Businessman Ayube Hamid was killed and millions went up in flames when fire swept through four buildings in Canefield Canje, Berbice Monday morning (Andrew Carmichael photo)
tuesday, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
tuesday, may 5, 2015 |
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from Tuesday, May 5 – 05:30h-07:00h and Wednesday, May 6 – 05:00h-06:30h
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, May 5 – 17:05h-18:35h and Wednesday, May 6 – 05:25h-06:55h
FERRY SCHEDULE
Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:
Tuesday, May 5 – 05:00h and 16:00h Wednesday, May 6 – 05:00h and 16:00h
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with light rain interrupted by intervals of sunshine in the afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-easterly between 4.47 metres per second and 5.36 metres per second.
High Tide: 05:03h and 17:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.66 metres respectively.
Low Tide: 11:02h and 23:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.43 metre and 0.59 metre respectively.
Canje fire leaves 1 dead, 15 homeless, 20 jobless
By Andrew CArmiChAel
ne person is now dead, 16 homeless and 20 others without a job after a fire at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) swept through four buildings including a furniture factory and warehouse bond on Monday.
Dead is businessman Ayube Hamid, owner of Homeline Furnishing. The 58-year-old businessman is believed to have been trapped in the building after he returned to retrieve valuables. The fire was first seen coming from the lower flat of a concrete building which housed a furniture factory and bond at about 07:20h. Hamid lived on the upper flat.
According to one fac-
tory worker, Munishwar Bhopaul, he and another colleague arrived at work for 07:00h and began to make preparations for the day’s work. He said that a woman came and asked for some stain and he went to get it when he noticed fire coming out of a five-gallon can that was used to mix paint. Another employee was immediately notified. “He tell me to go and tell the boss and when I tell him he said throw sand on the fire.”
Bhopaul explained that as they threw about a half bucket of sand on the flames, some of the paint in the can pitched on the floor taking with it pockets of fire. As the flames grew larger,
another employee, Marlon Bhadur, said they decided to go outside for more sand in an attempt to put out the fire. “But when we come in back with the sand the fire did already start spread so we couldn’t do anything,” Bhadur said.
Hamid by that time had come downstairs and returned to get his wife. Bhadur told this publication that after Hamid realised his wife was already downstairs, he went back into the building claiming that he was going to get something but did not mention what it was. He was not seen alive again.
However, after members of the Guyana Fire Service were able to extinguish the blaze, relatives were later seen removing a quantity of jewellery and cash. The charred remains of Hamid’s body were later discovered next to where a door once stood. According to Bhadur, Hamid may have gone to that exit but then realised that it had not been opened for the day and was trapped. Only a part of the skull and some of the upper body bones were found.
Response
Officer-in-Charge, New Amsterdam Fire Service, Patrick Carmichael in an invited comment said a call was received at about 07:20h and three units responded. He said the three tenders also received assistance from GuySuCo’s Fire Department with one unit.
A neighbour whose house was partly damaged said when the fire started he was not at home but with the aid of friends who formed a bucket brigade, they were able to prevent total destruction of her property. Asif Kowlessar said when he was alerted, he tried to make it home but was prevented from doing so because of the intense heat. He said he was able to go around the block and jumped the back fence. By that time, his home was already on fire. “I bus the black tank and I start to throw water, me alone and then all dem boys come in the yard and start
to help and I thankful for that because now the house would have been flat on the ground,” Kowlessar related.
His mother, Bibi Shamshadeen, who lost the house she has lived in for more than 30 years noted that she was not aware that the house was on fire. “I turn to go and get a bottle and my son say Mummy run look what going on and when I go and look outside I see is fire”. She could not at the time say what was saved as she was taken to a place of safety. Seven persons lived in that house including a baby.
Fire spreads
Meanwhile, as the fire began to spread, it first jumped to an adjoining building to the bond which was also owned by Hamid and quickly engulfed the partly wooden structure. Next door, the Bhadur’s upon seeing the approaching danger made attempts to remove valuables from their home but only succeeded in removing a refrigerator and a mattress.
The intensity of the heat prevented the Bhadur’s from going close to the house which soon was on fire. According to Chandrika Bhadur, she watched helplessly. “Neighbours start hollering smoke, smoke so I run outside to see is where, but after they say Auybe, I rush in back… I don’t know the house go bun down. We so confused we ain’t know what to pick up… and heat...” That house was flatted and eight persons were left homeless.
Residents say when the fire service arrived, Bhadur’s home was not on fire but the fire fighters quickly utilised the water they arrived with on the buildings that were burning. According to the residents, the fire fighters were hampered in their attempt to get water from a nearby source because they had no gas to operate the pump. One eyewitness told this publication that fuel had to be purchased from a gas station in East Canje in order to operate the pump. Carmichael told Guyana
Times that he was unaware of that.
Armogan criticisms Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), David Armogan who along with other regional officials went to the scene expressed his sympathy and criticised the New Amsterdam Fire Service. Armogan said fire fighting officials should always be prepared. “Fire takes place at anytime… and if what these people are saying is true, it means that it is poor performance from the Fire Service. I understand that they took a while to get here.
Based on what the people are saying, I am extremely disappointed in the way the Fire Service has reacted to this particular fire. I am going to ask that the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene
so that we can pay some attention to the Fire Service and to make sure that these kinds of things do not happen again. Lots of people tend to blame Government for lapses like these but the Fire Service must give an account and be more efficient,” Armogan said.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo who was also in Berbice on Monday said that such a situation is unacceptable and offered sympathy to those affected on behalf of Government. Hamid, apart from the furniture factory, operated five stores under the name of Homeline Furnishing.
Zamila Hamid lost her home, husband and family business
Chandraka Bhadur and her family of eight is now homeless
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
As Indian Guyanese commemorate the 177th anniversary of their arrival to Guyana, they face the obligation, as citizens of this land that they make a choice in the selection of the government for the next five years.
Making such a choice implies that they have “political agency”. It was not always so: in fact until 1953, when universal franchise was introduced, the vast majority of Indian Guyanese had no say in the running of the country.
But their political impotence went beyond the performative power of choice: they were treated as political objects to be persuaded by the “leaden argument” - the bullet. From 1838 to 1948 it was not a question of “the bullet or the ballot”; it was “no ballots - just bullets”.
Even after the abolition of indentureship in 1917, whenever Indian Guyanese protested against the depredations against their contracted rights by the sugar industry - which was synonymous with the colonial state, called without irony, “Bookers Guyana” - it was the bullet.
The killings began in 1870 at Devonshire Castle in Essequibo, and did not end until the murder of another five sugar workers at Enmore in 1948. In between, the history of Guyana is punctuated with police shootings of Indian Guyanese at Non Pariel, Lusignan, Rose Hall, Ruimveldt, and Leonora - three dozen lives snuffed out for merely demanding their rights.
But history is dialectical and the underlying contradictions of society produce circumstances in which certain individuals become the instruments of the unfolding of historical forces.
Dr Cheddi Jagan arose out of the bleak economic and social landscape of the 1940s to offer Indian Guyanese - and indeed most of the rest of Guyana - an opportunity to move from being political objects to becoming political objects.
At the graveside of what became known as the “Enmore Martyrs”, Dr Jagan rejected the beckoning of the ruling stratum and made a vow to alleviate the sufferings of the “poor and the powerless”.
Before Dr Jagan, because the restricted franchise that only facilitated the propertied, Indian Guyanese social reformers and politicians like Dr Jang Bahadur Singh generally adopted a more accommodative and reformist stance towards the power elite of sugar interests and colonial interests.
Jagan led a direct assault on the bastions of political power and demonstrated to the previously excluded Indian Guyanese that through the ballot they could become political subjects rather than just objects.
But it was those same sugar workers that had brought about the change in British policy on political participation. Along with other sugar workers in the Caribbean, their protests convinced the colonial government that the old order had to go. Jagan formed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950.
The short, bright light between 1957 and 1962 when the PPP government was in office under “internal self government” gave Indians both pride in themselves as being equal politically with other citizens and also the opportunity to develop the nation through their own hard work - as for instance the rice industry, which was expanded by the Government.
The facts about the removal of the PPP Government by the CIA/PNC combine between 1962-1964 are too well known to be rehearsed. Indian Guyanese lost political agency as elections were rigged by the PNC from 1968-1985. But the dialectics of history move inexorably and with the return of “free and fair” elections in 1992, political agency was returned.
But a new situation was created. With the PNC in Opposition refusing to accept the results of democratic elections, they launched another version of “the leaded argument”. Street protests and arson segued into armed attacks on Indian- Guyanese businessmen and then on ordinary Indian Guyanese, by a gang based in the village of Buxton.
It was only firm leadership by the PPP/C Government of President Jagdeo and new Commissioner of Police Henry Greene that the situation was finally brought under control.
On this Arrival Day, Indian Guyanese have to decide whether they want to be political objects or political subjects.
Coalition doesn’t really care about people
Dear Editor,
The Opposition’s entire plan of operation is about themselves. They don’t really care about the people. Just look at their manifesto and you will find inconsistencies about what they said in Parliament and what now appears in the manifesto.
Constitution: For example, in the first 100 days, they would appoint a commission to study how to change the Constitution.
Why study it? There is nothing to study. The Burnham Constitution is bad. Just go back to the Constitution before Burnham. Clearly, you can’t trust the coalition! You don’t need 100 days. In one day, you vote to revert back to the British imposed Constitution.
In remember in 2011, the AFC said it would change the
Constitution. Then it linked up with PNC after the election. They had the majority but did not change the Constitution. Now they repeat the same thing. And if they win, don’t hold your breath they will change it.
Salaries: When the Opposition had the majority in Parliament for three years, they say they will reduce the salaries of the President and former President. They did not use their majority to vote to reduce it. It is no longer in the manifesto. They are confident they will win. So they don’t want to make changes in law that would affect their lifestyle.
More taxes and reduce pay for private workers: The Opposition did say they will raise salaries for 50,000 Government workers. Where will the money come from?
It will come from farmers, sugar workers, private businesses and their workers will have to pay more taxes so that Government workers can get salary increase. The private workers won’t get any increase. In fact, their salary will go down because they have to pay more taxes.
Pension: They argued in Parliament to reduce the pension of former Presidents. It is not in the manifesto because they want the pension for themselves confident they will win.
Money laundering: Guyana was sanctioned for not passing the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CTF) Bill. The Opposition was opposed to the Bill. Now they say they will pass it if they win a majority.
So why couldn’t they pass
it last year so Guyanese in the US, Canada and Britain could not be stopped from sending money for their relatives and friends?
Cut funds for Amerindians and rural areas: The Opposition chopped money appropriated for the Amerindians when in Parliament. They cut money for rural development. They voted against electricity subsidies while voted to give Linden free electricity. They threatened to close down the sugar industry which 20,000 families are tied. They blocked money to develop more house lots and soft loans to newlyweds. Development: There is no plan for development. How can we trust these people? They will destroy the country
Mahadeo Persaud
The choice you make on May 11 will determine Guyana’s future
Dear Editor,
As we approach Election Day 2015, I wish to share some thoughts which will hopefully guide you into making the right decision at the polls. This election is about you, your children, and generations yet to come.
The choice you make on May 11 will determine whether Guyana continues to progress and prosper as a nation, or whether we allow selfish, power-driven politicians to divide us again using race and ethnicity.
On May 11, you will determine the quality of life you and your loved ones will have moving forward. You will either vote for the continuation of democracy, or you will condemn our nation and fellow citizens to the dictatorship of military rule. The choice is clear and obvious, so don’t feel pressured.
I am aware that it may be dangerous for you to open-
ly show support now for the PPP/C and I’m not asking you to do so. But when you’re in the polling booth alone with just your conscious to guide you, I urge you to do the right thing and put Guyana first.
Politicians running for public office must earn your vote. It is no longer acceptable to assume that, because a candidate may be of the same ethnicity as you, they have your best interest at heart.
Politicians lie: They tell you things you want to hear; make promises they cannot keep; and portray themselves better than the others... that’s how they hope to win your vote. Your job is to separate the truth from the lies, and to chose the political party with the most credibility and experience to get the job done.
This is not as difficult as it appears. Most politicians and the political party they represent have a history of failures or accomplishments which
cannot be denied. Today, everything a public figure does can be seen in the press, on television, or on the internet almost instantaneously.
But it is also fair to compare the period of PNC rule to that of the PPP/C because all of the leading players in the APNU have served under the PNC during the worst economic disaster in our nation’s history. Those who fail to remember the past, are condemned to repeat it (George Santayana).
The track record of a candidate or political party will enable you to form an opinion on their ability to deliver the promises they make on the political platform and in the party’s manifesto.
This is what you must be guided by. Anyone can make promises; how realistic those promises can be converted to reality, must be carefully examined. It is common for a candidate to promise to reduce your taxes; raise salaries; re-
duce crime; end corruption; create jobs and end poverty. But who can actually deliver on those promises will have to have had, or played a vital role in an administration with a track record of getting things done; and a leader with the credibility and leadership skills to make it happen. It is not good enough for you to be told by a political party that they will deliver the best education and health care system in the country if elected, they must tell you how they will accomplish that; how many more trained teachers, nurses and doctors will be employed; how many more schools, health clinics and hospitals will be built; what after-school programmes will be implemented to keep our youths focused, off drugs and out of trouble; and most importantly, where will the money come from to achieve these objectives.
continue on page 5
The Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) embarked on a Social Cohesion Programme aimed at maintaining and fostering peace and harmony among political parties contesting the upcoming election. In this photo, UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa leads the charge followed by local religious leaders (Carl Croker photo)
What did Granger mean about Wismar?
Dear Editor, Guyana celebrates Arrival Day, and the East Indians will mark 177 years since their arrival in Guyana. This time another important occasion is at the country’s door, a national elections. There is no need to tell people who are the candidates or parties contesting the elections.
We know them all. We know also that people who wish to govern Guyana must behave properly at all times; they must be respectful to all people while they campaign.
Unfortunately, people have been told how a former President has been saying things that he should not. Someone even filed a court case against the former President.
But has anyone told the public what Mr David Granger, the coalition’s leader, said?
Well here it is: on March 14, in Linden, at a supposed “unity” rally, David Granger made the most racist, provocative, and disrespectful comment ever made in any elections since 1992.
He told the people in Linden: “Wismar, you can tell people what happened in the 1960s! I know some of you don’t like to talk about it because water will run from your eyes.”
So what was he talking about? Mr Dwarka Nath, the eminent historian, wrote this is “A History of Indians in Guyana”:
"In May 1964, the Negroes at Wismar formed themselves
into gangs and went to the business places and homes of the Indians and demanded the keys of the safety boxes and drawers in which they kept their cash, jewellery and other valuable articles.
"Shortly afterwards, a house at Third Alley was set on fire and soon the whole area became an inferno as the gangs roamed looting, burning and terrorizing the 1,600 Indians as they tried to escape.
"Every man, woman and child was attacked. The men brutally beaten and the clothes of the women and even girls of tender ages were ripped away. The women and girls were raped in full public view by gangs of men.”
This does not give the full
details, of course. For example, at least 1,600 East Indians had to be evacuated to Georgetown; some of whom ended up living as squatters on the East Coast of Demerara. There are people living there today who are direct descendants of these refugees.
So why would David Granger, in 2015 in the presence of East Indian politicians and supporters of his party and coalition, say this to East Indians across Guyana? It was a statement of profound racism. Why would he need to utter these statements when they point to rape and murder and arson and intimidation against East Indians?
Only a person with a hidden, silent motive would let
The choice you make on May 11...
How will they make up the shortfall in loss revenue if taxes are cut and benefits are increased?
When one examines the PPP/C manifesto, one sees a detailed blueprint for the direction President Donald Ramotar wants to take this country. The PPP/C has a proud and proven track record of nation building and improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese. Since 1992, they have completely rebuilt the nation’s infrastructure and economy that was totally destroyed by the PNC. Guyanese are better off today because of the prudent policies and sound management of our nation’s resources. Do you want to give this up to put the APNU-AFC in office who has no economic plan ready to implement but promised to have one ready in the first 100 days?
I don’t think so.
This is no time for onthe-job training. The PPP/C Administration has done tremendously well when one considers that the combined opposition APNU and AFC misused their one-seat majority in Parliament.
Among the casualties of the Joint Opposition budget cuts were: The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project; the Specialty Hospital; upgrading of Regional and District Hospitals, including those in Port Kaituma, Kwakwani, Linden and Bartica, and the Eye Surgery Operating Room at Linden.
They cut the Amerindian Development Fund and other Amerindian Programmes such as ATVs, tractors and solar panels. They cut the funding for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) modernisation project; Civil Aviation; and money to improve Hinterland Airstrips.
The cutting of $89.4 billion was unconscionable and clearly anti-development. Have you any idea how much more Guyana could have developed had the APNU-AFC not used you as collateral damage to spite the PPP/C Administration?
Ask yourself just one question: What has David Granger or Khemraj Ramjattan done to improve the quality of your life, or those in your community that voted APNU-AFC last election? And please don’t use the lame excuse that they’re not in gov-
ernment. Politics is mastering the art of compromise....
Either could have gone to the President and offer to support one of his pet projects in return for the government building one of their pet projects in their constituency. It would have been a win-win situation for both the government and the opposition.
But Granger and Ramjattan are both determined not to support development of any kind under the PPP/C even if it means cutting projects from the budget that would provide jobs; reduced your electricity bills; modernize our country; and provide opportunities that would have made life a lot easier for all of us.
By their own admission, the APNU/AFC has no plan, no vision, and they certainly have no hope of defeating the PPP/C at the polls. But we need you onboard if we’re to build our beloved Guyana as one nation, one people. With so much at stake, I urge you again to put Guyana first.
Let us put an end to racial politics and send a strong message to the APNU and AFC Members of Parliament, that
slip such a racist statement on a campaign stage. It does not matter what party one represents, it is just wrong. One cannot get “unity” in Guyana by mocking the Guyanese people and making reference to one of the most sensitive moments of their history. One does not have to be East Indian to be offended.
Further, there is no need for this kind of language in any campaign. Had this campaign been in the United States, he would have been asked to resign his candidacy. No question.
But in Guyana, Mr Granger is
protected by certain sections of the media. Hundreds of people heard him make this statement, this mock, and no one said anything.
Additionally, this writer wrote to two newspapers about it and they are yet to publish what was reported. Maybe they will after the elections. It is their idea of independent journalism.On Arrival Day people have to take guard against this kind of statement and ask their political representatives to address it.
Rakesh Rampertab
Does Moses “I’m not Indian” Nagamootoo think we should “bun dem out”?
From page 4
the next time you put them there, you expect them to find common ground with their colleagues in government to advance progress and development for all Guyanese.
Our nation simply cannot afford another obstructionist ‘do-nothing’ opposition in Parliament that is determined to impede progress. I therefore urge you to return the PPP/C with a clear mandate to govern and implement those projects that were torpedoed by the 10th Parliament.
Guyana needs the Amaila Falls Hydropower; the Specialty Hospital; a new international airport; a surfaced road to Brazil; a new bridge across the Demerara River; a deep water harbour in Berbice and a bridge linking us to Suriname.
These are some of the advancing transformational infrastructure planned to benefit our entire nation. You must agree that under the PPP/C, Guyana has progressed by leaps and bounds. On May 11, I simply ask that you vote for progress to continue. May God continue to bless Guyana!
Harry Gill
Dear Editor, Permit me to address my concerns about Mr Moses “I’m not Indian” Nagamootoo. In the upcoming election we’re asked to choose between the PPP/C, a party that has consistently represented the national interest both in and out of Government, and the PNC+Some Confused Non-Indian Kind-of -Indian But Not Really Sure Indians. We all know whom the PNC represents. And it’s not you. And it’s not me. But whom does Moses Nagamootoo represent?
This is quite relevant because I recently viewed a disturbing video of PNC supporters in South Georgetown pissing on a PPP/C party flag, setting it on fire, and then chanting “bun dem out.” For months now I’ve been hearing PNC supporters shouting: “It is time.” Now it appears that we are getting the other half of that chant: “Bun dem out.” So the PNC has finally told us their intentions: “It is time” to “bun dem out.”
But “bun” who out exactly?
Who gets “bun out” in Guyana and who does the “bunnin” from past experience? Every Indian in Guyana instinctively knows what “bun dem out” means. Our history does not fully record how many Indians have indeed
been “bun out” over the decades of PNC terrorism Guyana has been forced to endure. So Mr “I’m Not Indian” Nagamootoo must share with the nation his plans to deal with the very real threat of physical violence posed by his PNC bosses to the very people he is now courting for votes. Will these voters get “bun out” before or after the election? Before seems to be impolitic. After seems like the sensible thing to do. So Mr Nagamootoo, when will it be the appropriate time for the APNUAFC Government to “bun dem out”?
On May 11th, Guyana has a simple choice to make. Do you want to get “bun out” by APNUAFC or do you want peace, progress, and stability for another five years under a good though not perfect Government? The PPP/C and their supporters will not be “bunning out” anyone when the PPP/C wins. They will go back to the hard work of continuing to build Guyana from where the people’s national “bun dem out” party left us in 1992. That is the crucial difference Mr Nagamootoo. One party builds them up. Your party, the PNC, “buns dem out.”
Motilal Jairam
tuesday, may 5, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com
Hindu scriptures transcend race, colour and creed
“At this supremely dangerous moment in history, the only way of salvation is the ancient Hindu way. Here we have the attitude and spirit that can make it possible for the human race to grow together into a single family” - Sir Arnold Toynbee.
By CeCil RamkiRath
It is utterly sickening that a columnist in Kaieteur News recently made a very bigoted and disparaging statement, implying that ancient Hindu scripts denigrate dark – skinned people and Africans.
This is most reprehensible and nothing can be further from the truth. This was exactly the modus operandi of some of the early Indologists and missionaries hired by the East Indian Company who wrote scathing essays on the Bhagavad Gita, but who actually never read this supremely universal text.
There has been a long tradition to misconstrue, subvert, and demonize Hinduism, its tradition and culture, and as it has failed miserably in the past, so it will continue to fail in the future.
The ideas and messages enshrined in the scriptures of the oldest civilization in the world have stood the test of time because they are essentially timeless and appeal to the highest and noblest aspirations of man.
The word ‘Hindu’ occurs nowhere in the classical scriptures of Hinduism. It is derived from the word Sindhu, which is the name of a major river that flows in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.
The ancient Greeks and Armenians used to refer to the people living beyond the river Sindhu as Hindus and gradually the name stuck. The more apt and proper description is Dharma or Sanatan Dharma.
There is no English word that can convey the
real purport of what is really Dharma; the closest representation of what it means can be expressed in terms of duty, path of moral or righteous conduct, that which maintains, sustains and hold, the fixed unchanging universal law/ principle, etc.
But Dharma is beyond mere righteous conduct; it is the art of living to realize our essential nature which is SAT, CHIT, ANANDA [Truth, Consciousness and Bliss].
The classical Hindu texts from the 4 Vedas, the 108 Upanishads, the Vedanta Sutra, the Bhagavad Gita, the Epics [Ramayana and Mahabharata], the Itihasas and Puranas [histories] to the Dharma Sastras [law books], directly or indirectly, exhort us to realize the Self [the Atman], our real identity as distinct from the body, the mind, ego and intellect.
That Self [Atma] is the same in all beings, regardless of race, color, religion, social status etc. The Mundaka Upanishad expresses this beautifully: ‘Bright but hidden, the Self dwells in the heart/Everything that moves, breathes, opens and closes lives in the Self/He is the source of love/And may be known by love but not through thought/He is the goal of life/ Attain this goal’.
A seeker on this path sees no one as inferior or superior, demolishes all distinctions of race and color, and loves all beings [and not limited to humanity alone] with pure, unconditional love. In the Yajur Veda it is written: ‘The one who loves all intensely begins perceiving in all beings a part of himself/He becomes a lover of all/A part and parcel
of the Universal joy/He flows with the stream of happiness and is enriched by each soul.’
The sacred texts of Sanatan Dharma are the greatest gifts to humanity. They free the mind from fears and ignorance; provide a radical solution to all of life’s problems, and the attainment of complete freedom, peace and bliss. They are anchored in the perennial quest for the truth and nothing but the truth, and completely dismissive of all narrow sectarian concerns and tribalism.
They offer the real antidote to fanaticism and the fanatic spirit itself, which is wrecking so much havoc on our fair world today. The philosophy is grand and universal and embraces the essential unity and brotherhood of all mankind.
If this were not so, the great American philosopher and critic, Henry David Thoreau, would not have written thus: “In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seems so puny and trivial.”
The ancient texts mentioned a Varna System based on the innate tendencies, temperaments, karmas, and attributes of people, [but not on their birth], which exists all over the world and which is essential for social cohesion and growth. This has nothing to do with the caste system.
It is a great myth to say that the caste system is an intrinsic part of Hinduism. This myth is believed by corrupted
elements within Hinduism and is also propagated by elements outside Hinduism with the mischievous intent of proselytizing.
The degeneration and corruption of the Varna System into the oppressive caste system was the work of evil-minded people with vested interests, who crushed all norms of human behavior and human fellowship and distanced man from man.
The foreign invaders of India took advantage of this and corrupted it even more [most notorious being the British] to maintain their stronghold over the people.
Spirituality has absolutely nothing to do with fair color or dark color; it is the color of our thoughts, the color of our heart and mind and our consciousness that matters; these were the ideas and issues discussed in these ancient texts.
The ancient seers who lived the message enshrined in these texts had tremendous compassion for all beings; their love was universal and they mission was always the enlightment and redemption of mankind.
That same spirit was echoed by the great poet, philosopher and spiritual master, Rabindranath Tagore who wrote: “The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measure.
It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.”
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha turns back the pages of history –
in observance of Arrival Day
Every year on May 5, Guyana celebrates the arrival of East Indians to this country. Guyana, a former colony in which the British sugar plantations dominated the economy, recruited East Indians from India to have a reliable, sustained labour force. Between the years 1838-1917, 239,909 Indian workers arrived in the then British Guiana.
Even a casual look into history reveals the inhuman conditions, oppression and indignity suffered by our forebears. Life for them under the plantocracy was full of oppressive actions breaching every norm of human rights and replete with experiences of miseries which were not their expectations when they boarded the HESPERUS AND WITHBY on January 13, 1838. The fact that they surmounted must be attributed to their unflinching faith in their religion.
With the arrival of East Indians to the Crown Colony, the sugar industry progressed by leaps and bounds and, instead of importing, Guyana began exporting sugar. With the passage of time, the indentured labourers as they were designated, entered the field of business and as time passed, were qualified in the major professions of law, medicine, engineering and indeed almost every other field.
Indentureship opened a new chapter for Guyana, unfolding the brilliant Indian culture, which was maintained, sustained and practiced. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has been integral in the promotion and sustenance of numerous facets of that glorious culture. Over, the years, our annual arrival celebrations have reflected on the traditions of the past while celebrating our achievements.
Indentureship is an integral part of our history and the occasion ought to be celebrated with a national outlook. The arrival of Indians to Guyana brought with it a culture, a way of life and religion. These have contributed to the cultural richness of this land and must be guarded and zealously preserved and should never be seen as divisive. As we celebrate the 177th anniversary of our forebears, it is mandatory for us to reflect and contemplate on the significance of this historic occasion. On May 5 we shall remember them and applaud their unparalleled contributions to this land and the legacy they bequeathed to us.
The Sabha held beautiful and successful celebrations across the country organised by its Praants in Essequibo, Upper, Central and East Berbice and West Berbice characterised by spectacular cultural presentations, impressive exhibitions, traditional foods and large supportive audiences. The Sabha would like to congratulate all its Praants and the performers and thank the extremely supportive audiences.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s West Coast Demerara Praant takes great pleasure in inviting you and your family to join them today, May 5 at 18:00h at the Ocean View Mandir Compound, WCD for a grand Arrival Day celebration featuring performances by Dharmic Ntitya Sangh, Vishalie Sukram – winner of E-networks Emerging Voices competition, Aamir Khan, Mona Gowkarran, Rekha Singh, Sookrane Boodhoo and other talented singers, musicians and dance groups. Admission is free and there will be lots of tasty dishes, 7 curry and sweets, exhibits, mehendi and more. No alcohol is allowed.
Happy Arrival Day!
GECOM warns against “spurious” elections results
... as pressure mounts for arrest of APNU’s Bond
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday warned against “spurious” election results amid the public outrage over Attorney James Bond’s release of results from last Saturday’s Joint Services vote. Bond has since said that the figures were as a result of an exit poll he conducted following the Saturday polling, but
former President Bharrat Jagdeo said he must be arrested and charged.
Bond, on Saturday, hours after the Discipline Services would have voted, took to his Facebook page where he posted “from initial reports 98 per cent of the ballots cast by the Disciplined Forces have been for APNU+AFC. Imagine the ranks are openly stating they have voted for the coalition.”
When the criticisms came pouring in, particularly from the GECOM and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the irresponsible and misleading information, Bond defended his post stating that he had garnered his information from conducting an exit poll and it was not official information.
However, in a release
to the media on Monday, GECOM said that the duty of declaring the final official results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections rests exclusively with GECOM.
The Commission noted that any other information provided by any source(s) other than GECOM must not be considered as legitimate or valid by the citizenry.
“GECOM wishes to advise the public that only official elections results announced by GECOM are to be accepted. Any other claims to results would be spurious and unofficial.”
According to the election body, it will be conducting free, fair and transparent elections on May 11, 2015, and is therefore appealing to all stakeholders to peacefully accept the final official results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.
Exit polls
Additionally, the body has also issued a call for all individuals and groups purporting to conduct exit polls and announcing their ‘findings’, to desist from the potentially dangerous and reckless practice, since these utterances can lead to unrest and create further uneasiness in an environment which is already tense.
Moreover, the body said that while there is no specific law making exit polling an offence, the extant electoral laws and guidelines mandate that only GECOM is the sole legal authority to announce official election results in Guyana.
“In addition, it must be recognised that while there may be no specific laws making exit polling an offence, there are laws relating to the molestation of voters en-
tering and exiting polling stations. The secrecy of the Ballot must remain sacrosanct. In any case, the reliability of results emanating from an exit poll is dubious,
unreliable and very possibility inaccurate,” GECOM said. The election body said that it was working unremittingly to ensure it delivers elections that are free, fair, credible and transparent and every area of elections management is being competently and professionally managed by committed men and women, led by an experienced group of Commissioners.
Therefore, it is expecting that all political parties and their supporters must be cognisant and supportive of GECOM’s efforts to submit results that are accurate, and not contribute to any act that will stymie and undermine this process.
Desist
Meanwhile, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has warned the Opposition coalition to desist from issuing statements which it says will only serve to create confusion in the country. Speaking to media operatives on Monday
morning at the party’s headquarters, General Secretary Clement Rohee related that the party was particularly concerned about the statements which were made by Bond on Saturday when the Discipline Services voted.
According to Rohee, such statements can lead to serious trouble in the country as it continues unabated while noting that no excuse can justify such behaviour. “If all of us are to do exit poll and put it up on the Internet or wherever you want to put it… is share confusion and I don’t think it would end
so easily, because there is bound to be trouble in the streets of Georgetown… we don’t want confusion in this country, we better control ourselves,” Rohee said.
The General Secretary noted that the PPP/C is a mass political party and it has already sent out instructions to all of its polling agents to adhere to the rules of the Guyana Elections Commission and not to be misguided or distracted.
On Sunday Former President Bharrat Jagdeo called for Bond to be charged, insisting that what he did was illegal.
Polling Day declared National Holiday
May 11, the date set for the holding of General and Regional Elections in Guyana, has been proclaimed a public holiday by the Home Affairs Ministry.
In a press statement on Monday, the Public Affairs Department of the Ministry said “pursuance of the powers conferred on the Honorable Minister of Home Affairs by Section Six of the Public Holiday Act, the Minister has declared Monday, May 11, 2015 as a public holiday in observance of General and Regional Elections.”
President Donald Ramotar on January 20 announced the holding of General and Regional Elections for May 11, three months after he had prorogued Parliament, and only three years after he had been in office. Ideally, election was not constitutionally due until November, 2016.
Guyana elects on a national level a unicameral legislature– the National Assembly. The National Assembly has 65 members. Since 2001, the makeup of the National Assembly is that 25 members are elected via proportional representation from 10 Geographic Constituencies and 40 members are chosen also on the basis of proportional representation from national lists named by the political parties.
Prior to 2001, 53 members were elected for a fiveyear term by proportional representation and 12 members delegated by local government councils.
The President is elected for a five-year term on the basis of the parliamentary elections. Guyana has a two-party system, which means that there are two dominant political parties, those are the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) now turned A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.
In what is expected to be the largest showing over the past two elections, a total of eight political parties, including the PPP/C and APNU/AFC are expected to contest the May 11 General and Regional Elections.
The other six are The United Force (TUF) headed by Marissa Nadir; the United Republican Party (URP) with Vishnu Bandhu at the helm; the Independent Party (IP) led by Mark Benschop; Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP) guided by Alfred Parks; the Organisation for the Victory of the People Party (OVPP) under the leadership of Gerald Pereira; and the National Independence Party (NIP) headed by Attorney-atLaw Saphier Subedar Hussain. However, HTNTP and OVPP would only be contesting the Regional Elections.
As the parties presented their lists, the leaders all expressed confidence in making a good showing, with those of the major parties staking their belief in victory come Election Day.
James Bond
PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee
GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally
Providence accident victim succumbs
Relatives of 27-yearold Quincy Greene believe that his life could have been saved had he received prompt medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Greene died following an accident on Sunday evening at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The young man was taken to the hospital after he was struck down in the vicinity of the Stadium View Bar at about 22:00h on Sunday evening by a doctor attached to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
The driver reportedly lost control of his motor car and slammed into Greene who was travelling in the opposite direction. The car then crashed into another vehicle causing injuries to a minor who was an occupant of the car before ended up slamming into a util-
ity pole.
An injured Greene was taken to the hospital where he died at about 12:00h on Monday. Angry relatives flocked the hospital and voiced their concerns at the manner in which the young man was treated. One relative, Roschelle told Guyana Times that the young man was heading home after visiting his mother who lives in Mocha Arcadia, EBD when the accident occurred.
She explained that after he was taken to the hospital, the young man was left on one of the beds in the Accident and Emergency unit. The nurses there, she noted, treated the visible wounds but he was not seen by the doctor, although several hours had passed.
“When we arrived at the hospital, we were told that we had to get money to perform a CT Scan which we provide to the doctor… as
far as we are concerned, they doctors knew he was dead a long time ago by refused to inform the family”, she added.
The angry woman stated that her cousin’s head and body were swollen when they saw him after he died. However, an official from the GPHC confirmed
that Greene was admitted to the medical facility in a serious condition and while the doctors knew a CT scan was necessary, they had to wait for his condition to improve. The official also refuted claims that the doctors did not meet with the family, claiming that they were in constant contact with a male relative who was being briefed as to the patient’s condition. She confirmed that due to the seriousness of Greene’s injuries, the young man took his last breath at about 12:00h.
The doctors at the medical facility, she added, must be disciplined and the family is calling for a thorough investigation into the man’s death. Greene was described as a simple person who did not get into trouble. He was due to leave the country within a few weeks.
Alleged fraudster released on $200,000 bail
An alleged fraudster was bailed at the Magistrates’ Courts, on Monday, after being granted such by the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
The individual accused of fraud is 30-year-old Safraz Ally from 546 Extension Scheme, Essequibo.
The charges against him state that on September 4, 2013, while in the Georgetown Magisterial District, he was entrusted by the Virtual Complainant (VC), Ana Correia, with $2.6 million to buy and deliver two steel blade propel-
lers, a steering wheel, a 200 HP engine and a stembow boat. However, Ally is alleged to have fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.
Ally pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who informed the Court that his client has never been charged with a criminal offence nor have any other matter in court presently.
Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry was concerned about the lateness of the appearance of
the accused in Court, since the matter occurred in 2013. However, this was excused by an explanation from Court 1’s Prosecutor.
Magistrate SewnarineBeharry ordered for the delivery of the statements to the accused, releasing Ally on $200,000 bail with the condition that he report to the Officer-inCharge at the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) Headquarters every week from May 8, 2015.
The matter was transferred to Court 2 where Magistrate Ann McLennan presides.
Eyew tness
Guardians??...
P...so who will guard them?
NC youth leader Bevon Currie questions why former President Bharrat Jagdeo had to get info from a Colonel of the GDF rather than the Chief of Staff - Edward Collins. The info supplied led to Jagdeo "closing down the Military Criminal Investigation Department (MCID)" which Collins had created.
According to the former Colonel making the original charge, "The aim of this department was not only to go after the known criminal elements, but also to pursue the architects of the crime wave. Jagdeo ordered the closure of the MCID, thus bringing to an end the process that would have ended the criminal activities."
Jagdeo retorted that MCID was "reorganized"because the info given to him as Commander in Chief was "sterilized" by higher elements in the GDF hierarchy. Well... ummmm... duh!!!
You'd think Jagdeo's explanation was pretty simple, no?? But obviously not to PNC types. Let's spell it out a bit more explicitly - hoping that Currie reads it s-l-o-wl-y for comprehension.
Sometimes you have to tell a story by starting from the end. MCID was launched by Collins in the midst of the crime wave launched from its epicenter in Buxton. But look where Collins ended up in 2011 - in the illegal march by the PNC and its allies from the Square of the Revolution after a day's delay in the elections results!! Disobeying repeated pleas from the Police to desist, they forced the latter to fire pellets to disperse them.
Collins was - and is - PNC to the core...like his cohort Winston Felix, the Commissioner of Police who's a tad more direct in his politics. He's now a PNC MP and security maven for Granger.
And what's the import of all of this? Well if Collins wanted the GDF to "go after the criminals" how come he never reprimanded his soldiers based in Buxton for refusing to proceed in "hot pursuit" even when engaged by the criminals? Or when they were committing crimes in clear sight?
But yet MCID could wheel out all the way to the Corentyne to seize an AK-47 in a fowl pen - but never one of the 33 rifles missing from his GDF's armory. Well, part of the answer is found in the (in)famous tape of Felix with Basil Williams...boasting as to how he "headed off" his civilians bosses in Government from the Agricola Massacre of 2006. Remember Bannuh?
It's fortuitous for Collins that he was never taped. But for Jagdeo, being an East Coast fellow, he must've heeded the folk wisdom:
"A hint to Beneba mek Quashie tek notice."
...of communism
This fella Badal should stick to milling rice and fixing the Pegasus - now that the Marriott's shown him what a real top notch hotel should look and be like. But instead, driven by hate for the PPP/C because they wouldn't favour him, he's become a poster-boy for the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition.
He's on their list - a reward for being the chief contributor to FUCOP - Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency.
Anyhow, in a full paid ad in the paper of another FUCOP contributor - the MuckrakerKN - Badal claims the PPP/C's "guided by a backward communist ideology adopted and protected for the financial gain of a few"!! Can you believe this??
You can blame Marx and communism for a lot of things - but "financial gain of a few"?? Jeez...who let the dogs out??!!
If Badal wants to know about "communist" tendencies - he should read the APNU/AFC Manifesto...s-l-o-w-l-y also. See the bit about Government getting into business, Badal? That's communist. You'd better look out!
...of soul
Can you believe that two of the icons of soul and R&B - Percy Sledge and Ben E King - passed away last week? One thing for sure - they don't make 'em like that anymore. RIP.
Quincy Greene
Safraz Ally
Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis dies in road accident
Former national and World Welterweight Champion, Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis was killed Monday afternoon when his motorcycle crashed into a car on the Hope, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road.
The 44-year-old boxer of Lot 120 Section A Daimond, EBD was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre after sustaining severe head injuries.
According to information reaching Guyana Times the now dead boxer, who recently took up residency in Hutson Ville on the East Bank, was on his way home when the accident occurred.
In a statement Police said that investigations have revealed that Lewis was riding a bicycle, when it is alleged that he suddenly turned across the road and was struck down by a motor vehicle.
He was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced DOA. The driver of the motor vehicle is in police custody assisting with the inves-
tigations.
An eyewitness recalled passing him on the road and shortly after saw him turning in front of a car. Lewis, he stated, sustained life threatening injuries to his head and upper body and would have lost a lot of blood. He was taken to the hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Guyana Times understands that several of the boxer’s family members and friends flocked the medical facility upon receiving the news of his death.
One woman (Odessa) who claimed to be a good friend of the now dead boxer stated that she was in shock upon receiving the news that he was critical after meeting in an accident.
She said that by the time she rushed to the hospital, she received the devastating news that he had passed away. Attempts to get a comment from his close relatives proved futile.
Meanwhile in a press statement, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry said it “was deeply saddened by the news of the passing
of one of Guyana’s greatest athletes in the boxing ring.”
In expressing condolences to Lewis’ family, the Ministry recalled that it was after Lewis was deemed the WBA World Welterweight Campion in 2001, that he became a popular fighter on HBO due to his exciting fighting style.
“Lewis’ rise to fame as the former Guyana and International Boxing Champion placed us on the international scene in terms of boxing. After turning pro in 1993, with 8-0-1 in his first nine bouts (all by knock out) under his belt; Lewis moved to the USA where he continued his knock out record.
Meanwhile, joining the tribute the APNU/AFC Coalition expressed deep sadness on the tragic passing of Lewis.
“Six Head’s untimely passing has shocked us all. We express deepest condolences to his family, relatives, friends and fans and commit to ensuring that his legacy as a world champion is suitably acknowledged and honoured. He was a
friend of the Coalition and endorsed us for the upcoming elections,” Co-chairman of the It Is Time Campaign Raphael Trotman said. “His tragic passing reminds us that road fatalities is a national crisis which requires urgent remedial action and it is part of the APNU+AFC’s manifesto to address this scourge,” Trotman added
“Six Heads” was one of the first Guyanese boxers to headline at the MGM Grand
in Las Vegas, and as can be expected he did not disappoint in that fight against former welterweight champion James Page. It was in the seventh round that Lewis delivered his winning punch which saw him earning a world title. For many of us, that was the fight of the century because we were seeing one of our own in an international boxing ring.”
Following that win, the Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis boxing gym located at Callender Street, Albouystown was opened in his honour. “We are grateful for the foundation laid by Andrew Lewis for young Guyanese boxers. It is our hope that Lewis’s legacy will be honoured by all Guyanese boxers in and out of Guyana,” the Sport Ministry added.
Lewis became the first Guyanese boxer to capture the WBC Welterweight title in 2001 after defeating James Page.
Upon his return to Guyana, he was given a hero’s welcome and was showered with gifts from the
Government and business community, including a house lot at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. However, in 2003 Lewis challenged WBO Welterweight Champion Mexican Antonio Margarito, but was knocked out in the second round.
From 2005 to 2007, Lewis battled Denny Dalton in a series of three fights for the Guyanese Light Middleweight Titles.
Due to humiliating situations at the centre of the ring, Lewis never got back to where it was when he won his first title.
Lewis returned to the ring almost 12 months to the day from this embarrassment to defeat Dalton, claiming the Guyanese Light Middleweight Title. This would prove to be the final victory of his career, which ended in October 2008 when he dropped a split decision to Howard Eastman. The boxer leaves to mourn his reputed wife and two children.
The driver of the motor car was taken into Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
Former national and World Welterweight Champion, Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis
Nigel Hughes condemns vulgarity by APNU/AFC supporters
Executive member of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, Nigel Hughes has condemned acts of vulgarity and indecency by supporters following last week’s attacks on a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) meeting at Warlock, West Ruimveldt.
Speaking at a public meeting at Fyrish, Corentyne on Sunday evening, Hughes, a candidate of the coalition condemned all acts of provocation during these election campaigns. In a statement, the coalition said Hughes was forthright in his comments, saying that no act of harassment,
intimidation or indecency will be tolerated as the APNU+AFC coalition holds itself to a higher standard.
“Tonight we condemn all acts of indecency and disrespect. Whether it’s urinating on someone’s flag, burning someone’s flag or any other similar act,” Hughes told the large crowd. “We must hold ourselves to higher standards than we expect of others. We are better than that.” Hughes added.
Meanwhile, the coalition said over the weekend it had one of its billboards defaced with a liquid substance. This occurred at Coldigen, on the East Coast of Demerara.
“On Friday last, the coalition had also publicly condemned what it alleged as the vile and utterly reprehensible PPP tactic of persons being paid to pose as APNU+AFC coalition supporters and intimidating Indo-Guyanese in an effort to engender ethnic mistrust among our people.
“The APNU+AFC coalition makes it clear that this provocation and intimidation is intended to benefit the PPP/C and the Coalition stands to derive
no benefit whatsoever from it. The Coalition will never engage in these gutter tactics, which are synonymous with the fear mongering and hate campaign being run by the PPP/C.”
Hours after Presidential Candidate for the coalition David Granger signed the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Code of Conduct for Political Parties contesting the upcoming election, his party supporters were responsible for disrupting a public meeting of the PPP/C at Warlock, East Ruimveldt last Wednesday night.
By signing the Code, Granger gave his party’s commitment to condemning all forms of violence, attacks of aggression and inappropriate behaviour while campaigning ahead of the May 11 polls. He also committed to the non-destruction of campaign materials of other parties and non-intimidation of political opponents.
But before the ink could have dried there was “war” in Warlock, as the coalition’s supporters, dressed in their APNU/AFC colours swooped down on the meeting and threw stones and broken bottles at Dr Roger Luncheon, Trade Unionist Gillian Burton-Persaud, and Odinga Lumumba.
The coalition’s supporters were documented as burning the PPP/C’s flag and other campaign material as they protested the holding of the meeting in their community.
The PNC-led APNU/ AFC supporters were also documented hurling verbal and other slurs at those present at the meeting. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday told a news conference that the acts of the party’s supporters are indicative of the desperate levels to which the coalition had allowed itself to plummet because it was conscious of an overwhelming defeat looming at the polls.
“I would like the country to see how organised the thuggery is… why do you have to come to our meetings and stone people who speak at our meetings, it’s only an act of desperation that would cause you to do this,” Jagdeo explained before telling Guyanese that “we have to condemn this in the strongest term and we hope GECOM and the international observers are paying attention to this”.
Jagdeo said that these acts should not be seen in isolation as he pointed out instances where the PPP/C campaign material was damaged and other members stoned by support-
63-year old woman remanded to prison
Aers of the coalition in other stronghold communities.
“We see this as desperation on the part of Mr Granger and the desperation is further compounded by the acts of thuggery and the acts of hooliganism that we see from some of their supporters,” he alleged.
The former President believes strongly that the coalition’s Presidential Candidate is taking his supporters down a dangerous path, as he pointed to the rhetoric that Granger is using on the campaign trail which he said in itself is sending a clear message to Guyanese about what to expect after elections.
n elderly woman was, on Monday, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry, after she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of possession of narcotics.
Patsy Baptiste, a 63year old resident of 963 16th Street Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on April 30, she was found to be in possession of 16 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that on the day in question at 14:30h, while acting on informa-
tion received, ranks of the Guyana Police Force went to the woman’s house where a search was conducted.
During the search, the substance was found and the woman told the ranks that
she purchased the drugs to resell as “to make a living”. Prosecution thereby made an objection to bail.
The woman’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes, made an application for bail citing that the woman suffers from a disability and is not a flight risk.
According to Hughes, on the day in question, the substance was not found in her presence and but was found in a house that she shares with her children.
Bail was denied and the woman was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrates’ Court where the woman will make an appearance on May 6.
APNU/AFC Executive member Nigel Hughes
Patsy Baptiste
tuesday, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
PPP/C candidate says “no way” to return of National Service
Deputy Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (Demerara, West Berbice) Gobind Singh said youths in Guyana do not need a replay of the Guyana National Service (GNS) here , as they are all innovative and are able to create a bright future for themselves.
Gobin was among the speakers at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally Sunday evening at Bath Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), where thousands had gathered to hear of the incumbent’s plans for development should it be reelected to office on May 11.
While Gobin spoke of Government’s vision for the region, he was particular in his focus on youths; Guyanese, who he said, are the present and future of the country. The 1980
Constitution of Guyana defines National Service as "service in any disciplined force, a principal purpose
of which is the training of people with a view to advancing the economic development of Guyana." It orig-
inally effected only those persons wishing to gain a University degree but since 1982 had become a prereq-
uisite to access to secondary education.
The consequences for not participating in the National Service range from restricted access to higher education at the lower level to the refusal to grant a degree at the University level.
Gobin told the huge crowd that Guyana has enough to offer its youths, and the PPP/C was doing just that with the opportunities offered. He said there was no need for the National Service which had defined the youth in times past.
“Young people are innovative and creative, they are the leaders of today and tomorrow and that is why the PPP/C will continue to empower young people in the educational sector, so that they could produce more entrepreneurs in Guyana and Region Five.”
He said over the next five years, new projects will be created to aid in economic development of the region. Gobind boasted about the over 1000 trained young persons in technical and vocational areas, who are ready for the job market in the region.
Gobind related that with the over 1.8 billion young people around the world, 90 per cent includes youths who live in developing countries, noting that Guyana is no exception.
He urged the crowd to ensure that they cast their votes on May 11, so that the party could have a huge victory and continue the development.
Speaking also at the rally was former Miss World India Roshini Boodhoo, who is also a candidate on the party’s list.
In keeping with her platform, which is based on the young generation, Boodhoo said the party creates opportunities for every single person.
“Our party is the party of diversity and mixture. Our party has the young people’s interests at heart. Our party guarantees a better life for you and your family. I can already envision a brighter future under the leadership of President Donald Ramotar and our Prime Minister Elisabeth Harper. I’m confident that these two phenomenal human beings will continue to steer us along the path of peace, progress and prosperity,” Boodhoo said to loud cheers and applause.
She said the PPP/C’s list is “flourished with more than 40 per cent of young people because the PPP/C believes in the terminology that children are the future.” She encouraged the youths to educate themselves on the history of the country.
“We stress on the history because it is somewhere we
never want to go back to,” the former pageant queen said.
“We should note that the PPP/C has a history of commitment to young people. Its founding leaders were very young people. Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and others were very young when they started the political movement for freedom, a movement that still exists today as the PPP/C, a name it had from the beginning.”
She spoke of the strides made by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who became the youngest
Minister in that Ministry ever in Guyana; Priya Manickchand as another young leader who was appointed a Minister in 2006, and “we must not forget that the PPP/C broke all records in the world in 1999, when Bharrat Jagdeo, at the age of 35 was selected to be President of Guyana and was the world’s youngest President. He served 12 years in that position and Guyana had its most robust period of development during this young leader’s term.”
She said Guyana has been able to access universal nursery and primary education, and is well on its way to achieving universal access to secondary education.
The education system is one of the most important areas in youth development. Access to scholarships to study for professional careers locally and abroad has grown tremendously under the PPP/C since 1992. The number of doctors, engineers, accountants, lawyers and other professionals today places Guyana ahead of many richer countries in terms of the numbers of these professionals.
Similarly, Bodhoo said, the number of businesses owned by young people which have sprung up throughout Guyana, has reached unprecedented levels. Home ownership, vehicle ownership and the general ownership of property by young people in Guyana rank high in the world.
A section of the massive gathering at the PPP/C Bath rally on Sunday
PPP/C candidate Roshini Boodhoo
tuesDay, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Defining the Indian self, as we
By Dr Baytoram ramharack
[“coolies” we call them, whether they were labourers or eventually became doctors or barristers or Civil Servants] – Edgar Mittelholzer, A Swarthy Boy
As we celebrate the 177th anniversary of Indian presence in Guyana, it is worthwhile to reflect on whether the modern Indian leader has succeeded in capturing the imagination of his people, as an early leader Joseph Ruhomon challenged them.
While stumping on the political campaign trail at a community meeting in New York on March 22, Moses Nagamootoo, the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC ) (APNU+AFC) coalition, made a statement to the effect that “I am not an Indian” but a “Guyanese”. Moses, a previously long-serving member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was making reference to a trip he made to the land of his ancestral lineage, India, where he was presented with a community award, courtesy of the Global
Dr Cheddi Jagan
Organisation of the People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).
The award is presented annually to Indians outside of India recognised for their work geared towards improving the lives of Indians in the Diaspora. Moses was presenting himself as the ideal “multi-racial” political candidate. It was convenient, or so he felt, to place emphasis on his Guyanese nationality (the land of his birth) while de-emphasising his race/ethnicity (the cultural aspect of what historically defines him as a person). One can argue, as some have done on his behalf, that Moses was consciously making a
political statement, namely that he is entitled to legitimate political space within the inviting arms of the APNU/ AFC because he shared a lot in common with the supporters of the largely African supporters of David Granger and the APNU.
His followers contend also that Moses is an Indian at heart, and that he was demanding loyalty to Guyana, not loyalty to one’s ethnic self. After all, he grew up in a predominantly Indian village and he wrote a narrative, Hedree’s Cure, extolling the virtues of the Madrasi culture (originating from the state of Tamil Nadu in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent) of which he claims to be a part.
It is ironic that Moses did not embark on what could have been a more acceptable or defensible position, namely by reaffirming his “Indianness” or his pride in being an “Indo-Guyanese” or whatever appropriate term defines his “self” as a member of an ethnic group. One might argue that he would have been hard-pressed to do so, given that he was very outspoken about his declared political mission to deliver “11 per cent” of the Indians to coalesce with APNU’s guaranteed 40 per cent Africans to give his “coalition” a vic-
tory at the upcoming elections. This would have served him well had he assured the Indians that he was reaffirming his Indian ethnicity, and he is working to secure Indian interests and security in a coalition dominated by a party viewed with deep suspicion by Indians, given the atrocities associated with the PNC from 1964-1992. Moses’ statement invites examination, particularly in light of the fact that Indians are celebrating the 177th anniversary of Indian presence in Guyana since the Whitby and Herperus landed in the British colony in 1838. On hindsight, it is tempting to excuse Moses for his confusion (or naivity?) and argue that he knew better, but that he felt compelled to pander to his new found leader, and his African compatriots. However, this is most likely not the case, especially when considering that his comments were reflective of a much broader and prevailing trend among Indian political leaders in the region. After all, he went even further in extolling his “multi-racial” values. His declaration was followed by a number of statements characterising his background as one defined by endearing associations with Africans, a relationship that stretched as far back as his child-
birth and growing up in the predominantly Indian village of Whim on the Corentyne. He pointed to his childbirth delivery by an Afro-Guyanese village mid-wife and of being schooled by Afro-Guyanese teachers and growing up with APNU’s leader in the ancient county.
Moses definition of himself as a Guyanese (citizenship in the land of his birth) as distinct from his ethnic background (definition of self), was a consciously constructed attempt to deny rather than preserve his Indian ethnicity. This has historically been a common trend in the West Indies among Indian leaders.
The experiences of other leaders are sufficient to easily identify this trend. Consider, for example, the experience of Dr Winston Mahabir, a founding member with Dr Eric Williams of the People’s National Movement (PNM) in Trinidad. After denying that he as “an Indian” to Nehru on a visit to India, he witnessed the obduracy for years by Williams towards Indians.
Many years later, Dr Mahabir, seeking forgiveness from Indians for his mistakes, apologised for confusing his nationality and geographical location of his birth with that of his ethnicity, as well as for his cowardly refusal
Dr Walter
to confront paranoid ing Indians. had already nessing Nagamootoo of time lighten
The is far from ilarity Africans plex to cept of integrate
tuesDay, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
we commemorate 177th Arrival
predomion the childAfro-Guyanese schooled and growthe anhimself as a land of ethnic self), was attempt to Indian historically been Indies leaders are trend. experience founding Williams of the (PNM) in he as “an India, he years by Mahabir, Indians for confusing geographical locaethnicrefusal
to confront and challenge Dr Williams’ paranoid and racial suspicions regarding Indians. But by then, the damage had already been done. Are we witnessing a similar trend with Moses Nagamootoo in Guyana? The passage
of time and history will certainly enlighten us on this issue.
The Indian experience in Guyana is far from being one that bears similarity with the African experience. Africans have moved beyond this complex to establish a more defined concept of “self”, a definition that seeks to integrate citizenship with culture and
ethnicity. Their experience with slavery and racism have inspired movements like the Negritude or Black Power movements in the Caribbean that have led to an afrocentric perspective that goes far beyond the definition of citizenship.
It is common among Africans to perceive the Caribbean region as one which should be “rightfully” dominated and managed by Africans and their feelings of nationalism extend well beyond the Caribbean region. Walter Rodney, for instance, the AfricanGuyanese scholar and political activist described himself in clear terms as “a Guyanese, a black man, and an African” in a political speech he made in Jamaica during the Black Power movement before he was declared persona non grata. This reality is vastly different when we compare Mahabir’s and Moses’ definition of self.
There is an ongoing fear among Indians of retribution from others to even contemplate the thought of publicly expressing support for their ethnic identity. In his autobiography detailing his political experience with the PNM, Dr Mahabir, described a political meeting at a PNM rally in Chaguanas, where he was vilified by Indians in the audience because of his
support for the PNM, an “African party”. He made it a point to emphasise: “You are Trinidadians first; Indians; Africans, or whatever you are second; Hindus, Catholics, Muslims, etc afterwards”. These words could have easily been attributed to Moses. Rodney defined himself as Guyanese, but he did not ignore his African lineage or his pride in being African.
Organisational and political leaders are in a unique position to shape our perspective of who we are. In the Guyanese context, much has been written about Cheddi Jagan’s Indian orientation and his contribution to the Guyanese political culture, as well as the Indian imagination and the definition of self. Jagan himself placed a premium on his political ideological orientation rather than his cultural ethnicity.
Jagan saw the identity of Indians as coloured by a history of exploitation of Indian indentureship and the subjugation of the Indian working class by rich landowners and the British colonials. Being pre-disposed ideologically to look for class conflicts and contradictions in the historical dialectical process meant that Jagan was disinclined to examine conflicts rooted in the development of ethnic communi-
ties. Understandably, contradictions based on race/ethnicity, were epiphenomenal for Jagan, if not incidental, and were ultimately class based. Jagan, however, was clear in his understanding of the experience of Africans and Indians in Guyana, and he admitted to being inspired by India’s Jawaharlal Nehru. He wrote glowingly about the contributions of the two major ethnic groups, Africans and Indians, to the historical development of Guyana. It is well known too that Jagan’s initial entry into Guyanese national politics started with his brief association with Indian oriented organisations, including the British Guiana East Indian Association and the Man Power Citizen’s Association.
The challenge for Indians as they celebrate the 177th anniversary of their presence in Guyana should centre around several basic questions, one of which stands out: How can Indians accept the issue of “multiracialism” and build upon a definition of “self” where Indians, regardless of their affiliations and ideological orientation can speak with a unified voice on central issues that affect them? This will not be an easy task for political leaders, especially since the critical mass needed to propel this movement seems
to be lacking at the leadership and organisational level.
In other words, the question can be asked: “Who speak for Indians in Guyana today?” and “Which organisation can credibly articulate and represent the dominant interests of Indians?” This would mean that
some unresolved issued have to be addressed. For one, politics for Indians must be seen as a genuine career path, a game-changer if you will, and a serious vocation.
Moses Nagamootoo
Dr Walter Rodney
tuesDay, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
IRO advocates for peaceful elections
The Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has embarked on a Social Cohesion Programme aimed at maintaining and fostering peace and harmony among political parties contesting the elections.
At a ceremony held at the Impeccable Banquet Hall on Monday, faith-based leaders highlighted the importance of securing love, respect, peace and harmony at the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
The IRO Public Relations Officer, Wendell Jeffrey said
that the call for social cohesion is one enshrined in the nation’s motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
According to the religious leaders, irrelevant matters will be tossed into national discussions such as race, social status and age among others but the nation should denounce such rhetoric.
The members have been working collectively in anticipation of the upcoming elections, urging citizens to maintain peace and harmony.
According to the faithbased leaders, persons should entertain peaceful thoughts, purify their souls, radiate love and respect among persons in their homes and workplaces,
and also pray that God guide their intellect in the right direction.
In her address, UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa called on Guyanese to stay away from “the racial lines as much as they can.”
“You may have different ethnic backgrounds but if you do not work as one people and love each other, you are always going to be not as united as a nation. The most important thing is to work to unite the nation and to unite the communities and bring peace and harmony among each other,” she said.
She further pointed out that persons living in
the mixed community of Queenstown would have created an association where residents interact and address community related issues.
Musa said that it is important for other communities to follow suit, so that persons can be educated on the various societal aspects thus, promoting at the same time, dialogue among all races which can be transferred into newly integrated communities.
She stated that it is her belief that after signing the code of conduct by the political parties they will abide to each rule so that a good and transparent election will prevail.
In linking Guyana’s elections with other countries, it was indicated that in India, there is always a peaceful electoral process and Guyana should seek to maintain that practice here as well.
Meanwhile, Pastor Ronald McGarrell, Chairman of the IRO, said that the presence of the Peace Pact in 2006 had seen a peaceful election in Guyana.
He further pointed out that countries like Jamaica, India and Ghana had used Peace Pacts and subsequently initiated Peace Pledges which were signed by citizens to ensure peaceful elections.
Pastor McGarrell expressed the hope that political
parties contesting the upcoming elections will pay keen attention to the peace pact and act within their realms. He said it is important for the nation to institutionalise the culture of peace within the society.
Having pledged to work with the UNDP, the faithbased leaders noted that they will do as much as they can and act within their power to maintain and uplift harmony and social cohesion in Guyana.
This move, by the organisations, is seen as a tactical effort to make certain that peaceful and responsible political campaigning and elections are held in Guyana.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress
2015 Arrival Day Message
GTUC congratulates all Guyanese as we mark another Arrival Day. For we, more than most, can truly celebrate the diversity of ‘The People Who Came’. GTUC commends the idea of identifying a day where the various ethnic groups can together reflect on their arrival and contributions in the building of this nation. Arrival Day offers this nation the opportunity to continue forging a Guyanese culture built on our motto – One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
Guyana’s various inhabitants have forged alliances, in that today we can celebrate six peoples – Amerindian, African, Chinese, European, East Indian and the Portuguese – and the wonderful mix of
cultures commonly known as the ‘Guyanese way’. In 2015, we reflect on the road we have travelled since the Arrival Day proclamation. Our collective wellbeing is reliant on forging a culture guided by spirit and intent to make Guyana a land where all – regardless of how we arrived – can proudly call home and work in a spirit of national unity and nation building.
GTUC calls for the preservation of the spirit and intent of this holiday less this nation be robbed a glorious opportunity for all groups to see themselves and be treated as equals in society. GTUC in congratulating the nation urges every group to safeguard what unites us.
Defining the Indian...
from page 17
There are few Indian political leaders in our midst who can claim legitimacy to an understanding of the Indian psyche, much less the Indian interests, although this is slowly changing. Two, in the case of Guyana, the perception, even among some Indians, is that “being Guyanese” trumps “ethnicity”.
There is no need to dichotomise the two. One cannot be so blind as to not being able take note of the current overwhelming criticism by the “free media” and Internet blogs regarding the PPP, and by definition, of Indians, who now are being dubbed as “racists”, “cheerleaders” and “apologists”, all because they choose to overwhelmingly support the PPP, as the party that champions their cause, as well as their interest. And, here is the irony of it all – as Swami Aksharananda noted, Africans who champion the cause of African-Guyanese are seen as promoting “African pride”. Indians have allowed Africans to mo-
nopolise the debate on ethnicity and to define the role of Indians in Guyana, rather than Indians being able to define their own role as they see fit.
After 177 years of struggling with others to develop the land that was once a wasteland the cards still remain stacked against the Indians, not just in Guyana, but in other parts of the Caribbean. The perception that still lingers in the minds of some is that of Indians as interlopers and immigrants, rather than one that portrays a proud people who legitimately has long earned a permanent place in the region. For Indians, the spark for such a transformation of mind can start with a shedding of the badge of inferiority and shame of self which started with indenture. There has long been a need, or rather, a forgotten demand, as Joseph Ruhomon noted, for the continued reshaping of the Indian imagination to meet the challenges they face in a plural society.
tuesDay, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
tuesday, may 5, 2015|
May 11 is about “builders vs destroyers” – Rohee
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Clement Rohee on Sunday told thousands of party supporters at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) that while the party envisages a bright future ahead, it must win back the votes that they lost to the Alliance for Change in the 2011 General and Regional Elections.
He disclosed that over 3000 voters in Region Five voted for the AFC and it is time to reclaim those votes this time around. Rohee went on to say that the 2015 election will see 6409 persons voting for the first time, thus encouraging the huge gathering to work with the party in securing those vital votes. In addition, he recounted that in the last election, some 6899 eligible voters stayed away and did not exercise their franchise. On this note, he encouraged those present, that if they want to experience continued progress, then they must come out and cast their ballots on May 11.
He also noted that in the last election, over 13,000 persons voted for the PPP/C, but this time the party is expecting much more in order to secure a majority in Parliament. He told the gathering that the time has come to fight with Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar in making sure that the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led-A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) does not get into power since all
that the present administration has done will be ruined.
“In these elections, it’s about the builders versus the destroyers; we are the builders, they are the destroyers; we want to go forward but they want us to go backwards… comrades on this occasion, our victory must be so convincing, our victory must be so unquestionable, that no one will doubt that the PPP/C has won the elections”.
The General Secretary noted that their opponents are no strangers to the creation of unrest, making reference to a recent incident where a former Parliamentarian, James Bond declared that the APNU/AFC would have secured more than 90 per cent of the votes cast by the Disciplined Services. He questioned the motive for the Facebook post and also how he obtained the results even before the votes were counted. “They are trying to inter-
fere in the electoral process and are trying to create mischief but the PPP/C will not allow them,” Rohee said.
Rohee, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, recalled that in 1997, the PNC robbed former President Janet Jagan two years into her tenure and again in 2014, they have robbed President Ramotar; one and a half years while at the same time stifling the economy by blocking most of the developmental projects put forward by the present administration. “This time is not long time… and we must show them that this time is not long time… we are ready for the battle”.
He also highlighted that several of their billboards and other materials are being destroyed by Opposition supporters but the most distasteful were the burning of the party flag which has historic meaning and the urinating on the party flag incident. “That is the type of vulgarity that we have in this country coming from the Opposition… comrades we have to expose them, let the international community know who are these people… If we only allow them to get into office, they will wee wee on we”, he stated.
Finally, he stated that with all the maneeuvring that is taking place by the APNU/AFC, the time has come for the PPP/C supporters to go out and encourage all eligible voters to cast their votes on May 11 so that they can secure a brighter future for them, their children and other generations to follow.
Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) in collaboration with SEVAGuyana and the Cornelia Ida temple, held its ninth national blood drive over the weekend to commemorate 177 years of the arrival of East Indian ancestors to this beautiful land, Guyana. The blood drive ran for two days – May 2-3 – commencing at 07:00h and concluding at 19:00h on both days.
As some of us may know, this is not anything new to the school’s calendar of events. The history of shouldering this social responsibility dates back to the year 2007 when a total of 76 units were donated. In that year, the blood drive was held in Georgetown. From the year 2008 onwards, it was held at the school’s premises and grew to as much as 176 units donated for that year.
For the years 2007-2011,
the blood drive was held once a year, but in 2012 it was decided that the blood drive would be held twice per year; the first in May to commemorate the arrival of East Indians and the other in November to celebrate Deepavali.
The ninth national blood drive was a resounding success, with students recruited over 900 possible donors. Many donors were also contacted via telephone. This time around, 570 units were donated, falling just 30 units short of the target. This bettered the previous record of 551 units donated at the Divali bood drive of 2013.
The Principal of Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Swami Aksharananda Ji indicated that this blood donation drive accounts for approximately 10 per cent of the national need.
Apart from the voluntary
donors and the students without whom this event could have never been a success, there were a number of other persons working tirelessly to ensure that plans were executed in the best possible way, with support coming from the National Blood Transfusion Service, the teachers from SVN, members of the Cornelia Ida temple and the village at large was tremendous. Each blood donor received a certificate of appreciation upon making their contribution. Involving students in activities such as these only serves as a mechanism to teach them the importance of giving back to society in a priceless way. Instilling such values at a young age sets a strong foundation to build a selfless society. Giving blood means saving lives.
Man found dead at Dundee
The battered body of a man was, on Sunday evening, found along the Novar Mahaicony Roadway. He is suspected to have been a victim of a hit and run accident. The discovery was found by passersby at around 21:30h.
The man whose name was given as ‘Baitee’ formerly of Whim Village, Corentyne Berbice and of Dundee Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara was taken
to the Georgetown Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to reports received, the man sells fish in the area and would normally consume alcohol on a regular basis. Guyana Times understands that the man was last seen leaving a popular drinking spot and was highly intoxicated.
A resident told this publication that at around the same time of the alleged in-
cident, traffic was heavy on the roadway due to a massive rally at Bath, Berbice. She however, did not know the correct name of the man who is commonly known as ‘Baitee’ to residents. The fisherman appeared to be in his thirties, slim, brown in complexion and about 5’ 6” in height. The body is at the GPHC mortuary awaiting identification. The Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee
Presidential 2-term limit
Possible ruling set for Tuesday
The legal proceedings, challenging the presidential term limit, was called up again on Monday at the High Court however the matter further adjourned until next week to facilitate submissions from the defendant.
Civilian citizen Cedric Richardson had filed a motion in February, challenging the constitutionality of the two terms limit which was imposed on Guyanese Presidents since 2001.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall and then Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman were named defendants in the matter.
Following responses
filed by the attorneys representing the plaintiff and the defendants, the parties had to lay over written submissions. Attorney Shaun Allicock, who is representing Richardson, along with Deputy Solicitor General of the AG Chambers Prithima Kissoon has submitted arguments on the matter. However, Attorney Roysdale Forde for Trotman is yet to make submissions on behalf of his client.
Initially, the case was set for report and fixture of a date for ruling, but when the matter was called up
on Monday’s date, Chief Justice Ian Chang put it down until May 11, the same day the General and Regional Elections will be held in Guyana. Following the session in the Chief Justice’s Chamber, Kissoon told reporters that the matter was adjourned for the Speaker to present his submissions. She further disclosed that the matter will be called up again on the following day, Tuesday May 12, when Justice Chang is expected to make a ruling.
In the writ filed on February 2, by 50-year-old Richardson, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, it is pointed out that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a twothird majority of members of the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President Bharrat Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”.
Richardson contends that the Act diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the alteration and, therefore, required for its legal validity, the holding of a referendum of the people for such alteration. Guyana’s Constitution, upon passing of the Act, states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.
The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.
Good Hope man on bail for allegedly forging passport
Aman, on Monday, made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with uttering false documents.
Parmanand Persaud, a 28-year-old welder of 260 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on April 30, at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), he presented a forged passport to Peter Ramdan, a verifica-
tion officer attached to GRA.
The defendant’s legal representative Attorney-at-law Peter Hugh informed the court that his client has no pending matters and one previous conviction.
The defendant had earlier been charged and fined $100,000 for conspiring with others to forge a Guyanese passport.
The defendant is currently released on $30,000 station bail and will return to court on May 18.
tuesday, may 5, 2015
GSL given time to respond to Reeaz Khan
Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) has been given seven days to respond to the legal proceedings filed by businessman Reeaz Khan, who is seeking the court’s intervention to have the Directors sitting on the department store’s Board to cease holding office with immediate effect.
Khan, who is a shareholder of the company, is claiming that GSL and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Yassin are in breach of several sections of the Companies Act of 1991.
The legal document filed by Attorney Peter Hugh on behalf of Khan, named GSL, Yassin, the Registrar of Companies and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh as the four defendants.
When the matter was called up on Monday, presiding judge Justice Navindra Singh gave the attorney representing Yassin and the company
seven days to file an affidavit in answer. Justice Singh also granted a week’s leave to the plaintiff, who is represented by Attorney Peter Hugh, to reply to the two defendants.
Attorney Sita Ramlal of the Attorney General Chambers had already sub-
mitted a response on behalf of the last two defendants. The next hearing is fixed for report on May 25. On this day, the presiding judge is expected to set a date for ruling on the matter.
In the court documents, Khan is asking the court to find whether or not the failure of Yassin and GSL over the past 15 consecutive years to hold shareholders and Directors meetings, pay dividends, submit financial records among other things, is an atrocity and unlawful.
The businessman is also asking the court to determine whether or not the Directors of GSL are required, under Sections 153 and 154 of the Companies Act 1991, to present statements/returns, balance sheets, profit and loss accounts every year to the Registrar of Companies.
Additionally, they are required to send the same documents to shareholders
21 days before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in accordance with the same law.
Therefore, the court is tasked with determining if the Directors and the company are in default and guilty of an offence for failing to comply with their statutory duty(s).
“Whether the failure of Mohammed (Tony) Yassin/ Directors and/or the said Public Company Guyana Stores Limited to perform their Statutory Duties of the said Companies Act 1991 to hold Directors meeting and/or directory statutory meetings for 15 consecutive years, 20002015, is an atrocity, unlawful, injustice to the said company and members,” the court document outlined.
Furthermore, the documentation outlined that the court should look into whether or not they failed to comply with Section 68 of the Companies.
Reeaz Khan
Attorney General Anil Nandlall
tuesday, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Guyana, home for all Guyanese – Region 10 Chairman
On this day the opportunity is taken to say “All hail to Guyana”. Arrival Day has significance for every Guyanese, some whose ancestors have pleasant memories, while others scarred with pain and suffering.
In the 21st Century, we must be students of the past but not held captive by it. The past must serve as a les-
son to build the present and guide the future. The present must be used to build on the strengths of our ancestors and learn from their mistakes. Our future must see us striving to bequeath a better country to our children.
The presence of our arrival today must be marked by putting systems in place to make real the dream and aspiration
of One People, One Nation and One Destiny. This can only be achieved in an environment that respects the equality of all, regardless from whence we came and the circumstances under which we arrived.
Together as ‘One People’, we must assiduously work to eschew division by respecting our diversity, in that no matter the historical circumstanc-
es, Guyana belongs to all of us. We must recommit in the words of Valarie Rodway in ‘Guyana the Free’ that “We pledge every effort, we’ll cherish this earth. And make here a paradise - Land of our birth. ” It is our duty to make Guyana the home where all Guyanese feel welcome, respected, and the beneficiary of the nation’s resources.
GTU threatens to shut down schools
...over debunching payments
Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) President
Mark Lyte has threatened to resort to strike action if the demands for better working conditions and the fulfillment of payment of debunching monies are not met, which could ultimately lead to the entire public school system being shutdown.
According to Lyte, during an interview with the Guyana Times, he predicts that the entire teacher population within the public school sector will gradually join the bandwagon of other teachers who are demanding their rights.
Lyte estimated that the entire public school teacher population consists of about 10,000 individuals, with over 7,000 of them being a part of the GTU.
Additionally, he said that more than half of the GTU membership is onboard the
industrial action, therefore, with time, he is optimistic that the others will follow suit.
As of Monday, May 4, teachers across the country went on a work-to-rule industrial action where they will do no more than the minimum requirements set out in their contracts and returning home if the working conditions and general environment is not conducive enough.
With this system in place, Lyte explained that teachers will still be going to work but will be quite unproductive.
Also, he explained that teachers can leave early after reporting a faulty condition to the Headmaster/ Headmistress of the school.
Due to this system, he predicts that soon all the teachers will become unproductive and the schools will be forced to close down until the greater issue is addressed.
In building his argument, Lyte said that for too long teachers have been working under deplorable conditions and that it is time for these pressing issues to be addressed.
He noted that while the A-List schools in the country are somewhat intact, most schools are in dire need for upgrading. He stressed that many schools are deprived of staff rooms, adequate washroom facilities, proper ventilation, running water, among other necessities, that will make the working environment conducive for teaching and learning.
As it relates to the debunching payments, Lyte stated that teachers have waited a long time to receive the monies but alleged that there was always silence on the end of the Ministry of Education.
He explained that, only
Bhena’s Footwear worker released after abduction
The Bhena’s Store sales clerk who was abducted on his way to work on Monday morning was later in the evening, relatives confirmed to this newspaper.
recently, a response was issued by Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon who informed the Union that the teachers could not receive any payment because all the books were closed in December 2014 and following the prorogation of Parliament there was no budget.
The debunching payment is intended to cater to the salaries of teachers, whereby those with the same status will be paid based on their years of experience. This would, for example, ensure that a senior teacher who was trained 10 years ago will not be placed on the same salary scale as a senior master or mistress that was subsequently trained.
Meanwhile, with Guyana being in the height of the political season, Lyte insisted that the industrial action is not a political gimmick. In fact, he said whether or not there is a change in the Government, the GTU will continue with industrial actions until the Government addresses the issue.
Twenty-eight-year-old Xanier Waaldijk, was released by his abductors just after 17:00h and immediately went to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Guyana Police Force where he made a report and was questioned. Police have since arrested a relative of Waaldijk.
According to information received, the sales clerk and a colleague were standing in front of the store on Regent Street when a Bronze coloured motorcar bearing registration number PLL 8911 drove up to Waaldijk. Two men subsequently exited vehicle; they were reportedly armed with hand guns.
The men confronted the young man and enquired if his name was ‘Xanier’. After he responded in the affirmative, they reportedly told him that someone in the car wanted to see him. As he walked towards that car, the men forced him into the vehicle which quickly fled the scene.
The visibly shaken colleague told media operatives that after she realised what was happening,
she raised an alarm which saw several workers running to the young man’s rescue. However the car was already a short distance away. They reportedly gave a chase but the men whipped out handguns and pointed at them, hence they retreated.
A Police source told the Guyana Times that based on investigations thus far, the incident stemmed due to a family feud. He explained that, based on information, Xanier might have collected an article from a family member and refused to return it. Workers at the store were shocked at the abduction and are praying for the safe return of the young man, who they claimed did not have any issue with anyone.
Waaldijk Xanier
Agricola duo in court on gun charges
Two residents of Agricola were, on Monday, brought before the Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to several charges surrounding the unlawful possession of a firearm.
Dexter Ray, a miner of 9576 Agricola East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbery under arms which read that on April 15 at Agricola Housing Scheme, while being armed with a dangerous weapon, a gun, he robbed Thakur Mohabir of a cellular phone and a sum of cash to the total value of $23,000.
Additionally, Ray along with Ziggy Trim of 9567 Agricola East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that on May 1, at the aforementioned address, they were found to be in possession of two live rounds of .38 ammunition and one matching a spent shell.
The men also pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that, on the said day, they were found in possession of one .38 revolver without being the holders of a firearm license.
According to the Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day of the robbery, Mohabir, who is a delivery man for Courts, was making a delivery in the
Agricola Housing Scheme when he was confronted by the Defendant who was armed with a gun. The defendant relieved the man of the articles and made good on his escape. The Court was then informed that the Police, while acting on information received, went to the Defendant’s home to conduct a search. It was reported that while the Police were approaching the house, Ray was seen throwing a package out of the window. The Police retrieved the said package and weapons were found inside.
Trim was also inside of the house at the time of the incident. The men were arrested, an investigation subsequently carried out, and the men were charged. The Prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.
Ray later addressed the Court and admitted that he had the weapons in his possession, but stated that it
did not belong to him. He further stated that on the day of the robbery he was nowhere in the vicinity of the incident adding that Trim has no knowledge of the incident or the weapon.
Bail was granted to Trim in the sum of $150,000 and Ray was remanded to prison. The matter will return to the Court on May 19 for statements.
Wash bay employee pleads not guilty to larceny
Awash bay employ-
ee was, on Monday, placed on $80,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court following a charge of simple larceny.
Travis Hunte, a 20-yearold resident of 101 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 1, at South Road, he stole a handbag valued at $2000 which contained an Alcatel
cellular phone worth $5000 and $1000 cash property of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Sukhwantie Mangar.
According to Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day of the incident, the Virtual Complainant who is a pensioner, was walking along South Road when the defendant rode up behind her on a bicycle, snatched the bag and made good on his escape.
An alarm was raised and
a nearby Police Constable pursued the perpetrator and apprehended him. The said bag was found in his possession, and the man was arrested and charged.
The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.
The objection to bail was overruled and the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $50,000. The matter was transferred to Court 11.
Attempted murder accused out on bail
ABar Owner from Melagy Landing was released on $300,000 bail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, after he allegedly tried to kill one of his customers.
The accused, 22-year-old Renaldo Lima, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to be officially read the charge for attempting to murder Eddie Branch.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that the accused owns a shop that sells alcohol and other beverages in Melagy Landing in Cuyuni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
He said that the Virtual Complainant (VC) is known to frequent the shop to make overseas calls. On May 1, Prosecutor Mangru told the court, that the VC went to the shop about 00:30h where several customers were consuming alcohol and dancing. There he asked a young lady for a dance, but this caused an argument with a Brazilian that was also at the shop.
The Prosecutor told the court that the accused interceded by picking up two beer bottles which he used to run the VC out the shop. However, Branch returned and this time the defendant went after him with a spade, firing several blows on his person.
The VC escaped from the defendant and went to a nearby shop. There they met up again and proceeded to argue. It was at this juncture that the defendant pulled out a knife and stabbed the VC in his abdomen. Mangru told the court that the VC reported the
matter to the Police Station in Cuyuni and was examined at the hospital where he received medical attention.
However, no medical certificate was available for the court.
Lima’s Attorney, Paul Fung-A-Fat told the court that his client did not attack the VC with a knife or approach him at anytime. Contrarily, he stated that the VC is the one that attacked his client after getting drunk at the bar. He stated that there are several witnesses to support this. His client was not required to plead to the offence.
Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry listened to the arguments and granted the bail to the accused. However, she told him that he would need to report to the Officer-in-Charge at the Police Station every Friday otherwise he will be remanded.
Lima is expected at the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts on May 21.
Renaldo Lima said that the VC attacked him
Dexter Ray
Ziggy Trim
Travis Hunte
tuesday, may 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Conspiracy case dismissed against prisoner
APrisoner of the Georgetown Camp Street Prison was relieved of further punishment after a case of conspiracy to commit a felony was dismissed against him on Monday. The convicted felon,
Ronlee Rampersaud, is currently serving a 108 month sentence at the prison after admitting to a string of robbery under arms in November 2014.
He was sentenced on November 28, 2014 by Magistrate Judy Latchman for the offences, the first detailing that he used a gun to rob Leon Sommoogan of $20,000 on November 10 while on Sheriff Street.
Secondly, he was sentenced for robbing Rakeema Ali, with a gun again, on November 11, 2014, and thirdly for shooting at Inshan Ali in an attempted robbery the same day.
The fourth and fifth charges stated that on October 22 at Robb Street, Georgetown, again with a gun, Rampersaud robbed Savita Harrychand of a handbag and its contents – cash, a Samsung cellular phone and documents valued in total $43,000- simultaneously shooting her in her abdomen.
Convicted felon freed of conspiracy charges
On his first court appearance on Novemner 18, 2014, Rampersaud had also been given an additional charge of conspiracy to commit a felony for which he was charged for with Ceon Grant. They both pleaded not guilty to the offence, although Rampersaud admitted to the above mentioned offence when he appeared before Magistrate Latchman.
The felon told the court that he had no reason to lie about committing the offence
as he had already pleaded guilty to charges of armed robbery for which he will be facing 12 years of jail time.
On Monday, the convict declared before the court that he was innocent of the charges, stating that the Police was lying against him. This was upheld by Magistrate Latchman after a six month trial. The Magistrate said that the Prosecution had no case against the defendant on the charge of conspiracy to commit a felony as they had been unable to “prove a prima facie case” against the accused. The Prosecutor had based its case against the convict on statements that had been given by Rampersaud who was arrested. However, the Magistrate had ruled earlier in the trial that these statements were not given voluntarily so they were blocked from being presented in court as evidence.
Thus, Magistrate Latchman dismissed the case against the convicted.
OAS calls for stronger civil society engagement in Caribbean
The Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin urged stronger civil society engagement to strengthen efforts toward peace and security, not just in the Americas, but around the world, in his remarks to the II International Conference on Strengthening Peace and Security Cooperation towards Democracy and Development, which took place in Vienna, Austria, last week.
Ambassador Ramdin emphasised that “a more inclusive model of governance that promotes closer interaction and discussion among regional organisations and civil society entities is a pressing need, especially in the context of the
increasing peace and security challenges around the world.”
“Creating peace and stability is a collective, shared responsibility,” said the Assistant Secretary General, speaking to an audience made up of Government and civil society representatives and international stakeholders. “While it is indeed an ambitious task, it can be achieved if there is a more deliberate and concerted effort toward inclusion,” added Ramdin.
The meeting in Vienna was the result of a long-standing partnership between the OAS, the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) and the United Nations designed to promote the role of civil society in the prevention and
resolution of conflict. The conference took place ahead of this week’s UN HighLevel Thematic Debate on Strengthening Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and SubRegional Organisations. The results of the meeting will feed into the discussions on the implementation of the Post 2015 Development agenda. The meeting was co-hosted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, (OSCE), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance – International IDEA, the OAS and the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS).
Major fire averted at Rubis Gas Station on Vlissengen Road
Amajor catastrophe was averted on Monday evening when a fire broke out at the Rubis Gas Station on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, after a fuel barrel burst into flames.
The incident occurred sometime around 19:00h on Monday. According to information received, a ‘bush truck’ containing several fuel barrels was parked alongside a pump station when one of the barrels burst into flames. While the details of the incident are still sketchy, Guyana Times was told that the flames had spread onto another barrel however quick thinking by one of the occupants of the truck caused him to kick the barrels off of the truck.
However the flames became larger after the fuel spilled onto the ground. Nevertheless, the occupants of the truck and the staff at the service station managed to put out the flames imme-
diately. A few minutes later, three fire trucks arrived on the scene and after assessing the situation, two
left. Further information revealed that there were only two occupants on the truck at the time, the driver and a
porter. Efforts by this publication to solicit additional details about incident proved futile.
ASL denies knowing about wife of missing handler
Air Services Limited (ASL) has refuted claims made by a woman purporting to be the wife of missing cargo handler Dave Bisnauth that the company never offered her any assistance.
The domestic airline was responding to an article posted on an online news site on April 22 titled, “Wife of missing Air Services cargo handler speaks out: says never contacted or offered help” and a subsequent article by Kaieteur News Columnist Freddie Kissoon on April 26. This online news site has become known for its scandalous reporting.According to ASL, none of the two media entities contacted the company for a comment or verification.
“It is now over four months since the ASL aircraft 8R GHE went missing on December 28, 2014. At no time during these past four months was ASL contacted by anyone claiming to be the wife of the missing employee Dave Bisnauth. There was just one telephone call from
someone purporting to be the husband of his stepdaughter, but that person never responded to the request to meet with ASL’s Personnel Manager,” ASL stated.
In the article, a woman by the name of Anjanie Gouden, said since Bisnauth went missing four months ago, she was never contacted by the company or anyone in authority, as such she depended on the media for information. “Nobody never, ever call me to tell me what is go-
ing on,” the woman told the online news entity. Gouden said that she shares two children with Bisnauth.
In the release, ASL said that it was through the article from Inews that it became aware of a “wife”, who said she only came forward after she noticed that a billboard, asking for support to continue a private search, was removed from its Main Street location.
The local airline disclosed that Bisnauth had worked as a loader with the company at their Mahdia airstrip for several years and had never mentioned, whether formally or informally, a wife or dependant. The company added too that it is not aware of the loader being visited by any family members while being employed there.
However, ASL acknowledged that Bisnauth was in touch with a sister who lives in Mahdia. The company referred to an article published by the Stabroek News, January 20; that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has called off the search and
quoted the sister of the missing cargo loader, Nalini, voicing her disappointment at the decision.
Furthermore, ASL pointed out that it has been in contact with family members of the missing pilot Nicky Persaud. The company said that it has made arrangements in place for families of employees whose lives are lost in the line of duty. On this note, the airline is asking Gouden to contact its Personnel Manager at the Ogle International Airport offices.
The Britten Norman Islander bearing registration number 8R-GHE was heading to Karisparu after taking off from Mahdia Airstrip on December 28, 2014. One board was Captain Nicky Persaud, 25; and David Bisnauth, 53. Immediately after the spot tracker went dead, a search and rescue mission was established but after one month without success, both the Government of Guyana and Air Services Limited called off the search.
Fees to be charged for improper disposal of garbage
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, is advising the general public that investigations are currently on going as it relates to the improper disposal of waste by various business organisations and local communities.
In an interview, Litter Warrant of the EPA Anthony Fue highlighted that persons will be charged a fine if they do not adhere to the health and safety rules and
regulations with regards to the cleanliness of their environment.
Persons are urged to take precautions as they conduct their daily activities, keeping in mind that a healthy environment contributes to a healthy life style. Members of the EPA are currently engaging vendors, schools, business entities and citizens as a whole to ensure that they are taking part in their social responsibilities and also investigating the challenges that persons may face as a re-
sult of poor services provided by the Garbage Disposal Companies.
On this note, he indicated that in the past, persons have been complaining that the days set aside for garbage collection are addressed in an untimely manner.
In that, sometimes, persons have their garbage outside of their homes for days and no one shows up.
He added that issues like these will also be investigated so as to ensure that citizens are treated fairly and
Treated water coverage significantly advanced – coastland achieves 95%
Water is essential to life, and its economic value is immeasurable; apart from living things drinking it to survive, water is essential for varying things.
With a growing economy, the demand for safe drinking water increases; therefore, the PPP/C Administration has sought to embark on a national water programme which has resulted in potable water being made available to over 700 villages throughout Guyana, with running taps in every home/ yard.
Through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Government expended $20 billion on the improvement of nationwide water supply over a 15-year period, with a per capita investment of nearly $30,000 per household. These investments resulted in the construction of seven new water treatment
view with the Government Information Agency (GINA), GWI Director of Infrastructure Planning and Implementation, Ramchand Jailall, noted that a number of other communities are being linked to the water treatment plants.
“Amelia’s Ward water is treated …and we are in the trouble shooting phase where we are trying to incorporate some of the other communities…In Wisroc also, the water treatment plant has been successfully completed including a new starch reservoir and an elevated tank, and these facilities are being operated here, again in the testing phase, treated water is supplied to Wisroc, and the surrounding communities,” Jailall explained.
Over 30,000 people residing in Linden, will benefit from treated water that meets World Health
plants to increase coverage, drilling of 25 new water wells, and upgrading of distribution and transmission networks and rehabilitation of sewer systems.
not charged unnecessarily.
The public is also advised that EPA will be open for complaints, so persons can feel free to notify the litter warrants of any unacceptable act of citizens, as it relates to improper garbage disposal.
Fue outlined that they would also like to encourage voluntary contributions by the public. He also advises business corporations to ensure that they are well equipped with the various disposal facilities, and also take ownership of them.
Reflective of this significant stride, the percentage of people with access to potable water has increased from 26 per cent to 50 per cent, and new service was provided for in excess of 100,000 people.
Linden
The two new water treatment facilities in Linden at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc, executed through funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have been completed and are now in the trouble shooting phase.
During a recent inter-
Organisation’s (WHO) standard, bringing water coverage in Linden to 100 per cent.
Coastal Supply
Over the past years, a number of water treatment facilities were constructed to meet the growing housing demand. Communities such as Lima-Region Two, Vergenoegen- Region Three, Cummings Lodge, Sophia, Central Ruimveldt and Eccles in Region Four, Cotton Tree-Region Five, and Manchester, Region Six have been beneficiaries. As a result of these investments, water coverage on the coast has moved from less than 70 per cent to 95 per cent and meter coverage, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
The aftermath of the small blaze at Rubis Gas Station on Vlissengen Road
Dave Bisnauth
The recently commissioned Manchester well, Region Six
The newly constructed Linden Water treatment facility
CSK fight back to win low-scoring game
After suffering two losses on the road, Chennai Super Kings returned to the MA Chidambaram Stadium and extended their undefeated run at home this season to five games by winning a choppy contest against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The 24-run victory took Super Kings to 14 points, level with tabletoppers Rajasthan Royals with a game in hand. Royal Challengers were left in third place on nine points, with four teams not more than a point behind them.
Batsmen from both sides struggled on a sweltering day in Chennai but when Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik were at the crease, with Royal Challengers needing 52 off 37 balls with seven wickets in hand, the visitors were favourites. They had added 63 and were cruising, when Dwayne Bravo turned the match with a stunning display of reflexes and athleticism while bowling.
Kohli had stepped out of his crease and dug a yorker hard into the ground. He then took a couple of steps further, partly because of momentum and partly because he thought the ball was going to bounce over the bowler. Bravo, however, jumped high during his follow through with his right hand outstretched
above his head to field the ball. He let the throw rip even before his feet were grounded again. Caught by surprise, Kohli turned and dived in desperation as the ball whizzed past him and uprooted middle stump, with the bat inches short of the crease. The very next ballthe first of the 15th over - accounted for Karthik. Nehra pitched short and Karthik pulled; the shot was on but the placement was dire. The ball flew straight to Dwayne Smith at deep midwicket. Royal Challengers had lost two set batsmen in two deliveries and their position
of strength unravelled so quickly that they were eventually dismissed for 124 in 19.4 overs.
Royal Challengers had struggled before the partnership between Kohli and Karthik too, but that was because of soft dismissals and not exceptional play from the Super Kings. Chris Gayle’s replacement, Nic Maddinson, charged at most deliveries and missed a straight full toss to be bowled; AB de Villiers’ dangerous cameo ended when he hit another full toss to mid-off; and Mandeep Singh was run out attempting an impossible single. In pursuit
of 149, Royal Challengers had slipped to 34 for 3, and their subsequent recovery did not have a happy ending.
Super Kings’ bowlers and fielding made up for a sputtering batting performance after MS Dhoni had won the toss. Smith did not touch the first five balls of Mitchell Starc’s opening over and was bowled by the sixth. The innings never really recovered from that wicket maiden.
Suresh Raina held the innings together with a half-century, but the batsmen around him - Brendon McCullum, Faf du Plessis and MD Dhoni - did not
make it past 30 as they struggled for timing.
Super Kings had got to only 68 for 2 at the halfway stage of their innings, and the 10th ,11th and 12th overs contained no boundaries. When they tried to accelerate, sixes were often followed by wickets.
Harshal Patel severely damaged the innings by bowling du Plessis with the first ball of the 15th over and then trapping
Raina lbw with the last. Super Kings were 101 for 4 at that stage. Ravindra Jadeja and Pawan Negi were both promoted ahead of Bravo, who eventually batted at No. 8 for only the second time in his IPL career. Bravo did not have any time to make an impact with the bat, but underlined his value to the team with an incredible effort in the field to turn the game decisively Super Kings’ way. (Cricinfo)
SCOREBOARD
Chennai Super Kings innings (20 overs maximum)
DR Smith b Starc 0
BB McCullum c Iqbal Abdulla b Wiese 20
SK Raina lbw b Patel 52 F du Plessis b Patel 24
MS Dhoni*† c Starc b Wiese 29 RA Jadeja c Kohli b Chahal 3 P Negi b Starc 13
DJ Bravo c Wiese b Starc 2
MM Sharma run out (†Karthik) 0 A Nehra not out 0 Extras (w 5) 5
Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 148
Did not bat: IC Pandey Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-34, 3-98, 4-101, 5-122, 6-139, 7-147, 8-148, 9-148
Royal challengers Bangalor bowling: MA Starc 4-1-24-3, YS Chahal 4 -0-36-1, D Wiese 4 -0-29-2, HV Patel 4 -0 -19-2, Iqbal Abdulla3 -0-34-0, V Kohli1-0 -6-0
Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (target: 149 runs from 20 overs)
NJ Maddinson b Pandey 4 V Kohli* run out (Bravo) 48 AB de Villiers c du Plessis b Pandey 21 Mandeep Singh run out (Negi/†Dhoni) 0 KD Karthik† c Smith b Nehra 23 SN Khan c Smith b Nehra 8 D Wiese
Dwayne Bravo ran Virat Kohli out off his own bowling
YELLOW PAGES
tuesday, May 5, 2015
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35 identified for DCB’s senior 3-day trial
The Demerara Cricket Board’s (DCB) senior men three-day trial match is slated to commence on May 7 at the Wales Community Centre ground. All the identified players are asked to be present at the ground from 09:00h.
This match will be used to select a Demerara team for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) upcoming Four-Day Inter-County Competition.
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Busta Soft Shoe final set for tonight
Athrilling finale is expected when the Busta Soft Shoe tournament holds its inaugural final tonight at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
The final will pit the loaded Sparta Boss against the underdogs West Front Road in a match that is expected to be fast paced and physical.
Sparta Boss have always found ways to score multiple goals especially with national players such Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, Devon Millington and Travis
Grant on the team.
However, West Front Road is capable of tough defence and is a very physical team on the field of play.
The different styles will prove interesting since Sparta Boss is a free flowing team while West Front Road likes to play a bit rough.
Meanwhile, Queen Street Tigerbay will play Kitty Weavers in the third place encounter set to start from 22:00h. The night’s action will also see four exhibition games being played starting from 21:00h.
GABA “King of the hard court” tournament... Sonics
Pepsi Sonics pulled off a tight 73-69 overtime win over the Republic Banks Nets when the first division section of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) “King of the Hard Court” Championship continued on Sunday at the National Gymnasium.
Trevor Smith top scored
record OT win over Nets
for the Sonics with 23 points while Kerwin Jackson and Junior Lovell scored 17 and 15 respectively.
Mortimer Stewart was the leading top scorer in the loss with 22 points while Antwaun Austin was the next best scorer with 21 points. Chipping in with 13 points on the night was Dorian Lewis.
With the game ending on
61 points, Sonics outscored the Nets 12-8 in the five minutes of overtime to seal the win.
In the second match of the first division tournament, Melanie Patriots defeated Eagles 58-51. Sherlon Legall led the winners with 18 points while Ashton Adams, Dennis Corbin and Floyd Arthur contributed 10, nine and eighth points respectively. Top scoring in a losing cause was Louis James with 21 points while Mark Wills and Courtney Taylor supported with 14 and nine points respectively. The opening U-23 matchup saw Trinity Grid Holdings (TGH) Pacesetters defeating Ravens via walkover.
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No need for panic over 4x100m losses says Bolt
World’s fastest man
Usain Bolt is not overly perturbed by a second straight loss for Jamaica to the United States in the men’s 4x100m relays, and remains confident there is plenty of time to get things right for the defending champions ahead of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing. At Saturday’s IAAF World Relays showdown the United States quartet of Mike Rodgers, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and
Ryan Bailey dashed to the line in 37:38 well ahead of the Jamaicans, anchored by Bolt, who finished second in 37.68.
Despite a fair start from Nesta Carter a searing leg by Gatlin, who left Kemar Bailey-Cole trailing in his wake before handing over to Gay, gave the US too big of an advantage for even Bolt to close down. The loss was the second in as many weeks for the Jamaican following up on a loss at the Penn Relays.
Bolt, however, simply believes the Americans are in better shape at this point.
“The US were much more prepared than us they were in better shape,” Bolt said following the event.
“It was a pretty good time that they ran…so for me they were in better shape than us. We just need to work on getting into shape and getting up to speed so we should be alright, we are just looking forward to the rematch,” he added.
“It is always good when
these things happen early in the season as opposed to later on.”
The time equalled the seventh fastest performance in history and is bettered by only a handful of US and Jamaican times. Although and event historically dominated by the United States, it is the Jamaicans who have prevailed in recent years, winning at every major championship since the 2008 Olympics. (Digicel SportsMax)
Christopher Barnwell
Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Leon Johnson
Action during the semifinal round
A Ally and Sons Inter-Secondary School cricket competition…
Kevin Sinclair blasts 155
Guyana Under-15 all-rounder, Kevin Sinclair, blasted 155 for Canje Secondary School recently in the A Ally and Sons Inter-Secondary School Under-17 Cricket Competition in Berbice. His knock which included 18 fours and six sixes is the highest score in the competition so far. Below are the summarised scores from the matches played recently:
At the Berbice High School ground, Canje Secondary School took first innings points from Berbice High School in their drawn match. Berbice High School were bowled out for 139, with Malcolm Mickle 37, Satesh Diamond 36, Abdul Ramsammy 3-22, Joshua Bacchus 3-25 and Zaynul Ramsammy 2- 23. Canje Secondary School in reply made 238, with Kevin Sinclair 155, Trevon
At Cumberland, New Amsterdam Secondary School beat Tutorial
Academy by an innings and 41 runs. Tutorial Academy batting first were bowled out for 55, with Floyd Kissoon taking 4-8,
Arjuna Pooran 3-4 and Brandon Corlette 2-19. New Amsterdam Secondary in reply made 151-6 declared, with Garfield Benjamin 59, Steven Kamaludin 30. Batting a second time, Tutorial Academy were again blown away for 55. Joel LaFleur took 4-10 and Steven Kamaludin 2-22 were the main destroyers.
At Cotton Tree, Number 8 Secondary School beat Fort Wellington Secondary School by 46 runs. Number 8 Secondary were bowled out for 63. Fort Wellington Secondary in reply made 44, with Nigel Deodat took 4-12 and Stephon Saul 3-10. Batting a second time Number 8 Secondary declared at 77-5.
Fort Wellington Secondary School batting a second time made 50, with Nigel Deodat claimed 4-15 and Deinanauth Persaud 2-4.
Raffik and Sons 2nd Division T20 cricket… Balchand Baldeo highlights latest round
Play in the Raffik and Sons Construction Second Division T20 Cricket Competition, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board for teams in the Lower Central Corentyne area, continued recently.
Guyana Under-19 player Balchand Baldeo took 6-13 to highlight the latest round. Below are the summarised scores from the matches played: At Albion, Albion
Community Centre beat Tamarind Root by six runs.
Albion Community Centre made 122-5 in 20 overs with, Retesh Umroe 25, Adrian Sukhwa 22, Pream Deonarine 2-23. Tamarind
Root in response reached 116-7 in 20 overs, with Dilip Rangasammy 30. Balchand Baldeo took 6-13.
At Albion Primary School ground, Toopoo Rising Star beat Belvedere Battle Steel by 54 runs.
Toopoo Rising Star batting first made 157-6 in 20 overs, with Bedeshwar Narian
52, Majid Mohamed 46. Belvedere Battle Steel in reply were bowled out for 1039 in 20 overs, with Michael Subadar 51. Altaf Approo took 3-15. At Kilcoy Long Dam, Fyrish Strikers beat Belvedere United by 93 runs. Fyrish Strikers made 181-9 in 20 overs, with Ravindra Persaud 50, Joseph Kamaludin 44. Nazeem Samed took 3-32 and Ramnarine Permaul 2- 32. Belvedere United were bowled out for 88 in 18.2 overs, with Ghanesh Bharrat the main destroyer with 5-7.
ECB/Busta 50-over festival…
Ricardo Adams stars in easy win for Wakenaam
Asuperb all-round performance from Ricardo Adams helped Wakenaam to an easy three-wicket win over Central Essequibo in the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB)/Busta 50-over final on Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground. Adams took 4-27 and then hit an accomplished unbeaten 52 as Wakenaam won with seven overs to spear. Batting first after the game was reduced to 38 overs, Central Essequibo were bowled out for 187 off the last ball of their innings.
Nathan Persaud played a
lone hand, hitting a compose 82. In reply, Wakenaam reached 188-7 in 33 overs. Wicketkeeper batsman Wayne Osborne contributed 43 to the winning total. Akeem Wallace (3-22) and Harry Green (2-36) were the successful bowlers for Central. Adams was named Manof-the-Match. He received a trophy, while Wakenaam collects the winning trophy and $75,000.
Busta’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Selman was among the large turnout of supporters to witness the final.
Kevin Sinclair
Balchand Baldeo
Joseph Kamaludin
Bedeshwar Narian
Ricardo Adams
Beef Humphrey Annual Memorial Football final… Vrymen’s Erven top Canje Secondary 2-0
The winning Vrymen’s Erven Secondary School team
from back page
Boxing fraternity...
President of the Guyana Boxing Association and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Sport Ministry, Steve Ninvalle, said Lewis stood out as a beacon in the boxing industry.
Ninvalle, as a journalist in 2001, was at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas when Lewis won the world title against James Page. Ninvalle said by winning the title, Lewis had unified Guyana on the night, noting that the entire country celebrated the achievement.
The Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) also expressed sadness at the boxer’s passing, noting that the sport has lost a true champion. President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool, said he was shocked upon hearing the news and expressed condolences to Lewis’ family on behalf of the boxing fraternity.
Maurice “Bizzy” Boyce, who played a major role in preparing Lewis for the world title fight in 2001, said only Saturday last himself and Lewis spoke about the Floyd Mayweather/ Manny Pacquiao fight and later went off to their respective homes to watch the contest.
“This has come as a shock to me because only Saturday we were talking, because as you know we’re both big Mayweather fans,” Boyce said.
Coach Sebert Blake, who was the last man to oversee Lewis in the gym while he was preparing to fight Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings – a fight which never came off after Lewis picked up an injury – said he was devastated after learning of the news on social media.
“I was on Facebook and I saw it pop up… I was dev-
astated man. This is a shock for all of us at the gym. You know the children at the gym always look up to “Six” and would carry his bag
Profile
Lewis had a record of 30 fights with 23 wins, 20 by way of knockout.
He defeated James Page in 2001 to capture the vacant WBA Welterweight Title. Due to his exciting style and power in both hands, Lewis quickly became a popular fighter on HBO.
After successfully defending the title against Larry Marks, he took on Ricardo Mayorga and the bout ended in the second round and was ruled a No Contest due to a nasty cut on Lewis, caused by accidental headbutt. Lewis lost the title in a rematch to Mayorga in 2002 via fifth round TKO.
In 2003, “Six Head” challenged WBO Welterweight champion, Mexican Antonio Margarito, but was knocked out in round two.
From 2005 to 2007, Lewis battled Denny Dalton in a series of three fights for Guyana’s Light Middleweight title. These fights are most notable due to the controversial and bizarre nature of the ending of the second fight. Ahead on points in the seventh round, Lewis retired from the fight due to an extreme need to defecate, blamed on consumption of a pre-fight milkshake.
Lewis returned to the ring almost 12 months after to defeat Dalton and claimed Guyana’s Light Middleweight title. This would prove to be the final victory of his career, which ended in October 2008 when he dropped a split decision to Howard Eastman.
Vrymen’s Erven Secondary (VESS) recorded a 2-0 win over rivals Canje Secondary (CSS) in the final of the Beef Humphrey’s Annual Memorial Football Tournament on Thursday at the All Saints Scotts School ground in Bebrice.
After a goalless first half, goalkeeper Trivet Edwards made an excellent save but the ball remained in the penalty area as Trivet Williams netted the rebound goal.
He pushed the ball low pass the goalkeeper to open the scoring in the 52nd minute before Dexter Welcome scored six minutes later; a goal that would eventually seal the deal.
CSS had earlier reached the final with a 1-0 win over Tutorial Academy, while VESS recorded a 2-0 win over New Amsterdam Multilateral School. Both games were played on Wednesday.
At the presentation ceremony, football coach Kendrick Bowery praised both teams and noted that coaches have a lot of work to do if Berbice football is to return to its former glory. He point -
ed out that there is raw talent in many of the schools but it is left upon coaches to make use of that talent.
Edwards was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Rickford Williams of CSS. The tournament was organised by Neil Humphrey.
The Late “Beef” Humphrey was an ardent sport fan with several of his children representing Berbice in football and other sports. Some are still actively involved in promoting the further development of the sport in Berbice.
Meanwhile as part of the 2014 tournament, a team from neighbouring Suriname will take on the Harts of Oak masters Football team tonight under lights.
Organiser Neil Humphrey explained that it was impossible to have the tournament last year because of other football tournaments that he was involved in at the primary school level. Meanwhile, the 2015 tournament will be held in June. (Andrew Carmichael)
Boxing fraternity mourns death of “Six Heads”
Guyana’s first world boxing champion Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis was killed on Monday afternoon following an accident on the East Bank of Demerara, plunging the country into mourning.
Lewis, who won the WBA Welterweight title in 2001, was reportedly riding along the Hope, East Bank Demerara, public road when he slammed into a vehicle.
According to report, Lewis, 44, received massive injuries and was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
As news got around of the pugilist’s death, the Sport Ministry, through Dr Frank Anthony, said it was greatly saddened by Lewis’ passing.
“The nickname “Six Heads” tells a fascinating tale of Lewis’s strength and agility in the ring. He got the nickname “Six Heads” after knocking out an opponent and all he saw was six heads; therefore the name stuck,” a release from the Ministry said.
It added, “Lewis’ rise to
fame as the former Guyana and International Boxing Champion, placed us on the international scene in terms of boxing. After turning pro
in 1993, with 8-0-1 in his first nine bouts (all by knock out) under his belt; Lewis moved to the USA where he continued his knock out record. “Six
GCB, CGI respond to Guyana Times article
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) have responded to a Guyana Times article, clarifying the situation with players being granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the May Day Cup Tournament at the weekend in Berbice.
In a detailed statement issued on Monday, the GCB and CGI said they strongly object to statements made in an article published in the daily newspaper on Monday May 4, 2015.
In the article, captioned “Second-string Demerara beaten by 6 wickets”, it was stated that Demerara were forced to field a second string team after most of their players did not receive their No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Guyana Cricket Board and that the players were reportedly threatened by the Board Secretary, Anand Sanasie.
In response to the article, the GCB and CGI said “This
style of reporting is wholly unacceptable to us (administrators) and has only served to incense an already very hostile political environment along with the possible endangerment to the lives of our
honorary Secretary and the entire Executive of the GCB and the Directors of the CGI. The GCB and CGI strongly rebuke these wanton accusations against our officials and wish to advise that we have consulted with our at-
torneys on the best course of action to protect the integrity and security of its officials.”
The two organisations went on to explain that up to the day before the event, only two players from Berbice had made individual applications as required and the NOCs were duly granted.
On the actual day of the event, frantic calls were being made to several officials of the CGI for NOCs by all and sundry, they further stated.
According to the release, an accommodation was made by CGI to have all players sign a single application letter which was done for six additional players from Berbice and was duly granted with their NOCs to participate.
The GCB said no application for a NOC was ever requested nor received from any contracted player from Demerara.
Editor’s Note: The management of Guyana Times has taken action against the errant reporter.
Heads” was one of the first Guyanese boxers to headline at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and as can be expected he did not disappoint in that fight against former welterweight champion James Page. It was in the seventh round that Lewis delivered his winning punch which saw him earning a world title. For many of us, that was the fight of the century because we were seeing one of our own in an international boxing ring.”
Following that win, the Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis boxing gym, located at Callender Street, Albouystown was opened in his honour.
“We are grateful for the foundation laid by Andrew Lewis for young Guyanese bowers. It is our hope that Lewis’s legacy will be honoured by all Guyanese boxers in and out of Guyana,” the Ministry statement concluded.
Director of Sport Neil
Kumar said Lewis brought much pride and prestige to the country and will always be remembered for his achievements against the odds. Kumar said the late boxer represented his community of Albouystown and the country with distinction, rising to fame and acclaim by becoming the country’s first world champion.
“I respect him for his achievements,” Kumar said.
GCC ladies split results on final day of Trinidad tour
The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ladies hockey team went into their third day of competition as their gruelling five-match schedule continued at the Eastern Regional Sports Centre in Trinidad. Notre Dame Club, featuring star TT striker Blair Wynne, were the first opponents of the day with an 11:30h start in the scorching sunshine.
With GCC appearing the more complete of the two sides, a solo run by the swift Wynne produced a penal-
GCC would equalise two minutes later, however when Captain Sonia Jardine found striker Shebiki Baptiste with an accurate pass before Baptiste received, turned and hammer home her shot. The roles would be reversed in the final minute of the first quarter as a GCC counterattack finished with Baptiste drawing the Notre Dame goalkeeper and sliding her pass to Jardine in support to finish into the open net.
Despite GCC’s dominance of the possession,
trip was against the powerful Checkers hockey club. With Checkers featuring several national players for the twin-island republic, it was expected to be the toughest game on the schedule for the Guyanese.
The GCC ladies however rose to the challenge and kept the game close all the way through. With GCC squandering a handful of goal-scoring chances in the first half, Trinidad national midfielder Cristina Abreu completed a well-executed penalty corner routine to
ty corner for Notre Dame in the third minute of play.
Wynne stepped up for the penalty corner strike and though her initial shot was blocked by Goalkeeper Briawna Gordon, who was having an outstanding tournament, Wynne was first onto the rebound and smashed it into the GCC net to give her side a one goal lead.
Wynne proved a menace for the Guyanese side and evened the score at 2-2 by scoring her second rebound shot in the 17th minute. Midway through the second half of the match however, Kerensa Fernandes would seal the 3-2 victory for GCC with a penalty corner strike on the near post.
GCC’s second match of the day and final for their
give her side a 1-0 lead with eight minutes remaining on the clock. Both teams continued to share possession of the ball right down to the final whistle and GCC would run out of time to find the equaliser.
The team returned home on Sunday evening and will have two weeks to prepare for their return trip on May 16.
