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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Guyanese get paid more than many in developing world – AFC

Issue No. 2987

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Page 9

… says livable wage ‘depends on how we want to live’

GAWU stunned by Wales Estate rice gamble

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Bartica man nabbed with 12.7kg ganja

P16

P3 GNBA Directors threaten Chairman with lawsuit

Page 9

Mazaruni P11 prison expansion to start in 2017

GuySuCo needs no clearance from GAWU on ventures – Minister Holder Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (second right) in discussion with GuySuCo’s management team at Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara on Friday

Gunmen 2 confess to killing rob UNDP Better Hope employee pensioner Page 11

Page 12

GECOM still to produce financial report on General Elections, LGE – Gunraj

Page 15

Language barrier plagues healthcare delivery P10 – CMO

Anna Regina vendors complain of struggling economy P16

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saturDAY, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

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saturDAY, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 24 – 12:00h-13:30h and Sunday, September 25 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 24 – 11:05h-12:35h and Sunday, September 25 – 12:35h-14:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with instances of sunshine can be expected throughout the day while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

GNBA Directors threaten Chairman with lawsuit …has no authority to pronounce on matter – Attorneys

D

irectors on the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Anthony Vieira and Victor Insanally have threatened legal proceedings against the entity’s Chairman, Leonard Craig, should he not apologise to the duo in face of corruption

allegations against them are in fact being made by a person who was engaged in an illegal activity, since he is operating a broadcasting entity without a lawful licence.

The duo — through their lawyers have since also claimed that the allegations

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 10:46h and 23:13h reaching maximum heights of 2.15 metres and 2.19 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 04:05h and 16:40h reaching minimum heights of 0.93 metre and 1.12 metres respectively.

GNBA Board members Victor Insanally and Anthony Vieira

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

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allegations that were disseminated in the public domain.

The duo have since secured the services of Satram and Satram Law Firm, which on Friday charged that Craig was in fact looking to discredit Vieira and Insanally, as directors of the entity with a view to having them removed as directors.

The charges by the duo comes on the heels of allegations made public by Craig, that the men had in fact approached an Essequibo businessman in an attempt to ostensibly force him out of business.

According to a copy of the Attorney’s letter seen by Guyana Times, Craig is being accused of intentionally and maliciously circulating in the media, an unwarranted allegation which imputes that they were in fact guilty of corruption in public office.

The duo have since sought to explain that the

by the GNBA Chairman was in fact made public without either of them being given a chance at a fair hearing with an opportunity to respond to the claims made.

Craig, in a public statement on Wednesday said Kenwin Charles of Northwest TV Inc had asked to meet with him to highlight several concerns and at “that meeting he made a complaint essentially accusing Mr Anthony Vieira and Mr Victor Insanally of trying to improperly force him out of doing business on the Essequibo Coast where he had made significant capital investments.”

Craig at the time confirmed too, that at the meeting with Charles, he indicated that he (Charles) met with the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, where a similar complaint was lodged.

He said, “I will carry out a complete investigation of

the facts relating to matters raised by Mr Charles, I will review the reports of the meetings, elicit a response from the members concerned and will release an official statement in the coming days.”

But Vieira and Insanally — having secured the services of Satram and Satram, have since said that there were no steps taken by the GNBA Board to verify the claims by the Essequibo businessman.

In fact, Vieira and Insanally have since maintained that there is no truth in the allegations by Charles and have pointed out too that the Essequibo businessman is in no position to sell his operations — as intimated in Craig’s claims — since his operation is currently unlawful.

The duo through their lawyers also claimed that the GNBA board chairman in fact has no authority to investigate or pronounce on the matter.

In the lawyer letter issued to Craig, the attorneys have since called for an apology, pointing out too that, “our clients are entitled to damages for the def-

GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig

amation and reputational injury caused as a direct result of your conduct.”

Meanwhile Craig in an invited comment earlier on Friday, assured the media that any assessment or actions on his part would be undertaken in a fair and objective manner.

He did seek to point out however that, “I may not be the final arbiter in this matter but as Chair of the Board I think it is my responsibility to gather evidence and give persons an opportunity to respond to any accusations.”

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Gender parity in Guyana

A

lthough we have much to celebrate today, progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places despite the fact that women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement worldwide.

In March of this year, International Women’s Day was celebrated under the theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. The United Nations reflected on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals.

Only a few days ago, Guyana’s First Lady, Sandra Granger in her remarks during a panel discussion at the Annual General Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York, resounded the call for global solidarity to tackle gender inequalities.

She emphasised that global solidarity is a prerequisite to ensure the stamping out of gender inequalities in keeping with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal Three, which speaks to the empowerment of women and girls.

We recognise that issue of gender parity is a global one and will undoubtedly take a global effort, but each of us - men and women - can pledge to take a concrete step to help achieve gender parity more quickly - whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias.

While the principle of gender equity in the workplace is generally accepted, discriminatory practices persist in many organisations despite regulations to the contrary. It is important to create an open and friendly atmosphere to address gender discrimination issues; therefore it is critical to involve men and women, rather than only women.

Because gender biases are embedded in culture, it is very difficult to eliminate them without having a holistic view and involving men as a part of the solution. In some cases, saying is easier than doing, and in a society where deep rooted biases still exist, it will take a greater effort. What is imperative is that we recognise that discrimination still exists.

President Granger announced that gender equality will be a top priority of his Administration while delivering the feature address at the first-ever National Conference on the Gender and Development Policy, held a little over a year ago. He said that despite the episodic initiatives to promote women’s rights and to offer greater opportunities, inequality was still a problem in Guyana.

And it is with this in mind, he said, that the new Administration will be working to craft a comprehensive, long-term gender policy. The women in society wait with bated breath.

But as we move towards the future, it is clear that we need a change in perception and direction. We have heard a lot in the media about the changes we need to make as a society to create a level playing field for women.

We have also been witnessing first hand, the public outcry against several acts of alleged discrimination, perpetuated against women in the workplace. This has generated a renewed call for organisations and individuals to do away with their archaic views and practices.

Gender discrimination has no place in a modern society.

According to the United Nations, Guyana has made good progress in the area of gender equality and has achieved gender parity (Passed the Domestic Violence Act 1996 and Sexual violence Act 2010). The body also identifies a few existing challenges, including reaching more men and changing the traditional norms and values of both men and women.

The question remains, when will we overcome the issues to have a more inclusive society? It is clear that a problem still exists and that women in society are still being discriminated against, the only difference between the cases we are aware of and those that go unnoticed is that some voices are heard while others suffer in silence.

The time has come to speak out.

Residents of Little Baiabu, Mahaica Creek, extend friendly hellos as they ply their daily trade in their boats, which is the main mode of transportation for many in the Mahaica Creek area (Marceano Narine photo)

The issue of termination and dismissal from employment Dear Editor, I should be grateful for the publication of this letter on the issue of termination and dismissal from employment, both in the private and public sectors. It is hoped that this would stimulate a debate on this matter.

The right to work and to continue working are guided by national and international laws, the application of which demands principled and fair treatment without discrimination, and with due process and natural justice.

The system of industrial relations is informed, influenced and functions within the norms of national legislation, international labour standards, and regional labour policy of Caricom. The Constitution of Guyana, the Labour Laws, and International Labour Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), ratified

by Guyana as treaty obligations and as international law, provide the legal basis, foundation and framework for the conduct of labour relations by the Government, its agencies, and the social partners, represented by trade unions and employers and their organisations. Together, these instruments constitute the Labour Code of Guyana.

The general declaratory principles of Chapter II of the Constitution of Guyana include, the right to work, the right to equality of opportunity and treatment in all aspects

of employment, and impose a duty on the state to protect the just rights and interests of citizens.

Chapter III of the Constitution affirms the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual and entitle every citizen, basic rights without distinction and discrimination including the right, regardless of his/her race, origin, political opinions, colour, creed, or sex, subject to the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest, to freedom of conscience, of expression, assembly, and association.

The Prevention of Discrimination Act No. 26 of 1997 protects against unlawful discrimination. Under Part II, Section 4 of the Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of: race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, indigenous population, national extraction, social origin, economic status, political opinion, disability, family responsibilities, pregnancy, marital status, or age except for the purpose of retirement and restriction on work and employment of minors. The Act also prohibits discrimination against a person by distinction, exclusion or preference, the intent of which is to deny equality of opportunity or treatment in any employment or occupation.

Part III, Section 5 of this Act protects against discrimination in employment, for it is unlawful for any employer or his/her agent to discriminate

in relation to recruitment, selection, or employment on any grounds, except where genuine occupational qualifications exist, in keeping with this Act. These are clear lawful obligations, but there are some serious concerns about the actions of employers or their agents on the application of fairness in bringing an employment relationship to an end by termination, dismissal or constructive dismissal. The application of fairness relates to i) procedural fairness requiring that an end of employment should be in accordance with a fair procedure; and ii) substantive fairness which requires that there should be a fair reason for ending an employment contract.

The usual valid grounds for termination by employers or their agents, must: i) relate to work performance issues, ie incapacity; ii) a series of work related infractions not so serious as to warrant summary dismissal; iii) by mutual consent; iv) by required notice; v) for reasons of redundancy relating to the operational requirements of the enterprise; and vi) end of contract without the option for renewal. Where there is an option for the renewal of an employment contract at the end of the current contract, there must be valid reasons based on six grounds listed above for the non-renewal. End of an optional renewal of a contract must not be used as pretext, excuse, or reason for preferential replacements.

The valid grounds for summary dismissal under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act No 19 of 1997 must relate to the capacity and conduct of the employee at work for good and sufficient cause relating to serious misconduct on the job.

Section 4 of this Act states clearly the several reasons which are not valid or constitute good or sufficient cause for dismissal or for disciplinary action against an employee including race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, national extraction, social origin, political opinion, family responsibility or marital status. A dismissal on any of the several grounds listed under section 4 of this Act would constitute unfair dismissal. On terminations and dismissals on the initiative of the employer, the burden of valid proof rests with the employer.

The issue of constructive dismissal flows from actions or the conduct of the employer, his agent, or manager making it difficult or untenable for the employee to continue working and may be forced to resign or leave the job on own initiative.

An employee in such a situation can be deemed to have been unfairly dismissed, and can challenge the employer in a court of law. The burden of proof to establish “constructive dismissal” rests with the concerned employee.

Yours faithfully, Samuel J Goolsarran

More money needed for sport development Dear Editor, The Olympic Games in many ways are to unite countries from all angles, learning about different cultures, customs, promoting peace, unity, bridging the gap between nations and the founder ‘Pierre De Coubertin’ saw it as an avenue to assemble political enemies under one roof or bringing political enemies together.

This is apart from medalling. One’s participation is on the same level with athletes who attain a medal.

So whether anyone qualifies with a ‘B’ standard timing, selected for a wild card entry etc those are also accomplishments in their own right which we should learn to appreciate.

There are many contributing factors for any country to make

it on the medals list and in my opinion Guyana is far from that task. It is rather unfair for anyone to solely blame the head of the GOA for Guyana’s failure to achieve a medal at the just concluded Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Perhaps the government of the day can consider allowing the Sports Ministry to once again have its indepen-

dent office and have $5 billion for sports as a start during the 2017 Budget.

This will be added to what is available from all other sports fraternities that receive funding from overseas towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Sincerely, T Pemberton

guyana-times.com

saturday, september 24, 2016

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

Who is responsible, You, me and suicide prevention the NDC or Housing?

Dear Sir, The residents of Providence, Phase 2 commonly known as the ‘turnkey’ housing scheme on East Bank Demerara ,would really like to know which entity is responsible for the upkeep of the scheme. By upkeep I mean the dredging of the drains, weeding of road shoulders, maintenance of the roads.

Prior to the last general elections, the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) were actively involved in the development of the community; they made regular inspections to ensure the residents were abiding by the rules as set by the Authority.

One of the main rules was no dumping of sand, dirt or building material on the parapets. This rule was most often adhered to.

However, things rapidly changed after the election.

It would appear that the scheme has been forgotten.

Because there is no enforcement of the existing rules, things have gone haywire. On almost every parapet you can see a load of dirt, sand or other building materials. In some cases, because the material has been left to block the roadways, potholes have developed and have taken over the small carriageways, making it impassable.

There are multiple entrances to the scheme: there is Mocha access road, Stadium Road and Green Field Park entrance. This

at least is a plus. However, the access road leading from Green Field Park to providence is akin to a scene from a horror film, especially at nights. There is thick overgrowth of vegetation that has encroached onto the roadways. A two lane road has turned into one lane.

There are no street lights and the roadway is always littered with animals, especially cattle. This is an accident waiting to happen. The road is almost 2 miles long.

Can the readers imagine what this is like at nights?

Not only is it dangerous for motorists but it can be a haven for bandits (many persons have been robbed here before).

It appears as though our small community has been forgotten. Our drains need dredging. Along the Mocha road a Hymac is permanently parked on the shoulder and would be seen dredging the canal every few days. I kid you not.

The operators can be seen dredging the trench which is clear of any debris and which was cleared only days prior. And less than a mile across the Green Field Road is almost overtaken with grass and the canals are blocked. Who really awards these contracts and who is overseeing this work?

Why do the canals at Mocha need to be dredged every week? More questions than answers.

The NDC is of no help.

They do not know who is responsible for the area. But before the LGE, candidates

were going house to house listening to our concerns and asking us to share ideas on how our scheme could be improved. We have never seen them again in the area.

At one time, the roads were so bad that members of the community joined forces to purchase ‘builders waste’ to fill some of the holes. This was only a temporary fix and the roads have worsened. We did try self-help but there is only so much we can do.

We read with concern about what has been happening in our neighbouring community in Eccles, in the Young Professional’s Scheme.

Bandits have targeted the residents there and it is an unfortunate situation.

We are scrambling to secure our residences and by extension our small community.

If there is an emergency, we cannot exit the scheme in a hurry, the roads are horrible. Likewise, if the Police or Fire Service is called in, they may miss the fire or the bandits because it would take them that long to get into the scheme.

We are therefore asking the officials to please look into this matter. I know the issues that plague our small community are not unique and that other communities across the country have needs as well, but we are hoping that something can be done before lives are lost.

Let us be proactive rather than reactive for a change.

Sincerely, Concerned resident

Dear Editor, Choosing to kill one’s self can happen to anyone: young or old, poor or rich, educated or illiterate, doctors and dock workers, Indian, Black, Amerindian, male or female.

It can happen in a flash or over a long time.

Guyana’s statistics show that death from suicide shows no favourites; it gives some clues as to who is more likely. This is done by looking back, not looking forward. It seems to me that there is really no good way to predict who will actually kill themselves. If one listens to survivors, friends and families of the deceased, a major theme is one of surprise, “I never thought that they would kill themselves.” So what is the average person supposed to do? Talk to everyone?

Care about everyone?

My answer would be yes.

There are many persons who are depressed, live in abusive relationships, have the love of their lives dump them, live a lonely existence, experience an unwanted pregnancy, lose all one’s savings by gambling.

They do not go out and kill themselves or even attempt to kill themselves.

If we knew they were going to attempt something like that, we would connect, communicate and care. The difficulty is that we do not know who will go ahead and kill themselves. We need to start the story of suicide prevention when it really hasn’t even begun.

So do we care about everyone? No, there are not too many Mother Theresa’s around and even she stayed

Soesdyke residents need help Dear Editor, I’m asking anyone to help us. For the past years we have been subjected to an unbearable smell from a nearby pig farm in Soesdyke.

One cannot decide if it’s rotten fish or chicken.

As I’m writing this I’m having a hard time breathing. There are many persons who are complaining about the smell in Soesdyke due to an operational Pig Farm which is located a stone’s throw from homes, restaurants and businesses.

Editor, we have been living with this problem for many years; we have lodged many complaints, written letters and even contact-

ed the EPA to no avail. It appears some of us have to suffer in silence. This is an unhealthy situation and I highly doubt that the owner of the business is operating within the confines of the law. Why has nothing ever been done?

On multiple occasions we have called in the EPA. Nothing has ever been done.

Representatives would come and ask questions, take a walk to the Pig Farm and leave. No follow-up, no feedback and still the stench is there. It has been years.

Why can’t the authorities do something about it?

Why can’t the newly elected chairman do something

about it?

He passes here every day and has received complaints but so far nothing is being done. This needs to be stopped. I am their neighbour and I’m dreading going home because of this smell.

My clothes that are hanging on the line have to be tak-

en down and washed again.

My house will have to be sprayed because this smell will not go away! Someone, anyone, please help us.

Yours faithfully, A concerned Soesdyke resident

in one city. I might suggest everyone we see, everyone we come in contact with daily or weekly.

It is no good waiting for those who are sad or depressed to reach out to us, it is one burden that is just too much for them. It is a continuation of blaming the victim- “they are responsible for not reaching out and connecting, communicating or caring.” No, it is up to us who feel pretty good most days to reach out to others we see having more difficult days, weeks and months than we do.

Even this would not necessarily work, because we are not that good at observing others. Those contemplating suicide hide well behind “fake smiles”. So we might want to act as if everyone we encounter might be suicidal.

But where is the glamour or prestige in saving someone’s life? We would all want to be heroes, but those star situations don’t come by often. Our world needs a lot more than just “nice” people who may have

a friendly word or thoughtful deed for someone else.

Everyone needs these connecting gestures whether we are suicidal or not.

And maybe if more of us did those communication actions more often, those who might have let sadness, loneliness and disappointment lead to suicidal thoughts would never get that far down the road to self-destruction.

I once knew a pretty wise woman who did pretty well raising her children.

She would constantly say, “be kind, be kind, be kind and you will be a saint”. As I remember it was probably while there was a fight or something going on.

Life is way too complicated to have any one slogan covering everything, but kindness is a good place to start. I agree with M Jane Cahill.

Sincerely, John O’Connor, Visiting Faculty, School of Nursing, St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital

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saturDAY, september 24, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

CONFIDENCE How to help your child be an entrepreneur A

ll parents want to give their children every advantage possible to live a fulfilling and independent adult life.

However, many children arrive to young adulthood somewhat clueless in terms of livelihood. These young adults typically have to move back home until they can figure out how to make a living.

Today’s educational system teaches children how to be good employees. This system works when the economy is fully up and running. However, you’ll give your child an extra edge by teaching them how to build and manage a business for themselves.

Cut the allowance Parents commonly give their children a weekly or monthly allowance for small purchases. Some parents even give their children their own credit card and pay it off every month

without even discussing the statements with their children. You shouldn’t deprive your child, but children like cash. If they don’t get it from you, they will have a good reason to start earning some for themselves.

Encouraging your child to earn his or her own money will help instil a strong work ethic and foster early entrepreneurial creativity.

Encourage entrepreneurial activities Did your child mention setting up a lemonade stand or growing vegetables to sell around the neighbourhood? Let your child take the lead, but offer support and guidance as they try out a new venture. It’s okay if they fail or don’t turn a profit. It’s all part of the learning experience. Failing at a business will teach your child valuable business skills and help them refine their next venture. Failing as a child

when the stakes are low is a lot better than failing at business as an adult. Build the foundations of good business sense while your child is young.

Be a mentor Talk about business plans and money management. How many children learn how to write business plans in school?

Your child’s business plan will probably be very simple (eg, shovelling driveways), but it’s a great way to learn about fundamental concepts such as profits/losses, business expenses, and breaking even. Ask them about how they plan to advertise their product or service. This will help your child consider all aspects of running a business. Pose these questions to your child to guide them towards writing a smart business plan.

Teach basic bookkeeping

Your child won’t learn how to track expenses and revenues or file his or her taxes in school, so it’s up to you to fill in the gap. Sit down with your child and teach them proper bookkeeping and provide a rundown of business tax laws.

This is one of the main challenges for people who try to go into business, so give your child an advantage by helping him or her navigate the more tedious aspects of business early on.

Helping your child through early adolescence

(Continued from Friday)

Talk about anxieties that are related to school violence and to global terrorism. Many children have seen terrifying images of death and destruction on television and on the Internet. You can help your child to understand that although the country has suffered awful acts of terror, we are strong people who can come together and support each other through difficult times. In addition, you can: * Create a calm environment in your home through your own behaviour. This may not be possible if your family has been affected directly by an act of terror or violence. If you are anxious, you need to explain to your child what you are feel-

but that people go on with their lives and resolve even terrible situations. * Continue your normal family routines. * Praise and encourage.

Praise is meaningful to adolescents when it comes from those they love and count on most – their parents and other important adults in their lives. Praising your child will help her to gain confidence. However, the compliments that you give her must be genuine. She will recognize when they are not. * Have patience. As adults, most people have confidence. This confidence comes about through years of experiencing success, but also through years of ex-

ing and why. Children take emotional cues from those they love. * Listen to what your child has to say. Assure him that adults are working to make homes and schools safe. * Help your child to separate fact from fiction.

Discuss facts with your child and avoid guessing, exaggerating or overreacting. * Monitor your child’s television, radio and Internet activity. Help her to avoid overexposure to violent images, which can heighten her anxiety. * Use historical examples (for example, Pearl Harbour or the Challenger space shuttle explosion) to explain to your child that bad things happen to innocent people,

ploring strengths and weakness and choosing to stress different parts of our lives.

Most of us would be unhappy if we had to do only those things that we are not good at. As adults, we tend to find our areas of strength and - to the extent we can – to pursue these areas more than others. For an adolescent, however, it is difficult to downplay the areas in which they are less confident. For example, it is very hard for an adolescent with academic skills to focus on school rather than on dating, when all of her friends are dating and telling her how important dating is. For a parent this can lead to feelings of helplessness.

You know that whether that cute new boy asked out your daughter will have little consequence on her life for the long run, but you also know that she cannot yet see this! (www.2.ed.gov)

Teach a child to fish You’re probably familiar with the following expression: “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” Take this approach to parenting to help your child be more independent, savvy, and more likely to make a good living as an adult. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

news

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saturday, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Economic turnaround

Will take a while to trickle down to ‘man in the street’ – Business Minister A reduction in Guyana’s underground business has led in part to reduced spending in the local economy but the recent ‘final offer’ of one - ten per cent for public servants will in fact serve to boost spending power of ordinary Guyanese and this, coupled with a bounce back in the national economic performance, will soon lead to greater economic prospects for the nation.

These were among the notions raised on Friday by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, who believes that Government has managed to stabilise the nation’s economic decline and has in fact suggested that the projected growth rate for 2016 will be realised — despite only achieving a two per cent growth rate for the first half of the year.

Gaskin was at the time addressing a section of the local media corps during the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) resuscitated bi-weekly press engagements to give party perspectives on national issues.

Regional context

According to the AFC’s Minister of Business in the coalition Government’s Cabinet Council of Ministers, Guyana’s economic performance also has to be viewed in a global and regional context.

He pointed to a recent report from Trinidad and Tobago, whose government has recently warned of a possible retrenchment of public sector employees as a result of that country making unsustainable salary increases.

Gaskin said too that the AFC also notes the sliding cur-

nary Guyanese and the local business sector, Gaskin sought to cast blame largely on the lower commodity prices and the economic slowdown that started about two years ago.

He pointed to declines in the gold and rice prices, bearing in mind that those two sectors are responsible for a large percentage—some 60 per cent—of the nation’s foreign earnings.

“That decline began about two years ago, I think it was compounded last year by the period in which there was no budget and therefore very little government spending in

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin at a press conference on Friday

rency value in Suriname, “and the severe shortages being experienced by our Venezuelan brothers and sisters.”

The Business Minister pointed too to contractions in the Brazilian economy and suggested that the, “AFC wishes therefore to commend the Minister of Finance (Winston Jordan) on the prudent initiatives implemented thus far and the general overall management of the economy in ensuring that Guyana avoids these stresses.”

The Business Minister posited on behalf of the AFC that the Guyana economy has gone through a period of consolidation, which he blamed on lowered commodity prices on the international markets along with Government’s efforts to curtail illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking, smuggling and money laundering.

“Our party believes that the reduction in the rate of growth has been stabilised

and is optimistic that the targeted growth rate of approximately four per cent for the year 2016 will be achieved,” said Gaskin.

The AFC’s Business Minister was however unable to concretely correlate the relationship between the reduced spending power of Guyanese and the reduced illicit acts of narcotics trafficking, smuggling and money laundering, and instead pointed to anecdotal evidence.

Speaking on the economic downturn, Gaskin said “we do recognise that there has been a slowdown in spending…

What we are saying is notwithstanding that there has been economic growth.”

He was adamant there has been no decline in the economy—the economy he said, is still growing albeit at a slower rate.

Pressed on the fact that the growth that he insists on has not been reflected in the spending power of the ordi-

capital works and I think we are now on our way out of that decline but it does take a little while to trickle down to the man in the street.”

Informal sector

Speaking on the issue of spending still not rebounding in part because of the reduction of illicit trades, Gaskin said “it is hard to measure the impact of an informal sector; it’s not a documented trade.”

He was adamant that there is some evidence to support the notion that there is in fact a large informal sector operating in Guyana, “some in the narco-trade, some in

smuggling, many just not registered formally and because of some of the measures that are being implemented where greater compliance is requested all around and there is a lot more scrutiny, there is less spending in those areas.”

According to Gaskin, it cannot be accurately documented, “but certainly, if we note overall that there is less spending, if retailers are saying there is less spending and we know that we have a large informal economy, I think it’s logical to conclude that a lot of that reduction in spending is occurring in the informal sector also.”

8 news

saturdAY, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

Cotton Tree man remanded for chopping brother-in-law

A

cane harvester was on Thursday remanded by Magistrate Rondell Weaver at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court on a charge of attempted murder.

Seenarine Khemraj is accused of attempted murder of Akbar Hack. The incident took place on September 17, at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice,

Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice).

Police Prosecutor Corporal Rochell Mars told the court that the accused and the victim are married to two sisters and live three houses apart. The prosecutor said that the accused is in the habit of accusing the victim of having an affair with his wife. On the day in questioned Khemraj and Hack were involved in an

argument and the accused left the scene and returned shortly with cutlass and dealt Hack several chops.

He was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital and subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he remains suffering from chops to the chest, left arm and shoulder, Mars said.

Attorney Darren Wade in a bail application told

the court that his client is nt a flight risk.

However, Mars objected to bail, stating that the victim is still hospitalised and noted that the wounds are life threatening.

Magistrate Weaver remanded the accused and the matter has been transferred to the Blairmont Magistrate's Court. The case will continue on October 4.

Canvas City man on bail for simple larceny

A

resident of Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday was granted bail in a simple

larceny offence.

The defendant Orrin Webb, 29, of 522 Canvas City is accused of stealing a drum valued $4000 at Canvas City, on

Saturday, September 17.

The stolen drum is the property of Grace Lambert.

The defendant, a labourer, pleaded not guilty to the charge during his ap-

pearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, was granted $10,000 bail by Magistrate Nurse.

He will return to court on December 6.

Amelia’s Ward man on $10,000 bail

R

onnell Archer, 22, of 1466 Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, was granted bail by Magistrate Clive Nurse when he appeared at the Linden

Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on a charge of unlawful assault against a female.

It is alleged that he unlawfully assaulted Shkeema Bumie on Friday, September

9, at Central Amelia’s Ward.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted $10,000 bail.

He is scheduled to return to court on November 30.

GNBA Directors ... from page 3

At the time of speaking to the media, Craig said he was not officially in receipt of any correspondence from the two accused directors but had spoken to one of them individually who had raised the matter with him verbally.

Asked about how the matter will be proceeded with, Craig told the media that he was uncertain, since Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was currently extremely busy and “as soon as he settles down we will have a meeting and he will determine the way forward… but for now I think it is my responsibility to ask the persons being accused to provide a response.”

Craig said too, he is of the belief that it is his responsibility to compile the responses “and present as is, to the Prime Minister.”

According to Craig, “in terms of making a judgment call…I don’t think I should be that person to make that judgment call.”

Asked about the operations and functioning of the GNBA board in the interim, Craig said the work of the unit will have to be proceeded with “because we are bounded by law to serve the people and we must continue the work at hand…I hope that these allegations would not immobilise the members of the board from performing their duty in the interim.”

Craig on Wednesday had made public his views that, “Despite his (Vieira) abusive and obstructionists approach to my tenure as Chairman of the GNBA, I have displayed extreme restraint and immeasurable patience and have continually pledged to work with him and all other members of the Board to achieve the best objectives and ensure Public Interest is served.”

Eyew tness Planning ahead...

M

...or just spouting words?

inister Raphael Trotman started out on the wrong foot because of the "Bahama Pact" he made with Pressie back then before the elections. He presumed too much… and thought his early "bigging up" was more than being a foil to Nagamootoo's naïveté about the Cummingsburg Accord's "PM deliverables". Nagamootoo, of course, famously got Larwah and Trotman was given Natural Resources for services rendered during his Speakership.

He promptly put his foot into his mouth while grandiosely announcing ExxonMobil would be immediately pouring dollars into our coffers - from future earnings. Talk about counting chickens before they're hatched!! This chap was actually "currying" the (oil) chicken and eating it too! Someone must've disabused him of that notion - maybe Exxon itself? Fact of the matter is no one on planet Earth can say with certainty what oil prices will be five years down the road.

And obviously can't calculate what PROFITS (if any) will be generated.

Trotman had also spoken of oil denting our unemployment numbers - but had to back off after Exxon pointed out the TOTAL employment wouldn't amount to more than ONE hundred!! Even the local KFC franchise might end up employing more Guyanese! So learning that discretion is the better part of valour, he let the Minister of Infrastructure - who pulled off that state of the art Jubilee Stadium!! - wax lyrical about all the infrastructure that'll be needed by our "oil industry".

Never mind Exxon's already said the field - 120 miles from our shores - will be totally serviced by two “Floating Production, Storage and Offloading” (FPSO) facilities that'll deliver the oil directly to ocean going tankers.

So where does that leave us? Well the one positive thing Trotman's mentioned is the need for the government to create a "Sovereign Wealth Fund" (SWF) which had been proposed by the PPP during the election campaign. So who cares he hasn't given them credit, the important thing is the fund gets created, nuh? But will it?

And if so, will it be managed the way it ought to?

One patriotic Guyanese posted a report from the Economist on Norway's SWF, which should be required reading for all our politicians - not just Trotman. As this newspaper advised a few weeks ago, such a Fund has to be guided by values of prudence and deferred gratification.

And such values aren't only "Nordic"! The SWF must also have investment guidelines to produce a solid return that'll fund a national bi-partisan development plan.

Rather than arguing about some abstract "trust" as a prerequisite for a National Government, why doesn't the administration convene a national SWF body?

Or is this not part of the Bahama Pact?

…for rice?

Your Eyewitness jumped all over the government and Guysuco for deciding to plunge into rice cultivation when the country can't even find markets for the 500,000 tonnes it can now export. But new information may force a retraction. Word on the street is the Mexican Market that PM Nagamootoo explored a year ago, will soon bear fruit (grain?). The PM was so persuasive; the imports might just surpass Venezuela's nixed 200,000 tonnes. The clincher was his reminding the Mexicans that importing rice from the US will have to cease once Trump builds THE WALL! Guysuco's clarification that fish can also be reared at Wales also made things clearer. What might be happening is the administration's oft repeated concern for former PPP Agri Minister Sash Sawh must've reminded them about the latter's combining of rice and fish from the same field.

Now if they could just cultivate some turmeric and cumin/jeera… we could just export curried fish and rice!!

Value added, comrades!!

...to facilitate rape

Minister Lawrence insists the euphemism, "deflower" for rape, is "acceptable" in the context used by her Ministry. The "context", of course, is the skyrocketing incidence of impregnated pre-teen girls - which is "statutory rape"!

Guess she'll soon be writing about criminals "putting victims to sleep".

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

news

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saturday, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Guyanese get paid more than many GAWU stunned by Wales in developing world – AFC Estate rice gamble … says livable wage ‘depends on how we want to live’

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uyana’s public servants slated to receive a 10 per cent salary increase in October, are in fact being paid a lot more than many persons who live in other developing countries, and while increases may not be considered sufficient, a liveable wage is really dependent on how a person chooses to live.

This was the position adumbrated by Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, who on Friday engaged members of the local media corps to give the Alliance For Change’s (AFC’s) position on issues of national and topical importance.

He was at the time being grilled about the Government’s final offer and its impact on the economy, in light of the significant reduction in the spending power and capacity of local businesses and citizens.

Asked about the final offer by Government to public servants and the impact it will have on their spending power and its inherent impact on the economy at large, Minister Gaskin said, “I think a 10 per cent increase certainly does increase spending power, its 10 per cent more money.”

Pressed on whether he believed that Government’s final offer to public servants was sufficient, Minister Gaskin responded saying, “sufficient is a difficult word.”

He sought to explain say-

ing,

“Profits for business are never sufficient, you know, that is the nature of business.”

According to Gaskin, “Businesses always need bigger and bigger profits and I assume that human nature is no different, we want bigger and bigger salaries every year if we can’t get it.”

As such, Minister Gaskin posited that no wage increase would ever be sufficient, “it has to do more with what can be afforded.”

The Minister was at this point asked if the Government’s final offer represented a ‘liveable wage’ to which he responded saying, “it depends on how we want to live.”

According to the Minster, “In many countries, compared to a lot of countries, Guyanese earn considerably more than in a lot of developing countries, that doesn’t mean that it’s sufficient.”

He suggested, “A lot of things are relative; we are not a rich country as yet.”

Minister Gaskin used the opportunity to remind of Guyana’s vast endowment

of natural resources/wealth, and said it is imperative that Government finds a way to ensure that wealth is spread across the board and that equal opportunities are created.”

Finance Minister Winston Jordan recently confirmed that the directive has been made to make the retroactive payments from next month.

This will mean public servants will on their October pay-cheques, be receiving their increases for that month, in addition to the bulk accumulated amount retroactive to January 2016.

The decision to go ahead and make the payments comes despite the fact that the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has rejected Government’s final offer of 10 per cent and has called for a return to the bargaining table.

Speaking directly to the sustainability of salary increases in light of the demands and what has in fact been offered and now arbitrarily paid out, Minister Jordan at the time dismissed the notion that the wage bill will be hiked to the point where Government could not maintain it.

As it relates to Government’s final offer, which it is proceeding to effect, Minister Jordan said, “based on our projection of revenue and so on, it will be sustained.”

GuySuCo needs no clearance from GAWU on ventures – Minister Holder

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has stated that they were left out of the consultation on cultivating rice on the Wales Sugar Estate lands, and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is firing back that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Inc, does not need the Union’s opinion on any of its financial ventures.

Last week, the Corporation published an advertisement in the Stateowned Guyana Chronicle inviting bids for clearing of 484 acres of land, out of 3000 acres, on the former sugar plots. GuySuCo stated that the land was “required to be cleared of all vegetation to facilitate laser land levelling for rice cultivation,” making it the first solid statement on the fate of the Estate.

GAWU indicated that they were surprised “to learn through a newspaper advertisement” that GuySuCo was seeking to pursue rice cultivation at the estate.

However, both the Ministry and GuySuCo had announced that they were pursuing feasibility studies on rice, aqua-culture, citrus crops and dairy production on the cane lands.

Notably, however, the Union underscored that the Sugar Corporation had promised to keep the Union abreast with its ventures in Wales. “In spite of that commitment, GuySuCo did not even inform our Union or the workers about their plans, much less sharing their ideas and intentions and to solicit the GAWU’s contribution,” GAWU said in a statement.

GAWU said this “shunning” of the workers and the

Union represents is another blunder of the management of the sugar entity and their advisors.

“Assuming there is a report from a study of growing rice at Wales, it is being treated as highly confidential at this time,” it added, noting that, “The least we expect from GuySuCo’s hierarchy is to provide the relevant essential information to its employees”.

GAWU questioned whether the rice venture is another instance of “GuySuCo being penny-wise and pound-foolish”.

Meanwhile, Holder defended the Corporation’s move to plant rice on the lands, affirming that GuySuCo was approached by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) with the idea and that the board would be pumping the funds in the venture and not GuySuCo. Nevertheless, he charged that the Corporation is not answerable to GAWU on any of its financial ventures.

“GuySuCo is there to manage the industry not GAWU. GAWU needs to be reminded that they are neither the employer nor a shareholder of GuySuCo and that they are not helping the situation,” he said, pointing out that if the Union continues along this path it will lead to the destruction of the industry.

Holder vowed that the Corporation is working in the interest of the workers to save the industry.

“GuySuCo is looking for economic ventures and this is one,” he argued.

Contrarily, GAWU contended that at this time, when world market prices

are uneconomical, rice cultivation may very well have been “ill-considered”.

Moreover, GAWU stated that it is not to be ignored that contemporary rice cultivation is largely mechanised and thus such a project will only absorb a small fraction of those displaced sugar workers of Wales Estate who may wish to seek re-employment.

The Union contended further that over decades ago, the Corporation hastily implemented an ‘Other Crops Division’ of which rice cultivation was featured. That investment was costly and it was later abandoned after it was deemed unsustainable and unprofitable, it highlighted, adding that that as such, rice it is not feasible.

On the other hand, Holder stated that while he respects the Union’s opinion; neither GuySuCo nor the Ministry agree with it. “Rice prices might be low yes, but sugar is lower,” he highlighted.

Meanwhile, in a press statement released by the Agriculture Ministry, Holder, along with the team who were formed to craft GuySuCo’s Diversification programme, met with GuySuCo’s management at the Wales Estate.

The statement said that the purpose of the visit was to get a first-hand look at progress made thus far, as it relates to the diversification plan for the industry using Wales Estate as the model location.

Additionally, Holder was quoted giving assurance that the plan of action for implementation of the diversification programme is on schedule.

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news

saturday, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Language barrier plagues healthcare delivery – CMO T

he inability of patients to understand what doctors are saying has been a burning issue for many patients in hospitals, especially at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Not only are patients worried that they cannot understand the foreign doctors, nor hear pass their accents, they are concerned that they might be given wrong treatment.

This concern was raised by a number of persons who voiced their disapproval of the ongoing issue of comprehension and understanding foreign doctors at public hospitals.

“I went to the Georgetown Public Hospital and it had a doctor from Nigeria and I had

to ask her five times “what you said” this shouldn’t be… this is a serious problem. Sometimes they understand us but they can’t talk it,” one man told Guyana Times.

Another concerned individual, Michael Graham, stated that he visited the Diamond Diagnostic Centre complaining of chest pains and the doctor, during consultation, asked him if his head hurts.

Others echoed the same sentiments, while calling for proper systems to be put in place to ensure that the foreign doctors are fluent in English.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, indicated that this is an ongoing challenge the Public Health Ministry faces and one that has been ad-

CMO, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

dressed at the level of the Medical Council on several occasions.

“What we are requiring now is that all the brigades must be proficient in the English language… must be able to write, listen and

respond in English,” he said, explaining that all three areas of language competence must be assessed before the Medical Council licences them to practice.

He stated that this procedure has commenced with the Cuban doctors within the past year. He noted that previously “casual assessments” would be carried on the perspective doctors to determine if they could speak English.

Persaud said too that decades ago, Guyana had an influx of highly trained, senior levels of foreign doctors, but recently they are seeing “all types of doctors entering the country” thus it imperative that there is a more rigid assessment of language and communication.

Former President of the Medical Council of Guyana, Dr Vivienne Mitchell-Amata, had stated that 90 per cent of diagnosis is done during consultation and if there is a communication barrier then there is a problem making the diagnosis. She stated also that if the doctor is really an expert who is badly needed in Guyana and they cannot speak English, then they must come with an interpreter who has to be with them at all times while on duty.

Persaud, nonetheless, stated that the Medical Council has been working together with the brigades to address the problem. “We are hoping that they work alone with a local junior doctor or nurse,” he said.

He emphasised that the Ministry is pushing to ensure that there is quality health care in all regions and so he is appealing to the public that if they do not understand what a doctor is saying, especially if it’s a doctor that does not speak fluent English, then they should not be afraid to ask questions about their treatment.

“If you are wondering if the correct information is received or the correct diagnosis is given then you have a right to ask questions,” he said, adding that they have drafted a patient charter and is hopeful that the Minister will approve.

Most of the foreign doctors in Guyana are from Cuba, India, Nigeria and China.

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saturday, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Mazaruni prison expansion to start in 2017

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he solution to the overcrowding at the Camp Street Prisons, Georgetown, lies in the ability to expand the Mazaruni prisons, according to Public

creation of a new prison, we want to expand Mazaruni and the expansion for Mazaruni can only be done after the 2017 Budget. The Ministry has already re-

“Is three years for minor amounts of marijuana the right thing? Should we not amend the law to make it a six months maximum or one-year maximum so that we would not have that overpopulation, especially if it’s a young person?”

Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

The Minister, speaking on the issue of overpopulation in the prisons, said there is not much the Ministry can do at this stage because more space is needed.

“As an alternative to the

quested, and we have managed to procure for the 2017 Budget those capital expenditures,” Ramjattan explained.

Further the Minister, who has responsibility for the penal system, told media operatives recently that the expansion of the

Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister

Mazaruni prison will require a large amount of financial capital given the scope of work to be undertaken.

“It’s going to be massive because it’s not only creating another building or expanding an existing building. We have to find a lot more recruits, staff members and housing for the staff members. We have to find meals for them, a literal community. We might have to build a church and school for their children because families will have to go up there to live… it’s a huge task,” the Minister noted.

Minister Ramjattan also said that an immediate solution to the overcrowding may be found in the manner in which the courts deal with non-violent offenders, especially young law breakers.

“Is three years for minor amounts of marijuana the

right thing? Should we not amend the law to make it a six months maximum or one-year maximum so that we would not have that overpopulation, especially if it’s a young person?” the Minister questioned.

“Space can be created by ensuring that those who have been remanded and granted bail get their bail reduced to free up some space. Remand prisoners are a big chunk of it,” the Minister stated.

If persons who commit minor offences can have their cases heard early, and if the mandatory sentencing for possession of marijuana and cocaine could be looked at, then there would be more space, the Minister posited.

“Those are some of the

strategies we are working on because we don’t have US$40-50 million to put up a new prison,” the Public Security Minister explained.

In its 2015 Human Rights Report, the United States State Department stated that a total of 963 prisoners were in the Georgetown Prison, designed to hold 550 inmates.

“Overcrowding was in large part due to a back-log of pre-trial detainees, who constituted approximately 11.3 per cent of the total prison population.”

Overall, the report stated that the Guyana Prison Service reported that, as of October 2015, there were 1944 prisoners in five facilities with a combined design capacity of 1640.

2 confess to killing Better Hope pensioner O

ne month after Ramkissoon David, 76, also called Dilip, of Lot 61 Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was found dead with his throat slit, two men were arrested in Plaisance, ECD on Friday.

Guyana Times understands that the two men have confessed to the murder, telling Police that the heinous crime was com-

mitted during a robbery.

This newspaper understands that during their confession, the men told investigators that after they realised that Ramkissoon was alone, they decided to carry out the robbery. Their intention was not to kill the elderly man but that became their only alternative.

Based on a tipoff, detectives on the ECD swooped down on a house in Plaisance and arrested the two men.

Since there is a confession, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for recommendations.

The man was found on the evening of August 21, 2016 by his son after he returned home from an outing with his family. When he arrived home the house was reportedly in darkness, hence the young man thought his father had dropped to sleep and forgot

to turn on the lights.

He went to the upper flat and switched on the light and checked his father’s room but found it was ransacked. He immediately called out to his father but there was no response. He continued to check the other bedrooms but they were also ransacked and it was at that time the man’s son realised that something was very wrong.

He raised an alarm and

rushed to the lower flat where he saw his father sitting in a pool of blood as he faced the wall. Initial investigations revealed that a portion of the fence was cut opened and several torn white envelopes were found in the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. It was later discovered that the men carted off close to $6 million belonging to man they had killed.

Dead: Ramkissoon David

12 News Police capacity boosted with newly inducted batch of officers saturDay, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

T

he capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been strengthened as two batches of new ranks were inducted into the system on Friday.

Some 56 recruits from two batches who underwent an intense four-month training programme at the Felix Austin Police College and will now embark on a career of serving and protecting the Guyanese public.

The training comprises; basic and essential principles

of Policing, physical exercises, self-defence techniques and firearm training, as well as guidelines in human rights, moral, domestic violence and communication.

Delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony, Head of the Presidential Guard Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Brian Joseph, told the new recruits that as members of the Force, they will be required to do tasks that are outside the remit of

basic policing.

“In additional to enforcing the laws, you will be required to enforce several functions and witness events, some of which will be decided unpleasant. You will observe, and when necessary, tend to victims of accidents and to deliver the news of suicides, accidents and murders to next of kin,” he stated.

Joseph went on to say to the new members of the Force that like social workers, they will have to help persons to

The outstanding performers among the graduating batches, along with senior officers of the Force

come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. “You will the elderly and children who are most vulnerable in society and sometime during your career, you will save a life or many lives while putting your own on the line because this is what you were called to do,” he stated.

Furthermore, Joseph outlined that no one is compelled to join the Force, but those who choose to do so are obliged to uphold the standards of the Police Force. He called on the new ranks to be true to them-

selves and the principles they would have obtained prior to and during the training.

“You have chosen to purse a noble profession that faces many challenges and in so doing, have dedicated yourself to the service of justice. You are on the threshold of your law enforcement careers and all I asked is that you keep justice as the forefront of your mind. Be just, fair and open-minded, even-handed and professional… your job is not to judge or convict,” he charged.

Moreover, the Assistant Commissioner further urged the ranks to be service-minded and trustworthy, noting that these qualities will help them to maintain relations.

Meanwhile, a few of the new recruits were awarded for their outstanding performance during the course.

There were two Best Students – one from each batch, two runner-up Best Students and two recruits who were awarded for being the most improved student.

Gunmen rob UNDP employee

G

unmen on Friday afternoon attacked and robbed an employee attached to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) outside of the organisation’s Lot 42 Brickdam, Georgetown, headquarters.

The incident occurred sometime around 12:50h.

Guyana Times understands that the victim was in front of the UNDP office when two men pulled up in a black car and snatched a bag he was carrying. The employee raised an alarm which caused several persons to run to his assistance. The gunmen then escaped in the car.

When this publication arrived on the scene, the victim, who was unharmed, was in the protection of Police Officers and was said to be in a traumatised state.

According to Police reports, two UNDP employees (a male and female) had just pulled up in front of the organisation and the female proceeded into the compound.

However, as the male employee was exiting the car, a dark coloured vehicle with the two suspects drove up. They existed and accosted the male

employee, who resisted and was pushed to the ground. The suspects grabbed a handbag from the employee, entered the vehicle and sped off.

The bag contained $10,000 cash, one iPad, an electronic dictionary and some documents.

“A public spirited citizen, who is a licensed firearm holder, witnessed the robbery and discharged his licensed firearm in the process, in aid of the victim of the robbery,” the Police said in a statement.

They added that investigators have retrieved several spent shells at the scene and are in possession of CCTV footage. Further investigations are currently ongoing. acting Additionally, Commander of A Division, Marlon Chapman, visited the scene and spoke with the Chief Security Officer along with other officials and the victim.

On the other hand, Jerome Khan, an attorney whose office is a building away from where the incident occurred, said he was in his office when he heard gunshots.

Khan explained that when he went to investigate, he saw

the black car fleeing the scene; he said too that several spent shells could be seen lying in front of the UNDP building after the incident.

The attorney took the opportunity to voice his concern over the recent upsurge of such incidents.

“These persons that carryout these acts are unemployed and are hell bent on using robbery as a way of surviving apparently. Something has to be done to create opportunities for employment in order for people not to have to resort to criminal activities as the way of surviving,” Khan stated.

He reminded that these situations are becoming all too common, and he called for better to be done: “Every single day, every single week and every single month this has been happening and it’s not a good sign, from all appearances it can only get worse, and we need to find solutions.”

The attorney declared that many persons are seeking to leave Guyana as a result of the crime situation.

Police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and the vehicle used during the robbery.

NEWS

13

saturday, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

First Lady calls for global solidarity to tackle gender inequalities – Commonwealth SG pledges support for ECGECW at Clinton Global Initiative forum The cries of these women and girls cannot be ignored.

Help us achieve our potential as vibrant, viable members of our communities,” the First Lady pleaded.

This forum was held with the aim of discussing how girls and women in the Caribbean can be supported though financial resources, medicines and other supplies, exploring technical expertise that can benefit government, policy and pi-

First Lady Sandra Granger (centre) at the Clinton Global Initiative panel forum

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger said that global solidarity is a prerequisite to ensure the stamping out of gender inequalities in keeping with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal Three, which speaks of the empowerment of women and girls. She made these remarks during a panel discussion at the annual general meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York, on Thursday.

The other panellists included Prime Minister, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris and Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNDP), Babatunde Osotimehin.

According to a release from the Ministry of Presidency, the First Lady’s presentation garnered a pledge of support from the Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, who delivered introductory remarks at the forum for ‘Every Caribbean Girl, Every Caribbean Woman’ (ECGECW) Initiative, which is spearheaded by Caricom and the UNFPA and said that CGI’s involvement can lead to stronger support mechanisms; legal processes

that are less intimidating; health and social protection systems that reduce the inequalities, discrimination and stigmatisation that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised.

First Lady Granger explained that in the area of education, women and girls in the Caribbean outperform their male counterparts, yet unemployment among this gender demographic is notably higher, while in other cases they earn far less than men: “These factors impact negatively on empowerment and especially on the health and wellbeing of our women and girls. This is why Caricom First Ladies are championing ‘Every Caribbean Girl, Every Caribbean Woman’.”

The First Lady also spoke of the need for improved healthcare for women in the region, noting that high incidences of HIV/ AIDS and cervical cancer.

This, she said, underscores the need for health and family life education in our school curricula and in the media, increased awareness and for the implementation of a strong immunisation campaign to eliminate this scourge.

“We are even more disturbed when we consider girls, who are victims of

trafficking, rape and incest.

These young women have not only had their human rights violated, they are at risk of pregnancy and are also more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases and to HIV/AIDS… All stakeholders must collaborate to reduce teenage pregnancy so that the Caribbean no longer ranks second behind sub-Saharan Africa in this regard,” she said.

Speaking about on-going efforts in Guyana, the First Lady informed the panel about her work with Women Across Differences organisation to provide counselling and training in sexual and reproductive health and life and parenting skills, as well as assisting girls to complete their secondary education, the release added.

Additionally, the First Lady’s Office has rolled out training programmes in Information Communication Technology and the SelfReliance and Success in Business workshops that promotes economic empowerment among rural women.

“The Caribbean is drawing support from its national and regional partners and hopes that additional support may be forthcoming as we roll out from the pilot in Jamaica to deal with specific national priorities…

lot implementation and examining culturally relevant media and communications strategies, which are important vehicles for educating parents and young people about the benefits of both prevention and care seeking.

The First Lady is currently with President David Granger at the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly. She has a series

of engagements on the sidelines of the UN meeting: On Tuesday, she attended a reception hosted by the wife of the UN Secretary General, Ban Soon-taek and over the next two days, she is scheduled to attend Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) forum organised by the Bridge the Gap organisation and other activity at the Flatbush Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn.

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guyana-times.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

News co-chairs Caricom Heads, Ombudsman Winston President UN Secretary General meeting Moore laid to rest P A

n outpouring of tributes filled the auditorium of the St Andrews Kirk Presbyterian Church on Friday, as the life of Ombudsman and retired Judge, Winston Moore, was remembered.

Justice Winston Lennox Mclennan Moore was remembered in many ways, first, as a husband and father, a confidant, a church and community leader, a helper and by no lesser extent, a judge and

The casket bearing the remains of Justice Moore

Family members are comforted by former National Gallery of Art Curator Elfrieda Bissember at the furneral service

Ombudsman.

Memories of his life’s journey were shared by those who knew him well, his children, close associates and friends and members of the legal fraternity.

The retired Judge, who served as Guyana’s Ombudsman, died on the evening of Friday, September 16, 2016, at the St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital after a short illness.

His children said that the retired Judge was a “no-nonsense” person who, during almost every occasion, urged them to “get to the point”.

“I have to say that he is someone I highly respected with integrity… Once he was confident that he saw all sides of the story and some of the positives and negatives, he made his decision and I respected him for that,” his daughter said, before breaking down in tears.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who said he knew Justice Moore personally from growing up on the Corentyne, described the late Ombudsman as a great all-rounder.

“Today we all share your loss. You have lost the head of your family, this church has lost an elder, civil society has lost a leader and the Government has lost an outstanding public servant. Born in Alness on the Corentyne, Justice Moore was my “countryman”, and that was how we greeted each otherwhile he served as a Judge, lawyer and then Ombudsman. He was a great all-rounder that was also said from the first tribute that was made and his scoreboard is impressive.”

Justice Moore had worked in the private and

Public Sectors for some 55 years as a clerk, soldier, lawyer, lecturer, judge and finally as Ombudsman. He also gave sterling service as an elder of his church and as a leading member of the Lions Club of South Georgetown and Georgetown Stabroek.

“The fact of his appointment as Ombudsman – ‘an official who is appointed to receive and investigate complaints of abuses and capricious acts of public officials’ and who is ‘expected to achieve equitable settlements’ - is testimony to his character; to the perception of his honesty, fairness and to his ability to dispense justice,” the Prime Minister said. Following his retirement from the judiciary some years ago, Justice Moore returned to the Guyana Defence Force as a judge advocate. He had previously served in the Army between 1967 and 1973 as a Lieutenant and was also a member of the Lodge.

In 2014, he was appointed Ombudsman, after the office was closed for the some eight years. He was responsible for investigating and resolving complaints by citizens with the aim of identifying issues that were leading to poor services or breaches of citizen’s rights.

Justice Moore leaves to mourn his wife, Vera, and three children, along with grandchildren.

resident David Granger on Friday co-chaired a special meeting in New York, which was convened at the request of outgoing United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, with the aim of engaging the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of States on issues affecting countries in the Region and to bid farewell to them ahead of him demitting office in December.

The President described the Secretary General as a “great friend of the Caribbean”, noting that during his tenure in office, he attended two Caricom Heads of Government Meetings, which is rare for a UN Secretary General. He reminded that the Secretary General pioneered one of the most important environmental agreements, the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) agreement, which would have a significant impact on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

“Most of the Caribbean is made up of islands and, therefore, the threat of rising sea levels and global warming is prominent in terms of their environmental agenda and these are important achievements of Mr Ban Kimoon’s tenure of Service,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

Speaking about the Secretary General’s relationship with Caricom, President Granger said Ban Ki-moon presides over a complex array of services and programmes, particularly through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to address issues such as poverty alleviation, migration, trafficking, governance issues, gender issues, youth and unemployment.

“He superintends a very complex network of activities and all of them have been geared to make the quality of life better in the

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is flanked by President David Granger (to his right) and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves (to his left) during the meeting on Friday

Caribbean, particularly among the Caricom States.

We are happy that the UN programme is concerned with women, poverty alleviation, reduction of diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases. These are important areas for intervention by the UN,” the Head of State noted.

Regarding the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy, President Granger is scheduled to meet with the Secretary General today.

The Guyanese Head of State said that given the fact that Ban Ki-moon,with whom Guyana has been engaged over the past years on this matter, will soon be demitting office, the country is not looking to start the process all over again with his successor.

“Guyana has come to the conclusion 25-years after the Good Officer’s process has been exhausted and we do not intend to go back there.

Our intention is to move forward to a juridical settlement, so once the replacement for Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has been identified, unless he says something very definitive, it will be our responsibility to engage the new Secretary General to move the process forward from where it is at present, rather than to go back to where we were before,” President Granger posited.

He added that through the shuttle diplomacy that had started between Caracas, Georgetown and New York, Guyana is satisfied that by now the Secretary General would have been able to arrive at an assessment of the positions taken by Guyana and Venezuela, so at this point it should just be a matter of making a decision.

At Friday’s meeting, six Caricom States addressed the outgoing Secretary General. They were The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia.

President Granger disclosed that Guyana and Belize spoke about their respective territorial issues; while Haiti raised concerns about the lasting consequences of environmental disaster and about the large number of people who were expelled from the Dominican Republic and are now suffering from a cholera outbreak.

Meanwhile, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas and St Vincent and the Grenadines raised issues relating to corresponding banking. President Granger explained that Caribbean countries have been stigmatised as being centres of financial impropriety since their financial transactions are being treated as a block of delinquent States rather than being investigated individually.

Public health sector gets US$420,000 in equipment from China

V

isiting Chinese delegation to Guyana led

by Madam Cui Li, Vice Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China, on Friday handed over US$420,000 worth of medical equipment and supplies to Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings.

The handing over ceremony took place at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPOC) Resource Centre.

Some of the equipment included laparoscopic instruments, ophthalmic quick sterilising pan, a peritoneum cleaner, one H3-2 image, one

HD camera head, an electrosurgical generator and one image 1 HUB HD camera host.

The donation is yet another given with the aim of strengthening the ties between China and Guyana.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Minister Cui Li expressed her delight as China’s Minister of Health to assist Guyana’s health sector.

“Currently there are Chinese doctors that are in Guyana working with the Guyanese doctors and I want to show my gratitude for the work that they are doing to assist Guyanese.”

Also addressing those gathered, Ambassador to

Minister of Health and Family Planning of China, Cui Li after officially handing over the medical supplies to Minister Karen Cummings

Guyana, Zhang Limin said that China will continue to support the people of Guyana.

“China and Guyana are re-

ally proud of their relations together. China will continue to do the best in its capacity for Guyana’s development and is

willing to work with Guyana for the development of many fields.”

Minister Karen Cummings said that the donation is well timed and arrived when it is highly needed by GPHC. She added that the donation will contribute to the GPHC providing quality care to Guyanese.

She reflected on some of the previous donations from the Republic of China, thanking them for the current donation.

“Guyana and China have a long history of exemplary relations and have cooperated in a number of areas like education, culture and

trade. This shared relationship is one of mutual respect, China’s long-term humanitarian and support to Guyana has been flourishing since diplomatic relations between the two countries was established many years ago.”

She added that for many years China has been providing medical personal to assist Guyanese.

After the handing over ceremony, the Vice Minister of the People’s Republic of China, along with the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, toured the new wing of the multimillion-dollar maternity ward which is expected to be commissioned before yearend.

saturday, september 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

GECOM still to produce financial report Officer in bus park on General Elections, LGE − Gunraj shooting on active duty M T

he Police Officer, who reportedly opened fire during a chase at the Stabroek Market area, hitting and injuring a bystander, is currently on active duty as the investigation into the incident continues.

This was disclosed by acting Commander of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara), Marlon Chapman, who told reporters on Friday that the officer “is at station”.

When probed further to ensure the interim Commander was not interpreted incorrectly, Chapman said “he is at station… once he is at station, he can’t play; he has to be working.”

The Commander went on to inform reporters that the investigators are awaiting the results from the ballistic tests that were done on both the officer involved and the suspect in custody to determine who shot the 54-yearold woman. This is being done even though the Police did not find any weapon in the teenager’s possession. “(The ballistic tests) are being done on both parties – the Police weapon as well as the hands of both parties… The hands of the Police as well as the suspect have been swabbed for gun powder residue,” Chapman pointed out.

Sometime around 17:30h on Tuesday, Jean Rodrigues, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, was in the vicinity of the Timehri Bus Park (Route 42) with her family when they heard screams from a Police Officer, who was in pursuit of a young man.

Jean Rodrigues was shot in the back during a police chase

The officer then discharged a round, which hit the woman in her back on the right side.

“We were all standing and this man run past us and then the Policeman that was chasing him fire off shots and miss the man, but hit my wife,” the husband of the injured woman told this newspaper following the incident.

Rodrigues was rushed to the city hospital by the Police. The publication understands that the family was told by the officer that he did not shoot the mother of 10, but rather it was the bandit he was pursuing.

However, the family members said they saw what had occurred and claimed that the Officer was trying to “cover up the matter”.

Moreover, the 18-yearold teenager who the Police was reportedly pursuing, was turned into Police custody the following day by his mother and denied being in possession of a firearm.

The mother of the youth told reporters that her son

is not involved in any criminal activities; in fact, she disclosed that her son attends Chase Academy and is a football player who has earned several awards, as she pointed to the many trophies and certificates from the school.

The woman went on to explain that the teenager was at the park and was about to head into a bus, when a Police Officer fired a shot in the air and out of fear, the young man started to run.

“My son started to run and when (the Police) see my son running down Parliament Building, back there; he don’t know what the boy running for… and he open fire behind my son and end up hitting a woman sitting on a bench,” the woman stated.

She continued that the “They say meh son is a criminal and a thief, and how he snatch some chain and he had some bag, but they never expect that the child they shoot behind mother would have turned him in to Police.”

The mother expressed her disappointment with the actions of the Police, and called on the authorities to look into the matter and stop the Police from covering up what transpired on Tuesday last.

Meanwhile, the injured woman was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday morning and was only given a prescription of Ibuprofen.

The woman’s daughter told this newspaper that she has been in pain ever since the incident.

President Granger engages Guyanese Diaspora in New York

President David Granger shares a light moment with these smiling ladies following the meeting on Friday

P

resident David Granger on Friday met with members of the Guyanese diaspora at the Guyana Mission in New York, where he engaged them on the Government’s push for a ‘green’ economy.

The President also used the

occasion to promote investment opportunities in the ‘green’ sector, which he said will bloom as the country continues to make headway globally in creating a ‘green’ footprint.

The President was accompanied by Foreign

Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, retired international diplomat, Sir Shridath Ramphal and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow, among others.

ore than 16 months after the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections and six months after the historic Local Government Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is still to produce a report, including statements of expenditures on the conduct of the elections, and opposition commissioners are complaining of reaching a “brick wall” when they ask for these reports.

Speaking to reporters Thursday at his party’s Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, Headquarters, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Commissioner, Attorney Sase Gunraj is now questioning why Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, has been reluctant to produce these reports, particularly in face of the recent allegations of a multimillion-dollar corruption scheme at the electoral oversight body.

Gunraj said that to date, the Commission has not received from the GECOM Secretariat a report on the 2015 elections nor the 2016 Local Government Elections, despite repeated calls by commissioners.

He said one of the excuses coming from Lowenfield, whose statutory responsibility is to produce the report, is that he will not produce any report in the 2015 elections since the outcome of those elections are engaging the attention of the court.

Gunraj said the commission had discussed this issue extensively and a compromise position was considered, which would see the aspects of the report which may engage the court be redacted or excluded from the report.

“One aspect that we demanded that cannot in anyway be deemed to be affecting the outcome or otherwise even the evidence is the financial aspect,” he said, but even that is being stonewalled by the CEO. Gunraj said with re-

Addressing those gathered, President Granger said that Guyana’s pursuit of a ‘green’ agenda and economy is simply not for ‘show’ neither is it mere ‘talk’, rather it is a plan of action that is necessary if the country and the wider world are to combat the climate change and global warming phenomena.

Guyana, he said, is not only one of the most beautiful and bountiful Caribbean countries, it has valuable resources, particularly its pristine, virtually untouched rainforests which

Commissioner Sase Gunraj

cent exposures that there is deep-rooted corruption at GECOM, one would be led to wonder if this is in anyway influencing Lowenfield’s position.

“The recent developments in the press with what has been going on with these audit reports that we have been reading…is now making us wonder why we can’t even get a financial report of the 2015 elections of the 2016 elections. In fact so far as it relates to the 2016 elections, there is absolutely no impediment, none whatsoever, in relation to the preparation and release of a report in that regard,” the attorney stated.

Radio fiasco

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

Gunraj stated.

He said with regards to the procurement of $14 million worth of pliers and nippers by the Commission, the same obtained.

GECOM earlier this month was caught in a web of corruption allegations surrounding the purchase of the radios from Mobile Authority, a company owned by a Water Street, Georgetown, businessman, while side-lining Barrett Communications, the manufacturer of the said radio sets.

Barrett subsequently distanced itself from the radio sets and highlighted that it had ceased production of that particular equipment since 2009, six years before they were purchased

by GECOM.

Weighing in on the ongoing revelations of a multimillion-dollar Communication Radio contract which is said to be shrouded in corruption, Gunraj who has been on the Commission since February 3, 2015, said that there was never any mention of the procurement or intended use of these radios prior to the elections.

“At not one single meeting any discussion was raised in relation to the procurement, use or any other matter whatsoever touching on or concerning radio, even when the issue of communication was tangentially dealt with at Commission meeting, even prior to the 2015 elections. It had not even become apparent to me sitting at that Commission that we had procured radios, that radios were intended for use or any such thing,”

Subsequently, reports surfaced that the Commission doled out close to $100 million to M-Tech Business Solutions, another company owned by the same Water Street businessman, this time for the supply of toners used for photocopiers and printers, office furniture and equipment, photo paper and scanners, printing accessories, and even Duracell batteries. Additionally, the Commission is accused of purchasing the whopping $14 million in nippers from another relative of the same businessman.

GECOM officials, including the Chairman and CEO, have refused to comment on the allegations.

forms part of the lungs of the earth. Guyana is an integral part of the global ‘green’ movement, he proclaimed.

The Head of State also said that evidence of Guyana’s role as an important partner in the global environmental movement can be seen in the agreements which have been brokered with the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Japan and other states and international organisations for the protec-

tion of its forests. He noted too that these funding and partnerships will create opportunities for investments in the country, areas in which the diaspora can become involved.

He also noted that while Guyana will soon become an oil producing State and many believe that there is a conflict of interest in pursuing a ‘green’ agenda, the petroleum is simply a ‘bonus’ which can assist in financing projects and programmes, which will benefit the citizens, particularly the youth population.

More allegations

16 News

saturDay, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Anna Regina Market vendors Scotiabank launches complain of struggling economy cancer awareness

C

ome what may, rain or shine, vendors in the Anna Regina Market, Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) remain optimistic that things will improve and that their lives will get better.

This belief motivates the many vendors to turn out daily even though they lament that business is not as profitable as in previous years.

Many of the businesses have faced challenges over the past few months, as the Anna Regina Town Council, in efforts to create a more conducive environ-

to assemble their makeshift stalls before organising their items for sale.

According to vendor Savitree Persaud there are too many vendors and less customers. Persaud sells

food vendor Cora Coates explained that she was forced to merge two stalls into one in an effort to meet her needs; she also blamed the recent action of the council for her present hardship.

Vendor Savitree Persaud (partially hidden)

ment for vending, have dismantled stalls and displaced many vendors; however they continue to vend with their makeshift stalls.

A visit to the busy market on Friday revealed that business started later than usual, as it takes extra effort and time for the vendors

fruits and vegetables and explained that business for her is very slow and not profitable: “Nothing is happening, people not buying, things so slow, everyone think Friday money will roll but nothing selling, noting doing.”

Another clothes and

Coates also pointed out that business is very slow and blamed it, in part, on the struggling economy. She said that many persons continue to vend under the circumstances so that they can earn an honest living and provide for their family.

Another vendor Jenifer (only name given) who sells only on Fridays explained her business is very slow and attributed this to the struggling rice industry: “Imagine it is midday and nothing aint sell. I didn’t even sell $1500 yet, and I have to hire a car to go to the market; this year it really hard.”

Like other vendors, Maylene Nurse and a Ms Walcott said that their businesses are in trouble.

Walcott related that she is exercising patience and hoping for this best. Nurse has been vending over 40 years and described this year as the slowest in terms of sales.

Many vendors blame the slow business on the sluggish rice industry. Many of them have called on government to stimulate the industry by offering some form of incentives/assistance to rice farmers so that the industry may continue to flourish and boost the Region Two economy.

Better price for rice farmers means more business for local investors, were the chorus of the vendors.

month campaign

T

he staff of Scotiabank, Robb Street, Georgetown, branch on Friday launched their annual cancer awareness month.

October is designated to bring understanding and awareness of this form of cancer that affects both men and women. Scotiabank has been involved in raising funds for cancer institutions over the past 15 years. The bank’s annual cake sale has been the flagship of the charitable event.

The Robb Street branch last year raised $1.4 million through the support from customers and friends. The funds raised are matched

by Scotiabank and donated to the cancer institutions.

The usual beneficiaries are the Periwinkle Cancer Club and Avon Cancer Society, now Guyana Cancer Foundation. This year the Robb Street

branch is hoping to garner higher funds to make a larger contribution towards people living with cancer.

The event is supported by employees, who bake cakes and pastries, customers, friends and other Scotiabank branches in Guyana.

This year’s grand cake sale will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 in front of the Robb Street branch from 07:30h.

Every Friday in October staff will wear pink to demonstrate solidarity with breast cancer patients in particular and those living with other forms of cancers.

Bartica man nabbed with 12.7Kg ganja

P

olice on Friday arrested two males in separate instances, who were found in possession of a quantity of narcotics.

In the first case, Police in ‘F’ Division (Interior Locations) nabbed a Bartica man, who has been under Police surveillance.

According to reports, at about 17:00h on Friday, the

suspect was walking on First Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) with a bag, when Police ranks stopped and searched him. Ranks unearthed in excess of 28 pounds of compressed cannabis wrapped in several taped parcels.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day at about 08:00h, an intelligence led operation in ‘D’

Division (West Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo) resulted in the arrest of a male with narcotics.

It was reported that police ranks conducted a search at house at East Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and found unearthed 229 grams of cocaine along with 114 grams of cannabis.

news

17

saturday, september 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Mahaica River Birding Tours gets boost T

he Mahaica River Birding Tours on Friday received a brand new four-stroke Yamaha engine and a nineseater boat, compliments of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Caribbean Aqua Terrestrial Solutions (CATS).

The outfit was handed over during a small cere-

while noting that the contributions are a strategic addition towards the development of the niche product.

Haralsingh pointed out that participating in a birding tour is yet another opportunity to see Guyana.

Singh further added that he recently returned from the International Bird Expo in Iowa where Guyana was

Tours offers a rich natureoriented experience to tourists and Guyanese that ranges from fishing to bird watching. Mahaica Birding Tours is located in Little Baiabu, along the Mahaica Creek.

Among the many attractions of the tourist site is Guyana’s National Bird, the Canje Pheasant, which is not only appealing to tour-

Handing over of boat and engine at Little Baiabu, Mahaica Creek

mony, which was officiated by Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh, who said that he was proud to be associated with the birding tour development

represented by eight out of 40 booths. This he said is quite impressive and a positive boost for Guyana’s tourism industry, particularly birding.

The Mahaica Birding

ists but to many Guyanese who have never seen the bird before.

National Project Officer, Annette Arjoon-Martins reminded that the bird watching tour was initiated ap-

proximately one year ago.

She explained to the media that the tour comprises a three-hour bird watching activity that provides the opportunity to see the howler monkey and many sea creatures. Upon the conclusion of the tour, participants will be treated to a grand musical rendition of Tassa drumming and cultural dancers.

Arjoon-Martins noted the exceptional tour guide, Kavita Ram, was one of the 15 students trained by Iwokrama. Ram was named the best student for exceptional ability to memorise the bird names and characteristics. The programme was funded by the Government of Germany which supported a regional twin programme in

Guyana national bird, the Canje Pheasant was seen along the Mahaica Creek

Caricom countries titled Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions, the result of a merger of two initially separately conceptualised projects, namely on “Adaptation

of rural Economics and Natural Resources to Climate Change” and on the “Management of Coastal Resources and Conservation of Marine Biodiversity”.

18

guyana-times.com

saturday, september 24, 2016

ARCHIE

Force is not the answer.

If someone tries to bully you, (March 21- step back and rethink your April 19) next move. Unpredictable people will only deter you from living your dream.

ARIES

Control changes taking TAURUS place at home. You must do (April 20- your part, stay involved and May 20) be willing to compromise in order to keep the peace and stay friendly with everyone.

dilbert

Steer clear of unpredictGEMINI able situations and people (May 21who are inconsistent or are June 20) trying to get something for nothing. It’s up to you to look for opportunities instead of waiting for them to happen.

Emotions will escalate in CANCER a certain situation, causing (June 21- you to take on too much, exagJuly 22) gerate or do something you’ll regret. Say little and concentrate on physical attention and praise.

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Keep your plans a secret.

Get everything together and prepare a flawless presentation before you share it with anyone. Integrate a healthy diet, sleep and exercise routine into your life.

Helping others will make VIRGO you feel good, but don’t go (Aug. 23Sept. 22) overboard. It’s better to offer your time, expertise and good advice, not your hard-earned cash.

Calvin and Hobbes

Emotions will escalate LIBRA when dealing with relation(Sept. 23ship issues.

A short trip or visOct. 23) it to a friend or relative who can shed light on your situation will do you good.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Taking brief trips and SCORPIO (Oct. 24- sharing your feelings with Nov. 22) a loved one will lead to positive changes, good plans and a better home environment.

Make a commitment and put your plans in motion.

Changes at home will be SAGITTARIUS met with rejection if you do (Nov. 23things without getting the Dec. 21) go-ahead to proceed first.

Prepare and present what you want tactfully.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

How you present yourself CAPRICORN and your abilities will make (Dec. 22- a difference in the way others Jan. 19) treat you. Focus on building a stellar reputation. Love is on the rise.

Learn from the mistakes AQUARIUS made by others. Refrain from (Jan. 20doling out cash to help someFeb. 19) one else when it’s in your best interest to put money behind improving your quality of life.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Love is highlighted, so (Feb. 20- focus on important relationMarch 20) ships. Don’t be afraid to do things differently or to try something new. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to join you.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

Scotiabank Golf Tournament

Charities to win big O

ne of Guyana’s Premier Golf Tournament, the Scotiabank Golf Tournament will enter its 19 edition today and it promises to be competitive as top golfers aim to secure top honours at the luxurious tournament.

Last year’s winner Mahendra Bhagwandin has vowed to reclaim the title but the keenness of the competition means that the floor is wide open for upsets or new winners.

Guyana Open female 2015 champion, Shanella Webster who brought second at Scotiabank’s tournament last year will again be in contention along with Dr. Philbert London who placed third. Close contenders last year - Carlos Adams, Maurice Solomon, and Ian Gouveia – are all expected to participate in this year’s tournament.

The following are the first to third place winners from 2014 back to 2012. 2014 Imran Khan, Haresh Tewari and Roy Cummings; 2013 Andre Cummings, Kishan Bacchus and Haresh Tewari; and 2012 - Jorge Medina, Rawle Moore and Mohanlall Dinanauth.

The prizes for first to third

Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani (left) handing over cheque to Lusigan Golf Club President Oncar Ramroop

respectively will include cash donations of $150,000.00, $100,000.00 and $75,000.00 towards a children’s charity of their choice under Scotiabank’s Bright Future Programme. Golfers will indicate before the start of the tournament which children’s charity they would identify to benefit from Scotiabank’s donation should they be one of the top three winners.

Both Robb Street Branch Manager, Brian Hackettt and Branch Marketing Manager, Jennifer Cipriani, in making the presentation of a cheque and prizes for

the tournament, expressed Scotiabank’s willingness to sponsor golf and also be involved in contributing much to assist in the improvement of life in communities.

Cipriani noted that “Under its Global Bright Future philanthropic program, the Bank channels funds and employee volunteer hours towards initiatives that benefit children in the areas of educa-

tion, health, social well-being and sports. Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually to community causes around the world over the last 6 years.”

Golf Club President, Oncar Ramroop expressed Lusignan Golf Club’s gratitude for the continued good support of golfing by Scotiabank, and for its philanthropic initiative.

Some charities that were identified in previous years included St Ann’s Orphanage, Joshua House, Step by Step Foundation, Red Cross, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and Cheshire home.

This year the sponsors have added consideration for the good coverage of media houses by including a Raffle component for representatives of all the media houses who will be on hand to cover the tournament.

Up for grabs by the golfers are prizes for 1st – 3rd Best Net, Best Gross, Nearest to The Pin, Longest Putt, and Most Honest Golfer. Prizes include trophies, clubs, balls, hats, and umbrellas.

Tee-off time is 12:30 hours, and the public is invited to view this tournament free of charge.

19

GCA/ NBS 2nd Division

Confident lawmen looking to arrest reigning champs P olice Sports Club could take their successful run in this competition into a third straight win but this time they will have to contend with the likes of powerhouse and reigning champions the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) today. And though they are playing home the Lawmen would not start as favourites to prevail in this clash.

But because of the absence of DCC’s top players like Tevin Imlach, Sherfane Rutherford and Raymond Perez, Police would be optimistic of a win.

In order to manifest that win they have to execute correctly because without the presence of their marquee players DCC will still field a strong team.

Police is a confident unit and has won their first two games against minnows Diplomats and Sophia. Their win was due to a team effort and they will come out as a confident team looking to dispose of their opponents.

If Kevin Leitch gets it right and face more than fifty deliveries in the match then it will be game on at the Eve Leary ground.

The odds are against Police but it is certainly expected to be a keen challenge.

Also on Saturday Everest Cricket Club will host Third Class, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will also play at

Kevin Leitch

home to University of Guyana (UG), Transport Sports Club (TSC) will visit Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) AND Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) is finally expected to open their campaign as they clash at the GNIC ground at Woolford Avenue.

Meanwhile on Sunday the action is expected to continue with four matches. Diplomat and Sophia will play at a neutral venue, the DCC ground in Queenstown, TSC and Ace Warriors are set to battle at another neutral venue, Eve Leary Ground, MSC will visit GYO and GCC will host GNIC. All matches are scheduled for a 9:30 hours start.

20

GUYANA-

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

NZ make strong strides on rain-hit day

A

n unbroken century stand between Tom Latham and Kane Williamson led New Zealand’s response to India’s first-innings total of 318, moving them to 152 for 1 before rain washed out the final session of day two. But New Zealand’s position was still far from secure, with the spinners getting the ball to turn and jump with increasing frequency as the day wore on.

A light rain began just before the players went off for tea, and intensified during the break to become a heavy shower. The rain stopped at roughly 3.15pm, but the umpires decided, after an inspection at 3.45pm, to call off further play.

From the start of their partnership halfway through the first session until about an hour after lunch, Williamson and Latham looked mostly untroubled against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Both batsmen looked to stay on the back foot as much as possible

and use the slowness of the Green Park pitch to their advantage. Williamson did this to great effect, manoeuvering the ball into gaps through the leg side and behind point.

Both used the sweep frequently. Latham got in trouble on a few occasions when he swept from a stump-tostump line, but the shot also brought him a fair proportion

SCOREBOARD

Stumps - Day 2 India 1st innings (291/9 overnight score) KL Rahul c †Watling b 32 Santner M Vijay c †Watling b Sodhi 65 CA Pujara c & b Santner 62 V Kohli* c Sodhi b Wagner 9 AM Rahane c Latham b 18 Craig RG Sharma c Sodhi b 35 Santner R Ashwin c Taylor b Boult 40 WP Saha† b Boult 0 RA Jadeja not out 42 Mohammed Shami b Boult 0 UT Yadav c †Watling b Wagner 9 Extras (b 5, lb-1) 6 Total (all out; 97 overs) 318 Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Rahul, 10.6 ov), 2-154 (Pujara, 48.4 ov), 3-167 (Kohli, 51.3 ov), 4-185 (Vijay, 58.1 ov), 5-209 (Rahane, 63.6 ov),

6-261 (Sharma, 82.6 ov), 7-262 (Saha, 83.5 ov), 8-273 (Ashwin, 85.5 ov), 9-277 (Mohammed Shami, 87.1 ov), 10-318 (Yadav, 96.6 ov) Bowling: TA Boult 20-3-673, N Wagner 15-4-42-2, MJ Santner 23-2-94-3, MD Craig 24-6-59-1, IS Sodhi 15-3-50-1 New Zealand 1st innings 21 MJ Guptill lbw b Yadav TWM Latham not out 56 KS Williamson* not out 65 10 Extras (b 8, lb 1, nb 1) Total (1 wicket; 47 overs) 152 To bat: LRPL Taylor, L Ronchi, MJ Santner, BJ Watling†, MD Craig, N Wagner, TA Boult, IS Sodhi Fall of wicket: 1-35 (Guptill, 9.3 ov) Bowling: Mohammed Shami 8-1-26-0, UT Yadav 7-2-22- 1, RA Jadeja 17-1-47-0(1nb), R Ashwin 14-1-43-0, M Vijay 1-0-5-0

of his runs. Williamson was a little more selective, playing it only off balls that were going down the leg side or, more commonly, getting his front leg a long way across to balls pitching outside off - effectively negating lbw - and lapping or paddling behind square.

But as they neared their half-centuries, things began to happen. Ashwin seemed to find the right pace for the pitch, tossing it up a little higher and slower to entice the batsmen forward.

Williamson, stretching out to defend, took a blow to the helmet as the ball dipped on him and bounced disconcertingly.

A couple of overs later, Virat Kohli threw the ball to M Vijay, bringing on the part-time offspinner to change his main spinners’ ends. In the space of three balls, Vijay beat Latham’s edge with a sharply spinning offbreak and had an lbw appeal turned down after hitting his pad on the full with a ball that may just have been angling down the leg side.

Ashwin had another lbw appeal turned down in the next over, when a ball spun sharply back as Williamson tried to defend it off the back foot. It probably struck him outside the line, but it was no longer so easy for the batsmen to sit back against the spinners.

Then came the two big moments of the session, both off Jadeja’s bowling. On 47, Latham swept Jadeja onto his boot. The ball popped up to short leg, where KL Rahul

grabbed the ball on the juggle, b u t r e plays - initially called for to check whether the ball had hit the ground after hitting the boot - suggested it had made contact with the strap of his helmet while he took the catch, contravening Law 32.3. The relevant clause says: “it is not a fair catch if at any time after having been struck by the bat and before a catch is completed the ball has touched a protective helmet worn by a fielder.”

Then, five overs from tea, Richard Kettleborough shook his head when Jadeja implored him to give Williamson out caught behind. Replays picked up a noise when the ball passed Williamson’s bottom-edge as he went back to cut, but Ultra Edge did not show any deviation at that point.

India’s only success came in the first session, via Umesh

Yadav, w h o struck with a full, straight ball that Martin Guptill, rather than playing down the ground with a straight bat, looked to work into the leg side, across his front pad. He missed, and ball struck pad in front of middle stump.

It was the end of an edgy innings from an opener still trying to find a method to succeed in Test cricket. He hit Jadeja for two fours, one a straight hit over the top that he didn’t quite middle, but also looked troubled by the left-arm spinner, surviving an lbw shout thanks to an insideedge and nearly losing his off stump while leaving one that went with the arm.

In the morning, Jadeja and Umesh added 27 to India’s overnight total, stretching their last-wicket partnership to 41, before Neil Wagner brought their innings to a close at 318. Jadeja went after the bowling, particularly the left-arm spin of Mitchell Santner, which he hit for two fours and a big six over long-on in three overs, and ended unbeaten on 42 off 44. Umesh survived 15 balls before gloving a short ball from Wagner down the leg side to the wicketkeeper BJ Watling. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Canadian-based Guyanese...

Other players currently residing in the North American country or playing professionally, were more than delighted to express their various views about the impact he made and his role as a captain.

Ryan Ramdass, who also featured in the West Indian colours, mentioned it is a privilege still to have shared the same dressing room with Sarwan on many occasions.

“For me, he was one of the most elegant batsmen in the world and I had the privilege to play under his captaincy and he was a great leader as well,” Ramdass related.

Damodar Daesrath, who led Guyana senior team for a period of time commended Sarwan on his cricketing accomplishments.

Daesrath, who represented Canada too at the international level, said Sarwan was a wonderful player and always gave advises when solicited wheth-

er on or off the field.

Wicketkeeper Azib Alli Haniff and opening batsman Hemnarine Chattergoon, both of whom are currently living in Canada, lauded the efforts he made from Under-19 stage to international arena.

Chattergoon, who featured for Guyana and West Indies Under-19 teams and then Canada senior side was well, declared he (Sarwan) was a classy batsman from the young age and felt he could have played until he reached forty.

Hanif, who was under the captaincy of Sarwan in 1997 when Guyana youth team won the three-day championship on home soil stated that the talented Sarwan should have been in a [better position] to say goodbye to the game and for the betterment of West Indies cricket.

“It was a pleasure to play with Sarwan from the under-19 days to the senior days; I think he was a fan-

FROM PAGE 23

tastic leader both on and off the field; I feel he was poorly treated by the West Indies Cricket Board but hopefully he can give back something to the game especially in the Caribbean,” Haniff revealed.

Fast-bowler Trevon Garraway and batsman Krishna Arjune, who continue to play in Canada on an annual basis for different clubs took the opportunity as well to rate Sarwan as one of the best batsmen emerged from the Caribbean.

“Was great rubbing shoulders with Ronnie (Sarwan), growing up watching him representing Guyana and the WI; it was definitely a pleasure to play alongside him too.

It’s unfortunate Guyana and the West Indies didn’t make full use of his potential, nevertheless, I think he had a successful career on the field and wish him the same in his future endeavours,” Garraway commented.

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21 Banks DIH partners with Courts for 10K SPORTS

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Banks DIH Brand Manager, Errol Nelson hands over the sponsor cheque to Courts Marketing Assistant, Roberta Ferguson while AAG President Aubrey Hutson, Troy Peters and Clive Pellew of Banks DIH looks on

B

anks DIH Limited has once again become a partner with Courts for the household appliance store’s Annual 10K and 3K athletics road races which is set for Sunday.

Banks DIH will be sponsoring the races under its Rainforest Waters and Powerade brands.

Courts’ Marketing Assistant, Roberta Ferguson and Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President, Aubrey Hutson both expressed gratitude to Banks DIH for sponsoring the races.

Communications Manager at Banks DIH, Troy Peters

said Banks DIH is once again proud to be associated with the annual event as its helps to foster closer relationship with the nation’s athletes and business partner Courts.

Through this partnerning, both athletes and officials will be provided with Rain Forest Water and Powerade, a Sports drink with Electrolytes along the route and at the completion of the event. Starting time is at 06:00 hours Sunday.

The races which start and end in front of Courts Furniture Store of Main Street will attract the country’s top athletes in the feature 10K while employees of Courts and

corporate entities will be featured in the 3K. Since the event was launched in 2011, Cleveland Forde has won it four times, having been rule out sick in the 2014 edition will be aiming to add the fifth title to his collection, while the talented Winston Missingher, Cleveland Thomas as well as Alika Morgan will all be looking to make a good showing.

As customary, winners of the open male and female categories will pocket $100,000 each, while the immediate runners up will take home $75,000, $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.

Professional Key Shop, Colours support top 10k athletes J

ust days to go before the 6th annual Courts’ 10K race slated for Sunday, Profession Key Shop, Wind Jammer Hotel and Colours Boutique collaborated to sponsor leading distance runners, Cleveland Thomas and Winston Missingher with a pair of sketchers sneakers at Colours on Robb Street Georgetown on Friday.

Director of Professional Key Shop, Kwame Ridley who initiated the donation, noted that both of the athletes have the potential to reach the pinnacle of their sport and it is that reason that they have decide to support them in this way.

“They are very good athletes I can see great improvements in both of them and we are here today to help push them and take them to a next level. I know it is not an easy task but on behalf of Colours, Sketchers, Wind Jammers and Professional Key Shop we support them to be champions because I can see they are winners.”

Ridley said.

Fresh off his third place in the Venture Credit Union 5K in Trinidad and Tobago, Missingher, second only to Cleveland Forde in recent times, indicated that he will be

Winston Missingher receives his pair of sketchers sneakers from Colours floor manager

gunning for the top spot come this Sunday.

“I have been putting in a lot of hard work and I know there are a lot of talent out there including my training partner, Thomas and Nathaniel Giddings, to name a few and come Sunday I will be giving 100 percent.” Missingher stated.

Missingher noted that it is experience that has had him finishing second behind Forde but noted that he is getting there, having edged the ace runner in the Independence

Day race.

Thomas, who had won the Courts’ 10K back in 2014, thanked the efforts of the sponsors, pin pointing that the gesture came in a timely manner, just ahead of the event this Sunday.

Sunday’s race which is will see both of the sponsored runners competing against four time winner Cleveland Forde and others in this Sunday’s Courts’ 10K race when the race runs off at 06:00hrs in front of Courts.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

T

Wasim 5 for 14 dismantles West Indies

he surface in Dubai was cracked, but there seemed to be more cracks in the batting line-up of the World T20 champions. Imad Wasim exploited all those cracks and rolled West Indies over for 115. In the process, the left-arm spinner became only the second Pakistan bowler, after Umar Gul, to take a five-for in T20Is. Pakistan then merrily cruised to the target with 34 balls to spare to hint at a white-ball revival, having secured their second successive ninewicket win.

The portents were clear from the first over, after Pakistan chose to field. Taking the new ball, Wasim had opener Evin Lewis topedge a catch to deep midwicket in the first over. In his next over, he accounted for Andre Fletcher and Marlon Samuels to leave West Indies at 16 for 3. A raft of balls

fizzed through and thudded into the pad, drawing appeals from an everpresent slip and captain Sarfraz Ahmed. Looking at the scorecard, it may have appeared that Wasim was bowling magic balls. Truth be told, he didn’t turn them much. Instead, he relied on accuracy and drift to run through West Indies.

Fletcher attempted a low-percentage slog against the drift and was bowled.

Samuels’ technique of camping back in the crease was exposed again when he was trapped plumb in front by a full slider. Wasim alternated between a good length and a full length and kept attacking the stumps. West Indies didn’t quite know how to counter that.

Mohammad Nawaz, the other left-arm spinner in the team, joined the fun when Johnson Charles stepped away outside leg and missed a fast, skiddy delivery.

Debutant Nicholas Pooran guided Hasan Ali, the fast bowler, behind before Wasim returned and stabbed away at West Indies.

When Wasim dismissed Carlos ‘remember the name’

Brathwaite, he ensured his name would be remembered too, as he became the first Pakistan spinner to pick up a five-wicket haul in T20Is. He finished with figures of 4-0-14-5. Through out his spell, he had only bowled one rank short ball, which was square-cut for four by Samuels.

At 48 for 8 in 12 overs, following the run-out of Sunil Narine, West Indies were in danger of being bowled out for their lowest T20I score.

Dwayne Bravo and Jerome Taylor, however, had other ideas. They strung together the highest ninth-wicket partnership in T20Is to save West Indies’ blushes.

Taylor first upset the rhythm of Pakistan when he raced down the track and lofted Nawaz straight over his head for the first six of the match. Bravo, becalmed till then, drove Sohail Tanvir inside-out for six and followed it with a flicked four to rejuvenate the innings.

They hit a higher gear when they took three fours in a 19-run over off the 16th, bowled by Ali. This meant that West Indies passed their previous-lowest score of 79.

Tanvir ended the stand when he yorked Taylor for a run-aball 21. He ended the innings when he undid Bravo with a legcutter three balls later.

With only Bravo and Taylor logging double-digit scores, the recovery would not be enough.

Sharjeel Khan set Pakistan’s chase in motion with three fours and a six before his old enemy resurfaced: tendency to pull balls

that aren’t short enough.

Sharjeel was bowled by a full dart from Samuel Badree for 22, but the wicket only served to alter the margin of victory rather than give West Indies real hope.

The dew-slicked pitch did not help West Indies’ cause

third-man boundary and gave Azam his maiden T20I half-century.

Opener Khalid Latif completed him, adding 30 in an unbroken 88-run stand for the second wicket. West Indies had managed all of 12 boundaries in this innings.

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings J Charles b Mohammad 7 Nawaz E Lewis c Mohammad Nawaz 1 b Imad Wasim ADS Fletcher† b Imad Wasim 2 MN Samuels lbw 4 b Imad Wasim DJ Bravo c Umar Akmal b Sohail Tanvir 55 N Pooran c †Sarfraz Ahmed 5 b Hasan Ali KA Pollard b Imad Wasim 9 CR Brathwaite* c Khalid Latif b Imad Wasim 0 SP Narine run out (Khalid Latif) 1 JE Taylor b Sohail Tanvir 21 S Badree not out 1 Extras:(lb 2, w 5, nb 2) 9 Total: (all out; 19.5 overs) 115 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Lewis, 0.5 ov), 2-11 (Fletcher, 2.2 ov), 3-15 (Samuels, 2.4 ov), 4-17 (Charles, 3.4 ov), 5-22 (Pooran, 4.3 ov), 6-47 (Pollard, 10.3 ov), 7-47 (Brathwaite, 10.5 ov), 8-48 (Narine, 11.3 ov), 9-114 (Taylor, 19.2 ov),

either. Their misery was compounded by slipshod fielding. Taylor dropped Babar Azam on 12 at the edge of the long-leg boundary. He went on to seal the chase with successive fours, the first of which snuck through Bravo’s legs to the

10-115 (Bravo, 19.5 ov) Bowling: Imad Wasim 4-0-14-5,Sohail Tanvir 3.5-026-2 (2w),Mohammad Nawaz (3) 4-0-16-1 ,Hasan Ali 3-032-1 (1-nb, 1-wd), Shoaib Malik 1-0-5-0 (1-wd), Wahab Riaz 4-1-20-0 (1-nb, 1-wd) Pakistan innings (target: 116 runs from 20 overs) Sharjeel Khan b Badree 22 Khalid Latif not out 34 Babar Azam not out 55 5 Extras:(lb 1, w 3, nb 1) Total: (1 wicket; 14.2 overs) 116 Did not bat: Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed*†, Mohammad Nawaz (3), Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets 1-28 (Sharjeel Khan, 3.5 ov) Bowling: S Badree 4-0-271 (1-wd), JE Taylor 1-0-80, SP Narine 3-0-21-0,DJ Bravo 2-0-16-0 (1-wd),CR Brathwaite 2.2-0-29-0 (1-nb),KA Pollard 2-0-14-0 (1-wd)

Latif and Azam alone hit 12.

While West Indies seemed to be missing their Champions - Andre Russell, Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons - Pakistan found their own amid roars of “Champion, Champion” from the sizeable crowd. (ESPN Cricinfo)

St George’s footballer James died of cardiac failure – autopsy

A

pathologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies concluded on Thursday that 18-year-old St. George’s High School Manning Cup Captain Dominic James, died of cardiac failure.

The player was apparently suffering from a condition known as Cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle.

Early on there may be few Dominic James died of Cardiac failure while playing or no symptoms. Others football may have shortness of breath, feel tired, or have He was eventually taken to the Medical swelling of the legs due to heart failure.

Associates Hospital where he was proThose affected are at an increased risk of nounced dead. sudden cardiac death.

His death triggered an emotional outJames, who also played Manning pouring from the football fraternity, inCup football for Jamaica College (JC) cluding the Jamaica Football Federation until the 2013-2014 season, was named as well as the Waterhouse Football Club captain of St George’s during the prewith whom James won an under-20 season. He died at the start of his sixth championship in 2014. game of the season.

James was remembered as an outReports said James collapsed on the standing student and midfield player field about three minutes into the game who had a bright future ahead of him. and was attended to by three doctors. (Sportsmax)

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

23

Jaguars Franchise League

Lower Corentyne well placed against East Coast – Kyron Fraser records century

Canadian-based Guyanese cricketers laud Sarwan’s career

Ramnaresh Sarwan

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto

S

everal Canadianbased Guyanese cricketers who rubbed shoulders with former Guyana and West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan spoke pleasantly about his cricketing career that came to an end recently.

At the age of 36, one would have hoped that the elegant right-hander could have continued to dominate things on the international stage, but Sarwan seemed happy to announce his retirement from all form of the game.

Having begun his impressive career at the regional level as a 15-yearold lad against a formidable Trinidad and Tobago lineup at Bourda, his home club, Sarwan blossomed into the scene remarkably.

At his Primary School Stella Maris in Georgetown, Guyana where his superb talent was spotted and recognized, the Essequibianborn was able to totally accumulate 11, 646 runs in 87 tests and 181 one-day internationals.

Keith Semple

Former Guyana and West Indies batsman Keith Semple who was also in the Guyana team that competed against the Trinidadian in a limited-over match, stated that Sarwan had done well and knew he would have gone on to great heights.

“I’ve known Sarwan from the time he came into the Guyana’s team at the tender age of 15 and have had the privilege of watching him grow from the “baby of the team”, as we called him then, into one of the finest international batsmen Guyana has produced.

What has stood out for me over his career was his exceptional skill level and his ability to score all around the wicket. He was a batsman who played the game in the right spirit and was very difficult to contain – a strength that manifested in him becoming one of the finest finishers in ODI cricket at his prime.

I would like to wish him and his family all the best in his retirement and success in his future endeavours,” Semple declared.

TURN TO PAGE 20

L

Jonathan Foo

Chanderpaul Hemraj

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

eaders of the Jaguars Franchise League, Lower Corentyne, were well placed at 70-1 in reply to East Coast 277 all out at the close of day one of their fifth round clash at Albion Community Centre Ground.

East Coast’s innings was built on the back of Chanderpaul Hemraj’s 91. Guyana under 19 allrounder Bhaskar Yadram stroked a composed 71.

Lower Corentyne in reply, are set on 70/1 with the inform Jonathan Foo not out on 36 and Surujnarine Kandasammy on 27.

At the Port Mourant

Community Centre ground, Upper Corentyne declared at 206/9 with skipper Rajiv Ivan stroking an outstanding 93 and was well supported

by Kevlon Anderson who made 33 playing his first match of this competition.

Bowling for Essequibo, Kevin Gordon had 3/41 while Anthony Adams continued to show progress with his left arm spin as he grabbed 3/46.

Essequibo in reply are 99/4 with Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 21 and Ricardo Adams on one.

Eon Hooper has so far taken 2/24.

At Lusignan,

Georgetown’s miserable run continued as they were bowled for 170 after they won the toss and opted to bat. Andrew Lyght Jnr top scored with 47 while Kellon Carmichael supported with 40 as Looknauth claimed 4/34 and Romario Shephard 3/56 for ‘West Dem.’ West Demerara closed the day on 164/2 with Tagenarine Chanderpaul six runs away from a century (94*) and Akshaya Persaud on 49 not out.

Andre Stoll and Gajanan Suknanan have so far taken a wicket each.

At Enterprise Community Development

Rajiv Ivan

Centre ground, West Berbice won the toss and decided to bat. They were led by Kayron Fraser who scored a century batting at number 10 as he led West Berbice to a formidable 407/9 at the close.

He is on 120 not out while Collis Butts is on 34 not out. Andrew Dutchin earlier made 71 while opener Avinash Sewkarran chipped in with 50.

Bowling for East Bank, Steven Jacobs and Arshaad Ali has so far taken 3/99 and 2/39 respectively.

All matches are scheduled to resume at 9:30h on the second day.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

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

Wasim 5 for 14 dismantles West Indies

Pg 22

Kieron Pollard has his middle stump disturbed

Professional Key Shop, Colours support top 10k athletes Pg 21

Timely gift; Cleveland Thomas (extreme left) Colours floor manager, Kwame Ridley and Winston Missingher at the presentation

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