Guyana Times Daily - September 19, 2015

51 Nurses Graduate from Pediatric Development Programme P14

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

Issue No. 2621

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Berbice water taxis to start Monday

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Govt launches US1.7M Early Childhood P2 Project – “vision and funding was

– “Talks continue” with Govt-controlled BBCI on tolls

acquired by PPP” says former Edu Min Manickchand

As crime spirals out-of-control...

Man slits throat after fatally stabbing Policeman at Huston Page 7

Grove woman robbed, raped in home invasion Page 7

… shootout ensued as bandits escape

Brazilian national shot during row over “dust” Page 9

Guyana’s first kidney transplant successful Page 2

Battered body of mechanic found in Crabwood P9 Creek P10 Two intercepted at Black Water Trail – with huge ammunition cache

Teenager dies after injuring finger on Washiba wood – wood known for its toxicity

P11

UG and P11 Accreditation Councils Members approved

– GPHC breaks new ground Kidney Transplant Surgeon Dr Kishore Persuad along with the four other doctors in the presence of their patient Kiran Hardyal in GPHC’s ICU

Ramjattan guns Governing for Jagdeo parties to finally on asset staff Integrity declaration Commission Page 8

Page 14

...ducks TI and UN codes ...after stymieing its work for govt officials to do same since its formation

Prisoner injured during gang fight at Camp Street Prison

Page 14

Former Queens P17 College caretaker hit down by State-owned vehicle – presidential guard at the center of fiasco

2 news

saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana’s first kidney transplant successful – GPHC breaks new ground

T

he successful execution of the first kidney transplant done

by Guyanese-trained surgeons at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has now paved the way for 10 additional patients to benefit from similar services.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton made this disclosure on Friday even as he applauded the team of surgeons, which was led by Dr Kishore Persaud, on the successful venture. At the time he

(L-R) Kidney Transplant Surgeon Dr Kishore Persaud, GPHC CEO (ag) Alan Johnson, Director of Medical Services at the Hospital, Dr Madan Rambarran, Dr David Samaroo and Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton during the media conference on Friday

Govt launches US1.7M Early Childhood Project – “vision and funding was acquired by PPP” says former Edu Min Manickchand

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand with Global Partnership for Education Board Chair Julia Gillard in December 2014

T

he Early Childhood Project was launched by Guyana Government at the St Anthony’s Primary School in Bartica, Region 7.

Former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, commenting on the launch said: “It’s pleasing to see that the Early Childhood Education programme, a beautiful programme, conceived and funded under the PPP/C Government has been officially launched.”

The project, funded by the World Bank, seeks to improve emergent literacy and numeracy outcomes for children at nursery level, primary grade one in hinterland regions and targeted remote riverine areas.

In December 2014, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) approved

a US$1.7 million education grant for Guyana.

Furthermore, the former Minster posited that, “the PPP having achieved universal access to primary education had set a goal for the country to improve access to nursery and secondary education both of which were well on the way to being achieved.”

The direct project beneficiaries are children attending the two years of nursery education and Grade 1, aged three to seven, living in the hinterland regions. This compromises about 8,000 children in these three grades each year. Four hundred and forty nursery and Grade 1 teachers would benefit from improved working conditions and training.

In addition, several thousand primary caregivers in these geographic areas

would also benefit from education tailored for them.

Julia Gillard, Board Chair of the Global Partnership for Education during the initial pledging of support said: “This is critical funding at a time when 58 million children of primary school age are still not in school,” She went on to say that all children should have access to a school with effective teachers and be able to learn so they can contribute to the development of their community and nation.

Ms Manickchand mentioned: “The PPP had resolved to improve significantly the quality of education delivered across the sector but with particular attention being paid to good literacy and numeracy outcomes in the pre-primary and early childhood sectors”.

Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock in his remarks stated: “We are here at a time of great expectations. We have a new Government, a Government that is dedicated to the improvement of education and delivery all across Guyana”.

The former administration were the main architects of the project, as the vision for better education conceptualized and the then PPP/C Government sought the requisite help needed.

The former Minster further lamented that, “I truly hope the APNU+AFC Government will be proactive in quickly comprehending the benefit of investing in education particularly early childhood education and that they will not be lazy in implementing this programme and in rolling it out nationally before too long.”

was speaking at GPHC’s Resource Centre, where a media conference was convened to address this ground-breaking venture.

Kidney transplantation or renal transplantation is the organ transplant of a kidney into a patient with end-stage renal disease. This was the case of 26-year-old Kiran Hardyal, whose donor is 43-year-old Satyann Indardeo, a family friend.

The life saving surgery, which would have cost Hardyal approximately $7M if it was done privately, was executed using resources from GPHC. Hardyal and his donor are now recuperating in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after having undergone the surgery on Tuesday.

Guyana’s ability to conduct kidney transplants using locally-trained surgeons will reduce the amount of money used annually to subsidize patients that are experiencing kidney failure. This is according to Dr Norton, who explained that Government through the Health Ministry has been subsidizing patients who require dialysis at a cost of $30, 000 a week per patient.

“There was a policy, a

cutoff point at one time where we give you 40 sessions of dialysis, that has changed and it reached a stage where we are finding it extremely difficult to maintain the number of persons we have that require dialysis, and renal transplantation,” the Public Health Minister explained.

However, he further explained that renal transplantation has proven to be more cost effective when compared with dialysis; as such GPHC will be conducting more transplants in future.

Already, 10 patients are in the lineup for kidney transplant surgeries with four scheduled for November. All ten patients have already secured their donors. In the lead up to the other surgeries, there are a few minor administrative matters that have to be addressed; however the medical team and resources are readily available.

Meanwhile, Dr Persuad, who is a Guyanese-born transplant surgeon from Canada, said this particular transplant stemmed from a collaborative effort between the Georgetown Public Hospital and the

University of Calgary in Canada.

“Couple of years ago, we decided to improve the quality of care offered to patients with kidney disease in Guyana. From that collaboration, I was offered to specialize in kidney transplant at the University of Calgary.

And upon completing my fellowship and upon returning to Guyana, I was mandated to develop a transplant department and execute transplant in Guyana,” he explained.

General Practitioner Dr Gorvinski Fraser, Dr Joel Joseph, Dr Josmond Austin are three of the doctors who form part of the department spearheaded by Dr Persuad.

Complementing the team are Claudia White, a pharmacist; a dietitian and a social worker.

“We do two chronic kidney disease clinics. We also have a pre-transplant clinic and a post-transplant clinic … we have been seeing young and old patients who have kidney diseases at different stages and they would have been waiting a long period for kidney transplant,” Dr Persuad said, explaining that two of the reasons transplants were rarely done were due to the cost factor and the need at that time to hire a transplant surgeon to execute the surgery.

The transplant kidney surgeon said Hardyal was chosen after he along with his donor was assessed and deemed suitable for the transplant.

Over the last four years, GPHC has been advancing its capacity to deal with kidney problems and as such has been working closely with the Doobay Medical Centre.

Govt expresses condolences to family of slain Constable

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration has expressed condolences to the family of Constable Antonio Dawson who was fatally stabbed on Friday morning at Houston, Greater Georgetown, while attempting to arrest a man in the execution of his duties.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday evening said that the President, Ministers and staff of the Ministry

have extended sincere condolences to the family members and friends of the late Constable, who lost his life while on active duty on Friday.

“While we acknowledge that this is indeed a difficult time for the family, we hope that comfort can be taken from the fact that he died not only as a guardian of our liberty but also as a true embodiment of the spirit of service to a cause greater than ourselves,” the statement detailed.

The statement further outlined that the nation

is grateful for the dedication, pride and service of Constable Dawson who risked his life to ensure the safety of our neighbourhoods and citizens. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with you in this difficult time,” the Ministry said.

The 28-year-old officer was stabbed five times to his upper body and succumbed while undergoing surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

After collapsing, Constable Dawson’s attacker took his own life.

news

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saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 19 – 08:30h-10:00h and Sunday, September 20 – 09:00h-10:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 19 – 07:20h-08:50h and Sunday, September 20 – 08:00h-09:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light to heavy rain showers can expected throughout the morning, while light rain showers can be expected in the afternoon. Clear skies expected in the evening.

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

Winds: Easterly to East South-easterly at 3.57 to 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:50h and 20:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres at each scheduled high tide.

Low Tide: 01:21h and 13:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.84 metre respectively.

Berbice water taxis to start Monday

– "Talks continue" with Govt-controlled BBCI on tolls

E

ven as Government continues in talks with executives of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), Berbicians will from Monday, September 21 be able to access the water taxis promised to them, which was introduced to help reduce the financial burden felt by students and the elderly.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon made the disclosure on Friday, relating that Government is still in constant contact with the bridge company, hoping it would make the decision that would favour the people plying these routes.

“We have had some communication from the Bridge Company and they said that the consultation with the shareholders is not complete. That is still a work in

er this month by Harmon, who had said Government had failed in its attempt to reach an agreement with the Directors of the Bridge Company to see a small reduction of the toll for cars and minibuses.

Government is moving in this direction even in the face of harsh criticisms by the Opposition and minibus operators who have expressed concerns, noting they will definitely see a reduction in their revenues.

The decision to reintroduce river taxis was made following the impasse between Government and the BBCI regarding the reduction in the bridge tolls.

The situation is Government wants to forge ahead with the reduction of tolls via the provision of a subsidy to the

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From Monday, September 21 Berbicians will be able to access the water taxis promised to them

progress. They are still having conversations with the shareholders and we hope that good sense will prevail and that they will do the right thing at the right time”.

With the resignation of two directors from NEW GPC INC and Queens Atlantic for the BBCI Board, the Government now has a majority on the 6-man Board with NIS having 3 directors and NICIL one. It is unclear why the government cannot use its majority to vote a settlement on their toll promise to Berbicians.

The announcement of the river taxis was made earli-

Bridge Company; however, the Company is contending that a reduction in the current fare structure could plunge it into bankruptcy if Government failed to honour the Toll Formula which stipulates that fares be increased periodically so the Bridge Company could meet its financial obligations.

The Company has repeatedly pointed out it has lost some $1.5 billion cumulatively since the Bridge was opened and faces larger losses now that principal on the first tranche of bonds have become due. Later this year the BBCI will have to find $500 million to service this

Minister of State Joseph Harmon stated Government is still in constant contact with the Bridge Company, hoping it would make the decision that would favour the people

component of its debt alone.

The Bridge Company had asked that the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration adhere to the legally binding Concession Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the BBCI which outlines the Toll Formula in which the fees for commuter crossings should be adjusted periodically.

The Company simply advised that any agreement to subsidise the BBCI without honouring the toll adjustment formula set out in the Concession Agreement will result in it defaulting on its obligation to repay debt in 2015 and result in possible insolvency.

Since it began its operations, reports indicate that common shareholders of the Berbice Bridge have never received a dollar in dividend on their $400 million investment over the past eight years.

The Minister of State said Government had hoped the Bridge Company will accede to its request, as it remains in a consultative mode with the Bridge Company.

“This primarily is to allow for the students and the elderly who are affected in large measure, by the refusal of the Berbice Bridge Inc to accept a proposal for the

lowering of the toll”.

A day after announcing in the National Assembly that it was reducing the Berbice Bridge toll by some $300 for minibuses and cars, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had met with the Bridge Company, with the aim of reaching a favourable agreement.

On the issue of the water taxi initiative, Harmon said Government will be providing the infrastructure and regulatory framework. He said this move is the first step to relieving the financial burden caused by the bridge.

According to him, there will be a pilot project including at least two covered launches, and depending on the outcome of that project, Government will seek to give further guidance on that matter to have a large number of vessels to be privately operated.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 19, 2015

Views Editor(ag): Michael Younge Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Is Guyana on a path to further social fragmentation?

O

ur Government in its very noble cause to unite Guyanese so that they might obtain that “good life in a green economy”, launched its social cohesion five year plan with pomp and grandeur some weeks ago. But while one could understand the move intended to increase the legitimacy to the Granger-led Government which barely obtained a razor-thin majority, if it hopes to accomplish the promise it made to Guyanese and for which the electorate voted, its other concurrent actions suggest A contra ending. Although for some the topic might appear exhausted, the anomalies of this five year social cohesion plan should not be riddled with contradictions which later would be papered over to the detriment of democracy and the people.

One of the first criticisms that were leveled against the Government had to do with its actions which suggested that fundamentally, it was not ready to guide the population social cohesion: mass public sector firings with disturbing ethnic patterns seemingly targeting Amerindians and Indo-Guyanese do not bring the people together.. Then came the scrutiny of the ethnic composition of the Government and State Boards where Indo Guyanese and women were severely underrepresented.

Another contradiction has to do with the anomalous approach that this Government has embarked on to push the country’s economic development, which is intertwined with its overall human development. Indeed, it appears as though the administration accords little importance to infrastructural development, relegating it not even to second class priority. Consequently, major projects such as the Specialty Hospital and the Amaila Hydro Electric Project have been arbitrarily scrapped and there is seems to be no willingness to resume discussions with Brazil to invest in a road linking both countries from Lethem to Georgetown.

Yet, President Granger constantly emphasizes his administration’s intent to reduce poverty and develop the hinterland.

While there’s a positive correlation between poverty reduction and social cohesion, poverty reduction cannot be achieved through a system which renders the population dependent on social welfare and hand outs alone. However, considering the recent move to cut basic social benefits such as pensioners’ water and electricity subsidies, it is hardly likely that the Granger-led administration is referring to future investments of this kind, and the Government is yet to reveal through what means the people at the bottom will be relieved.

But regardless of the promises to reduce poverty, what this Government seemingly fails to understand is that if there is not a healthy economy in which Guyanese could inject income, in which they could invest and in which they feel secure due to long term economic stability, then it is hardly likely that any attempt at poverty reduction will succeed. Guyana has reached a crossroad where the constantly transforming economy is becoming ever more dependent on basic reliable infrastructure, where new maritime, land and air routes must be developed, and where possibilities of reducing energy costs must be exploited. However, this Government preferred to discontinue ongoing development projects in their initial phases to start anew, at the expense of development and the Guyanese people. Unfortunately, no economy can develop without proper infrastructure, and those who stand to lose are Guyanese, in particular those who have made solid investments in the country’s local market.

While business owners are currently being prompted by the Government to start preparing for the 50th Independence celebrations, they simultaneously face visibly slowed activities whether it’s on Regent Street, in Charity, Anna Regina or New Amsterdam. Many of these small business owners link the causes to the failing rice industry, the low gold prices and the ethnically targeted crimes against businessmen and women. From a prominent mall owner who was shot at his domicile to the vendor and his wife who were attacked with machetes in their home, Guyana’s economy has not only declined in the space of a few months, but it has become a sphere of worry and insecurity for business owners.

These form only part of the surface of the inconsistencies which characterize this Government’s approach to social cohesion, in a country now plagued by ethnic and gender discrimination, poor economic and financial management and planning, and thin promises for a healthy developing economy which soon enough might become a shadow of what it once was. The future suggests further social fragmentation.

Its a kool day to relax and do some fishing on the Essequibo river

Celebrating the other 9/11 Dear Editor, Many of us who sat in our living rooms and watched in disbelief as the events of September 11, 2001 unfolded were left with the belief that mankind will forever be involved in internecine conflict. The world has not been the same since that infamous date in 2001.

However, lest we associate all nine-elevens with division, hate, destruction, and cowardice, we should be reminded of similar dates in history which are famous examples of unity, love, hope, and courage.

I wish to distinguish 2001 from two other nineelevens in the hope that mankind will not permanently associate the date with negative emotions.

On September 11, 1893 North America was first introduced to the unifying potential of the universal message of BhagwadGita. It was on that day that the dynamic Swami Vivekananda first addressed The Parliament of Religions in Chicago and planted the seeds of a philosophy of love, peace

and unity, desired by the vast majority of mankind.

The delegates gave him a standing ovation when he addressed them as “Sisters and Brothers of America.”

Although the 2001 nine-eleven and the events thereafter demonstrate that we have not seen the death-knell envisioned by this eloquent, spiritual icon but this does not mean that the philosophy he espoused has lost its relevance. Mankind still has to learn and practice it for these universal teachings remain a potent force in most nations and cultures.

Today the landscape of most major cities in Canada, USA, and Europe are dotted with numerous awe inspiring Hindu temples which will hopefully help in spreading the message of love and peace.

However, there is great concern that materialism, ignorance, short sightedness and the thirst for immediate gratification may cause many to depart from the wisdom and spiritual values that are the very foundation of the Vedic Saraswati civilization.

Another nine eleven worth repeating took place in South Africa that also originated from the philosophy of non-violence repeatedly expounded in the Gita. On September 11, 1906 Gandhi adopted the first mass protest meeting involving the concept of Satyagraha to oppose the passage of the law compelling registration of the colony’s Indian population.

The next 7 years of struggle resulted in all forms of non-violent protests, and eventually the public outcry over the harsh treatment of the peaceful protestors caused General Jan Christian Smuts to compromise with Gandhi. As the concept of Satyagraha matured it became more and more refined and was the main weapon in the struggle for Indian Independence. It became known as the moral equivalent of war.

Injustice is not new to the world and too many find justification for it as it benefits one individual or group over others.

However, as Mahatma Gandhi stated ‘Truth and

Justice” will in the end replace all the despots and dictators but not by methods of mass destruction. If the results are going to be sustained over a long period of time, the change must be brought about by peaceful disobedience and non-cooperation with evil.

Albert Einstein said about Gandhi that the generations to come will hardly believe that one of flesh and blood actually walked on this earth. That time is already upon us and therefore we must revisit his spirit, his teachings “my life is my message” and distribute throughout the globe the source of his inspiration, the BhagavadGita.

It is the Duty of all who feel that the message and lifestyle of this humble man can still make a significant contribution to our lives and the societies in which we live to celebrate his birthday October 2 by letting others know of his philosophy.

Sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo

No to child labour in primary schools Dear Editor I read the Editorial “Quality Educational Leadership” in another newspaper which claims that a Primary School needs to have a cash crop farm, recycling and do lab work.

What is unclear is whether Primary School children would be made to work on this cash crop

farm to make the school cash sustainable. If that is the case then it is a blatant case of child labour being employed for economic reasons.

Citizens pay their taxes so that their children can enjoy the benefits of a free educational system. They do not need their children to be forced to till the fields at such an early age.

While I agree that at a certain age children need to learn about work, Primary School children should not be forced to work at such a tender age just because the schools are financing financial difficulties.

If their young children would be employed to till the fields then it would be better for parents to just send their young children

out to work so that they, the family, can reap the rewards of their labour.

I am firmly against Primary School children being exploited to support a school which taxpayers’ monies are supposed to support anyway.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 19, 2015

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

New York Guyanese Hindus Observe Ganesh Jayanti Dear Editor, On Thursday evening, Guyanese and other Hindus observed the auspicious festival of Ganesh Jayanti which marked the appearance of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, thousands of years ago.

Temples hosted evening services in obeisance to Lord Ganesh, one of the most favorite Gods in the Hindu religion. It is the God with the elephant tusk.

Hindus consider Lord Ganesh as one of the most important deities in the religion because he is the remover of obstacles in one’s path. It is not surprising to find Ganesha murthis

at the entrances of homes, businesses and Mandirs as well as in the temples.

Hence their worship of him daily and especially on his birth anniversary. In addition, before they undertake any project as well as the start of a business day, they pray to Lord Ganesh for removal of obstacles and success. Besides, Lord Shiva instructed in the holy Puranas, one of the scriptures of Hindus, that devotees must first worship Ganesh before any other God or Goddess. The other Gods and Goddesses are in agreement with the mandate.

Lord Ganesh’s birthday is a public holiday in India accompanied by eleven

days of a massive Ganesh street festival and celebrations all over the country.

Mandirs are beautifully decorated and streets swept clean as processions with multi-colored electronic lights and tassa music make their way to the water front. Throngs of people dance in celebration. It is a sight to behold and to experience – a spiritual hair raising experience.

Similar festivals are held in Guyana and Trinidad and other parts of the Caribbean and North America.

Called Ganesh Utsav or Chaturthi, the festival was brought to the region during the mid-1800s

by indentured labourers. It is being celebrated by Hindus throughout the region for a week culminating next Sunday with a festival by the sea.

Guyanese and Hindus from the Caribbean region transplanted the festival in New York. A procession from Richmond Hill to the sea will be held next weekend when the Ganesh murthi will be immersed into the Atlantic Ocean.

At the mandirs in New York, celebrants made offerings, sang bhajans, performed aarti, and symbolically rocked a hammock with the Ganesh murthi.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

Correcting the garbage promoted in some sectors of the media Dear Editor, I am writing at a time when there are sweeping changes in Guyana, emerging from a new political climate and regime. I do hope that some of these changes can apply elsewhere in Guyana as well as in the daily newspapers. The level of propaganda, loose views, riff raft expressions, misrepresentations peddled and presented from mainly one particular sector of Guyana’s society in the daily newspaper has reached worrying and unprecedented heights. If this continues, I am afraid, it would lead to more mayhem, more ethnic tensions, perhaps violence and even lawsuits in an already deeply divided society as demonstrated by the last general election results. I

am of the understanding that “journalists” should write about ideas, events and news with the aim of not misrepresenting facts and truths. Put differently, there should be some evidence of checks and balances. What is even more unsettling is that the personal attacks by columnists have been going on unchecked for long a time creating rag and rogue images of themselves as well as of the daily newspapers.

Is it because their credibility is shattered that they are trying hard to bring down others with them?

Moreover, it seems like the loose cannons have influenced others to follow suit.

If he or she can get away with spewing garbage on a daily basis I can too.

Take for example, the

bloggers of certain media houses. The level of abuse by these bloggers to anyone who write is unbelievable, and yet, the moderator does not seem to care to intervene.

Editors have the authority to at least change this long standing nonsense in the dailies. While one media house now appears to be muzzled by the Government, another seems to have lost its “independent” direction while a third has apparently become the mouthpiece of the Government. These loose, so-called “journalists” should be confined to regulations respecting and upholding the newspaper standards of “journalism.” These columns and letters should be examined and read before they go

to print, accompanied by an Editor’s note. Content should be reviewed for their intention, significance and value, as well as for the targeted audience.

Quality of content should be expressed through objectivity, fairness, clarity and soundness, as well as for the impact it would have on society. Also, the question must be asked whether there is a likelihood that content is emotional rather than realistic.

If these or similar guideline are applied, then I suspect that most garbage promoted in the daily newspapers would be eliminated.

Sincerely, Lomarsh Roopnarine

Curious interest of Mayor and City Council in Bedford Methodist School Building Dear Editor, In practically every ward of Georgetown there are scores of abandoned, derelict and hazardous buildings, where Building Inspectors are assigned to.

But what do they do about them? Nothing. They are too busy shaking down property owners with small violations.

But alas, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has experienced a sudden and striking realisation that the Bedford Methodist School building located at Robb and Bourda Streets, Georgetown, is a threat to life and limb. Mind you, this is only after a businessman with deep pockets purchased it, indicating his intention to replace it with a modern edifice. I smell a rat somewhere.

Why does the Council not go after the demolition of the Kitty Market, which was also identified by the Guyana Fire Service as one of the countless derelict and hazardous buildings in Georgetown, and which belongs to the city with the same fervor as the Bedford Methodist School building? In fact, it was reported that they are so zealous to have the building taken down that they made no attempt to have the thousands of documents stored there removed before the

demolition began, resulting in them all being soaked and destroyed during this week’s heavy rainfall.

Not only are these many derelict buildings eyesores, owing to the fact that some of them have been vandalized, but because the majority are wooden and rotten, they pose a real and present danger due to the fact that they could fall at any time and injure passersby or anyone in the vicinity. Additionally, several have attracted squatters who range from persons with mental issues, to drug addicts to bandits, who lie in wait to rob passersby.

The danger of any one of these buildings going up in flames and posing a threat to nearby houses is imminent given that their unauthorized occupants would steal electricity and light fires to cook food or to use their drugs.

So the question is why all the attention and fuss on the Bedford Methodist School building and not on all of the rest?

Why did the Mayor and Councillors not remove the vendors before the elections for their safety, but rather told them to paint their stalls in green and yellow.

Sincerely, Debra Gibson

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SATURday, september 19, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News Ramjattan guns for Jagdeo on asset declaration – ducks TI and UN codes for govt officials to do same

I

Former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

n an article published in another section of the media, Public Security Minister and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan threatened to put former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo “in his place”. He exclaimed: “He (Jagdeo) must be put to his place in that regard.

I, Khemraj Ramjattan, will certainly put him to his place.”

Ramjattan was alleging the Opposition Leader

is obsessed with “being in charge” and refuses to accept the reality the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition is now ruling the country.

“But he must know that he is not in charge, he is no longer running things, and this country is now in better hands,” Ramjattan is quoted as saying.

When contacted for a comment, a senior PPP/C official simply stated that

Ramjattan is clearly a very “bitter” individual who is using every opportunity to baselessly attack the Opposition Leader.

Ramjattan was at the time stubbornly refusing to address the issue of an across-the-board public declaration of assets. He insisted Guyanese should not be interested in the wealth of the governing APNU+AFC parliamentarians but should rather focus on the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) members.

According to the article, Ramjattan argued that the idea of having an acrossthe-board public declaration of assets is “wholly outrageous”. He contended that APNU+AFC parliamentarians are not wealthy and the public should not focus on their assets.

“So it is not about us, the public has no reason to be interested in our wealth …,” Ramjattan continued to insist.

In response, the PPP/C official pointed out it is not up to Ramjattan to decide what the public should be interested in nor is it up to his judgment or concern

whether a parliamentarian is wealthy. “It seems as though Ramjattan has something to hide … why does he not come clean and have everyone declare their assets?” the official questioned.

The PPP/C maintains its position all parliamentarians should publicly declare their assets and leave it up to the public to judge them based on their wealth.

In fact, Opposition Leader Jagdeo has been calling on the Government to act upon this initiative but the Administration is yet to make a move.

Instead, Ramjattan was adamant that only Jagdeo and PPP/C officials should be the ones to declare their assets.

Ramjattan seemed not to understand why APNU+AFC parliamentarians as well should declare their assets.

But Jagdeo time and time again explained that in keeping with the interest of transparency and accountability, all Members of Parliament should declare their assets to the public.

This proposal came in

Public Security Minister and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan

light of the many accusations against him and other PPP/C officials about having large sums of monies hidden away in private accounts.

Additionally, Jagdeo had pledged his support for all MPs to make public their payment of taxes during the last 10 years.

He explained that a law can be passed to allow the parliamentarians to deposit affidavits in the National Assembly so any member

of the public can visit and check to see the assets each MP has abroad, noting that similar provision can be made for the public availability of the taxes paid by each MP. Previously, Jagdeo explained that if such information was made public, then the “wild charges” could then be investigated.

“If the Government is in favour of transparency, it should not be opposed to these measures because they enhance transparency,” Jagdeo had posited.

International pressure

T r a n s p a r e n c y International has been very vocal on the need for top politicians in any country to declare their assets.

“When they don’t, or if the figures don’t seem to add up as is happening in both Argentina and Nigeria, this can lead to both public unrest and political instability,” the international anticorruption body posted on their website.

The organisation reminded that politicians and civil servants hold substantial power over the allocation of resources in their countries and the citizens who elect them, and who in effect pay their salaries through their tax contributions have a right to know the wealth these officials hold.

Additionally, the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which has been ratified by 166 countries, requires a legal framework for asset declarations of government officials. Guyana is one of those countries therefore, Government of Guyana is obligated to honour the conditions set out under UNCAC which provides for the public declarations of assets of government officials.

news

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saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Man slits throat after fatally stabbing Policeman at Houston

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Police Officer was fatally stabbed on Friday morning during an attempt to arrest a man, who subsequently took his own life by slitting his throat. The incident occurred sometime around 09:45h in the vicinity of the entrance to Gafoors Houston Complex, Greater Georgetown.

The dead rank has been identified as Constable Antonio Dawson, age 28, formerly of Murphy Street, Wales, West Bank Demerara. He was attached

tween one of the ranks and the man, who stabbed officer about five times. He man then turned his rage on himself, stabbing himself in the chest and then slitting his own throat.

This newspaper was told by an eyewitness that the entire ordeal lasted few minutes. The eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous explained that he noticed that a party of Policemen had arrived in the area and they confronted the man, who was armed with a knife.

didn’t really pay attention but all I see is one of the Police (Dawson) going up to the man. He had a gun but they had like a lil scuffle and the gun fall and like the man jook up the Police cause (the) next thing we see is the Policeman fall down,” the eyewitness recounted.

Suspicious character

Speaking to Guyana Times, Commander of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Clifton Hicken disclosed that ranks were on patrol duty at the

Dawson approached the man unarmed during which he was stabbing. “After seeing the officer fall to the ground, the man probably got scared and stabbed himself in the chest. He then slit this throat,” Commander Hicken told this newspaper.

This publication was told that the injured rank was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by his colleagues and was immediately rushed into theatre; however, he succumbed while in surgery.

The attacker was also taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Drugs found

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, A Division Commander Clifton Hicken along with grieving relatives of slain Police Constable Antonio Dawson praying during their visit to the bereaved family

to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Impact Base Unit, in Brickdam, Georgetown.

Dawson reportedly sustained at least five stab wounds to his upper body.

Based on reports received, Guyana Times understands the attacker was seen acting in a suspicious manner and was approached by officers. A confrontation subsequently ensued be-

“About two or three ah them, I can’t remember, go up to the man with guns in their hands and tell he drop de knife… after sometime he drop de knife and then the Police arrest he,” the man recalled. He went on to say that after the ranks dropped their guard, the man made a dash in a bid to escape.

“I don’t know what really happened because we

Western entrance to the Gafoors Complex when they observed the man.

During attempts to conduct a search, the man resisted, hence the ranks called for backup and a party of officers from the Impact Base arrived on scene and saw the man walking along the access road, Hicken said.

The Commander further detailed that Constable

Grove woman robbed, raped in home invasion … shootout ensued as bandits escape

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mother of two of Section C Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was attacked, robbed and raped by two armed bandits after they broke into her home at around 04:00h on Friday morning.

The bandits carted away with some $50,000 in cash, a large quantity of jewellery, a cellular phone, a laptop, among other valuables.

After noticing the perpetrators jumping the fence to escape around 04:45h, the victim’s landlord who resides in the upper flat of the house immediately rushed to his vehicle to chase after them.

However, the bandits opened fire, discharging about five rounds in his direction – awakening neighbours. The bandits escaped by fleeing into the burial ground where they darted to the nearby village of Kaneville, EBD. Subsequently, the landlord went to Grove Police Station where he summoned ranks who arrived on the scene to investigate the matter.

By that time, neighbours

had familiarised themselves with the situation and were consoling the mother who was weeping bitterly as she fumbled to relate the series of events that had just transpired.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the stayat-home mother explained that she was sound asleep when the bandits entered her bedroom and pointed a gun to her head.

“I feel something cold pressed to my forehead and so I woke up and the man was there,” she related. Her two sons, aged five and nine, were also awoken. She explained that the bandits demanded gold, jewellery and other valuables.

“My husband does work in the interior so I guess they knew that, because they were asking ‘where the gold, where the gold’,” she weakly stated. After bagging all the valuables the men then raped her, she said.

Meanwhile, according to the landlady, she heard a commotion in the lower flat and consequently called out to the woman.

“I heard a noise and so I called down to she. But

she came to the window and said everything was all right. But I told her, watch, the window got a pane missing, but she said everything all right and that she husband came home. So I didn’t want to push anymore so I left it as that,” she explained.

However, little did she know, the bandits were holding the woman at gunpoint, telling her to act normal.

“Then some minutes passed and I went in the kitchen cooking and look through the window and I see the two boys jumping the fence, so right then I knew is what happened. So I tell me husband and he jump in he car and went after them but then they start shooting at he,” she related.

However, in their haste to escape, the bandits left their cellular phone. The device will be submitted to the Police to aid in the investigations.

Meanwhile, since the Grove Police Station is not equipped with rape kits, the distraught mother will have to visit the Brickdam Police Station to make her report there.

Meanwhile, a release from Police Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker detailed that ranks on a marine patrol in the Demerara River acted upon information received and went to the Houston Fishing Wharf, where they saw the man acting in a suspicious manner.

“The ranks approached him and during an attempt to conduct a search, the man forcibly resisted and assaulted one of the Police ranks. He walked away and proceeded to an area in the vicinity of the Gafoors Complex where he was approached by ranks of a mobile Police patrol that had responded to give assistance. During efforts to arrest him, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed Constable Antonio Dawson of Impact Base, Brickdam, to his neck, chest and abdo-

men...” the Police released stated.

According to Whittaker, a search was conducted on the body of the perpetrator and varying quantities of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy were found in his pants pockets. The knife that was used was also recovered by Police.

Up to press time, the body of the attacker, who is of African descent, remained at the GPHC Mortuary unidentified.

Distraught

During a visit to the Murphy Street, Wales, home of Dawsons’ parents, the family was distraught at the sudden death of their loved one. The man leaves to mourn his two children; his one-year-old son and sixyear-old daughter, as well as their mother with whom he used to live on the East Coast of Demerara.

Dawson was the fourth of six children to his parents Neville and Yvonne Dawson.

His sister Michelle, who was too distressed to speak at length with this publication during the visit, manage to expressed how devastated the family is upon receiving the news.

Support kept flowing in as relatives, friends and neighbours came to offer their deepest and heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.

On the other hand, following the incident, top officials of the Police Force met with the bereaved fam-

Dead: Constable Antonio Dawson

ily of the slain Constable.

Commander Hicken first met with the parents and other close relatives at his Brickdam Office, where they were comforted and counselled by a religious leader under the COPS and Faith Community Network.

Later on, Hicken joined Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and a party of senior officials who also paid a visit to the family’s West Bank Demerara home, during which the Top Cop met with the slain ranks parents and offered condolences on behalf of the Guyana Police Force.

Also a part of the visiting team was Commander of the D Division (West Demerara) Stephen Mansell, Staff Officer – Administration Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham and Force Welfare Officer Assistant Superintendent Lorraine Saul.

During the , words of comfort and spiritual upliftment were also offered

by Pastor Deryck Anderson of the COPS and Faith Community Network.

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saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Governing parties to finally staff Integrity Commission Eyew tness ...after stymieing work since its formation

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inister of State Joseph Harmon has stated that Government will have to return to the National Assembly to have the names of persons approved as Commissioners of the Integrity Commission.

Giving an update on the Commission which has been dormant for some time now, Harmon told journalists on Friday that, “as of now, the Integrity Commission is a Commission without Commissioners and it is functioning under a CEO and a very small staff and a very limited budget”.

The Commission which is responsible for accountability of persons holding public office has been without a Chairman for some time and has reportedly been functioning with a skeletal staff.

Based on the Commission’s Act, the Commission’s staff should comprise a Chairman, three Commissioners, a Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, an Accounts Clerk, a Clerical Officer, a Receptionist, an Office Assistant and a Cleaner. However, this publication understands that almost half of these positions are vacant.

From the beginning of the Integrity Commission’s mission, the PNC has stymied its effectiveness when it refused to accept Bishop Randolph George as Chairman. They refused to submit information on assets and other personal financial transactions.

The AFC followed their lead after it was formed. In the meantime, the PPP and other smaller parties made submissions.

Harmon said there are

Minister of State Joseph Harmon still some work that have to be done on the commission.

He noted that while he recently held talks with staff members, which include a Chief Executive Officer, the question is the appointment of Commissioners.

“There are some whose names had been recommended in the tenth Parliament, but the President there did not appoint them. That means that the recommendation had lapsed and therefore will have to go back to the National Assembly for new persons to be appointed.

He said it may very well be that they will have to recognize that those persons had gone through that process and they could agree to them being appointed. But this will have to have a stamp which will then be taken to the President for his assent”, Harmon explained.

Harmon said he assured the staff that as soon as work of the National Assembly allows for the appointment of the commissioners, “they will be there”.

The Minister of State also

relayed that Government will also be giving a fresh look at the mandate of the Commission; since it felt the Commission did not have enough power to enforce any decision.

“The fact that these officials would submit to the commission and there was no clear procedure as to what happened after that, that there was some mechanism within the law to ensure that there is a follow-up to these claims” He said it would be a waste of time if the Commission did not have the capacity to investigate those claims.

Just last week, former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo renewed a call for all Members of Parliament (MPs) to declare all their assets, to both the Integrity Commission and the general public.

“I said to the President (David Granger) that since there have been lots of charges about people stashing money abroad … and since we are in this transparency mode, some of the things we

can work on are, first of all, why don’t we get all of our Members of Parliament to make public, not just to the Integrity Commission, but to make public, their assets held outside of Guyana because there are claims that it is difficult to access that because they say you can find things in Guyana, but they have a hard time tracking things around the world,” Jagdeo had said He explained a law can be passed to allow parliamentarians to deposit affidavits in the National Assembly so any member of the public can visit and check to see the assets each MP has abroad, noting that similar provision can be made for the public availability of the taxes paid by each MP. Previously, Jagdeo explained that if such information was made public, then the “wild charges” could then be investigated.

Jagdeo had contended that the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Administration ought not to be opposed to a move towards greater transparency and accountability, given public pronouncements on the campaign trail.

“If the Government is in favour of transparency, it should not be opposed to these measures because they enhance transparency … these are some of the ideas I have in mind,” he posited.

The former President proffered the view also that such a move would augur well for Guyana’s development and the PPP/C was prepared to work with anyone on transparency related matters.

Break and enter at gentleman’s club...

Labourer sentenced to 9 months for breaking into Baroombar

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labourer was on Friday sentenced to nine months in prison after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with breaking and entering Baroombar; a gentleman’s club on North Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

Bernard Shaw, 41, of 57 Enmore Gardens, East Coast Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on Wednesday, September 16, at North Road, Bourda he broke and entered Baroombar and stole therein; one microwave valued $40,000 and a gas bottle valued $7000 – all to a total value of $47,000; property of the Virtual Complainant (VC), Theo Hamilton.

Police Prosecutor,

Bernard Shaw was sentenced to nine months in prison for breaking into Baroombar

Corporal Deniro Jones informed the court that the defendant usually does odd jobs around the establishment which indicates that he does not have a fixed

place of abode. He explained that on the day in question, the VC secured his premises and left but returned sometime later to find the building was broken into and the

aforementioned items missing. After a review of the CCTV camera footage in and out of the building was done, the VC discovered the defendant was the perpetrator.

A report was made to the Police and the defendant was apprehended in the vicinity of the premises.

He admitted to the allegations and the items were recovered and lodged at the Alberttown Police Station, where the owner positively identified the articles as his own. It was revealed that the defendant had served two years in prison for a similar offence.

Shaw begged the court for leniency, claiming that the items were returned.

The Magistrate sentenced him to nine months in prison.

Why hide...

W

...if you're above board

hen in Opposition, APNU/AFC talked fat about politically correct buzzwords like "transparency".

But even though they promised to have a "code of conduct" for their officials before 100 days in office...

Raphael Trotman just sent out a teaser "draft" - and said they're waiting for comments from the citizenry.

Trouble is, no one's seen neither head nor hair of the "Code of Conduct" draft or otherwise. And for sure National Security Minister and Vice President of the Republic Khemraj Ramjattan hasn't seen it. There's no way he could have. Why? Well, in one of his patented outburst (No! Not "haul yuh ass!!" one!!!) he posited that because he and his colleagues "aren't rich like Jagdeo" they don't have to be transparent about their financial status.!! Now there isn't a "Code of Conduct" for Government officials in the entire democratic world that doesn't call for those worthies to declare their assets!!

As Transparency International (TI) points out, Government officials are paid from the taxes of citizens and the latter have a right to ensure that the assets that the former are in charge of, don't end up their pockets. TI assures us that "Research shows that an asset declaration open to public scrutiny is a way for citizens to ensure leaders do not abuse their power for personal gain (our definition of corruption)." Now even though the local branch of TI had been singing from that hymn book before the elections, they seem to have lost the page -if not their way, nowadays!

The matter came to a head when ex-President Jagdeo called the bluff of the administration on transparency. He'd declare his assets if they did the same for theirs. And this is where Ramjattan brought in the doltishness of Jagdeo's assets being the yardstick for declaration of wealth by him and his Governmental posse.

But as has become customary with Ramjattan whenever he spontaneously opens his mouth, he makes some interesting revelations. First of all, he claimed to know the value of Jagdeo's personal wealth. Now we know all PPP Governmental members have been declaring their assets to the Integrity Commission for two decades. It seems that Ramjattan has used his office to peruse those records.

How else could he speak so definitively that Jagdeo is wealthier than him?? Word is that ever since he launched the AFC and began fund-raising in "foreign", his secret Swiss Bank Accounts have become quite swollen.

Jagdeo's assets are in the public domain...if he was doing something surreptitiously he'd be hiding his wealth, no?

It's the sly ones like Ramjattan, like all sly farts, who're seemingly innocuous but deadly!

...when it'll come out anyway

It's becoming clearer every day that this administration is challenged when it comes to creating wealth but very enthusiastic in spreading it. Problem is, if you don't have it, you can't spread it... but that hasn't fazed them yet.

Even though economic woes are piling higher every day, no one's willing to turn off the spending spigot.

Seems we're now going to have a country-wide breakfast programme in schools. Has anyone thought through the logistical and financial demands to be satisfied? That's right after we'll raise everyone salary in the Governmental service. On top of that heap, of course, are the Ministers and Vice Presidents whose salaries must be "rationalized" just so they pecking order is financially correlated.

And let's not mention grand cleanup of the City thats's going to cost us another cool billion.

Someone's cleaning up, all right.

But it's not those who create wealth.

...crime fighting credentials

With the change to an administration practically bent over with the weight of security and come fighting at the top, it's amazing how many others of the same species have surfaced in the letters column of the papers.

Is it because Ramjattan's so obviously out of his depth and so desperately needs help?

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

9 Brazilian national shot Battered body of mechanic found in during row over “dust” Crabwood Creek A news

saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dead: Ganesh Permaul

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he severely battered body of a Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, mechanic was on Thursday morning found lying on the bridge of a friend’s home, suspected to have been beaten to death.

Ganesh Permaul, 29, also called “Bunjal” of Grant 1804 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne was reportedly involved in an argument with the group of men while imbibing on Wednesday evening at the friend’s home.

A friend of the deceased claimed that he found the man’s motionless body at about 16:00h and immediately summoned the Police.

According to information

received, the friend who reportedly found Permaul is in Police custody and is assisting with the investiga-

tion. The man claimed that he went out on Thursday to conduct business and upon his return home at about 16:00h, he found the now deceased man lying on his bridge with several injuries to his body.

He stated that when he left home at about 08:00h, he saw the man sitting on the verandah and he appeared to be normal. He was in shock when he saw the man’s motionless body on the bridge.

Further reports state the deceased’s body was taken to the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Guyana Times understand that the man was a heavy drinker. His parents and siblings reside overseas.

The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s demise.

Brazilian national nursing a gunshot injury to his back at the Bartica Regional Hospital which he sustained during an argument with two men over dust caused by the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) he was driving.

The incident occurred at Black Water, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Thursday at about 15:00h.

The injured man was identified as Jose D’Andrade, 30, of Bartica.

According to information received, D’Andrade was driving his ATV which might have caused the dust on the roadway to fly in the faces of the two men who became annoyed. They subsequently confronted the man and the argument ensued.

The argument, Guyana Times understands, quickly escalated into an altercation during which one of the men pulled out a gun and discharged several rounds, hitting D’Anrade to the

back.

The two men escaped while the injured man fell to the ground bleeding profusely. After some time, he was picked up by a group of passersby who took him to hospital where he was admitted. Heis said to be in a stable condition.

Earlier in the month, the body of Josi Mar Perriera, 51, of Boa Vista, Brazil was found in a mining camp at Mowasi Backdam, Mahdia, Region Eight (Pataro Siparuni).

The circumstances surrounding his death of remain sketchy but Guyana Times understands there were several marks of violence evident on the man’s body.

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in the number of Brazilian nationals – mostly miners – who are being violently attacked and robbed. In most cases, these incidents result in fatali-

ties.

Also recently, the body of 40-year-old Domingo Rodgrigues Santos of Quamina Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara was also discovered in Mahdia According to information, the man’s body was found with a single stab wound to his chest.

In July, another Brazilian national, 57-yearold Antonio Rodriguez Da Silva of Turkeyen, Georgetown, was chopped to death during an argument with another man. The incident occurred at Chinese Creek, Puruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to information, Da Silva and the suspect, who escaped after committing the act, had an argument during which Da Silva was chopped about his body and fell to the ground.

Owing to the extent of the injuries, Da Silva subsequently died.

Albouystown fisherman shot over old grievance

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fisherman was on Thursday evening shot and injured after two gunmen opened fire on him while he was standing in close proximity to his Albouystown, Georgetown, home. The incident occurred sometime around 18:45h.

The injured man was identified as 31-year-old Sunil Sooklall of James

Street ,Albouystown.

According to a release from the Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force Ivelaw Whittaker, Sooklall was on James Street when two men rode up on bicycles and one of them discharged several rounds in his direction.

Sooklall was hit to the right foot. The shooters escaped while the injured man

was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where was admitted.

Based on information, Guyana Times was made to understand the shooting stemmed from an old grievance which had resulted in the use of violence.

However, an aunt of the injured man told this newspaper she does not know ex-

actly what transpired, but was informed by another relative that the person who was with the shooter and her nephew have had “some problems” but could not say what the issue was or what had sparked Thursday’s incident.

She noted that Sooklall was walking with a friend when the rounds were discharged at him. However,

the friend was unharmed. “I don’t know what problems he had with them but they deliberately shoot my nephew,” the woman stated.

She claimed to know the identity of the shooters but refused to disclose the names out of fear.

Nevertheless, the names of the suspects were provided to the police as they continue their investigations.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 19, 2015

News

No float parades for Mashramani Health workers sanctioned for 2016 – Minister Henry misdiagnosing women with HIV

By Kristen Macklingam

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M

No float parades for Mashramani 2016

ashramani celebrations 2016 will be without the grand and spectacular float parades – as was done all the years since Guyana gained republican status in 1970.

According to Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who has responsibility for the department of culture, the annual Mashramani float parade will be a no-show in 2016 – to make way for the country’s historical 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

During an interview with Guyana Times Henry explained the float parade will be moved to May 27 to coincide with the Independence Day on May 26.

However, she assured that Mashramani 2016 celebrations will still entail the usual school competitions and cultural activities.

But in essence, Government’s plan is to “tone down Mashramani 2016” in order to “hype up” Independence Day 2016.

Asked whether the

Minister Nicolette Henry

float parade will return for Mashramani 2017, Minister Henry indicated she is unsure but noted it is her expectation that it will.

Meanwhile, the Minister said the ostentatious costume design and float parades shifted for May is expected to have 50 floats to symbolize Guyana’s celebration of 50 years as an Independent nation.

Asked about other activities in the line-up for the magnificent Independence

Day celebrations, Minister Henry said events will commence as early as January and will include symposiums, cultural events and school competitions in every administrative region. On Independence Day, she said, there will be a two-hour cultural programme which will coincide with the flag-raising ceremony.

Moreover, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government aims to have these celebrations big and grand.

In fact, a commemorative committee was established to oversee the mass planning for the celebrations.

Some $65 million was allocated in Budget 2015 for the Independence Day celebrations however Minister Henry indicated that that amount is not enough. She explained that $65 million is merely for the preparatory works and that a larger figure will be budgeted in 2016 to ensure the celebrations are a memorable success.

he employees in the State-run laboratory attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital, who mistakenly declared eight pregnant women HIV positive recently, have been sanctioned.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Friday stated that when an investigation into the matter was carried out, it was revealed that the workers at the laboratory did not follow protocol.

It should be noted that both the testing for HIV and its results are confidential and the deliverance of these results are supposed to be done on an individual basis, not collectively.

According to the Public Health Minister, persons who were directly involved in the matter inside of the laboratory have been “removed” as they were found to have executed their duties in a manner “against the rules.”

This publication was also told that only one test should be conducted at a time, but in this instance, the testing was done in batches and this should have never occurred.

Meanwhile, Dr Norton maintained that neither he nor his Ministry had ever tried to ‘cover up’ the situation when it was first brought to light and secured the attention of media operatives and the general pub-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

lic.

“The first article that came out says we were covering it up. That is not true.

When we found out about this, we informed all the clinics (countrywide) and workers about the situation so we were in no way trying to cover up anything,” he told this newspaper.

However, Minister Norton emphasised that the matter has been dealt with and investigations have officially closed.

Recently, eight women were told that they were HIV positive when tests were conducted during their pregnancies, causing a number of persons to become anguished and emotionally distressed.

It remains uncertain how long ago this incident occurred or the duration of time in which these women were left to believe they were HIV positive. Moreover, it

remains unclear how these women eventually found out that the results were incorrect.

Nonetheless, the errors were subsequently corrected and the women were given their correct results.

Guyana Times understands that the women and their families were completely traumatised by the disclosures and as a result, attended counselling sessions to help them recover from the shock.

Reports also indicate that several relationships were initially ruined after it was believed that the women were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some of these women blamed their partners for contracting the disease and passing it on to them while some partners blamed the pregnant female for being unfaithful. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

GTT donates Internet service to GPHC

Two intercepted at Black Water Trail

– with huge ammunition cache

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wo men are now in police custody following the discovery of a large cache of arms during a raid at Black Water, Mahdia Region Eight (Pataro-Siparuni).

Based on information, police ranks were conducting a routine road block along the Black Water

Trail when two All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) were stopped. The police during a search found 14 .12 gauge shotgun cartridges, 76 .38 rounds, 100 .9mm. rounds and 150 .32 rounds of ammunition.

The ammunition was found in bags the miners had in their possession.

From reports received, the men are known gun smugglers in the area. They reportedly provide guns and ammunition to the several camps in Black Water.

The men were arrested and are at Mahdia Police Station pending charges for possession of illegal possession of ammunition.

3 arrested in Crabwood Creek raid

T

hree residents of Crabwood Creek, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were on Friday arrested following a Police raid at a house where a quantity of ammunition, cocaine and marijuana was found.

The raid – which was conducted by Police ranks attached to B Division

(Berbice) in Crabwood Creek – led to the discovery of one 12 gauge shotgun, 51 12 gauge cartridges, 36 grams of cocaine and 26 grams of cannabis.

The three men who were at the house at the time of the raid denied having any knowledge of the items recovered. They were taken to the Springlands Police

Station where they are being further questioned.

The Police are expected to institute charges on Monday. This bust came hours after a large cache of ammunition was discovered at Black Water Trail, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). Two persons were arrested and are expected to be prosecuted.

The Hospital’s acting CEO along with GTT’s PROs Allison Parker and Nadia De Abreu

G

uyana Telephone Telegraph Company (GTT) on Friday donated 1.5Mbps dedicated Internet service to the Georgetown Public Hospital which is expected to cost the company $4.6 million annually.

The service will be utilised solely in the Hospital’s training room, an area that was set

up for doctors and nurses to benefit from lectures via video-conferences.

Speaking at a simple donation ceremony, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Georgetown Public Hospital Allan Johnson expressed gratitude on behalf of the Hospital and urged the telephone giant to make similar donations in the future.

Public Relations Officer of GTT, Allison Parker posited that her company is pleased to make such a contribution to the Georgetown Public Hospital; Guyana’s premeir health care provider.

She disclosed that the donation comes as part of GTT’s recent “Do more” launch and also revealed plans to collaborate further with the hospital.

saturday, september 19, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News APNU/AFC’s verbal “Unity Talks” proposal

– demands PPP submit written reasons for nixing Nagamootoo’s role

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

M

inister of State Joseph Harmon said if the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has reservations

concerning Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo leading the “Unity Talks” on behalf of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Administration, it should submit a written response and not engage in a battle of words in the press.

At one of his recently held media conferences, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said the Prime Minister is in no position to make a credible offer to the PPP/C to join forces aimed at having inclusive governance.

In response to the Opposition Leader, Joseph on Friday said: “We do not intend to engage the People’s Progressive Party in the press; we will engage

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

that party sitting down face to face across the table and making decisions which are in the interest of this country.”

Teenager dies after injuring finger on Washiba wood – wood known for its toxicity

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he community of Karawab located seventy-five miles in the Lower Pomeroon in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is mourning the death of a teenager after one of his fingers was injured on a piece of lumber from the Washiba tree.

Dead is Ralpthod Joseph of Karawab Community in the Lower Pomeroon.

Guyana Times understands the boy sustained injuries to one of his fingers after he made contact with the lumber. The teenager came in contact with

the poisonous wood as he was assisting a resident in his community in loading a truck with lumber in the dense forest.

Information revealed that the young man’s family did not take the injury serious, and as such, treated him themselves with antibiotics. After several days, the injury to his finger worsened and the antibiotics administered by his family were not working. He was then rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was admitted, but later succumbed.

According to a resident of the community, loggers are always careful when handling this specie of wood, as it is known to have toxic qualities. The resident further explained that the wood contains a poisonous oil and it has a lethal effect.

The wood is also known as the “injector”, since it is said that once someone comes into contact with the tree, it could lead to death.

The body of the teenager is presently at the Suddie Funeral Home. He is expected to be transported to his hometown today.

UG and Accreditation Council members approved

A

pproval has been given for the members of the Council of the University of Guyana and the National Accreditation Council. The 26-member UG Council will be headed

by Professor Nigel Harris, who was recently appointed Chancellor of the University of Guyana. This is according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

The UG Act stipulates that the 26-member Council must include the Chancellor; the Pro-Chancellor; the Principal; Vice-Chancellor; one person nominated by the Committee of Deans; one by the Academic Board; one by the Guild of Graduates; one by the Students’ Society; one by the University of Guyana Workers Union; one representative from the Ministry of Education and one from Ministry of Finance. It must

Professor Nigel Harris

also include one person nominated by the political party in office; one by the Minority Leader; four nominated to represent the interests of the Indigenous community, women’s affairs, and busi-

ness sector.

The National Accreditation Council comprising 10 members, will be headed by Ms Winnifred James-Kippins, who has been in the forefront of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) at the University of Guyana.

Like the UG Council, the National Accreditation Council of Guyana was established by an Act of Parliament. It is the principal body in Guyana for conducting and advising on accreditation and recognition of educational and training institutions, providers, programmes and awards, whether foreign or national, and for the promotion of the quality and standards of education and training in Guyana.

He said a responsible political party would write the Government, expressing its concerns on the composition of its team. However, he made it clear the David Granger Administration has confidence in the Prime Minister: “The Prime Minister has our fullest confidence of this Administration; we believe that he is a fair and a just person who is capable of leading our team in the Unity talks with the PPP/C.” He reiterated that APNU+AFC is opened to discussion with the Opposition on a Government of National Unity in keeping with Article 13 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo in disregarding Nagamootoo had pointed out he had been unable to even secure his own power as adumbrated by the Cummingsburg Accord negotiated between the APNU and AFC on February 14, 2015 following the if-month long “Unity Talks”. .According to the Cummingsburg Accord, announced symbolically on Valentine’s Day, which

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

was supposed to solidify the electoral alliance between the AFC and APNU, Nagamootoo’s responsibilities should have accrued much more power and authority than he has presently.

These responsibilities include domestic security, appointing non-constitutional commissions and chairing of Cabinet.

However, the Prime Minister has not been given these responsibilities even though months have passed since the APNU+AFC took office. While he revealed

there wert disagreements about the power allocation, he said he would not make waves.

However, Jagdeo also noted there would be talks in future between the present Government and Opposition, and issues of national interest would be raised by the PPP/C directly with President Granger and his Administration.

In the past the PPP has historically been in the forefront of seeking a unified Government to address Guyana’s development.

In the sixties, Dr Cheddi Jagan made several proposals to Forbes Burnham, leader of the PNC, but they were all rebuffed as the latter party succumbed to international Cold War intrigues. In 1977, with the PNC facing imperialist pressures, the PPP again proposed a National Front Government. When Burnham died in 1985, he was once again dealing with a unity proposal from the PPP. The new leader of the PNC scuttled those talks and unity has eluded the political dispensation since.

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saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

EU holds climate change discussions in Guyana in preparation for COP21

A

delegation of the European Union (EU) on Thursday evening hosted a panel discussion on “What can be done to address climate change?” at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

The forum which was held in Salon Pakatuh saw a number of Ambassadors in attendance, including Ambassador of the European Union, Jernej Videtic and Ambassador of France for climate change for the region of Latin America.

In his opening address Ambassador Videtic spoke of the EU’s vision for an agreement on climate change, stating that preventing dangerous climate change is a key priority for the EU. He spoke of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) or CMP11 which will be held in Paris, France in November. He explained the EU is at the forefront of international negotiations for the new global climate agreement and provides substantial funding to tackle climate change, citing the €7.3 billon in climate finance they provided to developing countries between 2010 and 2012.

The panel comprised of the University of Guyana’s Director of School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dr Paulette Bynoe; Presidential Advisor on Environment, Rear Admiral, Gary Best and Conservation International Guyana’s Executive Director, Dr David Singh. The British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn was the Moderator of the discussion.

Dr Bynoe in her presentation stated that the issue of climate change must be evaluated at different levels.

“Climate change is a very complex issue … it has environmental, social, economic, cultural, physical and historical dimensions,” she posited. She stated that on a national level, an approach must be formulated after considering all aspects of the issue at hand. She stated that on the national level, “We have to adapt a riskbased approach. We cannot respond, react and reconstruct as a result of hazards.” She expressed her view that climate change is a development investment and as such it would not be conducive to invest billions of dollars in a plan and then

that more should be done to assist developing countries such as Guyana in their efforts to combat climate change and its impact, adding that incentives should be awarded to encourage preservation of our forests.

Presidential Advisor Best in his presentation stated that feedback from citizens is very important when analyzing the measures being adopted to combat climate change. Best is currently pursuing a Doctorate with a focus on Climate Change Financing in Small Island Development States. He posited that Guyana must use solar energy and hydro-

from that option when the price of oil decreases.

Singh in his presentation stated that Guyana faces the brunt of effects of climate change and as such must place emphasis on tackling the scourge. “Guyana doesn’t have a choice in this matter [combating climate change]. Guyana is the second poorest country, in relation to GDP, in the Americas. Climate change and development is non-negotiable for us”.

He stated that participation of people is critical in developing an effective plan to tackle climate change. He explained that focus must

raised the issue of used cars being imported to the country and their impact in terms of increasing carbons in the atmosphere. The man stated the price of importing used cars is lower than that of new cars and as such, that is motivating people to invest in fossil rather than alternative renewable energies.

Dr Bynoe in response stated she believes that importing fewer cars will ultimately reduce pollutants and will mitigate climate change. She stated consideration must be made in terms of utilizing alternative fuels. “We have to have an energy mix … it cannot only be hydro, chemical

Minister Raphael Trotman during discussions with French diplomat, Jean Mendelson.

have it fail. As such, she stated that we must formulate “what if” scenarios to deviate from inefficiency. “It will allow us to have a no regrets investments,” she explained.

She added that on the international level, “we have to finance public awareness and education programmes” which is a key aspect in tackling climate change.

Furthermore, she stated

power plants as a source of energy efficient fuels. “At this stage of the game if we want to get in the climate change solution fight … I think an easy entry-point is going photovoltaic … going solar,” he stated.

Best opined that persons have shown a repetitive behaviour whereas they consume alternative and renewable energy sources when oil prices increase but deviate

be placed on the use of alternative and renewable energy sources. “My view is that the energy solution must have within that structure a backbone of energy over and above what photovoltaics, wind and that kind of thing can supply, so I do feel that hydropower must be seriously considered even from now. I do not think we can wait,” he explained.

One individual present

or wind … we have to look at the cost benefit,” she stated.

“Even when you talk about hydro, you also have to factor in the issue of drought. We get a lot of rain now but the regional climate models by the UWI (University of the West Indies) group established at the Mona Campus would tell us that we are going to have a drier Caribbean,” she stated.

The discussion follows a visit to Minister

of Governance Raphael Trotman, by French diplomat, Jean Mendelson, who is currently engaged in a world tour to promote climate change awareness.

Mendelson, accompanied

by French Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname, Michel Prom and Melvin Houwen, translator, visited Minister Trotman in preparations for COP21.

These meetings are intended to focus on country preparedness for the Conference, expectations on the 2015 Agreement and identification of the points of convergence between the countries of the region, especially in area of the transfer of finance and technology.

Ambassador Mendelson stated the visit was organised as there is a need to understand the concerns related to climate change internationally and national situations. The Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) on Climate Change from Guyana has been formulated and it is expected to be presented at the Conference.

The INDCs is an important aspect to the Paris climate agreement as it will demonstrate countries’ intent to decarbonise their economies and invest in resilience.

“We may be small in population but we are large in our forest resources,” Minister Trotman stated, adding Guyana is prepared to represent its interest at the Climate Change Conference. He related the Government’s willingness to explore the areas of transfer of finance and technology and to take advantage of any such opportunities which will benefit Guyana.

NDC denies businessman certificate of compliance – despite Government instructing otherwise

By Kristen Macklingam

A

businessman hailing from Canal #2 Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is beyond frustration and at a loss as to why he cannot be issued his certificate of compliance by his Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

Godfrey Bess, the man in question, visited Guyana Times on Thursday where he complained bitterly about the treatment being meted out to him by Region Three’ Chairman Umesh Balram.

Bess explained he purchased plot of land, Block A of Tract B-1 of Plantation Vreed-en-Hoop, WBD, for business purposes and early last year he went about the required procedures for obtaining the necessary doc-

umentations from relevant authorities.

Guyana Times was told there was official advertising in the Official Gazette, the receipt of documentation from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and that the only outstanding legal document was from the NDC. However, the businessman stated the NDC Chairman seemed hell-bent on giving him a “hard time” in obtaining his certificate of compliance which he ‘rightfully should get.’

In fact, the actions of Balram propelled the man to visit the office of the then Minister within the Ministry of Local Government Norman Whittaker twice to handle the matter.

On both occasions Bess

was given letters from the said Minister instructing that the Chairman issue the certificate of compliance.

However, this order fell on ‘deaf ears’ as Balram apparently continued to disregard the order from the Minister.

Subsequently, when the APNU+AFC coalition took office, Bess visited the office of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, where he was once again issued a letter ordering the said Chairman to issue the certificate.

According to the letter, which Bess produced to this newspaper, the Communities Ministry conducted an in-depth review of the man’s claim of being refused the issuance of his certificate of compliance.

“As a result of such a re-

view, the Ministry has determined that the decision to deny Bess his certificate of compliance for Track H is flawed since checks at the Deeds Registry on August 12, 2015 confirmed the authenticity of the transport (No. 835/62) belonging to the vendor Mr. Khaleel Rayman, from whom Mr Bess purchased the said land from. Due to the above circumstances, this letter serves to correct a long outstanding matter between Godfrey Bess and the Best Klien/Pouderoyen (I.M.C) and therefore by Order, the Best Klien/Pouderoyen (I.M.C) is hereby instructed to issue Mr Bess a certificate of Compliance for Track H, being part of Block A as shown on plan No. 41954” the Ministry’s document

stated.

This letter from the office of Mr Bulkan was dated September 10, 2015.

However, Bess is concerned that squatters have now taken up residence on his rightfully owned property, one of which he claims is a friend of a member of Parliament.

“The friend on my land contacted the Member of Parliament and apparently he called the NDC even after I got this letter and told them to put a hold on it so that I can’t get my certificate. In fact, I heard a man we call Harribole is covertly paying rates and taxes at the NDC for my land. I think the NDC wants to let someone else have my land, because if you pay rates and taxes on someone land for a

long time you can go to court and challenge for it,” said Bess.

He told Guyana Times that ever since he began his procedure for obtaining the certificate of compliance the NDC has claimed the plot of land was ‘government reserve’.

Now that government officials have been ordering the NDC to give the compliance to him, it appears as if they are stalling to allow someone else to have an opportunity to ‘grab the plot’, the devastated man said.

According to Bess, he hopes the NDC Chairman issues his certificate of compliance shortly so that he can officially ‘get what belongs’ to him. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

news

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saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP nominated GECOM Commissioners soon to be sworn in

G

overnment has announced that it will soon swear in the two People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioners for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The Commissioners – former Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn and former Human Services and Social Security Minister Bibi Shadick – have replaced Mohamood Shaw and Athmaram Mangar.

They will join Attorney Sase Gunraj.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told media operatives on Friday

that President Granger will swear in the new Commissioners by Tuesday of next week.

Meanwhile, questioned on the possibility of Local Government Elections (LGE) being held this year, Harmon stated that while the amendment to the legislation has already been made, the onus is now on GECOM to give the assurance to the Minister before he announces a date.

There still seems to be some controversy over the holding of LGE since the Elections Commission has said that there are still a number of legislative pro-

New GGDMA President refuses to speak to the media

GGDMA President Terrence Adams

T

he newly elected Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) President Terrence Adams has explicitly refused to speak with media operatives, telling them to only await press statements released by the association.

This publication recently made contact with Adams to enquire about his plans for the association as it relates to development of the mining sector and how he plans to curb the recent epidemic of mining deaths within the sector, but were told to contact GGDMA office or wait until they send out press statements.

This was never the case with previous President Patrick Harding, who was always willing to speak to the media so the public could be aware of issues affecting the association and work they are engaged in.

Many want to see what the new President of the association will be able to contribute to the sector’s development, but a few remain unsure of his capability to successfully assist the development of miners and the mining sector of Guyana.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association was initially established 1982. The rationale for establishing this organization was based on two factors: establishment of the autonomous body for mining the GGMC in 1979 and establishment of the Gold Board in 1981 as the sole authority to purchase gold in Guyana.

Today the association is registered under the Trade Union Act and its membership is made up of all miners: large-, medium-, and small-scale. The members produce ninety of all minerals being sold, and of the twenty-five top producers for the past ten years, at least twenty are members of GGDMA. The objective of the association is to promote and protect the rights, interest and welfare of miners; to enter into negotiations with the relevant authorities; including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission for the improvement of the mining industry and for reasonable and adequate prices paid to miners for gold; to make binding agreements on behalf of and for the benefit of its members; to promote legislation in the interest of members of the association and the mining industry; and to ensure miners operate within the mining law Act 2011989 and its regulations.

The Association is managed by a committee comprising eleven individuals. Nine are elected bi-annually and the two non-elected are the Immediate Past President, and Executive Director who is the Ex-Officio.

In addition, the association has two directors on the GGMC Board of Directors; the Executive Director is the Deputy Chairman of said Board, and one Director on the Guyana Gold Board.

Former Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn

cesses that have to be completed. Government is saying that it is ready to move ahead if GECOM is ready.

The Opposition is saying however, that there is no way the overdue election could be held anytime this year.

Even after the passage of the Amendment Bill in the National Assembly,

GECOM had said it would be impossible for the long overdue election to be held by the end of 2015.

“Consequent upon the passage of the Bill by Parliament, the preparations for, and the prerequisite conduct of Claims and Objections leading the finalisation of the Official Register of Voters would take GECOM at least to the end of 2015,” the Elections body stated in a press release to the media.

GECOM had said there was still some outstanding legal framework which needed to be addressed in the National Assembly and assented to by President David Granger, before it can move ahead with its work.

It said it was uncertain about the reason why the amendments were not acted upon by the Government, given the fact that GECOM had raised these concerns with the Administration before.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had point-

Former Human Services and Social Security Minister Bibi Shadick

ed out that of the 26 amendments in the Bill, several did not originate in GECOM. The Elections Commission submitted 19 pieces of legislation that needed to be amended before it could move ahead with its preparations for the long overdue election.

Efforts to contact Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan proved futile.

Meanwhile, during

a meeting with the international community, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally assured that the Commission would commence the implementation of its Work Plan for the conduct of LGE immediately after the outstanding lacunae were addressed.

Despite the hold-up, GECOM said that the Commission’s Secretariat had already gone ahead with the training and selection of permanent and temporary staff to man the offices where the Claims and Objections exercise would be conducted within the respective local authorities; identification of locations for the establishment of offices for Electoral Registrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars and the identification of persons to be trained and appointed to work as Returning Officers, Deputy Returning Officers, Clerks to the Returning Officers and Election Day Staff with specific reference to the conduct of Local Government Elections.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015

NEWS

51 Nurses graduate from Paediatric Nurses Development Programme

S

ome 51 nurses of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) graduated from a Paediatric Nurses Development Course on Friday.

This initiative was instigated through GPHC’s partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

For the past four years, JICA’s Volunteer Lecturer, Sumiko Yoshida has been developing nursing programmes focused on emergency nursing. Patient Care Advocates benefited from special training as well.

The development course included several smaller programmes the nurses can be certified in, including the Patient Care Assistant Programme, which was a 10-hour course, and further included infant and child resuscitation basics. The other programme was the Baby Hear Basic Course, which taught the nurses about Post Cardiac Catheterization Nursing Care and Post Cardiac Surgery Monitoring, and the final programme was Rhythm Paediatric Recognition, a 12-hour

Some of the graduate nurses, Sumiko Yoshida (centre) and other hospital staffers

course with the teaching areas including Cardiac Cycle, Electrode Placement, ECG Reading, Core Cardiac Arrest Rhythms, and Premature contractions.

Yoshida stated the goal of the project at GPHC had been to improve general

nursing services. To achieve her set goals, Yoshida shared that she worked with three principles: realization of a child friendly environment, improvement of the educational environment, and the development of educational programmes for

nurses.

With these principles in mind, she noted that JICA donated educational equipment to the hospital, namely a computer, printer, projector, mannequins, a desk, chair, four white boards, two cabinets, and light-blocking

Govt defends appointment of interim GPL CEO ... snubs auditors revelations on suspect “qualifications”

F

ollowing trenchant concerns raised about the qualifications of the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), Colin Welch, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration has defended its decision to elevate the official to the top spot of the critical institution.

Welch, a Deputy CEO – Operations, was appointed by the Government as acting CEO after the former head, Bharat Dindyal, was sent packing last month.

Dindyal was summarily relieved of his duties by the new Government.

Of recent, Welch was thrown in the spotlight after a report from auditors, who are conducting a Government initiated financial audit into the power company detailed that something was amiss in relation to the official’s academic certificates while reviewing his university qualifications.

Addressing the issue, Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed to media operatives at the post Cabinet press briefing on Friday that the auditors raised some concerns about Welch’s qualifications.

However, he stated that the report was handed over

Interim CEO of GPL Colin Welch

to Public Infrastructure Minister who holds direct responsibility for the State entity.

Harmon said, “The Minister (Patterson) made a statement on the matter where he said that as far as he is aware, the report about qualifications did not affect the performance which he expected out of Mr Welch”. However, Patterson was quoted in a State media as saying that he is not aware of such discrepancies.

Moreover, the Minister of State seemed to have justified the decision to have Welch as interim CEO, stating that the issue might have been the institution from which the certificates were obtained and not necessarily the senior official’s qualifications.

“In fact, I have had the

opportunity of looking at some of those documents and the statement to the effect that the person is not qualified. I believed that statement itself ought to be qualified because there are some views that the person does not have the degrees that he said he has. But what I understand is that the universities from which these degrees were issued, that might have been the issue,” Harmon explained.

Furthermore, Harmon went on to say that Welch has been acting in that the capacity for several months and as a Deputy CEO for years. “We believe that he has gained certain levels of experience and the support and respect of persons who are working within the Guyana Power and Light,” the Minister outlined.

Harmon added too that at the time when Welch’s name was suggested for the post of interim CEO, Cabinet took a decision to accept the findings and determination of Minister Patterson that Welch was a suitable person to act in that capacity.

Welch’s appointment was made even as accusations were made suggesting that he abused his power as Deputy CEO, by instructing two Senior Managers to proceed on leave. This action had sparked anger among

staff in the entity, as unease and discomfort continued to escalate at the utility company. More so, his appointment did not sit well with a lot of the staffers.

According to the then CEO Dindyal, the regulations of GPL clearly state that it is the Human Resources Director or the CEO who are authorised to send staffers off. Earlier this month, Welch, accompanied by Police ranks, had visited the company’s Loss Reduction offices located on Sheriff Street where he instructed Senior Loss Reduction Manager Loaknauth Singh and Senior Investigator David Kaladin to go home, stating that there was an investigation ongoing involving “wrongdoings”.

Guyana Times was previously told that upon receiving the letters, the Managers contacted Dindyal, who arrived at the office shortly after.

After being briefed on what transpired, Dindyal ordered that the two senior officers remain on duty, citing that the letters had no evidence or rational reasons supporting the dismissal.

“When you accuse people of wrongdoings and take a decision to send them off, evidence needs to be produced to justify this,” Dindyal had explained.

curtains to assist in the following through of the programme.

Additionally, to improve the paediatric ward environment, child friendly art was also painted on the walls by JICA to make the area more child friendly and comforting.

The nurses declared that the programme had “opened their eyes” to many new experiences and ways of assisting persons, especially children, and they look forward to being able to implement their new skills as they take care of others.

Prisoner injured during gang fight at Camp Street Prison

I

t as pandemonium at the Camp Street Prison on Friday evening after a fight between cellmates ended with one prisoner chopped several times about his body. The incident occurred sometime after 21:00h.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, a fight broke out between two cellmates and one severely injured the other. This started a commotion within the penal facility, during which the inmate set fire to a mattress.

After authorities were made aware of the altercation between the two men, the injured prisoner was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He remained a patient under guard at the medical institution.

Back at the prison, quick response from the Guyana Fire Service saw two fire tenders arriving on the scene to aid the Prison Service’s tender. The fire was reportedly set at the John Street side of the prison as the fire tenders

were parked there. The fire fighter was forced to pass the hose through a hole on the eastern fence in order to put out the small blaze, which was contained to one cell.

Speaking to this newspaper, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that a prisoner was injured during a fight with another. However, he could not provide any further details at the time since active police investigations were ongoing.

M e a n w h i l e , Commander of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Clifton Hicken when contacted could not confirm the seriousness of the injuries the prisoner received.

Nevertheless, he assured that the situation was under control and that the prisoners from the eastern end of the penitentiary were relocated.

When this newspaper visited the medical institution, the prisoner, whose identity was unknown at the time, was being treated by doctors.

saturday, september 19, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

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Around the world

Croatia sends more than Taliban gunmen kill 17 1000 migrants to Hungary in attack on Pakistan behaviour in the handling of the crisis was “pathetic”.

Szijjarto said that instead of abiding by EU rules, Croatia was encouraging thousands of migrants to cross the border illegally, which Hungary now considers a felony under new rules that came into force this week.

Hungarian soldiers and police stand guard as migrants get into a bus in Beremend near the Hungarian-Croatian border on September 18

C

roatian authorities sent more than 1000 migrants by bus to its border with Hungary on Friday, saying it could no longer deal with the influx of displaced people. Hungary, for its part, began shuttling hundreds of desperate refugees to Austria.

A train packed with more

than 1000 migrants arrived in the Hungarian village of Magyarboly on Friday as Croatia offloaded migrants to its northern neighbour.

Croatia had earlier sent hundreds of migrants by bus to other border checkpoints.

The move came as a string of countries in the Balkans closed their bor-

ders, shutting off key migration routes to Western Europe and leaving thousands stranded. Croatia said on Thursday that it had reached saturation point after more than 14,000 people arrived in 48 hours.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the Croatian Government’s

Eight-year-old Breanna Jessica Jaglal

rief overcame a Penal community on Friday as eightyear-old Breanna Jessica Jaglal was electrocuted as she tried to charge her electronic tablet on Friday.

The wails of Breanna’s father, Brendon Jaglal, could be heard houses away after he got the news that his second of two children died at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Reports indicate that

Breanna was using her tablet downstairs of her home at Batchiya Branch Trace around 08:30h.

Relatives said she went into the washroom and tried to plug the charger into an extension cord which hung on the wall over a washer. As she made contact with the socket, she began fidgeting and fell to the ground.

Her parents, Brendon and Ann Maureen Jaglal

Passing the buck Hungary, in turn, transported hundreds of refugees who were on its territory towards its border with Austria. A frontline EU state, Hungary has vowed to “defend its borders” from the influx.

A spokesman for Austria’s Interior Ministry said Budapest had not coordinated the move with Vienna, and that it reserved the right to deny entry to migrants coming from Hungary if they do not want to apply for asylum.

Tens of thousands of migrants have been making their way through the Balkans and Austria towards Germany. (Excerpt from France24)

air force base

T

aliban gunmen stormed a Pakistani air force base early on Friday, killing at least 17 people, most of whom were offering prayers in a mosque, a military spokesman said, the deadliest such attack in years.

The assault shows the Taliban retain the capability to mount devastating attacks despite a military campaign and tougher Government measures against them following the massacre of more than 150 people at an Army-run school last December.

Sixteen of Friday’s victims were at morning prayers, and a captain died leading the counter-attack against the raiders, 13 of whom were killed, Major General Asim Bajwa said on Twitter.

Bajwa did not say if those

killed in the mosque at the Badaber air base, about 10 km (six miles) south of the centre of the Northwestern city of Peshawar, were civilians or military.

“Terrorists entered camp at two points. Encounter began immediately,” Bajwa tweeted. The attackers “were contained within a close area. Meanwhile a group rushed to mosque, martyred 16 offering prayers.”

He posted pictures of some of the attackers’ bloodied bodies in the uniform of the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary, black traditional Pakistani clothes known as shalwar khameez.

The attack took worshippers by surprise, said Mohammad Ikram of the Pakistani Air Force, who was in the mosque at the time. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Indian-origin antiT&T girl, 8, electrocuted while charging tablet apartheid activist dies in S Africa G contacted the emergency health services who took her to the hospital. However, the standard two pupil of Dayanand Memorial Vedic School, Penal, succumbed as doctors attended to her.

By mid-morning, T&TEC workers had already disconnected power to the house which relatives believe may have faulty wiring as the electrical system was old. (Trinidad Guardian)

Gastro outbreak in $100K Dominica Dominica following aid target reached Tropical Storm Erika

D

ominica health authorities are reporting an increase in cases of gastroenteritis following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika late last month that killed more than 30 people.

The Health Ministry said that a total of 153 confirmed cases of the disease had been recorded since the storm struck the island on August 27.

“The most affected areas are Portsmouth, St Joseph and Roseau Health Districts,” the Ministry said in a statement, adding “as a result the Ministry has heightened its Public Health Response including its Public Education Campaign which has been ongoing pre-Erika.

All Health Districts have stepped up surveillance and management of the disease”.

Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is a condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is caused by eating or drinking food or water which is contaminated by a bacteria or virus.

It is also caused by drinking of contaminated water, lack of or improper hand washing, especially after using the toilet or handling of dirty diapers cause.

The Ministry of Health said it was urging people to follow several guidelines, including boiling or chlorinating water from rivers, streams and springs before drinking, adding that while gastroenteritis is preventable and can be easily treated, people should seek medical care if symptoms continue or gets worse.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

I

t has taken two tries but the Dominica Antigua Relief Fund has been able to raise its target of 100 thousand dollars for the nature isle.

Just over 48 thousand dollars was pledged d u r i n g Thursday night’s telethon; the second in a week.

Hours before the event, Board member of the Dominica Antigua Relief Fund, Gordon Julien had told Observer Media that only 40 per cent of the 52 thousand dollars promised during the first telethon, had been deposited.

Julien said the organisers are not disheartened even though only 20 thousand dollars or so has been

forthcoming.

“There are a number of individuals who I am sure, for one reason or another have not yet been able to make good on their pledges; I’m sure they will do.

That could also be because they didn’t have all the critical information. What I suggest that they do is call our hotline, which is 481 1609, so that they can have all the relevant information regarding the account numbers especially for those who are interested in doing wire transfers. That could be one of the challenges for those folks who have pledged but not yet been able to make good on it,” he said. (Antigua Observer)

I

Anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, Reggie Vandeyar

ndian-origin veteran anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, Reggie Vandeyar has died at the age of 84. Vandeyar, who died on Thursday, was a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), the African National Congress (ANC) and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK).

Condoling his demise, ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa said, “In comrade Reggie we have lost a veteran whose legacy inspired many generations to liberate our country.”

Kodwa called for Vandeyar’s legacy to be preserved and protected.

“Vandeyar was a rare calibre of activist and leaders who remained modest despite their mammoth contributions,” said Kodwa.

Vandeyar was born into a poor family in 1931 after his father came to South Africa from India, lured by the promise of gold and di-

amonds, only to find racial prejudice amid the predominance of the minority white apartheid Government.

After several bad experiences at the hands of white students and leaders, a young Vandeyar was inspired by leaders of the Communist Party and TIC to join the resistance movements. By 1961, Vandeyar had become one of the first combatants in Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, but was soon arrested alongside Shirish Nanabhai and Indres Naidoo.

The three became the first Indian-South Africans to be arrested for activities of MK in the then Transvaal province. In 1964, Vandeyar was sentenced to ten years imprisonment on Robben Island alongside Jacob Zuma, who is President of South Africa today.

Vandeyar is survived by his wife and two children.

(Times of India)

16 News

saturday, september 19, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Ministry to prepare public annual report cards for schools

A

nnual report cards for every public school in Guyana are said to be in the pipeline of the Education Ministry’s strategic plan to track schools’ progress.

This was announced

by Chief Education Officer Olato Sam at a seminar on Tuesday, held as part of Education Month activities under the theme “Educational Leaders as Agents of Change”. The seminar was attended by teachers from every region across Guyana.

He said the results are to be made public and the nation will be enlisted to ensure students receive their dues.

The Chief Education Officer stated that although indicators suggest the education system is improving, the vast majority of students are still underachieving.

He noted progress is only seen in varying pockets and not consistent across the system. He added that expectations of primary education to ensure that pupils master the expected literacy and numeracy benchmarks by the end of the cycle, is not being attained by a significant percentage of pupils, which has forced the Ministry to restructure teaching and learning practices at the secondary level to compensate for deficiencies at the primary stage.

“Our pre-primary and the nursery offerings are for the most part preparing young happy children who love school and are eager to learn. It is a clear indictment that after a few weeks of being in primary

has been preaching that a more child centred approach must be developed where the needs of the pupil shape, define and drive the teaching-learning experiences in schools – not the curriculum.

He added his team has been urging educators to, “diagnose before they instruct, to utilize the data generated from assess-

sistent evaluation of the progress over the term be carried out. Sam also urged schools to use the standards as a guide to measure where they are, and to instil a more competence-based approach to teaching and learning, focusing more on strengths and weaknesses of pupils, rather than who passes or who fails.

Thirdly, he noted there

tutions teachers can either perform well or be fired.

However, unfortunately, in the structure of the public education system, Ministry of Education does not have the latitude to do same. He said they are then burdened with the responsibility of dragging along pupils who consistently fail to meet the basic expectations and honour the commitment to ed-

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam during his address at the seminar

school, those children do not appear as happy and connected to the learning experiences as they were a few short weeks prior” Sam mentioned.

He said teachers’ approaches at a primary level must be revamped to ensure children are still excited about learning, and find tremendous value in the day-to-day experiences well beyond academics.

Sam explained that primary education is the most critical stage in the development of the mental structure of youths, but added frankly, “this stage in the education system is failing the most.”

At Ministry of Education, countless hours of evaluating and investigating in an effort to determine what the causes of these failings are, Sam further explained.

“Individually, I’m aware that as officers, we agonize over the recognized failings.

It bothers the mind that after six months of exposure to primary education, our children fail to demonstrate basic competencies that would comprise the founda-

tion for further learning”.

The Chief Education Officer said the first major problem he encountered relates to basic competency.

“Our educator’s ability to deliver the expected content knowledge is limited.

Many of the weaknesses our pupils posses are mere reflection of our teacher’s failings. As such, we as a ministry must embark on widespread capacity building exercises to improve teacher competence”.

He reflected that a headteacher in the hinterland had openly admitted to him that prior to the professional experience programme held in that region over the recent vacation period, they really did not know and understand the key elements of the literacy instructional programme. Sam added this issue has to be addressed in a real way system-wide.

Secondly he noted there is widespread reluctance on the part of many to adapt to the changing educational landscape and implementing strategies necessary to ensure learning takes place. He said for years he

A section of teachers present at the seminar

ments to plan based on the needs of pupils, rather than any external grade base expectations.” He added they have stated countless times that it makes no sense to teach the curriculum for its own sake, knowing full well the students are incapable of grappling with the material being delivered.

To teachers Sam explained that “the instructions have to be tailored to the needs of the children you have before you.”

He pleaded that necessary planning and con-

is a “staggering lack of accountability in the system”.

For years schools would fail to attain the expected output benchmarks and everyone moved on as though all was well.

Additionally, he noted that disparity is greatly noticed between private and public institutions. At the primary level, the single most important element that creates a distinctly different experience for pupils in the public and private schools is accountability.

He said in private insti-

ucate the nation’s children.

He stated that performance output of schools must be publicly declared as the time for keeping secrets is long gone.

Sam stated it is time for teachers to show up to parent teachers association meetings, armed with statistics in relation to the school’s performance and enlist parents and other stakeholders in the battle to ensure the nation’s children receive the quality of education they deserve. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy.com)

President Granger to address UN Govt claims Finance

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resident David Granger will be heading a delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which has already begun in New York and which will deliver Guyana’s contribution towards the post-2015 development agenda. Included in that delegation will be Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge.

The UN officially kicked off its 70th General Assembly on Tuesday, also marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the organisation.

World leaders are expected, by the end of this month, to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described as the crowning achievement of the 69th General Assembly.

The Agenda consists of 17 sustainable development goals including eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere, ending hunger, promoting gender equality, and combating climate change. The Agenda states the countries’ commitment to working toward

President David Granger

fulfilling these targets over the next 15 years.

“In signing up to the 2030 Agenda, Governments will voluntarily commit to take action for the dignity, security, prosperity and human rights of our shared humanity, for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; for the sound management and fair distribution of the Earth’s finite re-

sources, and for the health and vitality of our planet,” Danish politician Mogens Lykketoft said.

But sustainable development, he added, will not be possible without tackling the issue of security in the world. The agenda, which will be adopted during a special conference, held between September 25 and 27, consists of the 17 Sustainable

Development Goals and 169 targets, aimed at addressing climate change, economic problems, health, energy, education, agriculture, gender equality and a whole host of other issues.

Over the next two weeks, the General Assembly podium will host many speakers, including Pope Francis who is scheduled to address the Assembly on September 25 as part of his first official trip to the United States.

The General Debate of the 70th Session will take place from September 28 through October 6. Some 200 leaders are on the list of speakers for the six-day event, which many already have described as potentially the largest-ever gathering of world leaders.

On September 28, US President Barack Obama, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and, for the first time, Cuban President Raul Castro will address the Assembly.

During his stay in New York, President Granger will engage other world leaders on bilateral matters and issues of mutual interest.

Secretary abandoned post

F

inance Secretary within the Finance Ministry Nirmal Rekha has been accused of abandoning his post, since he has not returned to work after his approved leave came to an end almost two months ago.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday told media operative that efforts to contact Rekha, even after he made contact with his Secretary proved futile.

“Since that date, Mr Rekha has not returned to work and has since abandoned his work as the Finance Secretary. In the interim, Louise Boyea will serve in that capacity”, Harmon said.

Rekha proceeded on annual leave, which Harmon said was approved by the Ministry. Rekha’s absence was reported to Finance Minister Winston Jordan who later informed Cabinet of the state of affairs.

Under the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration, Rekha was severely criticised when he was appointed Chairman of the Georgetown Public

Finance Secretary Nirmal Rekha

Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while he held the post of Finance Secretary.

It was felt that Rekha was in a position of conflict of interest, having to allocate monies for agencies and projects, even though GPHC was one of those entities on whose board he sat and chaired.

Efforts to contact General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee for a comment on the issue proved futile.

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news

saturday, september 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Multimillion-dollar aircraft commissioned

– Govt commits to further development of the aviation sector – urges stakeholders to rename Ogle Int’l to Eugene Correia Int’l

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he Government of Guyana has committed to the further development of Guyana’s Aviation Industry as Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) commissioned a four million US dollar aircraft on Thursday evening at the Ogle International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Addressing the gathering, President David Granger stated that the acquisition of the Beech aircraft by Trans Guyana Airways is a “good move” and an impressive addition to the company’s fleet. The Head of State added that the aircraft adds value to the national inventory of over 70 aircraft operated by a dozen private companies and employing over 3000 persons.

Granger added that the aircraft undoubtedly will improve the range, reliability, quality and competitiveness of aviation services, not only to the hinterland but also to the “nearer abroad”.

He posited that the hinterland in particular is an essential element to this country’s development and is the frontier of Guyana’s economic progress, and territorial occupation, with tremendous potential for ecotourism and other eco services.

He shared that his Government wishes to unlock the hinterland’s vast wealth, and proposes to do so in a sustainable way so that future generations can also benefit from in-

President David Granger and others blessing the new aircraft

ternational patrimony. He added however, that the hinterland while rich in resources, is characterised by poor levels of infrastructure and poor levels of human development.

The President added that over the next five years, Government plans to pay close attention to reduce these inequalities by improving communication and transportation, thereby unlocking the hinterland’s vast wealth. Also, domestic aviation over the past century has proven to be one of the keys to unlocking this potential, Granger added that this will only happen by “bringing our people together, developing our communities and exploiting our natural resources”.

He mentioned that reliability and regularity of do-

mestic aviation services is the lifeline of development of many far-flung hinterland communities. Many areas are accessible only by air. Remote communities and their residents remain isolated from the rest of the country without their transport. The President stated that his government intends to end that isolation, intensify the Indigenous community’s integration into the rest of the country by increasing access to air transport.

Additionally Granger called on the Board of Directors of the Ogle International Airport to rename the airport to the Eugene F Correia International Airport, in recognition of Guyana’s first Minister of Communications, Shipping and Aviation.

He added that Government acknowledges

and is grateful for the aviation sector’s contribution to the development, and are keen to ensure that this sector continues to expand and to provide improved services to all Guyanese.

He added that his Government will support the local aviation sector by working with private operators and other stakeholders to achieve the four major objectives which they had set out in their draft of the aviation policy, promulgated by the Aircraft Owners Association of 2014, namely, ensuring that there is independent aircraft accident investigations; enhancing the capacity of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, expanding hinterland aerodromes rehabilitation programme and establishing a permanent national search and rescue agency. He add-

ed also that over the past decade, there have been more than 25 serious aviation accidents, and there is now a real need for proper investigations to be conducted, and promised that his Government will do their best to meet the demands to further develop the sector and in turn, develop many other aspects of life in Guyana.

Meanwhile, CEO of Correia Group of companies and Trans Guyana Airways, Michael Correia, stated that Trans Guyana Airways is extremely pleased and proud, to pioneer this aircraft’s introduction in Guyana.

He shared that the Beech 1900D is a 19-seat pressurised, twin engine turboprop, fixed wing aircraft, one of the most popular 19-passenger airliners in history.

The airplane is certified to operate up to an altitude of 25,000 feet and can fly a non-stop charter to Puerto Rico in the North, Manaus in the South, Belem in the East and as far as Aruba in the West.

Correia noted that TGA plans to make the 1900D available for both day and night international charters from October 1, and also plans to introduce the Beech 1900D on its Lethem service from October 1. The Beech 1900D with its stand up cabin and first world comfort will reduce the present Cessna Caravan flight time to Lethem from one and a half hours to 55 minutes.

The CEO also added that it is, as a result of the private investment and development of Ogle International Airport, in partnership with Government, that they can offer this much faster, safer and more comfortable passenger aircraft service domestically and regionally.

To the President, Correia stated “the aviation com-

CEO of Correia Group of companies and Trans Guyana Airways, Michael Correia

munity hears your call for a nun-bribable, efficient and effective public service. We support you in this effort and join in that call.”

He added that the development of Ogle International Airport is enhancing the company’s air lift options into Guyana which will help to further evolve Guyana’s Tourism and Hospitality Sectors. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy.com)

Former Queen’s College caretaker hit down by State-owned vehicle – suffers head, spinal injuries and urinary problems – Presidential guard at the centre of fiasco

F

ollowing two unfortunate incidents that involved police vehicles being driven in a patently negligent manner, it would appear that some persons placed in authority seem to believe they are ‘above the law’ and they can operate in any manner they wish without any regards for persons who may be affected.

This appears to be so in the case involving 53-yearold William Nurse, a caretaker living in the Queen’s College compound, who had been employed for over 14 years until he met with an accident last month involving a presidential guard.

Nurse, who was riding his bicycle en route to market while towing a female companion, was struck by a government-owned car along Lamaha and East Streets, Georgetown on August 30.

Reports are that a Presidential Guard only identified as “Isaacs” was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident and was allegedly speeding when he struck the duo down.

As a result, Nurse and his companion were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they were admitted immediately due to the severities of their injuries.

It was reported that the government employee was accompanied to a police station while the two injured were receiving medical attention.

However, it is not clear if the guard has been dealt with accordingly in the justice system, as Nurse’s sister told this newspaper on Friday the man was still reporting for duty at Castellani House, Georgetown.

Diane Collette, the injured caretaker’s sister, visited Guyana Times on Friday morning where she complained bitterly about the actions of the government guard.

“When I asked the guy if he can assist me with William and he said yes but when the time come for money he always giving me short money and so. Coming down from Land of Canaan, East Bank is between $3,000 and

$3,500, sometimes the drivers would flex. Is not taxi alone that will accommodate William, he has a daughter who is eight years old, who is motherless and I have to find money to feed this child and look at this child,” Collette stated.

She explained she is not interested in the guard’s money but it is essential for him to assist in the bills that are as a result of him knocking down her brother and permanently injuring him, thus preventing Nurse from working.

According to Collette, the right thing for “Isaacs” to do is to bring items which the injured man’s daughter would need and use since Nurse worked to maintain himself and daughter. Now that Nurse cannot work, the offender should ‘have a conscience’ and do what is right, she contended.

“Issacs should give William pampers because he needs pampers, I mean, his brains done damage up since he had internal bleeding so he has expenses too.

On Tuesday night he cried

out for pain whole night and when you look at his tummy, below the navel, it is swollen big. I called for the ambulance and bring him down to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they took ultra sound on him; they see that his bladder infected due to the accident, they put a tube in him to draw out the urine; they give him saline, oxygen”, the aggrieved woman related.

However, relatives of Nurse are far from happy with the treatment meted out to the accident victim while he was in the GPHC. Collette further stated that after Nurse was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night she felt at ease, knowing her brother would receive the necessary treatment he so badly required.

It was until Wednesday when she was about to leave home to take meals for her brother during the lunch visitation period that a telephone call from her daughter who lives in Georgetown left her in shock.

“I get a call from my big daughter that William deh

by she bridge in a car on Wednesday morning and I learn that they discharge him from the hospital without calling me or contacting me. He cried to me and said how they beat him bad at the hospital … he does talk, he goes and comes … even the inspector for Albertown Station came and said he should be hospitalized still but the hospital say they discharge him because they say that they don’t have cure for spine,” Collette said tearfully.

Meanwhile, the presidential guard continues to give the relatives of Nurse a ‘hard time’ when it comes to offering financial assistance.

According to Collette, on the day of the accident “Isaacs” offered Nurse’s child-mother a payment of $100,000 to settle the matter then and there, however the woman refused, bluntly stating that the amount could not compensate for the man’s injuries.

“I said that $100,000 can’t even bury a dead because it is more than that to bury someone. In all, up to

now, the man (Isaacs) gave us $5,000 cash and paid for only one brain scan for William and nothing more.

He recently said that he has two charges internally at work for the incident and how he doesn’t think he even has a payday or a salary to draw at the end of the month,” Collette told this publication.

She is pleading with the relevant authorities to look into the matter since she and the rest of her family want justice to be served.

Presently, Nurse’s family are at a loss as to the way forward as expenses continue to pile sky-high for them.

“I don’t know how I finding money to pay for pampers and he has to see two specialists at the hospital in October so where will I find all that money from? I didn’t tell Isaacs to go knock down my brother. I don’t know where to turn, I don’t work, I was to go into the interior to work but I can’t work now, I have to look after my brother,” she woefully added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 19, 2015

ARCHIE

Money is in the stars.

Progress will be slow at first, (March 21- but you will gain momentum April 19) as the day wears on. Patience and persistence will win out.

Romance is favored.

ARIES

Do what you can to help TAURUS improve an ailing or elderly (April 20- relative’s life. Instead of tryMay 20) ing to keep up with the neighbors, take stock of what you have and be thankful.

dilbert

Take the initiative. The GEMINI (May 21- more people you meet, the June 20) more chances you have to present what you have to offer. Lack of participation will not bring about the changes you desire.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Make sure you protect your family and assets.

Consider your security before making any hasty decisions.

Offering too much personal information will invite trouble.

Ditch your glum funk and LEO make plans to do something (July 23enjoyable. Attitude will make Aug. 22) a difference as your day progresses. Sports or physical challenges will get your juices flowing.

Calvin and Hobbes

Get input from the people VIRGO you live with before you de(Aug. 23cide to alter your living space.

Sept. 22) You will face challenges if you go ahead with your plans without their approval.

Follow your intuition. You LIBRA (Sept. 23- have all the right moves, so Oct. 23) don’t be thrown off by someone else’s fears or doubts. A person you have helped in the past will return the favor.

SUDOKU

Stressful financial matters SCORPIO will take a toll on your health.

(Oct. 24Get professional advice if you Nov. 22) are being compromised by unsound investment practices.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to turn things around.

Family dynamics will be SAGITTARIUS strained, but you should review (Nov. 23your own actions before you acDec. 21) cuse anyone. Emotional outbursts will be damaging. State your concerns rationally in order to find a workable solution.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You are a generous perCAPRICORN son, but that doesn’t mean (Dec. 22you should take on someone Jan. 19) else’s responsibilities. Forget about lending or borrowing money or possessions. A partnership looks promising.

AQUARIUS

Expand your horizons.

(Jan. 20- There is nothing you can’t do Feb. 19) once you have made up your mind. Go after your dreams.

Take the plunge and start something you’ve always wanted to pursue.

Romance is in the air.

PISCES (Feb. 20- Lofty travel plans or expenMarch 20) sive home renovations are best put on hold. Your budget can stretch only so far before you end up in a compromising position.

saturday, september 19, 2015

19

Liberated Ronaldo seeks Mourinho keeps to extend scoring spree faith with Hazard

C

Cristiano Ronaldo

ristiano Ronaldo, who has hit eight goals in two games playing more centrally for Real Madrid, aims to add to his tally against Granada on Saturday with coach Rafa Benitez saying his forwards are given flexibility to move freely.

The striker put five past Espanyol in La Liga last weekend and followed up with a hat-trick against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, leaving him two behind Real’s all-time top scorer Raul who netted 323 goals.

Real have won their last three games with 15 goals and none conceded following a 0-0 draw with Sporting

Gijon in the opening match of the season.

Against Sporting, Ronaldo was pegged closely to the left wing but since then he has moved around more and in the last three games he played mainly as a centre forward.

“I speak with him (Ronaldo) all the time during and after training. We talk about tactics and about different ideas,” Benitez told a news conference in Madrid on Friday. “(The forwards) know that they can move further forward or to the sides when they want so as to be more effective for the team. It is most important for the team to be balanced and also that defensively we work hard.”

There were rumours of discontent in the Real dressing room following the dismissal of former coach Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season.

There was also talk of a rift with Ronaldo when Benitez said in an early press conference that the World Player of the Year was only “one of the top players” at the club.

However, the friction appears to be in the past and Benitez was adamant about Ronaldo’s value to the team.

“Cristiano is the most important player and we need him in order to win trophies.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale heads an injury list this weekend that also includes Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Danilo but Benitez does not think the number sidelined is out of the ordinary.

“We don’t have so many and it is normal for a big team that is playing at a high intensity in different competitions to suffer injuries over a season,” said Benitez.

Bale suffered a calf strain and limped off in the first half against Shakhtar.

“I can’t say at the moment whether the injury will be two or three weeks but we are optimistic because it is not a big injury,” Benitez said. (Reuters)

P

layer of the year Eden Hazard will remain Chelsea’s first-choice penalty taker despite a midweek miss more suited to the Rugby World Cup, manager Jose Mourinho said ahead of Saturday’s Premier League derby with Arsenal.

Hazard skied an early spot-kick high over the bar in the 4-0 Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv and when his team were awarded a second penalty later, fellow midfielder Oscar was entrusted with it and scored.

But at Friday’s prematch news conference Mourinho offered a vote of confidence to the Belgian, who has often seemed short of that quality this season.

“He’s still the penalty taker,” the manager said.

“Maybe he had an agreement with a sponsor to promote the Rugby World Cup! “He’s the best penalty taker in this country. He’s the best player in England.

And he will be again.”

Declining to criticise any individual for Chelsea’s poor start to their title defence, and insisting he had “no problem” with any of them, Mourinho did admit that players’ confidence could easily be affected by recent league results.

“When you lose matches, you are affected,” he said.

Eden Hazard

“You lose confidence.

You don’t want the ball.

You are afraid to shoot.

Unless you are so strong that you cope with it.

“So to taste victory again is important.”

To do that Chelsea must do what proved too much for countless opponents over the last 10 years -- get the ball past goalkeeper Petr Cech.

He returns to Stamford Bridge on Saturday for the first time since joining Arsenal in the recent transfer window, having already thwarted his former club once by keeping a clean sheet in their rivals’ 1-0 Community Shield victory at Wembley last

month.

“Any Chelsea fan who thought he would open the goal and let us win, I think they understood in the Shield that he’s there to win,” Mourinho said.

“He’s Arsenal’s goalkeeper until the game ends.

“After the game if he wants to come to our dressing-room, the door is open.”

The Portuguese added that Brazilian midfielder Willian, who scored the opening goal against Maccabi, will miss the game, although Oscar, Pedro and Radamel Falcao have not been ruled out despite knocks. (Reuters)

Murray gives Great Britain 1-0 Davis Cup semi-final lead A

ndy Murray got Britain off to a winning start in their Davis Cup semi-final with a crushing win over Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The British number one played superbly to win 6-3 6-0 6-3 in the best-of-five tie at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena.

World number 300 Dan Evans, the British number eight, will play Bernard Tomic in the second singles match.

Britain, who last won the Davis Cup in 1936, are trying to reach their first final since 1978.

Belgium take on Argentina in the second semi-final in Brussels.

“It was a huge match and I’m glad I managed to put on a good performance,” said Murray. “The

Andy Murray

crowd was excellent from first to last.

“I was hitting the ball cleanly and I didn’t give him any opportunities on my serve.

“Representing your country is a proud moment, I love it, and I always perform my best when I’m here for my country.”

Classy Murray overwhelms Kokkinakis Murray is nine years older than Kokkinakis at 28, and ranked 69 places higher at three in the world, but this was still an impressive performance against one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars.

The pair are regular practice partners, and Murray made sure he laid down a marker in their

first competitive meeting.

Kokkinankis, urged on by Lleyton Hewitt on the Australian bench, began well enough to see off five break points with some bold play.

However, a terrific lunging return helped Murray make the breakthrough at 4-2 and the Scot simply powered away.

A beautiful lob set the tone on the first point of the second as he went on to break to love, and he would lose just five points in a masterclass of a set.

With Murray’s backhand proving irresistible, 19-yearold Kokkinakis was simply overwhelmed, and another break at 2-1 in the third effectively clinched it. (BBC Sport)

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saturday, september 19, 2015

PSL should be played in Pakistan - Afridi S

hahid Afridi, the Pakistan T20 captain, has said the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should be held within the country, with or without overseas players.

The PCB had announced recently that the inaugural edition of the league would be held in Doha, Qatar in February 2016.

“It would be great if PSL could have been held in Pakistan,” Afridi said. “As we were talking about the revival of cricket in Pakistan after the Zimbabwe tour to Pakistan, we started to hope that cricket would continue to be played here.

Our cricket should be played within our own territory. It looks good if our grounds get revived, filled with crowds and our own players get the maximum benefit out of it.”

The PSL, ESPNcricinfo understands, had initially contacted top agencies handling over 100 international players to consider playing in Pakistan. The response was overwhelmingly negative, which forced the PSL to be held outside Pakistan.

The Zimbabwe tour in May was widely propagated as heralding the revival of international cricket in Pakistan, but a suicide attack near Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore during the second ODI meant the rest of the cricket world remained unconvinced.

Though Zimbabwe stayed on to play the third and final ODI, the incident ruined the efforts made to revive international cricket in Pakistan.

Last month, the PCB finally zeroed in on Doha as the venue for the PSL, for which prominent T20

Shahid Afridi

players such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have signed up. Afridi, however, said that what mattered more than overseas signings was that young Pakistan cricketers should get the chance to play at home.

“I am not worried if foreign players come or not, but what is important is the revival of cricket in Pakistan and (that) our youngsters get opportunity to play in front of big crowds,” Afridi said. “It isn’t possible that we invite foreigners and (they) do not come.

I spoke to some players and they are ready to come.

If we give good offers to foreign players I don’t see any reason why they won’t come. The circumstances of our country are getting better and better.”

When asked about the prospect of Pakistan playing India, Afridi said it would be “bigger than the Ashes” but added that Pakistan should move on if India does not want to play.

Cricketing ties between the countries have been snapped by border and political tension. Despite an agreement between the

PCB and the BCCI, the chances of the series slated for December going ahead appear bleak. The BCCI had signed an MOU to play Pakistan in six series between 2015 and 2023, with the first to be hosted by the PCB in the UAE in December. The series, however, was always subject to government approval.

“I don’t know why we are pushing for India series,” Afridi said. “There are other teams as well so we should be focusing on reviving our own home grounds. We have to work on the basic things and making them strong.

Why insist on playing with India? I don’t see any need to play if they don’t want to play. We have invited them and if they do not want to play then it shouldn’t be a worry. We are still happy.

“Pakistan has always welcomed India, last time when India toured Pakistan nobody has seen such a welcome to any team in the world. We have always supported India in tough times but it’s their government decision.

But I understand people from both countries want to see their teams play each other. If we play each other it would be a bigger series than the Ashes.”

The Pakistan limitedovers squads are presently undergoing a conditioning camp at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan are set to play two T20s and three ODIs against Zimbabwe from September 27 to October 5.

The trip is meant to reciprocate the Zimbabwe tour to Pakistan earlier this year.

Pakistan will depart from Lahore for Harare on September 23. (Cricinfo)

Re: Response to Charles Selman letter by Raymond Barton

East Coast Cricket Board sets the record straight

Dear Editor, We wish to respond to a letter published in the national newspapers written by one Charles Selman and titled “Cricketers deserve the truth on the East Coast Cricket Board”. He enquired if the East Coast Board is really a functioning entity, and if it isn’t Board struck off strength from the Demerara Board.

Also, he claimed that ECCB is informing the public that it is also known as the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA).

The name “East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA)” is directly related only to the ECCB and has been used in the past at the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) level as a matter of convenience.

The membership of the DCB are all referred to as “Associations” and so ECCB at the DCB level was referred to as the Association that is in charge of cricket on the East Coast of Demerara. While we used the name ECDCA, the constitution of the DCB clearly states since the formation of the DCB in 1991 to present that the ECCB is a constituent member.

The name ECCB and ECDCA have been used at the DCB interchangeably under the DCB president Mr. Bissoondyal Singh in 2009 who was the President of the East Coast Cricket Board then and now. So these facts are well documented.

The real issue is that

‘Holder will need to separate the politics’ - Smith

G

raeme Smith, the former South Africa captain who took charge of his country’s Test fortunes as a callow 22-yearold in 2003, hopes that Jason Holder can put the team politics to one side when he takes over as West Indies’ Test captain for the first time in Sri Lanka next month.

Holder, 23, was named as Denesh Ramdin’s successor for the two-Test series that gets underway in Galle on October 14 after displaying impressive leadership credentials at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year. Coming only months after a pay dispute led to West Indies’ withdrawal from their tour of India in October 2014 - a move that landed the WICB with a multimillion dollar bill for compensation which is still being thrashed out the team battled back from an early defeat against Ireland to reach the quarterfinals, where they eventually lost to the finalists, New Zealand.

Jason Holder

Despite his tender years, Holder has already received the endorsement of one of the region’s greatest players, Brian Lara, who praised his “demeanour” during that tournament and likened his stature to that of a young Clive Lloyd.

“Clive Lloyd was not the best batsman, he was not the best bowler back in the early 70s but you could tell that a lot of the players respected him,” Lara told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the Help for Heroes charity match at The Oval.

“I hope that Jason gets the same respect from the play-

ers, and also the board. He finds himself in a very tough situation where there are unhappy players but if the board give him the support that he needs and he can express himself, then he can become a very successful captain.”

There are no better role models for young captains than Smith, whose tenure began against the backdrop of South Africa’s humiliating early exit as hosts of the 2003 World Cup, and with the Hansie Cronje matchfixing scandal still an open wound for many of the country’s leading cricketers. He went on to lead South Africa for 11 years and a record 109 Tests after being appointed at an even younger age than Holder.

However, Smith recalled how he had been forced to learn on the job in the early years of his captaincy and warned that Holder would face as many challenges from outside the dressing-room as from within it.

“I think he’s got to under-

stand the unique challenges within West Indies cricket,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo.

“From my perspective I had to do that in South African cricket also. It took me three or four years to come to terms with it.”

“I think when I was 26, I had captained South Africa for four years and I only really started figuring it out then. I think that next period was probably my best period as captain, when I understood my team, the type of players I had, myself as a leader, and how I wanted the team to play.”

Smith sustained his authority in the intervening years through his sheer weight of runs, not least his extraordinary scores of 277 and 259 in the opening two Tests of the tour of England in 2003. But, by his own admission, he “bumped his head” as a leader on several occasions, not least during a feisty oneday series in 2004 when he was outmanoeuvred by New Zealand’s veteran captain, Stephen Fleming. (Cricinfo)

there are reports that some members of the purported Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) allegedly including a director of the WICB have been trying tirelessly on the East Coast to dismantle the ECCB for the purpose of the upcoming DCB elections.

We will now highlight the series of events.

1. There was the formation an East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC) to usurp the functions of the ECCB / ECDCA which according to the press was managed by one Mr. Anil Persaud. After the membership of the ECCB resisted, a series closed doors meeting were convened on the East Coast unknown to the ECCB / ECDCA and informed our membership that the ECCB has been struck off of the DCB constitution and the new body will be the ECCC. We immediately convened two (2) Ordinary General Meetings (OGMs) of our membership and presented them with the facts including the DCB constitution and the Cricket Administration Act 2014.

2. Another attempt again was made to dismantle the ECCB by approaching the High Court for an ex-parte injunction to stop us from performing the functions of the ECCB. The ex-parte application was unsuccessful and made inter-parte 3. A sequence of verbal attacks was launched against our president via letters in the newspapers in an attempt to destabilize and demoralize him and he responded via a libel action in the High Court.

4. They became aware that we were in the process of preparing a dossier to present to the Governance Committee of International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding disapproved / unap-

proved cricket and the illegal formation of the ECCC since it will affect the players. I raised this illegality at the Town Hall meeting with WICB President Dave Cameron who was almost stunned and speechless.

5. Realizing the serious consequences, the ECCC suddenly presented itself in the press as the ECDCA with Mr Anil Persaud being an Executive Member and even requesting that our membership get ready to restart some competition. We immediately again this time via a press release made it vehemently clear that the ECCB and ECDCA are one and the same and is unrelated to the ECCC or the East Demerara Cricket Board (EDCB).

What is important to note is that Mr Anil Persaud tendered a 2009 minutes of the DCB in the High Court as an exhibit which clearly stated the name “ECDCA” and signed

by Mr. Bissoondyal Singh the then President of the DCB who was also the President of the ECCB at that time and currently. At the elections of the DCB in 2009 the ECCB executives were the delegates although the minutes reflected ECDCA. So how could Mr. Anil Persaud be an Executive Member of the ECDCA? When, where, who and by what process was he elected as an executive member of the ECCB or the ECDCA? Or did he forget what he tendered in the High Court?

We do hope that our explanation is clear.

Yours faithfully Raymond Barton First Vice- President and Chairman of the Competitions Committee

Courts 10k set to... from back page

Despite Josiah-Tanner’s domination of the rivalry when the two have met, Morgan has been in a bit of form recently and could possibly give Josiah-Tanner a stiff challenge once she is able to keep up in the early part of the race.

Morgan will have to try to either out-run JoisahTanner early who always starts strong since the latter boast superior sprinting power in the latter stage of the race.

Meanwhile Guyana’s distance King, Cleveland Forde will also be in action and is expected to regain his title.

Forde was unable to participate in last year’s event, making way for Cleveland Thomas to win the 2014 edition of the event.

With Forde at full health and displaying his dominance at the AINLIM 10k earlier this month to defeat Thomas easily, it seems a wise choice to back the former to be victorious again.

Forde has been a model of consistency for Guyana in his distant exploits and this event will more than likely prove no different and he is probably Guyana’s greatest tactician in the art of distance running.

Whether he will receive a sturdy challenge from the likes of Thomas, Winston Missenger, Dennis Horatio or Nathaniel Giddings is left to be seen.

Nevertheless, the wise money will definitely be on Forde come race day. (josepht@

guyanatimesgy.com)

sports

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Cameo role for Lara as charity match raises £300 000

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F

Brian Lara

ormer batting star Brian Lara managed just 16 but the Rest of the World XI went down to Help for Heroes XI by four wickets in the Cricket for Heroes Twenty20 charity match at the Oval here Thursday.

Set 158 for victory, Help for Heroes chased down their target with three balls remaining, with former India captain MS Dhoni top-scoring with an unbeaten 38 and striking the winning runs.

Former England captain Andrew Strauss, now the

Director of Cricket, stroked 26 off 17 balls – an innings that gathered 4 000 pounds sterling after a supporter donated 1 000 pounds for every boundary the left-hander hit.

Strauss also produced a stroke of brilliance when he pulled off an excellent catch to dismiss the 46-year-old Lara who had looked set for a big score.

However, it was former Sri Lanka stroke-maker Mahela Jayawardene who staged the fireworks for Rest of the World, top-scoring

with a typically elegant 48.

The game raised 300 000 pounds sterling for the Help for Heroes charity, which gives support to military personnel injured in the line of duty.

Help for Heroes XI also comprised the likes of South African Herchelle Gibbs, Graeme Swann and Virender Sehwag while the Rest of the World XI also featured stars like New Zealander Brendon McCullum, South African Graeme Smith and Australian Matthew Hayden. (CMC)

Courts, Petra launch...

from back page

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Manager Director of Courts Clyde De Haas (left) hands over the cheque to Troy Mendonca of the Petra Organisation in the presence of Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Pernell Cummings and Nicholas Fraser

“What we saw when we first started four years ago was a an opportunity to revitalise football at the youth level and Courts has been there with us every step of the way and we are happy to bring to the nation the Courts pee wee tournament once again,” Mendonca mentioned.

Banks DIH, Malta Supreme Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie highlighted the benefits of the Malta supreme product and what it can do for the youths involved in the game, “with the boost from Malta Supreme we expect a fantastic tournament,” he noted.

Head of the Physical Education department of the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser was quick to

note the benefits of sport. “there are numerous studies to prove what physical activity not only does for physical develop from an infant but also what it does for mental development and the Ministry of Education will continue to support these events… this is a programme that is working and it’s important to support non-profit organizations like Petra,” Fraser pinpointed.

Meanwhile Director of Sport, Christopher Jones commended all stakeholders involved with the tournament, revealing some of the plans of the government.

“The government will be looking at compensation of companies contributing to the development of not just sport

but to youths as well,” Jones stressed.

Jones also encouraged the youths in attendance to aspire to be great players and to aim to become national stars at all levels, noting that the pee wee tournament is just the beginning.

The tournament will feature 24 teams being divided into six groups of four; the tournament will also be played on a round robbing basis with the top two teams qualifying for the quarterfinal round along with the top four third place finishers.

In addition the tournament will kick off on October 3 and conclude on November 15 with all games being played at the Thirst Park ground. (josepht@guyanatimegy.com)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, september 19, 2015

Banks DIH to refresh athletes at Courts 10k

Victor Macedo memorial cycling set for Sunday

Michael Anthony

Raphael Leung

op local riders will face the starting line on Sunday morning when the 13th annual Victor Macedo memorial road race is on the East Bank Demerara corridor, starting at 07:30h.

Organised by the Flying Stars Cycling Club, the race will commence with the traditional ‘roll start’ from Peter Rose Street in Queenstown to Homestretch Avenue, where it would officially start.

Senior and junior riders will proceed to Dora on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, while the veterans, juveniles, and mountain bikers will proceed to the hill after the Splashmin’s Fun Park. The cyclists will turn at their respective points on

the high way and return to Homestretch Avenue for the finish.

Michael Anthony is the defending champion of the senior and junior categories, having won last year’s event in a time of three hours, 14 minutes, 19.92 seconds (03h: 14m: 19.92s), while Raphael Leung was the juvenile winner.

However, Leung has since has since moved up to the senior ranks, thereby paving the way for a new champion to be crowned. A new junior winner is also expected with Anthony graduating to seniors.

Ian Jackson and Keon Thomas had won the veteran and mountain bike divisions respectively. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

T

Jennifer Khan (second left) of Banks DIH Limited makes the presentation to Roberta Ferguson of Courts Guyana Inc. in the presence of Errol Nelson (left) and Aubrey Hutson

B

anks DIH Limited is partnering with Courts Furniture Store as the main beverage and water providers for Sunday’s Courts 10k and 3k races.

PowerAde and Aqua Mist Water will be given to participants through Banks DIH Limited’s spon-

sorship of the popular race, which will start and end in front of Courts Store on Main Street, Georgetown.

PowerAde Brand Manager Jennifer Khan presented the sponsorship package to Courts Guyana Inc. Public Relations Officer Roberta Ferguson during a presentation cer-

emony at Thirst Park on Friday.

Also present were Aubrey Hutson, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Errol Nelson, Aqua Mist Brand Manager and Communications Manager of Banks DIH Troy Peters.

Aqua Mist is produced

and bottled by Banks DIH Limited, while PowerAde, a product of the Coca-Cola Company, is distributed by the local beverage giant.

Peters said that the two companies continue to share a very good working relationship, and Sunday’s races are expected to be exciting.

O’Neil to appear at Next Generation Banks DIH rugby sevens postponed promo event

G

The UG Wolves celebrate their big win at last year’s tournament

T

he Banks DIH rugby sevens tournament has been postponed to October 4 at the National Park rugby Field.

The event which was scheduled for Sunday had to be postponed due to the unmarked ground.

The release from the Guyana Rugby Football Association (GRFU) read: “The rescheduling is as a re-

sult of the Match Secretary inability to have the rugby ground marked in time for Sunday September 20.”

However, the GRFU have scheduled a number of practice matches for the teams with the next set of games being on September 26 and 27 as teams will be allowed to fields ten member squads before the start of the Banks sevens tour-

nament on October 4.

Guyana’s top teams will be involved in the tournament, namely; Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Pepsi Hornets, Yamaha Caribs, University of Guyana (UG) Wolves and Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The University of Guyana Wolves are the defending champions of the tournament by virtue of de-

feating the Yamaha Caribs in last year’s final by a close score line of 26-24.

President of the GRFU, Peter Green at last year’s final noted that the UG team who are relatively new to the rugby seen had “become of age”.

Action is set to start from 11:00h on October 4. (josepht@guyanatimesgy. com)

uyana’s reigning world champion Gwendolyn “The Stealth Bomber” O’Neil is expected to be among the attractions this afternoon when participating boxers of the Next Generation boxing card on September 26 go on show at the Giftland Mall.

O’Neil, who recently won the UBF women’s heavyweight world title to take her title count to five, is bound to attract attention, given the fact that she has overcome the odds to become undoubtedly Guyana’s most successful female boxers.

“The Stealth Bomber”, along with the young boxers will be on hand from 17:00h to 19:00h to interact with fans and customers of the mega store, as well as sign autographs, take photographs and share with members of the public their training methods.

An evening of fistic fury is set to transform the Liliendaal facility into a virtual battle ground later this month, as 16 of the country’s emerging boxing talents will compete in four professional and a similar number of amateur fights.

The format of this rebranded eight-fight event will take a similar format as the GBBC’s marquee monthly programme, the Guyana Friday Night Fights, which started in 2010, but has suf-

Gwendolyn “Stealth Bomber” O’Neil

fered a lull after 30 editions.

The card, which will get underway at 20:00h, will be headlined by a 12-round title fight that will see Trinidad and Tobago-based Guyanese Iwan Azore putting his national welterweight belt on the line against reigning national lightweight champion Dexter Gonsalves.

Imran “Magic” Khan, a highly successful amateur boxer, will make the move up the professional ranks and will face David Thomas in a four-round lightweight contest, while Terrence Adams and Keeve Allicock will open the professional segment with a four-round featherweight showdown.

In bout number three, Anson Green and Quincy Gomes will trade punches in a six-round junior welterweight clash. (aramzan@ guyanatimesgy.com)

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, september 19, 2015

23

Demerara Life golf Yadram, Reddy outstanding in tournament set for today latest round Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend softball…

T

op golfers from across the country will converge on the greens and fairways of the Lusignan Golf Course today for the annual Demerara Mutual Life sponsored tournament from 12:30h.

This year’s tournament will be played based on the medal play format and not the flight play format as was the case previously.

Mohanlall Dinanauth, Bolaram Deo and David Mohamad carted off the top three positions in that order last year.

Joann Deo won the Ladies category, while Bolaram Deo won Nearestto-the-Pin. Meanwhile, Marketing Manager of Demerara Mutual Clarence Perry in handing over the sponsorship cheque to Lusignan Golf Club President Oncar Ramroop, expressed the Company’s continued commitment towards the development of the sport in Guyana.

President Ramroop thanked the insurance company for their unflinching support. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

N

Marketing Manager of Demerara Mutual Clarence Perry hands over the sponsorship cheque to Lusignan Golf Club President Oncar Ramroop

Simmons off to Maracas Open Water Classic – Banks DIH offers support to Brand Ambassador

Soroya Simmons (left) receives her sponsorship package from Jennifer Khan, Soft Drink Manager

N

ational swimmer Soroya Simmons left Guyana on Friday to compete in the annual Subway Maracas Open Water Classic this weekend in Trinidad and Tobago.

Simmons, the I-CEE Soft Drink Brand Ambassador, is sponsored by Banks DIH Limited for the event in the twin-island republic.

She is competing for the first time at this level of competition and as part of preparation, the University

of Guyana student competed in a 5K swim in the Essequibo River from the village of River View to Bartica and completed the course in just less than one hour.

Simmons will compete in the 2,650 metres race at the Maracas Water Classic, which will bring together swimmers from the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

Banks DIH Limited Soft Drinks Manager, Jennifer

Khan, presented Simmons with her airline ticket during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park on Thursday.

Simmons expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring her and expressed confidence in doing well at the event. Khan encouraged the young swimmer to secure a medal at the prestigious event.

Simmons is expected to return to Guyana on Monday.

ational female cricketer Kavita Yadram turned in a brilliant all-round performance and Rajesh Reddy struck a century in the Male category when action continued recently in the inaugural Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend softball cricket competition.

Yadram topscored with 33 and then returned to claim 4-14 as Trophy Stall Angels destroyed Blue Divas by 87 runs. In the other female match, Zola Telford picked up 2-18 and scored 56 to lead Wellwoman to a seven-wicket win over 4R Lioness.

Reddy’s destructive 116 not out, which included 15 sixes and three fours, carried Farm to a huge 236-run win over United Brothers. Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

Wellwoman defeated 4R Lioness by seven wickets. 4R lioness 1108 off 10 overs (Matanna Cambridge 52, Zola Telford 2-18) Wellwoman 111-3 off nine overs (Zola Telford 56, Latoya Smith 19).

Trophy Stall Angels defeated Blue Divas by 87 runs.

Trophy Stall Angels 127-5 off 10 overs (KavitaYadram 33, Monica Seals 32, Odessa O’Neal 28, Beverly Nedd 2-28) Blue Divas 40 all out in 7.4 overs (Kavita Yadram 4-14, Alicia Allen 2-7).

Farm defeated United

Kavita Yadram

Brothers by 236 runs. Farm 310-7 off 20 overs (Rajesh Reddy 116*, Quazim Yusuf 56*, Lennox Marks 56).

United Brothers 74 off 12.2 overs (Ricky Sargent 3-14, Quazim Yusuf 3-25, Azharuddin Mohamed 2-10).

Young Guns defeated Princess Hotel by 21 runs.

Young Guns 144 all out (Anthony Carrington 31, Amar Gaj 30, Kwame Simon 4-20) Princess Hotel 123 all out (Davin Sookdeo 30, Andrew Sookram 27, Amar Gaj 3-16, Ricky Persaud 3-15).

Fishermen Masters defeated Parika Defenders by 100 runs. Fishermen 217 all out from 19.5 overs (Robin Persaud 87, Ishwar Persaud 57, I. Baksh 4-17, K. Persaud

2-30) Defenders 117 all out from 17.4 overs (K. Persaud 36, David Harper 2-15).

Enterprise Legends defeated Park Rangers by 86 runs. Enterprise 214-6 off 20 overs (Robert Wilson 58, Khalil Mohamed 40, R. Narine 3-24, R. Singh 2-49) Park Rangers 128 all out (Narine Roopdeo 3-17, Ravi Ally 2-19).

Young Guns defeated Brickery Super Stars by 44 runs. Young Guns 199-6 off 20 overs (Amar Gaj 82, Kelvin Kanhai 2-24) Brickery 155 all out (Suresh Ramdeen 61, A. Gaj 5-26).

The competition will continue on Sunday at two grounds in the city. At the Carifesta Sports Complex: On Pitch One at 09:30hFloodlights Masters vs Park Rangers; 12:30h – Wellwoman vs Blue Divas; and 13:30h- Floodlights Legends vs Fishermen Masters.

On Pitch Two at 09:30hWolf Warriors vs Brickery Super Stars; 12:30h- 4R Lioness vs Trophy Stall Angels; and 13:30h- Young Guns vs Herstelling Raiders. On Pitch Three at 09:30h- Princess Hotel vs United Brothers; and 12:30h- Enterprise Legends vs Savage Masters. At the GNIC ground at 09:30hRegal vs Farm; and 12:30hRegal Masters vs Parika Defenders.

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

saturday, september 19, 2015

Courts, Petra launch 4th Pee Wee tourney

Some of the student athletes pose with officials from Banks DIH, Courts Guyana Inc and the Petra Organisation

By Treiston Joseph

G

uyana’s biggest and most exciting Pee Wee tournament was officially launched on Friday at

the National Library.

Courts Guyana Furniture Inc in cooperation with the Petra Organization and Banks DIH joined forces for the simple cause of youth de-

velopment with the launch of the fourth edition of the Courts Pee Wee football tournament.

Court made known their investment of $3,620,000 to-

wards the tournament that they believe is worth the investment according to Marketing Manager of Courts Pernell Cummings.

“Courts will continue to

support this pee wee football… when we see the camaraderie and competition we feel it is money well spent,” Cummings who urged the players to cherish the moments of the tour-

nament noted.

Organiser of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca was grateful to Courts for believing in their vision. turn to page 21

Courts 10k set to O’Neil to appear at Next cause some sparks Generation promo event

By Treiston Joseph

O

verseas based Guyanese Euleen Josiah-Tanner will be aiming to defend her Courts 10k title when the event kicks off on Sunday morning from 05:30h in front of Courts Main Street branch.

Josiah-Tanner who missed defending her AINLIM 10k title due to flight problems have confirmed her registration for the Courts 10k and will feature in the event come Sunday.

Further, the event is set to renew the rivalry be-

Euleen Josiah-Tanner

tween Josiah-Tanner and local distance queen, Alika Morgan both of whom have shared a fierce rivalry over the past couple of years.

With Morgan unable to com-

Cleveland Forde

pete in the Courts 10k last year by virtue of being in Indonesia, the race will be one to watch when the two distance queens line up against each other.

Gwendolyn “Stealth Bomber” O’Neil recently won her fifth world title

turn to page 20

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