Guyana Times Daily - December 17, 2015

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2710

Thursday, December 17, 2015

PRICE

$80 vat included

2 killed as car bursts into flames after collision at Bath

Inspectorate P12 Unit reintroduced

$50,000 Tax-free Bonus

Relatives of slain Police ranks receive assistance P2

– 5 hospitalised

WHAT'S INSIDE:

– to scrutinise governmental infrastructure projects

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As out-of-control crime spirals

No consultation with Passenger shoots GPSU necessary bus driver in back – Trotman Justice Cummings-Edwards sworn in as acting CJ

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Salvation P16 Army distributes hampers to elderly

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Miner slapped P8 with murder charge

– vows to minimise judicial backlog Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in as acting Chief Justice by the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government at the Ministry of the Presidency as Justice Ian Chang proceeds on pre-retirement leave. Also in photo are her husband, Dr Maurice Edwards, their daughter; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh

Anti-Money Laundering Bill

Business community decries non-consultation Page 13

UNDP launches 2015 Human Development Report Page 11

One Mile P16 Primary to get additional classrooms

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thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Justice Cummings-Edwards sworn in as acting CJ – vows to minimise judicial backlog

she is of the firm belief that with “all hands on board”, with commitment and cooperation of all involved, there is hope for a much improved system.

“It’s something that has to be handled consistently and by all of us. I intend for all the Judges and myself to tackle the issue”, she said.

Asked about her feeling over the appointment, Cummings-Edwards said “I feel elated and I am honoured, and at the same time, it is a humbling experience”.

New acting Chief Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards taking the oath of office

New acting Chief Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards, President David Granger, her husband Dr Maurice Edwards and their daughter after taking the oath

upported by her husband and daughter, Appeal Court Judge, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in by President David Granger to carry out the functions of acting Chief Justice.

Cummings-Edwards took the oath of office at the Ministry of the Presidency, becoming the second woman

Justice CummingsEdwards, who has some 27 years of legal experience under her belt told the media after her swearing in that she will be tackling, with the help of her colleagues, the backlog of cases within the judicial system.

“I intend to look at the state of affairs right now and I intend to deal with backlogged cases. I intend to deal

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in Guyana to be elevated to that post.

She took the oath in the presence of her husband, Dr Maurice Edwards and their daughter; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Minster of State Joseph Harmon; and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, along with well wishers and friends.

with matters affecting the judiciary – the smooth functioning of the judiciary and I intend to have all hands on board for us to work together towards having a system that will ensure justice is done,” she told journalists at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to her, while the backlog of cases is nothing strange for any judiciary,

The longstanding Judge replaces acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, who goes into retirement in February 2016.

However, Chang will soon leave the bench as he must take his retirement leave, which Government said is in excess of one month.

President David Granger, during consultation with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo last week said Cummings-Edwards was the “most suitable person to act in the position.”

Relatives of slain Police ranks receive assistance

The spouse of Romain Cleto receiving the donation from an official

M

embers of the Police Force’s Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc, led by its President, Pastor Raphael Massiah, made its first set of donations on Tuesday last to relatives of four Police ranks who were killed in the line of duty.

Those benefiting from the monetary donations were the relatives of Corporal Sherwayne Pantlitz who was shot and killed during a confrontation with a licensed firearm holder at Middle Street, Georgetown; Corporal Romain Cleto who lost his life during an armed confrontation with criminal elements at Avenue of Republic, Georgetown; Corporal Silburn Elias who was shot and killed while

making efforts to recapture a prisoner who had escaped from Police custody; and Constable Antonio Dawson who was fatally stabbed during efforts to arrest an alleged mentally unstable man.

The Guyana Police Force with the support of religious leaders of the Cops and Faith Community Network and members of the business community had established the Fallen Heroes Foundation on November 5, with the aim of providing adequate assistance to the relatives of those ranks who lost their lives in the line of duty. Great emphasis is also being placed on providing educational facilities for their children, among other initiatives.

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thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 17 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, December 18 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 17 – 08:10h-09:40h and Friday, December 18 – 09:15h-10:45h.

2 killed as car bursts into flames after collision at Bath – 5 hospitalised

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy rain showers can be expected in the afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:44h and 20:09h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres on each scheduled high tide.

Low Tide: 02:12h and 14:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.68 metre and 0.81 metre respectively.

The car HC 5367 which was taking passengers to Georgetown

By Andrew Carmichael

T

wo men are now dead and five other persons hospitalised after the cars in which they were travelling ended up in a head-on collision at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB) on Wednesday afternoon resulting in one bursting into

apart; one on the roadway and the other smoking just off the road.

According to one eyewitness, Ramdat Bicram, he was sitting on a bench when he saw PJJ 6999 swerving into the path of HC 5367, causing the collision.

“The blue car pull brakes and the one that coming from Town run in straight into am. It just ‘hice’ up spin right away round and he start to catch afire.”

According to another resident, “Sackoor” only name given, after he heard the impact, he rushed to the scene and noticed that one of the cars was already engulfed in flames.

“I was told that people were in the car, but no one

Dead: Shiv Persaud-Hanoman

sons out of the vehicle.

“The other four were in pain and in blood, subsequently people came and

Street, Cumberland, East Canje and Carmen Marks of New Amsterdam.

Trotz, who was one of the drivers at the time of the accident, and Rossoul were initially treated at the Fort Wellington Hospital and then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further treatment.

Injured: Phyllis Corlette

Injured: Carmen Marks

flames.

The dead persons have been identified as Nero Bankay, 24, of Bush Lot, WCB, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Shiv PersaudHanoman, 48, of the same village.

The injured are Rookmaine Trotman of Bennett Dam, Rosignol; Nigel Trotz, 34, of 126 Main Street, Cumberland, East Canje; Fiona Rossoul, 32, of Canefield, East Canje; Phyllis Corlette, 41, of King

Trotman, Corlette and Marks were also treated at Fort Wellington before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At the time of the accident, Bankay was driving a Toyota MR5 Spyder racing convertible with registration number PJJ 6999, while Trotz was taking passengers from Rosignol to Georgetown in HC 5367.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the vehicles were about 33 feet

could go close to the vehicle because of the flame… The residents formed a bucket brigade and they extinguished the fire,” “Sackoor” said, in about 10 minutes, using two buckets and getting water from a trench about 50 feet away. Shortly after, the Fire Service arrived. “When we get the opportunity to go closer, we saw the two persons: one without head and the other one burnt beyond [recognition].”

Reports are that Trotz was the first to come out of the other car and lay on the ground, while residents took the other four injured per-

rescued them to the hospital,” “Sackoor” noted.

This publication was informed that the Toyota MR5 Spyder is owned by Dr Ishram Indra Persaud and had just come out of the mechanic shop for a test run.

According to Persaud, Persaud-Hanoman had done some work on the car and since he did not have a driver’s licence, Bankay was asked to drive.

Persaud-Hanoman, who is a mechanic by profession, re-migrated from Canada three weeks ago.

Police have since launched an investigation into the accident.

wednesday, December 16, 2015

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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thursday, december 17, 2015

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

Editorial

Ideological basis of growth model

A

fter months of silence as to exactly how economic growth will be fostered in Guyana, President David Granger, even as he denigrated the former Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), allowed that he envisaged the creation of a “green economy” to accomplish this elusive goal. He did not choose to elaborate as to the specific projects that would be initiated and implemented within this strategy.

Over the past decades, we have had several other economic strategies – all infused by ideological considerations – suggested to us by the global financial organisations, ranging from the vent for surplus and capital deficit in the 1950s through the import substitution programme (ISP) of the 1970s. Our “cooperative socialism” detour from the 1970s to 1980s was our own ideological twist to the ISP panacea. Finally, we became enmeshed within the neoliberalism strategy which in our case was summarised as “the Washington Consensus” in 1989.

Unless we factor in the implications of the ideological premises of our strategy, our local efforts can be subverted to our cost.

The ongoing crisis in the developed economies, which infected our countries, is rooted in the neoliberal economic paradigm that has guided economic policy in the developed Western nations since the late seventies. Before this, after WWII, the economies of the United States, Western Europe, Japan and Brazil, etc were characterised by a “virtuous circle” Keynesian model built on full employment and wage growth tied to productivity growth. Productivity growth drove wage growth, which in turn fuelled demand growth and created full employment. That provided an incentive for investment, which drove further productivity growth and supported higher wages. Guyana, of course, chose to buck the above economic model that was followed by most of the Caribbean countries and devised the abovementioned disastrous “cooperative socialist” model.

After 1980, the virtuous circle Keynesian model in the West was replaced by a neoliberal growth model that severed the link between wages and productivity growth and created a new economic dynamic. Before 1980, wages were the engine of US demand growth. After 1980, debt and asset price inflation became the engine. The new model rooted in neoliberal economics places the market as the arbiter of all decisions – economic or even moral. Corporate globalisation puts workers in international competition via global production networks supported by free trade agreements and capital mobility. The “small” Government agenda attacked the legitimacy of Government and pushed for deregulation regardless of dangers. The labour market flexibility agenda abandoned the goal of full employment and consequently created employment insecurity.

The new model created a growing “demand gap” by gradually undermining the income and demand generation process. The role of finance was to fill that gap. Within the US, deregulation, financial innovation, and speculation enabled finance to fill the demand gap by lending to consumers and spurring asset price inflation. US consumers in turn filled the global demand gap. Luckily, this has not fully developed in the Caribbean as yet, with some notable exceptions such as CLICO. The Government, in implementing its “green economy” strategy, will have to be very careful as to what its policy response will be to the different ideological perspectives.

It might take the strong neoliberal position and further deregulate financial and labour markets; deepen central bank independence and the commitment to low inflation; and further limiting Government via fiscal austerity.

A more radical approach would be to overthrow the neoliberal paradigm and replace it with a “structural Keynesian” paradigm that goes against the grain of what the Government is doing with wage policy in the Public Service.

It should restore the link between wage and productivity growth. The goal would be to ensure that corporations and financial markets are regulated so that they are made to serve the broader public interest.

Coming out of COP21, the initiatives, such as “carbon credits” are all undergirded by the old neoliberal market fundamentalist premises. The Government must think through these premises.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivpersaud Bacchus poses with his wife and two daughters on Wednesday after he was named the Guyana Police Force’s 2015 Best Cop at the Annual Award Ceremony held at Eve Leary

National conversation on mental health needed Dear Editor, Wesley Kirton is the latest of many Guyanese – individuals and entities, at home and abroad – who have called for a national conversation on suicide.

This call was also mooted at the National Stakeholder’s Conference on Suicide and Related Issues sponsored

by The Caribbean Voice, Save Abee Foundation, Cara Hotel and Office Resources Ltd, in August. However, given that suicide is located within the wider framework of mental health and that the stigmas and taboos attached to suicide are also attached to other aspects of mental health, we believe that there should be a national conversation about mental health on the whole.

The fact is that Guyana needs a grassroots and community level response to mental health issues. Thus, the Government needs to take the lead in instituting a national conversation on mental health, one that must be taken to every community in Guyana. Such a

conversation should seek to elicit the views of citizens about metal health in order to reshape those views to redress the stigmas and taboos that currently exist.

Additionally, such a conversation should garner suggestions on how to deal with various mental health issues; how citizens, communities and NGOs can be involved; what mechanisms need to be set up; what strategies must be implemented and so on. And this information must factor into the National Mental Health Plan, which is currently being finalised.

One of the findings of the August conference was that there are individuals and organisations already established in various parts of the nation that, if affirmed and partnered with, can be integral to the process of realising this national conversation. Also, The Caribbean Voice has a fairly extensive list of such organisations that can be used as a starting point and be added to by sourc-

ing similar lists from various Ministries; Government agencies and departments; various embassies (especially the US); various international agencies with a presence in Guyana; and various other NGOs. Not only would this lead to a comprehensive list that may well cover all of Guyana, but it would also ensure that teams of personnel do not have to travel from Georgetown to every nook and cranny of the nation and that duplication is avoided.

By including activists and stakeholders from throughout the nation in undertaking and managing the national conversation, the Government/relevant Ministry would not be called upon to invest tremendous resources while simultaneously a national network would come into being that can ensure that follow up is done once the findings of the national conversation are processed and used to drive planning.

The bottom line is that there needs to be a pas-

sionate response of sensitivity empowering citizens to assume responsibility by taking ownership, so that rather than an us vs them approach, tackling mental health issues, including suicide, should become a truly national undertaking and communities can become guerrilla warriors whose familiarity with and personal stakes in their terrain would ensure that they are effective strike forces.

This national conversation should also serve to provide info on all entities – Government and NGOs – that currently offer help, as well as attempt to shore up other entities to also be able to do so, especially religious/ cultural institutions and community-based groups. In effect, citizens must realise and internalise that optimal health cannot be achieved without addressing and redressing issues that negatively impact mental health.

Sincerely, The One Caribbean Voice

Pastor added fuel to intolerance Dear Editor, I respond to Devanand Bhagwan’s letter, “If we do not have love, our religion is worthless” published in Guyana Times on December 11, 2015 and “Wesleyan pastor is guilty of Pharisaic blindness” published in Kaieteur News on December 10, 2015. His was a response to two other letters (KN November 20 and December 7) writ-

ten by Ganesh Mahipaul wherein Mahipaul highlighted the dangerous practice of religious intolerance of the Wesleyan Church for Hindus on Wakenaam Island evidently after a ban imposed on a teenager of the church because of her participation in a Diwali cultural programme.

Mr Bhagwan, while pointing out the error of the Wesleyan Pastor and

urging her to apologise to Mr Ganesh and Hindus in Guyana, in the same breath attacked the very Hindus and also revealed himself a double standard. He wrote, “Christians are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’. What an opportunity to do so in the Hindu temple! We need to go (as we are commanded) into places that make us uncomfortable, so that we could be salt and light”. Here,

most candidly at best, Mr Bhagwan considers Hindus the same as the Wesleyan Pastor or perhaps worse. If the Pastor is guilty of intolerance for things Hindu and Hindus, then Mr Bhagwan has only added fuel to the intolerance in a strategic manner. He is guilty of the same Pharisaic blindness he attributed to the pastor.

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Too much Bring back Chanderpaul profanity Dear Editor, Our society has suddenly become a place where curse words or “cuss words’’ are the order of the day, and it seems as if we have no law to incriminate those using them from day to day.

From the educated, highly respected, all have become victims of using profane language.

We have fallen morally, spiritually and intellectually as a nation. Our sense of decency and morality has become something of the past. Many years ago, people used to be charged for using indecent language and even be jailed, but today it seems as if our laws are flouted and we are just living in a ‘’cowboy’’ country like in the Wild West, killing each other with our tongues.

It is something global, since most movies are loaded with cuss words, vulgarity and immorality. The songs we listen to, from Dancehall to Reggae, Soca, Pop, are loaded with curse words. Not very long ago, I was listening to a British singer singing at a concert.

Before she started to sing, she was talking to the audience. After listening to her accented speech very carefully by using my computer headphones, I realised this great singer used more than 10 curse words while addressing her audience. I deleted her video and stopped listening to her.

Cuss words have permeated the printed pages of books; and I mean books that have won The Guyana Prize for Literature. Our Government and University give away US$5000 to writers of fiction, poetry and drama – for books written in profane and immoral language.

Yet many of these writers are clamouring for their books of literature to be used in our schools. It’s no wonder literature has become a dead subject in our schools today. We haven’t produced much quality literature as a nation. Literature and books should build up our children’s psyche and morality; literature should inspire our students to write greater works.

How are we going to educate our children with books written in cuss words? If our President and Minister of Education should really read the books that have won the Guyana Prize for Literature, I believe they would obliterate the Prize.

What we write today and publish will define the intellect and morals of the writer since literature is about the historical foundation of a nation. The greatest Greek Poet Homer and Roman Poet Virgil wrote

epic poetry of great historical significance. Their poetry in the original Greek and Latin languages contained no sentence or paragraph of profanity. Why can’t our writers do the same?

As I travel to different parts of Guyana, cuss words ring out like showers of rain in our communities. There is no respect for one another. The future of this nation lies in the hands of our next generation, but we are just a few years away from becoming a nation of profoundly ignorant people with no future if we don’t change our way of speaking.

Guyana is a nation too young to die; we need to raise our standards higher; our leaders need to set the moral example to our citizens. They need to stop fighting and cussing each other and work with love and unity to build Guyana.

We must have a dream to change: if we change our character and attitude, we will change our nation and be a better people in the generations to come. It’s about time our new Administration implements laws to impose heavy fines on those who use indecent language in our nation publicly and those who abuse their families.

Sincerely, Reverend Gideon Cecil

Dear Editor, West Indies suffered an ignoble defeat last in Australia. The squad – selected by the selection committee led by Chairman of Selectors, Clive Lloyd, Coach Phil Simmons and Captain Jason Holder, and approved by the Board (WICB) – has been an abject failure. The squad badly lacked talent and experience and not unexpectedly performed poorly. The most prolific run scorer and the most experienced player, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who does not disappoint, was excluded from contention and the team has been paying a hefty price (humiliated in Australia) for that foolish decision.

Lloyd said he wanted new blood that would not include Chanderpaul, the most reliable batsman and the most experienced player in the world. So he got poor results.

But these young cricketers need guidance from senior players like Chanders or Chris Gayle or Darren Bravo (latter two unavailable), with none of them performing consistently to offer support. Chanders has made himself available, but Lloyd and the selectors said no. It is reminiscent of Alvin Kallicharran and Rohan Kanhai being sacked at the top of their cricket when top run scorers in English county cricket.

Lloyd should know that he can’t send an inexperienced team to Australia; the team needs the very best

and a balance of youth and experience.

If the team is selected on performance, not age, then the entire team (as well as selectors and management) should have been replaced. It should be recalled that Chanders was removed from the one-day squad a few years ago with the explanation that the committee wanted to preserve him for Test cricket so as to prolong his career at a time when he was youthful and very productive. Now he is doing better than almost all of the others (in recent FirstClass cricket) and yet the selection committee does not want him because of age. It

Pastor added fuel to...

Quoting from Mahipaul’s letter the answer of the Wesleyan Pastor, “you cannot dine at the Lord’s table and the enemy’s table at the same time”, Mr Bhagwan penned, “If this is true, the Pastor has grossly erred in her social and spiritual stance.”

He questioned, “Where is the love that is the bedrock of the Christian faith

in that stance?” What love is he speaking of? The love that reminds him “...how incensed Jesus’ disciples were when they found out he wanted to dine with the ‘worst’ of sinners; they called him a wine-bibber, for a good religious person would never have mingled with such sinful people”?

Editor, should we blame the Wesleyan Pastor or Mr Bhagwan for the intol-

should be noted that Bobby Simpson was asked to come out of retirement to lead Australia to West Indies at age 45. Bevan Congdon led New Zealand into his 40s.

Clive Lloyd led the team till past 42 when he was not even performing. So why is Chanders being excluded?

Several other legends played into their 40s. Chanders is still scoring. He has an opportunity to cross Brian Lara’s record. Lara said he has no problem with the record being broken. And records are made to be broken.

Why does Lloyd have a problem with Chanders breaking Lara’s record?

Chanders, like Lloyd at 42,

still has a lot of cricket remaining. Chanders at 41 is still fit and is willing to play. He is the last one from that generation of great players who made their debut in the 1990s still standing. Opponents respect and fear him. Chanders would have provided guidance and psychological support to the youngsters.

He should not have been sacked by Lloyd.

Since Lloyd’s youths have failed miserably, should he not accept responsibility and do the honourable thing that Caricom Governments have been asking of the management – step aside? This weak team is a disservice to world cricket.

The selection panel has an opportunity to redeem themselves after sacking Chanders. They and the management said they wanted to send Chanders out in grace. Instead, they sacked him. With that heavy defeat last week, the management and selection panel have a second opportunity to redeem themselves – recall Chanders and then resign from management and the selection panel.

The team needs a successful formula of youth and experience; Chanders will provide the experience in what would have been his last series. Management should also consider a rehabilitation programme to bring back the experienced Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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erance? Bhagwan asked Mahipaul to forgive the Pastor “for she knew not what she did”. Soon he may be asking Mahipaul to forgive him for he knew not what he did in his missive, for he has done worse than the Pastor did. One has to read him between the lines. The Wesleyan Pastor stayed in her church and suspended her member, but Mr Bhagwan wishes

to go into the mandir to spread his beliefs. Without any remorse in his conclusion, he expressed his desire to visit Mahipaul’s mandir and sing “yeshu ka pyaar” (Jesus’s love) and “share the good news of God” to the Hindus. I ask

Mr Bhagwan if he will allow me in his church to sing Krishna’s love and share the news of God to him and his members?

Yours sincerely, Pt Charranlall Nandalall

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thursday, december 17, 2015

Page I

t can be tough to teach children the value of giving in a season when they’re surrounded by messages about the value of getting. Here are five ways to start:

Start small when the children are small

Your young child might be happy to help bake cookies for a friend but end up wanting to keep the gift herself. Plan for this by baking enough cookies to keep and enough cookies to give.

Young children need help in learning to share.

Foundation gift bags to take to a homeless shelter. Ask your child if he’ll help you baby-sit for a neighbour’s toddler so she can do her shopping or help you rake the leaves for an elderly friend.

Personalise giving

It’s faster for busy parents to write a check to a charity, but it has little impact on a child w h o

needy family through a community organisation, choose the gifts and wrap them.

Feeling too busy to organise an activity like this? Author Ellen Sabin has suggestions that can work for the most timechallenged parents. Sabin wrote The Giving B o o k : Open the D o o r to a Lifetime o f

Teach your child that he doesn’t need money to give

Help your child make gift certificates good for “one free car wash” or “breakfast in bed” that he can give to others in the family.

Involve your child in selecting the gift

You may think that donating to cancer research is important, but your child who is an animal lover may be more interested in making sure the dogs at the humane society have an extra treat at the holidays. Help her find a way to give the gift she feels is important.

Be a role model

Volunteer your family’s time at a soup kitchen or senior centre. Gather small-size toiletries, such as toothpaste and shampoo, and pack them in decorated

guyanatimesgy.com

can’t s e e where the money is going or imagine the people who benefit. Delivering canned goods to a food bank is more meaningful than dropping a check in the mail.

Your family could “adopt” a

Giving, an interactive workbook to help sixto 11-year-olds discover the joy of giving and their power to make a difference. Sabin also offers free tools and

guides for parents, teachers and religious educators to use with her book.

Sabin suggests having a family conversation about what you’re thankful for.

That will help your child realise that what she values may be missing in other people’s lives.

Sabin also offers three activities to try. “These things don’t take huge amounts of time. They just take a few moments of thoughtfulness.” * Start a tradition in which family members set aside one of their gifts to give to someone less fortunate. * Think of someone without a family – a soldier, a distant relative, a friend in the hospital – and write a letter as a family to make the person feel loved and included during the holidays. * Talk about beginning the new year with a family giving box. Everyone can regularly add a small amount of money to the box to contribute to a group or cause the family agrees to support.

Giving gives children a sense of self-esteem and pride, says Sabin. “Giving is addictive. It gets in your blood. It makes you realize that you and your actions matter.” (www.greatschools.org)

BY KATHI MILLER-MILLER

Tips for next year

While it’s tough to imagine it in the throes of our holiday planning, we will be doing this all again in just 30-40 short weeks!

Implement these ideas starting now to make your 2016 holiday season better.

Start early. I’ve found the best gift ideas don’t usually just magically come to me once Santa hits the mall. Instead I make notes throughout the year. And find that I’m often able to surprise someone by giving them a gift that they may have mentioned at a July 4th cookout but then completely forgot about. I simply create a gift list idea for each friend or family member in the “Notes” section on my phone and then it’s simply a matter of what gift I’m in the mood to give!

Be fake. As a child growing up, I was always jealous of friends with “real” Christmas trees.

Consequently, it quickly became a tradition for my husband, daughter and I to search for the “perfect” live Christmas tree. While we all have many fond memories (almost 30) of this event, a few years ago we transitioned to an artificial tree. Initially I didn’t intend

to give up my real tree every year, but admittedly it is simply one less stress during a busy time of year.

No longer do I worry about “finding” or “watering” the tree. I also love the flexibility it gives me to put the tree up whenever I want… because of course everyone knows that the best trees are gone early but you can’t buy too early because they’ll be dead by Christmas! The after Christmas sales are a great time to snag a beautiful artificial tree on sales.

And worst case, if you try it one year and don’t like it, you can always donate it to a needy family or charity the following year.

Deck less halls. A confession here from someone that decks too many halls.

While certainly the house looks beautiful all decorated in the Christmas glory, it’s also a cause of stress.

During an already busy time of year, finding the time to decorate (and undecorate) can be just one more thing to do. As you dedeck the halls in January, consider which decorations truly enhance the holidays for you and your family and commit to only using those next year. And to make yourself stick to the plan, donate all your extra items to those that are less fortunate than you. After all, do you really need multiple Christmas trees and lights to celebrate the real reason for Christmas? Call me crazy, but I think he was a pretty simple guy and would be embarrassed at the “event” this has become.

Save early. It’s a wellknown fact that money is one of the biggest causes of stress. One of the easiest ways to reduce your holiday stress is to save throughout the year for holiday spending. While coming up with $100,000 (the average household holiday spending) can seem a bit daunting, saving just $8000 per month can feel much less overwhelming.

Cap the spending. If you are like most people, you probably already realise that you’ve over spent this year. And while it may be too late for this holiday, it’s the perfect time to make a commitment (and a plan) to cap your spending for next year. Christmas is but one day of the year and it simply makes little sense to set yourself up for financial turmoil. So while the pain is fresh, set a budget for next year and then start saving now so that you can use “paper” instead of “plastic” next year! (www.linkedin.com)

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thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Music teacher remanded for No consultation with GPSU allegedly raping 8-year-old $50,000 tax free bonus

necessary – Trotman

BY EDWARD LAYNE

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nder pressure from trade unions, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government on Wednesday said it meant no disrespect to the unions when it arbitrarily announced a $50,000 yearend tax-free bonus for public servants earning below $500,000 monthly.

This bonus is in addition to monies already doled out to pay salary increases for public servants earning under $50,000 monthly for 2015 which was retroactive to July 1, 2015. Therefore, it is a top up on that increase and would only benefit a few who earn less than $500,000 yearly.

This announcement drew criticism from the Guyana Trade Unions Congress (GTUC) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis said that while he welcomed the announcement, attention cannot be lost to the fact that Government at all times, is required to uphold the rule of law.

“The payment of this bonus, in the absence of an engagement and concurrence with the trade unions that represent Public Sector workers is another act of violating Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution and Trade Union Recognition Law Section 23 (1) and transgressing the rights of workers,” Lewis said in a statement Tuesday.

But Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman at a weekly postCabinet news conference on Wednesday maintained that the Government was not in any way trying to be disrespectful to the trade unions, even as he maintained there was no legal requirement for consultations.

“It meant no disrespect to the unions… Government would want to see the specific area of law that says that it had to consult with the GTUC,” Trotman said in response to a question from the media.

Trotman, in defending the Government’s decision cited time as the issue for the lack on consultations with the trade unions.

“We have Christmas coming and there is every likelihood that next week will be a shortened week.

Were you to enter into any protracted deliberations on whether or not public servants should be given their $50,000; I rather suspect that it would have been given out in 2016. I think Government took a decision that it thought was in the best interest of the workers by going out to pay them,”

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

he said.

The Minister of Governance maintained that public servants are deserving of their bonus and is confident that they will be able to persuade their Union representatives to accept this.

He is maintaining that the Government is keen on respecting the collective bargaining process, pointing to recent discussions between the Government and trade unions in this regard.

“I believe Minister of State (Joseph) Harmon had met with TUC and GPSU executives and has given Government’s commitment to regularise what has been a broken system for two or more decades,” Trotman said.

As a matter of fact, during that meeting with the GTUC and the GPSU, Harmon has pledged that Government will uphold the collective bargaining agreement.

“Our offices are open to you and we want to establish a relationship of respect and mutual understanding and I want to emphasise the Government’s approach and the Government’s ad-

herence to collective bargaining agreements,” Harmon reportedly told the Union representatives.

However, that promise has not been kept and the Government’s decision to arbitrarily announce the bonus is seen as a clear violation of the collective bargaining process; a process the APNU/AFC while in Opposition had vowed to uphold should it gain political power.

As a matter of fact, then Leader of the Opposition and now President David Granger at a the GTUC’s Labour Day Rally, 10 days before the May 11 General and Regional Elections, said that an APNU/AFC Government will never violate their rights nor the collective bargaining agreement which spells out the laws surrounding benefits, increases and the process governing the welfare of unionised workers.

“We guarantee you that we will stand behind unions so that unions can sit down with employers and restore collective bargaining… it is back to the bargaining table; that is what APNU/ AFC will give you. No more Frecks!” he told the exuberant crowd, which chanted, “No more five per cent.”

However, upon assumption of office in May 2015, the coalition Government continues to renege on many of its promises, including respecting collective bargaining.

The first act of disregard for the collective bargaining process was in August this year when the Government announced pay hikes for public servants without any consultation with the various trade unions representing Public Sector workers – a decision which drew widespread criticisms.

A

music teacher from Lot 31 Spring Garden, on the Essequibo Coast, was on Wednesday remanded until December 22 for allegedly raping an eightyear-old girl.

Rudolph Madray, originally from Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), made his first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

He was charged with rape of a child under the age of 16.

The particulars of the

case read that on November 10, at his Spring Garden Essequibo Coast residence, the defendant engaged in sexual penetration with a child (name withheld) eight years of age.

Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack objected to bail on the grounds of the prevalence of the offence, adding that the defendant lives in close proximity to the Virtual Complainant.

The court also heard that Madray is a music and

Hindi teacher at the Aurora and Affiance Mandirs. The Prosecutor informed the court that the Defendant would usually teach children seven years old and older.

Madray told the court that he is married and his wife and four children live at Good Hope, ECD, adding that he recently relocated to the Essequibo Coast to live.

Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned for statements to be filed and served.

E Division recovers several stolen motorcycles

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olice from the E Division ((Linden and Kwakani) have recovered a number of motorcycles, most believed to have been stolen, from areas across Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The motorcycles were recovered over a two-month period and, so far, three persons have been taken into custody.

They are assisting with investigations.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus confirmed that approximately seven motorcycles, including two CGs, were retrieved. The bikes are currently at the Mackenzie Police Station awaiting identification. Brutus said the motorcycles ranging from black to black and silver in colour were recovered from areas such as Wisroc, One Mile, Christiansburg, Half

E Division Commander Calvin Brutus

Mile and Block 22. Of the seven motorcycles, he noted, two were abandoned.

One of the motorcycles was allegedly abandoned by a man with the alias “Watercat” who recently fled to avoid

confrontation with Police at Wisroc. Additionally, Brutus stated that the motorcycles recovered were without licence plates or registration and could only be identified by engine and chassis numbers.

There have been reports of an alleged “motorcycle stealing ring” operating inside the Linden community. Just last month, the E Division Commander confirmed reports of at least three stolen motorcycles reported at Wismar. Reliable sources have told this newspaper that in some instances when motorcycles are stolen from Linden, they are taken to Omai “backdam” where they are utilised by perpetrators.

On November 11, a white Honda XR150L bearing licence plate number CH 5388 was stolen from a home situated at Tank Street, Wisroc.

It has not since been recovered.

8 NEWS

thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness Serial car thief unfit to stand trial – Dr Harry

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24-year-old patient of the National Psychiatric Hospital, who is currently before the court charged with carjacking, has been deemed unfit to stand trial by State Psychologist, Dr Bhiro Harry.

Raymond Samaroo of Lot 20 Owen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was previously slapped with the indictable charge, which stated that on October 28, at Station Street, Kitty, he stole one Toyota Allion val-

ued $3 million, the property of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Eon Pearson.

The accused was previously charged for three offences similar in nature.

In his previous appearances, the court heard that Samaroo was charged for stealing a 4-Runner vehicle in a similar manner, while the driver was purchasing a meal at a Chinese restaurant. It was while he was on bail for that charge that he stole a car while the owner was still seated in the driv-

er’s seat.

During the Preliminary Inquiry (PI), a psychiatric certificate was presented to the court, which stated that the defendant was mentally unstable and as such, he was not capable of standing trial. However, the Magistrate had remanded him and ordered that he be evaluated by Dr Harry to determine the future of the case.

On Wednesday, Dr Harry’s report to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts that Samaroo is incapable of standing trial and such, Defence Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat requested that the file be sent back to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice based on the PI report.

Samaroo was placed on $10,000 bail and has been admitted to the Psychiatric Clinic of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for treatment.

Sanitation worker before the court on felonious wounding charge

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sanitation worker attached to the Mayor and City Council was on Wednesday placed on bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with felonious wounding.

Joshua Joseph, 21, of Lot 68 Lane Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge, which stated that on December 3, at High Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC) Dexter Beckles with the intent to

maim, disable or disfigure, or cause him grievous bodily harm.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the VC and the defendant are coworkers. The Prosecutor related that on the day in questioned, the defendant and another workmate were involved in an argument when the VC intervened, saying “we ain’t got no time for this, we here for work” and attempted to part them. He reportedly turned his back to the accused and when he turned around, he saw the defendant armed with a cutlass. The defendant al-

legedly fired several chops at the VC, causing injuries to his right hand. He was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

When asked by the Magistrate what he had to say, Joseph alleged that he was going home when an argument ensued between him and a coworker. He related that the VC interjected and insulted him, calling him several derogatory names. He claimed that an argument ensued and the VC retrieved a cutlass and attacked him. He stated that he was overpowered by the VC but managed to disarm him, returning sever-

al hits with the broad side of the weapon. He further related that several men then armed themselves with cutlasses and other weapons and chased him all the way to the Brickdam Police Station where several officers hid him to prevent him from being ambushed. After listening to this explanation, the Magistrate entered a not guilty plea on the defendants’ behalf.

The Prosecutor made no objection to bail, which was granted in the sum of $20,000. The matter was transferred to Court 10 for January 15, 2016.

Miner slapped with murder charge

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miner from Waramadong, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), was on Wednesday charged with the murder of Brazilian

national Jose Oliveira Silva when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Michael Mellville of Waramadong, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between December 2 and December 5 at Arau, Wenamu River, he murdered Jose Oliveira Silva.

Silva was found at Arau with marks of violence about his body on December 5. It was reported that the Brazilian miner and

Mellville were involved in an altercation at a popular drinking spot at Arau prior to the murder.

The Police had launched an investigation and based on information received, Mellville was arrested at Kaikan, Region Seven. The man was remanded and the matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for March 21, 2016.

Karma Chameleon

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…in politics

here are some who’d use harsh words for those who can turn on a dime with their political brownnosing – words like “meretricious” and “obscene” and such like. But your Eyewitness won’t go down that road. He’d rather examine what exactly drives these kinds of people.

This thought was prompted by the story plastered across the just as meretricious Chronicle’s front page: “Shoes galore”. When yours truly saw one bald-headed fella in the pic – he did a double-take as the words “What the ****” popped into his head. It was like seeing Santa Claus in the Summer.

The caption on the pic confirmed the fella was “Ernie Ross”, our once (and seemingly future) Honorary Consul in TT. But (more to the point) the PPP’s campaign guru for any number of election campaigns, including the last one. Now even though the PPP’s GS did say the last campaign was run by a “committee”, we know these things aren’t done that way, don’t we?

Maybe there WAS a committee, but as sure as snakes are the most lowdown creatures on earth (they crawl on their bellies, don’t they?), Ross was there in the shadows as a “consultant”.

But with “Shoes Galore” – 30,000 pairs of them! – and their prurient procurer on the front page of the State’s rag – it makes you wonder who exactly was Ross working for? Surely, fellas don’t switch their loyalties just like that with a snap of the fingers. When Ross was pulling in the big dough from the PPP – the fella pocketed a cool US$4 million from the PPP over the years – he’d cussed out the PNC and APNU real down and dirty. But in the last go-around, he was very reticent. Those who run the PPP should look into this reason why they might’ve lost by a whisker.

But, as he said, your Eyewitness isn’t going to call Ernie Ross “meretricious” – just someone who puts out all he has to the man in the hot seat. He’s more of the “Karma Chameleon” Boy George crooned about: (PNC/AFC’s verse) Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma, chameleon, You come and go, you come and go.

Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dreams: Red, gold, and green, red, gold, and green (PNC colours – Red and green; AFC’s gold and green) (PPP’s lament) Didn’t you hear your wicked words ever’y day.

And you used to be so sweet.

I heard you say that my love was an addiction.

When we cling, our love is strong.

When you go, you’re gone forever.

You string along, you string along

…on sugar

Talk about “stringing along”, how else can you describe what the Govt’s doing to the sugar workers.

Screwed? Or worse! And we’re not even talking about the betrayal on the API payment that always (it used to be called “profit sharing” back in the day) used to allow sugar workers to have a “Merry Christmas”.

It’s a joke when they complain about “sugar workers” wages’ being 60 per cent of cost of production. Hey!!

When the white man was “exploiting us”, workers were getting 65 per cent!! But back to the jerking of the workers like a yo-yo. This time it has to do with the CoI which – let’s be real here – will decide whether sugar in Guyana “will come or go”.

The CoI presented its report back in Sept. Sugar workers are on tenterhooks. Six weeks later, there is a “retreat” to make a decision. And now another six weeks later, we hear there’s going to be another “retreat”.

We think sugar workers should beat a hasty retreat from these jokers. Your goose is cooked!

…on bandits

The Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP) – a party that contested the last elections – condemned the “execution” of the two bandits who exchanged gunfire with cops while committing a home invasion and robbery.

This Eyewitness just doesn’t know why Police didn’t throw down their weapons.

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

9 IT Specialist named 2015 Best Cop R news

thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

anks from the various policing divisions across the country were recipients of close to $17 million in cash and prizes, when the Guyana Police Force held its annual Award Ceremony on Wednesday.

Ranks from all seven Police divisions were awarded in the areas of crime fighting, anti-narcotics exercises, traffic control and services to the communities. However, two ranks outshone their colleagues at

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud along with Assistant Police Commissioners Balram Persaud and David Ramnarine with the recipients of the Guyana Police Force’s 2015 Awards

2015 Best Cop, Deputy Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus collecting his prizes from a representative of Roraima Airways

Taking the 2015 Best Cop prize was Information Technology (IT) Specialist, Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivpersaud Bacchus.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Tactical Service Unit Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud noted that through this ceremony, they sought to reward members of the Force and community, that have done works in the past year and are deserving of being awarded. “(This) is one of the events that allows for us to recognise publicly the work of our ranks and the contributions of the communities, in and out of Guyana, that assist us in delivering our services,” he stated.

The Commissioner noted that while there are several other incentive schemes within the Force, this particular one is of importance since it is usually around the Christmas holidays and is looked forward to by many Police Officers.

this year’s award ceremony.

Copping the runnerup Best Cop award was Detective Corporal Derwin Eastman, who was also named the Best Cop for A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara). He received $200,000 along with a plaque for the Best Cop Runner Up position, as well as $150,000 and another plaque for topping his Division.

Meanwhile, as the 2015 Best Cop, Deputy Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus was awarded $250,000 cash and a plaque. In addition, he received a round trip to New York, a trip for two at Arrowpoint Nature Resort and dinner for two at Duke Lodge, compliments of Roraima Airways.

Speaking with the media, Superintendent Bacchus stated that it was a tremendous fight to knock out hardcore crime fighters to win the top Police award once again. Last year, Inspector Jermaine Johnson also of

the IT Lab, took the Best Cop award.

Bacchus went on to emphasised the importance of using IT in criminal investigations, noting that a lot of crimes are being solved as a result of information technology.

“It’s a tremendous fight because in the past, we had the CID (Criminal Investigations Department) dominating this part of awards and now the IT changing the pattern. We

are looking to better our strategies in terms of crime fighting, and we are trying also to operate in accordance with the best practices that countries abroad are using,” he stated.

The 36-year-old father of two has been serving the Police Force for more than 15 years. He started off in the crime field before shifting to the IT department.

Meanwhile, the other Police Officers who were awarded for each division

and received $150,000 cash along with a plaque are Detective Constables Fraser, Burja and Braithwaite, along with Detective Corporal Pitama, Detective Lance Corporal Bruce and Detective Sergeant Winter.

Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarabo were among some of the ranks were also recognised for their individual work in solving high profile cases, such as murders and armed robberies, in which the perpetrators have

been arrested and charged.

Several groups of officers were also awarded for leading successful operations.

Additionally, monetary awards were given to the Force’s Best Male and Female Sports Personalities, as well as the Best Sportswoman and Sportsman. The President Gold Medal Award went to Inspector Laljit for his exceptional and comprehensive work in essay writing.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, december 17, 2015

News

GPL workers will be paid retroactive increases – CEO

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

W

orkers attached to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) will be pleased to know that regardless of when a decision is made as to salary increases for 2015, this payment will be retroactive January 1, 2015.

Chief Executive Officer (ag) of GPL, Colin Welch said that the power company is awaiting a response from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) as to its latest offer concerning increases in salaries and allowances for the workers.

Welch told Guyana Times on Wednesday that “whatever position the company has taken thus far, it will stick to it.”

He posited that while he cannot dictate the actions of the Union,

the power company has been “fairly” responsive to this matter since it was brought up for discussions and negotiations.

According to Welch, GPL has made its offer and it is now up to the GPSU to respond to that offer.

Meanwhile, in a press statement from the company on Tuesday, GPL stated that the salary negotiations between the duo are still ongoing.

It was stated that on November 12 via a letter, the utility company invited the Union to commence negotiations six days later (November 18), 2015.

Guyana Times understands that this was following advice received from the Finance Ministry on the applicability of the five per cent and the $5000 salary increase which had been earlier announced by the administration of the com-

Chief Executive Officer (ag) of GPL, Colin Welch

pany.

“At this meeting, GPL made an offer of a five per cent sala-

ry increase (inclusive of two per cent across-the-board and a three per cent in-scale increment) and $10,000 monthly ($120,000 for 2015) as one-off payment, both with effect from January 1, 2015. GPL also proposed an increase in the mileage allowance for use of personal vehicles from $135 to $150 per mile and an increase of $100 in meal allowance for overtime work.

These were also with effect from January 1, 2015,” the media release said.

According to GPL, the Union in response had requested a five per cent across-the-board increase; $200,000 ($16,660 per month) to be included in salaries for 2015; an increase in the meal allowance by $500; and a mileage allowance of $220 per month.

“On November 30, 2015, the

GPSU wrote to GPL, rejecting the company’s offer. In turn, the Union proposed a five per cent across-theboard increase and requested that the GPL’s offer of $120,000 for 2015 be added to the current annual salary, with effect from January 1, 2015. On December 8, 2015, GPL revised its offer, accepting the Union’s proposal for the five per cent increase,” the release further stated.

It was also mentioned that GPL also restated its offer of a $120,000 one-off payment, along with its initial offer of increases in meal and mileage allowances.

This publication also understands that currently, GPL is awaiting a ‘formal response’ from the Union to this revised offer. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Councillor calls for social protection office at Charity – social ills on the rise in the area

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eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor and social worker Beatrice Mittelholzer has called for the establishment of a social security office at Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), stating that social ills such as teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, domestic violence, and suicide are on the rise.

Mittelholzer was at the time speaking to fellow Councillors at the

last statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for 2015 at the conference centre of Lake Mainstay Resort.

The Councillor said that the one social and welfare office located at Anna Regina was not sufficient for the entire Region.

She is of the opinion that in an effort to tackle the social ills of society, there should be an office at Charity that would provide welfare services and counselling for those living in

surrounding communities.

She further explained that too often teenage pregnancy cases are reported to the department of Education and there was no response because it lacked the capacity to deal with the issues.

“I always visit communities about issues.

Nothing is ... being done; the last pregnancy I reported, nothing was done.

The teenager ended up at Suddie with an incomplete abortion. This has to

PPP/C Councillor and social worker Beatrice Mittelholzer

stop,” Mittelholzer told the Council.

Mittelholzer is calling on Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence to intervene in an effort to ensure that social issues are addressed.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, commenting on the issue, said complaints have been

brought to his office about the many social ills within the Region. He said he would agree with the Councillor that indeed a social protection office was needed at Charity.

The Chairman added that there was also need for more child protection officers in the Region.

Senior School Welfare Officer Hamandeo Hamraj, in an interview with Guyana Times, related that teenage pregnancy and an alarming number of school dropouts plague the riverine areas.

Commenting on the issue of nonresponsiveness from the Education Department on reports of teenage pregnancy, Hamraj said recently the Department’s School Welfare Unit, in collaboration with a team from the termination of early preg-

nancy board, including Dr Shamdeo Persaud, held several workshops in the Pomeroon River.

He said workshops were conducted at Wakapao, Mora Landing, Yarashirima and Wakapao Secondary and dormitory on teenage pregnancy. A total of 270 students and parents, including Toshaos and Councillors, benefited from the workshop, which dealt with causes and effects as well as termination of pregnancy.

The Welfare Officer noted that as it relates to school attendance, the Department of Education recognised that financial difficulties were a major problem affecting families.

The Department is looking for donor agencies to sponsor hot meals at each school in the Pomeroon to help address this issue.

thursday, december 17, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

UNDP launches Human Passenger shoots bus driver in back Development Report A U nder the theme “Work for Human Development”, the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) on Wednesday launched the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

With special focus on the theme for this year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the small audience of diplomats, Government officials and other stakeholders that the Administration was working on alleviating poverty by investing in ideas and projects that could provide meaningful employment for especially the youth.

He said not only did this year’s theme bring into sharp relief the benefits to be accrued to individuals from being employed but also examined other types of work not acknowledged in the traditional work sphere.

“These include care work, voluntary work and creative works such as writing or painting. These now need to be considered. It is the importance of capturing these non-traditional contributions which allows the human being to devel-

UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa

op and reach his or her full potential. It is this perspective that will act as a cornerstone of sustainable development and will rely on the individual having expanded choices and opportunities for paid work. Further, exercising these choices will create a better world for our people in their immediate tomorrows, as well as generations to come,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the report noted that the Human Development Index (HDI) in Latin America and the

Caribbean still had great disparities, which were yet to be addressed.

In 2014, Guyana continued to rank as a medium human development country with an HDI of 0.636 and a rank of 124 out of 188 countries and territories.

Jordan told the gathering that as Guyana moved forward to 2030 on the path of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaboration has to be intensified with regional and international partners to

build resilient and sustainable environments that promote growth and development at the community level. This, he said, will cater for the needs of citizens through broad-based participation, empowerment and social cohesion.

He said this year’s Report cited the need to formulate “an employment-led development strategy”.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa at the launch said the new global development report was an ardent call to tackle one of the world’s major challenges, that is providing enough decent work for all.

“Work provides the means to tackle poverty by being inclusive and protect our environment if jobs are green in a green economy.

The worth of work is changing more rapidly than ever before. The question is: What are the best policy responses to ensure that the human development benefits from that change?”

She said the UNDP was hoping that the report would generate dialogue and debate on the challenges identified, as previous reports have done.

minibus driver is now nursing a gunshot wound to the back after he was shot by a passenger on Tuesday evening in what appeared to be an attempted robbery. The injured driver was identified as 38-yearold Jermaine Brown of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

According to information received, the minibus was stopped by a man along the Railway Embankment at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. As the pas-

senger entered the vehicle, he reportedly whipped out a firearm while another man walked towards the driver.

Upon seeing this, Brown accelerated in an attempt to drive away but the gunman discharged a round, hitting him to the back.

At the time of the shooting incident, several passengers were in the minibus. The driver was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient.

Men on bail for marijuana possession

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wo men were on Wednesday released on $10,000 bail each

by Magistrate Alex Moore when they appeared before him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of narcotics possession.

Quincy Hicks, of Lot 153 James and Cooper Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, denied the charge which

read that on December 12 at Georgetown, he was found in possession of 5.14 grams of cannabis. Also, Sasenarine Roopnarine denied the allegation which stated that on December 12, he too was found in possession of 1.4 grams of cannabis.

The men will both return to court on December 23.

12 news Inspectorate Unit New Jamaican High Commissioner accredited reintroduced – to scrutinise governmental A infrastructure projects W thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

ith Cabinet’s a p p r o v a l , Government has moved to re-establish an Inspectorate Unit within the Public Infrastructure Ministry to review all governmental infrastructural projects to ensure each venture is executed in accordance with the stipulated requirements.

This is according to Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, who was at the time updating media operatives at the postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Trotman disclosed that the Unit would be mandated to inspect all governmental infrastructural projects with a view of ensuring there was full compliance with the specifications and requirements of the contract, and to ensure the contractors and consultants did not produce substandard work.

“It was noted that there were some failed projects while others were shoddy and substandard work… and with problems related to time and cost,” Trotman stated as he explained the

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman

need for the reestablishment of this Unit.

Pointing out as an example the situation surrounding the Kato Secondary School in Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni), Trotman explained that the cost has so far amounted to $1 billion when the initial cost was set at $780 million. Trotman highlighted too that the final cost would eventually exceed $1 billion, since there was still more work that needed to be undertaken to complete the institution.

The Minister explained that the Inspectorate Unit would also be tasked with

reviewing the Bills of Quantity of the projects and all the specifications and quality control information placed in the tender documents of the contractor.

Additionally, the Unit will carry regular inspections of the projects during and after construction to ensure that the people of Guyana receive value for their money.

Moreover, the Unit will also be ensuring that all health, safety and environmental checks are observed during the construction of the projects.

The Unit will be established within the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s compound, and will be staffed with qualified engineers and quality surveyors.

Trotman did not offer details on how Government would go about sourcing the requisite employees for this Unit.

However, he noted that the process would take some time.

“It will take some time to get the Unit up to its full strength, but this is the direction we are heading [in],” he posited.

new non-resident High Commissioner of Jamaica to Guyana was accredited by President David Granger on Wednesday at a simple ceremony held in the Credentials Room of the Ministry of the Presidency.

High Commissioner David Prendergast had previously served as Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.

In brief remarks after presenting his Letters of Credence to President Granger, the new High Commissioner said that Guyana and Jamaica have shared a special bond of friendship over the 46 years that the two countries have had diplomatic ties. The two countries have worked together at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and have collaborated as members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), he said.

“I wish to reiterate Jamaica’s steadfast commitment to working with the Government of Guyana in deepening the ties that bind us. Jamaica stands ready to strengthen our bilateral and regional cooperation by continuing to explore issues of common interest that will redound to the benefit of all our peoples,” Prendergast told to President Granger.

Similar sentiments were expressed by President Granger, who assured the new High Commissioner of

President David Granger congratulating new High Commissioner of Jamaica to Guyana David Prendergast.

Also in picture is Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

the Government’s full support during his tour of duty.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported, he said that both Guyana and Jamaica have recognised the value of regional integration in overcoming some of the disadvantages and limitations that small states face in the pursuit of national development.

“Our two countries, along with other like-minded states, actively pursue the vision of a unified and prosperous Caribbean region through the establishment of the Caribbean Community.

Guyana remains steadfast

in our belief that the path to greater prosperity of the Caribbean lies in closer integration within the region,” the President said.

He added that the common values to which Guyanese and Jamaicans adhere are those of democracy, respect for fundamental human rights, sustainable development and the preservation of territorial integrity.

Guyana and Jamaica first established diplomatic relations in 1969, three years after Guyana gained its independence from Britain.

Labourer fined for Breaking narcotics possession and

A

labourer was on Wednesday fined $25,000 by Magistrate Alex Moore when he appeared before him charged with possession of a narcotic substance.

Twenty-two-year-old Dennis Edwards, of Lot 231 North East La Penitence, Georgetown, accepted the

charge which stated that on December 12 at Georgetown, he was found to be in possession of 5.14 grams of cannabis. He told the court that he had the illicit substance in his possession for personal consumption.

Failure to pay the fine will result in a six-week prison sentence for Edwards.

entering accused remanded

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wo men were on Wednesday remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for breaking and entering and larceny.

Dwayne Hawker, 32, of Lot 213 Third Street, Alexander Village and Dwayne Charles, 40, of Lot 99 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, both denied the charge which stated that between July 7 and July 8 at Georgetown, they broke and entered Corner Kick Sports Bar and stole three television sets, a cash canister and $360,000, a total value of $1,365,000, property of Curtis Wallace.

According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the two were seen on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage committing the act and were arrested. Upon their arrest, they reportedly admitted to the offence, the Prosecutor said. The case will continue on January 21.

news

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thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anti-Money Laundering Bill

Business community decries lack of consultations T he local business community has taken the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government to task over the lack of consultations on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill (AML/ CFT) and the new AntiTerrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill to be tabled during today’s sitting of the National Assembly.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams is expected to table the two Bills.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will move a motion to suspend the Standing Orders to facilitate all three stages (first, second and third readings) of the AML/CFT amendments and the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill in the House.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it was surprised and concerned to learn from the media that these two pieces of legislation were about to be tabled and read in Parliament with “no appar-

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

ent consultation with the business community”.

“There is growing concern regarding consultation and we would hope that this latest example will be the last piece of legislation done in this manner. Vital pieces of legislation should and must be brought to the attention of affected stakeholders from civil society and the Private Sector so that Article 13 of the Constitution is implemented,” the PSC statement said.

It added that the Commission was as con-

cerned as the Government that the country should be compliant with international requirements but was equally concerned that all law-abiding stakeholders should be protected.

On Tuesday, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) also lambasted the Government over its plans to rush the two Bills, along with the Municipal and District Councils and Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, through the National Assembly which it described as a “flagrant violation of parliamentary democracy”.

The PPP/C questioned the Government’s haste to pass the AML/CFT amendments without affording Members of Parliament, members of the public or civil society adequate time to scrutinise the proposed amendments.

“One has to ask why the rush on this new AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill when the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs has denied that Guyana is not compliant with FATF [the international Financial Action Task Force]? Why isn’t there

PSC Chairman, retired Major General Norman McLean

the same urgency to set up the AML/CFT Authority and the [Financial Intelligence Unit] FIU as provided for in the Government’s AML/CFT Amendment Act 2015?” the Opposition asked.

The Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill is an entirely new 98page legislation, which the PPP/C said it has never seen before.

“Due to the nature of the Bill, developments in other countries on terrorism and concerns with human rights here in Guyana,

Govt approves stalled shipment of scrap metal – trade still suspended

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lthough the scrap metal trade remains suspended to facilitate a forensic audit into its operations, Government has allowed the shipment of some 42 containers of scrap metal, which were stranded on the wharf following the halting of the trade.

This is according to Governance Minister Raphael Trotman during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Trotman disclosed that Cabinet approved of the release of the 42 containers for shipment out of Guyana.

However, this does not mean that the scrap metal

trade has resumed.

The Minister explained that the implications of a resumption of the trade would be examined by a special team which was yet to be established by Cabinet.

The resumption of the scrap metal trade is most

critical to the livelihood of many Guyanese. The suspension of the trade had left scrap metal dealers around Guyana at a standstill and in search of other sources of income for survival.

Junior Communities Minister Keith Scott had

told this newspaper that the trade would only commence once the audit report was completed.

“Scrap metal trade in Guyana will not resume until I have a copy of the auditor’s report on my desk,” he said.

He said at that point he would convene a meeting and come up with a way forward for the Scrap Metal Unit. The Minister stated that if someone was found to be not guilty of illegal trading, they would be allowed to resume their operations, while the culpable parties would be dealt with accordingly.

this Bill should be properly and publicly scrutinised in a Parliamentary Special Select Committee,” the PPP/C said.

The much-contested Anti-Money Laundering Bill, which had been heavily scrutinised since it was passed in June this year, had been under discussion since 2012.

A PPP/C version of it was tabled in 2013, but to no avail as the then Opposition, APNU and the AFC, used their one-seat majority at that time to prevent its passage in Parliament.

The argument back then was that APNU and the AFC wanted more ‘expansive’ legislation and ‘deeper safeguards’.

As a result of this move, Guyana became blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the FATF. In October, Attorney General Williams said that Guyana had managed to fully implement five of the eight recommendations made by the FATF in rela-

tion to AML/CFT. The other three recommendations have been partially implemented, he had said.

Guyana Times was told that the five recommendations which have been implemented are criminalising money laundering and financing of terrorism; confiscation and provisional measures; financial institutions’ secrecy laws; reporting of suspicious transactions and the provision for the FIU. However, FATF, in a statement, said that more work remained to be done and urged Guyana to continue to implement its action plan, including ensuring and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets; ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU; establishing effective measures for customer due diligence and enhancing financial transparency; and implementing an adequate supervisory framework.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, december 17, 2015

News

Top Cop upbeat about ‘Operation Dragnet’

Region 2 teachers graduate from Education Management Certificate Course

– says exciting year ahead

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

P

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

olice Commissioner Seelall Persaud has stated that the joint ‘Operation Dragnet’ between the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force is on par with expectations.

About two weeks ago, the Joint Services announced the implementation of Operation Dragnet throughout Guyana with the aim of enhancing the country’s national security.

Speaking at the Force’s Annual Award Ceremony on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud lauded the successes that the operation has seen after only two weeks.

“We have seen the deployment for Dragnet achieving a lot of things. We have seen timely and appropriate responses to crime employers, some of them making the headlines in the news and others recorded but didn’t make the news,” the Commissioner stated.

Persaud disclosed that under Operation Dragnet, thus far some 40 persons have been arrested and charged with serious crimes including murders and those wanted for murders.

Additionally, a total of 12 firearms and 132 rounds of live ammunition were also seized along with 88 kilograms of cannabis.

Operation Dragnet will run until June 1, 2016, just after Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary.

During this period, there will be increased movement of Joint Services personnel and the conduct of intensified security operations, both by individual services and jointly.

While the Top Cop continues to boast about the successes of the operation and the fact that it has resulted in an overall reduction in serious crimes, it does not eliminate the fact that there has been an increase in all the serious crime areas.

On Monday, the Police Force issued its monthly statistics in which it was reported that at the end of November 2015, there was a nine per cent increase in serious crimes compared to the same period in 2014; but following the launch of ‘Operation Dragnet’ on December 1, along with intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public, this figure was reduced to seven per cent by December 11.

However, murders at the end of November 2015 tallied up to 133, representing a two per cent increase over the same period last year, while there was an overall increase of four per cent as it relates to robbery under arms.

The statistics revealed an increase of six per cent in robberies involving the use of firearms and are almost the same with regards to robberies where instruments oth-

er than firearms were used.

Additionally, there was an overall increase in reports of break and enter and larceny, and burglary by 11 per cent.

On the other hand, Commissioner Persaud gave an overall briefing of the highlights and achievements the Police Force would have gained throughout 2015.

He spoke of the Five-Point Strategy, which was crafted

by President David Granger in August during an apparent crime wave.

This project, Persaud said, resulted in more manpower at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) along with detective and crime intelligence training, as well as the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

Additionally, the FivePoint Strategy saw increased deployments of ranks to F Division (Interior locations) with Lethem now having a Mounted Unit with four horses as smuggling activities increases in the area.

He further noted that there is much more to look forward to in the coming year that will enhance policing in Guyana.

“We are very enthusiastic about next year. We will be focusing on enhancing operations and a lot of this will be technological support; back-end support to operations, to our patrol men and to our detectives coming from analyst using technology. We will also be training and deploying 1200 additional recruits; we will likely see the implementation of the Smart City Programme, that is, the expansion of the Street Camera Programme and bring the three emergency services (Police, Fire Service and Ambulance Service) under one roof for operational purposes,” the Top Cop revealed.

Furthermore, Persaud outlined that the Force will continue with its Social Crime Prevention initiative, engaging simultaneously the various Community Policing Groups (CPGs) on both prevention and enforcement activities in their respective communities.

E

ighteen teachers from various secondary schools in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are now better equipped with the necessary managerial and leadership skills to effectively help in the development process of their schools now that they would have attained a certificate in Education Management.

The teachers successfully graduated at a simple ceremony held on Wednesday at the Anna Regina Multilateral School Auditorium.

Topping the course were Nadia Pearce from Abram Zuil Secondary School and Tonzalita Smith from 8th of May Secondary – they both took top honours for their outstanding performances.

The course gave teachers an extra eight-point accreditation for senior promotions such as Head Teacher or Head of Department.

Giving an overview of the programme, the Master Trainer Madhya Persaud said training for the course was made possible through the Education Ministry and the National Centre for Educational Research

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tween December 6 and December 13 at Johanna Cecelia, Essequibo Coast, the two broke and entered the storage bond of businessman Ganesh Jaigobin and stole one complete tyre rim valued $45,000 and five buckets of sheet rock compound valued $75,000, a total value of $120,000.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Attorney-at-Law Latchmin

Dindyal, who represented the men, said his clients were brothers and fishermen by profession. In a bail application, he told the court that both men have a permanent place of abode and once granted bail, they would attend court on the required dates.

Bail was, however, objected to by Police Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack on the grounds

ly deliver education to students.

He further explained that the programme was the brain child of the Commonwealth of Learning and was first conduced in Africa. The modules are specially customised to suit the needs and locality. Persaud said in 2000, the course was done as a piloted project in Region Two and 32 head teachers successful completed with high scores.

“It was a pilot course

Trainer Madyha Persaud presenting Teacher Netram Doobay with his certificate

Development (NCERD). He said it was recognised during a recent survey that schools were not performing to expectation and the main reason was due to poor leadership. Persaud reiterated that having recognised that fact, the programme was introduced in 2000 mainly to assist teachers to effective-

Zorg duo granted bail for breaking and entering wenty-year-old Alvin Harry and 18-yearold Suraj Harry from Zorg Market Dam, Essequibo Coast, were on Wednesday granted $60,000 bail each on a break and enter and larceny charge.

The two made their first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that be-

Two best graduating teachers for the course – Nadia Pearce and Tonzalita Smith

that the men lived in close proximity to where the offence was committed. The court heard that the stolen items were recovered.

Bail was nonetheless granted by Magistrate Scarce on condition that the defendants report to the Suddie Police Station every Saturday and Wednesday at 09:00h. The case will continue on January 14.

in 2000, because 32 teachers were successful, the Ministry of Education took the course across the 10 administrative regions, so that all teachers can be better empowered,” the Master Trainer said.

In an effort for teachers to attain a certificate in the course, they are required to sit an examination, pursue choruswork and execute practicals and projects within a 18-month period. Phase one of the course is designed for trainee teachers who are required to study one to four modules then sit a semi-examination, while in phase two, teachers study five to eight modules and sit the final examination. If they are unsuccessful at the first sitting, they can re-sit, Persaud said.

School leadership

Persaud asserted that once teachers having at-

tained such certification, they will be able to improve their schools as well as be better leaders. He called upon the teachers to contribute positively towards the education system.

“You must be accountable. Accountability is taking the responsibility of providing a condition and learning experience for the promotion of student development, you will now be able to effectively contribute positively to society”.

Meanwhile, delivering the feature address at the simple graduation ceremony was Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt. He said education is the most powerful weapon one can acquire, underscoring that teachers are very powerful. He said under his stewardship as Chairman for the region, he will continue to advocate for the increase of salary for teachers as well as better working conditions. He called upon the teachers to remain innovative, particularly in the highly technological world.

“You are put to serve, build on your qualifications, have patience, keep in mind young people are assets to be developed, not problems to be solved, be teachers with empathy,” Ramdatt stressed.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Two Rupert Hopkinson congratulated the teachers for achieving yet another certification in their life. He said that they should see themselves as educators for future development.

The teachers were also charged to be patience, good leaders, leading by example; to be less confrontational and to respect for each other and demonstrate the skills they acquired from the course.

Attending the graduation ceremony were Regional Education Officer,(ag) Baramadai Seepersaud; DEO Primary Deodat Singh and PPP/C RDC Councillor Arnold Adams.

thursday, december 17, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Mass prisoner swap under way in Yemen South Sudan: 15,000

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mass prisoner exchange is under way between Houthi fighters and Government forces in Yemen amid United Nations-sponsored talks to end the fighting in the Arabian Peninsula country.

Expectations for a deal at the peace talks in Switzerland are low as both sides seem to be failing to honour a week-long ceasefire.

There were reports on Wednesday of heavy fighting between pro-Government forces and Houthis around the city of Taiz in central Yemen.

The swap was taking place a day after the truce came into force to halt fighting in nine months of civil war between the Iran-allied Houthis, based in Yemen’s north, and Arab coalitionbacked fighters loyal to President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi.

Khaled al-Yamani, Yemeni Ambassador to the UN, told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Government forces would respect the ceasefire even in case of violations from the Houthi side.

children recruited to fight

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A tenuous ceasefire is holding in Yemen despite alleged violations by both sides [Abdulnasser Alseddik/AP]

“We think that this is the only option for us to go down the path of peace and achieve peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen,” he said.

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, report-

ing from the Swiss city of Biel, said the prisoner swap was “undoubtedly a positive development” in the civil war, which has killed almost 6000 people and led to a humanitarian disaster.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ights advocates have called on South Sudan’s Government and rebel leaders to punish commanders accused of recruiting thousands of child soldiers to fight in the country’s two-year civil war.

In a report released on Tuesday, Human Rights Watch named more than 15 military commanders from both the Government’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the rebel force – the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLAIO) – who have allegedly forced children to join their ranks.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates 15,000 to 16,000 children may have been used by armed forces and groups in

the conflict.

New York-based Human Rights Watch interviewed 101 child soldiers, many of whom told terrifying accounts of being taken away from their families at gunpoint, thrown into gun battles while living months with little food.

Unity State has been the focus of fighting since May with many witnesses recounting horrific tales of men wearing military fatigues sweeping through villages, killing people, destroying homes, looting livestock, and stealing crops.

Nyalony Jor said she and her one-year-old baby managed to escape by fleeing into the Sudd swamps when Government troops attacked her village in Leer county.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Chinese President Xi Jinping Air India worker “sucked into calls for “cyber sovereignty” aircraft engine”

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hina’s President Xi Jinping has called on countries to respect one another’s “cyber sovereignty” and different Internet governance models.

Xi said countries had the right to choose how to develop and regulate their Internet.

He was speaking at the

Beijing-sponsored World Internet Conference held in Zhejiang province.

China has been criticised for its strict Internet regulations where it blocks major sites and censors posts.

The BBC’s John Sudworth, who is at the conference, says the keynote speech by

Nicaragua must compensate Costa Rica for territory violations – UN court

President Xi is a clear sign that Internet security and control have been elevated to national priorities.

His message is that China, with 650 million Internet users, should have a say in drawing up the global rules and that they should include the right to decide what to censor and block, our correspondent adds.

The non-governmental organisation Reporters Without Borders has been urging foreign companies and Governments to stay away from the conference because their attendance, it says, makes them complicit in a censorship regime in which almost 40 journalists are currently in prison for work posted online. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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n Air India technician has died after he was sucked into an aircraft engine at Mumbai airport, the airline says.

The accident happened as the jet of Flight AI 619 from Mumbai to Hyderabad was being pushed back for departure.

Air India Chairman Ashwani Lohani described the accident as a “mishap”, but it is not yet clear what happened.

“We are deeply saddened and regret the tragic incident,” Lohani said. He added that the incident was being investigated.

The Times of India, quoting Air India sources, reported that the accident occurred

The accident happened as the jet was preparing for departure

when the co-pilot started the engine at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport. The victim was standing nearby.

“At the moment, we are absolutely clueless on how this person was near the aircraft. Only an inquiry

can establish whose negligence it was and whether the engine should have been switched on at that time,” an airline official told the Hindustan Times.

Lohani expressed his condolences to the family.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Japan top court upholds law on married couples’ surnames

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The ruling is the latest stage in a long-running legal battle between the two countries

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icaragua violated Costa Rica’s sovereign territory by establishing a military presence in parts of a disputed waterway, and must compensate its neighbour, the United Nations’ highest court said on Wednesday.

The ruling is the latest stage in a long-running legal battle between the two countries, which have regularly exchanged mutual accusations of violating each other’s territory in the wetlands at the mouth of the San Juan River.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) found for Nicaragua in its countersuit, saying Costa Rica broke the law by not assessing the environmental impact of dredging it under-

took in the San Juan River.

But only Nicaragua’s violation merited compensation, it said.

The dispute over the border line between the two Central American nations has been running since an 1858 treaty that attempted to demarcate their territory after their independence from Spain and Mexico.

The ICJ made its latest ruling on the demarcation line in 2011, but the countries returned seeking further clarification after Nicaragua sent soldiers to the waterway.

They were sent in response to Costa Rica’s decision to deploy Police to guard workers dredging the San Juan River in order to build a road alongside it.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

he Japanese Supreme Court has upheld a law that married couples must have the same surname, in a blow to women’s rights activists.

Campaigners have said the law was discriminatory as most couples end up using the husband’s surname.

However, the court said the law did not violate the

Constitution, public broadcaster NHK reported.

It did, however, deem a separate law that stops women remarrying within six months of a divorce unconstitutional.

Both sets of laws date back to Japan’s 19th Century Meiji era.

Judge Itsuro Terada noted that among the Japanese

there was already informal use of maiden names, which eased the impact of the surname law.

He said parliamentarians should decide on whether to pass new legislation on separate spousal names.

The Japan Times cited studies in the past 40 years which show that more than 96 per cent of Japanese couples opt for the husband’s surname.

The surname case was brought by three individual women and one couple in a civil partnership, who argued that the law was unconstitutional, discriminatory and archaic.

Two lower courts have already ruled against them and public opinion on the questions was split. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Chinese, Cubans held in Bahamas waters; Minister concerned about illegal migration

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mmigration Minister Fred Mitchell said The Bahamas was facing a serious problem with illegal migration, and told Parliament on Monday about a case of 15 Chinese nationals being arrested just last week and more than two dozen Cubans arriving Sunday evening.

The Chinese were held in Bimini on Wednesday, along with three Bahamian men, on a vessel that law enforcement authorities say was

Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell

heading to Florida.

Mitchell said the men were taken to Nassau where the Bahamians were charged with assisting in illegal departure. The Chinese were transported on Monday to Cuba for onward travel to their homeland.

In the other case, 30 Cuban men were picked up off Cay Sal. The Immigration Minister said he highlighted those cases “to demonstrate to this

country the seriousness of the problem that we face with regard to illegal migration”.

“It is a relentless fight,” he said.

Mitchell also used the opportunity to debunk to media reports which sought to link a call by a prominent Queen’s Counsel and member of the ruling Progressive Liberal Party for flogging to be introduced as a punishment for illegal immigrations, to Government. (Excerpt from Caribbean360. com)

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thursday, december 17, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Salvation Army distributes Gafoor Foundation hampers to elderly donates $2M to charities

First Lady Sandra Granger distributing a hamper to an elderly woman at the distribution programme on Wednesday

I

n a festive atmosphere, the Salvation Army on Wednesday brought joy and happiness to senior citizens in Guyana as it hosted its Annual Christmas hamper distribution programme for the needy at its Alexander Street, Georgetown office.

This event saw close to 500 hampers being distributed to elderly persons.

The much anticipated morning programme was

flavoured with the joyful singing of Christmas carols by all present and a dancing competition by some of the senior citizens.

Special guests at the event were First Lady Sandra Granger and Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence. In her feature address, Minister Lawrence congratulated the Salvation Army for its continued ministry and mission.

“You have touched so

many lives… you have brought solace and comfort to many a sad hearts, you have cared for the sick and the feeble, offered shelter to the homeless and today you bring a smile and gladden the hearts of our many elderly. Despite the challenges, you have been resilient and you continue as an organisation to play a meaningful role in the lives of the vulnerable in our society,” she directed to the Salvation Army.

Divisional Director of the Salvation Army, Major Carolinda Cumberbatch explained that hampers will also be distributed in other areas across Guyana including Mahaicony, Linden, Vergenoegen, as well as New Amsterdam.

She added that the hamper distribution programme is not only done in Guyana but also in other Caribbean countries. She appealed to the public to give generously when they see the kettles on the streets as the Salvation Army still needs funds.

Those desirous of making large donations can visit the Salvation Army’s office.

National drawing competition winners awarded

Administrator of the Gafoor Foundation, Ameena Gafoor presents Jessica Hatfield of the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre with the donation

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ust days after hosting over 3000 children and elderly people at its annual Christmas festivities, the Gafoors Foundation on Tuesday donated a total of $2 million to various charitable organisations.

At a simple handing over ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, organisations inclusive of Help and Shelter, the Dharm Shala, the Deaf Association of Guyana, the Convalescent Home, the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre, the Joshua Children’s Home and the Guyana Association of the Visually Impaired received

the donation.

Administrator of the Gafoor Foundation, Ameena Gafoor stated that the organisation would donate to charities on a regular basis in keeping with the company’s philosophy.

“The Gafoor Foundation recognises and supports the work of the tireless individuals who work, through [Non-Governmental Organisation] NGOs and other various organisations to make the Guyanese society a better place.”

She added that there were many issues that needed attention to make Guyana

a better place, including illiteracy among youths, physically challenged children, persons who need medical attention, and psychologically challenged persons.

“We try to put in our two cents’ worth and support as many worthy efforts as we can. Christmas is a time of giving, but we must remember to sustain the momentum all year through,” she related.

Gafoors, throughout the years, has contributed greatly to charities and has been undertaking several ventures to give back to the less fortunate.

One Mile Primary to get additional classrooms

The awardees, along with the Managing Director of Republic Bank, Richard Sammy; Chairman of Castellani House Alim Hosein (right); the judges and the winners of the competition

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he National Art Gallery, Castellani House, in collaboration with Republic Bank Limited on Tuesday hosted an award ceremony for the winners of the 10th National Biennial Drawing competition.

The competition received tremendous response from a number of local artists, who entered the competition. All pieces submitted were prepared with chalk, coloured pencils and chalk pastels.

First place in the competition was awarded to Walter Gobind for his piece ‘Selfie on the Beach’, while 2nd place went to Kwesi Archer for his piece ‘The Yellow Girl’ and the 3rd place was copped

by Josefa Tamayo for her piece entitled ‘Cannon Ball Flowers’. Honourable mention was given to Anna Correia for ‘Pottery and Carpets’ and Courtney Douglas for ‘Reminiscence’.

Managing Director of Republic Bank Richard

Sammy expressed his delight to be able to partner with the National Art Gallery to be a part of the richness of Guyana’s local art talent.

He said that the Bank also had the pleasure of recognising and rewarding the outstanding submissions of the past years’ competition and is delighted to do so again this year.

He further applauded each contestant in this year’s competition for sharing their skill and creativity and for their courage and commitment in presenting their pieces for analysis and the judges’ nod, for their inspired submissions which uphold the legacy of the vibrancy of the Republic Bank National Drawing Competition.

On behalf of the Minister within the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, James Rose, in his feature address stated that the Department of Culture is very pleased to be associated

with the National Drawing competition.

“We support the aim of the drawing competition which provides very conspicuous public recognition for the creative work of Guyanese,” Rose said, adding that as the Ministry looks to the future, there will be structural changes to the competition. He noted that in the future, the first place winner will not only be awarded a gold medal but will also get the opportunity to become artist and residence at the Castellani House.

The residency will last for a period of three to six months and a monthly stipend will be awarded. The winner will also be provided with a space to work and students and visitors will be able to interact with that person.

This competition has withstood the test of time and is a fine example of public-private partnership focused on human development.

A section of the newly-constructed One Mile Primary School

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lans are in place to construct additional classrooms at the recently-completed One Mile Primary School, located in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will make the necessary arrangements for the addition to be part of its expenditure.

“It was mentioned a long time ago that plans were in place to build additional classrooms at the One Mile Primary ... After they would have checked, they would have realised that they built the school with less classrooms...but plans are now being put in place to rectify that,” he said.

The concerned ParentTeachers Association (PTA) of the school had recently advocated for more classrooms since the former school contained 28 in comparison to 23 in the present structure. It was noted there was a significant increase in the number of students when compared to the former school which had just over 800 pupils.

It was also highlighted by Councillors of the RDC that as a result of the issue, the school’s auditorium was being utilised as makeshift classrooms.

Additionally Councillor Gordon Calendar noted at the December statutory meeting of the RDC that although the new school has a computer laboratory, it was not equipped

with any computers.

Speaking on the issue, Regional Chairman Renis Morian stated that computers were capital items and the issue would be looked at.

The Rebuild Our Future Committee, which sought to rebuild the burnt-out school through self-help had made promises to focus on modern amenities to enhance the school such as computers, after the idea of rebuilding by self-help was abandoned.

However, to date, there have been no signs of any attempt by the Committee to do so, even as the school remains without computers.

The old school structure was reduced to ashes by suspected arsonists during the Linden unrest back in 2012.

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thursday, december 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Amaila Falls project

Ed Ahmad land lease

PPP, Govt disagree Review to be completed by May 2016 on cancellation

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onflicting reports are emanating from Government Ministers regarding the status of the disputed land which was leased to Edul Ahmad in 2008.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman disclosed during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, that the lease agreement was terminated since the beginning of this month and that the land was automatically returned and is under the responsibility of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

These revelations significantly contradict statements from State Minister Joseph Harmon who, just a week ago, disclosed that

Edul Ahmad

Government will be taking steps to revoke the lease agreement between Ahmad and the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, under former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s stewardship; and also to repossess the land.

“The Government has taken steps to have the lease terminated and have the lease brought back into Government’s use,” Harmon stated.

Having criticised the previous Administration of fasttracking the lease agreement in 2008, the new Government appears to be guilty of similar practices – having terminated the agreement and al-

An artist's impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

The disputed plot of land located at Thomas and Vlissengen Roads

lowing the GPSU to regain responsibility in a matter of only seven days.

Adding to the controversy are statements from the PPP/C, whose members are claiming that the lease agreement was terminated and the land relinquished to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission since 2009. In a nutshell, the PPP/C is contending that the State Minister, in his haste to “prove corruption” against the previous Administration, blatantly mislead the public about the land deal and deliberately lied when he claimed that the land was only now being repossessed.

In fact, during a recent press conference hosted by the Party, Chief Whip Gail Teixeira posited that Harmon “jumped the gun and got egg on his face.”

According to her, the Minister “jumped the gun because he was so anxious to show the wicked Jagdeo and the wicked, corrupt PPP that he jumped so fast and so high that he got egg on his face.

Now he doesn’t know how to get the egg off his face and he’s saying to Jagdeo, you bring the evidence.”

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall explained that the reason the project did not materialise was because there was a “misdescription” of the property.

“The investors wanted an area of land not less than five acres… the investor relinquished his interest

with the project and handed back the lease and did what was necessary to give back the land to the State. He did not proceed with the project,” Nandlall disclosed, noting that the land was subsequently relinquished to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

Reports carried in the other daily newspapers also reported that the land was leased for a short period in 2008 and was relinquished to the GLCS one year later.

Meanwhile, in 2008, Government and the GPSU were in battle for ownership of the land, located on Thomas and Vlissengen Roads. The matter eventually landed in court. Guyana Times understands that the court matter is still ongoing.

Both the GPSU and the Government claimed to have rightful documentation to prove their respective ownership of the property.

Government said it owns the land under Transport #1510 of 1974. The Administration explained that the land was leased for a brief period in 2008 (to Ed Ahmad) and was subsequently relinquished to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) in 2009.

On the other hand, the GPSU contends that the Union has occupied the land for decades and had presented documents to show that it has been paying rates and taxes dating as far back as the 1970’s.

T

he fate of the multimillion-dollar Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is likely to become known in the second quarter of 2016. Government has succeeded in procuring another review of the Amaila Project which is expected to be completed by May 2016.

The review will be done by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and is slated to commence in January 2016. This is according to Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman who was at the time speaking to journalists at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Trotman disclosed that a Guyana Government delegation, consisting of himself and Finance Minister Winston Jordan, met with IDB representatives and officials of the Norwegian Government to discuss matters surrounding Guyana’s position on the Amaila Falls project.

During the meeting, Trotman said Government maintained that it cannot support and proceed with the project under its current conceptualisation and therefore requested a fresh review of Amaila Falls’ viability.

This was granted, Trotman said.

Further, the Minister disclosed that the parties agreed that if it was decided that the Guyana Government will not proceed with the Amaila Falls Project, consideration will be given for alternative usage of the US$80 million, which is currently being held by the IDB. In addition to reviewing Amaila Falls, the IDB will be assessing the development of four other hydro sites including Kamira, Kumu, Tumatumari and Tiger Hill.

Trotman explained that Government has been receiving proposals for development of other renewable energy sites, including

hydro, solar and wind power.

With respect to the already constructed road to Amaila, Trotman said the subject continues to be a matter under discussion and consideration at Cabinet and that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson was asked to present a proposal that would inform Cabinet’s decision on the way forward.

“The road was built, of course, towards the Amaila Falls and is unofficially being used by illegal loggers… we can’t afford to see an almost $50 million road not being used,” Trotman stated.

The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is the flagship of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. The project was expected to deliver electricity to Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and its second largest town, Linden, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Amerindian Hostel residents treated to Christmas luncheon

Inquiry into co-op societies being conducted

T

he Department of Labour of the Social Protection Ministry is currently conducting a countrywide inquiry into the country’s cooperative societies to determine their state.

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Simona Broomes told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that when the Administration took office in May, it did not find any document indicating which co-op societies were functioning and those that were not.

“There is nothing at all that can say which are the co-ops that are functioning, which are not functioning…

So far, we have one co-op that was difficult and we had some

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Simona Broomes

challenges from that, quiry going functioning

with, but apart we have the inon to see what is and what is not,”

Minister Broomes explained.

She noted that the Ministry would also be ascertaining the assets of the coops, after which Government would enforce its policies.

Further, the Minister pointed out that the co-ops department of the Ministry will be completely overhauled.

The intention is to create an enabling environment so that co-ops can function effectively and adhere to the laws.

Cooperative societies are self-generated, voluntary and self-sufficient, democratically controlled by their members. In Guyana, co-ops are governed by the Co-operative Societies Act, and are supported by the respective regulations and policies.

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valerie Garrido-Lowe with the residents of the Amerindian hostel

I

n keeping with the season of giving and sharing, the residents of the Amerindian hostel were on Wednesday served with lunch, compliments of the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry.

Both Ministers Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe were present at the event at the facility on Princes Street, Georgetown.

Minister Allicock highlighted the significance of the Christmas season, which is all about sharing. This,

he said, is a special one for many Guyanese.

He also used the opportunity to highlight some of the projects being undertaken by Government to better the lives of the indigenous population.

“For us at the Ministry, we are happy to share this moment with you. We are trying our best to make things work. We would like to do more in terms of getting better services to you with regard to health care,” he told the gathering, the Government Information

Agency (GINA) reported.

He further noted that the Government was aware of the challenges the indigenous population faced, and was working to ensure the people had basic needs for their development.

Meanwhile, Minister Garrido-Lowe encouraged the young mothers at the institution to continue to pursue their dreams, and make use of some of the opportunities being offered by the Ministry. “There is more to life than starting a family at an early age,” she advised.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thurSday, DECember 17, 2015

ARCHIE

Don’t divulge secrets or get involved in matters that (March 21- could jeopardize your chance April 19) to advance. Look inward and evaluate what you want to change in order to be the best you can be.

ARIES

Make plans to do someTAURUS thing with peers or friends to (April 20- celebrate the winding down of May 20) another year. Socializing with people who can influence your professional future will be in your best interest.

dilbert

Don’t feel that you have GEMINI (May 21- to accommodate everyone. Do June 20) what you can, but don’t let your emotional or physical wellness suffer. Bring about changes that will improve your life, not someone else’s.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

You’ll come up with some cost-effective ideas that will improve your surroundings and family ties. Planning a trip that will take you down memory lane will lift your spirits.

You’ve got what it takes LEO to get things done. Don’t stop (July 23or wait for others to catch up.

Aug. 22) Set your sights on your destination and don’t stop until you reach your goal.

Calvin and Hobbes

You’ll be pulled in differVIRGO ent directions. Don’t give in (Aug. 23to peer pressure or get inSept. 22) volved with people who have bad habits. Avoid indulgence, and recognize when someone is being deceptive.

You can chase your dream LIBRA (Sept. 23- if you put on your running Oct. 23) shoes and stop waiting for things to come to you. Line up interviews for the new year or update your resume.

SUDOKU

You’ll shine at any event SCORPIO or meeting you take part in, (Oct. 24and will impress someone Nov. 22) who has more to offer than you realize. Celebrate with the one you love.

Initiate and welcome SAGITTARIUS change in your personal life.

(Nov. 23Participate in activities that Dec. 21) are adventurous and challenging. Test your skills and be honest in your assessments and disclosures.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Communication will be CAPRICORN your vehicle to getting what (Dec. 22- you want. Conversations, Jan. 19) emails and people you encounter while traveling or doing research will all contribute to your success. Love is highlighted.

AQUARIUS Consider what you have (Jan. 20- been doing and what you Feb. 19) want to do with the rest of your life. Start to make the changes that will bring you happiness and contentment.

Don’t give in to emotional PISCES (Feb. 20- manipulation. Overreacting, March 20) indulgence and taking on too much will hold you back.

Concentrate on self-improvement and stabilizing and bettering your personal life.

thursday, december 17, 2015

19

‘Politics killing West Indies cricket’ – Dwayne Bravo opens up about the state of West Indies cricket

D

wayne Bravo lamented the sorry state of West Indies cricket, saying “too much politics” was killing the game in the Caribbean, and that the administrators needed to take a hard look at themselves.

Bravo, who was asked about the team’s innings-and-212-run loss to Australia in the first Test in Hobart, said it was painful to see West Indies slip to one big loss after another despite having the personnel to compete. He pointed the gradual decline to a host of factors, including external interference and lack of infrastructure.

“We’ve got the players to be up there with the best in the world, but there are a lot of things going on,” said Bravo, who is in Australia to play for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. “We don’t have proper grounds, proper nets or a proper academy. All these things are a part of our downfall.

Michael Holding

“The relationship between players, board members and management staff needs to get stronger and tighter. They need to have a lot more honesty. There are a lot of dishonest people in charge at the moment.”

Bravo did not mince words when he said it was time administrators stopped talking up a glorious past and started looking ahead. His remarks follow those of Michael Holding who said the WICB was “dysfunctional, untrustworthy and not liked by the employees,” while Brian Lara squarely laid the blame on the administrators for “bad governance.”

“It’s painful to see this is the stage our cricket has reached, [given] at one point in time we were the best team in the world,” Bravo said. “If those in charge keep harping on about the past and not trying to do anything for the present then we’ll always have these type of interviews, we’ll have back and forth with ex-players saying this and current players saying that.

The rest of the world will go on and we’ll always be backwards.”

Bravo, who was West Indies captain until the tour of India in

CGI Local Franchise League 50-over cricket…

Georgetown, Upper Corentyne square off in playoff today

T

Christopher Barnwell

he Port Mourant ground will come alive today when Georgetown and Upper Corentyne clash in the playoff of Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) Local Franchise League 50-over cricket competition from 09:00h.

The winner will advance to Saturday’s final against Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje, who topped the league phase, which ended on Tuesday. The final will be a day/night encounter starting at 14:00h at the Albion Community Centre ground.

Following the completion of the preliminary stage, Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje (46 points), Upper Corentyne (42) and Georgetown (36) emerged as the top three teams.

Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje amassed a tabletopping 46 points, garnered from six wins.

Upper Corentyne also chalked up six victories, but with less bonus points, they ended in second position

Leon Johnson

Assad Fudadin

on 42 points. Georgetown, with five wins, finished in third spot with 36 points.

East Coast Demerara (34), Essequibo (32), West Berbice (12), West Demerara (06) and East Bank Demerara/Upper Demerara (00) occupied positions four to eight in the point’s standings Both teams for today’s encounter have been boosted with the return of Guyana Jaguars players, who are on

Jonathon Foo

the break in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Four-day competition.

Upper Corentyne will have Test batsman Assad Fudadin and wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble, while Georgetown will have the services of Guyana Jaguars skipper and experienced middle-order batsman Leon Johnson and the energetic all-rounder Christopher Barnwell.

Upper Corentyne: Anthony Bramble, Assad Fudadin, Loyydel Lewis, Sharaz Ramcharran, Jason Sinclair, Jonathon Foo, Rajiv Ivan, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Joshua Ramsammy, David Latchaya, Balchand Baldeo and Shawn Perreira.

Georgetown: Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Kellon Carmichael, Andre Stoll, Raj Nanan, Devon Lord, Jeetendra Sookdeo, Shemroy Barrington, Travis Blyden, Andrew Lyght Jr., Kwame Crosse, Shawn DeSouza, David Dick and Kemol Savory.

Brian Lara

October 2014, was sacked after the team abandoned the tour midway over a payment dispute with the WICB and the West Indies players’ association. He was also subsequently left out of the World Cup squad and has not played an ODI

since October 2014. He announced his Test retirement in January and said that he took the decision after not getting a chance to play the longer format after 2010.

“Until earlier this year, I was still interested to play Test cricket, but I have yet to hear anything from any selector, what their plans are for me, what my position is,” said Bravo. “I just decided it’s time to move on with my life and try to channel my energy in different places. I would have loved the opportunity to play Test cricket again but since being dropped back in 2010, I never got the chance and I just decided to call it a day.”

Despite being in the mix only for the T20s, Bravo said he had not given up hope on playing ODIs again. “I’m not shutting down my opportunities to represent West Indies, I still 100% want to play for West Indies in one-day internationals and T20s.” (Cricinfo)

Chelsea board discussing Mourinho’s future C helsea manager Jose Mourinho’s future at the club is in question following discussions about his position between the Blues’ board of directors.

Owner Roman Abramovich led the talks after the champions were beaten 2-1 at Leicester on Monday.

It was their ninth Premier League defeat in 16 games and left them a point above the relegation places.

It is not clear whether Mourinho, 52, will be in charge for Saturday’s home game with fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Mourinho, in his second spell in charge of Chelsea, was given Abramovich’s public backing in October, but domestic results have not improved since.

The Russian’s instinct has always been to keep backing the man who brought the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge last season and signed a new four-year contract in August.

However, Chelsea’s form has collapsed, with the loss at Leicester leaving them 16th in the table with 15 points.

Abramovich and the rest of Chelsea’s hierarchy are weighing up how long they can afford to wait for improvement.

The Blues are 20 points behind leaders Leicester and 14 off the Champions League places, with a crucial last-16 tie against Paris St-Germain to come in that competition.

The other dilemma is wheth-

er to deprive Mourinho, a manager with a proven track record of success, the opportunity to turn things around.

The January transfer window will soon open, giving the club the chance to bring in new faces and maybe sell a few old ones.

Mourinho turned on his players after Monday’s defeat at the King Power Stadium, claiming they had “betrayed his work”.

The Blues conceded goals to Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, and Mourinho insisted he had warned his players about the danger they posed.

In response, midfielder Cesc Fabregas said his team-mates needed to justify their “big wages” and start playing like “big players”.

He was one of seven players the Blues manager said had been underperforming at the start of the season. The other problem facing Abramovich and Chelsea is the lack of an available, quality successor.

The unemployed Carlo Ancelotti has already been sacked by the Blues, while other potential targets, such as Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone, out of reach at present.

It has led to speculation Chelsea may turn once more to Guus Hiddink on a temporary basis.

The 69-year-old Dutchman had a spell as caretaker boss in 2009, guiding the club to FA Cup success. (BBC Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, december 17, 2015

Growing poorer in the Big Three era

– Following changes to the ICC distribution model agreed last year, more than 50 of the 95 non-Full Members of the ICC face, in real terms, a funding reduction in 2015-16 as compared to the previous year

Although funding to both Afghanistan and Ireland has increased, other Associates feel aggrieved that this increase is coming from the existing Associate pot

A

nger is growing among Associate and Affiliate Nations as it has emerged that a majority of countries will receive a real-terms reduction in funding from the ICC, in direct contradiction to assurances previously made by the Big Three. Given that a chunk of Associate funding is being diverted to develop the two leading Associate nations, Ireland and Afghanistan, a number of countries believe that the two should receive their revenue from a different funding pot and thus prevent any future increase in funding for the two countries taking place at the expense of other Associates. Cricket Ireland is in agreement with the idea.

Analysis of the money received by all Associate and Affiliate nations, shown exclusively to ESPNCricinfo, has found that, following changes to the ICC distribution model agreed last year and changes in how money is allocated, more than 50 of the 95 non-Full Members of the ICC face, in real terms, a funding reduction in 2015-16 as compared to 2014-15.

The scrapping of the Target Assistance Performance Programme (TAPP) meant to encourage proactive cricketing bodies among the Associates and Affiliates, will also take its toll. Scotland’s funding, for example, will decrease by $250,000, to $1.3 million, once the scrapping of the TAPP is accounted for. The Netherlands, the UAE and Kenya are other prominent countries that have suffered an overall funding reduction, while China, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea and the USA all received annual increases of over $100,000 each.

Abolished

It has also emerged that World Cricket League Division Six, the tournament for those ranked 35th-40th in ODI cricket, has been abolished. The situation, says

an Associate representative, is, “killing the smaller countries. Whether some will survive I don’t know.” Another described the ICC’s approach as “slash and burn and contrary to the vision to make cricket the world’s favourite sport.”

In February 2014, shortly after the ICC reforms were agreed upon in principle, N Srinivasan described the restructuring as “good for the financial health of all full and Associate and Affiliate members.” Sources report that, in June 2014, Giles Clarke addressed an informal meeting of Associate and Affiliate nations at the ICC annual conference in Melbourne and assured them that every individual country would be better off, a claim repeated

by Srinivasan at the ICC annual conference in Barbados in June this year. It is now clear that is not the case.

The ICC plans to spend $299 million on Associate and Affiliate nations ($208 million in direct grants, plus $56 million in department services and $35 million in event costs) between 2015 and 2023. While Associate nations remain aggrieved that their share of ICC income has dramatically decreased - from an expected $575 million according to pre-Big Three figures - they are also concerned that the currently promised $299m post- Big Three will not materialise.

Indeed, in 2008, after the signing of the 2007-2015 media rights cycle, the then ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat had pledged that non Full Members would receive “around $300million.

Although the ICC distribution model was not changed over the 2007-15 rights cycle period, the ICC suffered additional costs, including on events, security and legal matters, and the total awarded to Associates and Affiliates fell to $240 million over eight years.

“I don’t see why it wouldn’t happen again,” said

one Associate representative. He also said the ICC’s attitude to releasing full information to members had become “more North Korean” in the post Big-Three era, making it hard for many nations to see the extent of cutbacks, especially to regional offices.

Aggrieved

Although funding to both Afghanistan and Ireland has increased - both receive $1.7 million a year from being on the ICC rankings table, and now receive close to $3 million from Associates revenues a year each - other Associates feel aggrieved that this increase is coming from the existing Associate pot. “Their funding success has come at the expense of other Associates and Affiliates,” said Malcolm Cannon, the chief executive of Cricket Scotland.

Ross McCollom, the chairman of Cricket Ireland, admitted other Associates were frustrated. “Other Associates getting less is supplementing us getting more. It doesn’t sit well with me personally and doesn’t sit well with Cricket Ireland.” He advocated that the ICC should no longer fund Afghanistan and Ireland from the Associate pot, a view endorsed by the Associate representatives contacted by ESPNcricinfo.

“My view is Associates actually can’t afford to have Ireland and Afghanistan in their pot,” McCollom said.

“If Ireland and Afghanistan were taken out from that pot and paid above the line that means there’s a lot more money to be spread.”

Despite their increases, the absolute funding gap between Afghanistan and Ireland and lowerranked Full Member like Zimbabwe has grown. While Afghanistan and Ireland can expect to receive just over $20 million from the ICC between 2015 and 2023, Zimbabwe are in line to receive at least $75 million, including money from the Test

Cricket Fund.

“The difference between the lower ranked full members and the top associates is still huge and quite possibly has even increased,” McCollom said. It is understood that Ireland have been unable to commit to fixtures they have arranged in 2016 and beyond because of funding shortages. They remain hopeful that an ODI Fund or a resurrection of TAPP will be discussed at the next ICC board meeting in January.

Cannon, the chief executive of Cricket Scotland, was one of several Associate officials who urged Shashank Manohar, the new chairman of the ICC, to follow through on his belief that the new ICC distribution model awards too much funding to the Big Three. “It’s a very positive and progressive message coming from the top of the ICC and that’s what we like to hear. There are other models that would benefit the sport worldwide and we would like to help in that,” Cannon said, while admitting his frustration about the funding situation.

“We’ve still got ODI status, we worked bloody hard to get it and bloody hard to retain it. At the moment it’s worth nothing. If it has no value, what was the point in trying to get it?”

Modest changes

Another Associate representative expressed hope that modest changes in the distribution of ICC funds could be forthcoming. “If India did decide to give up two per cent of the amount they get, I have a feeling England might be willing to give up one per cent. That’s a lot of money for us.” One source reported that having informal conversations with representatives from Australia and England suggested they might be willing to agree to a slight reduction in funds they receive from the ICC. Meanwhile a number of Full Members are also understood to be increasingly angry that promises made during the ICC restructuring have not materialised. It was recently announced that the Test Cricket Fund of $12.5 million over eight years promised to the seven Full Members beyond Australia, England and India would be reduced to $10 million per country. The Big Three have also yet to provide a breakdown of how the contribution costs were arrived at.

“There is still no detail behind the allocation of funds,” said Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat. “Wally Edwards had promised he would do it before he left the ICC. At the last October meeting, they promised they would do it by the end of December.”

ESPNcricinfo has contacted the ICC and awaits a response. (Cricinfo)

Cummins replaces Gabriel in Australia

Miguel Cummins has played once for West Indies, an ODI against Ireland in February 2014

M

iguel Cummins has been added to the West Indies touring side for their final two Tests in Australia. Cummins, 25, replaces Shannon Gabriel who sustained an ankle injury during the first Test in Hobart which ruled him out for the rest of the series.

Cummins’ lone international appearance for the West Indies came in an ODI against Ireland in 2014, taking 1-42 in six overs, however he did play for a WICB Board XI versus the Australian tourists in Antigua earlier this year, claiming the wicket of Chris Rogers on the way to figures of 14-3-42-1.

In 36 first-class matches, Cummins has taken 99 wickets at 22.83. In the current West Indies first-class domestic season, Cummins sits 11th on the wickets list but third among fast bowlers with 16 at 20.43 for Barbados.

Victoria, meanwhile, have named an Invitational side to face the West Indians in a two-day tour match in

Geelong from Saturday, including the likes of Travis Dean, Ian Holland and Aaron Ayre.

“It’s a great opportunity for these guys to show what they can do at a higher level,” Victoria chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said. “[Blake] Thomson is one we have had our eye on for a while.

“He had a great Under-19 Championships where he was the only player to score two centuries and he has been a consistent scorer at under age competitions. “[Sam] Grimwade has had an impressive 24 months and is probably the best under age spinner in the country. We’ve been keen for him to play a lot more games and now that he has finished his VCE [Victorian Certificate of Education], he can.”

Victoria Invitational XI: Ian Holland (capt), Aaron Ayre, Jackson Coleman, Travis Dean, Tom Donnell, Matt Doric, Sam Grimwade, Jake Hancock, Jeremy Hart, Dylan Kight, Jackson Koop, Blake Thomson. (Cricinfo)

4 officials to face IAAF hearing into alleged doping cover-up

Liliya Shobukhova won the London Marathon in 2010 and came second a year later

T

he son of ex-world athletics chief Lamine Diack is one of four officials facing a disciplinary hearing this week over an alleged doping cover-up.

Papa Massata Diack, a former consultant for the IAAF, and ex-IAAF anti-doping director Gabriel Dolle are charged with breaches of the IAAF’s code of ethics.

Former All-Russia Athletic Federation chief Valentin Balakhnichev and coach Alexei Melnikov are also in the dock.

None are expected at the three-day hearing, which starts on Wednesday.

The charges relate to the

payment of about £435,000 that Russian former London Marathon winner Liliya Shobukhova allegedly made to have her doping violations covered up.

Her 38-month ban from track and field was reduced by seven months after she turned whistleblower for the World Anti-Doping Agency.

A decision from the hearing, which will be held in London, is expected in early January.

Russia have been banned from international athletics competition after a report

by Wada’s independent commission alleged they were guilty of “state-sponsored doping”. (BBC Sport)

21

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L

The Rajasthan Cricket Association was suspended in May 2014, after Lalit Modi was elected president

alit Modi will continue to remain president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association after RCA vicepresident Amin Pathan withdrew his no-confidence motion against Modi and his key aides on Tuesday.

The development, however, doesn’t change RCA’s status quo, and it remains suspended by the BCCI. The BCCI’s ad-hoc committee will continue managing cricket in the state.

Modi tweeted soon after the announcement that he “looked forward to making #RCA the best and most for-

ward thinking #cricket #association.”

Pathan, who had moved the motion in March, said he withdrew the petition in the “interest of cricket in Rajasthan.”

“Cricket had stopped in the districts and players were suffering because of that,” Pathan told the Indian Express. “Plus, we couldn’t get the required numbers. These guys [the Modi faction] are used to litigation, so they would have stretched it forever. So we decided to withdraw our motion in the interest of crick-

et.”

According to the report, Pathan also withdrew the petition against RCA deputy president and Modi’s close confidant Mehmood Abdi, secretary Somendra Tiwary and treasurer Pawan Goyal.

The BCCI suspended the RCA in May 2014 after Modi was declared its president.

Modi had been expelled from the board in September 2013.

In October 2014, Pathan, along with his supporters, claimed to have ousted Modi as president. Pathan also announced himself as act-

ing president before initiating a no-confidence motion in February. After that petition was set aside by the Rajasthan High Court, Pathan’s faction moved a fresh motion. If the motion had been upheld, it would have forced the RCA to hold fresh elections.

Pathan had previously been a Modi loyalist. The secretary of the Kota District Cricket Association, he had even accompanied Abdi when Modi’s nomination papers were filed for the RCA election in November. (Cricinfo)

Platini to boycott FIFA ethics hearing on corruption claims

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uspended FIFA vicepresident Michel Platini will boycott an ethics committee hearing into allegations of corruption on Friday.

Lawyers for the Frenchman, who is also president of Uefa, believe the “verdict is already announced”.

He is accused of receiving a £1.35m “disloyal payment” from FIFA president Sepp Blatter - who is also banned and facing ethics charges over the claim.

Both deny wrongdoing and were due to have personal hearings on Friday.

Blatter, 79, has compared the investigation against him to “the Inquisition”, while 60-year-old Platini’s attempt to lift his 90-day

Michael Platini is accused of receiving a £1.35m “disloyal payment” from Fifa president Sepp Blatter

provisional ban from football denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on December 11.

A verdict could come as early as December 21, although both men could then

submit further appeals.

Platini still hopes to be a candidate to replace the outgoing Blatter in the world football governing body’s presidential election on February 26- but can only

stand if he is cleared.

However, he has expressed his “deepest outrage” at what he considers an attempt to prevent his candidacy.

In a statement issued on behalf of FIFA’s ethics judges on Wednesday, Platini was told his case will be dealt with “independently and in an unbiased manner”.

Platini’s lawyer, Thibaud d’Ales, has previously said he believes FIFA’s ethics investigators have recommended an “excessive” lifetime ban.

The Football Association said it would find it “difficult” to support Platini’s bid to become FIFA president, even if he is cleared by the ethics committee. (BBC Sport)

SL minister suggests ‘conspiracy’ over Perera’s doping charge

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usal Perera’s failed drugs test could be part of a “conspiracy” against the wicketkeeper-batsman, according to Sri Lanka’s sports minister.

The 25-year-old tested positive for a banned substance and was sent home from the tour of New Zealand last week.

Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera told parliament that authorities will send a B sample to the International Cricket Council for testing.

“We are doing all we can to defend him,” said the minister.

“We are wondering if this allegation is a conspiracy to keep him out of next year’s T20 World Cup.” Jayasekera added that Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena had spoken to Perera, who was withdrawn from the series in New Zealand which comprises two Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals.

Sri Lanka are defending champions for next year’s ICC World Twenty20 in India in March and April, and will face Kusal Perera has mainly played England, South Africa, West Indies and a limited-overs cricket for Sri Lanka, qualifying nation in the group stage. (BBC including 51 one-day internationals Sport)

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thursday, december 17, 2015

Lanferman, Somerset depart for CFU/ MLS Combine – GFF sponsors airfare

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lpha United’s Delon Lanferman and Jumane Somerset of Pele FC will depart Guyana today to participate at the 2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine in Curacao.

The three-day event will feature players from within the confines of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), competing in front of professional scouts for an opportunity to earn an invitation to the annual Addidas MLS Player Combine in Florida on January 8-13, 2016.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has sponsored the duo’s airline ticket and Third Vice-president Thandi McAllister, upon making the presentation at the Federation’s headquarters, wished the players the best of luck on their quest to the MLS. She further added, “I want to encourage you to put Guyana first.

You are ambassadors of this beautiful country of ours and we want to you to be of exemplary conduct and I wish you the very best.”

According to the Attorney-atLaw, “You’re both very skilful players; I’ve seen both of you in action and I admire your advancement in the sport [of football]. Remember, football must win regardless of wherever you go.”

Lanferman finished the League (Genesis phase) as the highest goal scorer with 11 goals, one more than Pele’s Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson. He played a pivotal role

Gregory Richardson is the only Guyanese to be signed by an MLS club

in his club’s success this year, despite them finishing second in the League Genesis behind Slingerz Football Club.

The 20-year-old Lanferman is yet

to make his senior national team debut, though he represented Guyana at the Under-20 and Under-23 levels.

Somerset, 22, is described as one of Guyana’s top defenders, but the player is also yet to make his Golden Jaguars’ debut.

Pele FC finished third in the STAG Elite League Genesis and conceded a total of 14 goals in their 16 matches played. Only league champions Slingerz FC (nine) and Alpha United (11) conceded fewer goals.

The CFU/MLS combines caters for players between the ages of 1822, and is an annual showcase of Caribbean football talent organised jointly by MLS and the CFU in 2013, with the inaugural combine being held in January 2014.

The combine provides opportunities for Caribbean players to be observed by MLS scouts with the hopes of being invited to the MLS Combine, an invite-only showcase event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida prior to the annual MLS Super Draft.

The combine is part of an agreement between the two entities as they try to promote football development throughout the Caribbean region Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson is the first and only Guyanese player to be signed by an MLS club following his 2009 deal with the Colorado Rapids.

All set for Trophy Stall tapeball final

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ll systems are in place for this weekend’s final of the Soesdyke Cricket Group’s (SCG)- organised, Trophy Stall- sponsored 10-over tapeball cricket competition for teams along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

The competition is set to wrap up on Saturday when the semi-finals, third place playoff and grand final are contested at the Soesdyke Community Centre ground. In the first semi-final, Rubis will face Kings XI at 13:00h, followed by Airport XI against Hillfoot at 15:00h. The third place playoff will start at 18:00h, while the first ball of the final will be bowled at 20:00h.

The champion team is guaranteed $100,000; second $50,000; and third $25,000. The Most Valuable Player is assured of $20,000, while the best batsman and best bowler will collect $15,000 each. The Most Valuable Player of the final will receive $10,000. All the team and individual cash incentives will be accompanied by trophies.

In the quarter-final games a fortnight ago at the Soesdyke Community Centre ground, the four teams all recorded comfortable victories to stay alive in the tournament.

Hillfoot defeated Friendship by 24 runs; Kings XI emerged with a sevenwicket win over Kuru Kururu; Rubis crushed a depleted Soesdyke Vishnu Mandir by nine wickets; and Airport

Dave Singh

XI outplayed Sarah Johanna by the wide margin of 54 runs.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s games, coordinator of the competition, Dave Singh, said fans can expect a thrilling evening of cricket featuring some of the best tapeball players from the East Bank. Apart from the on-field action, Singh promised that fans will be entertained by activities beyond the boundary.

Below is the composition of the four teams set to take the field in the semi-finals.

Rubis XI: Abhilash Deokie (Captain), Olufemi Sandy, Rockey Deokie, Theram Persaud, Anasagga Rodriques, Terrence DeCunha, Christan Husband, Dexter George, Devon Lord, Jamal Hinkson, David Dick, Seon De Souza, Rolando Fernandes, Ravi Deokie (Manager) and Dellon Johnson (Coach).

Kings XI: Vickon Khemraj (Captain), Delon McKenzie, David Francis, Alex Alton, Andy Persaud, Dave La Rose, Leon Singh, Mike Domingo, Andre Mickel, Romel Daniels, Adrian Francis, Torun Tucker, Harry Baboolall and Vishnu Ramnauth (Manager/Coach).

Hill Foot XI: Avinash Mohabir (Captain), Lanty Hinds, Andy Narine, Narine Looknauth, Rickey Seeamber, Naresh Bhagwandin, Shivram Persaud, Ganesh Mohabir, Rockey Sarjoo, Ruel Allen, Vickey Ragubir, Shon Lall, Vickram Looknauth and Sham Mohabir (Manager/Coach) Airport XI: Teekaram (Captain), Anil Sonwaru, Collin Benjamin, Colin Benn, Rickey Sergeant, Jhonny Persaud, Naresh Sookwah, Steve Jones, Nitun Narine, Kevin De Jonge, Sunil Sarjoo, Lalo Sookraj, Ramesh Ghir (Manager) and Dexter Playter (Coach).

Swim team departs today for Suriname Invitational Meet

Aleka Persaud, who won an amazing five gold medals at the Goodwill Championship in Trinidad earlier this year, is part of the contingent

By Akeem Greene

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group of 30 young swimmers will leave the shores of Guyana today with the hope of producing a fleet of stellar performances when they compete in the annual VOS Powerade/ Dasani Invitational Swim Meet in Suriname.

Manager of the team, Leon Seaton, speaking to Guyana Times Sport, explained the main objective of the trip.

“In the developmental aspect of this trip, children will be exposed to what real competition is, and will be a part of other clubs and swimmers who are on a higher level of swimming and will tend to encourage our children to reach to that point,” he stated.

Seaton further stated that “when you go to these meets, there is vast difference in the ability of children at the same age; we are trying to give our children the exposure.” Most of the contingent is under 12 years old.

Meanwhile, coach Sean Baksh, in assessing the team’s preparation, alluded to the fact that they have been training since August, but noted that most of the swimmers are new to the sport.

“The aim is definitely developmental, but we are taking along some of the more seasoned athletes who will help boost our performance while the younger ones get exposure.

For example, Aleka Persaud swam 33 seconds in a 50m freestyle and then at Nationals she swam 32 seconds, so we are going Suriname to see if we can improve on that,” the coach said.

Most importantly, coach Baksh said the 25m pool that the meet will take place in has electronic timings, which will give a more accurate

Sean Baksh

reading of the timings, since in Guyana manual timing is done.

Junior swimmer Leon Seaton Jr., who will be participating in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke, said, “ I’m not afraid of competition, I’m really positive about this so I’m going to get the golds.”

Aleka Persaud, who will be competing in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke, was confident about her chances. “I have been swimming very hard; my times are getting better and I feel like I will go beat the rest of the competition as always.”

Antonio Rodrigues said he hopes to drop another second in his timings, and assured he can secure gold in the 100m freestyle, since he has considerable experience in this event.

The self-financed trip will see the team driving to Suriname and will have parents and coach Isabel Maria Couso Fals as other support staff, in addition to the coach Baksh and Manager Leon Seaton. The meet, which usually attracts teams from Aruba, France, St Lucia, along with past Olympic swimmers, will run from today to Monday.

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thursday, december 17, 2015

GBA/Woodpecker Products annual Singles badminton…

Young talents showcase skills in two-day event T

George Ramlall, the youngest player in the tournament, finished runner-up in the Under-11 Boys competition

he country’s rising badminton talents put on a sizzling display earlier this week when the annual Woodpecker Products Christmas Singles tournament was staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Organised by the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), the competition attracted players at the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 levels, competing in both the Boys and Girls categories.

In the Under-11 Boys final, Omar Samad defeated George Ramlall 21-18, 21-8, while in the Under-11 Girls final, Gabriella Pertab got the better of Emily Choo-AFat 21-3, 21-11.

Gianni Carpenter outplayed Jadon Oudit 21-10, 21-2 in the Boys Under-13 final, while on the distaff side, Siya Persaud beat Sudarshani Sooknarine 216, 21-4.

The Under-15 Boys final was won Akili Haynes, who fought hard against Tyrese Jeffrey, winning 21-18, 2119, while seasoned campaigner Priyanna Ramdhani made light work of Priyanka Shivnauth 21-5, 21-7 in the Under-15 Girls champion-

President Granger to be inducted as RHTY&SC Patron

ship game.

Below are the summarised scores from the other games played.

Under-11 Boys semi-finals: Omar Samad defeated John Wang 25-23, 16-21, 2116; and George Ramlall defeated Ethan Biachini 21-15, 21-11. Under-11 Girls semifinals: Emily Choo-A-Fat defeated Amelia Balram: 219, 21-10. Under-13 Girls quarter-finals: Angelie Balram defeated Reanna Persaud 21-10, 21-14; and Sudarshani Sooknarine defeated Jayde DaSilva 21-8, 21-9. Under-13 Girls semifinals: Siya Persaud defeated Angelie Balram 21-4, 21-5; and Sudarshani Sooknarine defeated Sarah Samad 2115, 21-12. Under-15 Boys semi-finals: Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Isaac Mallampati 21-10, 21-5; and Akili Haynes defeated Ransell Ramsaroop 21-7, 21-12.

The top players will be rewarded on Saturday when the presentation ceremony is hosted at 13:00h at the Guyana Olympic Association’s office on High Street.

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President David Granger

Hilbert Foster

is Excellency, President David Granger, has accepted an invitation from Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation to become its fifth Honorary Patron from January, 2016.

The club’s current Patron is Beverly Harper and her tenure officially ends on December 31, 2015, after serving a full five-year term.

President Granger would be following in the footsteps the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Peter Ramsaroop, June Mendes and Harper and would serve until December 2020.

“As Patron of Guyana’s most dynamic youth and sports organisation, President Granger would

serve as its honorary head; serve as a role model to members, to serve as an inspiration to members in their pursuit of a successful career in education and sports and to be the public image of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club,” the club said in a release.

The President would also be expected to provide Patron’s remarks for all RHTY&SC’s magazines and publications and be the main guest at important club events, like its annual awards ceremony.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that management and members of the RHTY&SC were delighted at the President’s acceptance of becoming the Patron. The RHTY&SC, Foster stated, was privileged in the past of having hard working patrons, who worked beyond the call of duty to assist the club to fulfill its mandate to serve humanity and expressed confidence that President Granger would follow in their footsteps.

The RHTY&SC, apart from being one of Guyana’s leading cricket team, undertakes a record 200-300 programmes/activities under the sub-heading of sports, culture, education, charity, anti-drugs, anti-suicide, awards, youth development and community development among others.

Foster stated that while the club usually hosts about 200 programmes annually, it has completed a total of 293 to date in 2015 as part of its Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration and by the end of December would easily surpass the 300 mark.

The RHTY&SC in 2016 would be placing special emphasis on its internal cricket development programme, assistance to single parent households, expansion of its highly successful “Say No to Drugs, Suicide and Crime and Say Yes to Education and Sports” and would also undertake major restoration work on its head office in an effort to improve its services to the general public.

President Granger would be sworn in as Patron early in 2016 when a large delegation from the club, led by the Club’s Secretary/CEO, visits him in Georgetown.

Elite League’s Genesis winners receive prizes

GFF and Ansa McAl Trading’s officials pose with the representatives of the top teams at Wednesday’s ceremony

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he top teams of the Genesis phase of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Stag Elite League on Wednesday received their prizes at the headquarters of Ansa McAl Trading at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

During a simple, but significant ceremony, all those present hailed

the performance of the teams, especially champions Slingerz FC. The West Demerara-side had come from behind to win the final against old nemesis Alpha United 3-2 to lift Elite League Genesis trophy and $4 million. Alpha United had to settle for half that amount.

Pele FC, through an Omallo

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Williams 58th minute strike, had needled Fruta Conquerors in the third place playoff, and they pocketed $1 million, while Fruta Conquerors took home $500,000.

The Genesis phase of the League was contested among eight clubs; the others were Monedderlust, Georgetown Cricket Club, Buxton

United and Guyana Defence Force.

The next stage of the League- the Finale- will commence in early 2016.

President at Wednesday’s ceremony were officials of Ansa McAl Trading, as well executives of the GFF, including newly elected president Wayne Forde.

thursday, december 17, 2015

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

Young talents showcase skills in two-day event Pg 23

Some of the players who participated in the two-day tournament

Lanferman, Somerset depart for CFU/MLS Combine Pg 22

– GFF sponsors airfare

‘Politics killing West Indies cricket’

– Dwayne Bravo opens up about the state of West Indies cricket GFF’s Third Vice-president Thandi McAllister (centre) with Alpha United’s Delon Lanferman (left) and Jumane Somerset of Pele FC

Pg 19

Dwayne Bravo: “There are a lot of dishonest people in charge at the moment”

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