Guyana Times Daily

12 groups receive Medal of Service Awards P9

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2777

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

PRICE

Republic Day celebrations

Patriotism high as Guyana turns 46

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Le Repentir filled, no P2 more place for the dead – city’s Chief Engineer ... search starts for new burial site

P7 House approves $230B 2016 Budget

New 5-year strategic P7 plan for GPL …as Board confirms CEO firing

– thunderous cheers, drumming as thousands flock D'Urban Park Page 3

Thousands of Guyanese turned out to the D'Urban Park area in Georgetown to be part of special observances to mark Guyana’s 46th year as a Republic on Tuesday.

The event saw the attendance of President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita and other officials

Guyanese girl wins NY pageant P16

Assistant Police Commissioner dies after crash Page 9

Body of Brazilian woman found in Konawaruk shallow grave

Page 8

2 die in Georgetown, Victoria accidents Pages 9&10

TT raid

2 Guyanese arrested for smuggling P3 TT $1M in pharmaceuticals

2 news

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

46th Republic Anniversary

Region 2 Chairman calls for unity

– expresses sadness over lack of Mashramani parade

By Indrawattie Natram

R

egion Two (PomeroonS u p e n a a m ) Chairman Devanand Ramdatt has called on major stakeholders and Regional officials within the Region Two Administration to work in unity in moving the Region forward and to iron out “petty political” differences.

He was at the time delivering the feature address at the 46th Republic Anniversary flag raising ceremony held on Tuesday, under the theme, “Celebration of Diversity, Unity and Sovereignty”.

During his address, the Regional Chairman said that political differences must be resolved via civilised approaches that would benefit the people of Region Two. Ramdatt added

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and REO Rupert Hopkinson pledging to work in unity at Republic Day celebrations

that in celebrating the 46th Anniversary, people must be given a fair opportunity to be a part of an integrated approach of development.

“We must aim to demonstrate for the rest of Guyana that we have grown above petty differences and working in the interest of our people so that we can work

in the interest of national development.”

The Chairman informed the gathering that the approach must be democratic – one that will bring continued progress and equality in development. “As a republic, this represents a bold effort, we, the people, move to become stronger and con-

fident in managing the affairs particularly at a time when we became an independent nation four years earlier.”

Ramdatt said that Guyanese should be grateful for the sacrifices that their ancestors made in creating a better Guyana, and implored Essequibians that they had a duty to continue their work as a region and county in transforming the landscape.

“This anniversary must certainly inspire us to work for the greater good of all our people, equality in development must be given stronger emphasis; our people must be given fair opportunity to be part of an integrated approach to development, particularly in this region, as we aim to demonstrate for the rest of Guyana that we have grown

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt inspecting the honour guard despite the downpour

above petty differences and working in the interest of our people is working in the interest of national development,” the Regional Chairman declared.

He also called on RDC officials to work with one common goal in finding solutions to addressing the ailing rice industry.

In conclusion, the Chairman said he was very sad that this year the Mashramani parade had been eliminated from the celebration. Ramdatt noted that “it is a pride to see people marching with unison at one venue, but this has been taken away from the people”.

During the flag raising ceremony, Region Two Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson said that this year’s Mashramani theme was quite relevant as it embraced national social cohesion. Hopkinson said that he believed that it was time for the nation to embrace social cohesion fostering unity. “ Let us not be prisoners of history, let us not rehash a sordid past, but let us work together to create new and better possibilities, new and better opportunities, a new and better environment for this Region [as well] as nation,” Hopkinson said.

Unity talks

During Hopkinson’s address, he said that the 46th Anniversary theme should be a guide so that regional officials can pursue vigorously the development path: setting aside petty differences, drafting a plan that pushes aside old barriers and establishing a commonality.

“The common goal of politicians is to work to improve the livelihood of the people.

Let’s all take ownership of this Region, the offices of the REO and the Regional Chairman of this Region are just that of offices, by extension we are to listen to carry out the orders of the citizens of this Region,” Hopkinson said.

At the ceremony, Regional Chairman Ramdatt took the salute of the Disciplined Forces and inspected the ranks after which the programme featured songs including calypsos and addresses.

Also attending the ceremony were Commander of G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) Kevin Adonis, Assistant Commander, Roger Pilgrim, Prime Ministerial Representative Karam Chand, and Regional Councillors Naithram, Hardat Narine and Julian Cummings.

Le Repentir filled, no more place for the dead – city’s Chief Engineer ... search starts for new burial site

L

e Repentir Cemetery, the largest burial site in Guyana, is filled to capacity and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is seeking to expand the area as there is no place left for the dead.

During its statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday, M&CC Chief Engineer Colvern Venture explained that the cemetery was filled, which posed a quandary for burials to continue there. He stressed that there was an urgent need for allocation of a new burial site.

The current situation have forced persons to build tombs on top of existing graves to lay their loved ones to rest, or make al-

ternative arrangements to have them buried at another burial site.

Venture explained that despite several meetings and recommendations regarding the current situation, the M&CC is still awaiting the green light from the Communities Ministry for expansion works to commence on the eastern side of Le Repentir to facilitate burials.

It was noted that a plot of vacant land situated on the lower East Coast was proposed for a new cemetery. To date, approval has not been granted to have that plot of land used for that purpose.

The Le Repentir Cemetery is the oldest burial site in the capital city.

news

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wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 24 – 05:00h-06:30h Thursday, February 25 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 24 – 05:25h-06:55h and Thursday, February 25 – 05:55h-07:25h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the better part of the day, while light rain showers can be expected in the later afternoon.

Clear to partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North East to East North-easterly between 5.36 metres and 6.70 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:28h and 17:44h reaching maximum heights of 2.66 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:19h and 23:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.53 metre respectively.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 Bonus Ball

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monday, February 22, 2016 Daily Millions

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Patriotism high as Guyana turns 46 – thunderous cheers, drumming as thousands flock D’Urban Park

FERRY SCHEDULE

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Republic Day celebrations

17 21

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T

he crowd grew wild with excitement. It was the first time in the country’s history that a flag of such enormous size was hoisted anywhere in Guyana. Tens of thousands had gathered at the refurbished D’Urban Park to join in the spectacular event: the commemoration of Guyana’s 46th Republic Anniversary.

In previous years, the streets of Georgetown were lit up with colourful revellers gyrating to music fit for Mashramani. But on Tuesday, Guyanese turned up in their thousands and participated in a much more sombre, patriotic sort of activity.

Part of the massive crowd at the celebrations on Tuesday

The Heads of the Joint Services salute the Golden Arrowhead.

From left: Director of Prisons Welton Trotz; Fire Chief Marlon Gentle; Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips

The event got off to an early start following the arrival of both President David Granger and Prime Minister

Moses Nagamootoo. And although, neither of the leaders addressed the gathering, the short programme saw many nodding their heads

in satisfaction.

Officers of both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Band Corps sort of stole the show with their skilful military armed drill displays – moves that caused the massive crowd to often leap to their feet.

But what was most thrilling was the hoisting of the 65'x35' Golden Arrowhead on the 200-foot flagpole. The crowd went berserk as flag bearers were finally able to settle the mighty flag high above ground as it flapped furiously against the mighty wind.

Following the singing of a few National Songs, the

event came to an end, but not before the Head of State left the Park.

Originally inhabited by several indigenous groups, Guyana was settled by the Dutch before coming under British control in the late 18th century. It was governed as the plantation economy of British Guiana until independence in 1966, and officially became a republic within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. The legacy of British rule is reflected in the country’s diverse population, which includes Indian, African, Amerindian, and multiracial groups.

TT raid

2 Guyanese arrested for smuggling TT $1M in pharmaceuticals

T

wo Guyanese nationals were arrested in Trinidad on Friday last after they were caught smuggling pharmaceutical drugs from Guyana to the island, the Trinidad Express reported on Tuesday. The drugs are said to be valued an estimated TT$1 million (approximately US$153,000).

According to the news article, Police reported that a team

of officers from the Arouca Police Station, the Arouca Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Northern Division Task Force, under the supervision of Senior Superintendent David Abraham along with assistance from several other ranks, made their way to a home in St Helena, where the discovery was made.

After receiving information about a possible smuggling op-

eration there, the Trinidadian Police had obtained a search warrant which they executed in the presence of a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old man, the Trinidad Express reported.

Guyana Times contacted both Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud to ascertain whether contact was made with local authorities by the Trinidadian law en-

forcement in relation to this matter; however, neither could confirm definitively if contact was made.

Persaud noted that there was no “direct” contact with him, adding that he would know by today (given that Tuesday was a National Holiday) whether contact was made with his office, Interpol Office, the Crime Chief, or the Special Branch.

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wednesday, february 24, 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

The Guyanese Diaspora

G

overnments all over the world, especially in countries where there are high rates of migration, have sought to explore ways in which they can tap into the resources, both human and financial, acquired by their citizens over the years in their adopted countries. In fact, there are many countries that have successfully taken advantage of this important resource, such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, China, etc.

In fact, development partners are developing Diaspora engagement strategies because they can no longer ignore the potential value of this important source of human and financial capital. It is well accepted that Diasporas can play an important role in the economic development of their countries of origin. Beyond their role as senders of remittances back home, Diasporas can also promote trade and foreign direct investment, create businesses and spur entrepreneurship, and transfer new knowledge and skills.

Although some policymakers see their nationals abroad as a loss, they are increasingly realising that an engaged Diaspora can be an asset, or even a counterweight to the emigration of skilled and talented migrants. For example, Indian healthcare professionals have contributed to India in many different ways.

Indian doctor entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom, United States, and the Middle East and Indian Diaspora associations in the medical profession have helped set up world-class corporate hospitals and specialty healthcare establishments in India. Similar situations also exist in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China and many other countries.

In Guyana, the issue of the Diaspora and how its members can contribute to the country’s development has been a subject of much discussion. More often than not, these discussions have always been centred on how we can encourage the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese living outside of the country to return and serve in specific areas where there is a shortage of skills, or engage in investment opportunities.

Apart from social and political contributions, there are other spheres such as art, culture, and media where the Diaspora can be helpful to their country of origin.

The then PPP/C Administration had started to put a series of measures in place aimed at luring the Diaspora to return here. These included house lots in the new remigrant housing scheme and duty-free concessions. Also, not long after the APNU/AFC Government took the reins of political power, officials sought to engage the Diaspora in various parts of North America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. They went on several missions with the aim of wooing Guyanese living abroad to return home and invest their monies or serve in the Public Sector.

Such engagements are always necessary as they provide an important avenue for citizens residing abroad to engage in dialogue with political leaders of their home country concerning issues of development and how they, the Diaspora, can play a part. However, such engagement must be ongoing with efficient reporting and follow-up mechanisms in place to ensure agreements made are implemented in a timely manner. To date, we are not certain as to the level of successes the Government has had since these engagements started.

Notwithstanding that, our hope is that the Government will continue to aggressively pursue and strengthen relations with Guyanese Diaspora groups. Certainly, much more needs to be done if our development potential is to be fully realised.

For sure, Guyanese at home will not be able to push this level of development alone as we are too small in numbers and do not possess all the skills required to undertake this massive task.

It is well known that there is a shortage of skills here, especially in the technical areas. For example, with the emerging oil and gas sector, there is a dire need for expertise in certain key areas if Guyana is to fully take advantage of the many opportunities available; and here is where we can tap in to the skills and knowledge of those in the Diaspora.

Certainly, there is a vast untapped potential in the Guyanese Diaspora; and as we have stated before, it could result in a win-win situation for all. By bringing back finance, skills, culture and new ideas acquired abroad, the Diaspora can be very influential in helping us create and develop a more modern and prosperous country; at the same time, they could also utilise their finances to take advantage of the many investment opportunities here.

Guyana’s tallest flagpole bears the Golden Arrowhead which was hoisted on Tuesday to mark the country’s 46th Republic Anniversary in the once swampy and bushy Durban Park area, between Hadfield Street and Homestretch Avenue, which is undergoing major transformation

Fear stalks the land

Dear Editor, Over the past months, we have pointed out ominous signs of our country once more slipping back into a state without freedom and democracy.

Today, things are becoming more crystallised and the actions of the Government are generating fear in the population. At the same time, important institutions are being undermined, misused and being turned into tools of harassment of our people.

In the first place, the fears expressed in Parliament in relation to Guyanese being detained for having more than $10 million in their possession are turning out to be real.

The regime has transformed SOCU from being an independent law enforcement body to fight money laundering into an instrument for the harassment of citizens and exerting political pressure.

This institution is now under the control of the Office of the President.

Over the past few days, we have learnt that SOCU is invading people’s homes in the wee hours of the morning, seizing their personal property, etc, and traumatising

their families.

Last week, a prominent Regent Street businessman had his home and store raided by SOCU officers and property was removed from his premises.

There has been more than one case where passengers have been taken off their flights and their possessions seized. It is suspected that some financiers of the APNU/ AFC are using their influence and possibly money, to get the Government’s cooperation in seizing their competitors’ property to either destroy the competition or to get the property in their possession.

All these actions suggest that extortion and bribery have already spread in many parts of the Government.

Guyanese citizens should not be subjected to this kind of behaviour once they earn their money honestly; that’s the main issue.

This latest action by the regime will have a dire impact on the Private Sector.

Many business persons, out of fear, may close their businesses and migrate, taking their investments with them.

This will severely affect the economy of our country.

The racial discrimination continues as many house lots and turnkey homes which were allocated to IndoGuyanese are being repossessed. Street lights have been removed by the regime in some areas, including Bath and Bush Lot, on the West Coast, Berbice, Much has been written about the plight of rice farmers without a finger being lifted to assist. This, too, is going to severely affect our economy.

The regime has also embarked on the process of closing the sugar industry. The PNC has always held a hatred for sugar workers, and now that it is back in power, one of its first acts against the industry is to announce plans to close the Wales Estate.

This is just the beginning.

This regime will move to close other estates once it can get away with closing the Wales factory.

In the meantime, the situation in the National Assembly has gotten from bad to worse.

The Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, appears to believe that his responsibility is to protect the Government MPs and disrupt the Opposition

members from freely expressing themselves.

Dr Scotland intervenes in the current Budget debates, often on trivial issues such as what words to use, etc; he calls ‘time’ on Opposition members while they are in the midst of their speeches and uses the guillotine to help the Government side.

At the same time, attempts are being made to muzzle the press as Ministers are demanding that the Speaker block media personnel who report without fear of victimisation. They want a tame press to allow them to get away with the many wrongdoings without public exposure.

People are now living in a state of fear and intimidation; their future indeed looks bleak.

The regime is definitely on a witch hunt in our country.

No effort is being spared in browbeating citizens.

These actions are taking us back along the road to the 1970s and 1980s when freedom and democracy were among the scarcities in Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Donald Ramotar

Guidelines for Local Government Councils Dear Editor, Given the fact that there has been no local democratic renewal in Guyana for almost two decades, Guyanese, understandably, have numerous questions about local government.

Unfortunately, this state of affairs lends itself to the spread of misinformation.

With those facts in mind, the Ministry of Communities continues its public education campaign. Please note the following facts:

Structure and composition of councils

Local Government Councils are composed of two elements: an elected council, headed by a Chairperson in the case of an NDC and a Mayor in the case of a town (municipality), and an appointed body of administrators headed by an overseer (NDC) or a Town Clerk (municipality). The appointed element carries out the directives of the elected element.

How are councils constituted?

Half of the number of councillors of each local authority area (NDC or municipality) are elected through Proportional Representation (PR); the remaining half, called the constituency candidates, are elected through the First-Past-The-Post system. The total number of councillors in a given local authority area is two times the number of constituencies in that area.

How will NDC Chairs and Co-Chairs as well as Mayors and Deputy Mayors be elected?

In the case of municipalities, Mayors will be chosen from among their number by councillors on an annual basis. The people do not directly vote for a Mayor. NDC Chairs and Co-Chairs will similarly be chosen from among themselves by the newly-elected councillors. The manner of such elections is specified by law. Laws or Acts that govern: (a) NDCs – The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and The Local Government Act, Cap

28:02; (b) Towns or municipalities – The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and The Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01.

General – other vital information for governing those councils: The Local Government Commission will be a constitutional Commission composed of eight members. The Commission will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of local government organs.

Additionally, the Commission will be responsible for regulation and staffing – hiring and firing – of the organs. The Commission must also oversee, monitor, investigate and examine the actions of the councils as stated in the Act. The Local Government Commission will be an autonomous body, under the Act. Yours faithfully, Mark DaCosta Ministry of Communities

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, february 24, 2016

Guyana brace yourself!

Dear Editor, Guyana is faced with a bleak and dubious future ahead of us where armed robbery is concern. The reason for my bold statement is due to a number of factors but I shall only now deal with a few. Armed robbery has been a bugbear for successive governments in this country reasons being, it stifles development - no one would like to see their hard earned business venture violently taken away from them right before there very eyes.

Some even have to suffer the trauma of seeing their loved ones being killed as a result of these armed encounters. Such is the experience of a day in the life of a typical Guyanese. Bad as this is what is even more distressing is the debilitating fact of the criminal not being caught and are here walking eating and drinking all around us.

This is most distressing. But let me get back to my main idea, Guyana would see a drastic increase in crimes of this nature because the criminals were helped into this position.

Why, because political interference from forces adverse to law and order and good governance gave them ample scope to mount their offensive against decent law abiding citizens. The then opposition accused the PPP/C Government of racial profiling whenever an African person was caught in the act.

They provided expert legal counsel for those of their choicest of criminals, coupled with the fact that there were and still are corrupt members on the bench who ensured that these guys walked free.

Such is the situation in Guyana. Not forgetting that they hounded and castigated the police at every turn, thus crippling the efforts of the force to effectively deal with crime and criminals. Then, came the most unthinkable thing, a presidential pardon for one hundred criminals what are called ‘petty criminals.” This I think was the final straw that broke the camel’s back. Criminals now believe that they have a free reign to their violent trade.

Hear me and hear me well, no government will

succeed if you weaken your security forces. And the PNC/APNU the major partner in the Coalition is seeing that stark reality right now.

That institution should be well trained to carry out their mandate not to be used as a political pawn.

So, when they came into power on May 11th they effectively inherited a situation that they have created, a monster that they cannot cage. You cannot give me one signal when in opposition and then turn again with the same voice and ask me to behave myself just because you are in government? Oh no it does not happen that way. There is no way the criminals are going to lay down their weapons and stop their stealing and killing because The Coalition says so.

No way, that is not going to happen. So, I must hasten to a close by saying this, crime will escalate come what may because it has gotten that all important political slant to it. Guyana brace yourself.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Two Excel for the boys Dear Editor Driving home just after 02:00h (2:00am) Saturday I encountered the first of three police road blocks at Providence Police Station on East Bank Demerara that night. It was dark and the policeman had a dimly lit baton. I was slowed but not stopped. My next encounter was at East La Penitence Police Station. Similar in form to the road block at Providence, I was stopped.

The officer, an older gentleman who was either really exhausted or had been drinking a little, wished me a good morning and asked if I could leave two Excel for the boys. I politely declined by saying “things bad.” I was waved on.

A mere minute or two later I ran into a full-fledged law enforcement opera-

tion aback of the Botanical Gardens. There were about 10 officers some armed with large guns, clad in bulletproof vests and had barricades. You could imagine my surprise when the officer in full sight of someone who appears to be an inspector in khaki coloured clothing, also wished me good morning and asked me to leave two Excel for the boys. Again I politely declined.

I have speculated that owing to the close proximity of the two groups, at La Penitence and the Gardens that they might have been unaware of each other’s presence but this was contradicted by their similar if not exact modus operandi which on the surface seemed to be grounded in a great thirst for Excel.

Since the beginning of

2016 I have been stopped an average of two times per week which makes that approximately 14 times so far this year by policemen on the road.

My documents have been scrutinized so often they are wearing thin. Two questions I am most often asked are: where do I work and if I am the holder of a firearm licence.

I do not know how this figures into investigative police work but what is clear is the widening gap in the rhetoric being spouted by the politicians and senior officers and what transpires on the ground.

Sincerely Ravi Ram

5

Damaged water main Dear Editor, I write with utter disgust and anger towards the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) whose irresponsible workers damaged a water main while erecting huge steel signs on Friday afternoon last. It was not until they left that I noticed water bubbling up on the roadside.

The staff of GECOM is on a drive to erect dozens of large steel signs across various Local Government

communities across Guyana.

However, they have to be careful that they are not damaging the GWI networks especially customers’ pipelines and water mains.

I am not receiving potable water supply as a result of what I would call a dastard act by GECOM staffers on public property, Cumberland Public Road, East Canje. Before I even question the waste of our tax dollars in ask-

ing whether such humongous elaborate steel signs are even necessary during this election season, I am demanding an explanation from the top echelons of this organisation and an apology both to me and the water utility company, for the inconvenience not to mention wastage of this most precious resource, especially during this prolonged dry- spell.

Sincerely, Leon J Suseran

M&CC, we need a pool Dear Editor, During the 1960s, 1970s and even the 1980s when the Georgetown Municipality was properly managed and run there was the Luckhoo pool that was open to every Guyanese every day from morning to sundown.

Thousands of Guyanese learnt to swim there including our former swimming champions.

Today the Georgetown City Council forces our youths who are not affluent enough to be members of a private swimming club or go swim in ‘The Blacka’ which is really referring to the Lamaha Canal.

Since the ’80s, we have been hearing the Council

saying that they would rebuild a municipal pool after closing the Luckhoo swimming pool.

We have waited for that in vain and now we are still waiting even as we hear of the dawn of a new era in our capital.

A pool can pay for itself if it is opened to the public.

There are thousands of children who want a pool to go to. Charge a fee and maintain it and have it pay for itself and save the taxpayers some money.

A lot of kids have nowhere to go for recreation and now only the privileged few can access it and that should change immediately.

Is this too much to ask the

Georgetown City Council?

This would make much more sense than the ‘Presidential Park’ on the Merriman’s Mall which is clearly a political gimmick.

The public should be aware that at Colgrain – only members of swimming clubs are allowed entry; at Castellani – only invited guests and those given permission by Office of the President have access; and at Aquatic Centre – this facility is reserved for competitive swimmers only and invited guests. City Council of Georgetown, we need a public pool!

Sincerely, Debra Gibson

The Post Office does not process birth, death and marriage certificates Dear Editor, The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) wishes to respond to Lydia Persaud’s letter which was published in the February 21, 2016, edition of Guyana Chronicle newspaper under the caption, “Please investigate the Post Office.”

In her letter, Persaud stated, “Now, what I don’t understand is that per-

sons have applied (for certificates) since November last year, and when they visit, all they keep hearing is that the certificate is being processed.”

Kindly be advised that the Post Office does not process birth, death and marriage certificates.

Such certificates are processed by the General Register Office which is located on the third floor

of GPOC’s Headquarters, Robb Street, Georgetown.

The Post Office accepts applications and delivers mail on behalf of the General Register Office.

Yours faithfully, Telesha Whyte Public Relations Officer Guyana Post Office Corporation

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

By Kim Abraham and Marney Studaker-Cordner

The benefits of skill building with children and teens

By Carl Pickhardt, PhD

W

hen it comes to ease of instruction, parenting a more distracted, discontented, and disengaged adolescent can be more challenging than parenting a more attentive, cheerful, and receptive child.

The same goes for formal education. Teaching an adolescent can become more taxing and tricky than teaching a child.

The educational significance of this difference becomes apparent when you consider our grade system.

Starting in Grade Four, many young people have begun to be affected by early adolescent change (ages 9-13), and by high school adolescence has begun for virtually all.

Now the separation from childhood has usually begun and the young person has started pulling away and pushing against and getting around parental and other adult authority for more room to grow. This means that as many as three-quarters of the students enrolled in our compulsory educational system are adolescents growing through one demanding stage or another.

Thus I believe it helps teachers to have some understanding of how adolescence can change student response to the demands of classroom instruction. What made me think of this difference was talking to a group of

school administrators and teachers about “Adolescent Change and Education”.

Not an experienced classroom teacher, I couldn’t specify instructional strategies for working with students at this more disaffected age, but I could reflect on some causes for this disaffection that I believe teachers might expect to encounter.

The child desires attachment and similarity to parents for comforting closeness and commonality, holding on to these adults who, to establish basic trust, steadfastly hold on to the child. Usually children have strong self-

parent and child are curious to see what the girl or boy can understand and master next.

The adolescent wants to detach from the old childhood dependence and diversify from the old similarity to parents for independence and individuality’s sake. In response, mindful of safety and responsibility, parents begin letting the young person go for more freedom of action and expression to grow.

But adolescence isn’t easy.

Because growing up requires giving up the old and familiar, and coping with the new and unknown, adolescence creates anxiety and requires courage.

Particularly during the early and mid-adolescent

esteem at this age because they are so prized by parents at home. Each step in learning, for example, is celebrated by parental approval: “Good for you!” And much encouragement is given to keep on learning and growing more: “See if you can do this!” Both

years (up to around age 15), young people can have lowered self-esteem for many reasons. Consider a few. To grow up they have had to let go of much that was of interest and cherished in childhood; the larger world of experience can be overwhelming;

How an adolescent is not a child

the relationship with parents becomes more contentious; puberty increase self-consciousness of physical changes one cannot control; the responsibilities of more freedom can be daunting; and striving for social belonging in a family of peers can be more comparative and competitive, and sometimes more cruel.

From multiple causes like these, the adolescent is more developmentally insecure than the child was.

Factors making adolescents harder to teach

As the old IBM advertisement put it: “Change is a moving target.” It’s hard to hit. Because adolescents are undergoing so much change, relating to them can be challenging for adults. “We never know what person is going to show up today!” complain the parents who often feel like they are playing a game of wait-and-see with their teenager. Staying connected with someone who is rapidly changing can be difficult.

This is true for teachers as well as parents.

Changing on so many developmental fronts is what makes instructionally engaging adolescents, one student to another, one day to the next, very challenging to do. Gone are the eager, impressionable, tractable children of yore.

With adolescents, classroom instruction becomes more complicated work. So, consider a few factors that can make adolescents harder to teach.

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

Teaching the “how to” of life skills with your child not only helps with responsibilities at home. It helps your child in five ways: Increased capability.

The first obvious benefit in teaching your child life skills is in learning the task itself.

It’s much better for your son or daughter to learn skills over time than to try to cram in everything they need to know at the age of 18 (or older) as they prepare to move out on their own (and they become overwhelmed).

More confidence. The more capable a child or teen is at completing tasks, the more confident he or she will feel in a variety of situations.

For example, teaching your seven-year-old son to go up to the McDonald’s counter and ask for ketchup (rather than expecting you to do it for him) can help him build confidence that he is capable of interacting with people in the public. Years later, he is unafraid to pick up the phone and order a pizza or call a business to inquire about their moving van rates. This may sound simple, but it’s a great example of daily living skills, how they begin at a young age and can be generalised to a variety of situations. Many young adults we know experience anxiety about their abilities to talk to others effectively. They worry that they will look foolish or make a mistake. Anxiety can lead to procrastinating.

A young adult is more likely to postpone applying for a job if he is nervous about the in-

terview or insecure about his capabilities. Life skills training can positively impact his or her ability to apply online for a job or walk into a store to ask for an application.

Strengthening the parent-child relationship.

Teaching life skills is an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your child.

It’s time well spent and can lead to a stronger bond. You may remember learning a task as a child: baking cookies with your grandma; learning to fish with your grandfather; fixing a bicycle chain or changing a tyre with your dad. Learning life skills doesn’t have to be a “chore.”

It can be fun – an opportunity to spend time together, strengthening your bond through a shared experience.

Recovering from mistakes. One of the greatest lessons we can pass on to our children is that we all make mistakes. Sometimes when we’re baking those cookies, they burn. Sometimes when we’re out fishing, we accidentally knock over the tackle box. Changing tires can be tricky and lug nuts get lost.

Practising life skills such as cleaning, fixing, building and cooking teaches us that sometimes we get it right the first time – and sometimes we don’t. It teaches us to get back up and try again. It teaches us what to do differently the next time, so the dinner doesn’t burn.

Practising life skills teaches us that mistakes are okay, even expected, when learning a new skill. Remember to be patient with your child. After all, it’s the process of learning that’s most valuable.

Values…a nice side effect. As your child learns lifeskills such as cleaning a bedroom (cleaning it well – not just shoving everything under the bed or in the closet), he learns to value his possessions. He also learns the self-respect that comes with taking care of yourself and your things.

Skills that make a difference in the real world

Let’s face it. Your child may never acquire the life skills needed to vanquish zombies. But he can learn a wide range of skills that will make him more effective in daily life. Preparing our children for life as adults can range from housecleaning, preparing food, learning to budget and operating appliances to more person-centred skills like negotiating with others, learning to apologise, ordering meals in restaurants politely and showing respect to others in ways as basic as putting your cell phone away at dinner. By learning and mastering tasks, your child will gain a sense of confidence and capability that can last a lifetime. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

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wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

New 5-year strategic House approves $230B 2016 Budget plan for GPL A …as Board confirms CEO firing

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uyana Power and Light (GPL) Chairman Robert Badal has confirmed that the Board of Directors of the company has taken a decision to dismiss its controversial Chief Executive Officer (acting) Colin Welch.

Badal issued a statement on Monday evening confirming the termination of Welch’s contract, but did not give a reason for the Board’s decision.

However, it was widely reported that Welch’s dismissal has stemmed from several decisions he allegedly made in relation to the awarding of contracts by GPL, more recently the awarding of a contract for meter purchases.

Guyana Times understands that Deputy CEO Renford Homer will replace Welch at the helm of the utility until the vacancy is filled.

According to Badal’s statement, applications for the post of CEO are being invited to attract a competent and dynamic replacement to lead the GPL team.

The statement added that the executive management team has been directed to update its five-year strategic plan which would soon be posted on the GPL website and shared with the nation.

Welch found himself in hot water in December after evidence surfaced that he had interfered in a multimillion-dollar contract.

The contract was for the supply of prepaid meters.

Reports stated that Welch had asked a supplier to lie about the specifications with regard to the tender for the supply of thousands of prepaid meters valued at over US$4 million.

In April last, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) closed the bids, with Tesco PLC, a British company, winning the contract to supply the meters to Guyana.

Tesco was going to procure the meters from Shenzhen Clou Electronics Company Limited of China to supply to GPL. Subsequently, one bidder raised an objection about the evaluation and award, claiming that Tesco’s supplier, Shenzhen Clou Electronics, did not manufacture the 100-amp meters required by GPL. Another objection raised was in relation to the inspection of the meters.

Guyana Times was told that the almost 30,000 meters had to be certified by an internationally accepted laboratory before shipment could commence. Questions also surfaced over the certification documents which were presented.

As such, the Tender Board wrote both Tesco and Shenzhen, seeking clarification.

As the Tender Board awaited the responses, the controversially appointed Welch allegedly contacted the Chinese company stating that it must lie about

Chief Executive Officer (acting) Colin Welch

having the 100s amp prepaid meters available in other countries.

Welch was elevated from Deputy CEO (Technical) following the dismissal of Bharat Dindyal from the company’s top post in August last.

At that time Welch was accused of forging his credentials.

In early August, Welch had clashed with Dindyal at GPL’s Sheriff Street offices after the then CEO overturned a decision to send home two senior staffers.

When the new governing Board was commissioned last month, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had said that the allegation against the acting CEO would be one of the issues members would have to examine.

PNC used YSM to terrorise political opponents … Robert Corbin, Hamilton Green knew of plans – Rodney CoI Report

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he People’s National Congress (PNC) used its youth arm, the Young Socialist Movement (YSM), to terrorise innocent Guyanese and politicians who opposed to the repressive politics of former Prime Minister and President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

This is according to key findings of the internationally acclaimed Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry which was probing the circumstances which led to the death of Guyanese Historian and international scholar, Dr Walter Rodney.

The Commission’s final report which has not been officially released by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government sheds light on the integral role played by the PNC youth arm with the full support of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in beating, killing and suppressing innocent Guyanese who dared to challenge the decisions and status quo set by the former Prime Minister and President.

The findings in the report confirm one of the widely held fears of the many who lived through the Burnham era that the PNC recruited hundreds, if not thousands of Guyanese youths, and trained them in various forms of political thuggery in order to accomplish the principles of party paramountcy and subjectivity to the Prime Minister.

The report also chronicled how the Burnham-led PNC used YSM in violent activities in support of the party, including murder of innocent persons be-

Former YSM Leader Robert Corbin cause of their perceived support for the Dr Rodney-led Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the Dr Cheddi Jagan-led People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

The report found based on evidence presented at the Commission’s hearings that the YSM which was at one point led by Robert Corbin, worked in close collaboration with the House of Israel in carrying out acts of violence and intimidation against WPA Members.

The report singled out an incident where Reverend Rueben Gilbert who testified before the Commission recalled that on one occasion, he was grabbed, beaten and rammed in his ribs by the YSM. His experience resulted in two broken ribs before he was handed over to the Police. He was hospitalised for one week.

He testified to a second incident which took place about three months before Dr Rodney’s death, where he was forewarned by a PNC member that YSM hitmen were going to visit his house and kill him under the pretext he had a gun in his guitar case.

Reverend Gilbert further stated that he slept at the University of Guyana that night and asked his brother to keep his house and the next morning, his brother informed that indeed the YSM was in search of him.

Reverend Gilbert’s testimony was further reinforced by Former House of Israel member Joseph Hamilton, who told the Commission that there was “a lot of cooperation between the YSM Cadet Corps and the House of Israel” Hamilton during his testimony said that the House of Israel had several points of coordination in the relationships between the PNC and singled out figures like City Mayor Hamilton Green, the late Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and Emerson Simon who worked at the PNC headquarters.

“Addressing Terms of Reference IV, we have no hesitation in concluding that in the face of the evidence presented that both the GPF and the YSM and those in command and superintendents of these agencies were tasked with the surveillance of and the carrying out of actions against the political Opposition, specifically the WPA ad the PPP,” the CoI report stated.

It said that the acts included constant surveillance, breaking up of political meetings, harassing, threatening, assaulting or beating members or supporters of the political Opposition, killing innocent persons who were associated with the political Opposition, arresting, locking up or charging members of supporters or carrying out searches of homes and other places without reasonable or probably cause.

fter five days of fiery debates and another five days which saw Government Ministers facing intense questioning from members of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), the $230 billion 2016 National Budget was unanimously passed in the National Assembly in the wee hours of Tuesday.

At about 02:31h on Tuesday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan rose to report to the Speaker of the Assembly, Dr National Barton Scotland that the estimates of expenditures for the year 2016 were approved as printed.

Among the notable allocations in the estimates is the Public Infrastructure Ministry, which led the way with a whopping $30.6 billion allocation, followed by the Finance Ministry with $23.6 billion.

A mere $2.1 billion was allocated to the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, while the Office of the Prime Minister received a massive $6.5 billion.

The estimates for 2016 were examined over a period of five days which started on February 1, 2016.

During the five days that the Committee of Supply examined the estimates, the Government Ministers were bombarded with questions from the Opposition benches, as well as requests for information to back up allocations; in many instances those answers as well as in-

formation are still to be provided.

The issue of contracted employees, which ballooned under the current Administration, dominated the greater part of the consideration of the estimates.

The most contentious was the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) where the number of contracted employees jumped from 162 in 2015 to 288 this year.

It was also revealed that the highest paid contract employee in Guyana was Andrew Bishop, Guyana’s lead negotiator on climate change, with a salary of $1.05 million per month, while Floyd Levi, Head of the E-Governance Project is paid $930,000, Chairman of the Civil Defence Commission Chabulall Ramsarup $830,000 and Janelle Christian at $700,000.

While some of those questions received instant answers, many of them answers and information were prom-

ised before the end of the budget examining, unfortunately, those promises in a large part were not fulfilled.

The Budget, when it was presented did not receive the nod of the Opposition, which described it as “anti-poor” and “repackaged”.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said he was not impressed with the Budget which he described as “disappointing”.

Jagdeo had said that while the budget was themed, “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence… the Good Life Beckons,” it lacks the accompanying measures to realise this theme.

“Ask the ordinary people, the business community and others who are looking for this anticipated stimulus package that we have heard so much about and where is it, it’s not stimulus, the billions that they spending in infrastructure is coming from a lot of old projects,” Jagdeo said.

8 news

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Trial of “Son-Son”’s alleged murderer

Accused to know fate today

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he businessman accused of fatally shooting Errol Lindo, also called “Son Son”, 51, at High Dam, Caracas, West Canje, Berbice is to know his fate today.

Justice Franklyn Holder is expected to direct the jury before they are allowed to deliberate on the evidence heard during the trial.

Charles Henry, called Charles Bristol, 57, a remigrant Guyanese of Main Street and Lad Lane, New Amsterdam and owner of the Bristol Mall, is accused of killing Lindo.

Henry, in his defence, claims that the shooting was in self-defence.

The prosecution’s case is that on April 16, 2014, the accused murdered Lindo. The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, Henry went to Lindo’s home and ordered his workers to dismantle the house without the knowledge and permission of Lindo who returned during the demolition. There was

Murder accused: Charles Henry called Charles Bristol

an altercation during which Lindo was shot and he later succumbed.

When the defence opened its case, Henry told his story from the dock as the jury paid keen attention. In his twohour testimony, the accused said that he was innocent of the charge.

“I am the owner of Lot 1 Caracas, West Canje for three years now,” he added. The accused said he was told by

a neighbour that Lindo had moved out of the house three months ago, so he went there to dismantle it.

“When I went to the house, the gate and door was broken down…there were bees and wasps there because no one had been living there for a long time.”

He said a young lady was in the yard with a cutlass in her hand and told his workers to leave the yard or she would chop them as she claimed to be the owner of the property.

“I said to her: ‘I am the owner of the estate, I am going to ask you to leave the yard peacefully’.”

The accused in his testimony said the woman was cursing and he called the Police, but was told that they did not have transportation at the time.

“I raised my head and saw Mr Lindo coming through the gate. He pick up an axe. I was about 15 feet away from him coming with the axe over his head towards me. I took out my licensed firearm and

fired a warning shot and he was still coming. I tried backing up, but he was still coming. I fired a second shot to his left side leg to stop him. That did not stop him: he still kept coming with the axe over his head and I kept backing up.”

Henry said his feet got entangled in vegetation and he tripped between a water tank and a fowl pen. “While I was falling, Mr Lindo was coming down with the axe on me. I was fearful for my life; I said ‘I was dead; I gave up’. With the fall, I fired another shot.

There wasn’t no chance to aim or anything. Then I saw Mr Lindo fell.”

Henry also related that his vehicle was looted and set on fire.

Both the defence and the prosecution are expected to address the jury before Justice Holder’s directions. The prosecution’s case is being led by Attorney-at-Law Natasha Backer while Harry is being defended by Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes, Kim Kyte-John and Tanya Warren Clements.

Body of Brazilian woman found in Konawaruk shallow grave

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anks of the Guyana Police Force’s F Division (Interior Locations) have launched an investigation into the death of a female Brazilian national whose body was found in a shallow grave.

The dead woman has been identified as 43-year-old Maria Souza Da Silva. Her decomposing body was discovered

in a shallow grave at Muruwa Backdam, Konawaruk River, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

According to the Police’s Public Relations Officer, Ivelaw Whittaker, the discovery was made on Sunday around 16:15h. However, ranks from the Mahdia district visited the scene on Monday.

Guyana Times understands that the woman’s body is in an advanced stage of decomposition. It was stumbled upon by miners, who were conducting prospecting exercises in the area.

Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindranauth Budhram told this newspaper that no one

has been arrested as yet, but investigators have a suspect they are looking at as investigations continue.

Over the past months, there has been an increase in the number of Brazilian nationals – mostly miners – killed in Guyana’s hinterland areas particularly the mining districts.

D’urban Backlands resident who reportedly stole a gold chain during a robbery was remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts last week.

Leroy Williams, 34, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on October 3, 2015 at Croal Street, Georgetown, he stole from Lisa Kishore one gold chain valued $138,000.

Police Prosecutor Kerry

Bostwick told the Court that the 34-year-old man was recently placed on bail for an illegal possession of firearm charge. The Prosecutor objected to bail, explaining that the Virtual Complainant (VC) positively identified the de-

fendant when she saw him in another section of the media on the firearm matter.

The Magistrate denied bail and the defendant was remanded to prison.

The matter will continue on March 11.

Robbery accused remanded A

Water vendor slapped with robbery charge

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water vendor appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a charge of robbery under arms.

James Allen, 20, of Lot 102 Norton Street, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge

which stated that on February 21, 2016, at Middle Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Lee Long of Bds$25,000 and $440.

The defendant told the Court that on the day in question, he was leaving his home when he was grabbed by sever-

al men and taken into a tinted silver grey Allion. He claimed that they held him at gunpoint and demanded to know where he was heading.

He explained that he was detained and forced to admit to the crime, which he did not commit.

Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick told the Court that the defendant was charged as the item that was stolen was found in his possession.

Bail was denied, and the defendant was remanded to prison. The case will continue on March 7.

Eyew tness Promises... promises...

H

...and Nagamootoo

ere we go again...with Nagamootoo and his promises.

And your Eyewitness isn't even talking about the 21 promises he, his AFC and the APNU made in their elections manifesto. They'd even put a timeline on those..."the first 100 days"!! But then some puffery's expected during campaigns when the motto is "tell them WHATEVER so they'll vote for you".

But you'd think the outrage over them being able to fulfil only THREE out of the 21 promises would've chastened them a bit about promises, wouldn't you? Well not Nagamootoo!! The man just spews out whatever comes to his mouth – without filtering it through his brain!! And we know there're also some challenges there!!

So here he was in the Rupununi, handing out houselots and gewgaws as if he were a new Columbus buying over the "natives". Now again, one could understand this tactic...it's the third world equivalent of kissing babies' bamsees. But when he promised the folks a PAVED HIGHWAY between Lethem and Linden, he crossed a line. Not only was it clear he saw Region Niners as "natives" ...but as "ignorant natives".

The Linden Lethem Highway, after all isn't a trinket you can pick up cheap at the big Chinese Store in Lethem. It's a multibillion-dollar project that has been on the cards since 1977!! It would solve all the classic symptoms of the underdevelopment of Lethem – no factories, subsistence agriculture, high unemployment rates...etc. Just the transit of goods from Manaus would bring prosperity.

And now Nagamootoo was going to build this highway just like that? What a cruel joke! Brazil had been seen as the financier on the proposal that's on the table of Presidents Rousseff and Granger. With Brazil in a financial meltdown, does Nagamootoo know something the World Bank doesn't know? There isn't going by be no Linden-Lethem Highway soon and Nagamootoo should not raise such false expectations among folks who have been depressed for centuries.

Nagamootoo's cynical highway promise is reminiscent of what he did to rice farmers faced with ruination after his government didn't fight to keep the lucrative Venezuelan RICE-for OIL markets. Then, serendipitously on a trip to Mexico he hurriedly used some photo-ops with officials to announce "Mexico is KEEN on our rice"!!! Months later, Nagamootoo is silent on Mexico and rice and has proceeded to his next grandiose, but false, promise.

But maybe you've got to give Nagamootoo credit – he's an equal opportunity deceiver: he also told sugar workers he'll save the industry. Right before they shut down Wales and threw 1800 workers on the streets.

This is one Moses whose promises aren't carved in stone!!

...but no Procurement Commission

So the Budget's passed. $230 billion – which is just more than US$1billion. Now for most of us, our eyes glaze over when we hear these numbers. Well just think about this – $230 billion is actually $230,000,000,000. That's a who lot of zeroes behind that 230!! WITH WHICH YOU CAN BUY ALL THE CARS THAT CAME INTO THE COUNTRY FOR YHE LAST TEN YEARS!!!

And that's the point of a Budget...it's what the government will spend. But, as the present government was never tired of reminding us – all this spending can be the source of a whole lotta corruption. And to stop that hanky-panky we need a Procurement Commission. In fact the AFC was willing to have our entire financial system grind to a halt (through FATF blacklisting) unless a Procurement Commission were established.

But now $230,000,000,000's being spent with not a Procurement Commission in sight!

Just look at who will get the drugs contract!! And that's only the tip of a VERY large iceberg!!

...and more is less

Your Eyewitness wonders as he writes this on Republic Day, when the Orwellian language will cease. So more contract workers wouldn't be "less"; or no "sole sourcing" won't be "some sole sourcing".

Some "soul searching" is needed.

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

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wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

12 groups receive Medal of Service awards

– President urges continuity of good work, service to nation

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welve groups were on Guyana’s 46th Republic anniversary conferred with the insignia of the Medal of Service by President David Granger, at the 2016 Investiture Ceremony, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

It is the first time that an investiture ceremony has been organised to specifically honour organisations and groups for their outstanding service to the nation.

The groups, which received awards on Tuesday were the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), the Central Assembly of God Church, the E R Burrowes School of Art, the Guyana Islamic Trust, the Guyana Veterans Legion, the Makushi Research Unit, Mings Products and Services Limited, the National Dance

Company of Guyana, Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, South Central People’s Development Association and the Theatre Guild of Guyana.

Delivering his address, President Granger, who is the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, said that a better day could not have been chosen to confer the awards, since it is this date, 46 years ago, that Guyana ended the incongruity of having the Queen of Great Britain as the Queen of independent Guyana.

President Granger said national awards are not only a supreme symbol of statehood but are the greatest gift that a grateful nation can offer as they are the embodiment of the spirit of our people.

“The Medals of Service which you received will not depreciate with the balance

Aisha Jean Baptiste receives the Medal of Service on behalf of the African Cultural and Development Association from President David Granger

of trade. The parchment with which you have been presented will not disintegrate with age. The acclaim of this congregation is not to be discredited,” he remarked.

President Granger maintained that Guyanese are

the trustees of the traditions which sustain society, as he explained that the awards were not been conferred capriciously as they have been ordained by the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana.

He explained too that in-

vitations for nomination were notified in the media throughout the country. Selection was done by the Advisory Council of the Orders of Guyana under the distinguished chairmanship of the Chancellor of the Judiciary.

“National Awards are a reflection of the respect and reverence of a grateful nation. We know that you have laboured over a long period of time. These awards, indeed, were reserved for those who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation,” he stated.

The Head o State applauded the awardees for their accomplishments while expressing appreciation for their outstanding service.

“Guyana encourages you to continue, through precept and example, to serve your country and community. Civil society and non-governmental

organisations are deserving of admiration and emulation by the nation, particularly by young Guyanese,” he remarked.

President Granger asserted that the awardees have now been inducted in the national ‘Hall of Honour.’

“The nation celebrates your achievements, consecrates your sterling service and congratulates you. We wish you continued success in the future”.

The Medal of Service acknowledges the achievements of groups – that is, of collectives, cooperatives and communities. It also honours associations, corporations, organisations and other groups.

Their sacrifice, selflessness, success and service to their communities, country and society have been consistent and of a high quality.

Pedal cyclist latest Assistant Police Commissioner dies after crash road fatality

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The car that was involved in the accident

A

n unidentified fisherman was killed on Tuesday morning following an accident at Houston, East Bank Demerara.

Reports reaching this publication stated that the pedal cyclist was riding on the western carriageway of the road, when he lost con-

trol and collided with a car in the vicinity of Rahaman’s turn. He died instantly.

Traffic Chief Deon Moore said details surrounding the accident are still sketchy, however, the driver of the car is presently in Police custody as investigations are continuing.

Relatives seek justice for accident victim

Rudival Azore

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elatives of the Agricola man who was struck down just two weeks ago are seeking justice as the perpetrator continues to roam allegedly scotch free.

While Rudival Azore, 63, of 37 Evans Phillips Park, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, remains a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the St Joseph Mercy Hospital in a critical state, charges were not

laid against the alleged unlicensed driver.

Azore was struck two Saturdays ago at the corner of Brutus Street Agricola, ago while riding to work. It was alleged the driver had reversed out of a yard and was in the process of parking when she collided with the elderly man. He was subsequently rushed to hospital by public spirited citizens in an unconscious state.

Investigations revealed both of the man’s feet are broken, his left side pelvic bone is disjointed and he sustained other severe internal injuries and bleeding.

Relatives stated that although the matter was reported, accompanied by frequent visits to the Police station, the relevant authorities have not divulged any information in relation to this accident.

Calls to Traffic Chief Deon Moore to get a comment on the matter proved futile.

ome two weeks after being seriously injured in a horrific motor vehicle accident, Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Balram Persaud succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning.

Guyana Times understands that Persaud, 54, died around 10:30h at the Woodlands Hospital, where he has been hospitalised since the crash.

While information surrounding the extent of his injuries was immediately unavailable, it was previously revealed that the Assistant Police Commissioner, who suffered from a heart condition, sustained at least six broken ribs.

About 23:00h on

ACP-Administration Balram Persaud

February 5, Persaud, who was on annual leave, was on his way to a Police func-

tion in the city when he reportedly lost control of his car and crashed into a utility pole on the West Bank of Demerara, in proximity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Since the accident, ACP Persaud has been admitted at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, where he was said to be recovering from his critical condition. However, on Saturday last, he was removed from that medical institution and taken to Woodlands.

The ACP has been in and out of hospital for heart complications and had undergone major heart surgery several years ago.

Back in 2014, he was hospitalised for a few days.

Persaud, who was re-

sponsible for the Force’s administration, was expected to retire later this year. He joined the Guyana Police Force on May 5, 1984, and severed in several capacities, including Commander of a number of Police Divisions, including C Division (East Coast Demerara) and D Division (West Demerara).

He underwent heart surgery while serving as the C Division Commander.

When this newspaper contacted senior officials of the Police Force on Tuesday, including Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, they both declined to comment on Persaud’s passing at “this moment”.

10 news

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 6 flag raising ceremony

Berbicians urged to create a culture of service

From left: Divisional Commander, Guyana Fire Service, Patrick Carmichael; Senior Superintendent of Police, Errol Watts; Presidential Adviser Aubrey Norton; Regional Chairman David Armogan; Mayor Claude Henry; Captain Marvin Simpson and Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Paul James watch as Lance Corporal Osafo James hoist the flag

By Andrew Carmichael

P

r e s i d e n t i a l Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton on Tuesday said if Guyana was to progress, it must return to a culture of service as he addressed scores gathered at a flag raising ceremony at State House, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to usher in Guyana’s 46th anniversary as a Republic.

“If Guyana can develop, then we have to see a

culture in which its people feel they are served and those who are to serve, serve, then we will have a better Guyana,” Norton explained.

He said Guyana would not progress if its people believed that corruption was a good thing and low standards should be accepted.

Norton added that Guyana’s future lay in the hand of its youth hence it was the responsibility of communities to do all which was possible to ensure that young persons make the

best of their lives.

This will only be realised if young people develop the correct habits, Norton said.

“As young people, your foremost focus should be on education. Guyana cannot afford young people who cannot read and write,” he opined.

He noted that building strong communities would eventually lead to a strong country.

The Government, Norton added, therefore wished to see young people involved in youth organisa-

tions, as this would afford them the opportunity to develop their organisational skills and ability.

“We would like to see our young people being properly counselled. Our youth are open to all of the social problems you can find and, therefore, they are far more vulnerable than we were,” the Presidential Adviser added.

Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman David Armogan noted that in the mining town of Linden, there was an annual street parade on May 26 since the country’s first independence anniversary, and in 1970 after Guyana attained republican status, the celebration was a massive one in Linden.

“And from that time, the celebration moved to Georgetown and then spread to every Region in Guyana. It is perhaps our biggest national event whereby all our people come out on the streets and we have what is like a carnival atmosphere… this year we are also celebrating our 50th anniversary of our independence and so our celebrations of Mashramani have been curtailed somewhat to take account of the big celebrations on the May 26.”

Armogan said although Guyana has gained independence, it was still dependent economically on the rest of the world.

“The time has come for us to move away from the production of primary commodities which is a legacy left to us by colonialism, because what they taught us to do was to produce primary commodities and sell it to the rest of the world at low prices so that we are kept poor.”

According to Armogan, political independence must go hand in hand with economic independence.

“We have become masters of our own destiny and we can only charter a new course that can lead to our true republican status and our true levels of development that we want when we can break the shackles of colonialism and think for ourselves.”

New Amsterdam Mayor Claude Henry, who was also present, asked the gathering a series of thought-provoking questions aimed at uniting citizens of the town.

“Can we say today that we are better off than 46 years ago when we have some amount of unemployment? Can we say today that as a people that we have contributed to the development of this country?

Can we say that we have assisted in the reduction in crime and have assisted in educating our young people?” Henry asked.

The New Republic Day!!

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atiricus was disoriented. In fact he was positively bassidy. "What the heck's going on?" he fumed.

Wasn't this Republic Day? Where were the bands?

Where were the floats? Where was the liquor? And more to the point, where were the girls "wining down"? He'd been preparing for weeks for Mash. Meaning he hadn't taken a drink with the boys at the back street bar during all that time. Not a SINGLE drink. He was going to indulge himself big time on this special occasion.

So here Satiricus was, all dressed up and not even a single costumed lass in sight- even though he was near the Mash Route. This was a real bummer. He asked a fella near Stabroek Market what happened to Mash.

"Mash? Is whe you bin living Budday?" the snappily dressed chap snorted. "We Leaduh dun wid dem things."

"What you mean, 'dun wid dem things'?" said Satiricus heatedly. "Nagga Man still drinking up a storm in every rum shop in Guyana, dancing the night away and cussing!"

"Budday, I maan talking about we Leaduh GrainJa," the Town Bannuh replied. "Didn't you see him Old Year's Night setting the pace? No back-balling - just down on his knees repenting for his sins."

"Well, lemme tell you something, my friend" said Satiricus firmly. "My leaders are Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat...and they ain't repenting nothing, OK? The motto is still "Rum till I die! Cuffy was a Berbician, man...and I bet he used to drink and sport between battles."

"Country Man...you should now know what yuh bin hearing is true: Nagga Man, Rum Jhaat and de whole Berbice posse is just like Christmas blow blow!" Confided the amiable dreadlocked fella. "No Powah! GrainJa is de man... and he seh...is no wine down and sporting on Republic Day." By now, Satiricus and Dreadlocks had just reached DemiCo. "Man, is two weeks I didn't take a drink...You want to bend your elbows with me?"

"Nah man...no liquor," said Satiricus newfound friend.

"I following the Leader GrainJa's instruction. But maybe we could buss a spliff?"

Satiricus nodded, "Any port in a storm, my man!" as he happily took a puff of the joint his buddy lit up And just like that, a policeman snucked up behind them.

"Happy Republic Day, chumps, You're under arrest!"

"But we ain't drinking and carousing and wining down officer," pleaded the distraught town man. "We following Leader GrainJa instructions."

"No weed also, Budday!! Just getting on your knees and repenting your sins!!" smirked the policeman as he hauled them towards BrickDam Station.

Motorcyclist killed in East Coast collision

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n East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was killed on Tuesday morning after his motor cycle collided into an oncoming minibus. The accident occurred sometime around 10:30h at the Hope, ECD, turn.

The dead man has iden-

arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

This newspaper was further told that the driver of the minibus related to the Police that motorcyclist was riding at the fast rate and as they were both approaching the turn, Nieuenkirk apparently lost control of his motor

tified as Kevin Nieuenkirk also known as “Gaza” of Victoria Village, ECD. The man runs a popular shop in Nabacalis, ECD. According to reports reaching Guyana Times, Nieuenkirk was heading East along the roadway when his motor cycle collided headon into a minibus as he was manoeuvring the turn. The man reportedly died on spot and was pronounced dead on

cycle and slammed into the front-right side of the bus.

The driver claimed that the motorcyclist had no helmet on at the time of the accident. However, a Police source close to the investigation explained that the Police are unable to confirm the driver’s side of the story since there were no eyewitnesses and the occupants of the minibus were all relatives of the driver.

wednesday, february 24, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

alleges victimisation No money for UG Journalist after covering Gilhuys case student loan fund A – Minister Jordan

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he Finance Minister has declared that Budget 2016 has no provisions for the University of Guyana’s (UG) student loan fund.

This declaration was made on Friday by Finance Minister Winston Jordan after questions were raised

by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, during the debates on expenditures, after she noticed the absence of the student loan fund in the budget.

Teixeira stated that some $1.6 billion has been allocated jointly for Berbice and Turkeyen campuses without any mentioned of the student loan. As such, she questioned whether the Government has changed the inherited position with the student loan, since it was removed in the 2015 National Budget and further questioned its status.

Minister Jordan in response to Teixeira’s line of questioning noted that the student loan will continue as a revolving fund.

“Last year, the student’s loan agency had accumulated enough money for the fund to now revolve so the fund is revolving, so there’s no need for Government contribution at this time,” the Finance Minister stated.

Moreover, when asked by shadow Education Minister Priya Manickchand about the steps taken to recover the

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

outstanding billions owed by students, Jordan stated that papers are before Cabinet, which will arrange options that he did not wish to disclose until it

is considered.

In a 2015 post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister Jordan had announced that the revolving student loan fund had sufficient cash flow and can stand on its own to facilitate loans for students at the university. This, he noted, could have been done since it’s inception in 1994.

When the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change coalition was in Opposition, they had slashed $450 million from the student loan budget that was allocated that year. However,

this move was challenged in the High Court by former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and was restored by Chief Justice Ian Chang.

news presenter attached to the Power FM radio station in Linden has claimed she was victimised for presenting several stories on air in relation to Attorney Gordon Gilhuys and his client Michael Franklin.

Gilhuys was arrested in Linden last week and placed on $10,000 station bail in relation to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Gilhuys’s client has been charged with the statutory rape of a 16-year-old Lindener and it is alleged that Gilhuys tried to coerce a Police Lance Corporal into preparing a false statement in favour of his client.

It is alleged that he told the Corporal to prepare the statement to the effect that the victim did not wish to pursue the matter and did not want any further Police action.

The news presenter, Jacqueline Bourne, said she was instructed by the company’s manager Staydon Payne

Radio News Presenter Jacqueline Bourne

not to carry any stories regarding the issue since it was considered “libellous”.

According to her, however, Franklin and the station manager are friends. She noted that she nevertheless continued with a follow-up story regarding the issue and, as a result, was handed a letter suspending her services in relation to the company’s nightly

newscast, until further notice.

According to Bourne, she has covered similar stories before which failed to result in any such action by the station’s management, but this matter appears to have been taken on a personal level.

Bourne said she was grilled by the station’s manager to reveal her sources of information for the story which she declined to do, since “a minor was involved” and it was “against journalistic principles”.

However, the station’s manager said in recognising that the matter was an ongoing one presently in the court of law, he advised the presenter not to broadcast any information regarding the Attorney, his client or the E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) Police, unless a comment was sought from all parties involved. According to him, that principle was not adhered to.

Bourne has refuted Payne’s claim, stating that she has evidence that suggests otherwise.

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wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Keeping it real President Granger must have known about the plot to kill Rodney

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y any standard, politics in Guyana is a dirty business. Though few politicians genuinely enter politics to do good for the people they serve, in Guyana, many seem to enter politics to serve their own narrow interests. Fifty years after claiming sovereignty, we continue to live in a gilded age. Let’s be clear about a few things. One, the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Dr Baytoram Ramharack may have revealed little that is already known. We long suspected the People’s National Congress (PNC), with the full knowledge of Forbes Burnham and collusion with Army and Police personnel, were responsible for the murder of Dr Walter Rodney.

Two, the CoI came at a time when many Guyanese had little knowledge of Walter Rodney. Walter Rodney was killed on June 13, 1980, on a late Friday night when most Guyanese were going to bed. His writings were deeply Afro-centric, but he was able to unite Africans and Indians against the Burnham dictatorship. He was a Marxist, an intellectual and a revolutionary. I recall two incidents in Guyana in 1979. Rodney was speaking at a meeting in Georgetown. People were running in the streets. Some were running from Policemen on horses that were chasing Rodney, others were running towards the meeting place where Rodney was speaking.

Apparently, meeting places constantly shifted to avoid harassment by the Police. On another occasion, I attended a meeting during the same year in New Amsterdam which was organised by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). Rodney made his fiery speech but spoke in a calm tone and the crowd was moved with excitement. I watched as instigators from behind heckled and hurled missiles at Rodney. Remarkably, while supporters were ducking and hiding below the tractor trailer from which he spoke, Rodney continued to hold his ground. It was an amazing event to hear the supportive crowd absorbing everything they could from a charismatic personality who would die months later from a bomb blast.

Three, President David Granger at the time of writing, refused to lay the CoI report in Parliament, while Attorney General Basil Williams – who was the PNC representative on the CoI – initially tried to derail the report. Ironically, the CoI came at a time when the PNC was celebrating the 93rd birthday of Burnham. Certainly, Granger’s behaviour is an attempt at deflection, coming at a time when the Government has decided to arrest several members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). As a student of history, Granger, who swore loyalty to Burnham at the time, is taking a page out of Burnham’s playbook. Granger was made Commandant of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in 1979, a year before the assassination, when it was clear that Rodney was infiltrating the officer corps. If, as the CoI noted, Norman McLean, then Chief-of-Staff and Laurie Lewis (then Deputy Police Commissioner), both had knowledge of the attempted assassination, and the GDF’s Gregory Smith was the “trigger man”, then surely Granger would have known about the plot.

This brings us to the notion of politics being a dirty game in Guyana and the State’s involvement in the abuse of its citizens. Forbes Burnham’s 27 years of dictatorship plunged Guyana into such a putrid state and a dysfunctional culture that provided a fertile foundation for 23 years of PPP politics that plunged us into new levels of corruption, brutality and extra-judicial killings. Accusations will continue, as ordinary Guyanese try to make sense of these “new” revelations.

There are still many questions about other political killings in Guyana, including the murder of Vincent Teekah, Father Darke of the Catholic Standard and others. We can say the same for the shady acts that occurred during the PPP tenure in office. The Roger Khan affair, the Sash Sawh (a PPP Minister) murder, the murder of Ronald Waddell and the violent crimes associated with the prison escapees who found refuge in Buxton are some of them that top the list.

South Africa, following the collapse of white minority rule, benefited from a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Guyana needs cleansing of the Augean stables. Let us have a CoI that covers the PNC and PPP years, not necessarily to slash and burn and cast stones, but to air the dirty political laundry so that those involved can hang their heads in public shame. We need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to help us embark on a path to future redemption. When the dust settles, we will emerge as a better nation, united in our efforts to create a future Guyana where politics will become more sanctified. (Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail. com)

news

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wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Stakeholders meet again to Roraima Airways awards devise suicide action plan newly-crowned Miss Global Intl

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WHO/PAHO representative, Dr William Adu-Krow addressing the gathering during the meeting

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s part of the National Suicide Prevention Plan, the Public Health Ministry hosted a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss and agree on proposed action to curb the increasing rate of suicide in Guyana.

This meeting, which was held on Monday, was a follow-up to a previous one hosted at the Marriott Hotel on January 17, where representatives from the agencies were placed into groups to address four aspects of suicide on which the Ministry was focusing.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings told the gathering they should devise a solid action plan as to how to effectively address the scourge, through partnership with the suicide task force. She reminded that Guyana currently has the highest suicide rate in the world.

World Health Organisation/Pan American Health Organisation (WHO/ PAHO) representative, Dr William Adu-Krow explained that suicide has gotten to a level where some-

thing has to be urgently done, and he was elated that the Public Health Ministry has recognised this and as such, has engaged a number of agencies for their input.

He informed that the WHO/PAHO has been formulating approaches to suicide and, therefore, encouraged the Ministry to adopt some of these plans and use them as a template. He emphasised on the need for the staff to be trained in community mental health, as even though clinicians were available for this purpose, they may not always be available.

Dr Adu-Krow underlined the core value of other Ministries such as the Ministries of Agriculture, Communities, Indigenous People, Public Security and Education getting on board since suicide was everyone’s business and not only the responsibility of the Public Health Ministry.

“This is not a job for only … [the Public Health Ministry], because they cannot do it. There was a research that showed that 70 per cent of what affects health lies outside of health,” the WHO/PAHO

representative said.

He added that Suriname had been listed as having the highest suicide rate in 2010, but was able to significantly decrease the rate with specific programmes and strategies. This, he said, should be an encouragement to Guyana to also take pattern after this, given that there were coordinated programmes.

After the brief remarks from Dr Cummings and Dr Adu-Krow, the four groups were engaged in deciding the action plan.

Each group was tasked with making their presentations after which it was decided whether their plan/ programme was to be implemented in the strategy to combat suicide.

Also present at the event were representatives from the Agriculture Ministry; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); United Nations Population Fund (UNFTA), the Social Protection Ministry, and other bodies as well as local psychiatrists that were all involved in the group planning sessions.

ith the aim of promoting Guyana’s tourism products, Roraima Airways has again awarded the newly-crowned Miss Global International Guyana with a special prize in honour of her success in capturing the crown and to give her the chance to experience what Guyana’s tourism is at its richest.

Well-known singing sensation Poonam Singh was awarded a trip for two to the nature adventure paradise ArrowPoint Nature Resort. She will now be tasked with representing Guyana’s tourism at an international level “Roraima believes that ambassadors such as representatives of Guyana through pageantry should know and experience Guyana’s tourism product in order to speak with authority on it,” the airline said in a statement.

The ArrowPoint Nature Resort is an eco-tourism destination located on the left bank of the Kamuni Creek, a tributary of the Demerara River about one hour south of Georgetown.

It takes its name from the area’s profusion of “arrow” trees, which are used by

Miss Global International Guyana Poonam Singh receiving her prize from a Roraima Airways representative

the native Amerindians to fashion hunting arrows.

Mountain biking, trekking, bird watching, or visiting a

nearby village to see the production of local crafts and foods are among the activities offered.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, february 24, 2016

News

Region 10 Chairman objects Wakenaam residents to benefit from new well to Rong An’s interest in large-scale logging R

By Utamu Belle

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egion 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian has expressed grave concerns over the recent interest expressed by Asian company Rong An Inc, to undertake large-scale logging within the region.

In an interview with the media Monday, Morian made reference to an article published in another section of the media, under the caption, “Rong An Inc eyeing large-scale logging.”

According to the article, the company “has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental authorisation to undertake large scale logging in Berbice in an investment pegged at US$20 million.”

In an advertisement in one of the local dailies, the EPA said that Rong An Inc has submitted an application for authorisation to undertake large scale Logging and the operation of a portable sawmill within SFEP 02/2011 located on the right bank of the Berbice River.

The Chairman noted with concern that, according to the article, the company had received a State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) from Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) designated 2/2011 for an area of 57,929 hectares of forest re-

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

sources in the upper right bank Berbice River.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the amount, noting that the people of the Region are its custodians and he was surprised to learn that the company is eying largescale logging in the Region.

“The irony of this article is that the residents and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10, we are not aware of this kind of investment. We felt that that kind of operation ended when the past administration was in place... but we recognise some of the same old, same old happening again... nobody called the Regional Chairman’s office, no application didn’t come to us in Region 10, and I am saying that we are totally up in arms against this investment,” Morian stated.

Additionally, the Chairman has made calls to be granted access to the scope of the investment, on behalf of the people of Region 10. More specifically, he noted that he wishes to peruse the document to receive first-hand information on how many people would be employed in addition to other relevant information.

He referred to the move as “total disrespect” to the people of Region 10, establishing the need for dialogue. “We would not agree to Rong An being given any concession or green-light to work in Region 10 except this company come in and have a talk with us, that the people and the leaders could be aware of what is happening.

It is too long that this has been going on in Region 10.

Residents can’t get two acres of land to plant in Region 10... this nonsense must stop and if the authorities can’t stop it, then the people themselves will have to stop Rong An, and we are prepared to do that”, he said.

He added that the raping of the resources in the Region needs to stop while he urged that the EPA and Lands and Surveys Commission step up to their mandate.

Morian said the residents and leaders of the Region have a right to have a say in its affairs.

esidents of Wakenaam in the county of Essequibo will benefit from a new well that will be drilled in the community.

During an interview on Monday, Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Timothy Austin explained to Guyana Times that the residents on this island would soon benefit from a new well, which would be drilled to the tune of $12 million.

Austin stated that plans have already been finalised and work was expected to commence during the latter part of next week. Drilling is expected to be completed at the end of May 2016.

The GWI PRO explained that the area has a well, but it was not operational.

GWI PRO Timothy Austin

Presently, GWI is sourcing potable water from other islands in close proximity to reduce this problem.

Drilling of the well will contribute to a reliable supply of safe and potable wa-

ter, which will considerably reduce the loss of productivity due to water-borne diseases and associated medical costs.

Such time can be directed towards income generating accomplishments. The cost to have households fetching and purchasing water to supplement the existing sporadic water supply will also be reduced.

Residents in the community of Wakenaam have been experiencing a water shortage for several months.

Potable water from the taps is only available on the island for one hour every three days.

Recently, water had to be sourced from the river for household purposes, which pose dangerous health risks to these residents.

wednesday, february 24, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the world

Fijian islands still cut off after cyclone, fear of Zika and Dengue outbreaks

Authorities have warned of “catastrophic” damage to Koro Island, Fiji’s seventh-largest island

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iji sent boats on Tuesday carrying desperately needed aid to remote islands and coastal villages devastated by a powerful cyclone which killed at least 29 people, as aid workers warned of possible outbreaks of Zika and Dengue viruses.

There are fears the death toll could rise in the nation of 900,000 people when communication resumes with the smaller islands hit by Cyclone Winston on Saturday.

Aerial footage of outlying islands taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and posted on the Fiji Government’s official website, showed whole villag-

es flattened and flooded after Winston’s destructive winds, up to 325 kilometres per hour (200 miles per hour), tore through the archipelago of 300 islands.

Thousands of Fijians live in tin or wooden shacks in lowlying coastal areas.

Authorities have warned of “catastrophic” damage to Koro Island, Fiji’s seventhlargest island, and more than 8000 people continue to shelter in evacuation centres across the country.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama reassured Fijians that the Government was doing all it could amid growing criticism of the slow emergency response in some parts of the country. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Mars recalls chocolate in 55 countries

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The products affected include Mars, Milky Way and Snickers bars

hocolate maker Mars has ordered a recall of chocolate products in 55 countries.

In the UK, the products affected include funsize Mars and Milky Way bars and boxes of Celebrations.

In the Netherlands, Mars and Snickers bars were also affected.

It comes after a customer in Germany found bits of plastic in a Snickers bar in January. The plastic was traced back to the Mars factory in the southern town of Veghel in the Netherlands.

A spokesperson for Mars said the recall only involved products manufactured at the Dutch plant.

The recall covers mostly countries in Europe and does not extend to the US, where Mars is based.

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The company has not said how many bars are affected or how much the recall will cost.

The food giant said it has decided to voluntarily recall some products as a precaution.

“With this recall, we would like to prevent consumers who have purchased one of the above-mentioned products from consuming it,” the company said in a statement.

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “Mars has just confirmed to the FSA that there has been UK distribution of products recalled in the Netherlands and Germany. We are awaiting full distribution details from the company and will publish advice shortly.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kerry issues warning as Syrian parties back truce plan

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he Government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebel groups have accepted a plan for a cessation of hostilities to begin on Saturday, and the United States warned it would be hard to hold the country together if the fighting did not stop.

With hostilities reported on several fronts, rebels backed by Saudi Arabia expressed doubts about the proposal, which excludes attacks by the Syrian army and its Russian backers on the jihadist groups Islamic State and the al Qaeda-

Syria’s Minister of National Reconciliation Affairs Ali Haidar (left) sits with Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in Damascus, Syria on February 23, 2016

linked Nusra Front. Saudibacked rebels said Russia had stepped up air strikes since the plan was an-

nounced on Monday.

For its part, the Government in Damascus has made clear that contin-

ued foreign help for the rebels could wreck the deal.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States would soon know if the plan would take hold.

“The proof will be in the actions that come in the next days,” he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington.

If a political transition to a government to replace the present Administration does not unfold in Syria, there are ‘Plan B’ options, Kerry said, in a reference to undefined contingency plans believed to include military action. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Burundi rivals agree to hold talks to end crisis

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urundi President Pierre Nkurunziza and Opposition politicians have agreed to hold talks to end a 10-month crisis, United Nations Secretary General Ban Kimoon said.

After meeting with Nkurunziza and Opposition politicians,

Ban said on Tuesday that all sides had agreed to “inclusive dialogue” and that the President “confirmed that he would engage in political dialogue.

“Burundi’s political leaders must be ready to summon the courage and the confidence that will make a credible political

process possible.”

It remains unclear which of his opponents Nkurunziza will be willing to negotiate with, as some are in exile, some are jailed and some have taken up arms.

Ban met both Government and Opposition politicians on

Monday night before holding talks with Nkurunziza on Tuesday morning.

He later left for the Democratic Republic of Congo on the second leg of an Africa tour that will also take him to South Sudan, where civil war erupted in December 2013.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Refugee crisis: Europe border closures to cause “chaos”

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order closures by European states will cause “further chaos and confusion”, the new head of the United Nations refugee agency has warned, as thousands of people remain stuck inside Greece after being blocked from continuing their journey.

Some 8000 refugees have been trapped on Greece’s northern border and in the capital, Athens, after Macedonia on Sunday barred passage to Afghans and introduced tougher document checks for Syrians and Iraqis.

This followed a decision

Thousands of people remain stuck inside Greece after being blocked from continuing their journey

by countries further up the refugee route to turn back

Guantanamo Bay: Obama in prison closure push

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he White House has presented to Congress a plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, one of the President’s long-standing goals.

He wants to transfer the remaining 91 detainees to their home countries or to US military or civilian prisons.

But Congress is deeply opposed to terror suspects being held on US soil and is expected to block the move.

The prison costs US$445 million to run annually and closing it was a 2009 promise from President Barack Obama.

Human rights campaign-

ers have repeatedly complained about the prison in Cuba, which has held 780 detainees since it opened in 2002.

The President told reporters on Tuesday it undermined national security.

“This is about closing a chapter in our history,” said Obama. “It reflects the lessons we’ve learned since 9/11 – lessons that must guide our nation going forward.”

But Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio was scathing in his criticism, saying Guantanamo prisoners do not belong on US soil. (Excerpt from BBC News)

groups of Afghans.

“I am very worried about

the news that we are getting about increasing closures of European borders along the Balkans route because that will create further chaos and confusion,” Filippo Grandi, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chief, said during a visit to the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday.

“It will increase the burden on Greece, which is already shouldering a very big responsibility in managing these people, and this is happening when we are not yet having alternatives.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Water supply ‘partially restored’ in Delhi

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ater supply has been partially restored in the Indian capital, Delhi, where up to 10 million were affected after protesters sabotaged a key canal.

The Army took control of the Munak canal in neighbouring Haryana state on Monday after Jat community members, angry at caste job quotas, damaged it.

Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra said the “crisis was still not over” and urged people to use water carefully.

The city’s schools, which

were closed because of the crisis, have reopened.

Sixteen million people live in Delhi, and around three-fifths of the city’s water is supplied by the Munak canal, which runs through Haryana.

Officials said water tankers had made 1205 trips to West Delhi by 13:00 local time, and that number should rise to 2000 by the end of the day.

They say partial supplies will “hopefully” be restored to West Delhi by Tuesday evening. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

16 news

wednesday, february 24, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Banks DIH hosts senior citizens’ luncheon M ore than 600 senior citizens were treated to a diverse cultural programme, delectable meals and hampers as Banks DIH Limited held its Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon on Sunday.

This event, with the theme “We care”, was held to pay homage to the company’s pensioners who made sterling contributions to the business entity, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The Company’s Director, Clifford Reis told the senior citizens: “We are thankful for your contribution, and the Board of Directors has made a decision to raise your pension.”

This announcement was met with loud cheers

A section of the senior citizens at the luncheon on Sunday

from the attendees as they expressed their appreciation for the increase in their pensions.

Reis disclosed that the company has made donations to various charities in Guyana which totalled

$145 million.

Apart from the company’s pensioners, those in attendance included members of the Red Cross Society, Salvation Army, Institute of the Blind, David Rose Centre,

Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired and residents of several senior citizens homes including Uncle Eddie’s, St, Thomas Moore, St Vincent de Paul’s and Archer’s Home.

Guyanese wins New York pageant

By Indrawattie Natram

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wenty-eight-year-old Nandita Dasrath, a New York-based Guyanese, on Sunday night walked away with the title of “The Community's Queen”.

Speaking with Guyana Times immediately after the Community's Queen

Pageant, the brilliant Dasrath said that winning the title was not easy. A very emotional Dasrath said that she was happy that she made Guyana proud competing against six other contestants from around the world including India, Trinidad, Haiti and Italy.

"The competition was

stiff and posed a real challenge; I didn't give up. I am truly honoured to win the title as Community's Queen,” the newly-crowned queen told this newspaper.

When asked what she intended to do during her reign, the classical dancer said, "I am expected to be a role model for our young women. I plan to do this

Newly-crowned Queen Nandita Dasrath

by working closely with Fashions By Renu, Guyana Chunes Radio, and the Save Abee Foundation to organise and participate in a variety of fundraisers."

She said her goal was not to wear a crown for fame but to help mould young women in society. The pageant focused on empowering young women from various countries and communities.

There were four segments in the pageant: cultural wear, business attire, evening gown and questionand-answer.

The swimsuit segment was removed, Dasrath said, to help the community understand that young women should not be seen as eye candy but rather be appreciated for their minds and intellect.

The pageant was organised by Fashions By Renu Production, the dominant force in New York’s IndoCaribbean community.

Over the years, it has used its business to assist and help young people garner confidence in themselves through various activities.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

The PNC assassinated Rodney, now they must bestow him with our highest honour

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ith the publication of the Rodney Report from the truncated Commission of Inquiry (CoI), we have a chance to be dignified and accept responsibility that the State murdered a crusader whose mission was for justice and equality for our people.

Just as confession is good for the soul, it is catharsis for a nation. The Rodney murder is a grim stain on our reputation as an independent nation and the State must provide assurances that such culpability in the past would not be repeated in the future. David Granger and Dr Leslie Ramsammy the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) should embrace the findings and bestow the highest honour of our country on Walter Rodney. It is also time to honour others who were brutally murdered by the State, such as Koama, Dublin and Father Drake. It is our redemption.

The report brings validation and vindication and confirms what we all knew – Burnham and the People’s National Congress (PNC) bear responsibility for the murder of Rodney. But we also know that the Commission could not verify the whole truth because its work was abruptly curtailed by APNU/AFC. Clearly, the APNU/AFC has something sinister to hide. There are several people in the APNU/ AFC machinery who in various ways know the truth and were part of a heinous plot to end Rodney’s challenge to Burnham and the PNC. They say we should be thankful for small mercies. We took a giant step by first establishing the CoI and in now having a formal report testifying to the fact that Rodney was assassinated by a State machinery absolutely subservient to Burnham and the PNC. Nothing can erase the scandal and the injustice of the Rodney murder, but somehow we heap further scandal by not allowing the CoI to thoroughly examine all aspects of the conspiracy that shortened the life of a genuine national hero.

Some who were involved in the murder of Rodney are in control of the State machinery today. They were not absolved by the CoI; rather the CoI left their sordid roles for future examination, since the CoI was prevented from examining all witnesses and all aspects of the murder of Rodney. There are those in APNU/AFC that did everything in their power and beyond their legal jurisdiction to truncate the work of the CoI. I suspect, they will do everything today to diminish the findings of the CoI. They would have chosen never to release the report, but the report was leaked. Now they are using the State machinery to brutalise political opponents in a desperate attempt to distract the public from the damning verdict that Burnham and the PNC conspired to assassinate Rodney. It appears just like Burnham was Kabaka, Granger wants to be Zaki (the lion leader).

The Attorney General (AG) was the recipient of the report after David Granger could not find time to receive the report. Cabinet has had the report in its possession for awhile, yet the AG has no knowledge about the contents of the report. It is shameful that the Cabinet would treat such an important report with such rude disdain. It was disrespectful and utterly disgraceful that the AG pretended ignorance of the CoI findings and referred reporters to the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the Guyana Chronicle.

Rupert Roopnaraine, a comrade of Rodney and a victim of PNC terrorism, also denied any knowledge of the report. As a major player in the political milieu of the time and as a nationalist, Dr Roopnaraine abdicates his duty by waiting for those who were so intimately engaged in the murder of Rodney to dictate whether he can see the report. In this act alone, the act of non-curiosity, he squandered his reputation as one who bled boldly in opposing dictatorship in our country. The total surrender of a formerly fierce anti-dictatorship fighter is disappointing, a repudiation of Rodney and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and a total embrace of the dictators that took lives, maimed people and under-developed our country. It is sad to stare at a previously proud freedom fighter bartering out his soul and standing as a total sell-out.

The CoI found incontrovertible evidence that the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were pivotal players in the conspiracy and despicable assassination of Rodney.

Yet at this time, the present Government is busy assembling another State machinery in which the Police and the military are agents of intimidation and harassment, serving at the behest of political agents, rather than at the service of the people. In the process, they have sabotaged the mandate of Special Organised Crime Unity (SOCU), transferring responsibility from the GPF to the Office of the President and transforming it from investigating money-laundering crimes to carrying out political witch hunting instead.

It is a sickening reality that at a time when we should fearlessly turn our backs against dictatorship and an out of control State machinery, as was evident in the Rodney days, we seem determined to return on that path of self-destruction.

As the 50th anniversary of independence approaches, Guyana is firmly set to repeat the mistakes of the past that still have too many of us asking whether we can ever fully reap the benefits of an independent nation.

Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com

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news

wednesday, february 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

The Race to LGE 2016 Central Mackenzie candidate has vision for equal, transparent, healthy, modern town

"W

e must protect our green spaces, create jobs, look for creative solutions to the massive shortage of affordable housing, attract large scale investments, modernise commercial areas and be transparent in accountability... We will ensure that Linden town returns to its former glory and be a model for future towns to follow". This is the vision of Constituency Three, Central Mackenzie Candidate Devin Central Mackenzie candidate Sears, contesting the upcoming Devin Sears Local Government Elections (LGE) for the Linden Municipality, under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

The candidates says his manifesto sets out plans for the efficient running and managing of the Linden Mayor and Town Council, including working with relevant stakeholders to reduce the economic gap; getting more families out of poverty, through assisting with the regularisation process of squatting areas and assisting in making available affordable housing; drafting and or enforcing policies that encourage sustainable farming and one that protects local producers from outside traders; developing spaces that encourage community parks; encourage safe practices for waste disposals and help reduce greenhouse gas emission to a sustainable level. Also included is the maintenance of main thoroughfares and cross streets and establishing as a matter of priority, a policy for recapping and building new roads. Additionally, Sears outlined, commuting would be made safer through the mounting of caution and traffic signs, pedestrian crossings and street names. The candidate also plans to work in the area of enforcing food handling, environmental standards and building code inspections. Additionally, he plans to regularise garbage collection and proper disposal practices.

Auditing and accountability Sears said the Linden Mayor and Town Council, currently generates most of its affluence through taxes, tolls, day cares and rentals, which are used to pay wages, carry out maintenance work and turned over to provide various services for the community. He said over the years, it has been noted that the municipality was afforded various pieces of equipment and other resources to function; however, he contended that it is public opinion that it was not properly maintained due to earnings being redirected.

"There are also speculations into the accountability practices of the town’s finances. I believe that this can be better addressed through frequent audits, transparent accountability and annual public declaration," he stated.

Equality and diversity It is Sears's belief that equal societies are healthier and happier, with lower levels of violent crime. "We have to, and can, do something about the shocking levels of income and wealth inequality, starting with that of the Linden Mayor and Town Council staff. We can make Linden a town where no parent needs to choose between seeing their children in the evening or migrating to the interior for work just to stave off poverty, and where our public services help everybody [to] flourish..."

He said a starting point may be to reduce the benefits gap in Linden and support reforms that allows residents, and even Mayor and Town Council employees, to gain more through salary or access to resources.

"It has been noted that some members of the task force at the Linden Mayor and Town Council have been receiving below the national established minimum wage of $50,000, in addition to some with shaved benefits. The new council with work towards ensuring pay and benefits are regularised in accordance with the Public Service Commission – this will ensure that better and efficient service is delivered," Sears stated.

Working to ease the costs of childcare by enhancing services at our day care centres, exploring the possibilities of night care services, working with councils, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and groups to establish breakfast clubs for vagrants and students, coordinating local services, shaping the market to increase affordable voluntary and commercial provision that will ensure structured extra-curricular activities for young people within various communities all form part of Sears's vision for the municipality.

He said the enthusiasm, expertise and energy of older people should be recognised by encouraging employers to offer more part-time and flexible work as an alternative to full-time work or abrupt retirement.

"Our future economic success will be underpinned by investment in tourism, hospitality, transport, telecommunication, energy and waste infrastructure, and in affordable housing, to make our labour costs competitive," Sears outlined.

Sugar can only survive in Berbice – Gaskin

W

hile recommendations have been made for Government to shut down the sugar industry in sections of Guyana, Political and Economic Commentator Ramon Gaskins has opined that sugar may only be able to survive in the East Berbice district.

Speaking to Guyana Times recently, where he recommended that Government move to completely shut down both the Uitvulgt and Wales Sugar Estates on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara respectively, he said the activities of both estates are currently draining the economy.

“Sugar can only survive and break even in, when I read all this, (The Commission of Inquiry report) in Berbice but not in Demerara. The reason why it can survive in Berbice in my opinion, is because in Berbice, there are opportunities for other activities and revenues, including revenues from Co-Generation”,

Gaskin said.

He said Government should take the money currently being used to sustain the Uitvlugt and Wales Estates and venture into other economic activities and “close them down and carry the sugar to Berbice where you have a fair opportunity of breaking even”.

In April of 2015, then Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington lauded the establishment of the Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI), saying that it will do well for Berbicians.

The state-owned SEI had replaced the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) energy assets and its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The NICIL head had said if Skeldon was not available, they would have had to look at installing additional generation, most likely in Berbice to ensure the power supply in the county.

It is hoped that the power generation of that plant

should be increased by 50 per cent by the end of this year and, almost 100 per cent by 2019.

The expected benefits of the restructuring of the Skeldon energy assets include the enhancement of the generating capacity of the Skeldon Wärtsilä and Bagasse Co-Generation power plants; providing the Guyana Power and Light Inc and GuySuCo with a stable and reliable source of power generation; relieving GuySuCo of the responsibility to manage the power generation; provide some US$30 million of capital resources to GuySuCo; and securing, stabilising and expanding the power generating capacity.

In order to harness full capacity, Government needed to make some investments to increase the transformer capacity so that more power could be taken out of that plant.

Guyana Times understands that every entity involved would be working

together with GuySuCo, investing and improving the operations so as to maximise the power coming out of the plant.

“We may not always be able to get the full capacity, because there may be some limitations, but based on our modest projection, we should be able to double the level of energy that has been generated at the plant. And of course, we still have the 10 megawatts of Wärtsilä which operates at heavy fuel oil. So, when we don’t have the energy generated form bagasse, because that is seasonal, we still have the megawatts,” Brassington had said.

He added that one of the benefits of the new arrangement is the ability to have a “stand-alone independent power producer,” which based on the revenue stream from the power it provides, could finance all that is needed to finance, not only to pay GuySuCo for the assets, but to pay for the maintenance of those assets.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, february 24, 2016

ARCHIE

Look at the big picture, but withhold your intentions (March 21- until you feel you are in a poApril 19) sition to win. Time is on your side, and precision and strategy will improve your chance to excel.

ARIES

Call in favours owed and TAURUS be willing to offer an addi(April 20- tional incentive to ensure May 20) continued support and backup if required. Don’t give in to pressure from someone lacking integrity.

dilbert

You need to take care of GEMINI (May 21- your interests. Do and look June 20) your best in order to earn respect and gain the help you’ll need to deal with any competition you encounter.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Attend a cultural event or sign up for a trip that will educate you regarding your domestic choices. If you take the initiative, you can improve your life.

Don’t get angry or take LEO part in something that will (July 23challenge your physical wellAug. 22) being. Check out positive changes that you could make to enhance your personal life.

Romance is highlighted.

Think before you take acVIRGO tion.

Make your plans care(Aug. 23fully and only share them Sept. 22) with people you feel could help. Don’t take on someone else’s responsibilities.

Calvin and Hobbes

Spend time on self-imLIBRA (Sept. 23- provement. Whether it’s a Oct. 23) physical change or one that will broaden your awareness or skillset, it will result in positive change. Your love life will flourish.

SUDOKU

Keep an open mind and SAGITTARIUS don’t make assumptions (Nov. 23- based on second-hand inforDec. 21) mation. Focus on being your best, not trying to change others to fit your needs. Fair play will win favours.

TODAY’S WORD – CONTORTS (CONTORTS: kun-TORTS: Twists, wrenches or bends out of shape.)

Average mark 17 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 24 or more words in CONTORTS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – BIREMES

beer bemire berm bier brim bris remise

rime rise ember emir mere mire miser

seem seer semi sere sire

Walk away from anyone SCORPIO trying to make you feel guilty.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22) Put time and energy into making alterations at home that will give you the freedom to delve into a potentially compelling project.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Getting together with forCAPRICORN mer co-workers will be en(Dec. 22- lightening. Your experiences Jan. 19) and the skills you have developed will prompt an interesting proposal.

If you give everyone space, AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- you will be offered the same Feb. 19) in return. Working alone will allow you to achieve what you set out to do without interference.

Play hard and aim to PISCES Your ability to (Feb. 20- please.

March 20) bring valuable information, strength and original ideas to any partnership you form will bring future opportunities and success.

wednesday, february 24, 2016

Petra Organisation clears up controversy

T

he controversy pertaining to the eligibility of intuitions for the ingoing Milo Under-20 School Football Competition with regard to both Morgan’s Learning Centre and Sir Leon Lessons who both agreed to withdraw from participation so as not to affect the smooth flow of the event was quickly dealt with by the Petra Organisation who shed some light on the issue.

Below is the release from the Petra Organisation: The Petra Organization is mindful of the invaluable support received to date from our sponsors, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Health, School, teachers, players or staff and supporter at this stage of the 4th annual Milo U-20 Secondary School Football Tournament.

We are very pleased also to

have been using this tournament this year to highlight the scourge associated with suicide in our society and to highlight positive messages read by the captains of each participating teams before each match.

The Petra Organization in the very best interest of the tournament’s integrity and the preservation of our philosophy, strive to foster the attendance of school by youngsters who are preparing for exams. To this end, we were regrettably forced to insert an addendum to the tournament’s Rules, which ensured that participating players attend schools / lessons in Georgetown and are also serious about writing exams if they are eligible to do so by age. With the addendum (Rule # 22 & 23) two schools / lessons unfortunately opted to discontinue their participation.

It is our hope that going forward with the tournament in the future, managers, coaches, and players would understand that our Organization is not only concerned with a well executed tournament, but our concern goes beyond the field of play.

Former FIFA official banned for failing to respect earlier ban F ormer FIFA executive committee member Worawi Makudi was banned again on Monday for failing to respect an earlier suspension imposed during an investigation over alleged misconduct, football’s governing body said.

Worawi, who was on the committee in December 2010 when it awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar, has been suspended by FIFA’s ethics committee since last October while it conducts the investigation.

The ethics committee has not given details of his alleged misconduct and Worawi, the former head of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), has denied any wrongdoing.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has now added its own 90-day ban which started on Monday, fined him 3,000 Swiss francs ($3,009.03) and issued a warning after finding that he had breached the conditions of the original suspension.

“The Disciplinary Committee found that he was still involved in FAT affairs during this period ... and has therefore decided to ban him from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for a period of three months,” said FIFA in a statement.

Worawi Makudi

Worawi, 64, had been on the FIFA executive committee for 18 years as one of the Asian Football Confederation’s representatives until he was voted off last year.

Switzerland’s attorney-general has opened an investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, part of a scandal which has engulfed football’s governing body which will elect a new president on Friday.

Worawi is among a number of former FIFA officials under investiga-

tion by the ethics committee, which in December banned FIFA president Sepp Blatter and European football boss Michel Platini for eight years each.

Worawi had been due to stand for re-election as FAT president on Oct. 17. However, on Oct 16, FIFA sacked the entire FAT executive committee, replaced it with a “normalisation committee” and postponed the election. The election went ahead earlier this month and was won by Somyot Poompunmuang. (Reuters Sport)

19

Infantino confident of winning majority ahead of Friday’s FIFA election

Gianni Infantino is confident ahead of Friday’s election

F

IFA presidential candidate Gianni Infantino voiced confidence on Tuesday he would get more than the 105 votes he needs to win Friday’s election for the new head of football’s world governing body.

FIFA is engulfed in a corruption scandal that has led to the indictment of several dozen leading football officials in the United States. Outgoing president Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, head of European football federation UEFA, have been banned for eight years for ethics violations, which they deny.

Infantino, the Swiss general secretary of UEFA, is one of five candidates standing in the election, in which each of FIFA’s 209 national football associations (FAs) holds one vote.

He and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain are considered the frontrunners in a field that also includes South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Frenchman Jerome Champagne. Prince Ali’s lawyers said on Tuesday they had requested a delay in the vote while he appeals to sport’s highest tribunal over his request for transparent voting booths and independent scrutineers.

Infantino told Reuters Television in an interview: “I am very confident about the situation, and the discussions I’m having with the leaders of many associations make me feel even more confident, so I hope to have some more than 105.”

He said Blatter and Platini were among the people he had spoken to, although he had not taken any advice.

“I have spoken to (acting FIFA president) Issa Hayatou, to Michel Platini, to Sepp Blatter, about 150 presidents of FAs,” he said. “It’s only normal if you want to become president of FIFA: you speak to as many people as possible but at the end of the day, you need to convince 105 FAs to vote for you. “(I’ve taken) no advice, I take opinions from everyone and then focus on my campaign.”

Infantino has been given the backing of his own federation, which has 53 voting members, and South America’s CONMEBOL, which has 10.

His camp also believe he has support in the Caribbean, and on Monday Infantino said he expected to get more than half the 54 votes in Africa, even though the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has backed Salman.

CAF’s endorsement of Salman is not binding on its members and African countries have usually voted contrary to their confederation’s recommendation in previous FIFA elections.

“I’m very confident that I have those votes because I met personally the vast majority of presidents from African associations,” said Infantino.

“You look at them in the eyes, they look you in the eyes then you see if they are just telling you what you want to hear, or they are honest and truthful about what they say.”

(Reuters Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, february 24, 2016

Corona’s ‘Race of Tikaram spins Black Bush the Day’ to highlight Secondary to huge win grass track series B rilliant bowling from off-spinner Ajai Tikaram spearheaded Black Bush Secondary School to an outright victory over Central Corentyne Secondary School as the 2016 Dalchand Rambharose Inter-Secondary School Under-15, two-innings cricket competition commenced recently.

In the match, which was played at the Mibicuri ground, Central Corentyne, choosing to bat first, soon found themselves 57-7 with pacer Yuvraj Munessar and Tikaram picking up three each. They did not progress further than that as Tikaram

Coordinator Sheik Yaseen (standing third right) with the 10 confirmed riders for this weekend’s action

A

‘Race of the Day’ featuring all the competitors will be the highlight of this Sunday’s Corona Beer Grass Track Championship at the Ogle Community Centre ground.

This piece of information was confirmed by the coordinator Sheik Yaseen, who told this publication on Monday that the main race will form part of a 10-race programme slated for the day.

There will be six professional races, three novices and one open, according to Yaseen. He further pointed out that while the main race will go for 15 laps, the others will be either 10 or 12 lap races.

To date, 10 riders have registered for the event, but Yaseen assured that the number will rise drastically as the week progresses, as the deadline for the submission of registration forms is Saturday.

The event, which promises skills, thrills, spills and daredevilry, will be the first of six days of racing during the year, with other events planned for Berbice, Enterprise, Linden and Essequibo, before riders return to the Ogle Community Centre for the grand finale.

Action will speed off at 11:00h on Sunday with riders from Bartica, East Coast, Georgetown and Berbice set to compete in the first in-

stallment of the series.

While the top six riders in each category will be rewarded, all the participants will be given points based on their finish, which will ultimately be tallied on the final day to determine the overall champion of the different divisions.

Apart from the expected thrilling showdown among the bikers, there will also be the launch of the Guyana Grass Track Hall of Fame, with seven persons set to be honoured for their contribution to the sport.

They are Terrence Clarke, Brian McIntosh, Kevin Jeffrey, Stanley Ming, Mazar Mazarally, Mahesh Premsukh and Victor Pires.

Ajai Tikaram

proceeded to pick up a hattrick, which left them 57 all out. Tikaram ended with 6-16 and Munessar 3-25.

When Black Bush Secondary replied, they were able to declare their first innings at 122-7 with Shazam Mohamed hitting 40 and Ezelikel Rebeiro 22. Bowling for Central Corentyne, Shemroy Simpson took 219, Rawle Johnson 2-22 and Jamal Hickman 2-34.

Facing a deficit of 65 runs, Central Corentyne batted for a second time and were bowled out for 40 to lose by an innings and 25 runs. Doing the main damage again was Tikaram, who took 6-12 to end with match bowling figures of 1228 from 8.3 overs. Totatram Ramnarine took 3-20.

Guyana bag 11 medals at Junior Circuit event in St Vincent – Fernandes, Harding and Wiltshire grab gold

A

six-member team representing Guyana bagged 11 medals at the just concluded World Squash Federation Junior Circuit Event which was held from February 19-21 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The team comprised of Taylor Fernandes, Larissa Wiltshire, Makeda Harding, Daniel Islam, Anthony Islam and Shomari Wiltshire with David Fernandes as Manager, Garfield Wiltshire as Coach and Juanita Fernandes as Chaperone.

Guyana finished the

tournament with three gold, five silver and three bronze medals.

Winning gold were Fernandes who defeated Larissa Wiltshire in the Girls Under-19 final by three games to one, Makeda Harding who played unbeaten to win the girls Under-15 round robin event and Shomari Wiltshire who defeated Alex Stewart (Barbados) by three games to love to win the Boys Under-13 event.

Winning silver medals were Larissa Wiltshire in the Mixed Under-19 event losing to Jason Doyle

(St Vincent) in the final three games to nil, Larissa Wiltshire in the Girls Under-19 event, Harding in the Girls Under-17 final losing to Thandi Myers (St Vincent) by three games to one and Shomari Wiltshire in both the Boys Under15 and 17 finals losing to Kai Bentick (St Vincent) by three games to one and three games to love respectively.

Bronze medal winners were Fernades in the mixed Under-19 category and Daniel Islam in the boys Under 15 and 19 categories.

Australia take control on hard-fought day N ew Zealand delayed, annoyed and even frustrated Australia into some of the ugliest scenes of the summer. Yet Steven Smith’s men persisted through it all, and by day’s end were a mere 131 runs away from claiming victory in Christchurch and the No. 1 Test ranking.

For all the hosts’ fighting qualities, whether it was Kane Williamson’s dogged 97, Corey Anderson’s selfdenial or the common sense rearguard of BJ Watling and Matt Henry, Australia always stayed ahead of the game. For this they can thank Jackson Bird, who summoned his first fivewicket haul in Tests, and also the support of James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh.

While David Warner nibbled down the leg side to complete the most underwhelming Test series of his career, Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja fought through to the close against another round of short balls from Neil Wagner.

At one point, slip was the only man on the off side, making Wagner’s attack obvious.

But the second-wicket stand came closest to being broken

Jackson Bird claimed a maiden Test five-for in New Zealand’s second innings (Getty Images)

when Khawaja nearly edged an attempted drive onto the stumps in Anderson’s final over of the day.

Australia’s efforts in the field had been obvious, and often near the edge of exasperation. Tempers had simmered during a long stand between Williamson and Anderson, before Bird struck once with the old ball then twice with the new to take the visitors closer to a fourth-innings chase. But Watling and Henry played with good sense to add 118 and ensure New Zealand have something to defend.

Pattinson and Hazlewood again bowled with pace, direction and reverse swing in the first hour and went exceptionally close to dismissing both batsmen more than once. Hazlewood’s last appeal - and Australia’s last referral - moments before lunch drew another denial and considerable frustration from Smith’s men.

There was self-recrimination, too, when Marsh dropped Anderson at the gully, and the tourists went to the interval clearly angry at not being able to dislodge the overnight pair.

They were more patient when faced by Watling and Henry, eventually rewarded when Pattinson had Watling caught on the leg side and Henry was bowled by Bird.

Old-ball swing had been key to Australia claiming four wickets on the third evening, and it was again evident as Pattinson and Hazlewood resumed their barrage. Williamson and then Anderson were both subjects of concerted lbw appeals, but on each occasion DRS replays showed contact with the bat first.

Anderson’s escape was

queried by the Australians, but was quickly followed by a ball angled across and a sliced drive that burst through Marsh’s hands.

By the standard set in this match, including Marsh’s own unrewarded catch off a no-ball on day one, it was a bad miss.

Further close calls followed: Williamson edged Hazlewood the merest fraction short of Peter Nevill’s gloves, and right on lunch the bowler appeared to strike New Zealand’s No. 3 in front with a swinging yorker from around the wicket.

The Australians appealed vehemently and reviewed instantly, but HotSpot replays picked up the faintest inside edge from Williamson before the ball struck his pad, leaving

Smith’s men to angrily confront the on-field umpire and express their surprise.

Through all this Williamson and Anderson remained, giving New Zealand something of a foothold in the match against increasingly feverish opponents. They remained unhappy until Bird coaxed Anderson into dragging on in the 79th over of the innings, a wicket that opened up an end for the second new ball.

Williamson was on 97 when a hint of seam movement with the fresh ball resulted in an edge onto the stumps and, in the same over, Tim Southee snicked to Smith in the slips.

Australia sensed they were close to sealing the match, but Watling and Henry had other ideas. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand 1st innings 370 Australia 1st innings 505 New Zealand 2nd innings 335 Australia 2nd innings (target: 201 runs) JA Burns not out 27 DA Warner c †Watling b Wagner 22 UT Khawaja not out 19 Extras (nb 2) 2

Total (1 wicket; 20 overs) 70 To bat: SPD Smith*, AC Voges, MR Marsh, PM Nevill†, JL Pattinson, JR Hazlewood, NM Lyon, JM Bird Fall of wickets: 1-49 Bowling: TA Boult 7-0-300, TG Southee 2-1-9-0, MJ Henry 4-1-17-0, N Wagner 6-013-1, CJ Anderson 1-0-1-0

21

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Windies bet on youth to end decline W

hen the West Indies beat India to win the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, it was a jolt of good news for a team in need of it.

The victory provided a brief throwback to when Caribbean cricket was dominant. Between 1980 and 1995, the West Indies went unbeaten in 29 straight test series, and their success was given greater meaning, too, for the region. Clive Lloyd, the captain during the start of that dominance, called cricket “the instrument of Caribbean cohesion.”

One of Lloyd’s successors, Viv Richards, emphasized the team’s role in black empowerment, calling the West Indies “the only sporting team of African descent that has been able to win repeatedly against all international opposition.”

Then came the decline for the West Indies, a team that covers 16 nations and territories in the Caribbean with a combined population of less than 6 million.

Despite producing the occasional star like Chris Gayle, the West Indies’ recent record is dire: They have won only one test away from home against a team in the top eight since 2000, and this year it missed out on qualification for the 2017 Champions Trophy, a oneday international tournament for the eight best teams in the world. It is ranked No.8 in tests, No.9 in one day internationals and No.2 in Twenty20.

The Under-19 victory (Feb. 14) brought hope, though, that a new generation of Caribbean cricketers might be emerging.

“You have seen young kids mature and show a great deal of awareness,” Ian Bishop, a former West Indies player and now a television commentator, said after the West Indies’ victory. “It makes me optimistic about the future of West Indies cricket.”

Two strapping fast bowlers, Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder, bowled with speed and bounce, in keeping with West Indies’ traditions. In the final, the two took a combined 4-59 from their 20 overs as the West Indies bowled India out for only 145, setting up a five-wicket victory. The bighitting opener Gidron Pope also caused a splash.

Some on the U-19 team might be challenging for a spot on the senior team in a few years; Bishop has already declared Joseph, from Antigua, as “ready” for toplevel international cricket.

“It is wonderful for the region. It also shows the possibilities for West Indies cricket to really excel again,” says Richard Pybus, director of cricket for the West Indies Cricket Board. He described the triumph as rooted in “the background work of the staff and the fantastic performance of the team, working together for a common vision.”

Alzarri Joseph

Such a common vision has not always been apparent in West Indies cricket. Recent years have been marred by a series of player strikes and board disputes.

Last November Caricom, a group that promotes economic integration and cooperation in the West Indies, issued a report characterizing the cricket board as “obsolete” and called for its immediate dissolution, and last week it reiterated its dissatisfaction and said governments would act “to save West Indies cricket.”

The cricket board reacted to the November report largely as it did to other independent reports over the last decade: by ignoring it.

At the end of last year Dave Cameron, the president of the board, said that the report “was not supported by the facts.”

Since then, there have been further signs of strife in Caribbean cricket.

With the World Twenty20 tournament starting March 8 in India, West Indies captain Darren Sammy told reporters the team is facing an 80 percent pay cut compared to previous World Twenty20 events. While fears of a player strike have not materialized, the relationship between the West Indies board and its players remains troubled. In October 2014, the team withdrew from a tour of India after a dispute, and the cricket board in India then claimed that West Indies owed it $42 million.

The weak financial position of the West Indies is a particular challenge in an age when domestic Twenty20 competitions are thriving in other countries.

The West Indies has always been vulnerable to losing its players to better-paying jobs elsewhere, but Twenty20 leagues abroad are posing the most sustained threat yet.

During a recent tour of Australia, six top Caribbean players were playing for Australian teams in a domestic Twenty20 competition instead of for the West Indies selection.

Yet there are reasons for optimism. The International Cricket Council this month

announced a review of changes it made in 2014.

According to ESPNCricinfo, India, the powerhouse in the sport, is considering returning a portion of the funds it receives to other test-playing teams like the West Indies to reduce the gap between the poorer and richer test countries. The I.C.C is also conducting a review of cricket’s structure, hoping it can make changes to keep top international players, including those from the West Indies, from being caught in a club vs. country conflict.

Although the W.I.C.B has rejected calls for changes, the Caribbean domestic game has been modernized.

More players outside the national teams are now under contract, and the first-class season was extended from a minimum of six games per team to 10. Some also believe that the development of the Caribbean Premier League, a Twenty20 league started in 2013, could benefit the test team.

“It is an integral part of the C.P.L’s overarching vision to boost West Indies cricket from the grass roots up,” said the C.P.L chief executive, Damien O’Donohoe.

Every team has to have at least one U-19 player in its squad, and regular visits are made to local schools.

Meanwhile, the West Indies Cricket Board has a simple hope: that the success of the U-19 team will encourage sponsors of the senior team to be more generous in their funding. “It would be great to think that this will give confidence to sponsors to commit to the work the board is doing to create a strong foundation for development programs and professional cricket in the region,” Pybus said.

Should the senior team continue its decline in oneday internationals and tests, it faces a future in which elite countries will not want to play it. “A series like this for us unfortunately does create question marks about the viability of the West Indies as an entertainment proposition,” James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, told ESPNcricinfo. (NY Times)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, february 24, 2016

RHTY&SC, Scotiabank partner for anti-suicide Mash parade

The Mash parade attracted a large turnout

T

he cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) with the support of the Bank of Nova Scotia last weekend hosted

a highly successful ‘Say No to Suicide Children Mash Parade’ along the Corentyne highway.

The parade attracted close to 700 participants

drawn from 10 schools and the membership of the RHTY&SC’s cricket teams and Over-35 group.

The parade was organised by the Rose Hall

Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets First Division and Under-23 cricket teams.

The schools that participated were Lower Corentyne Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, New Amsterdam Multilateral, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Belvedere Primary, Rose Hall Town Primary, Port Mourant Primary, Tain Primary and Rose Hall Town Nursery.

The colourful and quite lively parade, with accompanying music, started in front of the Anamayah Law Firm office at Hampshire.

The large band of revellers promoted the ‘Say No to Suicide’ message via colour costumes and floats, coloured tee-shirts with slogans, and placards.

Members of the RHTY&SC’s cricket teams were attired in special ‘Say No to Suicide’ tee-shirts and promoted the ‘Say Yes to Sport’ message to youths.

The cricketers also displayed numerous trophies the club has won over the years.

A specially decorated float was also constructed by the cricketers to advice youths to stay away from a life of crime and to stay in school and obtain an educational background.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, hailed the ‘Say No to Suicide’ parade as a complete success and noted that all of its objectives were achieved. He expressed gratitude to the Bank of Nova Scotia and its Marketing Executive, Jennifer Cipriani, for sponsoring the parade.

The long-serving Secretary/CEO, in brief remarks after the parade, advised the attentive school children that life is god’s gift to humanity and should be cherished, as they have only one innings to bat, making direct reference to the cricketing terminology.

Suicide, he stated, was a permanent solution to a temporary problem and encouraged youths to seek advice from their parents,

teachers, religious leaders or professional counsellors in moments of doubts.

He said the RHTY&SC would continue to work to make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The large gathering was entertained by a cultural session after the parade at the Area ‘H’ ground.

Lower Corentyne Secondary School was adjusted the best school on parade by a panel of judges headed by veteran Television Editor, Gregory Rambarran. New Amsterdam Secondary copped the second place prize, while Rose Hall Town Primary took the third place prize.

The management of the RHTY&SC would like to express its appreciation to the Guyana Beverage Company Inc., Spready’s Snackette, Ministry of Education’s Region Six Department, the Guyana Police Force, Bobby and Sons Boutique, Crown Vibes Printery, LRTVS Ch10 and DTV8 for the role they played in making the event a success.

SPR Enterprise 40-over cricket competition…

Moriah bowls ECCCC to twin victories

Gavin Moriah operating with four slips and a gully in the match against Paradise

E

nmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) defeated Strathavon SC and Paradise SC in the first two rounds of the East Coast Cricket Committee’s (ECCC) 40-over round robin cricket competition, which is sponsored

by SPR Enterprise.

Undoubtedly, the star of the show for ECCCC was left-arm pacer Gavin Moriah, who grabbed eight wickets from the two games.

ECCCC defeated host Strathavon SC by 59 runs in round one. ECCCC batted first and made 135 in 38.2 overs, with their principal scorers being Rudolph Singh (59). G.Sugrim took 4-17 from his eight overs and S. Budhoo 3-19.

In reply, Strathavon SC folded for 76 in 28.3 overs, with S. Mohan scoring 23.

Off-spinner Satesh Jainarine took 3-8 from 3.2 overs and Moriah 2-14 off six overs.

ECCCC then defeated host Paradise SC by five wickets in the second round

last weekend. Batting first, Paradise SC found the going tough against ECCCC opening bowlers.

They were bowled out for 72 in 16.4 overs, with extras contributing 27 to the total. Moriah ripped through the batting, claiming 6-24, while Nandram Ganesh took 3-19.

In reply, ECCCC also found scoring difficult on a pitch that was affected by rain during the innings break. ECCCC lost five wickets before surpassing Paradise SC’s total in the 17th over.

Chandraban Seemangal and Vickram Sukhai remained unbeaten on 20 and 18 respectively, whilst Jermain Martins took 3-24 from seven overs for Paradise SC. Meanwhile, ECCCC is in the process of relaying their three pitches at the Enmore Community Centre. This process commenced in December last, after a series of low scores in matches over the last two years. The playing surface was last re-laid over 35 years ago.

Gavin Moriah (centre) with his teammates after his demolition of Paradise’s batting last weekend

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, february 24, 2016

Orealla/Siparuta teams dominate BVA tournament

C

ontinuing with its mandate to expand and develop the game of volleyball in the Ancient County, the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) held another successful outreach last Sunday, this time in the Orealla/ Siparuta area.

The main target groups were female and Under-19 players.

The purpose of the activity was to look at talent, select females both at the senior and Under-19 level and junior males for further coaching, and to represent Berbice in upcoming tournaments.

At the end of the sessions, which included training, coaching and other activities, two competitions were held, one for females and another for Under-19 players.

Four teams, with three from the hinterland communities of Orealla/ Siparuta, participated among the females. The teams were Flamingo, Sun Flower and Young Strikers (made up of Under-19 girls), which made up the best female players from the hinterland community. They were joined by the

lone female team from the coast, Black Birds.

Among the Under-19 males were Young Warriors from Orealla/Siparuta, along with Number 53 Survival and Line Path Jets.

Both competitions were played on a round-robin basis with the top two teams emerging to contest the finals. In the female competition, Flamingo defeated Sun Flower by the slimmest of margins, winning 2-1. After losing the first set 14-16, Flamingo bounced back to level 15-9, and then won the decider 15-13.

In the Under-19 category, the Young Warriors boys of Orealla/ Siparuta took top honours as they won from Number 53 Survival 2-1 in another close contest, the scores being 18-16, 7-15 and 15-9.

At the end of the competition, trophies were presented to the Flamingo and Sun Flower teams by the Vishnu Super Store of Number 78 Village, Corriverton. The MVP prize went to Rhonda Adams of Flamingo and she received an award from Movie Parts of Number 78 Village.

A number of other play-

GCB Under-15 Championship…

Singh’s ton leads Demerara to win over Berbice − E’bo beat President’s XI by 65 runs

L

eft-handed opening batsman Sachin Singh scored a superb 120 off just 108 balls which was the mainstay behind Demerara’s overhauling of Berbice’s 263 to win by three wickets in the Guyana Cricket Board/ Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY Inter-County U15 tournament on Monday.

Singh who was named man-of-the-match anchored Demerara innings with fluent stroke play after they were set a challenging 263 to win at Demerara Cricket Club.

The Demerara innings got off to a solid start as Shoaib Shaw and Singh who played for the Guyana Under-15s last year, shared a 65-run partnership for the first wicket when Shaw was bowled by Nigel Deodat for 17.

After the fall of two quick wickets, Singh was there to there to the rescue with another formidable partnership for the third wicket with 65 along with Andrew Samaroo.

The Demerara Cricket Club player batted with maturity, hitting twelve fours and six sixes before his dismal; Samaroo soon fell for 33 with three fours and one six while Dwayne Dick

scored a rapid 32 (4x4s) as Demerara finished on 266-7 in 44 overs.

Extras contributed 38; Antonio Kempadoo and Marvan Prashad took two wickets each.

When Berbice batted, opener Fawaz Gafoor knock of 73 (14x4s) lead the team to their total of 262.

Gafoor shared a century wicket stand of 108 for the second wicket with Prashad who made 40 (2x4s; 1x6).

It was Jevon Shultz blistering innings of 66 that up the scoring, as he struck four fours and five sixes; Daniel Mootoo claimed 3-29.

Over at Wales, Essequibo batted first and posted 182-6, with Azim Mohamed hitting 72 not out while Lance Roberts scored 24 and Bumeshwar Ramkissoon 18 not out.

Extras boosted the total by accumulating to 37 as Gaury Ramesh and Davendra Ramdahin picked up two wickets each.

The President’s XI in response were shot for 117 in 44 overs. In strange occurrence extras top scored with 40 while Brandon Jaikarran got 21 and Abdul Ramsammy 17.

Amos Sarwan captured 3-16 and Roberts 2-19.

ers were also recognised for their outstanding play with Raquel McIntosh of Flamingo, Carmen Vanderburgh of Sun Flower and Alicia Welcome of Young Strikers receiving medals, compliments of Jerry’s Store of Number 72 Village.

Among the junior males, Young Warriors received a trophy, compliments of Jermaine Boutique.

Number 53 Survival also collected a trophy, compliment of Jerry’s Store.

The individual category saw Cleon France of Young Warriors being adjudged MVP, with Shawn Peneu also outstanding for Young Warriors and Andy Rohoman for Number 53 Survival. They received medals compliments of Jerry’s Store.

Resource persons at the outreach included BVA president Levi Nedd and former president Gregory Rambarran.

23

B&R Investment/Dookie Construction cycling set for Saturday

Robin Persaud

Mario King

Junior Niles

fter a break of three years, B&R Investment/Dookie Construction of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, is back on board with national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed for this weekend’s 11-race cycling programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The company sponsored its first such race in 2013, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the programme was absent from Mohamed’s calendar of activities in 2014 and 2015.

Mohamed informed this publication on Monday that management of the entity has agreed to stage the race this weekend, with action set to pedal off at 09:00h.

The day’s activities will commence with the exciting BMX races, catering for the 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open categories, followed by the senior riders competing in the Juveniles, Mountain Bikes, Veterans and Open divisions.

In 2013, the main race, the feature 35-lap School

Boys and Invitational, was won by the evergreen Robin Persaud of the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club. Persaud had clocked one hour, 18 minutes, 32 seconds (01h: 18m: 32s).

Other winners included Mario King (Juveniles), Junior Niles (Veterans U-50), Lennox Dick (Mountain Bikes) and Romello Crawford (1214). Representatives of the sponsor will witness the races and later assist in the presentation of prizes.

A

wednesday, february 24, 2016

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

Guyana bag 11 medals Singh’s ton leads at Junior Circuit event Demerara to win in St Vincent over Berbice – Fernandes, Harding and Wiltshire grab gold GCB Under-15 Championship…

Pg 20

Pg 23

− E’bo beat President’s XI by 65 runs

Sachin Singh gathers runs on the on-side

The squash team pose for a photo after their triumph

Windies bet on youth Orealla/Siparuta teams dominate BVA tournament to end decline Pg 21

Pg 23

The West Indies Under-19s’ success at the Youth World Cup provided a glimpse into the future

The teams lined up ahead of the start of rivalry last Sunday

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