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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3088 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Jagdeo elected as new PPP General Secretary January 8, 2017

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ron Robinson sacked as NCN's P2 Programme Manager

…accuses CEO of bullism

… youth leaders disappointed with Rohee's media comments

Page 13

Police nabs ECD man with gun … threatened to shoot mother

Deportee sets car, house on fire Page 15

Region Two flooding

Abram Zuil P18 poultry farmer counting $$$$ in losses

Parliament View Mall relocation

Vendors vacate private property Page 9

Controversy arises over President’s declaration of Chinese P14 Arrival Day 2 children rescued as boat sinks in Canje RiverP8

– relocated to disputed “Dread Shop” site Relocated to “greener pastures”. The former South of Parliament Building vendors are now occuping the disputed plot of land that once housed the former “Dread Shop” which was demolished last year by City Hall in the midst of an ongoing court battle

Diamond Hospital offering limited services Page 7

…as facility experiences short circuiting

$3B for four new GPL P10 sub-stations

2 NEWS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ron Robinson sacked as NCN’s Programme Manager – says decision a “personal” attack by CEO

Veteran broadcaster, Ron Robinson

V

eteran radio and television broadcaster Ron Robinson has been relieved of his duties as the Programme Manager at the State-run National Communications Network (NCN).

Robinson, who was on extended probation, told Guyana Times on Saturday that he received a letter from the entity’s Board of Directors on Thursday indi-

cating that he was not confirmed for the position as Programme Manager and was told his last day would be Friday, January 6, 2016.

According to the veteran broadcaster, following his appointment back in May last year, he was placed on probation and in September, he was informed that the probation period would be extended to December 31, 2016.

However, instead of a confirmation letter, he was given a dismissal notice.

While the letter did not state the reason behind the decision, he believes that it was a “personal” attack by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lennox Cornette.

“I believe it’s personal.

The only person who could have made the recommendation to the Board was the CEO, Mr Cornette, so obviously he made the recommendation to the Board that I should not be confirmed and the Board acted on that,” Robinson posited.

National Communications Network, Guyana

Moreover, he asserted that the CEO may have an issue with him over his (Robinson’s) close friendship with former Deputy General Manager of GTT and now deceased, Terry Holder. Upon his appointment last year, Cornette was accused of forging Holder’s signature almost two decades ago while being employed with GTT. Asked whether there were any incidents or con-

frontations between himself and Cornette during his time at NCN to give the CEO such an impression, Robinson said nothing came to mind.

However, he pointed out that there were several occasions when he was sidelined and victimised by the Head of the State-run television network. “I know there were a couple of occasions when at management meetings and even at the final staff meet-

ing for last year, I was overlooked by the CEO with regards to my input,” he noted.

Robinson said it was only after another staffer would indicate to the CEO that Robinson was left out that he would be allowed to speak at those forums, otherwise he was sidelined.

For these reasons, among others, Robinson said he believes resulted in his sacking from the State Broadcasting Network. He went on to state that another issue that may have led to his dismissal was his vocal disapproval of management’s decision to remove NCN’s anchor Natasha Smith from air because of her pregnancy.

According to Robinson, he disagreed with the manner in which the situation was dealt with by management.

Back in August, Cornette had come under fire after Smith had disclosed in a statement that she was informed by a senior manager of the State-owned entity that she would be relieved of her duties as Anchor. The broadcast journalist pointed out that it was shortly after this that she was made aware that the reason for the decision was because she was unmarried and pregnant.

This issue has caused much public outraged, especially within the media fraternity and particularly from the Guyana Press Association (GPA). However, NCN has since denied claims that Smith was pulled from the set due to her pregnancy, with the CEO claiming that he was misrepresent-

NCN’s CEO, Lennox Cornette

ed by management, which was proved by minutes from the meeting in question.

Nevertheless, he was later ordered by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has oversight of Governmentowned media entities, to apologise to Smith, who was subsequently reinstated.

Meanwhile, Robinson told Guyana Times that he felt the decision to relieve him of his duties was “unjustifiable” since it was personal and not based on his work. He further posited that it was felt that he was a threat to the CEO since he (Robinson) shared a close relationship with staff members.

Nevertheless, Robinson noted that he is being considered for a training consultant position at NCN, but is torn as to whether he would take it. “I am between a rock and a hard place because I don’t know, if I go back there, what I will encounter. I don’t want to go back and treated the same way again and then I’ll have to leave again,” he posited.

NEWS

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 8 – a night retraction at 01:30h and at 13:30h-15:00h and Monday, January 9 – a night retraction at 02:30h and at 14:30h-16:0hh.

Jagdeo elected new PPP General Secretary

… youth leaders disappointed with Rohee's media comments

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 8 – 12:30h-14:00h and Monday, January 9 – 13:35h-15:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Heavy to light rain showers with light cloudy cover can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was on Saturday voted in as the new General Secretary of the country’s longest standing political force, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – replacing Clement Rohee who held the position for the last five years.

Jagdeo was nominated

by Dr Roger Luncheon and his nomination was supported by Irfaan Ali. His contender was Dr Frank Anthony, who was nominated by Rohee and supported by former

Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to media operatives following his election as the new PPP General Secretary

We want to reiterate the message that this Party is open to people of every race. That was our founding principle and we remain faithful to that,” he expressed.

Jagdeo noted too that the Party will continue to work robustly in its stronghold areas and will intensify its outreach to those in the strongholds of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) communities.

“We have a progressive message to take to those communities. This is not a Party for 50 per cent of the people, of 49 per cent who

Clement Rohee sharing his thoughts on the new PPP General Secretary

High Tide: 00:33h and 13:01h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.48 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 06:28h and 19:07h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre and 0.71 metre respectively.

Anil Nandlall

Irfaan Ali

Collin Croal

Gail Teixeira

Shyam Nokta

Pauline Sukhai

Frank Anthony

Dharamkumar Seeraj

Secretary would not be too challenging since being a President for 12 years was much more demanding.

Nonetheless, he did not undermine the work cut out for him, noting that the PPP will have to work hard towards a resounding victory in 2020.

“The task ahead of us is to prepare this Party to win the next elections and I’ve made it clear about what this Party will focus on over the next few years.

they claim voted for us. We are the Opposition for everyone in Guyana,” he emphasised.

In further outlining his vision for the PPP, with the new General Secretary explaining that the Party will have to give priority to the creation and development of young leaders.

“You will see young leaders being given more responsibilities in the man-

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President Donald Ramotar.

In accordance with the Party’s Constitution, the PPP held its first post-Congress Central Committee meeting during which an election held by secret ballot to determine a new General Secretary.

Challenging

Jagdeo was positive that his role as both Leader of the Opposition and General

aging of our Party,” he stated.

On another note, Jagdeo lauded Rohee for his “valuable contributions” to the PPP during his tenure as General Secretary.

Speaking on the possibility of him emerging as the next presidential candidate of the PPP, the Opposition Leader said the matter will be decided when the time is right. turn to page 11

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sunDAY, january 8, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 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

Sugar and parliamentary powers

F

ollowing a high-level engagement between the Government, sugar unions and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition to consider plans of the Government for the beleaguered sugar industry, the Board and Executives of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are scheduled to meet with the Economic Services Committee (ESC) of Parliament. This is an event that is long overdue.

The ESC is one of the four Parliamentary Sectoral Committees formed pursuant to Constitutional and institutional changes in governance structures after 2000, precipitated by violent protests of the People’s National Congress. They claimed they were made ineffectual by the workings of the extant governmental system, and the Committees were designed to expand the powers of Parliament by allowing the Opposition to “scrutinise” the workings of government in real time.

At any time, the Opposition controls two of the four rotating chairmanship of these Sectoral Committees, which can summon any Government official or managers of governmental corporations to review their actions. In the instance of GuySuCo, it is more than passing strange that the Board and the Management of the Corporation had not being grilled almost continuously after it was revealed Wales was going to be closed.

Be as it may, better late than never. The Opposition must now test the effectiveness of the purported expansion of their parliamentary powers via the Sectoral Committees. The Government has only very slowly and grudgingly allowed some details have been trickling out – as in the above mentioned engagement – and these do not paint a pleasant picture. The ESC must make this picture much clearer.

As representatives of the people, they must represent the interests of the people who will be affected by the Government’s unilaterally formulated plans.

The most pressing matter concerns Wales where there is a tragedy of gargantuan proportions brewing. There are any number of questions that must be answered, one being since private farmers have shown that more than eight ratoons could be harvested with proper husbandry practices, and their yield is higher than that of the “estate canes”, why was the land not transferred to the workers of Wales to produce canes as private farmers and make Wales viable?

Another question concerns cane from the private farmers that were supposed to be transported to Uitvlugt via a billiondollar road that was going to be built. What is the status of this road now that Wales factory has ceased processing cane? Will the farmers be compensated for the loss they will definitely suffer in the coming crop?

Then there is the fate of the fourteen thousand acres of land that have being taken out of cane cultivation. The Guyanese people were told baldly the land will be “diversified” into other agricultural products, including rice. Were studies undertaken to justify this move? Take rice, for instance.

Several observers have pointed to the sobering experience of cultivating rice in a plantation setting at Blairmont, leading to the abandonment of the project. Exactly what will be done to ensure Wales does not suffer the same fate?

There is also talk about Skeldon Estate being completely privatised in the near term, consolidating Berbice sugar production at Albion. If the initial rationale for Skeldon’s modernisation was on account of its most suitable extensive clay soils, longer periods of sunshine for ripening canes, and a good source of irrigation water, why give up on it when a private entity is willing to step in? Has a proper valuation of Skeldon been conducted by an independent firm? If the Government intended to privatise Skeldon, why did the Chairman of the Board issue some very unflattering assessments of the condition of the factory? Surely this was not in consonance with his fiduciary duty to GuySuCo to do nothing that would lower its value.

The ESC can show that Parliament is not just a rubber stamp by sharing its independent findings with the Guyanese people so that they can make an informed decision on the performance of the Government they elected to overlook their interests.

Sighisoara, Transylvania, is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler − otherwise known as Dracula − and this shot imagines what he might have seen on his nocturnal flights (BBC News)

Should I not be elevated to Senior Counsel?

Dear Editor, Grateful if you could please publish this letter which is in response to the numerous enquiries made by friends and colleagues of mine who have been enquiring of me as to the reason why I was not appointed a Senior Counsel. I wish I could have responded to their concerns, but all I can do is put the facts of my professional practice to them through this medium and let them be the judge as to whether or not I ought to have been so elevated.

I have been in active and continuous practice at the Bar for over 37 years. During the first seven years of my practice, I practiced exclusively at the Criminal Bar in both the Magistrates’ Courts and the Criminal Assizes.

During that period I did trials in excess of 32 serious criminal (Indictable) matters. However, at this point

in time, I only have records for 22 of those cases. Of those 22 cases, one was for simple larceny, one for rape and 20 were for murder. In each of those cases the accused was freed for the offence charged.

I also did trials in at least 15 cases of causing death by dangerous driving.

In all those cases the defendants were freed after their trials.

From about the year 1986 to the present time I concentrated my practice exclusively in the Civil Law Jurisdiction in the High Court. I have established a very wide civil and commercial practice and in so doing, several written and oral presentations were made.

For 35 years I had been the retained lawyer for the Georgetown City Council and I am currently the retained lawyer for Central Housing and Planning Authority for over 17 years.

I also served as a Magistrate in 1982. My work as a Magistrate was highly commended by the then Chancellor Mr Victor E Crane, the then Chief Justice Mr Kenneth George, as well as the then Guyana Bar Association. This is what Chancellor Crane had to say of me as a Magistrate: “… it was a pleasure to have you adorn to Bench.” Said Chief Justice George: “Robert Ramcharran from all reports is possessed of the qualities which make for a worthy member of our profession. He has a great future.”

The Bar Association, which then comprised men of the ilk of Messrs Ashton Chase SC, Robin Stoby SC, and the late David De Caires and Ayube Mc Doom, had this to say of my stint as a Magistrate: “Mr Robert Ramcharran off the Bench. We regret he could not continue. He did extreme-

ly well”.

My professional expertise and professional integrity have never been called into question by any member of the Judiciary or by my colleagues. I am currently a member of the Legal Practitioners’ Committee. I was recently appointed by the Honourable President of Guyana, after being recommended by the Judicial Service Commission, to sit on a Tribunal to inquire into a complaint and to report and advise the President on whether a certain public official should be removed from a constitutional office.

These are the facts. You be the judge as to whether you think I ought to have been elevated to the status of Senior Counsel or not.

Sincerely, Robert Ramcharran Attorney-at-law

Advocating for righteousness, justice, fairness, accountability and transparency Dear Editor, The article carried in the Guyana Chronicle, Saturday, January 7, 2017, titled “Bishop Edghill opposes curbs on illegal rum shops” is mischievous, misleading, a total fabrication, a nasty piece of editorial intervention, yellow journalism and displays the pettiness and vindictiveness of the APNU/AFC Granger-led administration. It is clear that this propaganda piece was not designed to inform the public of the debate which took place in the National Assembly on January 6, 2017, but it was a calculated attempt to bring my ecclesiastical office into disrepute

and to create suspicions in the minds of readers.

The headline and story do not match and from all indications, the editor of the Guyana Chronicle must take full responsibility for facilitating this despicable act. At no time in my presentation to the National Assembly during the debate of Bill No 32 of 2016 “Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2016” did I indicate that I am against illegal rum shops or even made any such insinuations. As a matter of fact, nowhere in the Bill even in the explanatory memorandum, was the issue of illegal rum shops addressed.

The Bill was about increas-

ing fees and penalties (100 per cent in every case). It is clear that this Government, having inflicted greater burdens on the people of Guyana through their taxation measures, are now seeking to deflect the criticism coming from the masses.

This attempt exposes the lack of decency and ethics; in seeking to denigrate one’s religion and vilifying their stance on moral issues to camouflage the Government’s moral bankruptcy. I strongly reject this continuing attack by members of the coalition Government, many who claim to embrace Christianity as the religion they practice. This article is a

continuation of the unending and relentless cynicism, sarcasm and downright persecution that I have endured in the National Assembly without adequate protection from the Speaker of the House.

The fact that the Guyana Chronicle chose to insert this Headline along with a picture of me clothed in ecclesiastical vestments is a clear indication that the target audience is the church community, but I am assured by the Scripture in Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, january 8, 2017

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

David Hinds not fair on Jagan Centre lease revocation Dear Editor, In reference to the revocation of the Red House lease, David Hinds is of the view that it “is purely a matter of recovering misappropriated State assets”. If it is so, how come the Government chose to recover this misappropriated State asset and not those affiliated with the PNC and its affiliates?

Hinds’ argument holds no water. It is a warped, misleading, biased, unfair argument that is anti-Jagan, a feeling that persists since the WPA’s rejection of Jagan as a Presidential candidate in 1992. Hinds claims that the PPP broke the law in granting the Red House to the Jagan Centre.

Didn’t the PNC break the law in revoking the lease and riding roughshod in enforcing the revocation of the lease? Did the PNC not break the law when it sent Government thugs to break down the signs bearing Jagan’s name? Did the President and the AG not violate the law in ejecting the tenants? Has Hinds

ever heard of the term “due legal process”? And why is the PNC-led Government going after only misappropriated assets linked to PPPites and not those linked to PNCites? Why hasn’t Hinds condemned the Government? Hinds’ racial bias is showing is also that of the PNC/WPA/AFC regime. Cries of racial discrimination are justified as there is ethnic cleansing of Indians and Amerindians.

So far, not one case pertaining to alleged PNC (APNU/WPA/AFC) corruption has been referred to SARU or SOCU or the Police. Clearly, Hinds’ support for the Government’s action is bigoted. President Granger has not revoked any PNC or AFC linked lease and/or ordered their holders’ removal from office within 48 hours. And Hinds has not condemned the PNC-led regime for this inaction and neither has he condemned the President for his highhandedness.

He has not condemned the AG for misleading the Chief Justice that the

Government had possession of the property. Should not the President and the AG be held accountable?

Where is the fairness in Hinds’ argument and the Government action?

Hinds wrote, “How much more reasonable can you ask for when the President made the most reasonable suggestion that the Red House be used to house the papers of all Guyana’s presidents?”

Where was Hinds educated? Not Howard? Has he never heard of fair, balanced and objective commentary? How could it be reasonable to equate two (Burnham and Hoyte) election riggers, dictators, racists, food banners and conspirators with imperialists to a true non-ethnic revolutionary like Dr or Mrs Jagan? Red House is intricately associated with Cheddi and Janet Jagan.

Hinds wrote, “Ethnic politics and ethnic appeals are normal.” Yet he contradicts himself by slamming Jagdeo when he penned that the former President

plans “to use the revocation of the Jagan Centre’s lease to appeal to ethnicity”. He incorrectly drew this illogical conclusion from Jagdeo’s statement that “the Coalition regime will pay a heavy price …” which for Hinds is letting “the cat out of the bag”. Isn’t the Government’s action on Red House racist? Isn’t the Government appealing to racial sentiments by its action? So why focus only on Jagdeo’s comment? Many other PNC and AFC supporters are appalled and have disassociated from Granger’s PNC action to storm the Red House.

Hinds claimed that Jagdeo is creating ethnic tension. Is the Coalition not appealing to ethnicity? When Granger revoked the lease without a court order, was he not creating ethnic tension? When armed troops descended on the Red House and broke down the building’s sign, was that not creating ethnic tension? When the PNC supporters, under the leadership of PNC Executive

Shame on you Eric Phillips!

Dear Editor, I refer to a letter in the press from Eric Phillips, ACDA member now turned SARU member, where he said the Red House is an example of the “misuse and abuse of State”. But isn’t Eric Phillips being a big hypocrite? Where was his voice when the Granger administration misused and abused the Treasury by using some $1.2 billion on the now famous D’Urban Park

Project, or $500 million on a building that is unsuitable for storing drugs?

This is what is wrong with this country, when the PPP is in power the Hydar Allys bury their conscience and support everything that the PPP does blindly and condemns the PNC, and likewise the Eric Phillips of this world because of racial reasons, bury their conscience and support everything a black

PNC government does and condemns everything the PPP does.

There is no rationality in these men, yet the State has collectively paid them over $10 million each a year for services rendered for this hypocrisy.

Shame on you Eric Phillips! You cannot be drawing all this money from the taxpayers and only speak half-truth. Please use some of the poor peo-

ple’s money that is paying you and buy some credibility and some conscience.

Guyana will always be a broken nation down at the bottom of the barrel once we have people like Eric Phillips and Hydar Ally advising the Government.

When will these people seek redemption for their nastiness?

Sincerely, Lisa Ally

Riding bicycles at night without lights Dear Editor, “When I was young and went to school, they taught me how to write…!”

They also taught me and my friends that if we must ride our bicycles at night, then it was necessary to have a headlight and rear

light affixed to the bicycle.

As a matter of fact, if the Policemen caught us riding at night without lights, it was treated as a legal offence.

Has the law been changed? If not, can our Policemen please perform

their duty of care by prosecuting the law breakers.

In any event, the current practice of riding bicycles at night without lights is at best careless and at worst deadly and dangerous to the riders and the motorists who already have many oth-

er things to be on the lookout for, such as careless pedestrians, potholes, animals and, of course, other careless or inconsiderate drivers.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

Advocating for righteousness, justice...

You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from me,” Says the LORD. In direct response, I make these several calls: 1) Every media entity who is interested in conveying factual information to the people of Guyana should air and make available my full presentation as it related to my contribution to Bill No 32 of 2016.

2) I call upon all Guyanese to visit the Parliamentary website and view my presentation in full

which was live streamed and is now archived.

3) I call upon the Guyana Chronicle to make public the story submitted by the reporter who was present in the National Assembly and to indicate who gave the instructions to make changes, who gave the instructions to insert that Headline and who gave the instructions to insert a picture of myself in ecclesiastical vestments.

4) I call upon Christian leaders of all the various denominations to denounce this despicable attack.

‘Silence for the purpose of

political expedience is not an option.’

5) I call upon leaders of all religions to state publicly their position on the abuse of religious leaders by the State media for political purposes.

6) I call upon the Board and management of the Guyana Chronicle to immediately retract and offer a public apology with the same level of prominence that the article was published.

Finally, I wish to give assurance to all Guyanese and more particularly the Christian community that

from page 4

I will continue to advocate for righteousness, justice, fairness, accountability and transparency in Government, social justice and all that is expected of me in keeping with my convictions and beliefs. I reject this diabolical plot that has been hatched, that is a reflection of the “sick minds” that exist in our country. I pray that those responsible will find a way of purging their souls from this evil.

Sincerely, Juan Edghill Member of Parliament

Member and Minister Volda Lawrence, and another PNC Executive counter demonstrated at the Red House was that not creating ethnic tensions?

When Ms Lawrence and other PNCites hurled missiles at PPP supporters was that not creating tension? Where is Hinds’ condemnation of their behaviour? The entire response of the Government and of Hinds on the matter has exacerbated ethnic tension.

Hinds conveniently conflates the notion of ethnic support only when it relates to PPP. When the PNC acts or reacts to events, it is considered as nationalist in scope. Where has Hinds ever penned or condemned the PNC (APNU) for acting

only for African interest? He never condemned the PNC, but when the PPP acts, he condemns it immediately describing it as racist.

Hinds wrote: “Indians would not look kindly on any Government action.”

Why this attitude towards Indians now? Didn’t Hinds and the PNC ask Indians (from AFC) to deliver the 11 per cent (obtained from Indians) to capture the Government with its 40 per cent for a combined 50% plus? Now that Indians have handed the PNC the Government, the Indians are no longer needed! Why this sudden change in attitude on Indian support?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Foundation

CYA, Education Ministry donate school supplies to Sophia children Anu Dev

W

e all have heroes and heroines from movies we saw as kids.

Some of these movies we can re-watch and they take us back, even just for two hours, to that time, when things were so much simpler.

Much of the appeal of those movies comes from the nostalgia accompanying our memories of when we first saw them, and what things were like back then.

Movies and songs can be really powerful in the way they evoke certain emotions from us.

For me, ‘The Little Mermaid’, 'The Lion King' and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ are some of the movies from my childhood that manage to take me right back to the first couple of times I saw those movies. And I still cheer when I see Shahrukh running towards Camp Sunshine with Raghupati Ragav playing in the background.

Shahrukh has clearly mastered

t h o s e dramatic r u n n i n g sequences.

These movies still make me laugh, cry, sigh

and sing-along.

And I can’t help but reflect on how Indian movies have changed since the days of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. I know this may make me seem like an old fudfy-duddy but honestly, I really don’t enjoy

most of the newer Indian movies.

Maybe some might call the older movies cheesy, even I quickly lose patience with the seemingly never-ending ‘running-aroundtrees-while-singing sequences’, but at least they didn’t have the actors ‘getting down’ to Raghupati Ragav in a club like Hritik and Priyanka did in Krissh 3. That’s not on my nostalgic memory lane.

I finally got to see ‘Rogue One’ a couple of weeks ago, when I was back home and I was thrilled it managed to inspire the same sense of awe as the original Star Wars movies. In itself, the movie was wonderfully crafted and paced and while the central characters were completely new to the series, it was not just the self-references to the previous episodes, but the central message of sacrifice for a greater cause that evoked the nostalgia. And imagine there was not a single make-out scene in a modern movie that continues to break box office records! Good narratives still matter.

So it’s nice that there are still movies that you can enjoy that can take you back to your

childhood days. I know we should be moving forward, forging onwards, setting goals and trying to achieve those goals. But life also needs some constants and most of what is evoked nostalgically is centred around the particular constants formed in our early years. They will never get old because they’ve become part of who you are.

For me, and perhaps many people my age, we’re in the throes of adjusting to adulthood.

Getting used to living on our own, doing our own grocery, driving ourselves around and doing you know, ‘adult-things’.

And a few years from now we’ll be responsible for keeping our patients alive, defending our clients in court or keeping our business afloat. So with our futures quickly hurtling towards us, it’s nice to escape for a few hours into a nice movie that makes us connect to our younger selves. In a sense, were are completing our narratives.

So what movies take you back to your childhood? When last did you look at those movies? I can guarantee that those movies will be the ones that can cheer you up when you’re having a bad day.

A child receiving his backpack filled with school items from CYA representative Edain Alfred

T

he less fortunate children of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and those who had to make do with what little their parents could afford, were on Saturday morning all smiles when the Caribbean Youth Ambassadors for Guyana (CYA) collaborated with the Education Ministry to donate much needed school supplies.

CYA as part of its “Give a child project” carried out the initiative which saw over 30 children benefiting from the donation held at the Pattenson Community Centre ground, Greater Georgetown.

Each child present was given a backpack filled with school necessities which will see them being fully equipped to tackle the school year.

The organisation also made a large donation of books to the Pattenson Library, housed at the Community Centre.

The donations could not have been possible without the cooperation of members of the Guyanese Diaspora who played a major role.

Jewel Collier-Swan, a member of the non-governmental association explained that after the organisation received information that the children of Sophia were in need of school supplies, they contacted their overseas counterparts and the support was overwhelming.

“We were able to get all of our friends and family overseas and we asked them for supplies for the children of Sophia who were really in need of school supplies.

So what they did is they

contacted their friends also from overseas and we were able to pack a huge box with these supplies and some toys for the children.”

She along with her companion with whom she works, Edian Alfred, applauded the success of the initiative and pledged their support to continuing the work that they are doing.

Director of Youth of the Education Ministry, Stacy Carmichael highlighted the importance of developing young minds. She noted that it is of utmost importance that we use each opportunity provided to us to improve the lives of our children.

“It is so important to develop our children and to use every opportunity we get to improve their lives and one of the ways in which we can do that is by ensuring that you are equipped with everything that you need to foster your education,” she explained.

Carmichael lauded the efforts of CYA and pledged the Education Ministry’s support to any organisation that seeks to give importance to children.

“The Department of Youth is privileged to be able to partner with any organisation or agency that works towards the development of our young people.”

Apart from donations, the Caribbean Youth Ambassadors bring together outstanding young people within the Americas to participate in an enrichment programme to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities.

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sunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Diamond Hospital offering limited services …as facility experiences short circuiting

M

edical services at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital – the Diamond Diagnostic Centre – have been limited as the facility has been experiencing widespread short circuiting since Thursday.

Guyana Times understands that on Wednesday, the power at certain sections of the hospital went down, but efforts were ongoing to

cases. Other patients, this newspaper understands, are not being allowed into the compound.

Several notices at the medical facility advise that the hospital is not in full operation and is only attending to emergency cases. The other patients were directed to the nearest health centres for treatment.

“Due to electrical difficulties, we will ONLY be at-

One of the examination rooms at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre without power

get things up and running again; however, this did not last long. This newspaper was told that by Thursday, a number of sections at the medical facility were without power.

This was compounded by the fact that several pieces of medical machinery at the hospital, such as the ultrasound and X-ray machines are down, while the in-house pharmacy hardly has medication. This situation has caused the medical facility to close its doors to patients, attending only to emergency

tending to EMERGENCIES please visit your nearest health centre until further notice,” detailed a notice at the hospital that is signed by “Order of Management”.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times understands that two patients from an accident in Soesdyke on Friday evening had to be rushed from the Diamond Hospital to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

On the other hand, this newspaper was also informed that wires have been sparking at the facility, frightening the staff there.

In fact, the Fire Service rushed to the facility on Saturday morning after receiving reports of electrical sparks at the facility.

An official attached to the Diamond Fire Station confirmed to this newspaper that they received a report at about 09:50h; however, when they got there they “saw nothing”.

Meanwhile when contacted, a doctor attached to the medical facility explained to this publication that due to the short circuit, the lights and air conditioning (AC) units in several of the examination rooms at the hospital are not working.

The medical practitioner explained that the staffers do not mind working in these conditions and are only using those rooms where the lights and ACs are operational. He confirmed too that the hospital is only looking at emergency patients and babies.

Several calls made to the newly appointed Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, for a comment on the matter and to ascertain whether interventions are being made to address the situation at the Diamond Hospital proved futile.

On all occasions, this newspaper was told that the Minister is “busy” and “unavailable” to take the calls.

After it was explained what the call was in relation to, a promise was made that the newly appointed Health Minister will return the call, but up until late Saturday evening, no such call was received by this newspaper.

Calls made to Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, went unanswered.

Only last year, staff of the Diamond Diagnostic Centre complained bitterly to Guyana Times about the “inhumane” conditions under which they work, expressing their frustrations.

This publication had subsequently visited the hospital and spoke to staff, who were guarded out of fear of victimisation. They said the situation was sickening and no one seemed to be listening to their cries.

“The institution is not functioning properly, we don’t have no proper system in the place… we are not getting anything. We don’t really know what’s going on,” a hospital attendant told this publication.

While they have to deal

One of the notices at the hospital

with insanitary working conditions, gratuity payments is also a burning issue. Staff members are upset that they continue to be pushed around when it is time for them to receive

their gratuity.

Additionally, complaints were also made about the facility being flooded continuously, whether or not it rains, as a result of some faulty repairs works done at the medical facility.

According to staff, they have tried and have failed miserably in their efforts to make contact with the Regional Health Officer (RHO), under whose purview such matters fall. Her office is located in Triumph, on the East Coast of Demerara.

“She is supposed to be visiting this hospital on a regular basis, at least on a weekly basis to see the struggle that the staff are facing and we are not getting on to her.

She gave some of us a number, and when we call it, we are not getting through,” staffers related.

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

2 children rescued as boat sinks in Canje River R

esidents of the communities along the Canje River are calling on Government to provide a boat service following

Winston Thomas, the captain of the sunken boat

a recent incident where a boat capsized with two children on board.

The mishap occurred at Potoko, some 20 miles up the Canje River. Based on reports, the boat reportedly came into contact with a piece of wood and quickly began to take in water.

The captain of the boat, Winston Thomas, explained

that after he heard the sound and felt the impact, he went to the bow of the boat to investigate and saw the water pouring in. At the time of the incident, it was raining heavily and two children, ages two and three, were on board.

Within minutes, the boat began to sink causing panic among the people on board.

“Six people were in the boat when it went down but then we had to go back to get the children because when I reach out of the boat, a woman scream for the children and is then I realise that they missing… I went back in the sunken boat and start to feel for them… first I find the small one by the foot and bring it out with the assistance of my son,” he explained. Moments after, the elder child was located and had to be resuscitated since he was in a semi-unconscious state.

Thomas further explained that two boats were together, hence the rescue mission was effective. The boat and cargo that sunk

One people…

O A boat similar to the one that sank

was estimated at $1 million.

The man stated that the occupants of the boat were on their way to Ikuruwa located 70 miles up the Canje River on Old Year’s Day. However, those who normally travel to Horstenburg which is 90 miles up the river are calling on Government to act immediately.

In 1995, The Quamina ceased to operate, leaving residents living in those areas without a reliable boat service.

Meanwhile, the Canje

Community Development Council is calling for the operations in the river to be more regularised. Its President, Winston Felix, says there is need for boats operating on the Canje River to be registered and more regulations to be enforced including the training of boat operators.

Felix is also calling for their services to be regulated with the necessary protective gears such as life jackets, horns, lights and communications sets.

…with Diaspora?

ne of the most significant outcomes of the first PNC regime was to inflate our Diaspora, where North America became “Region 11” with probably as many persons of Guyanese living there as “back home”. Seeing the important roles other diasporas played in the development of their countries of origin, successive regimes have attempted to duplicate that success here. Without much success.

What gives? With the change of Government in 1992, a horde of ex-pats turned up to “help”. However, unlike other diasporas, they didn’t return with capital that’d be harnessed to their newfound knowledge base to launch industries. Yet this is the role the PPP Government wanted them to play. The diasporans insisted wanted to “help” with their skills in various capacities in local institutions. In other words they wanted jobs – but wouldn’t say so. This created considerable resentment – and a backlash among locals who wanted to know why jobs would go to those who’d “fled”.

This background is invoked as the PNC-led Government that in turn replaced the PPP is evidently working out the details of a “diaspora policy”. But from what your Eyewitness has glimpsed, the fundamental clash of perspectives that bedevilled the previous Administration is still a sticking point. There’s no question this new Government received great support – material and otherwise – from the Diaspora in their efforts to unseat the PPP. And (reading between the lines) from some letters in the press, they expected local jobs. Even government jobs. Not totally some locals who’d made “political investments”!!

But from Prezzie’s comments, he – like Dr Jagan back in the 1990’s – expected investments from them – which isn’t evidently as significantly as he’d envisaged. What to do? Well in its “diaspora policy” the government will still be focusing on getting the Diaspora to shell out their cash to develop Guyana – pointing out, of course, they’d also benefit. Information will be made accessible via the Internet to prospective overseas Guyanese investors, then “entrepreneurs” will be identified to activate a pilot project etc…

Now while the jury may be out as to whether the Government beating the bushes for diasporan investors will succeed, it is certain to intensify the angst of the vociferous “diasporans” who’ll complain of being seen as just “cash cows”. While they may not be so bold (or honest) to link their demands for local jobs as a “return on political investments” as one Minister described a local instance, this is the bottom line.

But since the diasporans insist on taking the “patriotic line”, maybe Prezzie can take a leaf from Cheddi Jagan’s book and offer them $1 annual salaries!

This ought to separate the wheat from the chaff, nuh?

…on taxes

Very quietly, the value of gold mined and not declared to the authorities in Colombia and Peru has surpassed cocaine! Gold’s now the criminal activity of choice in those countries. While early in the day, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman made some astounding claims as to the value of gold “smuggled” out of Guyana – as much as what’s legally “declared” – he quickly backed off.

But while he focused on the smuggling of the gold, the Latin Americans have made the point if the miners who sell their production to the smugglers don’t declare it to the officials (here the Gold Board) then they’re also committing a crime!! And what was found was this criminal miner had no compunction about mercury pollution.

Now, our miners just raised a big stink because they were asked to “keep books” on their operations. For taxation purposes.

But how about the Government “keep their eyes” on miners who don’t declare their gold? Wouldn’t that bring in more revenues?

…but Special Prosecutors

It does pay to be under the thumb of the government’s Propaganda shill. The Stabber declared the names of the Special Prosecutors (for the coming Inquisition?) on the Pradoville 2 vendetta was a “secret”.

The Chronic, on the other hand, named all six!

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

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parliament View Mall relocation

Vendors vacate private property

– relocated to disputed “Dread Shop” site

By ShemuelFanfair

D

ays after the owner of the plot of land South of Parliament Building ordered the removal of vendors using the location to ply their trade, the former Stabroek Market Square vendors have been relocated yet again, this time to another plot opposite the Island Snackette in

porary agreement was then made with Sugrim to loan the City his plot of land to allow the vendors to ply their trade until the M&CC could select a permanent location for them.

As the deadline for their stay on the plot of land closed in, extensions were granted and finally the vendors had until midnight (Saturday, January 7) to re-

were seen packing up their belongings to obtain places at their latest relocated spot.

However, one seller in the vicinity, whose move was also ordered by City Hall, alleged that earlier this week, one City Constabulary staff obtained the $1500 fee for plying her trade. The frustrated vendor decried this move, as another staff attached to City Hall would have later

sions were made as to which location was selected for the permanent placement of the vendors.

The locations suggested were the old Ferry Stelling, near the Stabroek Market area, Stelling View Mall, known as “Donkey City”, and the parking lot of Social Protection Ministry. Last year, despite an injunction, the M&CC in the wee morn-

Packing up shop. The final vendors leaving the Parliament View Mall

New location. Vendors were relocated to Russell Square, Stabroek

Stabroek, Georgetown. This plot of land had housed the former “Dread Shop” which was demolished last year

by City Hall in the midst of an ongoing dispute. Over the past few years, there has been a tussle between City Hall and the Public Infrastructure Ministry over the land’s ownership.

Nevertheless, when Guyana Times visited the soon to be defunct Parliament View Mall on Saturday, the final vendors

informed her of the order to vacate the premises.

Aside from the former “Dread Shop” premises, some vendors have also occupied a small space on the opposite side of the road, in the vicinity of Demico House. It was only Thursday that owner of the Parliament View Mall’s land, Hareshnarine “Chiney” Sugrim, had noted his disdain overCity Hall’s supposed violation of a verbal agreement for the vendors to vacate the premises.

Speaking publicly on the matter, Sugrim had disclosed that the first agreement with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) was that the vendors – who were removed from the Stabroek Market Square – would be allowed to ply their trade on the plot of land until August of 2016, giving the M&CC enough time to find a permanent location for the vendors. However, by August, this situation was unresolved and as such Sugrim stated that he had a verbal agreement with the Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green that he would allow the vendors to stay no later than December 31, 2016.

Sugrim asserted that the M&CC had been utilising his plot of land, and did not have “to pay a dime”. He had noted his intentions to

transform the facility into a seven storied parking lot with a food court on the ground floor.

“We want to build a seven storied car park right there. They (M&CC) humbugging the development!” he had noted.

It was during the lead up to Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations that the M&CC initiated its clean-up campaign around the Stabroek Market Square, which included removing vendors from their location, as well as many minibuses from their parking lots. After being ordered out of their spots, many vendors voiced strong complaints to the move. A tem-

“Dread Shop” was dismantled on May 19, 2016

locate.

However, Chairman of the Market Committee and future Deputy Mayor, Lionel Jaikarran told Guyana Times last week that three areas were suggested to the M&CC during the late October period of last year.

However, little or no discus-

ing hours of May 19 moved in and dismantled “Dread Shop”, which was located at Russell Square, Stabroek, Georgetown, a business which had existed for some 48 years. The Council had decried the “unsavoury practices” that occurred there.

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

$3B for four new GPL substations I n an effort to improve its electricity distribution to communities throughout the country, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has injected some $3 billion towards the construction of four new substations.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Renford Homer disclosed last week at the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s yearend press briefing that in excess of $6.6 million was set aside last year for the construction of several new substations and for renovation works to existing substations to the tune of $3.04 billion and $1.4 billion respectively.

In addition, he noted that funds amounting to $2.2 billion were also identified for the rehabilitation of some 55 kilometres of 69 kV transmission lines. Works on these, he noted, commenced last year.

According to Homer, “We expect to see this particular project completed not in 2017, you will see evidence of work in 2017, but we expect to commission these new substations and commission these expansions in 2018.”

Last year, the tenders were placed for the new substations, which will

plained.

The construction of substations can run for a minimum period of one-year and the company has already started the process and the tenders are out for bidding.

Meanwhile, substations to undergo expansion works are Kingston and Sophia, Georgetown; Columbia and

acting CEO had stated last year.

These substations will assist the power company towards improving the level of services offered, Homer said. “We are shortening the lengths of the conductors that feed the various areas, it makes isolation and management easier, and it also

GPL acting CEO Renford Homer

be built at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara; Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke/Linden Highway; and Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice.

Back in September, Homer had stated that GPL is currently awaiting Cabinet’s approval for the construction of the substations, which is expected to commence early in 2017.

“Towards the end of 2017, one or two of those substations should be constructed, in conjunction with the line hardware that is required.

We are assiduously working to move forward,” Homer ex-

The Guyana Power and Light substation at Sophia

Good Hope, East Coast Demerara; Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara; and Number 53 Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Tenders were also opened for these expansion works.

“We’re just short of a couple of days of seeing the tenders close, and we have to go through that process of evaluation and have the contract awarded by December,” the

helps in the reduction of losses,” Homer explained.

GPL has engaged consultants knowledgeable in transmission designs to provide assistance and advice in this regard.

Earlier this year, GPL had disclosed that it planned to upgrade, extend and build substations to improve the overall distribution of electricity countrywide.

Arrival Day S

atiricus was feeling very chipper. After all, in addition to all the goodies that were usually circulated during the Christmas season, there were always the slew of Holidays. Which, this go around, had been increased by one extra day. He and the fellas were seated at their usual table at the back of the Back Street Bar, valiantly trying to counter the rain that just wouldn’t stop.

“If people fight fire with fire,” he’d explained to Hari and Bungi when he’d suggested this retreat, “why not fight water with water – which is what beer really is, isn’t it?!!” There was no answer to that logic, and so here they were.

“So…what you think about Prezzie giving us one new holiday in January?” asked Hari.

“New haliday?” said Bungi, shaking his head. “Me na hear ‘bout da.”

“I did read he said Jan 12 would be ‘Chinese Arrival Day’,” Satiricus agreed. “But I don’t think he made it into a public holiday.”

“So, we don’t get off another day?” complained Hari querulously. “That’s terrible! I need a rest after all those Holidays in December!”

“I wonder why Prezzie didn’t make it into a public holiday?” said Satiricus as he finished off his beer.

“Me t’ink me know why,” said Bungi, with a big grin plastered over his face. “Chinese people a wuksuh hard, dem na want de halliday!”

“But I don’t understand something,” interjected Hari. “If May 5th is “Arrival Day for all immigrants, now that we have Jan 12 for Chinese Arrival, are we going to have an Arrival Day for the Portuguese too?”

“Me na mind,” said Bungi quickly.

“Well, Indian Guyanese always called May 5, “Indian Arrival Day’,” Satiricus pointed out. “You think maybe Nagga Man asked Prezzie to make it official?” ”Budday! Lehabeen ta’k about Nagga man an’ Indian!” smiled Bungi. “Me know he a yuhleadah!”

“Naah…Sato don’t mind,” Hari assured Bungi.

“Since Prezzie didn’t give Nagga Man any real work, every day is a holiday for him!!”

Even Satiricus had to smile as they clinked bottles all around.

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Jagdeo elected new...

Disappointed

from page 3

ing 52 and Anthony, 51, and as such, could not comprehend why a party stalwart would make such a public statement.

However Rohee, in an interview with media operatives, who were staking out Freedom House for hours, expressed some comments as to the outcome of the election, contending that a

However, a young member of the Party’s Executive, who was at Saturday’s election, on Saturday evening expressed disappointment that Rohee would go to the

The source disclosed that of the 11 votes received by Dr Anthony for the General

Zulfikar Mustapha

Dr Roger Luncheon

Donald Ramotar

Neil Kumar

Clinton Collymore

Bheri Ramsaran

youthful face should have been given the opportunity to take the lead of the PPP. Rohee explained nonetheless that this is all the “vagaries of politics”.

Asked if he will support Jagdeo unconditionally as the new General Secretary of the Party, Rohee stated “We’re all in the PPP, we work as a collective. That’s the most I can say to that.

Rohee expects Jagdeo to uphold the tradition of the PPP as a working class Party that supports the struggle of the working people.

media to discuss an issue that was discussed at the Party’s highest level.

According to the source, during Saturday’s proceedings, Rohee dropped out of the race knowing fully well that he is not magnanimous and as such, did not have and as would not receive enough youth support. As such, he threw his support behind Dr Anthony.

On the issue of youthful faces, the source pointed out that both Jagdeo and Dr Anthony are of the same age group – with Jagdeo be-

Secretary position, most were from the older party stalwarts in their 60s and early 70s. Jagdeo received 24 votes.

The young Executive Member also pointed out that at the recently concluded 31st Congress of the Party, the youth party members threw their support behind Jagdeo.

Support

New Executive

Meanwhile, the PPP also elected some new faces to the Party’s 15-seat Executive Committee – the highest decision-making forum of the PPP. The new Executive

Committee comprises Anil Nandlall (28 votes), Clement Rohee (26 votes), Irfaan Ali (25 votes), Dr Roger Luncheon (25 votes), Gail Teixeira (25 votes), Zulfikar Mustapha (24 votes), Donald Ramotar (23 votes), Frank Anthony (22 votes), Neil Kumar (22 votes), Shyam Nokta (22 votes), Clinton Collymore (21 votes), Collin Croal (21 votes), Dharamkumar Seeraj

(21 votes), Pauline Sukhai (21 votes) and Bheri Ramsaran (20 votes).

The Executive Committee also comprises of three candidate members who are void of voting powers. These persons are Nigel Dharamlall, Vickram Bharat and Fizal Jaffarally.

Additionally, the Central Committee also elected the following Secretaries: Zulfikar

Mustapha – Executive Secretary; Irfaan Ali – Finance Nandlall Secretary; Anil – Public Relations; Hydar Ally – Education; Bheri Ramsarran – International Relations; Gail Teixeira – Mass Organisation; Rick Ramraj – Organising Secretary; and Nigel Dharamlall – Trade Union.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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SunDAY, december 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The hope that unites us

By Ryhaan Shah

T

he reaction to President David Granger’s attempt to seize Red House and evict the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre signals that there is still hope for Guyana.

Criticisms about the highhanded manner in which the move was done have come from across party and ethnic lines and signify that there is still a body of decency among the common citizenry. The thuggery and hooliganism that accompanied the revocation of the lease agreement reminded Ryhaan Shah too many of us who lived through the Burnham era of that dark past; and that many are willing to state their positions fearlessly in the press, bears out that there is an active civil society who will not let Guyana return to that darkness. Not without a fight anyway and this should give Granger and the People’s National Congress (PNC) pause.

Attorney and former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member Ralph Ramkarran branded the attempted seizure of the Red House property “the height of executive lawlessness”. This was a major component of Burnham’s style of conducting State business when party paramountcy prevailed over every facet of our lives.

Political commentator Ramon Gaskin stated that the tearing down of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre sign took us back to “the bullysim of the PNC”.

Stabroek News’ columnist Allan Fenty in a letter to the media appraised the move by Granger as being more “political than legal” and, in another letter to the press, accountant Nigel Hinds condemned the attempted seizure and stated that the Granger Government is acting “as if we are two nations with two destinies”.

Crises can act as a consolidatory force to bring opposing sides together and the reaction to the Red House move, if the revocation was intended to test the waters, should place the Granger Government on notice that Guyanese across the board are not going to allow our country to be dragged back to a Burnhamist past.

The Burnham era was a product of the Cold War. He was kept in power because it suited America’s interests and in these international power plays it mattered little that our country was destroyed in the process. Guyana has not yet recovered from that period of executive lawlessness, mismanagement, corruption, racism and wholesale destruction because in its 23year governance, the PPP/C made its own grave missteps and became as haughty and arrogant.

Because the PPP/C has lost the moral high ground, the current crop of PNC parliamentarians and sycophants like to use their wrongs as justification for their own wrongdoings.

There is that old saying that two wrongs never make a right and it sums up the impasse that currently obtains with parties and politicians who refuse to use their good offices to lift Guyana out of its morass.

More than being an issue about the rule of law, the attempted seizure of Red House hit many of us at an emotional level and came with the realisation that if someone as heroic as Cheddi Jagan can be treated with such scant regard, there is little hope for the rest of us.

The impending closure of the historic sugar industry and the disregard for the sugar workers’ plight is a case in point; and the Burnhamist tactics used by Granger in the attempted seizure brought to the forefears about his Government’s intent to return Guyana to the darkest period of that era.

That Granger could pick up Burnham’s legacy at the point where he had accepted the failure of his policies and had reached out to Cheddi Jagan to establish a national front government.

Tragically, Burnham died before this new level of political maturity could have been realised and no subsequent leader of either party has ever revisited this idea in any of their efforts at uniting our country. Putting the failed Public Health Minister at the head of the Social Cohesion department could be viewed as a Freudian slip: even Granger himself admits that this State programme is nothing but a fraud.

Social cohesion can never be mandated by a Government that parades its racism openly. It could become a reality, however, through an organic movement from the people themselves that are driven by a common cause and an adherence to decency.

The Red House fiasco has brought with it an element of hope that we can still stand united when the cause is just. It is always the straw that breaks the camel’s back and that this can be the catalyst that will finally bring us together to settle our historical hurts and help us to move forward might be a hope too soon.

But the promise is there.

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

Police nab ECD man with gun

… threatened to shoot mother

A

Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), man was Friday placed behind bars after he threatened to kill his mother by shooting her with an unlicensed firearm.

Police investigations revealed that ranks responded to a report by the suspect’s mother who alleged that her son had threatened to kill her with a gun.

As the Police arrived at the house, the suspect who was at home was told of the allegation and subsequently arrested after a

.32 pistol was found hidden in the case of a video

cassette recorder (VCR).

He has since admitted

ownership of the firearm and is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday.

Only two days ago, the Police confirmed that a total of 109 illegal firearms were seized in 2016 when compared to 115 in 2015.

These include 49 pistols, 32 revolvers, 26 shotguns, two rifles and one Submachine gun. Most of the weapons were seized in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) and F Division (Lethem-Interior Locations), with 46 and 34 respectively.

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Controversy arises over President’s declaration of Chinese Arrival Day

P

resident David Granger’s recent designation of January 12 as Chinese Arrival Day has left much confusion about the symbolism of May 5 – a national holiday which celebrated the arrival of all indentured immigrants to Guyana.

The Head of State announced on Friday that January 12 would be Chinese Arrival Day and that March 13 would be named Rose Hall Martyrs’ Day. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan clarified to Guyana Times that these two days would not be recognised as national holidays.

Asked to explain why Government would assign a day to observe the arrival of only the Chinese to Guyana, Ramjattan posited that their contributions to the Guyanese society are valuable and they should therefore be recognised.

However, the national holiday of Arrival Day was designed to recognise the contributions of all foreparents from various parts of the

President David Granger

world to Guyana.

This day was initially observed as Indian Arrival Day by the Indo-Guyanese community in commemoration of the first Indian emigrants who landed in the then British Guiana aboard the Whitby and the Hesperus on May 5, 1838.

The matter was submitted to a parliamentary committee and after extensive written and oral submissions from groups and individuals, it recommended that the day be declared a holiday.

The People’s National Congress did not participate in either the deliberations of the committee or in the later parliamentary vote on the committee’s recommendation. It objected to the presence of the then Home Affairs Minister, but noted that it had no problem with the holiday to acknowledge the contributions of “IndoGuyanese”.

But somewhere between the recommendation and the Presidential approval, the holiday was declared and designated as “Arrival Day” to widen the significance of the day in order to encompass other groups that had also “arrived”. The Indian Action Committee (IAC) in a statement to the media on Saturday is asking that President Granger provide clarity on the nature of the two dates.

“Given that Arrival Day, a national holiday, coincides with Indian Arrival Day and the President’s designation of January 12 as Chinese Arrival Day, the IAC is con-

fused as to what designation May 5 will now have,” the body noted.

President Granger, in his announcement, explained that “Since January 12, 1853, when they first arrived, Chinese have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Guyana. Many of them Christians, fleeing persecution in their motherland, the Chinese integrated quickly into the prevailing Guyanese society and by the start of the 20th century had come to be regarded as earnest, lawabiding, industrious citizens.

Their imprint could readily be seen in Guyanese cuisine and in their involvement in commerce as shopkeepers and businessmen. It is hoped that Chinese Arrival Day will foster a greater appreciation for their history and contributions and further enrich the cosmopolitan nature of Guyana’s citizenry.”

Meanwhile, President Granger also commented on his designation of March 13 as Rose Hall’s Martyrs Day.

Younge’s Take PPP: Bent but not broken

O

n Saturday, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) turned a new page and once again proved that it was capable of taking tough decisions in order to achieve modernisation and maintain relevance.

Having listened to the pleas of its membership and supporters at the Party’s 2016 Biennial Congress, the newly elected and minted Central Executive Committee (CEC) elevated Bharrat Jagdeo to the coveted post of PPP General Secretary.

Jagdeo, a former President of Guyana and an Economist, will not only control the Party’s parliamentary agenda in the National Assembly as Opposition Leader but now its overall political outlook and electoral appeal.

He will be tasked with engineering internal policies and programmes aimed at further Michael Younge rebuilding the Party to meet the external political challenges that lie ahead until the next elections and party Congress.

Rohee It is expected too, that Jagdeo will embark on an internal programme focused genuinely on achieving reconciliation, unity and healing within the Party following the factionalism and disillusionment which resulted from the party’s loss of power at the May 2015 elections.

While the former General Secretary, Clement Rohee, attempted to pursue bold reforms within the Party that could have resulted in higher levels of internal unity and reconciliation, he was severely criticised for his style and approach which did not gel well with young and upcoming leaders as well as some seniors in the socialist-Marxist party.

Regardless, Rohee rolled with the punches and appeared to be doing all that he could to keep the Party from going under and losing its political relevance. Had he tried harder though to understand the younger folks and their vision for a modernised Guyana, he could have achieved much more during his tenure.

It is against this background that Jagdeo’s election to the GS post must be seen as he was always the choice of the masses and the Party grassroots base despite the bitter and vengeful grumblings of a few influential personalities within and outside of Freedom House who tried desperately to anoint another individual who could be easily influenced and toyed like a puppet.

Looking ahead The election of Jagdeo as GS, though long overdue, is a step in the right direction. It will inspire hope among youths and send a clear message to the Party’s membership that there are brighter days ahead with him at the helm of the Party. They know what to expect from him and while they might not “fancy” his style, they understand it because he has been tested and proven time and time again.

And whilst there may be a sigh of relief following Jagdeo’s election, there must be no complacency. There must be no letting down of the guard as there is still much work that needs to be done to return the PPP to the Executive arm of Government in 2020.

Jagdeo will have to surround himself with younger and more politically appealing Executives who do not have a lot of political baggage. He needs to rebuild alliances with civic organisations and personalities who, though not PPP, possess the skills and qualities to rally the Party to power.

There also needs to be a reorganisation of Freedom House and the operatives who function there. Jagdeo needs to make it more youth friendly and welcoming to the public. PPP parliamentarians must make themselves available on weekends and during the week to meet the public and reconnect with the bread and butter concerns which they have. Meetings at the Leader of the Opposition office on Church Street are not enough. Parliamentary representations during debates are not enough. The press conferences being held even though effective are not enough. Jagdeo must use his influence and new post to redefine the party’s PR policy to ensure that they set the agenda of the broadcast media and press corps.

Jagdeo must also ensure that the party heightens its community activism and fundraising drive. He must weed out those “fat cats” in the PPP who sit in various regions and are ignoring the plight of the Party’s elderly and long service members as well as youths.

The former President as the new GS must rebuild a dynamic and modern Progressive Youth Organisation with freshly educated youths who are thirsty to assist the PPP in defending Guyana’s democracy and creating positive socio-economic change. He must not look at gender constructs, social orientation and race but focus on their commitment to servicing Guyana.

Importantly, the new GS like Rohee, Ramotar and the Jagans will have to demonstrate high levels of maturity when taking risky political decisions which if not taken after much consideration can result in immense setbacks for the PPP. The biggest challenge that lies ahead for the new GS is exposing the secrets and harrows of David Granger’s Presidency. So far, President Granger’s reputation remains intact despite the massive missteps of his Ministers, Government and political allies. More focus must be placed on linking him directly to the actions of his subjects.

After all, when it comes down to a vote, it is likely to be the PPP versus the APNU/PNC at the next election because the AFC has already died but is too ashamed to close its eyes.

The truth is, the coalition only fears one man. He’s now GS and Opposition Leader. Saturday’s election will cause those at the Conversation Tree to crumble whilst those in Congress Place are uneasy.

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Deportee sets car, house on fire her husband returned to Guyana in June and had been depending on an income from two cars which are rented.

Chairman of the Community Policing Group (CPG) Dashrat Mahobir stat-

The remains of the two storey wood and concrete building at Number 59 Village

The burnt car

CPG Chariman Dashrat Mahobir arrested the suspect

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wo persons are now homeless and a third in Police custody after a Corentyne, Berbice man set fire to their car and house.

The car and a two storied house were completely destroyed in the Friday afternoon blaze. Reports are the Second Street, Number 59 Village, Corentyne home was set on fire by a 21-yearold man who was recent-

ly deported from the United States.

According to reports, Dhanraj Rambally and his deportee son, who is now in custody, were imbibing when an argument ensured. An eyewitness told this publication that Anjanee Rambally, the co-owner of the house and the deportee’s mother, was not at home at the time when the man and his son were involved in the argument.

The eyewitness pointed out that following the argument, the young man took a bottle of flammable liquid and threw it on the car, setting it on fire. At the time, the car was parked under the house. The car then exploded causing the blaze to spread to the house.

“When the gas tank catch, the car blow up and pitch right up to the flooring… Is then the flooring start to blaze and then the fire spread.”

Anjanee Rambally and

ed that when he arrived on the scene, he realised that the fire service was not contacted and he immediately called for help. According to the CPG Chairman, Police from the Number 51 Police Station asked him if there

was a suspect and instructed him to arrest the suspect. “I find out and people say that is he burn down the house so I make sure that no body didn’t do him anything and I hand him over to the Police when they come.”

Police are investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, in 2008, a house situated on the same lot was destroyed by fire when another son committed an act of arson. (Andrew Carmichael)

16 news

SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anna Regina garbage pile-up

Overseas-based Guyanese assists to clean area ‌Town Council lacks funds

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he huge stock pile of garbage that was dumped indiscriminately by market vendors and residents of Anna Regina, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was cleaned following assistance by an overseas-based Guyanese. The clean-up came immediately after Guyana Times published an article highlighting the issues and the obnoxious environment the garbage situation was creating.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Rufus James, an overseas-based Guyanese, said he was visiting the county after several years but was confronted by the unpleasant sight. He said he noticed the deplorable condition of the garbage dumped at the Anna

Persons assisting in clearing up the garbage which was indiscriminately dumped by vendors and residents

Regina market and upon inquiring, was told that Town Council did not had suffi-

cient resources to conduct the works.

Having recognised the

health hazard the garbage was posing to residents and vendors, James said he offered financial assistance to clean up the area. A team then met with the Anna Regina Town Clerk, Diane Chritclow and the Anna Regina Market Clerk, Wazeer Danraj, and a suggestion was made for a front-end loader to assist with the job. Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah was approached for the use of the loader and granted the request.

The site was cleaned and is currently more appealing in the eyes of the general public. Market Clerk Danraj extended gratitude toward James for his efforts, underscoring that the clearing of the garbage is an ongoing exercise. Danraj said that vendors, as well as res-

Workers assisting to clear the garbage

idents need to understand that there are heavy penalties attached to the offence of dumping garbage on the roadway. He is therefore calling on residents to utilise the legal disposal services available to them.

Environmental Health

Officer Eshwin Persuad, attached to the Anna Regina Town Council, said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be monitoring the situation and defaulters will be fined and penalised according to the EPA Act.

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SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

"Year of Result-based Management" programme presented in Region 10 …to focus on agriculture, health, education, youth

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ith a clearly defined programme established, 2017 has been declared the "Year of Result-based Management" for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) by its Chairman Renis Morian. A document which outlines expectations from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in 2017, was handed over to Councillors during the hosting of a meeting of the Council late last week. Morian, in highlighting aspects of the document entitled "Year of Resultsbased Management," explained that the key areas of focus include agriculture, health, education, youth, commemoration and works.

An additional section is expected to be added to include women and local government. According to Morian, the document will serve as a powerful guide as to where the Council intends to go in 2017. At the end of each month, he noted that Councillors should be able to measure and assess what was accomplished, as well as focus more on the categories

prove production, because of the fact that we bring into Region 10 about 70 per cent of our agriculture foods. We need a working linkage now with the people who make agriculture happen… We need a synergy with the people who have the materials," Morian said.

Health

Monitoring the availability of drugs at health posts in the pegion is listed as one of the top priorities, in addition to working towards improving conditions where medical professionals operate.

"All through the year there have been complaints, but we got to move now from complaints and come up with solutions. Coming here and complain wouldn't solve the problem… We got to be solution oriented for 2017," Morian told members of the Council.

Other areas for Councillors to follow which are included in the document are to see the establishment of First Aid kits in the RDC and schools, and

Republic Avenue, Linden

in which they are placed.

Agriculture

In the area of agriculture, the document charges the Council to execute a major project in 2017, write proposals for funding, organise monthly meetings with farmers and to pursue results. Additionally, there are plans to engage youths in agricultural activities by promoting agriculture in schools, establish a working linkage with the Agriculture Ministry, the National Agricultural and Research Extension Institute (NAREI), the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Linden Agriculture Office, as well as to monitor flooding, among other areas.

"The Agriculture Committee, your plans got to be to meet the farmers… The objection is to im-

to be visible at major activities in the form of a standby health team in collaboration with the Regional Health Committee.

Education

The area of education has been one of the most talked about categories between Councillors over the past year, with numerous issues being brought to the fore. The document outlines plans to work with the Education Department for the upgrading of schools and compounds, establish working relationship with school Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and to monitor education delivery in the region.

"We've talked a lot in 2016 and I don't want a talk shop… this has been a sore point for us. We want to see school compounds look better," Morian stated, while urging the Education Committee to work in collab-

oration with the Education Department. The Regional Chairman further stressed that there should be no substandard work in schools come this year, while he stated that the RDC will not be accepting Chinese-based products as part of schools infrastructure.

Youth

Plans for youths include delivery in the area

of sports, education, an anti- drugs and alcohol programme, greening activities, developing of sport grounds and the establishment of a working relationship with sports groups in Linden.

Meanwhile, the Works Department is expected to be the eyes and ears of the RDC as it relates to maintenance, repairs and building of bridges, roads,

buildings and other structures, in addition to supporting the Departments of Education and Health in overseeing work done, support efforts and projects to clean school compounds and work with PTAs to better the physical conditions of schools. The document specifically states that the plans of the Council must have measurably indicators.

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

18 news

SunDAY, january 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 flooding

Abram Zuil poultry farmer counting $$$$ in losses

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poultry farmer of Abram Zuil village on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is counting thousands of dollars in losses as his poultry pens are still submerged in approximately eight inches of water. Kishan Lall, a father of one, said the flood has resulted in his business facing tremendous losses and explained that he is “clueless” as to what his next move will be. The farmer entered the new year with much optimism to turn his profits from the Christmas holidays into tangible investments, but is prevented from doing so due to severe flooding.

Instead, he now has to incur additional expenses to conduct emergency works to raise his poultry pens.

More money, he noted, has to be spent to clean and disinfect the flood affected areas before he can step on his feet again. This, he said,

Kishan Lall pointing to where the water was four days ago

would require him to take a loan since he does not have the full finances to conduct the additional works on his business.

The poultry farmer, who started his business some four years ago, attested that this is the worst flooding he has experienced since he first established his busi-

ness. Lall said his chicken pens and its environs have been under water for almost four days. When asked what may have contributed to the severe damages to his business, Lall said the excessive intrusion of water overtopping from the Annandale conservancy.

“This water is not from

the rainfall, it is pure black water as you can see that are on the land, it is because of the overtopping of the canal that has resulted into widespread flooding,” Lall said.

The farmer said that he has lost approximately 192 grown chickens to the flooding. This, he said, has caused tremendous pressure on his business and now he cannot re-invest his profits.

Lall said that the kokers in the Abram Zuil area require attention so as to alleviate flooding. Lall is therefore calling on the regional administration or the Agriculture Ministry to assist him in restarting his livelihood after the flooding.

Several other residents in the area remain under water. When Guyana Times visited the area, an excavator was seen clearing trenches. The Unu Creek relief has been opened to assist in draining water off the lands.

(Indrawattie Natram)

Poultry farmer Kishan Lall early Saturday morning

Linden Hospital welcomes medical supplies donation

LHC PRO Shanteal Alleyne accepts the donation from Ondaan in the presence of CEO, Dr Riyasat and other LHC officials

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he Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) late last week welcomed a tangible donation of medical supplies made by overseas-based Guyanese Keith Ondaan.

Ondaan, who resides in the United States, was a former resident of Linden.

While it is his first donation made to the LHC, the One Mile Health Centre in the community has in the past benefited from similar donations made by Ondaan and his family. The items which were handed over to the hospital included bed sheets, walking canes, commodes, kidney dishes and pampers, among numerous other necessities.

During the simple handing over ceremony which took place at the LHC, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of

the medical institution, Dr Farouk Riyasat expressed gratitude on behalf of management and staff of the medial facility.

“It comes at a time when it would definitely help in promoting the comfort of the patients… Indeed we’ll be able to use it for the patients who come at the hospital to seek health services. We want to say thanks again. I understand that this might be a continuous programme so you might be able to later on assist us with some more items and probably we can have a conversation on some of the needs of the hospital,” the CEO noted.

LHC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shanteal Alleyne, who accepted the items on behalf of the hospital, noted that it will assist in the enhancement of medical care at the hospital.

SunDAY, january 8, 2017

Australia complete 4th consecutive 3-0 sweep of Pakistan …visitors bundled out for 244 chasing 465

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or Australia, a quadruple triple. For Pakistan, a wretched dozen.

Steven Smith's men completed another crushing victory over the crestfallen visitors on a balmy day at the SCG, making it 12 consecutive wins for the Australians in home Tests against Pakistani touring teams - four clean sweeps in a row dating back to 1999.

There never seemed much doubt over the result when the final day began, and even less when Josh Hazlewood struck twice in the first half hour to maintain his outstanding record this summer.

From there Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe worked their way through the Pakistan line-up, with Hazlewood returning to claim the final wicket on the stroke of the tea break.

Ahead of the Test team's next job in India, the use of spin on a wearing wicket gave Smith and the coach Darren Lehmann some idea of where

Lyon and O'Keefe sat. Lyon bowled some beguiling spells, notably to Younis Khan, but O'Keefe finished the day with the superior figures - 3 for 53 as opposed to 2 for 100.

The match played out in an agreeable atmosphere, as a decent crowd of 17,583 filed in for the price of a gold coin donation to the Jane McGrath Foundation. They saved some of their biggest cheers for the substitute fielder Mickey Edwards, a seam bowler from the Manly grade club who sported a surfer's mane of hair in weather that could scarcely have been more beach-friendly.

Hazlewood set the tone in the first over of the day, accepting a return catch from Azhar Ali, and followed up by claiming Babar Azam lbw for the second time in the match.

Lyon's teasing spell to Younis was rewarded when the batsman lost patience and skied an attempt to hit over midwicket. A leading edge was

accepted comfortably by Hazlewood at mid-on. Younis finished the Test on 9977 runs.

The nightwatchman Yasir Shah had offered considerable resistance to Australia, but was defeated by an O'Keefe delivery that turned and bounced enough to catch the edge and was taken low down at second slip by the substitute fielder Jackson Bird. Misbah did not look at ease at any stage of his innings, but found a way to survive to lunch in the company of the more proactive Asad Shafiq.

On resumption Shafiq got as far as 30 before Starc found a hint of reverse swing into the right-hander from around the wicket to bowl him off an inside edge. Sarfraz continued in a similarly positive vein opposite Misbah, the pair adding 52 in only 13.3 overs. However, Australia broke through when Misbah aimed an extravagant heave

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The players pose with the trophy after Australia beat Pakistan 3-0 in the series

at O'Keefe and was caught attempting to slog a spin bowler for the second time in the match.

Wahab Riaz fell next, apparently mystified as to how the umpire Richard Illingworth's not-out verdict could have been overturned.

Matthew Wade heard the faintest of sounds as O'Keefe spun the ball past the bat, and his appeal was backed up by the merest possible spike on Snicko for the third umpire Ian Gould to rule in the bowler's favour.

Mohammad Amir's stay was ended by a wretched runout, and Smith took the second new ball minutes before the scheduled tea break to allow the excellent Hazlewood to claim the last wicket with extra bounce and another catch to Bird - his four snaffles equalling the world record for a substitute.

In recent years, beating Pakistan down under has been one of the least chal-

lenging tasks Australia can contemplate; their next assignment, facing up to India in India, is by far the most difficult.

Australia opener, David Warner who scored a first session century in the first in-

nings and an equally crashing half century in the second innings was named Man of the Match while Captain Steven Smith who scored two centuries and two half centuries was Man of the Series.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings 538/8 dec Pakistan 1st innings 315 Australia 2nd innings 241/2 dec Pakistan 2nd innings (Target: 465 runs. Overnight 55/1) Azhar Ali c & b Hazlewood 11 Sharjeel Khan c Warner b Lyon 40 Yasir Shah c sub (JM Bird) b O'Kee fe 13 Babar Azam lbw b Hazlewood 9 Younis Khan c Hazlewood b Lyon3 Misbah-ul-Haq* c Lyon b O'Kee fe 38 Asad Shafiq b Starc 30 Sarfraz Ahmed† not out 72 Wahab Riaz c †Wade b O'Keefe12 Mohammad Amir run out (O'Keef

e/†Wade) 5 Imran Khan c sub (JM Bird) b Hazlewood0 Extras (nb-1)1 Total (all out; 80.2 overs)244 Fall of wickets 1-51 (Sharjeel Khan, 11.6 ov), 2-55 (Azhar Ali, 16.6 ov), 3-67 (Babar Azam, 20.4 ov), 4-82 (Younis Khan, 29.5 ov), 5-96 (Yasir Shah, 43.5 ov), 6-136 (Asad Shafiq, 57.3 ov), 7-188 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 70.6 ov), 8-202 (Wahab Riaz, 72.6 ov), 9-224 (Mohammad Amir, 78.4 ov), 10-244 (Imran Khan, 80.2 ov) Bowling MA Starc 17-2-57-1 (nb1), JR Hazlewood 18.2-7-29-3, NM Lyon 27-6-100-2, SNJ O'Keefe 17-4-53-3, SPD Smith 1-0-5-0

Food for the Poor, RHTYSC donate cricket gears T

hree cricket clubs and Rose Hall Town Primary School along with two young club members recently benefitted from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club M.S and Food for the Poor (Guy) INC. The three cricket clubs – Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club and Young and Restless Cricket Club received two cricket bats, two pairs of batting pads and gloves along with a complete set of stumps while the Mount Sanai Cricket Club which is in the process of being restructured collected a cricket bat, a pair of batting pads and gloves and a set of stumps. The Rose Hall Town Primary School received a collection of trophies, certificate frame, cleaning detergements, sport equipment, school bags among others, while two young cricket-

ers of the RHTYSC, Simon Naidu and David Prahalad received a complete cricket kit for their hard work over the last year.

At the simple presentation ceremony, Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the year 2017 would be a historic one for the RHTYSC as it would seek to complete a total of 500 programmes/activities for the first time in its history. Management of the RHTY&SC has set itself a target of 450 for the year but the long serving Secretary/ CEO expressed full confidence that with hard work and dedication, 500 programmes/activities would be achieved under the subheadings of sports, education, charity, anti- suicide, anti- crime, anti- drugs, employment, social, coaching, religious, community de-

RHTY&SC, M.S Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster (extreme right) with the different representatives after the ceremony.

velopment, youth development among others. With Berbice cricket in a crisis due to a court injunction against the Berbice Cricket Board by two individuals, the RHTYSC would seek to play an even more larger role by hosting more cricket tournaments at the junior, female and second division

levels and at the same time assist as much as possible Less fortunate Clubs to better fulfil their mandate. The RHTY&SC, M.S would also assist at least twelve cricket clubs to conduct coaching programmes for their junior members during 2017.

Foster also disclosed that the Rose Hall Town Primary

School would during the year receive donation from the RHTY&SC under the Club’s highly successful Say No to Drugs, Crime and Suicide Programme.

Under 17 players Simon Naidu and David Prahalad each received a cricket bat, a pair of batting gloves and a pair of batting pads. The

duo was honoured for working beyond the call of duty to assist the Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster to fulfil his duties and making sure that every programme/activity is successfully completed. Among the major programmes, Naidu and Prahald worked on were Annual Awards Ceremony, Annual Youth Review Magazine, TCL Cricket Academy, Republic Bank Summer Camp, Bakewell Christmas Village, Annual Christmas Charity Programme and numerous Cricket Tournaments including the Food for Poor 5/5. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S would like to express gratitude to the Management of Food for the Poor (Guy) Ltd especially Jimeel Davis and Kent Vincent for their continued cooperation.

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sundAY, january 8, 2017

ana-

Rugby scored on many levels in 2016 2

016 was certainly a productive year for the sport in 2016, with the team managing to reassert its dominance in the Caribbean while making some leaps in the international arena.

Despite the relevant challenges of guiding and settling a young and inexperienced group of members on the Executive Committee, several initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring a wider base of players, administrators, coaches and referees from the grass roots to elite levels were reintroduced in partnership with World Rugby GIR (GET INTO RUGBY), the Ministry of Education and Corporate sponsors to play and grow the sport outside of the traditional area of Georgetown with promising results.

Amongst these initiatives was the resuscitation of an MOU with the Argentina Government in tandem with the Ministry of Education to prepare a blueprint for cooperation and long term involvement of High Performance Rugby training and development. Despite the loss to Mexico the methods introduced by the Argentina Coach were well received by the National players necessitating a much longer term involvement and period of adjustment for tangible results.

Highlight of the various activities for 2016 was the holding of a successful fiveday local work shop comprising over sixty participants from thirty-three schools, communities and club based player membership who have been tasked with introducing the skills and knowledge of the game within their respective regions in Partnership with the Ministry of Education along with assistance from World Rugby via Regional GIR Co-

coordinator Kwanieze John culminating in a pilot mini festival / school championship in December involving over 198 (male and female) participants from within Region 4.

The Union has now been able to identify and correct several organizational errors and shortcomings in time for the launch-

Championships with the senior men capturing the XV Southern zone segment defeating Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago in the process climbing to a best high World ranking of 47th of 103 Countries before falling to Mexico in the Overall Championships and a final 2015

Strong crowd support for the Green Machine also saw them produce some stellar performances

ing of the 2017 Schools Championships.

The Union acknowledges the dedication of its Volunteers and Development Officers towards this achievement.

Internationally

The Senior Men’s XV as well as VII’s teams and to a lesser extent the Women’s senior VII’s teams continued to hold the Guyana Flag high with superlative performances at the governing body for the Region RAN (Rugby Americas North)

World ranking of 55th ending the year seeded as No. 1 in the southern zone and No. 2 Overall to Mexico going into the 2017 RAN Regional XV’s Championships.

In the shorter format of the game VII’s the Senior Men Caribbean Champions made it eight times by defeating nemesis Trinidad and Tobago in the finals of the Caribbean segment before falling to Canada in the overall Finals (in the process becoming the only nation to score a try against the 2015 Pan American Champions and

world ranked No. 18 team) to qualify to participate at one of the World’s prestigious sevens tournament in Hong Kong.

It is the opportunity to hone their skills against the world’s best in April coming, giving much needed practice prior to playing this year’s Caribbean VII’s championships which will serve as the qualifier for the 2018 World Cup sevens as well as Commonwealth Games.

On the distaff side (in comparison to 2015 where they had lost all of their matches) the Senior Women’s VII team and former three time Caribbean champions returned to this year’s Regional sevens Championships under the guidance of former national player and coach Theodore Henry with phenomenal success winning the Bowl finals defeating the highly touted Bahamas team twice, Dominican Republic and Bermuda while losing to the higher ranked Mexico and eventual Caribbean runner ups Trinidad and Tobago who in turn lost to Jamaica.

Currently the ladies are listed as being ranked 27th in the World with Trinidad and Tobago (22), Jamaica (26) being the only Caribbean teams higher ranked.

The Junior Men’s U/19 Team returned to international competition at the RAN XV Championships in Miami after an absence of 3 years (due to financial constraints).

Despite not winning any of their matches they showed obvious potential by scoring tries in good build ups against their more seasoned opponents’ that augers well for the future with several current members eligible for another two more years at this level.

Jaguars name strong 14-man squad for Regional Super50 - Beaton, Foo included

By Akeem Greene

I

n a bid to win their end their 12 year title drought, the national selectors have named arguably their strongest 14-man squad to represent Guyana in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 which is slated to commence on January 24 in Barbados and Antigua.

The big surprise in the group is talented fast bowler Ronsford Beaton who managed to make the cut after he was reportedly aligned with the Leeward Island Hurricanes but was still training with the Guyana Jaguars.

From the 2016 squad there are five changes as the Jaguars hunt Regional 50-overs supremacy. Missing out are fast bowler Romario Shepherd, opener Kevon Boodie, left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, all-rounder Royston Crandon and batsman Vishaul Singh while Beaton, all-rounder Jonathan Foo, hard hitting left handed top order batsman Shimron Hetmyer and West Indies players opener Rajendra Chandrika and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Guyana Times Sport contacted Chairman of the National Selectors Rayon Griffith, he explained that "Beaton was named in our training squad and no communication between the

Leeward Islands Cricket Association and the GCB [Guyana Cricket Board] occurred nor did Beaton tell us of any or made any commitment."

His selection comes as a result of his excellent performances in the shorter version of the game, especially his impressive West Indies A team tour to Sri Lanka where he played three 50-over matches, capturing seven wickets bowling at high pace.

The lanky right-arm seamer will be a great asset to the Jaguars considering the usually bouncy and seaming conditions that should be expected in Barbados for the preliminary matches then at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua for the play-offs and final.

Another players making a return to the squad is Jonathon Foo who lasted played for Guyana in 2011 and will have a chance to add to his three List A matches after having a successful outing in the Jaguars Franchise League 3-day where he scored 580 runs, inclusive of two centuries.

The Berbician, who shot to the headlines in 2010 when he won the Caribbean T20 title for Guyana in a trilling final against Barbados, saw his career tapered-off when his short-ball troubles were exposed during the Champions League T20 in South Africa

the same year.

After some time in the hiatus, the player retuned to become one of the most consistent performers in the various domestic tournaments and the hard hitting right-hand batsman could be

Paul Wintz

the additional firepower the team needs to support the likes of wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble and all-rounders Christopher Barnwell and Raymon Reifer on their title quest.

The squad will be led by the experienced Leon Johnson, who will be in search of his first 50-over title to add to the two he already have at the four-day level. Last tournament, Johnson only managed 153 runs but the skipper

and his team have voiced that they are determined to win this championship and a good showing with the bat should be expected from the West Indies player.

In support, will be the team’s leading run-scor-

Shimron Hetmyer

er from last season, Assad Fudadin who made 259 runs at an average of 51.80, inclusive of an unbeaten 103 against the Combined Colleges and Campuses Marooners. Additionally, Test player Rajendra Chandrika and the dashing Shimron Hetmyer should give the Jaguars the impetus at the top of the innings while veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul should hold the middle and lower orders to-

gether.

The bowling will be led by dependable spin twins Veerasammmy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo while the nippy Paul Wintz will serve as support with his accurate swing

Christopher Barnwell

bowling, along with off-spinner Steven Jacobs.

Weather permitting, the squad will resume training on Monday at the National Stadium, Providence under the direction of Head Coach Esuan Crandon and Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith.

Jaguars are in Zone ‘B’ with Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, CCC Marooners and ICC Americas. In the first leg, Jaguars will play Pride on January 24, Scorpions on

January 2 6 , Marooners on January 28, and ICC Americas on January 30.

In the second leg, the Guyanese takes on the Marooners February 3, Pride on February 5, Scorpions on February 7, and ICC Americas on February 9.

The semi-finals would be on February 15 and 16 while the final would be on February 18. See full fixtures on page 22 Group “A” consists of defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Kent Spitfires, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, West Indies Under-19s, and Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-Captain), Anthony Bramble (wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Chanderpaul, Shivnarine Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Steven Jacobs, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz, and Jonathan Foo. The Coach is Esuan Crandon, Asst.

Coach/ Manager is Rayon Griffith and the Physio is Ernesto Gonzalez.

YELLOW PAGES sunday, january 8, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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sports

V Net Communications reconnects with Keemo Paul

21

L

ongstanding local communication provider, V Net Communications of Delph Street, Campbellville has renewed sponsorship with talented cricketer Keemo Paul.

V Net has been providing support in the form of sponsorship to the all-rounder for more than a year and on Friday at their office, Managing Director Safraz Sheriffudeen made a presentation to the player.

Sheriffudeen, who is from the proud Essequibo Island of Wakenaam, said he is happy to lend support to such a talented cricketer and wished him well in the future. He added that Paul has shown tremendous improvement and is urging the player to remain committed.

Paul who has been selected as one of the three overage players for the West Indies U19 in the upcoming Regional Super 50 tournament expressed gratitude to Sheriffudeen and V Net Communications.

The Super 50 will commence on January 24 in Antigua and Barbados, and Paul said he is confident of doing well in his upcoming assignment. “I have been doing a lot of training with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) academy coaches both in the gym and in the nets. It helped me to improve my strengths and work on my weaknesses so I am confident,” he added.

Paul who was born in Saxacally and moved to Wakenaam at the age of 11 where he started his cricket career with the Noitgedacht Sports Club stated that he is looking forward to the Super 50.

“These players are preparing to defend the U19 World Cup so I will be happy to share my experience and render assistance in other areas which will help them

Managing Director of V Net Communication Safraz Sheriffudeen (left) urges Keemo Paul to remain committed

going forward,” he posited.

Paul who also plays for the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in Georgetown, pointed out that one of his goals is to score runs and take wickets consistently and help the team progress. “It is important that the players know what it’s like to play for your country in a World Cup and what it takes to be successful in such a tournament so definitely I will share my experience with the younger players,” he related.

V Net Communications provides satellite communications to remote areas in Guyana such as satellite internet, satellite phones and VOIP services.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, january 8, 2017

WICB/ Professional Cricket League Regional Super 50 2017

Jaguars open campaign against Pride

− Former Stanford Cricket Ground to host 13 Day/Night matches

MATCH SCHEDULE Tuesday, January 24 Scorpions vs Marooners – 3Ws Oval, Barbados Pride vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval, Barbados Wednesday, January 25 Volcanoes vs West Indies Under-19s – Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua (9 am) Hurricanes vs Spitfire – Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua (1:30 pm) Thursday, January 26 Marooners vs ICC Americas – Windward, Barbados Jaguars vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval Friday, January 27 Hurricanes vs West Indies Under-19s – SVRCG Red Force vs Volcanoes – CCG Saturday, January 28 Pride vs ICC Americas – 3Ws Oval Marooners vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval Sunday, January 29 Red Force vs Spitfire – SVRCG Hurricanes vs Volcanoes – CCG Monday, January 30 Jaguars vs ICC Americas – Windward Pride vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval Tuesday, January 31 Red Force vs West Indies Under-19 – SVRCG Volcanoes vs Spitfire – CCG Wednesday, February 1 ICC Americas vs Scorpions – 3Ws Oval Pride vs Marooners – Kensington Oval Thursday, February 2 West Indies Under-19s vs Spitfire – SVRCG Hurricanes vs Red Force – CCG

T

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has announced the match schedule for the upcoming 2017 WICB Regional Super50 tournament, which runs from Tuesday, January 24 to Saturday, February 18.

The renovated Coolidge Cricket Ground will stage all the day/night matches in Group A, in addition to the semi-finals and the Grand Final on Saturday, February 18 – and will be the prime ground from which televised matches will be shown on ESPN. The CCG, formerly known as Stanford Cricket Ground, will be one of five match venues used during the three-week event which also features matches in Barbados. The others are: the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua, along with Kensington Oval, Windward Cricket Club and the 3Ws Oval in Barbados.

Zone A comprises Leeward Islands Hurricanes, defending champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, as well as Windward Islands Volcanoes, West Indies Under-19s and English county side, Kent Spitfires.

Zone B consists of last year’s runners-up Barbados Pride, along with Jamaica Scorpions, Guyana Jaguars, Combined Campuses & Colleges

This year’s Regional Super 50 will be played at five venues in three weeks

Marooners and a composite ICC Americas team.

The West Indies Under-19s, Spitfires, Marooners and Americas are all specially invited teams which will join the six WICB Professional Cricket League franchises for the tournament.

The West Indies Under-19s, the 2016 International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup champions,

are using the tournament as part of their preparations for the next ICC Under-19 World Cup to be played in January, 2018 in New Zealand.

The Americas are also a development side, drawing players from nonWICB territories, North, Central and South America.

The winners of the RS50 will be awarded the Clive Lloyd Trophy.

The trill life at Cosmos Go-Kart facility

Friday, February 3 Pride vs ICC Americas – Windward Marooners vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval Saturday, February 4 Volcanoes vs West Indies Under-19s – SVRCG Hurricanes vs Spitfire – CCG Sunday, February 5 Pride vs Jaguars – 3Ws Oval Marooners vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval Monday, February 6 Hurricanes vs West Indies Under-19s – SVRCG Red Force vs Volcanoes – CCG Tuesday, February 7 Marooners vs ICC Americas – Windward Jaguars vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval Wednesday, February 8 Red Force vs Spitfire – SVRCG Hurricane vs Volcanoes – CCG Thursday, February 9 Jaguars vs ICC Americas – 3Ws Oval Pride vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval Friday, February 10 Red Force vs West Indies Under-19s – SVRCG Volcanoes vs Spitfire – CCG Saturday, February 11 Scorpions vs ICC Americas – Windward Pride vs Marooners – Kensington Oval Sunday, February 12 Spitfire vs West Indies Under-19s – SVRCG Hurricanes vs Red Force – CCG FINAL FOUR Semi-finals Wednesday, February 15 Zone A winners vs Zone B runners-up – CCG Thursday, February 16 Zone B winners vs Zone A runners-up – CCG GRAND FINAL Saturday, February 18 Semi-final 1 winners vs Semifinal 2 winners – CCG

By Akeem Greene

L

ast year the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) completed rehabilitation works on the Cosmos Go-Kart facility which gave it a spanking new look with added attractions.

The facility which was first commissioned in 2009, is located at Thomas Lands and Albert Street, sees patrons paying $3000 to experience trill of driving a Go-kart around the track for about seven minutes and the chance to compete with friends and family. The sturdy karts for adults and young children, have the ability to reach fast speeds which give thrills and spills especially on the sharps turns.

Currently, among some of the racing enthusiasts, the battle is constantly on to see who can register the fastest lap time which sees many persons having more than one attempt.

While the afternoon crowd may build under the sunset, for those who miss that chance, the event runs until 20:00h under lights which in no way hampers visibility.

President of the GMR&SC Raj Boodhoo spoke to this publication

Some of drivers wait in the que for their chance to take the track (GT Motorsport Photo)

and expressed great excitement over the family attraction the facility is having and sees it as an opportunity to harvest new talents for the sport.

“We realise that Karting is the grassroots, it’s where the kids get involved and get a love for the sport and develop their skills,” Boodhoo posited.

President Boodhoo is also planning to launch a Go-Karting championship in the coming weeks. The competition on the track is visible with those who opt to buy their own Karts from the club or have their personal kart.

Even some seasoned motor racers such as Kristian Jeffrey, Matthew Vieira and Stanley and Calvin Ming are at the track in the quest to record some the fastest lap times.

However, it’s not is not all bumper to bumper driving, as for new comers who are simply out for the fun can be a part of less competitive races.

Persons who wish to keep a track of their performances and those of their competitors may download the GT Motorsport app on their smart phones to always be in the loop.

guyana-times.com

sundAY, january 8 2017

Downes reigns in Tennis, Campbell is top female player

23

Anthony Downes

− Jones hint at brighter 2017

A

nthony Downes reign as the top male tennis player in the country continued throughout 2016 as he remained unbeaten and was rewarded on Friday evening at the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) annual awards ceremony hosted by the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club on the East Coast of Demerara.

Downes recorded 5200 ranking points to finish as the number one male player and top player for 2016.

Cristy Campbell won the female player of the year while Hemraj Resaul and Afruica Gentle won the respective male and female junior awards.

The third edition of the event provided its small audience with distinction reflective of the grand sport of tennis despite a late start.

The association sought to recognise players and individuals who continuously give of themselves with the expectation of elevating tennis in Guyana. Master of Ceremonies, Shaquille Bourne acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests Mitsy Campbell, PRO of Ministry of Public Health, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Professor Dawn Duke former tennis player of Roraima Tennis Club and tennis scholar Gavin Lewis.

The ceremony was a moment of reflection on the

hard work done during 2016 to build the organisation as an institution that provides development opportunities for the children and nation, as pointed out by the President of the association, Jamal Goodluck. Lots of work was done to build on the policies to guide the association beyond the executive. Former President Grace McCalman and now Chair of Mini Tennis recounted the work of the association over recent years to establish documented procedures and systems to ensure a smooth flow of operations and to forge better relationships between executives, coaches and parents. To date there is now a tournament manual, an online ranking scheme, a player ranking table and guidelines for travelling player, coach, parent and chaperon.

Further work is almost complete to establish contracts for better output for all official jobs. She alluded to the fact that this work is being done to strengthen the association internally while the association agonises waiting for the sports authorities to help to develop proper tennis courts and to increase the number of coaches and equipment for the expansion and development of tennis nationwide.

Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, raised the hope and excitement

high praises was overseasbased Dr. Arthur Ingram Hazlewood, who once again sponsored the awards and has been financially supporting the GLTA for the past six years. Additionally Professor Duke made her annual donation to the GLTA for 2016.

Awardees

Top female player Cristi Campbell (right) and top junior female player Afruica Gentle (centre) with Devi Sunich representative for Trophy Stall

of the Tennis community with his announcement of a signed MoU between the two entities and lights at the National Racquet Centre before IGG in October. Cheers echoed the space from the enthusiastic persons at the prospect of finally seeing some light in the journey of building the dream of a home for tennis. This point was made earlier by President, Jamal Goodluck, that this year the association will do everything to have facilities of acceptable

standard before IGG. Goodluck also thanked the sponsors who have always stuck with tennis during the years. Special mention was made of Trophy Stall, represented by Ms. Devi Sunich, GBTI, Bakewell, parents, players and the media. President Goodluck also pointed out Travis Hopkinson of NCN, Neketa Forde and Delvon McEwan who have now become part of the tennis family through their extensive support. Coming in for

Senior Male Year End winner Anthony Downes 5200 points, Senior Female Year End winner Cristy Campbell 3200 points, Junior Male Year End winner Heimraj Resaul 7550 points, Junior Female Year End winner Afruica Gentle 6775 points and Most Improved Junior was Mark McDonald The 6th edition Trophy Stall Doubles winners also shared in the spotlight of last evening’s event.

Men’s Open Doubles winners Jason Andrews and Anthony Downes, RunnersUp Heimraj Resaul and Jordan Beaton; Ladies Open Doubles winners Cristy Campbell and Afruica Gentle Runners-Up Nicola Ramdyhan and Shelly DalyRamdyhan; Mixed Open Doubles winners Anthony Downes and Afruica Gentle Runners-Up Heimraj Resaul and Kalyca Fraser; Men’s Over 35 Doubles winners Leyland Leacock and Ronald Murray Runners-

Up Alexander Almeida and Sandeep Chand.

In her remarks Afruica Gentle passionately described her desire for the last three years to achieve the top spot in junior tennis.

She thanked her parents for their support and Cristy Campbell for personal training as she gave an early hint that she will not relinquish the title for 2017.

Heimraj Resaul thanked his parents and coaches and friends for their support.

He also joked about leaving the U14 category this year but knowing that there will always be good competition among his close rivals Joshua Kalekyezi, Jordan Beaton and Mark McDonald.

Senior Female Awardee Cristy Campbell thanked her mother Misty, coaches Dexter and Rebecca for their support and her friend Nigel Niles for introducing her to tennis. She also wished all players an injury free year 2017 and charged them to execute good sportsmanship throughout the year.

Awards were presented to Samuel Barakat and Harry Panday, both tennis veterans with private lighted tennis courts, in recognition of their continuous support for tennis activities and to Grace McCalman for her continuous selflessness, hard work and dedication to the GLTA.

Djokovic snaps Sir Andy Murray's winning streak N

ovak Djokovic withstood a comeback from Sir Andy Murray to defend his Qatar Open title and end the Briton's winning streak of 28 consecutive ATP Tour matches.

Murray remains world number one despite the 6-3 5-7 6-4 defeat by the Serbian world number two.

The Scot saved three match points to

Djokovic has now won successive Qatar Open titles

come from a set and a break down to win the second set and level the match.

But Djokovic broke in game seven of the decider to win in two hours 54 minutes.

Both players now head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, the year's first Grand Slam, which starts on 16 January.

"Its a tough one to lose," said Murray, 29.

"It was high level tennis, some of the points were physically tough. But it's a great way to star the new year and I look forward to the next few weeks."

This was the 36th meeting between the pair and Murray had won the last time they met at the ATP Tour Finals in November, a victory that kept him at world number one.

The Scot has never beaten the Serb after losing the

first set and he was soon trailing as Djokovic broke in the eighth game following a string of unforced errors from Murray.

Djokovic broke again in the second set and served for the match at 5-3 but Murray

fought back and reeled of four straight games to level.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion looked to be tiring in the third and was 0-30 on his own serve at 2-3 down but he fought back to hold and then broke Murray for

the third time in the match as he won his second title in Doha.

"To win here, against the biggest rival, is a dream start," said Djokovic, who was penalised a point in the second set for smashing his

racket.

Djokovic is the defending champion in Melbourne, having won his sixth Australian Open title last year as he condemned Murray to a fifth defeat in the final of the tournament. (BBC Sport)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Page 20

Jaguars name strong 14-man squad for Regional Super50 − Beaton, Foo included

Assad Fudadin

Jonathon Foo

Ronsford Beaton

Downes reigns in Tennis, Campbell is top female player Pg 23

− Jones hint at brighter 2017

Director of Sport Christopher Jones left, President of GLTA Jamal Goodluck (right) with awardees of the third GLTA annual award ceremony, sponsors and GLTA executives

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