Guyana Times Daily

New Peace Corps Director P13 in Guyana Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3101

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, January 21, 2017

PRICE

GECOM chairmanship

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Conclusion of discussions will reveal Govt’s true agenda – Jagdeo

Ministers scholarships

Granger says “nothing P12 wrong” with Govt’s decision

Page 3

Page 2

Fire razes Jealous lover Robb Street douses woman business with acid

Police find 3 shotguns, ammo P11

Page 2

Citizens Bank opens $2.6B headquarters Page 10

Omar Shariff fired P10

Regional Consultative Committee

Citizens Bank on Friday commissioned a spanking new structure at the corners of Camp Street and South Road. In photo, First Lady Sandra Granger cuts the ribbon while President David Granger, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Chairman of Citizens Bank, Clifford Reece, Managing Director Eton Chester and General Manager Frances Paris share the celebrated moment (Marceano Narine Photo)

Trump sworn in as 45th US President

Page 15

PPP Chairmen boycott P7 inaugural consultation Police arrest 2 for Oronoque Street robbery P11

New Civil P12 Procedure Rules will transform justice sector – CCJ President

2 news

saturDAY, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

destroys upper flat Jealous lover douses Fire of Robb Street business woman with acid

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woman is now a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital after she was doused with a corrosive liquid on Thursday evening in Berbice.

The incident occurred at about 21:00h at Peter D’Aguiar Street, New Amsterdam, as Shondell Williamson, 26, of 13 Main Street, New Amsterdam was making her way home from work.

The woman, who works at a nightclub, lives with a friend.

According to reports, the mother of two was attacked and injured by the father of her two children. At the time of the attack, the man disguised himself by wearing women’s clothing.

The injured woman claimed that although she saw her assailant, she was shocked by his appearance and could not move.

Police have identified the suspect as 34-year-old Alfred D’Yonge, called “Na a boy”.

According to reports, the suspect, who was thought to be in Linden, telephoned Williamson saying he wanted to speak with his children.

The woman was at work at that time of that call. On her way home, she received another call from the suspect and she put the suspect on hold.

At this point, the woman

Alfred D’Yonge, 34, called “Na a boy”

related that she was in disbelief as she saw the person on the other end of the call approaching her in a dress, carrying a bottle in one hand and a bowl in the other.

As the man got close enough to Williamson, he threw the substance into her face, emptying a part of the bottle’s contents into the bowl and again doused the woman from her head.

After Williamson raised an alarm, the man ran out of the yard, breaking the bottle on the gate, before jumping into a waiting car. It is believed that D’Yonge was hiding behind the two storied house, waiting to launch his attack.

According to reports, the couple had an abusive relationship for several years, and it was only recently that they separated. D’Yonge and

The victim, Shondell Williamson

tive, on that occasion, to show his disapproval of her leaving to return to Berbice, D’Yonge reportedly choked Williamson until she was unconscious. The relative said Williamson’s eldest son, in tears, pleaded with his mother not to put his father behind bars, and she agreed to comply if he let her go.

However, despite agreeing, the jealous man vowed that if he could not have Williamson, no one else could. The suspect at one time operated a car wash in

Williamson and D’Yonge in happier times

Williamson have two children together, ages three and nine.

In December, Williamson had taken her children to visit their father in Linden and when she wanted to leave, the man thwarted her exit.

According to a close rela-

New Amsterdam, but moved to Linden and continued a similar business at Amelia’s Ward.

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam says Police are on the hunt for the suspect.

Firefighters trying to contain the blaze in the upper flat of the burning building

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city businessman is now counting his losses after a fire razed the upper flat of his four-storey premises on Robb Street, Georgetown on Friday morning.

According to A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander, Clifton Hicken, the fire started just around 09:00h on Robb Street, between Camp and Alexander Streets.

He noted that the area was immediately cordoned off so as to allow the Guyana Fire Service the necessary space to extinguish the fire.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the owner of a nearby business, Jab Rahaman, related that three men were using a welding machine on the upper flat of the four-storey building at the time when the fire started. This newspaper was told that the generator which was being

used to power the machine suffered a short circuit and burst into flames.

However, Rahaman stated that instead of extinguishing the fire, the three men who were reportedly working, ran away from the scene.

“When the smoke start come through the ceiling then everybody get to understand is a fire, then I get a call and I came down,” he said, while noting that upon arrival, he immediately turned off the power in his business.

Up to Friday afternoon, the three men who were allegedly present when the fire began have not yet been identified. Also present at the scene was Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan. There were no reported injuries.

An investigation has been launched.

news

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saturDAY, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, January 21 – 12:30h-14:00h and Sunday, January 22 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, January 21 – 11:45h-13:15h and Sunday, January 22 – 12:40h-14:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy to light rain shows can be expected throughout the day while lightly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 11:13h and 23:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.13 metres respectively.

GECOM chairmanship

Conclusion of discussions will reveal Govt’s true agenda – Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said based on the outcome of the selection of a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Guyanese will then be able to understand the Government’s true agenda.

Jagdeo was at the time addressing a packed People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Public Forum at the Umana Yana on Friday night, where he warned that the citizens of Guyana should be aware of the possibility that the Administration could become “more repressive and return to their old ways” of rigging the elections, as

will have on our lives.”

He reminded that if necessary, he would press for the issue to be taken to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Clarification

The Opposition Leader has described the President’s unwillingness to meet with him, as “laughable”.

Earlier this month, Jagdeo had written to President David Granger requesting that he clarify his interpretation of what the qualifications of the GECOM Chair were, and to reconcile “any differences of opinion which may exist on this issue,” as it relates to appoint-

Low Tide: 04:40h and 17:18h reaching minimum heights of .06 metres and 1.04 metres respectively.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

strong as they are – will change his opinion because he will not be swayed by legal arguments, because he is already hell-bent on getting his way. [However] There is hope if the first view is the relevant one.”

However, the Opposition Leader said that he will be meeting with Attorney General Basil Williams to interpret the Constitution.

“We will meet the Attorney General – that nightmare thing to do – but we will do it,” he stated.

Interpretation of the Constitution

Former Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

WEDNESday, January 18, 2017

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seen in the matter of the selection of the new GECOM Chairman, which has morphed into a controversial issue.

“This issue has caused a lot of trepidation in the lives of many Guyanese, (this) issue is a crossroad (issue and) how it is resolved will have a lasting impact,” the Opposition Leader said.

He asserted that over the period that the APNU/ AFC Government has been in power, a pattern has emerged; he called attention to the many cases where a lack of transparency has been the major issue.

Jagdeo therefore urged all Guyanese, supporters and non-supporters, to take a position on the GECOM Chairman controversy, emphasising that it is a “vital issue that all Guyanese should get engaged in because of the influence this

ing the new Chairman.

Subsequently, a response was sent indicating that the matter will be dealt with at the level of an Attorney General, where the Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams will meet with Jagdeo and an Attorney selected by the PPP. According to the former President, this action of Granger’s has caused many persons of the public to speculate that he [Granger] refuses to meet with Jagdeo either because he is “getting bad advice from an incompetent Attorney General” or that he aims to appoint someone of his choice that will help to rig the elections in favour of the APNU/AFC Government.

“If the second interpretation is true then I can see why the President doesn’t want a meeting. No amount of legal arguments – as

Additionally, Jagdeo expressed his interpretation of the Constitution, highlighting that history is on the PPP/C’s side, in reference to the fact that architectures of the Constitution – former Presidents Cheddi Jagan and Desmond Hoyte – abided by the same interpretation.The controversy on the matter revolves around the different interpretations

of the Opposition Leader and the Government on Article 161(2) of the Guyana Constitution on the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman.

The relevant section of the Constitution states, “The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, January 21, 2017

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

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

The West and Russia

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mong the longest running news stories of recent years is the alleged interference by Russia in the American presidential elections. This most recent election saw heightened claims that Russia had a hand in deciding the outcome of the process. It is alleged that Russian governmental authorities hacked the personal emails of the Democratic Party’s candidate, Hillary Clinton and other important Democrat’s personal correspondence so as to have an exposé of their alleged wrongdoings, so that the electorate could reject them and vote for the Republican Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump.

During the elections campaign, Mr Trump was viewed as having a friendlier attitude to Russia than Mrs Clinton.

This perception was widespread in both Russia and America.

Russian authorities have denied interfering in the American Elections to influence a regime change. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin remarked that America was “no banana republic” where regime changes by foreign involvement was a simple operation.

Putin was quoted in the media as saying that America was a great country and such things could not happen there. Although Mr Putin meant to be slightly sarcastic, what he was saying did have a great deal of truth.

American democracy and the intelligence of the American people are far too established and engrained for any foreign country to bring about a regime change in that country by propaganda or manipulation of politicians’ correspondences, no matter how damning. We are quite sure that the American Presidential Election was a properly run democratic election and basically expressed the will of the American people. And like many others, we do not feel there is any reason to question the outcome of the process.

If indeed President Trump is committed to improving United States-Russia relations, such could be a constructive diplomatic approach, and would be of great benefit to the world as a whole and most important, would be strengthening the West.

Some American popular thinking is anachronistic and belongs to the Cold War era where Russia was the enemy.

Though the Cold War had been won by America and the West, and the USSR has disintegrated and the oncesocialist Republic Russia is now a free-market country, some people are still entrapped in the past.

It is now more necessary than ever for the West to unify itself and preserve its strength in the face of the emergence of a resurgent Asia. For most of the 20th century, the West had been engaged in self-destructive civil wars. World Wars 1 and 2 destroyed Western Empires and Western influence in the world was greatly diminished; and Western economic prosperity has begun to contract.

For example, we do not produce our consumer goods anymore; they are all imported from East Asia.

Centuries ago the centre of gravity in the world was in the Asiatic Heartland. The Indians and Chinese and others such as Japan and Indonesia produced most of the world’s products and were responsible for the world’s civilization.

Most of the world’s wealth was centred in those areas.

Then we had our Renaissance and the Asiatic Heartland fell into an unexplained somnolence. With the Renaissance, the centre of gravity shifted and the West emerged as the most important part of the world.

Now, it seems the cycle is once again moving to the Asiatic Heartland. It is therefore now necessary more than ever for the West to consolidate, and integration of Russia with the rest of the West is therefore essential. President Trump’s desire for better relations with Russia is therefore a very positive step.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (second from left), with former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as the Obamas welcome the Trumps to the White House (Reuters)

Red House: Cheddi Jagan Research Centre

Dear Editor, The APNU/AFC regime has raised an unnecessary issue of the Red House hosting the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.

I say “unnecessary” because in any normal country this would not have been an issue.

Cheddi Jagan played a central role in Guyana’s history. However, he was more than just a Guyanese patriot and anti-colonial freedom fighter.

Cheddi Jagan was a deep thinker and an internationalist of the highest order.

He was a man who not only made a contribution to our issues, but had an important impact on regional and international affairs.

At one time, his book “The West On Trial” was used as an important text by universities in their studies on imperialism.

During his lifetime, Dr Jagan pronounced on all the important issues of the day.

These included both local and international issues. He was amongst the first to pronounce on the international debt burden, which Third World countries were saddled with. It was Dr Jagan, while still in opposition, who pointed out that the debt was un-payable.

Other leaders in the Third World, both in and out of government, raised their voices on that issue too. That led to a campaign which eventually resulted in debt forgiveness. Guyana and other countries benefitted from this.

Cheddi Jagan always saw Guyana’s struggle as part of and connected to the struggles of other countries and people for freedom and social justice. Solidarity with other people was vital.

He broke many barriers.

He was the first leader of a colony to address the United Nations Anti-Colonial Committee and it was he who opened the door for other Third World leaders to pursue their common goals of political independence.

He was a staunch advocate to end apartheid in South Africa. He was foremost in this struggle and created organisations here to advocate for the end of that hated system.

He also boldly supported the right for equality and justice for African Americans. He led demonstrations in Guyana to free Angela Davis and those wrongfully imprisoned with her. The PPP, which he led, was the only organisation raising these issues in Guyana.

He stood out in solidarity with the people of Vietnam in their decades of struggle against Japanese, French, and US occupation. He even visited Vietnam while the war was going on.

Dr Jagan’s political writings in the various journals and newspapers both in Guyana and abroad were penetrating in their analysis. He stood tall among the giants of his day. His views and ideas continue to make important reading 20 years after his death.

Cheddi, even in his last years, displayed great creativity in dealing with issues of national and international importance.

We must not forget the social policies of successive PPP/C governments, which were started under his leadership.

Under those programmes, thousands of Guyanese became owners of their own homes; our health services were transformed from a rat-infested institution where babies lost limbs to rats, to where we are now doing heart by-pass operations, have a cancer ward, a burns ward, among other expanded facilities.

Our educational systems were also revolutionised. That was transformed from a position where barely 30 per cent of children leaving primary schools finding place in secondary schools, to a position where we were at almost universal secondary education, by May 11, 2015.

Our country has never trained more professional doctors, engineers, economists, managers, etc, as it did in the 23 years of PPP/C government.

Now, under this APNU/ AFC regime many are unemployed, having been victimised and hounded out of jobs.

Cheddi Jagan’s concern and interest in international issues never waned.

Among his last works was his important writings and advocacy for a “New Global Human Order”. That pro-

posal of his remains so relevant that it could have been written today.

That work was adopted by the United Nations as a programme worth pursuing to end poverty in our world.

It is, therefore, very unfortunate that the PNC-led APNU/AFC regime has taken the stance it has towards CJRC and its lease of Red House.

Red House was once the home of Cheddi Jagan. It is the most suitable venue to house the huge amount of work that he has left and more are still being found.

Some may say that 23 years have passed and they may question the relevance of Jagan.

It is true that time brings changes. However, Jagan’s relevance is not only his role in history, but in his methodology, his approach to problems that can be adopted and will continue to make a contribution to our country and to fight against oppression and poverty the world over.

To deny Red House to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre is to display great prejudice, pettiness and vindictiveness.

The behaviour of the regime to Jagan makes one ask the question posed by Dave Martin and the Trade winds “Where Are Your Heroes Caribbean?” We must treat our heroes with respect that they earned.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

guyanatimesgy.com

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

Political dialogue in national interest Dear Editor, I should be grateful for the publication in your newspaper of this letter to encourage an open debate and advocacy again for national consensus and national unity by the main political parties whose actions and postures impact the lives of all in this country. It is time to look forward, put aside continuing campaign for political points, and transcend the blame game.

Let us be frank and admit that in reality, we live in a fractured, divided, wounded and bleeding country related to the politics of race and ethnicity in the contest for political power and dominance by the PPP and PNC for over 60 years. How long must this nation wait for the political conflicts and contests between these two dominant political forces come to an end for the national good? Do we need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (like South

Africa) to bring healing to this nation? Do we need the Secretary General on the United Nations to provide a facilitator to stimulate the dialogue process and mediate differences as may be necessary?

Political dialogue between the leaders of the PPP and the PNC on governance and on social and economic matters should be promoted and adopted as a matter of high priority for the national good. The objective is to foster confidence, high trust, mutual understanding, cordial and civil communication and good relations at the national level. The objective is also to find agreed solutions to political governance and socio-economic problems and issues, and to forge national consensus for political governance and national development. The promotion of political and social justice in the Guyana could be achieved if the PPP and

the PNC are involved in the search for appropriate solutions through genuine dialogue. They have the major responsibility in the success of the dialogue process.

In Guyana the real challenge is to develop national consensus in the form of national accord on political governance and an agreed programme for social, economic and human development in the interest of the national communities. National consensus agreements provide the framework for strategies to achieve good political governance, international competitiveness, higher standards of living, improved social protection, a stable currency, investment-friendly policies and a more development-conducive political and social climate in environments which uphold and respect fundamental rights and freedoms at all levels in the national community.

The outcome of political

dialogue can promote effective management of the economy in a climate of good political governance with participation of civil society. It is crucial for agreeing on measures for balanced economic, social and political developments. The Governing Authority of the National Assembly and the Government bear a heavy responsibility for ensuring that good governance, “The manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development” reflects fairness and effective political, economic and social justice. A country that is committed to such good political governance will ensure that there is genuine participation by the political and social partners who must demonstrate credibility, transparency and accountability in the administration and management of national affairs.

The challenges in terms of national strategies are to promote a mature political culture, economic growth, social, political and human development, call for actions at the national level. It is for the Government, the political parties, private sector, the labour movement and civil society in Guyana - to respect, promote and realise in good faith the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in our national Constitution and laws, UN Conventions, and Regional and other International Treaty obligations; and to adopt through genuine and sustained political dialogue, changes in political governance and the management of national socio-economic and political affairs. These must be promoted in a paradigm shift from the prolonged confrontational and divisive posture to one which cultivates consensus and cooperation in the national interest.

Let genuine dialogue between the PNC and the PPP begin afresh without delay to achieve national consensus to move this country forward as a united nation. My list for genuine dialogue includes: building confidence and high trust; agree on a shared vision for Guyana; Constitutional reform aimed at creating a broad-based, inclusive Government which can elect the President by two-thirds vote by the National Assembly and which caters for one Vice President; allocation constitutionally of ministerial portfolios, based on the proportional strengths of the parties forming the Government, electoral reforms, fixed election day; and an agreed programme for political, social, economic and human development for the national good for all citizens.

Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

WPA joining PNC is not racial unity Dear Editor, Reference is made to Tacuma Ogunseye’s retort (Guyana Times, January 17) titled “everything boils down to racism”. I am glad to read that Ogunseye says he “did not crawl back to the PNC”.

He is right as many feel it is more like “he ran back to be with the party of his kith and kin”.

It was Ogunseye and David Hinds who penned that they were not pleased with the direction of the PNC-led Government, but that they will not be critical of it. In fact, Hinds penned that it was out of concern that such critiques could provide an opening for the return of Indian PPP that he refused to blast the Coalition. And Ogunseye and Hinds said “The country not going back PPP” (meaning Indians).

The record would show

that the PNC-led Coalition violated countless laws and fired Indians, as well as Amerindians at will and neither Hinds nor Ogunseye was critical of the President or the PNC for transgressions against Indians and others.

In fact, Hinds supported and praised President Granger for terminating the Jagan Centre lease and sending thugs to break-up the Jagan sign and putting a lock on the gate, even while the Centre’s staff were inside the building.

Hinds was unconcerned about due process and the fact that the Chief Justice had issued a stay order against the revocation of the lease, long before the thugs descended on the building.

Ogunseye’s silence on the Jagan Centre matter has been deafening. This is not surprising as he has always been anti-Jagan. He opposed

Jagan as the Presidential consensus candidate in 1992.

The record would show that Ogunseye has not been critical of the PNC for closing down sugar estates and for breaking promises (during the election campaign) not to close any sugar estate and to guarantee the rice farmers a market for their rice at $9000 a bag. Today, most farmers are bankrupt as they barely get one tenth of the price promised to them.

Ogunseye writes that his and David Hinds’ return to the PNC was an informed decision made by the WPA. It is their democratic right to be PNCites, as it is my right not to be a PPP-ite or a PNC-ite.

Ogunseye also argues

that Walter Rodney too would have joined the PNC against the PPP if he were alive. I think not. Rodney was a principled non-racial political figure who would not have teamed up with a racist party unless he was in the driver seat to reform the party. And he would have made sure there was no racial victimisation of Indians and other ethnic groups.

Ogunseye queries why I have not reprimanded Africans who join the PPP. They did not join the PPP to practice racism; and in the PPP, they advocated for their people interests, unlike Indians who refused to articulate Indian interests.

Ogunseye and Hinds have

not advocated for good governance or spoke out against endemic corruption over the last 18 months. Ogunseye and Hinds had a reputation among people as “non-racial”, but they have shown a different cut since they joined the PNC – silent against acts of racism.

Ogunseye pens that Rodney was for “a united working class/working people”. So the WPA joining the PNC brings about unity!

Since when can there be unity with the exclusion of over 50 per cent of the population and most ethnic groups?

Since when excluding sugar workers and farmers from the working people brings about a united working class?

What kind of logic or conclusion is that?

Ogunseye also writes that Rodney “was opposed to ethnic domination”. But that is what we have been experiencing since May 2015. Isn’t the governance of the PNCled Coalition ethnic domination of one group over the other five groups?

Ogunseye says that those advocating Rodneyism and critical of him and Hinds are opportunists. No, he has it wrong. Those who betrayed Rodney like Hinds and Ogunseye are the opportunists.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Foundation

By Leon F Seltzer, PhD

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guyanatimesgy.com

arents must take care that their children not misinterpret their criticism.

In the above title, I’m employing the term mistake in a dual sense. It’s intended to refer to a child’s misbehaviour that prompts another (usually the parent) to reproach or reprimand them.

But it’s also meant to allude to the child’s exaggeratedly adverse self-judgment that can result from caustic blaming. For such a reaction may contribute to their developing a chronically distorted, negative self-image: A “compromised” sense of self exceedingly difficult to alter, despite later-day evidence that this derogatory self-appraisal is false.

Moreover, even when the child grows into an adult and knows, intellectually, that these earlier beliefs aren’t valid, they may yet continue to feel so.

Here ‘s but one example, taken from my clinical caseload (though I could easily provide hundreds more): I had a client, David, whose mother would regularly scream at him when he did something wrong. In a voice so harsh and menacing that it made him go numb, she’d shout: “Are you stupid?! You should know better by now!

What’s wrong with you anyway?!” But at the time he hadn’t known better, or been better able to control his impulses – or he would never have done what he was taken so much to task for. Still, he couldn’t help thinking that he ought to have known better, or better understood rules that hadn’t been explained to him. So he felt obliged to assume – as his mother routinely suggested – that he must somehow be lacking in basic intelligence.

In consequence, David grew up with an “I’m stupid” programme, running sharply counter to the fact that he was placed in advanced classes in school and his teachers regularly commended him on his performance. Plus, along with this highly irrational doubt about his mental acumen, he was afflicted with other complementary, and self-sabotaging, beliefs – such as “I’m

a disappointment,” “I’m not good enough,” “I’m seen as bad,” “I’m defective,” “I’m a fake,” and “I have to be perfect.”

Without the slightest conscious intention to, David maintained these erroneous negative beliefs about himself right up to the time I began seeing him in his 30s. As an outcome of his temperamental (and frankly disturbed) mother’s calling him names whenever she was irritated with him, these illogical ideas had taken such deep root that he found them almost impossible to eradicate. His many noteworthy achievements simply bounced off him.

They were dismissed as flukes, a coincidence, matter of luck. He was unable to internalise his accomplishments so they’d “deep-six” these earlier self-defeating beliefs. (And, as already indicated, eliminating such programming is no easy task when it’s profoundly “felt” at one’s very core.)

In a broad sense, when caretakers lose their temper with their offspring, it can be nothing less than traumatic for the child. Because children are so reliant on their parents for fundamental nurturing, understanding, and support, any deeply felt repudiation or rejection, however momentary or short-lived, can feel acutely threatening. In the moment they’re severely criticized, they experience a complete disconnect from the person they must desperately depend on for care and protection.

It’s an abandonment tantamount to that experienced by children plagued by serious parental neglect—whether because their caretakers are excessively self-absorbed, emotionally shut-down, overwhelmed, or preoccupied with an addiction. All children need to feel they matter to their family. So when they’re not getting sufficient parental attention, such deprivation can also lead to a child’s formulating unjustly negative beliefs about themselves.

C

Among the many self-deprecatory notions of self that can arise from such neglect are: “I’m not worthwhile,” “I’m a burden to others,” “I’m unacceptable,” “I’m invisible,” “I deserve to be left out,” “I’m not wanted,” “I don’t deserve anything,” and – probably the most damaging – “I’m not lovable.”

The problem with children (particularly young children) is that they can’t talk to themselves “developmentally.”

That is, their constrained, because not yet mature, reflections about their experience links to their tendency to take things literally – and too much to heart.

To make matters worse, they also tend to perceive things egocentrically. They relate to the messages they receive, especially when they’re from those granted ultimate authority over them, as signifying something essential about their very being. They’ve yet to reach the age of scepticism. So they’re not old enough to consider that what’s being said to them may reveal much more about the person saying it than about themselves.

As a result of this lack of cognitive sophistication, and their thinking statically vs dynamically, when they’re disparaged they can’t reassure themselves by thinking something like: “My mom’s telling me I should know this already, but she’s wrong. I’ll be able to understand this better – or do this better – when I’m older. What she’s expecting of me right now just doesn’t make any sense.” . . . Ah, if only! (psychologytoday.com)

ommand and exhibit respect during negotiations. If your child starts yelling or acting disrespectful of your authority, close the discussion: “You must not talk to me in that tone, Susan. I’m the mother, you’re the child, and I expect respect.” This sets the tone for future negotiations.

You may have to remind your child of this non-negotiable fact of family life often during the pre-teen and teen years.

Because of the constant haggling that older children do, it is easy to let your authority slip away. Don’t! You need this authority to keep order in the house, and your child will need to respect authority to get along in life.

There will be situations when you don’t want to bicker with your child. You know you’re right and your child is being unreasonable. Before the child works himself into a dither, break off the negotiations. That’s the parents’ prerogative. “That’s a no-good rotten TV program, and I’ve told you before why I am not going to let you watch it. I will not change my mind about this so dmeon’t even start on me.”

Then walk away. Children need to learn when parents mean business. Parents can’t use this approach every time or children will see them as tyrants. Be prepared to allow the child to watch other programs that are acceptable.

To be continued

If used wisely, negotiation can become a valuable communication tool in trying to shape children’s behaviour by helping children develop their reasoning abilities. Teach your child that negotiations work best when everyone is calm and peaceful, not in the heat of the moment. “No for now, but I’ll talk it over with your dad and get back to you tonight.”

“I don’t like the way you are talking to me. Come back later when you’re feeling more peaceful.” When you’re not sure, or feeling pressured, decide not to decide.

Withdrawing privileges

Withdrawing privileges is one of the tools to shape children’s behaviour you never run out of. Kids will always want something from you. For this correction technique to have a good chance of preventing recurrence of misbehaviour, the child must naturally connect the privilege withdrawal with the behaviour: “If you ride your tricycle into the street, you lose the use of your tricycle for the rest of the day.”

Your child dawdles and misses the morning carpool, so he walks to school. This correction technique is commonly used in adult law enforcement: You get caught driving drunk and you lose your licence. But this doesn’t cure your drinking problem. So you see, withdrawing privileges has its limits as a discipline technique. What does withholding television have to do with being home in time for supper, a child may wonder.

Losing privileges can work if it’s part of a pre-agreed behaviour management strategy decided on during a family meeting. Parents state the behaviours they expect from their children and announce that part of the fun of being a parent is granting privileges to the children so they can have some fun too. But if the children don’t hold up their end of the bargain, the parents cannot grant those privileges. So, being home in time for supper gets you the privilege of a half-hour of TV rather than the TV time being an inalienable right of every citizen of the household. As children get older they need to learn a valuable lesson for life: With increasing privileges come increasing responsibilities.(Excerpt from askdrsears.com)

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saturDAY, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Regional Consultative Committee

PPP Chairmen boycott inaugural consultation … cite lack of consultation, asked by Govt to fund own travel expenses

P

eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) regional leadership, including Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Mayors and Deputy Mayors, boycotted the launch of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC) at the Marriott Hotel on Friday.

The event was held under the auspices of the Communities Ministry without any prior consultation with the Opposition.

The PPP on Friday stated that Government neglected to hold consultations with the Opposition, announced the meeting at very short notice and asked the representatives to fund their own transportation to the event.

The Party revealed that they were contacted by a number of Regional Chairmen and Mayors, who expressed their disapproval of attending the proceedings.

Those involved in the boycott are Regional Chairmen and Vice Chairmen who con-

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

trol areas the PPP/C won at the 2015 General and Regional Elections and the Mayor of the Anna Regina Town Council. “(They) complained that they were given very short notice and were not given details regarding the meeting prior to travelling. Further, they were also asked to fund their own travelling costs,” the Party stated, in a statement on Friday.

“The PPP notes with interest that there was no

prior consultation with the parliamentary Opposition or with the invited regions and municipalities on the inauguration of a NRDCC and the establishment of ten Regional Development Consultative Committees (RDCCs).”

The PPP stated that as a result, the Regional Chairmen and Vice Chairmen and three Mayors and Deputy Mayors had written to the Minister to inform him that they would not be attending due to lack of prior consultation.

“These elected regional and municipal leaders also stated that they will not endorse attempts to create any body which will impinge on or dilute the constitutional and legal power and authority of these elected Councils,” the Party stated.

The Party noted that the regional representative are however prepared to meet with the Minister to discuss the proposed NRDCC at a properly arranged meeting, with adequate notice and

Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt

in-depth consultations in each of their administrative regions with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the municipalities and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

The party also criticized the introduction of regional flags and symbols, pointing out that the Regional Councils have opposed them.

“The PPP concludes that this is yet another example of the Government’s unwill-

ingness to hold proper and meaningful consultations with the elected bodies at the regional, municipal and NDC levels.

The Government’s consistency in their attempts to control in all ways possible can only now be described as utter disdain and disrespect for these elected bodies which are controlled overwhelmingly by the PPP/C.” The consultation’s change to Friday was indeed on short notice, a fact acknowledged by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan in his address to the gathering before the launch of the consultations. He made no mention, however, of travelling costs.

After the launching of the event, Minister Bulkan described the boycott as a “petty one,” which may have been centrally orchestrated.

He said the initiative would have strengthened regional administration and allow for more consultations be-

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

tween RDCs. “I was informed that they would not be attending, out of concerns that this committee would dilute the authority of the RDCs and municipalities. And that they did not want to appear to endorse its existence,” the Minister told the media.

When asked whether the boycott would affect the work of the committee, Bulkan noted that they would still continue with the deliberations.

Conclusion of discussions will reveal...

FROM PAGE 3

or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”

The Opposition’s understanding conforms to the updated Constitution, which incorporates the Carter Formula to have a democratic process for the appointment of a chairman.

The Carter Formula is designed and intended

to achieve consensus between Government and the Opposition regarding the appointment of GECOM’s Chairman.

GECOM’s composition was also designed to achieve a certain degree of equilibrium, hence three nominees from the governing party and three from the Opposition, with the Chairman holding a balance of power with a casting vote.

Granger’s interpretation on the other hand, seems to reflect the old 1980 Constitution, commonly known as the “Burnham Constitution”, which limits the pool of persons to be ap-

pointed to GECOM’s helm to only judges or those eligible to be a judge. This version of the Constitution also gives the President the power to unilaterally appoint a GECOM Chairman.

Attorney General Basil Williams and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan had both signalled Government’s intention to activate a clause in the Constitution to allow the President to unilaterally appoint a GECOM Chair.

Such a move would be dangerous as it alters the democratic process regarding the appointment of a person to be tasked with overseeing the elections process in the

country.

Following the unjustified rejection of the six nominees presented by Jagdeo for the position of the Chairman of GECOM, the Opposition Leader had sought clarification.

However, on Wednesday, Jagdeo received a letter from the President, which did not provide the clarification that the President had promised, and this did not sit well with the former President, who then issued a statement expressing his disappointment that the Government had not furnished the clarity sought in a matter of such national importance and magni-

tude, but instead sought to proposed that a meeting be held between Attorney General Basil Williams and a person of the Leader of the Opposition’s choice “in order to avoid further misinterpretation or misunderstanding of this important constitutional matter”.

The statement further stated that in the interest of the nation, the Opposition Leader will accede to the President’s request, and will send a representative to the meeting with the Attorney General.

Granger had claimed that the initial candidates were unacceptable on the basis that they did not meet

the constitutional requirement of being a judge or possessing the qualifications of a judge despite the fact that the Constitution provides for any other “fit and proper” person to be nominated.

When questioned by media operatives, President Granger on Wednesday said, “I am obliged to conduct meaningful consultation with him; I will not make any choice unless the consultation is completed…

I am a man of great patience; this is a constitutional matter that is important to Guyana and I don’t want to bring the process to an end without both sides being satisfied,” he expressed.

8 news

saturDAY, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Dangerous driver to know fate next week A

ndrew Alder was on Wednesday brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a causing death by dangerous driving charge and chose to give an unsworn statement.

He will know his fate on January 24.

The 59-year-old, of West Ruimveldt, was charged with causing the death of Denesh Bissoon, on March 6, 2016, at Houston Access Road.

Alder reportedly drove motor car PMM 3981 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Bissoon.

Chief Magistrate McLennan ruled that based on the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses, she was satisfied that a prima facie case has

Andrew Alder

been made out against the defendant.

Alder was then given an opportunity to give his side of the story, and he chose to give an unsworn statement.

Alder told the court that on the day of the incident, he was head-

ed to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) around 06:30h and was driving south down the said access road when the motorcycle, belonging to the now deceased who was coming from the north, collided with his vehicle.

The defendant, who was struggling to stand as a result of injuries sustained during the accident, relayed that Bissoon collided with the driver’s side of the vehicle.

“I didn’t expect that the dead man would drive over to my side,” he explained.

According to Alder, he stopped and was then approached by some officers who were patrolling the road at the time and was made to park his vehicle along the corner of the road.

He said that his keys were taken away and he was escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

Bissoon, who was at the time still lying on the roadway in an unconscious state, was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed while receiving treatment.

The Chief Magistrate was told by the defendant that from what he saw, no investigation was carried out at the scene of the crime, and, as such, he was being wrongfully accused of negligence.

Chief Magistrate McLennan told the defendant after his testimony that his fate will be known on January 24, after the defence makes its closing arguments.

Miner remanded for larceny

P

armanand Sonassi, a miner of Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was re-

manded for two counts of larceny.

Sonassi pleaded not guilty to both charges, which allege that on January 17, 2017, he stole one ounce of raw gold valued $200,000; the property of D’Andre Sampson of

Kumakuma Creek, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Additionally, on the same day, the accused allegedly also stole one ounce of raw gold property of Justin Felix valued at $200,000 at Kumakuma Creek, Mazaruni River.

The man was later arrested and one ounce of gold was recovered in his possession.

He was remanded to prison until his next court hearing on February 3, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

Neighbours in court for threatening behaviour L

uck was on the side of Haimwant Chaitdar of Columbia village on the Essequibo Coast when his neighbour’s plea saved him from six months’ imprisonment.

The teenager made his first appearance before Magistrate Dylon Bess at

the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to a threatening behaviour charge.

The charge stated that on January 7, 2017, he made use of threatening behaviour towards his neighbour, Mohanie Sham.

The Magistrate asked

Chaitdar to explain the events of the day in question.

The young man then apologised and said it was a misunderstanding.

Sham, who was present in court, told Magistrate Bess that she would like to end the matter, a decision

which she made of her own free will.

Magistrate Bess then told the teenager to regard his neighbour as an angel, since she saved him from six months imprisonment.

He, however, cautioned him not to commit the same offence again.

Spinning nonsense…

W

…in oil

ith each passing day, Raphael Trotman’s seeming determination to prove Jagdeo’s dubbing him as “incompetent” to run the Natural Resources Ministry, was spot on. That prescient prediction was made after Trotman dropped the ball at the Paris COP and blithely sequestered another 2 million acres of forests when Guyana has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world. Most ridiculously, he didn’t even bargain for us to get a dime!! He wanted to “play big” with our money!

But the faux pas kept coming fast and furious especially in the incipient oil sector. First, he was bitchslapped by ExxonMobil about his wild-eyed claims on jobs to be provided by the industry. At MOST, he was told, there will be about 300 jobs. Then, he talked fat about ExxonMobil bailing out his profligate Governmental spending by giving us cash from “future revenues”!!

Was he COMPLETELY oblivious about the oil industry’s travails with volatile prices? He was slapped down again.

He was then steered into being tutored by Uganda on bringing oil to market - even though that country is yet to produce a barrel more than a decade after its oil discovery! But what was most peculiar was at least Uganda had a reasonable position on revenues for their government. Having the opportunity to renegotiate contracts, they insisted and obtained ROYALTIES in addition to 40 per cent of the profits. Boasting that he would RENEGOTIATE our contract with Exxon, Trotman’s now revealed he didn’t follow the Ugandan example and settled for the old 50/50 split of profits, the PPP had accepted back in 1999.

Can you believe this? Back in 1999, our oil was still speculative… the PPP had to encourage Exxon to conduct exploration. At this time, the massive find had been confirmed - and was the new Jewel in Exxon’s Crown, after their retreat from Arctic hopes. Trotman could’ve called the shots!! But no… he “negotiated” going back to the 1999 split! The point of the matter is Royalties - as Trotman should know from our gold contracts - comes off the GROSS. And Uganda’s 15 per cent Royalty is thus both fattened and guaranteed!

By the time Exxon deducts its exploration and operational costs in a market that’ll at best be at US$60/ barrel, we’ll get 50 per cent of zilch! And now comes the biggest zinger! He’s just hired a $10 million consultant to advise him as to whether we should build a refinery here!! Has he worked out why Trinidad loses its shirt every year on its refinery? Or why Hess closed the largest refinery in the Caribbean? Or that Uganda’s minuscule 30,000bbl/d refinery will cost US$4.3 billion?

Is Trotman determined to make Jagdeo look like a prophet?

…in sugar

Hot on the heels of his blunders in oil, comes Trotman attempting to paper over his Government’s shenanigans in the sugar industry. He says the MoU with the T&T front company wasn’t “secret”. All of this against the background of their closure of Wales which WAS a secret until this newspaper blew their cover!! Which it did again on Skeldon!

Sure the MoU was shown to the Opposition. But when?

It had already been signed two weeks before!! So wasn’t it secret until the Opposition asked?? Making arrangements to hive off Skeldon - like closing Wales - are matters for the Guyanese people (the owners of those national assets) to be apprised of BEFORE signing on the dotted line. And no one’s gonna buy this BS about a MoU not being “binding”.

Point of the matter, these schemers have a leg up on whoever may be interested in the sugar assets. Especially when the Government never advertised GuySuCo was up for sale.

Now we know why Trotman’s deep-sixing that Code of Conduct!!

…on Judges

Prezzie insists the GECOM Chair must have “impartiality, integrity and intelligence”. But who’ll decide whether only judges are seized of these qualities?

Who was it who said, “Judge not, or you too will be judged.”?

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

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saturday, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Capital towns must lead national BoI report development – Granger Review process - promises Govt will help to strengthen local government system

T

he National Regional D e v e l o p m e n t C o n s u l t a t i v e Committee (NRDCC) was launched on Friday, where its first meeting was held at the Marriott Hotel. During the engagement, which was boycotted by top People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials from across the country, Government pledged to help make the local government system stronger.

According to President David Granger, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) have a responsibility to identify areas of opportunities for investment. Granger stated that when this is done, Central Government can then provide whatever assistance is necessary.

“Guyana’s development agenda depends on strong regions. The regions are the root of economic growth. And the development of the regions must be stimulated by capital towns.”

Granger pointed out that the aim was to have each town able to provide services such as health, housing, water supply, taxation and immigration. Granger also stated that every region should be able to attract investment.

Meanwhile, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan affirmed that a strong local government system was important to the coalition Administration. According to Bulkan, Government is determined to foster stronger RDCs, though it may take a while.

He stated that decentralisation and strengthening capital towns is important to ensure that services can be offered and that people do not have to travel often times long distances to Georgetown. He also noted the importance of establishing industrial estates to fuel economic progress.

Bulkan rejected the calls for a reduction of the powers of the President, noting that much power is already vested in the local government system.

He also decried the fact that Guyana was importing products that we could produce, such as plantain chips. According to Bulkan, every region is blessed with resources and so regional administrators must identify areas for potential invest-

President David Granger poses with the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the respective towns for a group photo

ments.

The Minister explained that Government would then assist them in making this a reality. He noted that chairpersons were tasked with this when they were first elected.

The event also featured the unveiling of the proposed national flags for each region.

The NRDCC was announced by Bulkan last year.

He had stated that within the NRDCC, inter-region consultations will be done during the year.

He had also stated that under the NRDCC, there would be regional partnerships and collaboration in order to promote development within prioritised areas.

Bulkan had also stated that a platform would be afforded to consolidate ideas and articulate a coherent policy, in addition to coordinating the running of local democratic organs.

Other potential benefits which Bulkan had cited were the improved implementation of policies, programmes and knowledge sharing at regional levels, as well as the “green agenda”.

Friday’s event, however, was boycotted by the Regional Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of PPP controlled regions – Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) – which they gained control of at the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

In addition, the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Anna Regina, Rose Hall and Corriverton were also absent.

still ongoing

S

ome two weeks after receiving the report following a probe at the Public Health Ministry which recommended, among other things, that several senior officials at the Ministry be removed or fired, Government is yet to take action.

The Board of Inquiry (BoI) was set up late last year to probe allegations of mismanagement and malpractices within the procurement process of pharmaceuticals at the Public Health Ministry, and according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the report is currently being reviewed

by President David Granger.

Trotman was at time responding to questions from reporters at the post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, where he assured that Government will be acting on the findings of the report in due course.

“The President is studying the recommendations and findings of the report and, I am certain, will act accordingly in due course and in his own deliberate time and judgment,” the Minister stated.

The BoI, led by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Winston Cosbert, from its three-week probe, made some 21 recommenda-

Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

Minister

tions, which it said aims “to increase transparency and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the procurement of pharmaceuticals,” at the Public Health Ministry.

The probe was triggered by allegations of staffers from the Public Health Ministry passing inside information to bidders seeking lucrative drug procurement contracts.

Among the recommendations made was for a senior official to be removed for failing to effectively carry out his duty. The BoI accused the senior official of being “wilfully evasive and deceptive” during his testimony.

“The board finds that the

inconsistencies were sufficiently material to affect the truthfulness and accuracy of his testimony,” the report outlined, while recommending that he “be removed from the Ministry of Public Health due to his inability to effectively carry out the mandate of the Ministry.”

According to the BoI report, the official was approached by an accountant attached to the Ministry’s Materials Management Unit with proof that another employee was giving inside information to a bidder, but he failed to act on it. The BoI did not find sufficient, his explanation as to why there was no investigation into the matter or informed the subject Minister.

Meanwhile, the BoI also recommended criminal and legal proceedings against two companies following its probe. One of the companies against which criminal investigations was recommended is the Parika-based Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc (CSMI), which had come under criticism for being a “fly-by-night” company. CSMI was awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts from the Public Health Ministry.

TURN TO PAGE 13

10

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, January 21, 2017

News Omar Shariff fired Citizens’ Bank opens G

overnment on Friday announced the termination of embattled Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP), Omar Shariff, who had found himself in the midst of criminal investigations last year.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency states, “The services of Mr Omar Shariff as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) have been terminated as of December 31, 2016.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry also announced the appointment of his replacement. Effective January 3, 2017, Abena Moore was appointed to the position of substantive Permanent Secretary.

Moore, a former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, was acting PS at the MOTP after Shariff was sent on leave by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon back in June last year, pending an investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force into several bank accounts that carried his name and the names of persons who worked close to him.

Investigations

In a letter to Shariff, Minister Harmon had stated that he was to proceed on leave in order for him to cooperate fully with SOCU in the matter. “This is [a] money-laundering and tax-evasion matter, since it’s large sums of money that he has in his personal accounts,” Harmon had said.

Head of SOCU, Sydney James, had subsequently indicated that Shariff was being investigated for money laundering and tax evasion since it was discovered that he has several billions of dollars in a number of ac-

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP), Omar Shariff

counts at local banks.

However, Shariff always maintained his innocence in the matter and stated that he did no wrong. He chose to remain silent amid all accusations against him, but he later broke that silence and issued a statement on the matter.

In the press statement, Shariff said, “After consultation with my Attorney, I have been advised that it is now appropriate and has become necessary for me to address the false and unsubstantiated allegations and imputations being published by the electronic, broadcast and print media.”

He vehemently denied all allegations, stating that he has not been involved by himself or in collision with others in any theft or embezzlement of public funds.

Shariff explained that in no way was he ever involved in money laundering or tax evasion, and called for sections of the media to “to practice the tenets of fair, impartial, balanced and responsible journalism as they exercise their right to follow up this matter”.

It was reported that the Permanent Secretary had over $10 billion in sever-

al accounts at local banks which was deposited over a five-year period. However, Shariff had claimed that he rakes in almost $100 million a year from his business for the past seven years. In addition, there was no evidence that taxes were paid for the past eight years.

His lawyer at the time, Attorney Sanjeev Datadin, had told this newspaper that the issue is more or less personal and has to do with his client not filing his income tax returns for a number of years. He further explained that his client and the relevant authorities have been in discussions in resolving the matter.

$2.6B headquarters C itizens Bank on Friday commissioned a spanking new structure at the corners of Camp Street and South Road, Georgetown, to the tune of $2.6 billion.

According to President David Granger, it is indicative of how stable the economy is.

However, the Head of State also reminded indigenous banks of the importance of ensuring that their policies are designed with Guyana’s economy and small enterprises in mind.

“Indigenous banks have a vital role to play to ensure that financial services become more inclusive. Banks have an obligation to be responsive to the needs of all sectors of

The $2.6 billion structure

the corner of Camp Street and South road, was reportedly constructed with a 90 per cent local work force. It will serve as the bank’s new headquarters.

High Court proceedings

Meanwhile, Shariff, along with his reputed wife Sabita Arjune, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to answer to charges filed against her

by SOCU, however the arraignment was halted.

Moments before the presiding Magistrate read the charges to the MOTP Permanent Secretary, she was informed by the Prosecution, comprising of Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry and SOCU’s officer Robert Tyndall that an order was made by the Chief Justice in the High Court.

It was unclear as to what that order was, but the defence team in the matter and the prosecution had an agreement to have the matter first brought before the Chief Justice, and then the sitting Magistrate on Monday.

Shariff, who was a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the last elections, remained as Permanent Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat even after a new government took office.

Inside the building

society and they have a duty to micro and small-scale enterprises.”

He stated that these groups have traditionally felt excluded and marginalised by banking systems. He stated that when these groups are excluded financially, this creates social exclusion and increases poverty.”

He commended Citizens’ Bank for being different; noting that when it started it extended its services to geographic areas that previously had no access to financial services.

“Today, Guyana’s indigenous banks ought not to try to become clones of foreign banks. They should seek to transform the character of their operations by aligning their services to meet the needs of local businesses.”

The building, which sits at

Some of the bank’s features include state of the art alarm systems, sprinklers and elevators. It has a drive

building.

Some of the local companies who were contracted to assist were Cummings Electrical (electrical installation) and MMC Security Services (alarm systems).

Industrial Fabrication supplied the steel used to construct the bank.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson was also commended for his input as a Quantity Surveyor. In addition, Sheldon Williams was cited as the Chief Architect.

With concrete piles in its foundation and a 60 per cent composition of reinforced glass and concrete, this imposing structure will serve as the new headquarters for Citizens Bank.

Guyana Times understands that the structure took three years to design and construct. The branch reportedly

A section of the gathering at the Citizen’s Bank opening

through Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and features LED lights throughout the

has an employee base of 75, though Citizens’ Bank collectively employs 147 persons.

saturday, January 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Police arrest 2 for Police find 3 Oronoque Street robbery shotguns, ammo

A

s Police continue their investigations into the armed robbery which occurred on Oronoque Street, Georgetown on Thursday, two persons were arrested

Bandits executed a daring daytime robbery outside the Jailing Auto Store on Oronoque Street

The woman speaking with Police moments after she was robbed Two of the illegal firearms and ammunition that were seized

I

n less than a week, Police ranks in F Division (Interior Locations) were successful in seizing three illegal shotguns and several rounds of live cartridges.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan, four persons were arrested in relation to the gun find.

He added that one of the suspects was charged on Thursday and remanded.

The first discovery was made on January 14, at Aishalton Village, South

Rupununi. According to the Police, at about 12:00h on the day in question, 45-year-old Orvin Roberts of Aishalton was found in possession of an unlicensed single barrel shotgun and one live cartridge. He has since been charged and remanded until March 7.

Then sometime around 13:30h on Thursday, a 40-year-old miner of Craig, East Bank Demerara, was arrested at 23 Miles, Issano, for being in possession of an unlicensed single barrel shotgun, at his shop

in Issano.

Thirty minutes later on the same day, the third gun find was made in North Rupununi. The Police said at about 14:00h, at Toka Village, North Rupununi, a 38-year-old resident of the village and his 72-year-old father-in-law were arrested after being found to be in possession of an unlicensed single barrel shotgun, two live cartridges and eight spent cartridges (empty casings).

They are currently being processed for court.

and are being interrogated by detectives. This was confirmed by A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander Clifton Hicken on Friday, during an interview with media operatives.

The commander explained that hours after the robbery, a male was arrested in Albouystown, Georgetown driving a car similar to the one used by the bandit who carried out the brazen robbery. He explained that another person was arrested later in the evening.

Both men are being interrogated by Police, but

Hicken related that they are not being treated as suspects, but rather persons of interest.

He further explained that Police have secured the surveillance footage of the robbery and are presently reviewing it. Thus far, he noted that the footage has been of significant help.

The robbery has left a Cuban national nursing a gunshot wound to one of his legs. He was reportedly the taxi driver who took the robbery victim to the Jailing Outlet to make a purchase.

It was reported that at about 12:30h on the day in question, Elda Belle went to the Oronoque Street business and as she exited the motorcar, she was attacked by a lone gunman who relieved her of a bag containing $1.2 million.

The taxi driver reportedly attempted to apprehend the lone gunman and was shot. After inflicting the injury, the suspect boarded a blue Toyota Carina 212 motorcar, which was driven by an accomplice and fled the scene.

After the ordeal which last several minutes, the Police were contacted and a description of both the armed bandit and the car was provided to them, as they commenced their investigations. The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and treated.

The surveillance footage from nearby buildings has since been retrieved by the Police. The Police have also confirmed that they recovered two spent shells of a .32 pistol.

12 news

saturDAY, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Civil Procedure Rules will transform justice sector – CCJ President

P

resident of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Bryon, has recommended the establishment of a Standing Rules Committee to evaluate and update the new Civil Procedure Rules 2016.

Members of the Bar and bench attended the opening of a two-day seminar on the new Rules at the Regency Hotel, Georgetown, on Friday. The seminar was hosted by the Supreme Court of Judicature, in collaboration with the Judicial Education Institute of Guyana, to work out the ‘teething issues’ in relation to the application and operationalisation of the Rules.

Sir Bryon, in his address to the lawyers, Magistrates, Judges and other members of the legal fraternity, noted that the exercise is a step towards reforming the judicial process in Guyana, a Government Information Agency (GINA) release stated.

Alluding to the challenges that the legal fraternity may encounter in the transition to the new Rules, Sir Bryon remained confident in the Rules’ transformative power.

“I am convinced that it is informative. It is going to make the administration of justice better,” Sir Bryon said.

The President of the CCJ recommended the establish-

President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Bryon addressing participants at the two-day seminar

ment of a Standing Rules Committee to interrogate the Rules as they take effect. “An important element of this transition has to be the existence of a standing rules committee who should be reporting to the Chancellor about twice per year with recommendations for improving the Rules,” Sir Bryon said.

Sir Bryon reminded the Bar and Bench that the Rules ultimately should benefit the litigants, while at the same time provide a more transparent system “where people know more about how the court is operating.”

Meanwhile, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, in his opening remarks, cautioned that the new Rules will encounter some challenges, but appealed for the support

of the legal fraternity in its implementation. “This is really an appeal to you, understanding is important because I would be the first to admit that maybe, it will turn out that the rules are not perfect,” Justice Singh said.

The seminar was facilitated by members from the CCJ and Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago who outlined some of the issues that Guyana’s legal sector could face in the transition, the release added.

The new Civil Procedure Rules have been brought in line with similar rules in the Caribbean. The Rules and legal forms span 187 pages and contain procedures for the settlement of civil matters and make payments both in and out of court. The Rules will also reduce the clogging of courts by matters that could be settled.

This is the third round of training for the legal sector on the New Civil Procedure Rules 2016. Last November, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, SC, laid New Civil Procedure Rules for the Supreme Court of Judicature in the National Assembly on behalf of the Rules Committee. These new rules will replace the existing rules and are designed to ensure parties are heard and not unjustly prejudiced.

Ministers’ million $$$ scholarships

Granger say’s “nothing wrong” with decision

W

eeks after it was revealed that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition has been secretly expending millions of dollars for several of its Ministers to benefit from full-scholarship programmes, President David Granger has pronounced that his Administration had done nothing wrong.

Speaking with reporters on the weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’, which aired its first segment for the year on Friday evening, the Head of State posited that he has always supported the academic development of persons, even those holding office.

“Somebody may want a Bachelor’s degree and assistance would be provided for that person to be upgraded. I don’t think anything is wrong with that,” the President asserted while adding that scholarships are granted to personnel within other public service agencies such as the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force so that the officers can perform better.

To this end, the Head of State pointed out that he is not necessarily concerned about scholarships being granted to persons holding office with-

Junior Education Nicolette Henry

Minister

Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson

in his Administration, since he believes that with higher qualifications, officers of the State can improve their performance. This practice, the President outlined, occurs throughout the public service.

“I don’t know the grounds for these specific cases but I would say that on the face of it, it is not a corrupt transaction; it is a legitimate means of career development and I think any form of enhancement of a person’s education should be more considerable,” he stressed.

Moreover, President Granger added that his Administration is committed to ensuring that citizens get more academic qualifications.

In midst of the consideration of 2017 Budget Estimates last month, it

was revealed that Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry and Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson are among several Government officials who received millions of dollars to pursue their studies in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively.

Henry is doing her PHD in Public Health to the tune of $3.36 million, while Ferguson is benefiting from a $3.38 million scholarship in Public Policy Management.

Additionally, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s daughter, Alicia, is benefiting from a $2.58 million scholarship at a university in the UK. She is studying psychology.

TURN TO PAGE 16

news

13

saturDAY, janUARy 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana a standard-bearer for ‘green’ development – German Ambassador

New Peace Corps Country Director arrives in Guyana

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he new Country Director for Peace Corps, Kury Cobham, arrived in Guyana on Thursday, replacing outgo-

From left: Berend TerWelle, Germany’s Honorary Consul to Guyana; German Ambassador to Guyana, Lutz Hermann Gorgens; President David Granger and Head of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schweirs-Ceres

New Peace Corps Country Director, Kury Cobham

global challenges,” he said.

Guyana and the Federal Republic of Germany established formal diplomatic relations in September 1966, shortly after Guyana gained its Independence in May of that year. Since then, the two nations have collaborated in a number of areas, particularly as it relates to forest preservation and climate change within the framework of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme, which was implemented in 2004.

ing Director Linda Arbogast.

Cobham has more than 15 years of international experience in programme design, management, citizen engagement, economic development and capacitybuilding initiatives. She has worked for multilateral, non-governmental and community-based organisations, and has expertise in developing, implementing and monitoring multimillion-dollar country portfolios.

Cobham’s past work ex-

G

e r m a n y ’ s Ambassador to Guyana, Lutz Hermann Gorgens, on Wednesday said Guyana is a standard bearer for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as the country continues to make headway in the pursuit of the development of a ‘green’ economy and the sustainable management of its resources in the fight against the climate change and global warming phenomena.

The Ambassador met with President David Granger at State House, where discussions were held on a number of local and global issues, including the mitigation of the climate change phenomenon, the advancement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Guyana’s transition to a ‘green economy’, the upcoming Caricom

Heads of Government Inter-Sessional Meeting and the emerging oil and gas sector, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a release.

Gorgens, in an invited comment, after the meeting with President Granger, said he is pleased to see the country embarking on a path of ‘green’ growth and development, even as the world is scrambling to combat the effects of climate change.

“We discussed both bilateral and global affairs and the bilateral focus was on Germany’s contribution in helping Guyana to achieve the vision of a greener economy and a clean environment. Guyana’s present policy is standard bearer for the whole Caribbean region,” he said.

The Ambassador noted that the improvements he has witnessed with regard to the beautification of the city and better solid waste management is a sign Government is taking its ‘green’ state policy seri-

ously. “I am very pleased.

I commended President Granger and the City of Georgetown on the extraordinary cleanliness, which the City has achieved. I told the President that I find the City much cleaner than the last time. No plastic bottles in the canals.

That might not be the first priority for someone who struggles for his or her own income level but I think that it is important for the general quality of life,” the German Ambassador said.

The Ambassador noted that his country will continue to cooperate strongly with Caricom and all of its member states to achieve the goal of energy efficiency, renewable energy, protection of natural resources, biodiversity, climate mitigation, achieving the SDGs and all other related areas. “We strongly believe that the President and my Government agree on that; that only through multilateral cooperation through strong partnerships, we can master the

Review process..

FROM PAGE 9

CMSI, which was given the sole sourcing contract, is allegedly a financier of one of the political parties in the coalition Government. In November 2015, the company, which just has an address at Parika with no sign of employees or business activity, won its first sole sourced contract to supply $35.1 million of HIV rapid test kits for the Public Health Ministry. The HIV tests kits were simply bought over the Internet and shipped into the country. When Guyana Times had reported on the issue, the company defended itself by accusing this newspaper of biasness.

The other company, Meditron Inc, was also fingered for not honouring its contractual obligations

for a tender that it was awarded.

“It is recommended that the contract signed between the Ministry of Public Health and Meditron Inc… be brought to the attention of the honourable Minister of Legal Affairs, with a view of instituting legal proceedings since it was revealed that Meditron Inc failed to honour their contractual obligation under the terms of this contract,” the report outlined.

Blacklisted

Trinidadian companies, Scientific and Medical Products Limited (SciMed) and Western Scientific Company Limited operating in Guyana, were debarred by the InterAmerican Development

Bank (IDB) for fraud and collusion practices on local projects funded by the Bank. SciMed was debarred from March 31, 2016 to October 15, 2020, for fraudulent practices.

The company is a distributor of laboratory and process equipment, and exclusively represents a number of leading manufacturers in the UK. Additionally, another four-year sanction over the same period was meted out to Western Scientific Company Limited, also over fraudulent practices.

This Trinidadian company is a marketing, sales and distribution firm, specialising in the areas of scientific, clinical/medical, furniture, audio-visual, education, technical service and consultancy.

perience includes stints with Family Health International, the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1990–1994, first as an English Teacher in Equatorial Guinea, and later as a Teacher Trainer in Namibia.

Cobham holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish from Macalester College and a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs, Political and Economic Development from Columbia University.

The Peace Corps forms an important part of the US Mission in Guyana. Peace Corps was first welcomed to Guyana in 1966 and served the development interests of the country until 1971. Again in 1995, Peace Corps Volunteers returned to Guyana to work as community-based promoters in the sectors of health and education.

On June 30, 2016, the Guyanese Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Peace Corps to support ongoing activities concerning environmental protection and sustainable use and management of Guyana’s natural resources.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, January 21, 2017

Regional

El Chapo: US prosecutors seek Gunmen murder 2 children, man in Jamaica US$14B seizure from drug lord

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Dead: Hopeton Lee and one-year-old Daquan Davidson. Also in photo is the house in Williamsfield, Hanover that was peppered with bullets on Wednesday night

T

wo children and a man were on Wednesday night shot dead in seemingly connected incidents when heavily armed men invaded the rustic Hanover community, leaving a trail of grief and horror in their wake.

The deceased have been identified as Hopeton Lee, 34; five-year-old Kimani Johnson and one-year-old Daquan Davidson, all of Williamsfield in Dias, Hanover.

The Hanover Police reported that the armed thugs

shot and killed Lee about 23:05h after gaining entry to his house by kicking open a door. The assailants’ rampage did not stop there as they later went to a board house, about half-mile away, and peppered the building with bullets.

After the shooting subsided, the two children, along with three others, were discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. They were rushed to a hospital, where Kimani and Daquan were pronounced dead and the oth-

ers admitted in serious condition.

The Police believe that the killings were linked to the murder of a woman in the community last November.

The Police theorise that Lee might have been killed because he had witnessed that killing, despite later declining to participate in an identification parade.

Lee was said to have been a close friend of the occupants of the house where the second shooting occurred. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

First Zika-related Microcephaly case recorded in Grenada

O

ne Caribbean country has confirmed its first case of Zika-related microcephaly, while another is investigating a possible case.

Grenada has confirmed that a baby was born with the birth defect, while Jamaican authorities have dispatched samples from a baby suspected of having the condition to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing.

Microcephaly is a birth defect in which a baby’s head and brain are smaller than

expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Grenada’s Health Minister Nickolas Steele revealed that the baby was born in the last quarter of 2016, but it was now only being disclosed to the public .

Steele assured the family was being monitored and insisted there was no need for undue concern about the virus transmitted by the Aedes Egypti mosquito.

He reported that no new cases of the disease have been recorded in recent time.

At the height of the Zika outbreak, Steele said 11 peo-

ple were diagnosed with the Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system.

Two of the people who contracted GBS have since died.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Winston De La Haye told journalists a baby was born in late December at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston with microcephaly, but the Ministry was only notified about the probable case on January 10. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Village mourns murdered T&T schoolgirl

S

cores of villagers of rural Talparo and Brazil on Wednesday turned out for the funeral of 16-year-old Rachel “Slims” Ramkissoon. The teen, a Fourth Form pupil of Northeastern College was found strangled in a forested area in Balata Trace, Arena last Friday.

She had missed her bus to school and Police suspect she took a taxi and was later strangled and dumped.

Following her funeral service, there was a procession to the cemetery which saw the villagers, dressed in red, Ramkissoon’s favourite colour, walking in solidarity with her relatives.

Those who did not take part in the procession stood outside their homes.

Children at the nearby St Dominic’s RC School held signs as the procession made its way to the cemetery. Some of the signs read: “She is my sister” “Stop

exican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has pleaded not guilty in the US to charges that he ran the world’s largest drug-trafficking operation.

The head of the Sinaloa cartel was extradited from Mexico on Thursday.

US prosecutors want an order to seize US$14 billion (£11.3 billion) of his assets.

In 2015, Guzman famously escaped from a high-se-

curity prison through a tunnel – while being recorded on CCTV. He had fought against extradition since his recapture in early 2016.

Federal authorities have sought Guzman for more than 20 years. He faces 17 charges including drug trafficking, illegal firearms use, money laundering, and smuggling cash across the border.

Ahead of his first appearance in a New York court,

prosecutors revealed that they would seek the civil forfeiture of Guzman’s assets to the amount of US$14 billion – an indication of the extent of his empire.

If convicted, Guzman faces a mandatory life sentence.

Capers also revealed that prosecutors were not aware the extradition was happening in advance. His ability to evade capture made Guzman stand out from other drug gang leaders. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Let’s get real: Barbados PM wants “full and frank” discussions on CSME

B

arbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart believes the time has come to have “full and frank discussions” on the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Stuart, who is the lead Caricom head with responsibility for CSME, expressed that view recently during a meeting at Ilaro Court with several Caricom officials, led

by Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, even as he suggested that “we do not give ourselves enough credit for what we have achieved”.

Prime Minister Stuart stressed that the CSME was a journey on which Caribbean Governments had embarked, and not a destination.

Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

“Free movement of people will never work perfectly in this imperfect world. We will always have these little challenges, but we should not allow random challenges

to divert our attention from what we have achieved...”

Stuart contended that a lot of work had already been done and that this region was more closely integrated today than at any other time in its history.

He assured that Barbados was committed to the CSME and gave the assurance that all would be done to realise its aspirational aspects.

Ambassador LaRocque agreed that there had been several achievements regarding the CSME, but said there was more work to be done.

He also concurred with Prime Minister Stuart that the time had come for the Caricom Secretariat to do a thorough examination of the CSME. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

CIA considered implications of possible drug indictment of former Bahamas PM

I

n declassified documents from nearly 30 years ago, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) thoroughly reviewed the potential fallout on the United States if then Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the late Sir Lynden Pindling, were to be indicted on drug charges.

In a May 1988 declassified document, titled “The Bahamas: Likely Reaction to a US Drug Indictment”, the CIA wrote, “A US indictment of Bahamian Prime

Minister Lynden Pindling on drugs charges would probably not bring significant domestic or international pressure on him, at least in the short term.

The document was contained among approximately 930 CIA declassified documents, which were released on the agency’s website as part of a regular release of historical declassified records since 1999. The documents were previously only available to the public

at the National Archives in Maryland.

In its pragmatic review of the potential fallout of indicting Pindling, the CIA said, if indicted, it believed the former prime minister had a “narrow, but potentially significant range of options that he could use to lash out at Washington”, including the threat or serious consideration of curtailing cooperation with the US on the interdiction of narcotics and illegal migrants.(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Jamaican Govt hires new forensic pathologist ... more Police, soldiers to be recruited A mourner holds on to the carriage carrying the casket of murdered teen Rachael Ramkissoon during a funeral procession to the Brazil cemetery on Wednesday

the Violence” and “Justice is Needed” and “Stop the Innocent Killing”.

Those in the procession either had flowers in hand or wore T-shirts with Ramkissoon’s face printed on it and the words “#Justice_for_Rachel”.

President Anthony Carmona was one of the

many mourners as well as MP for the area Maxie Cuffie, comedian and politician Errol Fabien and temporary independent senator Nikoli Edwards.

Ramkissoon’s casket was placed in a glass and wooden carriage during the procession. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

T

he Government of Jamaica has hired a new forensic pathologist to assist in reducing the backlog of autopsies.

Security Minister Robert Montague made the announcement during interactive session with heads of the Jamaica Constabulary Force at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston this week.

In the meantime, Minister Montague said the Government continues

to provide the Police with crime-fighting equipment and will be purchasing 3500 ballistic vests and 2000 helmets.

He said, too, that 40 dogs will be acquired from Cuba to assist with search and rescue as well as to sniff out drugs and guns. Members of the constabulary, he said, will be sent to Cuba to receive training under this initiative.

In addition, Montague said the number of Police re-

cruits will be increased this year and training facilities will be refurbished. Also, an additional 1000 persons will be recruited for the Jamaica Defence Force, while more correctional officers will be hired. He noted that recruits for the Police Force and the correctional service “will be 100 per cent vetted”.

Meanwhile, Montague said 20 lawyers will be hired, with one assigned to each Police division. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

saturday, January 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Trump sworn in as 45th US President ...vows to end ‘American carnage’

P

resident Donald Trump has painted a bleak picture of a broken country after being sworn in as US President.

He spoke of abandoned factories, rampant crime and a failed education system, pledging that his presidency would bring about change.

“This American carnage stops right here and stops right now,” President Trump said on the steps of the Capitol. Thousands of Trump supporters travelled across the country to witness the occasion from the National Mall.

The moment marks the

ticians. Today, he said, was “the day the people became rulers of this nation again”.

“I will fight for you with every breath left in my body and I will never ever let you down,” said President Trump after Chief Justice John Roberts administered

The new President is sworn into office. Thousands were lining the streets to greet President Trump and the First Lady as they walked Pennsylvania Avenue in the inauguration parade

Washington motorcycle Police escort lead the parade from Capital

end of an improbable journey for the property tycoon after a campaign marked

forcement and trade deals.

Critics pointed out the revamped site made no mention of civil rights, LGBT rights, healthcare or climate change.

Trump briefly spoke at a Capitol luncheon to thank his Democratic opponent

by controversy. Shortly after the ceremony Trump was seen signing his first

official actions as the 45th President.

He sent his Cabinet nom-

inations to the Senate as well as a signed a proclamation for a national day of patriotism, according to Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

He also signed into law a waiver allowing retired Marine General James Mattis, his pick for Defence Secretary, to serve in the post. The Senate has voted overwhelmingly to approve retired Marine general John Kelly as Trump’s secretary of Homeland Security.

The change of hands was reflected on the White House website, which was scrubbed of Obama’s policies and replaced with Trump’s new agenda.

The Trump administration has only listed six issues on the website: energy, foreign policy, jobs and growth, military, law en-

Hillary Clinton greets First Lady Melania Trump as her husband Bill speaks with President Trump

Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, urging them to rise to applause.

In his inaugural address, he promised to be the voice of the “forgotten people”, ignored by Washington poli-

the oath. “America will start winning again, winning like never before. “We will bring back our jobs, bring back our borders, bring back our wealth and we will bring back our dreams.” (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Deadly snow avalanche hits hotel in earthquakestricken central Italy

India school bus crash kills dozens

A

truck loaded with sand has collided with a school bus, killing at least 24 young children in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Police say.

At least two dozen other children were injured when the speeding truck collided head-on with the bus, said Javeed Ahmed, the state’s top Police official.

The children, aged between three and 12, were studying at a school in the town of Etah. A Police

People gather at the site where a truck loaded with sand collided with a school bus in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh

Officer, Daljeet Chaudhry, said visibility was low be-

cause of dense fog.

Parasuram Singh, an-

other Police Officer, said the truck driver had had to have his legs amputated. The area is about 170 miles South-East of Delhi.

State education authorities had closed all schools in the district because of cold weather, and Ahmed said authorities would check why the school had stayed open.

Accidents are common on Indian roads, with most blamed on reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and ageing vehicles.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Tehran: Rescuers scour debris for trapped firefighters

E

mergency teams have struggled to rescue a group of trapped firefighters who were inside a high-rise building when it collapsed in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Iranian officials said on Friday that 25 people were still unaccounted for after the collapse of a 17-storey commercial building in Tehran on Thursday, in addition to 20 firefighters who

were killed in the disaster, state TV reported.

“Police have received missing reports of 25 people. We urge people to report if any of their family members that worked in the Plasco building is missing,” a police official told the broadcaster.

Firefighters, soldiers, and sniffer dogs worked throughout the night on Thursday.

Pir Hossein Koolivand, head of Tehran’s

emergency services, blamed “thick smoke” for hampering rescue efforts.

The official IRNA news agency said one firefighter, who made it out of the building before it fell, died in a hospital from severe burns. Some 84 people were injured in the fire, five of whom were still in hospital.

Each layer of wreckage removed from the scene was unleashing fresh smoke, causing problems for work-

ers and sniffer dogs.

President Hassan Rouhani called for an immediate investigation, while city officials said the building’s managers ignored repeated warnings about fire hazards.

The building, which was Iran’s oldest high-rise and contained a shopping centre and hundreds of clothing suppliers, came down on Thursday after a fourhour blaze. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

An aerial view shows Hotel Rigopiano in Farindola, central Italy, hit by an avalanche on January 19

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escue workers were met with an eerie silence Thursday when they reached a four-star spa hotel struck by an avalanche in a mountainous earthquake-stricken region of central Italy. At least 30 people were missing, including at least two children, authorities said.

Guests at the three-story Hotel Rigopiano in the central Abruzzo region alerted emergency workers of the disaster on Wednesday, following a series of quakes in the region.

“Help, we’re dying of cold,” one couple wrote rescuers, according to the ANSA news agency. Another man, identified by news reports as Fabio Salzetta, sent a SMS message saying he had escaped with a mainte-

nance worker, but that others were trapped inside.

Corriere della Sera quoted the text message as saying: “Some walls were knocked down.” And: “I’m outside with a maintenance worker but you can’t see anything of the hotel, there’s only a wall of snow in front of me.”

When rescuers on skis arrived in the early morning hours of Thursday, they found just two people alive, according to news reports.

Civil protection authorities said that 30 people were missing. The ANSA news agency quoted a rescuer as saying that there were fatalities, but details weren’t immediately available. Just one body was reported removed from the hotel by late morning Thursday. (Yahoo! News)

16 news Regional trade unionists urged Parika speedboat operators allege to aid policy-making process victimisation C saturDAY, January 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

aribbean trade unionists have been called upon to rally together and encourage their respective governments to drive policies that would ensure safe-keeping and better living standards for all workers.

The call was made by Guyana’s Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, when the over 35 trade unionists gathered on Wednesday in Georgetown for the 5th Regional Conference of the International Union of Food at the Grand Coastal Inn, on the East Coast of Demerara.

Jagdeo, in delivering the opening remarks, said he

tunities for them, I think most countries would be hard-pressed to give precise answers to these questions,” the Opposition Leader said.

He said Caribbean countries have clung to traditional sectors, without addressing them to make them more competitive.

According to Jagdeo, if these are not addressed urgently; the Caribbean runs the risk of losing wealth in absolute terms and being left behind from the rest of the world.

Jagdeo zoomed in on what he described as a heavy indebtedness of the Region. He made reference to Guyana and the state his People’s Progressive Party

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing participants at the 5th IUF conference on Wednesday

vants more. You cannot not notice what is happening in

Participants at the conference

was very much concerned about the direction countries within the Region are taking, particularly in areas that should be generating wealth and improving the living standards of the working class.

“I think we can do a better job in whatever we do if we understand that. And most of you would know that it seems as though we have a failure of policy-making. That if someone would ask where would our Region be in five years from now, what will be the composition of its economic structure, which will be the most vibrant sector creating wealth for our people and creating employment oppor-

Government had found it when it took office in 1992, recalling that the country had to use most of its revenue to service the debt.

“When debt occupies so much of country’s economy, how can you find resources to stimulate the economy, improve social services and pay workers more money,” he asked, noting that trade unionists and workers have to pay attention to government’s debt profile in the Region, since the servicing of debt takes away the ability to create the fiscal space, an argument governments usually use.

“So it leaves very little to create incentives for the sectors and paying public ser-

the Region,” he said.

According to Jagdeo, most of the countries in the Region have gone in the opposite direction, as debt payment now occupies more than half the revenues. In Jamaica, he said over twothirds of the revenue goes to debt.

Alluding to the productive sector, Jagdeo said much more has to be done

by Caribbean countries to reconstruct the sector so that it could continue benefiting the economies.

“In Trinidad and Tobago it is oil and gas, most of the other countries it is tourism.

But are these sectors going to be the sectors in the fu-

ture to produce the wealth.

There has not been a single in-depth assessment at the national level on how we are going to make some of these sectors competitive,” Jagdeo said, continuing that years have been wasted at the highest policy-making level.

Jagdeo spoke too of Climate Change and its consequences on the region and its economy.

“We are small open economy; a single hurricane wipes out the equivalent of about 75 per cent of GDP. The Region is very vulnerable and trade unionists cannot ignore this challenge and if we cannot get international help for mitigation and more particularly for adaptation for climate change then what will happen is that the limited money that we have that should go to wages and generating jobs and social services will now have to go to address climate change.”

He again cautioned the Trade Unionists that they needed to be involved in the fight for climate financing.

“Because it is a justice issue too… Most of the greenhouse gases that have been accumulated, we did not put it there, but we are involved in the biggest fight. Trade Unionists have to be engage in that fight.”

The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) is a global union federation of trade unions, founded in 1920.

The organisation traces its history to 1889 when the International Federation of Tobacco Workers was founded and which merged into the IUF in 1958.

The organisation represents workers employed in agriculture, the preparation and manufacture of food and beverages, hotels, restaurants and catering services and in tobacco processing.

Good Hope double murder

der charge alleged that on October 21, 2016, at Water Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Quacy Joseph, with intent to murder him.

The court also heard that Howard, of East La Penitence, robbed Roopnaraine Boodhoo on October 1, 2016 of $800,000 on North Road; Bibi Bacchus of $100,000 in Plaisance on November 6, 2016; and Sheik Sudesh of $35,000 in Queenstown.

He will return to the

B

oat operators plying the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam)-Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) route in the Essequibo River are allegedly constantly being victimised by the maritime officials placed at Parika.

According to the affected operators, who requested anonymity, they are losing thousands of dollars owing to the alleged victimisation and regular suspension of their operations.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the operators explained that only a select few were being targeted, which was “unfair”. One operator said that he was suspended for two weeks, because he had two extra passengers.

When asked why he had extra passengers, the operator said that he filled his boat at Supenaam, but as he was venturing into the river, he noticed a stranded boat at Hog Island with two females, and he rendered assistance.

He further explained that, as a boat captain, it would have been irrespon-

Accused: Jason Howard

Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on January 31, when the matter will be heard.

Howard, along with Sanjay George, called “Coolie boy”; Shamadeen Mohammed called “Milo”; and Joel Blair, were all before the Chief Magistrate, charged with the elderly couple’s murder.

The couple was burnt to death in their home after bandits invaded in the wee hours of the morning and set the house on fire, after failing to gain access to the couple.

sible for him to leave the women in the middle of the river in the rain. According to the man, one of the rescued passengers was also ill.

The captain said that as soon as he reached Parika, the maritime official grounded him without giving him a chance to explain.

“I have witnessed with my own eyes persons fetching overload and nothing was done... how long we are going to suffer like this?

How long? We have families to maintain; this is really bad, this victimisation must stop,” the father of five stated.

The operators are also claiming that the present maritime official, a pensioner, was very rude and unprofessional. They are, therefore, calling on the Public Infrastructure Ministry to launch an investigation into the matter.

They also explained that reports were also made to the Supenaam Parika Speedboat Association, but nothing has been done to address the matter. Letters were also written to the Ministry about the issues.

Granger say’s...

FROM PAGE 12

Accused slapped with 4 more charges T

wenty-one-year-old Jason Howard, who was charged along with three others for the murder of Good Hope couple, Mohammed and Bibi Munir, was on Wednesday brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, yet again, to face an additional attempted murder charge and three counts of robbery under arms.

The man was not required to plead to the murder charge, but plead not guilty to the other charges.

The attempted mur-

– calling for a new representative

Other notable beneficiaries are former Chief Education Officer Olato Sam, who is studying Education Policy in Jamaica, costing some $946,000 and a Guyana Chronicle Board Director Tabitha SaraboHalley who is currently pursuing Public Policy Management studies in the UK to the tune of $3.4 million. Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate 2014 top student Elisa Hamilton is also a beneficiary of the Government scholarships programme, but unlike the others, hers’ was publicly announced.

These revelations came about just over a month ago after Minister of State Joseph Harmon submitted a list of names of all

the persons benefiting from Government scholarships in response to a request made

by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

Harmon had disclosed to the National Assembly that Government has provided full scholarships to nine persons at the PHD Level, 75 at the Masters Level, 186 at the Bachelors Level, and 704 at various local institutions.

Questions on the issue have since been raised regarding the process used to select the beneficiaries of the programme and why Government did not, in the interest transparency, disclose that it is funding the studies of some of its Ministers.

news

Couple granted bail for robbery A husband a wife from Perseverance on the Essequibo Coast, were taken before the court on Wednesday, charged with robbery.

Carl Singh, also known as “Carlos” and his wife, Goveda Singh, were not required to plead to the indictable charge when they made their first appearance before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Suddie Magistrate's Court.

The charge stated that on July 23, 2016, they stole a quantity of finished raw gold from Mohammed Insanally, which amounted to $6.4 million.

The couple’s Attorney

Haimraj Rajkumar told the court that the accusations made against his clients were deceptive, and as such, he requested reasonable bail.

He further informed the court that Carl Singh is a secondary school teacher, adding that his wife is preg-

nant. The couple already has one child and they reside at Perseverance.

The Attorney pointed out that his clients are not flight risks; however, the Police Prosecutor argued that the duo was granted station bail for the case and conditions were applied, which they

subsequently breached.

The Prosecutor further requested that bail be denied, due to the nature of the offence and the amount of gold stolen. He also explained that the couple was renting the Virtual Complainant’s house when the incident occurred. There were no signs of a break in and the couple was the last seen individuals on the premises.

After listening to both sides, Magistrate Bess granted Singh $450,000 bail and his wife $350,000. They were asked to lodge their passports at the station. The matter will be called again on February 1.

17

saturDAY, janUARY 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pork-knocker remanded on narco trafficking charge

A

man from Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown and who works in the interior was on Thursday remanded to prison when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of trafficking in narcotics.

Quacy Griffith is accused

of having 30 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on January 18, at Itaballi, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The 35-year-old miner denied the charge and was remanded to prison His case will continue on February 3, at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

No leads in Corentyne River death Essequibo drivers fined for DUI

T

hree drivers from the Essequibo Coast landed in court on Wednesday charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI).

They made their first appearance before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

Kevin Brummel of Dartmouth; Mohan Lall of 121 Fathom Street, Anna

Regina; and Nazeer Baksh of Aurora were each fined $7500 after they pleaded guilty to the traffic charges.

They were charged separately.

The charges stated that Brummel, on January 14 on the Walton Hall Public Road, drove motor car PGG 9848 under the influence. He was stopped and a breathalyser test was con-

ducted by a traffic officer on duty which detected traces of alcohol.

Then on January 13 on the Sparta Public Road, Lall drove motor car PRR 418 under the influence. A breathalyser test confirmed that he was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Finally, Baksh drove motor car PGG 2900 under

the influence.

They were all cautioned by the Magistrate about the offence. Magistrate Bess told the drivers that he was being lenient because they were first-time offenders.

He, however, warned them not to commit the act again, since they were not only endangering their lives but those of the public as well.

Region 10 strike called off

– Ministers, officials promise relief to affected communities

I

n the wake of recent protests and strike action by residents in several mining communities across Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) over the deplorable state of access roads and internal bridges, Government Ministers and regional officials visited the affected communities on Wednesday.

The team comprised Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson; Indigenous People's Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock; Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian; Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland; Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira and other regional officials.

The officials visited several areas including Coomacka, Three Friends, Yaribo and Old England/ Syberian where they met with residents. National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Flatts also visited the communities to assess several issues plaguing residents and road users.

Minibus drivers plying the routes were joined by concerned residents in a protest over the deplorable state of the roads and bridges since last week.

Minister Ferguson assured the residents that their concerns would be addressed; however, she was unable to say how soon relief would come as she ex-

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson speaking to residents of the mining community during the visit

plained the system of procurement. She did assure them that it was not a case of them being neglected.

"We cannot do everything one time. So now that we are here on the ground, we can see what we can do for 2017 and what we can do for 2018. I understand that your community has been neglected for some time. We only come in to Government in 2015, but things will happen...I'm here, I see what's going on and we will take some actions...Let us see between us and the Region (RDC), what we can do," the Minister told residents.

During a tour of the affected bridges, residents expressed dissatisfaction, as they noted that $4.5 million had been set aside for repairs to the Coomacka Bridge, but the contractor had carried out substandard work. The revetment work on the bridge recently

collapsed.

"Our main focus now is our bridges. We know that once our bridges do, our roads can be done," a resident noted.

The Regional Chairman, during an assessment of the bridges in the communities, noted that the Government's focus was on rehabilitating such roads and bridges, adding that the issues dated back as long as 15 years.

"Our efforts now, based on the Government's projection that we're doing a new road to Lethem, our projection is that we want to reach the people with proper roads, proper bridges," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Allicock told residents that his Ministry was working closely with other Ministries in an effort to bring relief to residents. He called for the voice of reason to prevail

and urged the community to remain united.

Strike called off

Following the visit, drivers plying the mining routes made a decision to call off the strike; however, they promised to remain vigilant to ensure that their expectations were met. Robert Gentle, a minibus driver who operates the Coomacka route, expressed appreciation for the visit by the team, on behalf of the affected drivers and members of the community.

"We're grateful, we're thankful and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for coming. Thank you for the help you've promised. This is what we expected, somebody to come and say 'well, look, this is what would happen'", he said.

The team also visited the Rockstone community to assess the possible threat of erosion.

Dead: Vickram James, the Corentyne watchman, who was found with his throat slit

D

ivisional Commander, Assistant Commander Ian Amsterdam has said that there are no new leads in the death of the Corentyne watchman, who was found with his throat slit.

Two weeks ago, 61-yearold Vickram James, called “Sham” of Lot 102 Alexander Street, Rampur Village, Corentyne, was found in the kitchen area of a camp at Pigeon Island, situated 150 miles up the Corentyne River, with a deep wound to the front of his neck.

He was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital but had to be transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and later to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed.

A post-mortem examination on the body revealed that James’ death was due to shock and haemorrhaging as a result of the wound, which was caused by a knife.

There were no other persons in the camp.

Meanwhile, during an interview with Guyana Times, the man’s employer, Vishawn Persaud Baichan, who operates a quarry at Pigeon Island, opined that murder seems to be the motive, rather than robbery.

The security guard was found lying motionless by another employee who was going to the camp. However, the employee could not determine if the man was dead or alive.

The upper part of the man’s body was covered with blood.

The employee who found James had to go several miles away before he could have received a signal on his phone to make a telephone call.

According to Baichan, nothing was missing from the

island, despite the fact that there were many valuable items there.

He further explained that when he, along with two employees and two Police Officers arrived on the scene, it was evident that James had ventured around the building after being injured. “We see the blood stain all over, that he walk all over; in the kitchen, around the house on the bed, and like he get a clot and it stop bleeding.”

The businessman explained that when they arrived, more emphasis was placed on getting the injured man to begin the eight-hour journey to Corriverton, rather than on the investigation.

The injured man said nothing when the Police arrived, since reports suggest he was still conscious.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam says the Police have since spoken to the security guard who was there to relieve him and who made the discovery. “We have a statement from him and we are now waiting to interview the boat captain. We want to get a statement from him in terms of what transpired when he took the other guard to Pigeon Island and if there is anything that he may know that could help us to solve that crime.”

However, he noted that the Police are approaching the investigation with an open mind, since they cannot say whether the wound was self-inflicted or whether it was a murder. “The Pathologist did disclose that the wound could also be self-inflicted.”

The Police have not returned to the scene and the Commander pointed out that the distance is a major challenge, particularly with regards to gathering evidence.

“With no eyewitness, we will have to look for other circumstantial evidence to link someone. But after we would have gotten the statements we are going to go back to the crime scene to see what other evidence if there is any that can help us to go in a certain direction but as it stands we don’t have those particular clues that can lead us into any direction,” Amsterdam said.

The Police have no suspects in the matter.

James worked with the firm for three weeks.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, janUARY 21, 2017

ARCHIE

You may want to contain your enthusiasm and refrain (March 21- from sharing personal or secret April 19) information. Divulging such secrets prematurely will create an opening for someone wishing to dismantle your plans.

ARIES

Sharing your feelings and TAURUS plans with someone special (April 20- will lift your spirits and give May 20) you the incentive you need to take care of unfinished business.

dilbert

Work hard and bring GEMINI about change. No one will do (May 21June 20) your job for you, or do it the way you want. An open mind and disciplined attitude will lead to victory Make relationships a priority and share your feelings.

(June 21- Make plans that will encourJuly 22) age you to strive for a bigger and better life, without going into debt or upsetting someone you love.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Put some action behind your words and see what happens. Don’t expect to win favors or get everything you want, but you must make your point heard in order for change to eventually take place.

Get involved in activities VIRGO (Aug. 23- that will allow you to show off Sept. 22) your skills. Someone you find interesting will want to partner with you. Social activities will encourage new opportunities.

Calvin and Hobbes

Show a little compassion LIBRA when it comes to how you car(Sept. 23ry out your plans. Ask quesOct. 23) tions and offer incentives and whatever else it takes to keep important relationships running smoothly.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Make changes at home or SCORPIO to your lifestyle that will help (Oct. 24you achieve your personal Nov. 22) goals. A little romance or family fun will help build better relationships.

If you don’t feel right about SAGITTARIUS what others are doing, don’t (Nov. 23- take part. Relationship probDec. 21) lems will be costly if you are too giving or generous. Don’t be gullible when you should be asking questions.

THURSDAY’S WORD -- REVIEWING

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You’ll outshine any comCAPRICORN petition you encounter. You (Dec. 22can advance personally and Jan. 19) professionally if you follow your head and let your skills and experience lead the way.

Romance is encouraged.

Take whatever others do AQUARIUS in stride, but don’t let it ruin (Jan. 20your plans. Consider ways Feb. 19) you can bring about physical improvements using methods that have worked for you in the past.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES A personal promise you (Feb. 20- make to someone will imMarch 20) prove your life. Discussions and plans can be put in place, and a joint effort will set you up for success.

saturDAY, january 21, 2017

19

− Kerber, Venus cruise into round of 16

R

oger Federer eased past 10th seed Tomas Berdych to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The 35-yearold former world number one came into the tournament seeded 17th after six months out through injury.

B u t the Swiss was in destructive form against Czech Berdych and needed only one hour 32 minutes to win 6-2 6-4 6-4.

Federer will now face world number five Kei Nishikori, with the winner of that match potentially meeting Andy Roger Federer has played only three M u r ray matches since Wimbledon last summer

in the quarter-finals.

World number one and five-time Melbourne finalist Murray beat Sam Querrey 6-4 6-2 6-4 earlier on Friday and will face Germany’s Mischa Zverev in the fourth round.

Nishikori progressed with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win against Lukas Lacko from Slovakia.

Former Australian Open winner Stan Wawrinka, the reigning US Open champion, also reached the last 16 with a 3-6 6-2 6-2 7-6 (9-7) victory over Serbia’s Viktor Troicki.

The Swiss, a potential semi-final opponent for Murray, will play Andreas Seppi next after the Italian beat Belgian Steve Darcis 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-2).

Britain’s, Dan Evans, the world number 51, then upset Australian 27th seed Bernard Tomic with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) victory.

Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski reached round four at Wimbledon 15 years ago.

It is the first time Evans has made it so far at a Grand Slam, and he next faces French 12th seed JoWilfried Tsonga.

Defending champion Angelique Kerber gave a much-improved performance as she beat Czech Kristyna Pliskova for the loss of just four games

to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open.

The German top seed, who needed three sets in both of her opening two matches, won 6-0 6-4 in Melbourne.

Kerber faces Coco Vandeweghe in round four after the American beat Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard 6-4 3-6 7-5.

Venus Williams, 36, and Garbine Muguruza, 23, also progressed.

Williams thrashed China’s Duan Yingying 6-0 6-1 while French Open champion Muguruza, the seventh seed from Spain, won 6-2 6-4 against Anastasija Sevastova.

Russian eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was another winner early on day five, needing three hours and 36 minutes to beat Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic 6-4 5-7 9-7.

Kerber finally got into her stride with a crushing win over Kristyna Pliskova, the 58th-ranked twin sister of Czech fifth seed Karolina.

After early defeats in both of her warm-up tournaments, and three-set battles in the first two rounds in Melbourne, the world number one appears to have found her game. (BBC Sport)

Kerber beat Pliskova’s twin sister Karolina in last year’s US Open final

Narine’s double-wicket gives Renegades lifeline

SCOREBOARD N Melbourne Renegades innings (20 overs maximum) MS Harris c Burns b Cutting 48 AJ Finch* c Labuschagne b Steketee 71 CL White st †Peirson b Labuschagne 24 TLW Cooper c Steketee b Buchanan 12 CJ Ferguson not out 31 NLTC Perera c McCullum b Steketee 6 SP Narine not out 1 Extras:(w-5, nb-1) 6 Total: (5 wicket) 199 Did not bat: AG Harriott†, JL Pattinson, NJ Rimmington, GB Hogg Fall of wickets 1-106 (Harris, 9.1 ov), 2-137 (Finch, 13.2 ov), 3-157 (Cooper, 15.3 ov), 4-162 (White, 16.3 ov), 5-176 (Perera, 18.4 ov) Bowling: MT Steketee 4-0-372(w-2), JD Wildermuth 3-0-330, JA Burns 1-0-10-0(w-1), ND Buchanan 2-0-21-1, MJ Swepson 4-0-29-0, M Labuschagne 2-025-1, BCJ Cutting 4-0-44-1 (nb-1, w-2) Brisbane Heat innings (target: 200 runs from 20 overs) BB McCullum* c Cooper b Perera 64

JJ Peirson† c †Harriott b Pattinson 1 SD Heazlett c Harris b Perera 28 16 AI Ross lbw b Hogg JA Burns c Perera b immington 35 BCJ Cutting c Perera b Rimmington 35 M Labuschagne c Harris b Narine 1 JD Wildermuthc †Harriott b Narine 0 ND Buchanan run out (Finch/Rimmington) 0 MT Steketee not out 0 MJ Swepson run out (†Harriott/ Rimmington) 0 Extras: (lb-7, w-11) 18 Total: (all out) 198 Fall of wickets 1-14 (Peirson, 1.1 ov), 2-85 (Heazlett, 5.4 ov), 3-119 (McCullum, 11.1 ov), 4-127 (Ross, 12.4 ov), 5-172 (Cutting, 17.4 ov), 6-174 (Labuschagne, 18.1 ov), 7-177 (Wildermuth, 18.4 ov), 8-195 (Burns, 19.3 ov), 9-196 (Buchanan, 19.4 ov), 10-198 (Swepson, 19.5 ov) Bowling: TLW Cooper 2-0-35-0, JL Pattinson 3-0-36-1 (w-1), NJ Rimmington 2.5-0-37-2 (w-4), SP Narine 4-0-38-2, NLTC Perera 4-027-2 (w-2), GB Hogg 4-0-18-1

ine deliveries, 16 runs and three wickets featured in one of the most bizarre final overs in Big Bash League BBL history. But the Melbourne Renegades kept their finals hopes alive with a nail-biting onerun win over the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.

The equation was simple at the beginning of the final over. The Heat needed 18 runs to secure a home final.

Nathan Rimmington needed to defend 16 or less to keep the Renegades alive.

Rimmington did his job, but only just. He bowled four wides, conceded two sixes, took the wicket of Joe Burns and completed two run-outs in roller-coaster ride that would have left the most adventurous of thrill-seekers feeling nauseous.

It had been a night for the batsmen.

The Renegades had set a big total of 199 on the back of a stunning opening stand from Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris. They scored 106 runs in just nine overs before Harris fell.

The Heat then trumped that start with the second-highest score in the Powerplay in BBL history. Brendon McCullum and Sam Heazlett took 84 from the first five overs of the chase.

The Renegades, though, pulled Heat back courtesy outstanding spells from Thisara Perera and Brad Hogg.

Extraordinary hitting from Ben Cutting and Joe Burns and some rain

Sunil Narine picked up two wickets in the 19th over and set up a dramatic finish

then added to the drama of the final overs but the Renegades somehow held their nerve.

The final over of the match from Rimmington had to be seen to be believed. The Renegades had lost three final-over thrillers this season with Finch, Perera and James Pattinson all entrusted with the final six balls and all conceding the winning runs. Finch turned to Rimmington for this over instead of Pattinson after Perera, one of their best bowlers on the night, had bowled out. Rimmington had bowled an excellent 18th over, conceding just eight runs and removing Cutting, who had scored a rampaging 35 from 18 balls and was threatening to end the Renegades’ season. Burns was 23 from 19 balls and had only found the boundary once, so the Renegades were favourites.

But Rimmington bowled a wide first ball, attempting a yorker. 17 off 6 balls.

Burns then nailed two short balls over the long boundary at midwicket for sixes. 5 off 4. He got a third in the slot but mis-hit it to long-off and Perera

held on to keep things interesting. 5 off 3. Rimmington bowled another wide.

4 off 3. Buchanan nailed the next - a full wide ball - to cover where Finch gathered and fired at the non-striker’s end. Rimmington’s collect to break the stumps was superb as Buchanan was run-out. 4 off 2. Rimmington bowled another wide to Mark Steketee. 3 off 2. He tried the wide yorker for a sixth time in the over and finally got it inside the guideline beating Steketee, who strangely backed away to leg, for a dot ball. 3 off 1.

Rimmington went wide again for the final ball. Swepson got a running start at the non-striker’s end, hoping to run two for a super over if Steketee made contact, but he instead left alone another wide only to look up and see his team-mate charging at him. Debutant wicketkeeper Andrew Harriott threw the ball to Rimmington and the runout ended the game. Although not everyone on the ground was certain of the result, with Finch admitting later he thought it was only the eighth wicket. (ESPNCricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, january 21, 2017

Southee takes 5, Bangladesh T

im Southee and Trent Boult shared nine wickets as New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out for 289, pegging the visitors back after a 127run third-wicket stand between Soumya Sarkar and Shakib Al Hasan had threatened to set up a big first-innings total on a flat Hagley Oval surface. The SarkarShakib stand, rattling along at 4.98 per over, had moved Bangladesh to 165 for 2 in the 36th over before Boult and Southee turned the day around with three wickets in the space of 17 balls.

The pace and texture of the day was transformed. The last five Bangladesh wickets stretched the innings out by a further 46 overs, during which time they scored 110 runs, with the lower order particularly the debutants Nurul Hasan and Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who added 53 for the sixth wicket batting resolutely and New Zealand helping them with some puzzling tactics. Kane Williamson, their captain, did not use their specialist spinner Mitchell Santner all day, and got his quicks to pepper the lower order with incessant short balls, not changing tack even after taking the second new ball.

The short ball dismissed Nazmul, Taskin Ahmed and Nurul, but by no means swiftly, and dealt the No. 11 Rubel Hossain a jarring blow to the elbow, but it was hard not to wonder if the fast bowlers wouldn't have been better served bowling a good length and looking

bundled out for 289

for some swing. It was via this method that Southee ended Bangladesh's innings with his fifth wicket, pinging

short one from Neil Wagner angled across his body, and Taylor got his hands in a tangle while going for a

to the slips. Four balls later, Shakib overbalanced a touch while trying to glance Southee and tickled a catch

Shakib Al Hasan lays into a pull shot

Kamrul Islam Rabbi's back pad in front of middle and off stump with late away-swing from a good length. Kamrul faced 63 balls to score 2, and added 32 for the last two wickets - in 18 overs - with Nurul and Rubel.

New Zealand could have wrapped up the innings far more swiftly had they held on to their catches. Nurul alone enjoyed three lives.

On 4, he reached out to a wide one from Boult and nicked towards third slip, where the ball bounced off Southee's hard hands. Then, on 21, he sparred at Colin de Grandhomme with an open bat-face, and bisected first and second slip, leaving Ross Taylor and Jeet Raval looking questioningly at each other. Finally, on 36, he jabbed at a

Sex

straightforward chance coming at his chest.

In all, it wasn't the greatest day for New Zealand's catchers; Raval, diving across from second slip, had dropped Sarkar off de Grandhomme on 52, denying Taylor what would have been a simple shoulder-high chance.

Still, New Zealand will have been pleased to restrict Bangladesh to under 300 after the start they had made.

The turnaround began in the ninth over after lunch, when Boult got a fullish ball to stop on Sarkar and leave him off the pitch as he strode forward to drive; checking his shot; he only managed to spoon a catch into the covers.

Then came a perfectly delivered short ball angled across Sabbir Rahman to square him up and produce a nick

down the leg side.

Sarkar, making a comeback thanks to a spate of injuries to Bangladesh's players, made his maiden Test fifty and eventually fell 14 short of a hundred. It was an odd innings, defined by his willingness to go after anything remotely close to his driving arc, often stroking the ball on the up, and while it looked pretty when it came off, it often didn't, as his control percentage 74 - suggested. His innings contained its share of playsand-misses, airy drives that sneaked into gaps, and edges that streaked to the thirdman boundary.

At the other end, Shakib was equally keen to drive on the up, but looked more secure while doing so, his footwork and weight transfer indicating the form he was in,

coming off a double-hundred in the first Test. Both batsmen also pulled with authority, the fast bowlers' attempts at banging it in short causing little discomfort on a pitch with true bounce but not a lot of pace.

Sent in to bat under largely blue skies, Bangladesh's patched-up top order had to contend with a new-ball pair generating swing consistently. Southee struck in the fourth over, cramping Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's stand-in captain, with a short, rising ball that came back in towards the lefthand batsman's right armpit. Looking to tuck it away into the leg side, Tamim only managed to glove it to the keeper.

Mahmudullah and Sarkar then added 31 brisk but uneasy runs as Southee and Boult continued to swing

the new ball and beat their edges. Twice in a row, Boult bent the ball back through the gap between bat and pad after angling it across Mahmudullah, and missed the off stump by inches. Two balls later, he had a confident caught-behind appeal turned down when a short ball climbed awkwardly at the batsman. New Zealand reviewed Paul Reiffel's notout decision, and technology confirmed the ball had gone past bat and brushed only right shoulder. Boult didn't have to wait much longer, though. In only his next over - the 11th of Bangladesh's innings - Mahmudullah drove away from his body and outside the line of another inwardly curling delivery, and BJ Watling dived to his left behind the wickets to pluck an excellent catch off the inside edge. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Stumps - Day 1 Bangladesh 1st innings Tamim Iqbal* c †Watling b Southee 5 Soumya Sarkar c de Grandhomme b Boult 86 Mahmudullah c †Watling b Bou lt 19 Shakib Al Hasan c †Watling b Southee 59 Sabbir Rahman c Southee b Bou lt 7 Nazmul Hossain Shanto c Raval b Southee 8 Nurul Hasan† c †Watling b Bou lt 47 Mehedi Hasan Miraz b Wagner 10 Taskin Ahmed c Williamson b Southee 8 Kamrul Islam Rabbi lbw b Southee 2 Rubel Hossain not out16

Extras (b-4, lb-2, w-5, nb-1)12 Total (all out; 84.3 overs) 289 Fall of wickets 1-7 (Tamim Iqbal, 3.2 ov), 2-38 (Mahmudullah, 10.2 ov), 3-165 (Soumya Sarkar, 35.5 ov), 4-177 (Sabbir Rahman, 37.5 ov), 5-179 (Shakib Al Hasan, 38.3 ov), 6-232 (Nazmul Hossain Shanto, 58.1 ov), 7-248 (Mehedi Hasan Miraz, 61.1 ov), 8-257 (Taskin Ahmed, 66.3 ov), 9-273 (Nurul Hasan, 77.3 ov), 10-289 (Kamrul Islam Rabbi, 84.3 ov) Bowling TA Boult 24-4-87-4, TG Southee 28.3-7-94-5 (w-1), C de Grandhomme 14-4-58-0 (nb-1), N Wagner 18-1-44-1 New Zealand team JA Raval, TWM Latham, KS Williamson*, LRPL Taylor, HM Nicholls, C de Grandhomme, BJ Watling†, MJ Santner, TG Southee, N Wagner, TA Boult

can influence doping test results

Vitaly Mutko has been promoted from sports minister to deputy prime minister

F

emale doping results can be distorted if athletes have had sex in the days leading up to a test, says Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko.

Mutko has been outspoken since the McLaren report alleged there had been a state-backed Russian doping programme.

Part of the report outlines samples taken from two women's ice hockey players that contained male DNA. "If you have sex five days before taking a doping test, they can find male DNA in you," said Mutko.

"If a female athlete undergoes a drug test within five days after the act, then the test will show that she has male hormones - and yet it evokes suspicions of her using different drugs."

Former World Anti-Doping Agency vice-president Arne Ljungqvist said DNA is "very personal" and "cannot be shared via sex".

In saying Russian athletes were unfairly treated, Mutko drew comparison with the cases of Canadian pole vault world champion Shawn Barber and French tennis player Richard Gasquet, who avoided punishment after blaming positive drugs tests for cocaine on kissing women who had ingested the banned substance.

"One [athlete] can kiss a girl who has taken a drug. A foreign [athlete] is reinstated based on this while a Russian is punished," Mutko told Russian publication Sport-Express.

The McLaren report states more than 1,000 Russians - including Olympic medallists - benefited from a state-sponsored doping programme between 2011 and 2015.

It found two female Russian ice hockey players at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi had male urine samples.

Russia has repeatedly denied the claims but 19 national anti-doping organisations last week said the country should be banned from both competing in and hosting international sporting events.

The country gave up a World Cup biathlon meeting set to be held in March, was stripped of a speed skating meet for the same month and lost the right to host the 2017 bobsleigh and skeleton World Championships. (BBC Sport)

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sports

21

“Locals lose out with club championship non-participation”

W

ith the recent turn of events as it relates to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) via President, Wayne Forde terming their relation with four local clubs as “not in good standing”, General Manager of one of the leading clubs, Slingerz FC, Colin “BL” Aaron has stated that the effect of this will be detrimental to a lot of the players.

Because of the stance with the GFF, Slingerz FC and Alpha United will not participate in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Club Championship 2017 after finishing first and second respectively in the first stanza of Stag Elite League.

Similarly, “BL” reiterated the point that because of their standing with the GFF, the clubs will have no choice but to be forced into dissolution, ultimately affecting the sport but specifically affecting the players who earn a living from the sport.

According to the Slingerz boss, “I will not disclose players by name or anything but we have players who working as much as $400,000 a month,” making a comparison to most of the country, pointing out that “a lot of workers don’t get that.”

He further stated that “the least a player earns with us [Slingerz] is $100,000 a month” and with the clubs being forced into dissolution, it will mean that “some of them will have no means of putting food on the table and that is what Mr. Forde will have to live with.”

However, Aaron indicated that Forde had once commended the owners of the clubs for doing what a lot of

Wayne Forde

Colin “BL” Aaron

investors had been running from for the past few years.

While it may mean that the relationship and to a larger extent the sport as it stands presently may be in turmoil, “BL” is of the opinion that credit must be given where due and the owners of these clubs have done something commendable and regardless of which side you believe in, “you have to respect what the guys were doing, they were doing something to help develop Guyana Football as well as to allow the players to go out and let people see them and land a big contract.”

He related to the ever so common state of sports in the country whereby a player has to go to work and then come home, hurry and make it to practice which is not the case with his team where football is their livelihood.

The genesis of this development began when Alpha United FC and Slingerz FC, along with two other clubs (Pele FC and Georgetown FC), objected to the expansion of the Elite League.

“Subsequently, the GFF engaged in extensive consultations and negotia-

tions with the clubs in question in an effort to address their concerns. These consultations proved futile and the GFF reached out to CONCACAF who then provided comprehensive constitutional guidance that confirm the GFF’s authority to draw up regulations governing the conditions of participation and staging of competitions organized by the Federation. This interpretation by CONCACAF, sent to the Clubs on November 24, 2016, was acknowledged by the clubs but not contested.”

The local football authority subsequently issued a statement indicating that “CONCACAF ruled that because the clubs are not in good standing with the GFF, in accordance with Section 111 art. L, of the Caribbean Cup Championship Regulations, and with the aim of properly safeguarding the integrity, smooth operation and running of the competition, (we inform you that) Alpha United Football Club and Slingerz Football Club are not eligible to participate in the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Club Championship.”

LABA AGM takes place at MSC Lounge T

he Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Annual General Meeting and Biennial Elections are billed for tomorrow at 17:00h at the Mackenzie Sports Club Lounge.

Affiliated clubs are invited to send four representatives for the important meeting which will see registration of players for the 2017 season and clubs affiliation taking place from 16:00h.

The clubs invited to attend are Retrieve Raiders, Half Mile Bulls,

Victory Valley Royals, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Block 22 Flames, Bankers Trust Falcons, Wismar Pistons and Kwakwani.

These clubs must ensure their registration of $100 per player and club’s $1,000 affiliation fees are paid before they are eligible to participate in the proceedings from 17:00h when the reports from the Secretary, Treasurer and Presidents will be presented before the election of office bearers for the next term begin.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

SATURDAY, january 21, 2017

Bunbury aims for total transformation of Fruta Conquerors

Alex Bunbury (centre, front row) with members of the Fruta Conquerors team at the Tucville Ground

F

ormer Canadian Forward and Hall of Fame footballer, Alex Bunbury who is also the President of Fruta Conquerors Football Club is embarking on a mission to transform the club to a facility that is world rated and will make the club to the best in the region.

Expressing his gratitude to the voters who elected him to the position, thus he will be first and foremost sitting down with the players to plan the way forward.

However, while he is the president of the club, he has also indicated to Guyana Times Sport that he wants to take ownership of the club on its way to becoming the frontrunner in football for the region.

“My goal is not only to be president of the club but to take over ownership of the club. I want to invest in

the club and my goal is to make this club the number one club in the region, not just in Guyana but the region” Bunbury stated.

The 49-year-old Canadian-based Guyanese star indicated that the club has already began creating the environment to facilitate this growth, saying that “we are spending a lot of time putting all the pieces together for that as well, we want to improve the facility, we want to do a lot of renovations, we want to make this club into what I think is needed in Guyana is to be modeled against the clubs in America or for instance the clubs in Europe, how they are conducted how they are produced, how they are formed the things they do on and off the field the things they do to make them a standard bearer when it comes to that.”

But in order to produce this vision, funding will be an integral aspect of the progress and Bunbury has taken it upon himself to personally fund this growth as much as he could, however is still looking to gain investors both locally and internationally.

“Funding is going to be coming from myself personally to some degree and other investors,” Bunbury said.

The Conquerors’ President further noted that the country is blessed to have everything in its favour to produce great footballers saying, “I think it is important that we encourage investors to come in and invest in a country that is ready to take off, this is one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world. It has the climate that is conducive to football,

it has talented young people, what its lacking is the professionalism what I believe is the foundation of that.”

Bunbury is hoping that his reputation will work in his favour to realize his goals. He said, “My name and the people that I know could attract investors from abroad and also here in Guyana to invest in football, especially my club.”

When asked on the prospects of this realistically materializing, the Hall of Famer assertively stated that this can be seen within the year, but this will come in the form of infrastructural works.

Bunbury is also the founder of the Alex Bunbury Sports and Academic Academy (ABSAA), the first ever multipurpose sporting facility in Guyana, projected to be created in Ituni, Upper Demerara.

President, Vice President Everest hosts Mustapha Kadir teams go head to Memorial Domino head today Tournament Local rugby players in a scrum recently at the National Park rugby field

T

he rainy season seems over and the ruggers are once again gearing up for some more excitement today at the National Park rugby field with some 15s action.

The President and Vice President agree to disagree as their teams will go head to head, shoulder to shoulder in decision making, from the executive desk to the field form 16:00h.

The match fills the gap left by

the postponement of the Guinness Sevens (7s) which was schedule for today. The teams will follow a similar combination like the North versus South encounter which took place last week at the same venue. It will once again have the mix of national players with the young brigade who seem bent on dethroning the seniors. This was evident last week when majority of the tries

scored were at the hands of the youths.

Guyana still continues its rigorous preparation for one of the oldest Sevens tournament in the world, the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

For today’s showpiece, players and officials from all clubs are asked to turn up on time for a prompt kick off at 16:00h at the National Park’s Rugby Field.

E

verest Cricket Club Pavilion is the place to be today for the Mustapha Kadir Memorial domino tournament.

All members and friends of Everest are invited to remember the life of Kadir, who was a longstanding and dedicated member of the club.

The event is an ‘in-house’ one, meaning it is only open to club members, who will form three teams to compete for trophies that will be presented by Christopher Ka d i r a n d other

members of the Kadir family. Christopher is the son of the late Mustapha.

The memorial domino competition is to mark the first anniversary of Kadir’s who died on January 20 last year. The day’s event will also build camaraderie among members while they await the start of Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) 2017 season which is delayed by rain.

Activities will start at 15:00h in the club’s main pavilion at the Carifesta Ave n u e a n d C a m p Street venue.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, january 21, 2017

KPL fundraiser continues at 3 venues T

he cricket tournament specially organized to raise funds for Samuel Kingston who was injured last November continues on Sunday at three venues in Georgetown.

Kingston, who was struck to the right eye during a game at the Gandhi Youth Organization ground requires US$5,000 for eye surgery in Trinidad and the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) is using this tournament to acquire the funds.

The tournament opened last Sunday with Masters matches at Everest Cricket Club and Open games at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground. Tomorrow, three venues will be used for the 12 matches to be played.

At Everest, Mike’s Wellman take on Ariel Masters on Pitch One from 10:00h, Success Masters tackle Parika Amazon on Pitch two

while Regal Masters play Savage Masters on Pitch Three. In the afternoon from 13:00h, Success Masters engage Ariel Masters on Pitch One, Mike’s Wellman take on Savage Masters on Pitch Two and Regal Masters battle Parika Amazon.

Over at the GNIC ground in Woolford Avenue, Farm XI come up against Regal AllStars at 09:00h then Regal will be back in action again at 11:00h when they take on Super Stars. At 14:00h Super Stars play their second match of the day when they take on Success XI. More Open action goes down at the Carifesta Sports Complex with Mike’s AllStars playing three matches on the trot. At 09:00h they open against Pigeon XI then at 11:00h Success XI will be their opponents followed by Farm XI at 14:00h.

Pastor Kanden returns as Albion President

L

Motielall Chumandatt will be looking for another good day with the ball for Mike’s Wellman

Stag Nations Cup KO Football

G

the respective teams from going at each other.

The opening match which necessitated kicks from the penalty mark to decide the winner following a 0-0 score line at the end of regulation and extra time, saw West Demerara’s Den Amstel outlasting Berbice’ New Amsterdam United 5-3 sending the last of four teams from the ancient county, packing.

Witnessed by a fair sized and very supportive home crowd, Grove Hi Tech quelled the early intentions

of the fleet footed duo of New Amsterdam United’s Captain Leonard Adams and Jamal Butts who both carried the attack to the home team.

However, the two-time champions of the competition which attracted teams from three-associations in the previous editions (2014/15, 2015/16) gradually took away the fight from the boys from the East.

First it was a Mervin Squires goal that punctuated the 0-0 score line and handed Grove the lead in

Den Amstel’s successful penalty shooters from right; Gavin Graham, Kevaughn Ward, Ryan Hunte, Travis Hilliman and Andre Hector

the 8th minute of play, it was the first regulation time goal of the goal night which sent the supports into wild celebrations.

As Grove continued to assert themselves they won a free kick from about 25 yards out, directly in front of NA United’s goal. In slippery conditions a solid blast

can see the ball zooming past the wall and goalkeeper into the back of the nets and that was exactly the outcome.

Captain Sherman Doris took on the responsibility of taking the shot and his low, powerful strike sailed past the wall and custodian Jovano Dos Santos to set-

tle in the nets as Grove ran away 2-0 leaders in the 25th minute.

While the home team was riding high, the Berbicians never lost focus and kept matching the home team play for play. They soon earned their first goal in the 30th minute when Jermaine Samuels tucked his shot

Lloyd Kanden

loyd Kanden was on Tuesday elected as President of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, when the club held its Annual General Meeting at the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall.

In a close election Kanden edged rival Imtiaz Baccus for the top post at the club. The new President, a Pastor by profession, is no stranger to the position as he had served for fourteen consecutive years from 2002 to 2015 at the helm of the Club. In 2016, Kanden opted not to seek re-election and was replaced by Baccus who had also served for a number of years as his Vice President.

Baccus, a former Senior Factory Laboratory Technician at Guysuco Albion Estate and Grievance Officer attached to NAACIE was elected unopposed as Vice President

replacing Romeo Singh while School Teacher Mathews Hardyal, replaced the experienced Vemen Walter as the Club’s new Secretary.

Walter, a former Berbice and Guyana Youth Manager and current Human Resources Manager of Guysuco’s Albion Estate, did not seek re-election as Secretary but was elected as the Club’s new Assistant Secretary Treasurer, taking over from Josiah Dhanai.

Singh is the Club’s new Treasurer replacing David Latchaya while Former West Indies opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon, Totaram Harricharran and Pooran Mangal will serve as Committee Members.

The new Executive will be meeting shortly to name the Club’s Captains, Vice Captains and Managers of the respective teams, together with the Club’s Sub-Committees for the 2017.

with another well executed shot in the 52nd minute.

As the changes were rung by both teams by introducing fresh legs, Grove’s insertions brought the reward of their fourth goal off the boot of Joel Dick in the 84th minute, a goal which sealed the win and their quarter final place where they will meet Police next Wednesday night at the GDF ground in the feature match at 21:00h.

Den Amstel and Ann’s Grove, loser in both previous finals to Grove Hi Tech, battled for 105 minutes with being able to score against each other. Both sides created chances with the East Coast based Ann’s Grove guilty of flooring what had appeared to be clear cut opportunities, at least two from close range.

They were also denied by excellent goalkeeping from Den Amstel’s, Ryan Hunte who would have won the MVP of the match if there was such an award.

They eventually paid for their mistakes as Den

Amstel posted their second win of the championship following their 4-2 win over Kuru Kururu Warriors.

The West Demerara based boys prevailed 5-3 via kicks from the penalty mark and will now face Riddim Squad in next Wednesday’s penultimate quarter final at the GDF ground.

Scoring for the winners were Gavin Graham, Kevaughn Ward, Ryan Hunte, Travis Hilliman and Andre Hector. On target for the losers were Jermaine Clarke, Levon Adams and Kevon Barry; Marlon Adams missed their second shout which eventually brought their downfall.

Meanwhile, quarter final action will get cracking on Sunday at the Tucville ground in a Georgetown versus West Demerara showdown. Santos will open against Pouderoyen from 18:00h with Western Tigers and Uitvlugt clashing in the main draw. At stake will be two spots in the semi finals.

Grove Hi-Tech, Den Amstel squeeze into quarter finals rove Hi Tech led by Captain Sherman Doris’ brace stormed into the quarter finals of the Stag Nations Cup knockout championship involving teams from five-associations affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

The championship which was stalled from last December due to consistent rainfall made a welcome restart notwithstanding more rainfall which rendered conditions at the Grove Playfield heavy but that did not deter the zest of the players from

23

Players from NA United (left) and Grove Hi Tech battle for control early in their encounter

past Gove’s man between the uprights, Seon Sampson.

Like Grove, NA United got their second goal and equalizer from a free kick which was also orchestrated by their Captain, Leonard Adams whose powerful strike could not be saved cleanly by Sampson as it rebounded off his chest into the onrushing Butts who gleefully tapped into the back of the nets on the stroke of half time.

It was a deserving goal as the momentum had swung back in favour the visitors to set up what was anticipated to be an enthralling final 45 minutes. There was no relenting from either side in the opening minutes of the second half as they both sought to establish dominance and more so, score goals.

But it was the home team that not only dominated but also scored goals to knock the wind out of the sails of NA United. Captain Doris again featured when he handed his team the team

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

President, Vice President teams go head to head today

Pg 22

Rugby 15s action returns to the National Park today

Bunbury aims for total transformation of Fruta Conquerors Pg 22

Pg 22

The current state of the Tucville Ground, home of the Fruta Conquerors

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