ongoing construction of a washroom facility on the eastern front of the Market.

This newspaper understands the facility is being erected compliments of a remigrant. However, some vendors claimed it is positioned at the “wrong place” while citing sanitary concerns. As such, Holland asked vendors to decide what must be done regarding the issue. The majority of over 50 vendors present voted to have the almost completed facility removed.

The Mayor said despite receiving threatening calls from someone in “high office” not to pursue the issue, it is up to the people to decide.

“Permission was granted by the previous council, the timings I didn’t too like or appreciate and what we gathered two days after my being elected as Mayor, I would have seen the devel-

The lavatory facility under construction

oper and so on. I calmly said, ‘could I see you in the office and we discuss this matter?”

Holland related.

However, Richard Hopkinson standing at the back of the gathering yelled in response, much to the surprise of those present, “that’s a damn lie, you went the first day. That’s a lie!”

This sparked outbursts from vendors who were clearly aggravated by the response. The facility is being constructed in the vicinity of Hopkinson’s shop, and some vendors have blamed him for encouraging the move.

While there were some who voted to have the facility removed, others said they welcome such an initiative. Some vendors on the Mackenzie market wharf even argued that the facility should have been constructed there instead, since pres-

ently it lacks such a facility.

There is only one lavatory serving the market which is closed by afternoon.

In an interview with this newspaper afterwards, Hopkinson said while he is not the person executing the project, he is in full support of it since it will benefit people in area tremendously.

He said in the absence of a 24-hour paid washroom facility, people have been noted to utilize the environs of the market stalls to relieve themselves mainly at nights, as he explained the facility would put an end to this unhealthy practice.

“All they are focusing on is to fight down the previous council. There are so many other things that need to be done in this community.

I welcome it because it is a much needed facility in this community,” he said.

Resident Gregory Parkinson who also spoke to Guyana Times stated, “a remigrant who is home and wants to invest his money wants to build to facilitate for upcoming events like the 50th anniversary and Town Week, so a lot of people will be able to use the facility, because it would be operating 24 hours,” he said.

Another resident indicated that the newly elected council is wasting its time when the project should be welcomed.

“The only objection is that it didn’t come through a certain channel,” he said.

The issue has engaged the attention of Lindeners for some time, even at the level of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) recently as councillors Sandra Adams and Gordon Callender faced off during the council’s statutory meeting last week.

According to Callender, the Mayor’s approach to the person constructing the facility is cause for concern since he noted that Holland did not even introduce himself before passing orders.

Adams shot up in response to Callender’s remarks, noting that she was informed of the meeting between the two. In the end Regional Chairman Renis Morian had to settle the discussion, noting that it was not the forum for that engagement.

D Division Police to receive new ground from region’s administration – Jaikaran

Region Three REO Dennis Jaikaran

I

n light of the consistent humanitarian exercises by D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) of the Guyana Police Force, Region’s Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) administration has vowed to reward the ranks by establishing for them, a special ground where their activities can be carried out in comfort.

This was according to the region’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dennis Jaikaran, during his congratulatory speech to the Force on making a major contribution to the establishment of a library at the Parfait Harmonie Primary School.

During the delivery of his speech, Jaikaran said the Force has been making a major impact in the lives of residents of the region and for this reason, they are eligible for a reward.

Giving back to the community by way of aiding was just one of the initiatives of the Force, as over the years it has taken the affairs of the residents as its priority and worked tediously to address them.

This is not only in the sense of offering security to the residents, but also in the form of charitable and selfbuilding activities to achieve ultimate development.

Jaikaran assured the Force that in the near future the administration will be paving the way for the provision of a new ground that will be built specifically for the ranks and for the hosting of activities of the Force.

As the activities are many, he said that this indeed will be a beneficial move, not only for the Force, but also the region.

He also said this would help to foster growth and expansion in the region even as the country aims to accomplish extensive development and improve the productivity level of its population. turn to page 13

Deadly Prison Riot

Seized items are returned to prison officers – Commander Hicken

A

s the Commission of Inquiry continues into the deadly Camp Street Prison fire, A Division Commander Clifton Hicken has revealed that whenever police seize certain items from inmates, they are returned to the Guyana Prison Service.

In his testimony to Commissioners on Thursday, Commander Hicken stated that police ranks would normally search for “arms and ammunition” and noted that whenever they see items such as phones and weapons, they are returned to prison officers.

These responses were obtained under cross-examination of witness by Attorney representing two inmates, Dexter Todd, who suggested to the Commander that the Police has “always found items in the prison that ought not to be there.”

“We would have found items in the prison –the prison service tells you if its authorized or not... whenever we found items like phone, improvised weapons

Commander of A Division Clifton Hicken

and the rest of it, it is handed over to the prison service – that’s the SOP [Standard Operating Procedure],” Hicken testified.

It was also stated that these searches are conducted once per month but dates vary according to the contributing factors at the time. One of the mandatory searches was conducted just two days before the 3 March riots.

Hicken was further questioned as to if on a policy level, information is filtered to

the police as to what should or should not be in the cell to which the Commander responded in the affirmative.

However Hicken explained that he did not brief himself on the report of the last search conducted and as such was not inclined to answer any further questions on the matter.

On 5 April the Commission heard the shocking revelation that prison wardens are the ones that sell mobile phones to prisoners. This was the testimony of Carl Brown, an inmate who is currently severing 13 years for murder.

It was explained that prisoners can purchase the mobile devices for $7000 in the Camp Street Prison.

Brown told Commissioners that he has his seventh phone since being behind bars, and admitted that he would often update his Facebook account about life in prison.

Brown had also told the Commission that whenever a phone is seized, a fee is paid and the phone is returned.

saturDay, APRIL 16, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

Ministerial Code of Conduct

Recommendations trickling in R

ecommendations are slowly trickling in from civil society as Government continues its effort to quickly enforce the ministerial Code of Conduct.

This is according to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who said that recommendations have so far been received from the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Human Rights Association, among others.

He is still encouraging more citizen and stakeholder participation in the process leading up to the final version of the Code, which is intended to promote professional, exemplary and responsible conduct by senior Government officials.

He explained that it is

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

meant to engender and re-

inforce public confidence in the manner in which senior Government officials perform their duties in service to the people.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that recently, a sub-committee was commissioned, comprising the Governance Department together with representatives from the Guyana Legal Aid Committee – the body dealing with professional conduct and discipline of practitioner in the legal profession, and also some representatives from the Natural Resources Ministry.

Nagamootoo restated that Government will be following the best practices from around the Caribbean and the rest of the Commonwealth.

Labourer slapped with bodily harm charge

A

labourer was on Friday placed on $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Chris Baird, 23, of Lot 41 Parika, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that

on 10 April at Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, Lethem, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Linden West.

Baird also denied the charge that on the same day at the same location he also inflicted grievous bodily harm to Amanda Campbell.

Magistrate McLennan

enquired about the Complainants’ whereabouts to which Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers informed the court that they are in Lethem.

The case was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court and will continue on May 30.

NCN announces new CEO

W

ith effect from May 1, the staterun National Communications Network (NCN) will be led by new leadership in the form of communications consultant Lennox Cornette.

This announcement was made by Chairman of the Board Bishwa Panday in a statement on Friday.

According to Panday, in efforts to revitalise the NCN, the board of directors completed the first round of recruitment to identify a new management team to take the company forward.

“After a successful round of interviews Mr Lennox Cornette emerged the best candidate for the CEO’s position based on

New CEO of NCN Lennox Cornette

his diverse communication, financial and executive

management background,” Bishwa said in the statement.

Cornette, who is a communications consultant, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business, a Bachelor in Social Sciences, majored in Mass Communications, a Diploma in Public Communication, and Certificates in Planning and Promotion from Bailbrook College, England.

After the change of government following the May 2015 General and Regional Elections, there were major shake-ups within state agencies including the media entities.

More road safety education needed – Education Committee Chairman

C

hairman of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Education Committee Denise Belgrave said there is need for additional road safety education to be imparted to the Region’s students.

According to Belgrave, this is one of the recommendations brought to the fore at a recent committee meeting. She noted that generally, students have been observed using the roadways in a haphazard manner, hence the need for more education.

As such, she said the committee will be targeting the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) bodies to try to bring the “much needed” road safe-

Education Committee Chairman Denise Belgrave

ty education to school-children across the region.

“Because we would have found that the children use the road very haphazardly, so we want to incorporate the

Road Safety Committee to the PTA body to work along,” she said.

Meanwhile, Councillor of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Charles Sampson has also made calls for traffic education to be taught in schools, through the Ministry of Education.

He said teachers should be trained in order to impart knowledge to students.

Belgrave has also stressed the need for guidance counsellors in every school since there are a lot of social issues that need to be addressed. She said while she is uncertain as to how soon this will happen, the need still exists.

At the beginning of March, Government had said it was extending the countrywide consultation on the subject, opening opportunities for civil society to give its extensive input on the way forward.

However, up until now, nothing has been forthcoming.

The Code of Conduct says that the acceptance of gifts and other forms of rewards worth more than $10,000

by Ministers, MPs and other public office holders in their official capacity shall

be reported to the Integrity Commission.

Ministers, MPs and public office holders should consider declining such gratuities if the acceptance of same could be perceived to have an effect on their objectivity and lead to complaints of bias or impropriety.

The Code of Conduct lays out that Ministers, MPs and public office holders should also avoid using their official position or transmitting any information made available

to them in the course of their duties to benefit themselves, their relations or any other individuals with whom they are associated.

They should avoid compromising themselves or their office and any action which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest. Failure to avoid or declare any conflict of interest may give rise to criticism of favouritism, abuse of authority or even allegations of corruption.

12 news

saturDay, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Region 10 Land Selection Several school toilets in Committee still not in place Region 2 out of order

By Utamu Belle

W

hile there have been talks over the past few months by Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian over the re-establishment of a Regional Land Selection Committee, to date there has been no notable advancement.

The setting up of the committee formed part of the 2012 Agreement August signed between the Region and the previous Administration and was constituted under the stewardship of former Chairman Sharma Solomon.

It was noted then that the committee would provide a platform for solving various land issues, by giving immediate relief to farmers and residents.

While it was established by way of motion, Morian, after taking office had dubbed it a “rubber stamp”, owing to the fact that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was not an issuer of lands in the Region. As such, he had questioned the importance of such a committee.

More recently, however, following the appointment of Minister within the Communities Ministry Valerie Adams Patterson, the regional chairman had expressed willingness in having the committee up and running. But months later, there has been no move forward, and during a statutory meeting of the RDC

last week, Councillor Sandra Adams questioned the status of the committee.

Adams explained that people in the region have been inquiring and she is running out of answers to give them.

According to Adams, “there are a lot of land matters and confusion around the Region.”

Morian then contended that since a new Land Commissioner was recently sworn-in, following consultations with him, he would move to have a Land and Housing Committee established for the Region.

He had made similar utterances months ago at a statutory meeting where he had promised that the committee would be established by the time the next meeting was held.

The Regional Chairman also alluded to the fact that there are numerous land issues plaguing the people of Region 10. Notably, during a recent visit by a team from the RDC to the Riverview community, a number of issues were brought to the fore, which caused residents to seek assistance. He added that the committee will now move to include an extension with housing, instead of land only.

“I would have documented about 55 to 60 land issues, write them down and sent them to the Commissioner”, he stated. “We went to Riverview and recognised that the Amerindian lands, the

map was redrawn to exclude about 300 yards from the river, because they were to be given to some private investor - legally redrawn. So, we got to go to the Commissioner to get that map to go back to where it was, that this land be given back to the indigenous people. I ain’t really wasting time. Now that we have a new Commissioner, I feel that it’s time for us to get the Land and Housing (Committee),” Morian stated.

These matters, among others, the Regional Chairman said, would be put on the table when a visit is convened to the Land Commissioner: “One of the first things that we would want to do is to visit the Commissioner… and the Minister of Housing… so now we will have this committee functioning… I’ll tell you what, I didn’t able to sit on a committee pussy-footing all the time… the other thing that the council talked about is where to expand the boundary of the town… It’s a lot of matters,” he stated.

Apart from land issues, communities in parts of Region 10, such as Linden are also faced with others involving housing, as was recently disclosed by AdamsPatterson. In January the Minister during a visit to the community outlined that there was “no available low cost house lots in Linden”.

A number of problems regarding house lot allocation were also outlined.

– lack of materials affecting work

By Indrawattie Natram

S

everal primary and secondary schools toilet facilities in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) are currently out of order and despite several reports made to the Department of Education and the engineering section of Region Two Administration nothing has been done.

Guyana Times understands the facilities could not be fixed due to the lack of building materials in the Regional Administration.

The lack of materials is said to be creating extra burden on schools PTAs and many children are experiencing discomfort while at school.

The matter of lack of materials was discussed indepth at the Region’s RDC earlier this week. Coalition councillor Naithram reported at the statutory meeting of April that he recently visited the Aurora Secondary School where he discovered out of 12 toilets only three were functional.

Naithram said he was surprised at the discovery and explained that children are greatly inconvenienced since the school has a large population.

“It is a concern, why when school is in recess engineers don’t visit and fix these problems, why children have to suffer due to negligence of paid workers,

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

don’t wait for Headmistress to make a report just do onsite visit and get the work down,” Naithram argued.

After Naitram was finished PPP/C councillor Arnold Adams reported that Aurora Primary School toilet facilities were also out of order and Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah also reported that the Huis‘t Dieren children are also suffering since ten washrooms are out of order.

Coonjah said when she queried why the washrooms weren’t fixed, she was told that there were insufficient supply of plumbing materials, screws and materials in the building section of the administration.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said he cannot understand why the issues are not being dealt

with in a timely manner.

He said children should be housed in a comfortable environment and requested the Regional engineer Parswattee Latchman to give an explanation.

Ramdatt also noted that the processing of the voucher for procurement of janitorial materials seems to be a slow process. He commented that at the RDC there seems to be a gap from when the vouchers are passed from accounts to the other desks.

Ramdatt suggested that vouchers be attended to in a timely manner so that issues can be resolved in a much timelier manner.

Meanwhile Regional Engineer Latchman pointed out that the delaying of vouchers in the system is the reason for lack of materials. The engineer urged that vouchers be handled efficiently so work can be done in a timely manner.

Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson then intervened saying that advances can be taken to purchase materials once there is an emergency.

Regional Education Officer Baramadai Seepersaud said whenever complaints are made to the department these are forwarded to the REO’s office.

It was also reported that Charity Secondary toilet facilities are in a deplorable state.

Conditions at Bourda Market deplorable – vendors

V

The filty drains in front of stalls at the western side of Bourda Market

endors at Bourda Market are continuing their cry for better sanitary conditions at the facility.

When Guyana Times visited the area yesterday, vendors voiced concerns over poor security and lack of sanitation within the market.

Retailers at the Market were all eager to relay their daily experiences there with regards to security and sanitation. One clothes merchant pointed out that though there had been an increase of constables who peruse the area every other day, no proper means of security was made available since a recent robbery in February. ‘’Sometimes you see dem, sometimes you don’t see dem, sometimes you see none at all. Ah tellin you the truth’’, she remarked.

The merchant recommended that constables be more within the market since they are almost always outside. ‘If something happening and you see a constable standing there, you can just give he a tip off and seh well look certain things going on at ‘X’ point. But nobody aint deh here. If I see a man fetch way something here, who I gon run to? Who I gon call? There’s nobody here’, she said In reference to sanitation, vendors indicated that garbage would sometimes be in the area for three or four days continuously.

“Sometime they clean, sometime they don’t.’’ One angry vendor informed this publication that sewage flow into the drains where stalls are set up. “It does seep in the stalls when de wata raise, and this filth

smelling. It does looking like greenish-yellowish. Now is black.’’

When asked how often the market is cleaned, sellers indicated that the maintenance personnel would pick up garbage bags every morning but not much was done for the other areas that needed cleaning. “The market always stink, the cleaners does only pick up the garbage bags and go’’, said one affected vendor. “This market really need washing down.’’

Other vendors highlighted that the market has had leaky roofs for quite some time and there is no proper means of lighting at the back area. They said even though complaints are made on numerous occasions, nothing is being done to rectify the conditions.

News

13

saturDay, APRIL 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

President promises to Princes Street Petrol station service disruption rectify UG’s grim state City Council replaces concrete slabs

O

Workmen replacing concrete slabs

P

President David Granger with some of the UGSS members on Thursday

resident David Granger has committed his Administration’s support to the University of Guyana’s Student Society (UGSS), after the student body picketed the Ministry of the Presidency last week, demanded an audience with the Head of State.

After more than a week of waiting, President Granger finally met with representatives of the student body, where he pledged to continue to address ongoing concerns.

“By the time the next academic year starts, most of these problems will be dealt with. Of course, not completely, but we would like to have some of these problems rectified. So we will try to rectify these before next semester and when the Minister of Finance is back in the country, I would like to engage him and it will be in the presence of the Vice Chancellor and the Chancellor, if he is still here, and the Minister of Education. This is a grave situation and I would never try to sweep this under the carpet,” President Granger told the students.

Among the issues raised were the lack of lecturers, lack of furniture in the classrooms, the presence of animals on campus, lack of recreational facilities, absence of practical assessments, functioning and equipped

laboratories for first and second-year students, what are considered unhelpful policies of the University and the perception of lack of respect and regard for the welfare of students by the University’s administration.

President Granger said the meeting was “sobering”, adding that while he was aware and had been disturbed about the diminishing conditions at the University for several years, he had never expected that it would reach to such low levels. “What you have described here, which I do not doubt... is very grim. The standards of sanitation and even the infrastructure are unacceptably low,” he told the students.

The President noted that he envisions graduates from the University of Guyana participating in every sphere of the country’s development and as such, the challenges there must be remedied as its current described state is hardly conducive to a tertiary learning institution.

“I have emphasised the importance of science and I would certainly like to see more scientists coming out of the University, more engineers to build our highways and bridges and roads in the hinterland, more biologists, more chemists and more botanists. This country cannot develop without an efficient University of Guyana so that is my vision. My vi-

sion for the University is inseparable from my vision of the country... I will certainly work on this. I have already engaged the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor. I will work with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education to bring relief,” he said.

Meanwhile, UGSS President Joshua Griffith, in an invited comment, said the discussion with the Head of State was frank and open and focused mainly on the issues that have been affecting students at the campus.

He noted that the commitment given by the President was heartening.

“We got the general sense that the President was surprised at the realities on the ground and he did commit to ensure resolutions in the near future for almost everything we brought to the fore.

So there is some sense that things will be different very soon,” Griffith said.

He noted that the UGSS was appreciative of the engagement with the President even while he acknowledged that there is work to be done by the students themselves.

Earlier this month, students began what they said would have been a series of protest actions if ear was not given to their plea.

They stood in front of the University’s Administrative Building clamouring for better quality service, among other things.

perations at the Infinity Service Station at Princes and High Streets is slated for full resumption as Georgetown Mayor & City Council (M&CC) workers on Friday replaced several concrete slabs that were removed to facilitate cleaning of drains.

Guyana Times was told that the drains around the gas station are about three meters deep so the slabs had to be moved. Additionally, it was posited that cleaning of drains is done in connection with the flow of tides and as such cannot be completed within a short timeframe.

Earlier this week this publication reported that

city workers on Tuesday left the area in a muddied state, much to the anger of manager Keshan Persaud.

The proprietor had alleged that workmen advised that they would not put the concrete slabs back as they were only responsible for removing it. Persaud had further stated that his business was affected as only a very limited number of vehicles could enter to obtain gas.

Guyana Times was informed Monday that a female worker without proper identification informed management of the gas station that these works would commence.

When managers of the

service station attempted to make inquiries of the works, the female worker reportedly asked them if they were attempting to tell them how to do their job.

This publication made contact with City Council’s Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis who related that she was aware of the issue and explained that she spoke to someone who looked into the matter to have it rectified.

The cleaning works are part of the overall preparations for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in May. In 2015, the National Budget included the allocation of $300 million towards restoration of the capital city.

D Division Police to receive new...

The REO added that the activities of the Force should be embodied by the rest of the region so that they also can make an impact on regional and national advancement.

He encouraged the region to get on board and be active bodies for the purpose of building a land that would eventually be more sustainable, safe and productive for human living.

Jaikaran therefore commended the ranks for having the interest of the country at heart and acting to ensure that the goals they want to see in the lives of Guyanese are achieved.

He urged them to continue their work in serving Guyana and making every effort to move the country clos-

er to its goal of extensive progression.

Making his remarks on behalf of the D Division, Commander Stephen Mansell said that the Force will continue to do its part in fostering Guyana’s growth.

He disclosed that the Guyana Police Force over the years has undertaken a number of activities that have been beneficial to the public and there are a wide range of others that it will be embarking on in the near future.

Mansell cited that over the course of one of its most recent activity, the Force had been able to get more than 185 youths from the Region Three district off of the streets and living sustainable lives.

from page 10

Over the remainder of this year, the Police Force will be additionally offering two sets of programmes that target the region’s youths.

The Commander said this includes the cookery programme that is currently running and will provide the foundation for youths who find an interest in food and nutrition. This programme will be running for six weeks.

Additionally, in August, the Force will also be commencing its vocational training slated for one month and designed primarily for youths.

Mansell urged the public to take advantage of these activities as they are intended to promote self building.

14

guyana-times.com

saturDay, april 16, 2016

Regional

Brazil Dilma Rousseff impeachment: St Lucian Police probing pregnancy Lower house debate begins of 11-year-old

B

razil's lower house of Parliament has begun a debate ahead of a vote on Sunday on the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff.

Opposition MPs chanted "Dilma Out" as the session got under way. Brazil's Supreme Court rejected a Government injunction against the vote.

Rousseff is accused of manipulating Government accounts ahead of her re-election in 2014. She denies the charges and accuses opponents of plotting a "coup".

Her supporters say the issue is not valid grounds for impeachment. Rousseff has vowed to fight to "the last minute" despite the desertion of three allied parties ahead of Sunday's vote, which begins at about 14:00 (17:00 GMT).

Brazilian media predict

P

olice in St Lucia are investigating reports that an 11-year-old grade six student is five months pregnant.

The Director of the Human Services Department, Elizabeth Lewis, has confirmed that the matter involving the child from the South-east coast of the island is being

Brazil political crisis: Why Dilma Rousseff faces impeachment calls

a close vote, with two polls putting the number of those in favour of impeachment at 342 – the crucial two-thirds needed to send the motion to the upper house, the Senate.

If the Senate endorses the move, Rousseff will be sus-

pended for up to 180 days whil an impeachment trial is held.

Brazilian Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo took the floor to warn against voting to impeach the president, calling the process a "violent act with no parallel against

democracy".

The Supreme Court made its decision in an extraordinary session, with seven of 10 justices voting to reject the motion even before the Supreme Court session had finished. (Excerpt from BBC News)

handled by her unit.

“At this point I prefer not to say much, just to say that we are aware of the case and we are dealing with it. We don’t want to say too much at this time,” she said.

The child had been complaining of feeling unwell and tests done at the hospital confirmed her pregnancy. (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica moves towards ditching Queen, impeachment legislation and term limits

Venezuela scraps half-hour time difference set by Chávez

V

enezuela on Friday reversed a halfhour time change that was one of the signature measures of former President Hugo Chávez’s idiosyncratic 14-year rule.

Chávez turned Venezuela’s clocks back 30 minutes in 2007 so that children could wake up for school in daylight. But his successor Nicolás Maduro

has decided to return to the previous system, four hours behind GMT, to ensure more daylight in the evening when energy consumption peaks.

A severe drought is affecting the Guri reservoir that provides two-thirds of Venezuela’s power needs, and water and electricity outages are frequent.

“This extra half hour of

sunlight will allow a better electricity saving because it is at night when people return from work and schools that they turn on lights and air-conditioning,” Science Minister Jorge Arreaza said.

Arreaza, who married Chávez’s daughter, said the end of Venezuela’s unique time zone would come into effect on May 1.

“It’s as simple as waking up and putting your watch forward half an hour,” he explained on state TV. President Maduro’s Government, in power since 2013 following Chávez’s death from cancer, has been cautious in rolling back any of the revered socialist leader’s measures. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Man jailed in St Maarten for calling in false bomb threats at airport

A

man who called in false bomb threats at St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport last November will spend the next year behind bars in the Caribbean island.

Trinidadian-born Bryan Andrew Rymer, 42, was sentenced after being found guilty of the offence

on Wednesday.

He had called in two bomb threats on the afternoon of November 22, 2015 – one to airport security and the other to Police – claiming that a bomb in a car that was in the parking lot, would go off before an Air France flight departed.

His actions forced a shutdown of the airport’s

operations for almost six hours. The airport was eventually reopened after searches were conducted and no bombs were found.

Rymer, a database developer who lived in London at the time but was in St. Maarten at the time, was tracked down and arrested on Christmas Day 2015. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Ryan Andrew Rymer was sentenced to a year in prison

IDB Group sets goal to increase financing for climate change

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and InterAmerican Investment Corporation (IIC) – the IDB Group – have agreed to aim to increase the level of financing given for climate change projects in Latin America and the Caribbean by 30 per cent within the next four years.

Climate investment needs in Latin American and Caribbean region have been estimated at US$75 billion to US$80 billion per year between 2020-2030, representing close to 1.5 per

cent of the region’s GDP and almost three times its current volume of such investment.

And the IDB Group says reducing the gap will take on increased significance in light of the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and building resilience within the country commitments submitted in connection with the UN COP21 Paris Climate Conference held in December 2015.

The IDB Group prioritizes assistance to countries for the implementation of those commitments, translating

them into investments plans and projects, for example making infrastructure lowcarbon and resilient to climate change.

As part of its strengthened commitment to climate finance, the IDB will increase the use of innovative instruments for leveraging private sector finance for mainstreaming adaptation and climate resilience, such as green bonds, in addition to financial products including loans, technical cooperation grants, guarantees and equity investments. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Sir Patrick Allen announced in his Throne Speech that laws to allow for impeachment, a fixed date for elections, and term limits for Prime Ministers are high on Government’s legislative agenda this year

L

egislation to allow impeachment proceedings against corrupt public officials and Parliamentarians, constitutional amendments to transition Jamaica to a republic and fixed election dates and term limits are on the priority list of the Jamaica Government for 2016.

Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen highlighted those plans, among others, as he delivered the Throne Speech during the 2016/17 ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday.

He told Members of Parliament and Senators the issues were among the “major action items” on the Government’s legislative agenda for this year.

Listing those items, Sir Patrick said a Constitution

(Amendment) Bill will be laid to, among other things, replace the Queen with a non-executive President as Jamaica’s Head of State; Parliament will see legislation to create fixed election dates and term limits for the Prime Minister; legislation to provide for impeachment proceedings to be brought against corrupt public officials and Parliamentarians is on the cards; and an Integrity Commission Bill will establish a single anticorruption body.

Changes are also coming in the criminal justice system. According to Sir Patrick, there will be further amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act “to give full legalization for marijuana to be used for specified purposes”. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

T&T schoolboy among 3 charged with murder

T

wo men and a teenager with alleged links to gang activity in Chaguanas, have been charged with the October 17, 2015 murder of Amos Dick, according to a statement from the Police.

The accused Junior Nesbitt, 24; Adrian Clarke, 29; and Malcolm Quintin, 17; appeared before Senior

Magistrate Jo-Anne Connor in the Chaguanas Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge.

Dick was shot and killed on October 17, 2015, while at the corner of Mano Street and Postman Drive, Enterprise, Chaguanas.

Nesbitt, a plumber, also known as “Abdool Malik” and Clarke alias “Cudjoe” a vendor are both from

Enterprise, Chaguanas, while 17-year-old Quintin is a secondary school pupil of Bank Village, Carapichaima.

The three were not called upon to enter a plea as the charge was laid indictable. The matter was postponed to May 11, when they will reappear in the Chaguanas Magistrate’s Court. (Trinidad Guardian)

saturDAY, april 16, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

Major quake hits near Japan's China GDP: Economy slows Kumamoto; tsunami advisory lifted to 6.7% in first quarter

C

hina's economy grew at an annual rate of 6.7 per cent in the first quarter of the year, says the Government. It is the slowest quarterly growth in the Chinese economy in seven years, but in line with expectations and China's own growth targets.

In the final quarter of last year, the economy expanded by 6.8 per cent.

Friday's figures confirm the slowing trend in the

A

quake was near the city of Kumamoto and measured at a shallow depth of 10km, the US Geological Survey said. The quake on Thursday evening in the same region was of 6.4 magnitude.

"Thursday's quake might have been a foreshock of this one," Shinji Toda, a Professor at Tohoku University, told national broadcaster NHK. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the Saturday quake was 7.1 magnitude and it initially issued a tsunami advisory, which identifies the presence of a marine threat and asks people to leave coastal

A

minority in 1992. Some 800,000 people died in the genocide. Mugesera later worked as a lecturer in Quebec province and lost a 12-year legal battle to avoid extradition.

In 1992, then an official in Rwanda's ruling Hutu party, Mugesera told more than 1000 party members that they should kill Tutsis and dump their bodies in

the river. Mugesera later maintained his innocence, saying the speech had been taken out of context.

The genocide ended when rebels, led by current Tutsi President Paul Kagame, seized power in July 1994.

Militias from the majority Hutu ethnic group were blamed for the mass slaughter. (BBC News)

Germany's Merkel criticised for allowing prosecution of comedian who mocked Erdogan

G

ermany's Angela Merkel agreed on Friday to allow prosecutors to pursue a case against a German comedian who mocked Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, prompting accusations that she had failed to protect free speech and dividing her ruling coalition.

Erdogan had demanded that Germany press charges against Jan Boehmermann after he recited a poem about the Turkish leader in a show on German public broadcaster ZDF on March 31, suggesting he hits girls,

watches child pornography and engages in bestiality.

A section of the German criminal code prohibits insults against foreign leaders but leaves it to the government to decide whether to authorize prosecutors to pursue such cases.

This put Merkel in an awkward position. She has been the driving force behind a controversial European Union deal with Turkey to stem the flow of refugees into Europe and critics have already accused her of ignoring violations of human rights and press freedoms in

(Excerpt from BBC News)

regions, for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas.

NHK said the advisory suggested a possible wave of one meter in height. The advisory was later lifted.

Several aftershocks rattled the region later on Saturday, including one of 5.8 magnitude.

NHK quoted an official at a hospital near the epicenter as saying it had lost power after the Saturday quake and had to use its generators. Most of the casualties in the Thursday quake came in the town of Mashiki, near the epicenter, where several houses collapsed. (Excerpt from MSN)

Rwanda jails man who preached genocide of Tutsi 'cockroaches' former politician who described Tutsis as "cockroaches" and called for their extermination has been jailed for life in Rwanda over the 1994 genocide.

Leon Mugesera, an academic, was extradited back to his home country from Canada four years ago.

He made his incendiary speech against the Tutsi

in recent years to transform China from an export-led economy to a consumer-led one.

China earned the label of being "the factory of the world" from decades of manufacturing activity, the main driver of its rapid economic growth.

But factory activity has drastically slowed, as foreign companies relocated to cheaper manufacturing bases around Southeast Asia.

Ethical consumers key to cleaning up India's apparel supply chain: experts

A man walks near a damaged house and a crushed car

magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan early on Saturday, just over 24 hours after a quake killed nine people and injured at least 1000 in the same area.

The Saturday quake triggered a tsunami advisory, though it was later lifted and no irregularities were reported at three nuclear power plants in the area, Japanese media reported.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in the Saturday quake though there were several reports of damage, including some collapsed buildings and cracked roads.

The epicenter of the

world's second largest economy.

But there are pockets of growth. Investment in industrial assets and infrastructure registered a surprise jump by 10.7 per cent in the three months to March, when compared to the same period last year.

Consumers also appear to be spending, with retail sales showing a robust 10.5 per cent jump for March.

That fits Beijing's attempts

Turkey to secure its cooperation.

The Chancellor made clear in a statement that the decision to allow prosecutors to investigate was not a verdict on the merits of the case itself.

But she came under fire from the Social Democrats (SPD), her center-left coalition partner, which had wanted the Turkish request to be rejected. With her cabinet split on the matter, Merkel had the casting vote.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

G

Employees sew clothes at a garment factory in New Delhi September 29, 2014

lobal retailers' efforts to clean supply chains of slave labor and improve labor conditions will have little impact unless consumers in India, Asia's third-largest economy, demand more ethically produced goods, industry experts said.

India is among the largest manufacturers of textiles and apparel in the world, supplying leading international brands. In and around the southern city of Bengaluru alone, there are

some 1200 garment factories making apparel for global brands.

But it is estimated that the domestic market accounts for more than 40 per cent of the industry's revenue. Hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises use forced labour and treat workers poorly, with abuses ranging from withheld salaries to debt bondage, human rights groups say.

"The industry has the most invisible supply chain.

It is also mostly unorgan-

ised, which makes it harder to map and regulate," said Mona Gupta, a senior official at India's Apparel Export Promotion Council late on Thursday.

"Domestic consumers should raise their voice. If they insist on buying only ethical products, that will bring pressure on manufacturers," she said at a panel discussion on trafficking and modern day slavery organised by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and the Asia Society in Mumbai.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

France bullying case: Creteil girls 'tortured 12-year-old'

F

rench Police are questioning three schoolgirls in a Paris suburb suspected of torturing a younger girl, in a bullying ordeal that lasted months.

The victim's father told Europe 1 radio the attackers had stubbed out cigarettes on the 12-year-old's face and arms, dislocated her jaw, slashed her with a knife and urinated on her.

The gang in Creteil extorted money from her and tortured her after she had

gone to steal from a grocer's, it is alleged. Police were alerted after that attack.

The three schoolgirls detained by police are aged 13 to 15. In the radio interview, the girl's father said: "It's very complicated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she kept silent about it, and finally she told us 'I feared causing problems for you'."

After the attack the girl herself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; given the name Sandra in French media â&#x20AC;&#x201C; spoke about the bullying ordeal.

The girl's mother, quoted by the daily Le Parisien, said that on Tuesday she had found her daughter bloody and shaken in the street, and "discovered what they had subjected her to since December".

"We had noticed that money and jewellery had gone missing at home," she said. "Now we've got to leave this area... There's no way we can continue living in Creteil." (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 NEWS

saturDAY, april 16, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Rohee upset over PPP condemns complete scrapping of Strategic shutdown of LBI operations Management Dept – slams Top Cop for opposing Police reform

By Devina Samaroo

G

overnment’s plan to scrap the Strategic M a n a g e m e n t Department (SDM) has clearly ruffled the feathers of former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee who has since accused Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud of besmirching his character, denigrating the efficacy of the SMD, and disrespecting a PPP/C Cabinet decision.

The SMD was established in May 2013, based Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

Commissioner Seelall Persaud

on recommendations by UKbased CapitalSymmonds Consultancy Firm, to oversee the implementation of the Guyana Police Force’s 2013-2017 Strategic Plan.

However, according to media reports, the Police Commissioner indicated that the SMD had outlived its usefulness, so moves

were afoot to bring a halt to its operations.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan later confirmed that the employees’ contracts would not be renewed as Government would shut down the unit.

This decision did not sit well with the former Minister in charge of the security sector who took to the media to register his concerns and lambaste the Top Cop for his decision.

In a lengthy press statement on Thursday, Rohee stated that with the passing of former Police Commissioner Henry Greene and the retirement of his successor, Leroy Brumell, “certain” senior ranks who rose to the top of the Guyana Police Force became resistant and intoler-

ant to the work of the civilian-led SMD, its oversight role and its joint responsibility to ensure implementation of the Strategic Plan.

“Principal among those who considered the SMD and the Ministry of Home Affairs as intrusive were Seelall Persaud, Balram Persaud (deceased) and David Ramnarine,” Rohee stated.

He contended that to now claim that the SMD had “outlived its usefulness” was disingenuous and duplicitous.

Rohee then argued that there were elements at the senior management level of the Police Force who were never supporters of reform in relation to the implementation of the strategic plan drafted by the Consultancy Firm, particularly where a civilian-led Unit was mandated to oversee the implementation of the plan.

Public Security Minister Ramjattan had explained that the SMD was no longer necessary, since there were adequate measures under the Citizen Security Programme to improve the performance of the Force.

He reiterated that contracts of the unit’s members would be coming to an end soon and would not be renewed; therefore, the work of the unit ceased upon the completion of the contracts.

T

The LBI estate

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has condemned the recent revelation of Government’s impending plans to completely cease all operations at the La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, Sugar Estate.

In a joint press statement from the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) on Thursday, it was disclosed that Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is moving to shut down the remaining operations at the ECD estate. According to the unions, this was indicated to them by the Sugar Corporation during a meeting on Tuesday.

However, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee “strongly condemns” the decision, saying it is being done in similar fashion as Wales Estate. Moreover, Rohee pointed out the convenient timing of this release, noting that it comes at a time when the Granger Administration has found itself in the midst of a host of controversies.

In fact, the General Secretary believes it is a deliberate act being done to

divert attention from these “corrupt practices” within the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

“The sneaky approach used to announce the closure of LBI Estate reeks of an attempt to shift the public’s attention away from the swirling corruption scandals that are currently impacting heavily the APNU+AFC administration,” he remarked.

Rohee further outlined that cloaking the move to close another sugar estate as plans at “consolidating”, “integrating” and “merging” the East Demerara estates is unacceptable.

The PPP, he added, is of the view that collateral damage will result unquestionably with sugar workers in particular and workers in general from other related industrial and service providers being seriously affected in the same way as the workers at Wales Estate.

“The PPP in its campaign to save Wales Estate had publicly alerted sugar workers in particular and workers in general that it should come as no surprise to them should the anti-working class Granger administration move to shut down oth-

er sugar estates in the country,” he recalled.

Nevertheless, the PPP General Secretary said his party will continue to lend firm and unshakeable support and solidarity to sugar workers and their trade unions in their struggle to save the sugar industry and to beat back the antiworking-class policies of the Granger administration.

In 2011, GuySuCo under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, had closed the LBI Sugar Factory however the Corporation had assured that the other operations of the Estate would remain functioning.

However, the two unions representing sugar workers said during recent discussions, they were told that operations of the Field Workshop, Mill Dock, Field Lab, Stores and Administrative Offices at LBI Estate will be merged with similar operations at the Enmore Estate.

While GuySuCo have assured that workers will be deployed to the Enmore Estate, both unions are doubtful that full-time and regular employment will be available.

news

17

saturDay, april 16, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Comprehensive strategy needed to boost economy – GCCI President

Pakaraima mountain safari

Ministry proposes hosting N event biannually S

eventy-six plus participants and sponsors were on Thursday evening honoured for their participation in the annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Tourism Authority Director Indranaught Singh and tour organiser Frank Singh.

According to Tourism Director Singh, what was amazing is that among the 76 plus participants, 60 per cent were first-timers.

Tour organiser Singh indicated that the tour has so far accumulated 1350 participants throughout its 14 years of existence, prompting Tourism Minister Hughes to remark that the trip should be extended from once a year to two times a year and be expanded so that a lot more persons can take part.

Minister within, GarridoLowe indicated that a great opportunity was presented to people who wished to come on board and experience “romantic waterfalls, lush savannahs, and breathtaking mountains.” She further expressed gratitude for the appreciation shown towards indigenous people, with the purchasing of necessities from villages, as well as the patrons provid-

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes

ing various items the communities may be short of like footwear, etc.

The presentation ceremony acknowledged sponsors such as GUYOIL, Mohamed’s Enterprise, the Ministry of Tourism, and local biker groups Sonic Hunters and the Lethem Bikers. Director Singh highlighted the presence of ‘safarians’ from every region of Guyana and international participants including from Holland, Mexico, United Kingdom, China, and Suriname.

Speakers included Edward Luke-King and John Benet who both reflected on their encounters throughout the trip. Bennett said it was an “honour to participate in such an exciting event”. He

humorously recalled the renaming of the Pakaraimas the “mountain of doom.”

Tourism Minister Hughes in her remarks emphasised impact the event has on the tourism sector as well as the role it plays in putting Guyana on the map as the top tourist destination place in the world.

She indicated that in her Cabinet presentations, she intend to have tourism playing a much more vital contribution towards the economic development of Guyana.

Minister Hughes also highlighted the cultural exchanges of the indigenous people and that of the touring parties, citing that they both learned from each other.

Frank Singh acknowledged the participation and unity that was shown on the trip as he recollected on the experiences that helped to foster a better friendship among participants, while attributing the drought to the success of their trip which saw the expansion of the tour to include another Amerindian village.

Preparation has already commenced for the other trip, with the training of young individuals to express the Amerindian culture through food and craft in tours.

The organisers wished to see the touring party extend by next year and encouraged individuals to come on board.

Robbery accused granted bail

A

n alleged robbery and rapist accused Samuel George, 27, on Friday reappeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge.

George denied the charge which stated that on 28 March, 2016 at East

Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he robbed Evelyn Peters of one phone valued $5000, and $18,000 in cash.

Bail was not refused by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones after he informed the court that investigations into the robbery are complete and the file is ready, he however noted that the rape is still being investigated.

George of Lot ‘A’ East Ruimveldt, made his first appearance earlier this month, when he dramatically entered court, while being transported by policemen, bitterly crying and shouting “ I am wrongfully accused..” .

George was granted $25,000 bail and will make his next court appearance on April 25.

WPA urges President to...

The Report, stated that given all the relevant facts, events and circumstances set out, Commissioners could do nothing else but establish that William Gregory Smith was not acting alone but had the active and full support, participation and encouragement of, and/or was aided and abetted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) – both agencies of the State – and the political directorate, including Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, in the killing of Dr Rodney.

Rodney, a globally respected political and social activist, died on June 13, 1980, after a walkie-talkie he was examining exploded

in his lap.

It was the theory of those close to the founding WPA leader that the man he had somewhat come to trust, Smith, a then GDF Sergeant and communication expert, had planted an explosive into the device Rodney was expected to test.

It was claimed too that the Government of the day, the PNC and its leader, Burnham, had used Smith to carry out the attack.

President Granger is yet to make an official declaration of the findings.

“The public should be wary of political opportunism that will flow unrestricted in the reaction to this report and the agenda of spin doctors. The Inquiry could

from page 2

not gather all the facts and could not include all the firsthand experiences of those of us who lived through the period under review”, the party said in its statement.

Meanwhile, President Granger, asked about the formal release of the report said that he had no problem in doing so, but was awaiting the official statements from, members of the coalition.

He said all members were sent copies of the document and were scheduled to submit their comments Friday. He said the coalition members were given copies of the report and were asked to discuss it with their executives and to submit their comments.

ewly elected President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishnu Doerga, believes that a comprehensive strategy is needed to further boost economic activities in Guyana.

Speaking with reporters recently, the GCCI President noted that for Guyana to become a global player, its needs to operate with efficiency, both in good economic times as well as bad ones.

Doerga explained that Guyana needs to formulate a strategic plan that will see it capitalising on the various economically viable industries. “There needs to be a more comprehensive plan,” he stated.

The GCCI President urges a renewed focus on diversification within the Guyana economy as well as emphasis on up and coming industries, such as the Information Technology (IT) sector.

“Call centres have sapped up some level of unemployment and many people are now able to find jobs in those industries – it might be stepping stone jobs but nevertheless employment and that’s going to feed in back into the economy,” he stressed.

Doerga further highlight-

GCCI President Vishnu Doerga

ed the agro-processing industry, pointing out that the country has fertile soil in abundance, something which many countries in the world do not even have access to.

He went on to say that Guyana needs to look at how it can add more value to all its raw materials so that the country can then start controlling the prices. The businessman noted that the country has to start branding itself in order for it to be recognised and sold on the international market.

“It’s not just another product, we have to seek out what is special about Guyana and how can we get paid for the Guyana brand,” he said.

According to the GCCI President, the current low global commodity price may increase in the future, bringing cash flow into the country. However, he noted that one way Guyana can generate its own cash flow is by finding appropriate and “right size” markets for its exports rather than competing with those giant producers.

“Us trying to go off to the extremely large markets, where there are large players who can easily compete with us on those markets, is always going to be a strategy that is doom to put us to compete on pricing,” he pointed out.

The businessman further explained that if Guyana is to look at markets that it can actually tailor its products to, then the country can actually get higher prices as it will be competing with producers on a level playing field. This way, he noted, the countrywill still have some amount of stability.

Doerga added too that the Private Sector needs to be a part of whatever strategy is undertaken to boost the country’s economy so that they can also take the necessary steps in order to generate the desired results.

Homeless man jailed

A

homeless man on Friday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh to answer to simple larceny.

Mahase Sarjoo told the court he has no fixed place of abode, and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that between April 12 and 13 at Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown, he broke and entered a building belonging to St John’s Association and stole therefrom two blankets, three stand fans, six drinking glasses, one TEX gas cylinder and a percolator, all valued at $37,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that at around 09:00h, Edghill (only name given) a security guard at the build-

ing, while making his regular checks around the building discovered that the building had been broken into.

The defendant was seen in the compound with a bulky bag on his back and the gas bottle in his hand, police were summoned and the defendant was taken to the Brickdam Police Station.

Magistrate Singh sentenced him to six months imprisonment.

Meanwhile in another matter, a Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara man was refused bail by Magistrate Singh on a theft charge.

Vishal Jose on April 13, at Alexander Village stole from Hiralall Ramgopaul $57,000 in cash.

The prosecution re-

vealed that at about 13:00h Ramgopaul was at the Houston Fishery seeking employment, when he contacted the defendant who was seated on a boat to enquire the whereabouts of his boss.

According to Prosecutor Grant, the boss was not around at the time but the defendant opted to take Ramgopaul to him when he pushed his hands in the virtual complainant’s pocket, stole his money, and tried to escape.

An alarm was raised, and public spirited persons give chase and caught the defendant and handed him over to the Ruimveldt Police station.

Jose pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

3 Dominican nationals each fined $15,000

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday fined three Dominican Republican Nationals $15,000 each on three separate charges, for failing to comply with the conditions of their permit which granted them each one month stay in Guyana.

Yafieisi Mola Cordero, 26, Vianaly Medina Montano, 26, and Yolanda Rosario Hernandez all plead guilty to their charge which said, between 14 March and 16 April, 2016, at Georgetown, they failed to comply with the conditions of their per-

mit, thereby exceeding their one-month stay.

According to the prosecution facts of Deniro Jones, the nationals came to Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and they were granted one month stay. They arrived on February 12, 2016, andspent their time in Bartica, but on April 11, 2016, policemen in the area carried out a search where the three accused resided, their passports were checked and it was discovered they had expired permits.

Attorney Paul Fung-

A-Fat told the court that his clients came to Guyana seeking a better life and they only overstayed one month, he noted they all have children back in the Dominican Republic.

When asked by Chief McLennan through an interpreter if they had anything to say as to why they overstayed their time, they all give the same answer, saying they like Guyana and want to learn more of the country.

Failure to pay ($15 000 fine, will result in five days imprisonment.

18

guyana-timesgy.com

saturday, April 16, 2016

ARCHIE

Networking will help you secure a position you’ve been (March 21- vying for. Starting a new April 19) physical regimen will make you feel and look your best.

Romance will make your day.

ARIES

Look for any opportunity

dilbert

TAURUS to learn something new. Share (April 20- your emotions with someone May 20) who understands your position

and is willing to help you prove your point. A little effort will bring good results.

Make personal changes.

GEMINI (May 21- Host an event at your house June 20) but keep your costs down. Ask everyone to pitch in. A positive change in your love life is apparent.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Get your facts straight before you share information.

Delays will occur if you take an alternate route while traveling. Walk away from highpressure relationships.

You’ll come out on top LEO if you take on a challenge.

(July 23Travel, socializing and roAug. 22) mantic encounters look promising. Step into the spotlight and show everyone how entertaining you can be.

Get together with friends VIRGO or plan an outing with chil(Aug. 23dren or the whole family.

Sept. 22) A cultural event will have something for everyone to enjoy. Nurture important relationships.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t spend money frivoLIBRA (Sept. 23- lously. You can have fun and Oct. 23) impress someone you love by using your imagination to come up with fun, entertaining and cost-efficient ways to spend the day.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – DYESTUFF

You’ll achieve far more if SAGITTARIUS you work on projects at home (Nov. 23- that will make your life easDec. 21) ier and lower your financial stress. Stay away from anyone proposing a risky venture.

(DYESTUFF: DYE-stuf: A substance used to color materials.)

Average mark 15 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 21 or more words in DYESTUFF? The list will be published tomorrow.

THURSDAY’S WORD – NARCISSISTIC

narcissist naris nitric anti antics arctic arsis assist aster racist rain raisin rani

rant cairn cant cart cast circa cist citric crass crisis critic insist iris

saint sans sari satin satiric scan scant scar scat sciatic sitar snit stain

stair star stasis stir strain stria tarn train trass tsar

A subtle but effective SCORPIO change to your residence will (Oct. 24add to your convenience and Nov. 22) comfort. A get-together with someone unusual and entertaining will grow into something quite special.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t leave anything unCAPRICORN finished or you will face criti(Dec. 22- cism. Take care while operatJan. 19) ing equipment or machinery.

Hold on to your cash, even if someone tempts you with a prospect. Play it safe.

How you were raised will AQUARIUS have an impact on the way (Jan. 20you handle a situation you Feb. 19) are faced with. Romance is on the rise, and special plans should be made.

A partnership opportunity PISCES (Feb. 20- will develop if you participate March 20) in a community or charity event. Express your opinion and display what you have to offer. A bold move will bring unusual results.

saturDAY, aPRIL 16, 2016

19

Comeback kings Liverpool face Villarreal in Europa League

L

iverpool's reward for their stirring Europa League fightback against Borussia Dortmund was a semi-final against Spanish side Villarreal in Friday's draw that also pitched holders Sevilla against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Juergen Klopp's Liverpool came from 3-1 down against Dortmund to win 4-3 with a goal in stoppage time that secured a 5-4 aggregate success.

They will now travel to Spain for the first leg against Villarreal, who are fourth in La Liga, on April 28 with the return at Anfield on May 5.

The Spanish side owe their nickname, Yellow Submarine, to Liverpool's most famous sons, The Beatles.

They have a terri-

ble record playing against Premier League opposition, however, and are without a win in their last 10 games against English sides.

Liverpool, despite their struggles in the Premier League this season, will begin as favourites as they bid to reach a 12th European final, meeting a Villarreal side who have never contested a single one.

"Liverpool are used to winning trophies, we’re going to experience a very special atmosphere there," former Spain and Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna said.

Sevilla, who are bidding for a record third straight Europa League title, will play Shakhtar, who lifted the trophy in 2009.

The holders, who beat fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao on penalties in the quarter-final, will have home advantage for the second leg.

Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge has a shot at goal as Borussia Dortmund’s Lukasz Piszczek looks on (Reuters photo)

The tie gives Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu an opportunity for revenge after the Ukrainians were beaten by Sevilla in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup nine years ago when the Spanish side's keeper Andres Palop headed a 94th-minute equaliser.

Sevilla won the tie in extra time and went on to win.

"I don't think about that game anymore," Lucescu said. "We will try to take revenge, but it will be very difficult."

The final will take place in Basel on May 18. (Reuters Sport)

Moscow anti-doping lab has status revoked by WADA

Cameron, Pybus relationships soured after suspension - Simmons

A

W

A woman walks into the head office for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Moscow laboratory used for anti-doping tests had its accreditation revoked by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Friday after failing to comply with international standards.

The lab has been nonoperational since WADA suspended it in November after an independent commission's report identified systematic failures within Russia's anti-doping programme.

WADA said a laboratory in Lisbon had also been suspended from carrying out anti-doping activities because it had failed to meet International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) stan-

dards.

Russia is currently suspended from international track and field in the wake of the report exposing widespread cheating and corruption and its athletes could miss the Rio Olympics.

The country, second only to the United States in the sport's pecking order, will be allowed to return to competition, including this year's Olympics, only when it can prove to WADA and the IAAF that it has met a series of conditions regarding its anti-doping operation.

Friday's announcement that the Moscow laboratory, which processed tests for at least 20 other sports besides athletics, is to remain closed

is another blow to Russia's hopes of convincing the world that it is on the road to recovery.

"The revocation, which has been accepted by the Laboratory, will enter into force immediately and means that the Laboratory will continue to be prevented from carrying out the testing of doping control samples on behalf of WADA or any testing authority," a WADA statement said.

"The decision was taken by WADA's Executive Committee following a thorough review of the status of the Laboratory by an independent WADA appointed Disciplinary Panel." (Reuters Sport)

Phil Simmons

est Indies coach Phil Simmons has hinted that the fallout of his suspension and subsequent re-instatement last year has led to a frosty relationship with WICB president Dave Cameron and director of cricket Richard Pybus.

Simmons was suspended indefinitely in September of last year after making allegations that the regional team’s selection process was subject to outside interference.

According to reports the coach when called upon to justify his claims then provided detailed accounts of what he believed to be interference in the selection

process on the path of both Pybus and Cameron.

Simmons, who also apologised for his actions, was subsequently reinstated in November of last year, but claims things were never the same.

“It’s sad because this is not about him or me, this is about West Indies cricket. There has not even been any personal or team congratulatory message on the World Cup win,” Simmons said in reference to Pybus.

The coach outlined it was a similarly icy relationship with Cameron.

“It is the same thing. It was good when I first came in. I would get the occasional text message and

I earned a big hug when we won the Test match in Barbados against England,” Simmons said.

“But since my suspension there has been no communication, not verbal nor written, and again no congratulatory message,” he added.

“West Indies cricket means more to me than anything else. Especially working with the younger players, getting them to understand what they have to do at the international level, keeps my head up all the time.”

“My professionalism also helps me to continually to put in my best in my job.”

(Digicel Sportsmax)

20

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016

GCB/Hand-In-Hand Inter County 3-day…

Essequibo stun Berbice in upset win - Demerara beat Select U-17 by 7 wickets

E

ssequibo produced a sterling performance with bat and ball to defeat defending champions Berbice by 63 runs in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sponsored Hand-inHand Insurance Company Under-19 three-day cricket tournament yesterday at the Enterprise Busta Sports Club.

Essequibo who enforced the follow-on, bundled out Berbice for 90 in their second innings, as off-spinner Looknauth Chinkoo, wreaked havoc, bagging 5-35, to finish with match haul of 8-74.

Joel Seetram 18 and Ritesh Omroa 11 were the only Berbice batsmen into double figures in their second innings.

Resuming on 71-5, needing79 runs to avoid the follow-on, Berbice had the worst of starts. Overnight batsman Joshua Harrichand was removed by Chinkoo for 33 inside the third over of the day.

Keemo Paul collects his Man-of-the-Match trophy from Chandranie Karran, Marketing Representative of Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company.

All-rounder Keemo Paul, who bowled smartly, gave ample support to Chinkoo as

he picked up 4-13 from 11.3 overs.

The boys from the

Cinderalla County enforced the follow-on as Berbice had a deficit of 153,

But there there no turn around in the batting for Berbice as by lunch they were 47-5.

The 17-year-old Chinkoo accounted for the wickets of Harrichand (3), Matthew Hardial (5) and Brandon Prashad (0).

Pacer Reaz Khan, who started Berbice’s misery when he had Adrian Sukwah (6) caught by Paul in the slips after the ball rebounded from wicket-keeper Nathan Persaud. Fellow opener Omroa was among the five wickets to fell during that period.

After the interval, Berbice lost their last five wickets in another disastrous period, with Chinkoo, Akenie Adams and Paul sharing the final five wickets.

Adams ended with figures of 2-12, while Paul and Khan were the other successful second innings bowlers.

Meanwhile, in the other first round game; Demerara defeated the

Off-spinner Chinkoo

Looknauth

Select Under-17 team by seven wickets. (Scores in the match: Select Under-17 90 and 160; Demerara 190 and 62-3).

The second round is scheduled to commence on Sunday with Demerara playing Berbice at Everest and Essequibo oppose the Select Under-17 at DCC.

Mishra, de Kock hand Kings XI a thrashing A

Amit Mishra was the toast of the town (BCCI photo)

fine cocktail of experience and youth delivered Delhi Daredevils their first victory of the season. The old boys - legspinner Amit Mishra, featuring in his 100th IPL match, and captain Zaheer Khan - led the way with the ball, smothering Kings XI Punjab to 111 for 9. Then the youngsters took over as Quinton de Kock and Sanju Samson strung a 91-run partnership to seal Daredevils' first points of the season.

While Zaheer gave his team the early spark after choosing to bowl on what he called a "slow surface", Mishra pierced through Kings XI's top and middle order with dip, turn, and sometimes, even a lack of turn. Mishra had Shaun Marsh stumped off his first ball, then dismissed David Miller and Glenn Maxwell in his second over to break the opposition's spine. Three

of Kings XI's heaviest scoring batsmen were dismissed in the space of 16 balls, leaving the score at 52 for 4 in the ninth over.

Mishra's bowling was envenomed by Zaheer, who placed a slip and at times, a short leg to capitalise on the nervous batsmen. Daredevils built on the double-strike and sent in six boundary-less overs between the ninth and 14th overs. It was during this phase that Mishra rattled Manan Vohra's leg stump with a wrong' un to claim his fourth wicket in three overs.

Kings XI were reeling at 59 for 5 in the 11th, but Zaheer did not call on Mishra to bowl any further.

Kings XI's struggles were not restricted to spin though.

Zaheer, who had conceded he had "tried too much" in the first match against Kolkata Knight Riders, found swing right away. His first deliv-

SCOREBOARD Kings XI Punjab innings M Vijay run out (Khan/Nair/†de Kock) 1 M Vohra b Mishra 32 SE Marsh st †de Kock b Mish ra 13 DA Miller* lbw b Mishra 9 GJ Maxwell c Brathwaite b Mish ra 0 AR Patel c Negi b Yadav 11 WP Saha† run out (Duminy) 3 MG Johnson b Morris 4 MM Sharma c Morris b Khan 15 P Sahu not out 18 Sandeep Sharma not out 1 Extras: (lb 1, w 3) 4 Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 111 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-37, 3-52, 4-52, 5-59, 6-65, 7-73, 8-90, 9-99 Bowling: Z Khan 4-1-14-1, P Negi 1-0-10-0, CH Morris 4-0-19-1, CR Brathwaite 4-0-33-0, A Mishra 3-0-11-4, J Yadav 4-0-23-1.

Delhi Daredevils Q de Kock† not out 59 SS Iyer c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 3 SV Samson b Patel 33 P Negi not out 8 Extras: (b 4, lb 2, w 4) 10 Total: (2 wickets; 13.3 overs) 113 Did not bat: KK Nair, JP Duminy, CR Brathwaite, J Yadav, CH Morris, Z Khan*, A Mishra Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-100 Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 2-1-6-1, MG Johnson 3-0-280, MM Sharma 2-0-10-0, AR Patel 3-0-25-1, P Sahu 2.3-027-0, GJ Maxwell 1-0-11-0.

ery moved back in and had the extra bounce to rap M Vijay high on the pad. That meant the balls that went on with the angle across the right-hander became more effective. Zaheer teased the outside edge regularly in his first spell but he had to wait till his second for a reward.

In the 18th over, bowling a mix of slower balls, Zaheer had Mohit Sharma caught at mid-off.

Chris Morris did his part as well, bowling some good yorkers in the slog overs and hustling the opposition with his pace. Offspinner Jayant Yadav strung four quiet overs together, benefited by the Kings XI lower order not knowing whether to attack or defend.

Kings XI made life easier for Daredevils in the chase.

De Kock was reprieved twice - M Vijay dropped him at deep square leg on 7 before Wriddhiman Saha botched a stumping chance on 22. De Kock, who was rather subdued in the Powerplay, hit rhythm when he cracked three fours off Axar Patel in the eighth over.

Samson came out at No. 3 when Shreyas Iyer was adjudged caught behind despite the Snicko picking up nothing. Samson took nine balls to get off the mark, via a risky pick-up shot against the seamer Sandeep Sharma. He was 9 off 18 balls when he charged out to Sahu's legspin and launched a full toss over the longon boundary. Samson then welcomed Maxwell with successive fours while de Kock raised his half-century off 38 balls. Axar bowled Samson for 33 in the 13th over, but de Kock and Negi saw Daredevils home comfortably. (Cricinfo)

21

sports

YELLOW PAGES saturDAY, april 16, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION Music 2016!! Register - learn to play the recorder, drums, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, violin, steel pan and train your voice at Foundation 7 Music School. Call 225-1151/657-8404

FOR SALE One Toyota Spacio, One Toyota Forklift, One Motorcycle 110cc, One Cement Mixer (Ransom), Vick’s Hardware. Tel: 2642682/649-0707 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and at Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 2265053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

One 6 inch dredge, one 4-cylinder MWM, one 3-cylinder MWM engine in working condition with all other complete equipment in good working condition. 679-3655 2 STOREY CONCRETE HOUSE 35 X 45 ENCLOSED DOWNSTAIRS, SIZE OF LAND 65 X 120, SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME, EAST BANK DEMERARA, CONTACT # 664-5052/6170583

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral).

Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/ VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

KEY UTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249.

We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

health

Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

lAND FOR SALE 1.5 Acre Land in W.B.D. Call #:658-0115 Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel#: 625-1514 Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only)

property for sale GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987 Bargain! One 3-bedroom wooden building in Georgetown. Solid greenheart beams, columns & boards. $1.3M Negotiable. Call 227-4285

services House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

spirituality Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc.

Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 3375103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now. Email: anew-life@live.com SICKNESS, EVIL, SPIRIT, RELATIONSHIP, IMPOTENT, REUNITE, LOVERS, PREGNANCY, JOBS, BUSINESS, BLOCKAGE ETC. 612-1975, 683 5228

services Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

TO let wewLeonora New Housing Scheme, W.C.D. Garage, Kitchen & Shower.

Tel: 675-5998/268-2277.

NO CHILDREN. Working Persons Only

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

Bangalore likely to host IPL 2016 final B angalore is likely to host the IPL final after the fixture had to be moved from Mumbai following the Bombay High Court's ruling to shift all IPL matches after April 30 out of Maharashtra because of se-

officials from the Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants in Delhi and need to be ratified by the league's governing council.

Shukla said Supergiants had listed Visakhapatnam as their alternative to

on Sunday; their options are Jaipur, Raipur and Kanpur.

"After speaking to the franchises, we have given them four options: Raipur, Jaipur, Kanpur and Visakhapatnam. Mumbai

WANTED Wanted, One Joiner to work in Crown Dam, ECD. Call: 627-3405 or 2224576.

SALESGIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL BRASSONIC Bldg.

(MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/ Town. 231-7101 Vacancy exists for one full-time Pharmacist to work on the West Coast of Demerara in Metenmeerzorg.

Telephone: 275-0733

M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore

vere drought. Kolkata is in line to stage the Eliminator and the second Qualifier, both originally scheduled in Pune.

The proposed changes were arrived at after IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla met

Pune, though the franchise requested they play their May 1 match in Pune because of a short turnaround; Supergiants also play at home on April 29.

Mumbai will decide their alternative venue

Indians have asked for time till day after tomorrow," Shukla said. "Pune has given Visakhapatnam as its preference. We will put the proposal of Pune team before the governing council."

(Reuters Sport)

All-Madrid Champions League final still possible A repeat of the 2014 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is still possible after Friday's semi-final draw.

Real, who won that game 4-1 after extra-time, will play first-time semi-finalists Manchester City, with the first leg in northwest England.

Atletico, who beat holders Barcelona in the last eight, host Bayern Munich in their first leg.

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola misses what would have been a difficult semi-final for him personally against City, the Premier League side he will take charge of next season.

"It’s a great tie against the team that has won the competition the most times," Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City's sporting director, told reporters.

"But we have got this far and we want to keep dreaming.

"I think that Madrid are the favourites. They have been in the semi-finals 27 times, six in a row. But Paris (St Germain) were also a great team and we were able to knock them out."

Real, record 10-times champions, are unbeaten in their last eight games against English clubs. Their only previous tie against

City came in 2012 when the Spanish side won 3-2 at home before drawing 1-1 in Manchester.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick to win the quarter-final against Vfl Wolfsburg, it will be another return to Manchester, where he spent six years with United before moving to Spain in 2009.

The Madrid manager at that time was Manuel Pellegrini, now in charge at City until Guardiola replaces him.

The Chilean was sacked

by Real after only one season but denied that would be any extra motivation.

"More motivation is to be playing in the semi-final of the Champions League, the most important competition in the world for clubs," he said, adding that City would have preferred to be at home in the second leg.

GAME WINNERS

Emilio Butragueno," Real's head of public relations, said that in Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, City had players to win a game on their own.

"It’s their first semi-final and they are anxious to do something big in Europe," he added.

"We’ll have to be at our best in the two games.

Last year also people said

we were lucky when we got Juventus and we were knocked out. The two games are going to be very tight."

Head coach Zinedine Zidane also dismissed talk of a lucky draw.

"I don’t agree that Madrid always get easy draws," he said. "Roma, City and Wolfsburg are very good teams. It’s a semi-final, it’s going to be a very very difficult game.

"The only thing that’s positive is that we are playing the second leg at home.

But it’s going to be a very difficult tie, a brutal tie."

The only time Atletico have met Bayern was in the 1974 final, when the German side won 4-0 in a replay after a 1-1 draw.

"A team that eliminates the title holders has to be taken very, very seriously," said Bayern board member Andreas Jung.

"We face a tough rival," said the German club's midfielder Javi Martinez.

Jose Luis Caminero, Atletico's sporting director and former player, described the tie as "complicated" but promised the Spanish side would "compete to our maximum as we always do".

City will host Real on April 26 and Atletico face Bayern the following evening.The final is in Milan on May 28. (Reuters Sport)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016

Canada to test Golden Jaguars

G

uyana National Men’s Football team, the Golden Jaguars will take on football giants Canada who will be fielding an under-23 squad on May 15 at the National Stadium, Providence.

At a press conference hosted by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Friday at its headquarters along with representatives from the Guyana national team and the Canadian High Commission used the opportunity to update the public on an International Friendly which is in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary.

Head Coach of the Guyana national men’s

team Jamaal Shabazz expressed his excitement in playing a team of such magnitude while applauding the individuals who made this exciting encounter possible.

Shabazz further commented on the benefits of the game which to home are to strengthen the programme, prepare them for the Caribbean Football Cup (CFU), will show what the team has been working and will put Guyana on the map.

Eon Allen, mid-fielder of the Golden Jaguars who stated that “playing against Canada is a dream come through” further lamented that he is very excited and

will seek to perform well since he is at the peak of his career.

In addition Canadian High Commissioner said that, “this will be an expression of our long term relationship and friendship that we have between both countries”.

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde concluded the press conference, mentioning that “I’m very thankful that the government is seeing football as a unify force”.

Guyana will look to continue their winning streak as they come against a worthy opponent such as Canada with the hope of building momentum towards heading to the Olympic Games.

Wolf’s memorial softball tournament...

Albion Masters top Floodlights in high-scoring thriller

T

he Wolf’s memorial softball cricket competition started last weekend with Albion Masters toppling Floodlights in a high-scoring thriller.

Over 400 runs were scored in the allotment of 40 overs.

Below are the summarised scores from the games.

Albion Masters defeated Floodlights by six runs.

Albion 218-4 off 20 overs (V. Moonsammy105*, John Somar 66, Ricky Deonarain 3-6) Floodlights 212-2 off 20 overs (Wayne Jones 46*, Unnis Yusuf 41, Imtiaz Mohamed 34, Richard Persaud 20*, V. Moonsammy 2-18).

Untouchables defeated Princess Hotel by nine wickets. Princess 115 all out (Andy 26, Roshan Ali 3-18, Q. Yusuf 3-20, M. Alexander 2-20) Untouchables 1161 (Raul Reid 80*, M. Alexander 26).

Tropical Springs defeated Albion Masters by 14

runs. Tropical Springs 143 all out (Leon Sankar 32, Benedict Felix 29*, Lalta Gainda 23, V. Da Silva 3-7, A. Khadero 2-13, S. Mohabir 2-22) Albion 129 all out (R. Mangru 34, Lall Beharry 28, K. Ramnauth 4-11, Rahaman Khan 3-9).

Speed Boat defeated Wolf Warriors by 58 runs. Speed Boat 215-9 off 20 overs (Lennox Marks 77, G. Singh 34, R. Ramnauth 3-19, Azad Azeez 3-13, V. Dhaniram 2-7) Wolf Warriors 158 off 16 overs (V. Dhaniram 41, G. Singh 2-23).

Wellwoman defeated Savage Masters by five wickets. Savage Masters 130 off 19.1 overs (T. Ramsaywack 55, E. Lovell 4-20, G. De Franca 2-10) Wellwoman 134-6 off 15 overs (D. Vivekanand 37).

Trophy Stall Angels defeated 4R Lioness by eight wickets. 4R Lioness 92 off 12.2 overs (Gangadai Singh 32, Matana Cambridge 25, Alicia Allen 3-4, Amanda

Rawle Reid

Roberts 2-5) Trophy Stall 95-2 (Rovanne De Monick 45*, A. Roberts 17*).

Blue Divas defeated Enterprise Divas by seven wickets. Enterprise Divas 144-8 off 15 overs (Ashley Mohan 48, V. Persaud 26) Blue Divas 146-3 off 12.3 overs (Aisga Campbridge 67, Sangeeta Sawh 37, Beverly 4-27).

Road to Mecca final rescheduled for April 23 Guyana cricket heroes T he Road to Mecca final National Club Basketball final that was abandoned last month will be replayed on April 23.

The 2016 edition of the tournament will hopefully get a fitting end at the said date.

The final that was abandoned on March 19 because the Retrieve raiders felt jilted by the calls of the referees will see the Raiders facing the Bounty Colts in the replay game as was the case in the previous final.

At the time of the walk off on March 19th, the Colts were ahead 54-51 with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.

However, confusion ensued after a few technical fouls by the referees that were seen as biased by the Raiders that followed their complaining with a frustrated walk-off.

Despite FIBA rules noting that any team walking off the playing area forfeits the game to the opposing team, a meeting held earli-

er this month by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation along with the relevant stakeholder decided to replay the game for the development of the sport.

The final is set to start at 19:00h with the supporting game being a match-up between Pepsi Sonics and the Plaisance Guardians before the replay of the final at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Caption: The Retrieve Raider walk off the court to the amazement of the Bounty Colts.

honoured by Gizmos & Gadgets

T

o show appreciation for Guyana’s prestigious achievement in cricket, the Guyana Cricket Broad (GCB) hosted a ceremony along with Gizmos and Gadgets Group and Companies for both the members of the under -19 and senior Women’s West Indians T20 World Champions, at the Pegasus Hotel.

Present at the ceremony were Tremayme Smartt, Shemaine Campbelle from the West indies women’s team and the West Indies under-19 members ; Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach.

Presentations were done by representatives from Gizmos and Gadgets Group and Companies that noted, “we are proud of you” while

they further stated that they are very grateful for the rebirth of pride.

In addition representatives from the company, Rehanna Ramarran, Manager of Shoe Heaven) and Marcia Balkaran Manager of Glamour Designer Brands handed over tokens as a means of showing their appreciation that concluded the evening.

Fixtures revised for Stag Elite league T

he next three months will see a hive of football activities involving the Stag Elite League Finale, an International Friendly between Guyana and Canada, and the launching of a youth tournament.

The fixtures of the Stag Elite League Finale have been revised because of the International Friendly between Guyana and Canada which is set for May 15.

In addition to the international friendly, the schedule for Caribbean Football Union’s Caribbean Men’s Cup in June also played a role in the revising of the fixtures.

The net result of the revision will see the semifinals being played on May 22 and the finals on June 12.

In observance of Guyana’s Jubilee Independence Anniversary, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) together with Stag Beer – the primary sponsor of the tournament – have initiated a “50-50 Promotion.”

This will see patrons of the Stag Elite League Finale paying a 50% reduction on

the entrance fee, that is, $500. The promotion will be effective for games held from May 15 – 30.

Meanwhile in preparation for the international game, the Men’s National team will be encamped from the May 10th – 16th with

the first training session on April 19.

The GFF is also scheduled to launch the GFF/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 IntraAssociation Tournament on April 29 at the National Resource Centre.

guyana-times.com

saturday, APRIL 16, 2016

23

RHTY&SC’s award ceremony Banks DIH maintains receives more corporate support support of Caribbean’s S top shots

WIFBSC Short Range Championships 2016…

everal more companies are on board with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTY&SC) 26th annual awards ceremony on Sunday at the St Francis Community Developers Training Centre.

A total of 40 club members and executives would

million in prizes and trophies would be shared out.

Starr Computers donated an Electronic Notebook, while Fitness Express, Goodwood Racing Service, Justice Cecil Kennard and Sterling Products Limited have made financial contribution. Apex Insurance,

of Excellence.

Fifteen individuals would be inducted as Honorary Member of the RHTY&SC, while four retired teachers, eight outstanding teachers in the Lower Corentyne area and six Berbice ‘B’ Division police officers would also be honoured under the club’s

Banks DIH Limited PRO Troy Peters (second right) presents the cheque to GNRA Secretary Ryan Sampson. At right is the association’s Treasurer Terrance Stuart, with Caribbean Individual Champion Lennox Braithwaite also sharing the moment

B

everage giant Banks DIH Limited has maintained and increased its sponsorship to the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) fullbore shooters ahead of their defense of the Short Range and Individual Titles at the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships (WIFBSC), set for Antigua and Barbuda next month.

Public Relations Officer of Banks DIH Limited, Troy Peters, in presenting the cheque to GNRA Secretary Ryan Sampson reminded that the company is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and they have remained steadfast in its support of one of the oldest sports associations in Guyana.

The GNRA is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2017 with a gala championhip, which will see a number of the world’s powerhouses on the range competing.

“Banks DIH Limited has been a major sponsor of rifle shooting over the years and we are extremely happy to be supporting the local shooters in their quest to retain championship honours.

We know that the team will make Guyana proud in Antigua,” Peters stated.

Sampson in response expressed thanks to Peters and Banks for their continued commitment to the association not that their unflinching support has allowed Guyana to be the reigning Short and Long

Range as well as Individual champions of the Caribbean.

“We at the Guyana NRA are eternally grateful to Banks for their committed partnership with us for as long as I can remember. No doubt you have continued to add the necessary drive for us to succeed and this year will be no different. As champions we will endeavor to continue the tradition of being the Caribbean’s best on the ranges.”

Lennox Braithwaite is the reigning Individual Champion for the past three championships. The GNRA has a budget of $4.6 million for the 10-member team to this year’s championships, set May 16-22.

Mr Majeed, General Manager of Starr Computer, hands over the Notebook to Mark Papannah of the RHTY&SC

be honoured for outstanding performance for the period January to December 2015.

Among that players to be honoured are Brandon Prashad, Slyus Tyndall, Khemraj Mahadeo, Shawn

Ansa McAl Trading and Sueria Manufacturing donated hampers, while Obyssey Travel Service donated 30 scorebooks to assist less fortunate clubs.

Club Secretary/CEO,

Tribute to Heroes programme.

The long-standing Secretary/CEO expressed gratitude to all of the donors and make special mention of Jamie McDonald of Fitness

Universal Auto & General Supplies cycling on today at National Park

A

Flashback! Top performers of the 2015 programme strike a pose (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

fter a few races on the road, competitive cycling makes a return to the inner circuit of the National Park today with the 12th annual staging of the Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race programme.

Set to pedal off at 09:00h, the day’s activities will feature most, if not all of the country’s top wheelsmen, who would no doubt look to outmuscle each other. With the Independence ThreeStage tentatively being held annually in May, riders will also want to keep an eye on their fitness level ahead of that event.

Today’s programme will get underway with the BMX cyclists taking the forefront in the various age group categories. They will compete in the 6-9, 9-12, 12-14, Open and Boys and Girls 12-14, while the Mountain Bike, Veterans and Juvenile riders will hold the limelight after.

The main race- the 35-lap School Boys and Invitational- will attract the country’s leading senior riders and the up and coming talents within the senior ranks.

Team Coco’s Jamal John is the defending champion of the main race, having won

last year’s event in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 08.62 seconds (01h: 18m: 18.62s). The other defending champions of the other categories are Raphael Leung (Juveniles), Shameer Baksh (Veterans Under-50), Keon Thomas (Mountain Bike) and Brighton John (BMX Boys and Girls).

Today’s programme is being coordinated by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, and is being sponsored by veteran rider Shameer Baksh, who is also the Managing Director of Universal Auto and General Supplies.

RHTY&SC’s Assistant Organising Secretary, Ravin Kissoonlall (left), receives the financial donation from Ian Rogers of Fitness Express

Perriera, Keon Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings.

Starr Computers, Sterling Products, Fitness Express, Goodwood Racing Service, Sueria Manufacturing, Ansa Mcal, Retired Judge Cecil Kennard, Apex Insurance and Obyssey Travel Service are the latest sponsors to come on board for the award ceremony, where over $1

Hilbert Foster, expressed gratitude to all the donors and noted that all plans are in place for the successful hosting of the awards ceremony.

President David Granger, Patron of the RHTY&SC, would deliver the feature address, while immediate past Patron Beverly Harper would be among six awardees of the club’s highest award, the Dolphin Award

Express, Chetram Singh of Goodwood Racing Service, Ronald Williams of Apex Insurance, R. Majeed from Starr Computer, Ramsey Ali of Sterling Products Limited, Frank Sanicharra of Sueria Manufacturing, Troy Khan of Obyssey Travel Service and Retired Judge Cecil Kennard for their continued assistance to the RHTY&SC and the honouring of the club’s heroes.

saturDAY, APRIL 16, 2016

Sports is no longer our game, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our business

Road to Mecca final rescheduled for April 23

Pg 22 The Retrieve Raider walk off the court to the amazement of the Bounty Colts

Pg 22

Canada to test Golden Jaguars Members of the head table at the press conference that included Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz (second left)

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyana-times.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.