Guyana Times Daily - April 19, 2015

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2467 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

April 19, 2015

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PPP/C’s mammoth Essequibo rally….

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ramotar, Harper outline vision for Guyana’s development Page 3

– Jagdeo urges thousands to reject Opposition with the ballot

Youth movement endorses PPP/C P10 PNC-led APNU/AFC List of Candidates…

Samad left out after P10 scoffing at coalition possibility Murder of 9-yearold boy P11

23-yearold accused to undergo psychiatric valuation

Albouystown man secures protection order P35 following assault President Donald Ramotar addressing the massive crowd at the PPP/C Damon Square, Anna Regina rally

“Vote like a Boss” claims IRI funding dwindling

...takes aim at key battleground Berbice

Page 7

Students Granger now mum gearing up on Kissoon’s reason for CSEC, for exclusion CAPE exams Page 12

APNU/AFC Candidates List...

Page 8

...contradicted on previous explanation by Kissoon

US Embassy in outreach to Corriverton P35 and Linden PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition hosts youth rally P40

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NEWS

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 05:00h-06:00h and Monday, April 20, 2015 – 05:00h-06:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 17:05h-18:35h and Monday, April 20, 2015 – 04:55h-06:25h

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure Sunday, April 19 – 06:00h and 16:00h Monday, April 20 –06:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers are expected to prevail throughout the day, with cloudy conditions in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.47 metres per second and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:44h and 17:10h reaching maximum heights of 2.93 metres and 2.84 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:43h and 22:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.27 metre and 0.41 metre respectively.

PPP/C’s mammoth Essequibo rally….

Ramotar, Harper outline vision for Guyana’s development – Jagdeo urges thousands to reject Opposition with the ballot

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to deliver its message of hope during the campaign promising Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) residents on Saturday further development in that region once the party is re elected into power when General and Regional elections are held on May 11 in the country.

Speaking to the massive crowd of more than 10,000 which had turned up at the party’s public rally which was held at Damon’s Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast on Saturday evening, President Donald Ramotar told the gathering that should his party be returned to power with a resounding victory after the May 11 polls he will ensure that the region is further developed so as to realize its full potential.

Pointing to the investment made about a month ago, for the opening of a rice cereal factory which will significant-

Part of the mammoth crowd at Damon Square, Essequibo

for jobs in Georgetown. We are building the foundation that they can be right home here in Essequibo and build a sound future for themselves…,” he said.

He further promised that he will ensure that informa-

tiatives.

Among those, the Opposition voting against the new airport, even though it initially agreed to support the project – the changed position opened the Government to litigation.

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President Donald Ramotar addresses the rally

ly add value to the rice industry, the President promised those present, particularly the young people that more job opportunities will be created for them so that they will not be required to move to the capital city to source jobs despite having the necessary qualifications.

“One of the investments we want to make here to ensure that the brilliant students, the young workers, who are now more educated that their parents were, they will not have to live Essequibo to go searching

Daily Millions

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not only provided improved and more advanced services to Guyanese, but aided with medical tourism to develop Guyana.

Government is also hopeful for a new energy sector with the drilling for oil and gas that is ongoing. “What is at stake in May 11 is extremely important …you should judge us on our record and there is no way the APNU and PNC record can compare to us…That is why they don’t want to talk about the past, they don’t have a record that could compare to our record…elections are about character as well and the PPP/C is proud of the fact that it takes its promises seriously.”

tion technology, internet and communication advancements are also made so that the region can be kept up to date with what was taking place around the world while adding that indoor sport facilities will also be developed for the benefit of the youth population.

President Ramotar noted that his Administration was committed to ensuring a better life for all. He reiterated that the Opposition has incessantly tried to harm the country and Government through its nonsupport for developmental ini-

The Opposition also did not support a change in law to accommodate a reduction in environmental taxes charged on an imported aerated drink to ensure the playing field was level for both local and foreign companies distributing the product.

He said the Opposition’s destructive behaviour was evident in past elections, and it continued during the past three years with an anti-development thrust in the National Assembly, he stated. The Specialty Hospital would have

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SunDAY, april 19, 2015

Views

Sunday Editor: 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

Totalitarians in our midst

H

anna Arendt, the great scholar of totalitarianism, as well as democracy, once posed the question: “Do humans have rights without a state to guarantee them?”

The point she was making was that while a state always has the possibility of abusing its powers, and this must be guarded against, it is that state itself that makes our rights possible. As such we cannot act capriciously in ways that vitiate the basis and legitimacy of the state. We would be cutting off the very branch on which we sit.

And this is what the PNC-led APNU+AFC is doing right now.

One of their MPs Ronald Bulkan and several supporters chose to exercise their right of assembly at the Marriott opening ceremony. But with a surfeit of lawyers in their midst, they would know that no right is completely untrammelled.

The right to swing your fist, it is said pithily, ends at the tip of your neighbour’s nose. Yet the demonstrators, with the encouragement of the APNU personnel, challenged the Police deployed to keep the peace, in a very physically confrontational manner.

If our democracy, or any democracy for that matter, is to work, citizens must not only exercise their rights, they have the complementary obligation to observe the principles of democratic conduct. APNU+AFC has the obligation to work within the rule of law.

If not, anarchy will be let loose in our midst and the law of the jungle will reassert itself. In the jungle there is no right, only might.

And it is the rule of might and bullyism gone wild, when a political organisation that claims it wants to “unite” all the political parties of Guyana can call for a “boycott” of the Marriott. This is a chilling threat in front of the international business community at a time when international confidence in the Guyanese economy is just beginning to return.

It is reminiscent of the call by the Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT), the youth arm of APNU, just before the last elections for a boycott of primarily Indian-Guyanese owned businesses. Their crime was they were presumably supportive of the PPP/C Government.

Such behaviour betrays a fundamentally anti-democratic makeup, which boils down to nothing more than a crude display of the totalitarian, fascist imperative. This is exactly the road that Hitler and his Blackshirts went down when they pulled the curtain down on democracy in Europe to usher in their “One thousand Years Reich”.

And just as Hitler and the Nazis identified Jews and their businesses to be boycotted, when one examines APNU’s targeted businesses, it is not coincidental that they are preponderantly Indian owned. As usual the fascist will play the race card to create resentment and divide the society.

But we do not have to go as far as Europe and as far back as the 1940s to appreciate the horror of this kind of totalitarian thinking that brooks no toleration of different opinions. We can see this mindset in the sly language, twisting every activity of the PPP/C’s.

Take the Stabroek News, which described the Marriott as “taxpayer owned” without acknowledging that such a condition remains only because an APNU MP has filed an action blocking the equity investor from consummating the sale of the hotel to private interests.

The monies that are generated and spent by NICIL are all subject to the scrutiny of the Opposition or any interested party for that matter, since as a corporation subject to the Corporation Act, it has to file annual statements. Additionally, they have opened their books to the Opposition, including their chief spokesperson, Carl Greenidge.

But the “big lie” is also part of the arsenal of the totalitarian mind. It is our hope that the Opposition will tone down its incendiary rhetoric. But APNU’s Dr Rupert Roopnarine’s call for “revolution” over the weekend suggest that may be useless.

A nearly 10-foot-long oarfish washed ashore along a New Zealand salt marsh (Photo courtesy of David Agnew, Department of Conservation)

Black Bush, Essequibo were neglected by PNC Dear Editor, My friend Freddie puts down Black Bush as a backward place. In fact, he puts down all of Berbice because Dr Jagan is from Berbice. He hates Dr Jagan with a passion. Berbicians, as do most of Guyana, love Dr Jagan and hate Freddie.

People I spoke with disagree with Freddie’s description of Black Bush as a backward place. They note Black Bush has made tremendous progress and has undergone significant development since the restoration of democracy in 1992.

They point out that Freddie does not accept that his party, the PNC (renamed APNU), is responsible for the then deplorable condition of Black Bush.

People I spoke with credit the PPP/C Government for rescuing Black Bush from the spite and vindictiveness of Freddie and his party. They condemn Freddie for putting down Berbicians.

The huge farming expanse of Black Bush was the creation of Dr Jagan to increase food production in Guyana. It was to be the bread basket of the Caribbean and it was. After Jagan was removed from power by the coalition formation of PNC and UF (similar now to the formation of the PNC and AFC that have teamed up to remove the PPP/C from office), the area was neglected because of its ethnic composition and

political affiliation with the then PPP. It was subject to frequent flooding and loss of crops with no assistance from the PNC Government. The area had no running water; people depended on trench water for basic needs.

There were no health clinics. There was virtually no public transport; people depended on tractors and donkey (horse) drawn carts to get around. There was virtually no paved road. Electricity was provided by private generating plants for a few hours in the evening.

Then the PNC prohibited private generating plants from supplying electricity, saying they would provide electricity. Wires were run for Government supplied electricity. But under the PNC, it was daily black out on the Corentyne and in Essequibo and virtually all areas supporting the PPP. It is no accident that Whim was bypassed for electricity because it supported Jagan and the PPP. The PNC skipped wiring Whim for electricity and went straight to Manchester that supported the PNC. It was sheer luck that Black Bush and other supported areas had electricity for a day. And even though people had no electricity, they were still charged for current, and if they did not pay (for no supply of current), their electricity

was turned off.

People say after democracy was restored in 1992, measures were quickly put in place by the PPP/C Government to transform the entire Black Bush area, indeed the entire country. Roads have been repaved; electricity and streets became a common sight.

The polders and canals are desilted though occasionally they have been neglected and more work needs to be done.

The Black Bush area has been booming with food production.

Since 1992, tons of foods have sent to Georgetown to feed Freddie and his friends who bad talk Berbicians.

Health facilities were rehabilitated. Today, people point out that Black Bush has made tremendous progress and one can see it through new housing, fancy private cars and mini bus plying the streets, and proper roads.

Black Bush has electricity (with occasional black outs), running water (water shortage a thing of the PNC past), proper schools, drainage and irrigation, and infrastructure to facilitate farming.

People say Black Bush has come a long way from what it was 25 years ago. It is night and day comparing Black Bush today with 25 years ago.

Freddie says the area is backward. He also says the people are retrograde for supporting the PPP/C. People note that Freddie

forgets it is the PPP/C that stood with the people during their darkest hour of PNC rule. Imagine what Black Bush must have been like when the PNC governed when it was completely neglected, if what all the progress it has made since the PNC was removed from power!

Incidentally, I was in Essequibo recently and people made similar complaints of neglect when the PNC was in office. They say the region was neglected by the PNC because it supported PPP. They say there were virtually no proper health care facilities and no running water.

Drugs were unavailable.

Food was in short supply because of the food ban. Farming was discouraged and farmers lost a lot of money from frequent floods. The roads had virtually disappeared after being neglected for decades by Freddie’s party.

The ferry connecting Essequibo to Parika and Georgetown was frequently out of service because of shortage of fuel or break downs.

Today, people say they have running water all the way up to their third floor and a life of nightmare as under the PNC is a thing of the past.

They hope there won’t be a repeat of the abuse they suffered during the period of the ethnic dictatorship.

Vishnu Bisram

Potential to transform Guyana to a high income country is enormous Dear Editor, A great future for Guyana beckons. It is for us as a nation to take advantage of the enormous opportunities that are before us by ensuring that the economic and social gains we have made over the years are consolidated and accelerated.

I have always maintained that the best days are still ahead of us. The potential to transform this country to a high income country is enormous. Few countries in the region, indeed the world, are as endowed as we are in terms of natural and mineral resourc-

es. We are blessed with rich and fertile agricultural lands and vast swathes of savannah lands.

Regrettably, this potential for development was thwarted by the curse of colonialism and dictatorial rule which spawned several decades of our pre and post colonial history. The vast resources of our country were not exploited for the benefit of the Guyanese people but to swell the pockets of foreign and local vested interests.

It is a lasting shame that Guyana was left behind despite our vast potential to be-

come most prosperous in the region. The scars of our undemocratic and ruthless past are gradually being erased with the passage of time. We are moving on in the true spirit of peace and national reconciliation.

The tide has now changed and Guyana has now taken its place as a proud and well respected member of the commonwealth of democratic nations. This fresh air of democracy which is now blowing over our land must be appreciated and preserved.

This is not the time to deny

our past. Mistakes were made which ought not to be buried in the sands of time but boldly acknowledged. Our democracy was raped and our freedoms taken away. The nation perished under the stultifying environment of repressive rule.

This is the context in which our people must exercise their franchise in the upcoming poll.

Too much is at stake. This election transcends the narrow confines of race and culture. It is about our present and future.

Hydar Ally

NEWS

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Part 9

Ramotar, Harper outline... from page 3

The doctrine of PNC party paramountcy and a repressive state

The PPP/C in remembrance of fallen heroes (17-year-old Jagan Ramessar and 43-year-old Jack Parmanand Bholanauth, 1973 Ballot Box Martyrs) at a wreath-laying ceremony at Number 66 Village Village, Corentyne, Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

W

ith the collapse of the coalition relationship between the PNC (now parading as APNU) and the United Force, the country witnessed its first rigged election in 1968.

In earlier pieces in this series, the mechanism used by the PNC to rig the elections was detailed. In the 1968 election, the abuse of the proxy system, padding of the electoral list, the overseas votes and tampering with ballot boxes all contributed to fraudulent elections results in favor of the PNC. General Election 1973 - the Civil Liberties Action Council (CLAC), which has been monitoring the fraudulent electoral processes in Guyana, sent two memoranda to the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations exposing in documented complaints the rigged electoral results in the 1968 and 1973 General Elections.

The 1968 election was completely fraudulent and two new dimensions were added to the electoral fraud in 1973. These were the intervention of the Army and postal voting.

The PNC as part of this massive fraud introduced the use of proxy and overseas and postal voting, and also the country’s Army to guarantee a fraudulent two/thirds majority.

In the Corentyne, two young supporters of the PPP (17-year-old Jagan Ramessar and 43-year-old Jack [Parmanand] Bholanauth) were shot dead on elections day by security forces when the Army intervened to forcibly commandeer the ballot boxes from this PPP stronghold.

The Latin American Bureau-Guyana Fraudulent Revolution (1984) wrote that the 1968 elections were dominated by the PNC’s use of electoral device known as the “Overseas Votes”, whereby Guyanese residents abroad, regardless of the length of their time overseas, were eligible to vote in the general

election.

Of the 60,000 votes cast in this way, 30,000 went to the PNC, with PPP and UF receiving 15,000 each. A documentary film made in Britain

by Granada Television documented the wholesale fraud underlying the overseas vote, a finding which was confirmed by a reputable British research institute which esti-

Racist dictator? The late Forbes Burnham

mated that no more than 15 per cent of the names on the electoral list used in Britain were valid.

By the use of the overseas vote and the continued and exaggerated use of proxy voting, the PNC won 30 seats out of the total of 53 compared to 19 seats won by the PPP and 4 by the UF. Thus the PNC was able to take full control of the Government, rendering the UF impotent and irrelevant to influence decision making and the direction of the nation.

Consequent to the 1968 elections, the Government announced its intention of making Guyana a Republic replacing the Queen (of England) as the titular head and, very significantly, replacing the Privy Council as the final Court of Appeal by the local Court of Appeal.

The country then moved into the Republican status in February 1970.

In 1975, Forbes Burnham promulgated the doctrine of the paramountcy of the party in a speech titled “Declaration of Sophia”, in what was decidedly an ex-

plicit racist ideology. It was made clear that henceforth all organs of the state will be subject to the direction and control of the ruling party.

The symbol of the doctrine of the paramountcy of the party and its Chief Executor is an institution created by merging the Office of the General Secretary of the ruling party with the Government Ministry of National Development.

By this device, public funds were for the first time in the Commonwealth Caribbean openly and officially used to subsidize a political party, the PNC. Between 1975 and 1980, this hybrid institution was allocated $54.3M, of which $52.9M remains unaccounted for.

When Burnham advanced the ideology of the paramountcy of the party, it meant that all organs of the state would be considered agencies of the ruling PNC and subject to its control. The state and the PNC became interchangeable. PNC’s objectives were now public policy.

The Latin American Bureau-Guyana Fraudulent Revolution (1984) details the concept , mechanism, articulation and implications of the PNC’s declared paramountcy of the party and steps taken to ensure the continuation of the PNC’s rule.

Burnham revealed the doctrine of the paramountcy of the party at a special party congress in December 1974: “It was agreed after lengthy discussion that the emphasis should be on mobilizing the nation in every sphere and not mainly for a periodic election and in support of specific actions and programmes.

“It was also decided that the party should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Government which is merely one of its executive arms. The comrades demanded that the country be given practical and theoretical leadership at all levels – political, economic, social and cultural – by the PNC, which had become the major national institution.”

The 1974 Congress and Burnham’s Declaration set in place a Government policy that resulted in the continual denial of democratic freedom as a result of successive rigged elections.

The suppression of personal freedom, a militarized society, state sanctioned discrimination in the critical areas of employment, housing and economic opportunities were the resultant triumphalism of this inherently racist ideology.

The merger of state and party policies created second class citizenship for those who were not aligned to the PNC.

PPP/C supporters enthused, rejuvenated after Ramotar’s speech

Also speaking at the rally was former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who told the mammoth crowd that the government has always had the best interests of the people of Essequibo at heart.

He noted that the government had invested more than $54 million dollars in drainage and irrigation systems for the rice farmers in that region so that they further grow and develop while pointing out that on May 11, the victory should be a decisive one.

He noted that should the Region endorse the PPP/C, they can be guaranteed a better life, more opportunities and a higher standard of living. He warned that if the victory was a narrow one, the Opposition will ensure that trouble is brought to the streets.

“They are preparing for trouble. Already after three years after continuous registration, after claims and objections, the PNC said nothing about the list. Three weeks ago, Granger is now questioning the veracity of the voters’ list. Why is he doing this? They are laying the grounds as they have done in the past so that if they lose they can use the list as the tool around which they

will mobilize. So we have to ensure that the victory

Jagdeo warned the crowd.

He related to the supporters that the matter was not a matter of political game or power but was rather about the future of their children and grandchildren.

“You don’t want your family to grow up in a country where you are thrown into jail because you speak against the government like they did in the past. You don’t want your children to dream their dreams in a land where they are treated as second class citizens…because we in the PPP/C are notorious for treating people equally…,” he said.

He noted that the Opposition has proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted by anyone since they have constantly voted down the government’s developmental projects but are now promising to implement the same project should they be elected to power.

The former President cautioned that they must not be deceived by the coalition and their deceptive messages. He admit-

An avid PPP/C supporter

is such that we can’t question the results at all and that depends on all of you,”

ted to the crowd that while the PPP/C has indeed made mistakes, they are a better alternative to the coalition.

President Ramotar leads a procession to Damon Square for the rally

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Foundation

The world of books “There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favourite book” – Marcel Proust

L

Anu Dev

ater this week Thursday, to be exact - will be World Book Day - a day to show one’s appreciation for books. I can’t think of a better way to show appreciation for books than by reading one.

And therein lies a problem nowadays - with so much to study and so little time, it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to prop open a book that wasn’t a textbook.

But whenever I think of “books”, a warm feeling of nostalgia sweeps over me.

My earliest memories have to do with my father reading to me...and later to my brother and me. He would re-enact the stories with the various “voices” so that the characters almost literally came alive!

It was a great motivator for me to read so that I too, could enter into so many other worlds. The physical

guyanatimesgy.com

books were in themselves objects of awe, only partly occasioned by my father’s caution that one should not “mistreat” books.

I once asked him about this outlook and he reminded me that we come from a tradition in which books are literally “worshipped”. In all the Hindu religious ceremonies the texts are ceremoniously paid reverence.

I also love the smell of books - especially the smell of new books. The smell is a harbinger of what is to come: a whole new world unfolding in ones mind as the words are filtered through the eyes.

But to return from whence I began, even though medical school is supposed to be one long slog through dozens of thick, esoteric tomes, I have yet to touch a traditional “book” - even though I am about to finish second year.

All my “books” have been downloaded onto an iPad that I can take with me wherever I go. So I still read books, but I am yet to turn a page or breathe in that musty smell deeply. And so I guess I am only participating in an inevitable evolution of what a “book” actually is.

For thousands of years before writing, information was transmitted orally - and had to be memorised through intense effort. I grew up hearing about how the Vedas- which would amount to a good size library - were memorised and passed on for thousands of years by specific families.

After the invention of writing, we’ve passed through papyrus, palm leaves and parchments.

These would have been written and copied individually - and so they were certainly not very common.

It was only after the German Johannes Gutenberg invented the moving press that books gradually became common.

Now five centuries later, my “books” are buried in the electrons of my hard drive in my IPad. I must confess that it is a completely different experience from reading a book made from paper. And it’s not only the physical object.

Somehow the information seems to be more transitory.

What I have found myself doing as part of my study regimen is to make laboriously detailed notes - with

diagrams and drawings - of what I’ve read on the iPad. In a sense, I have gone back to the manuscript stage of books - even as I use the quintessential 21st century artifact - the computer.

But I tell you what: I still look forward to a “real” book and one of the things that I’m looking forward to, is to loll around in bed (preferably with the rain pattering on my roof in Guyana) with a good novel.

The novel has helped to develop our modern sensibilities - and Book Day began as a celebration of the first western novelist Cervantes, creator of Don Quixote in the 17th century.

I enjoy the fact that several female writers did more than their bit in the 19th century - especially the Bronte sisters and Jane Austin.

Marcel Proust who’s quoted above, wrote what is probably the longest novel ever, translated from French into English as “Remembrance of things past”.

Some 3000 pages, taking a quarter of a century to write at the beginning of the 20th century. Maybe I’ll get the entire edition and plough through it.

Windsor Forest experiences minor flooding after koker door breaks away

S

A view of the location of the breakage

everal residents at Windsor Forest, West Coast of Demerara experienced minor flooding on Saturday night after the door attached to the koker in the area broke.

The breakage occurred due to the wearing away of the left ‘guiding strip’ and the constant pressure of the high

tide against the structure.

According to residents, general repairs were done to the koker five years ago however the door was replaced last year. When Guyana Times arrived on the scene engineers were already strategising on how to resolve the issue.

According to one of the residents, the response of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was very efficient as they arrived with workers in a matter of minutes. The maintenance of the facility is the responsibility of National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) which is overseen by Lionel Wordsworth, the Chief Executive Officer.

Speaking to reporters, Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) Chairman Julius Faerber said that repairs were expected to be completed by 20:00h. In order to prevent any additional breakage, the engineers were strengthening the structure with ‘stop logs.’

Shortly after 19:00h the recently commissioned pump station which houses the drainage pump was in operation to remove the excess water from the inland area however residents were of the view that the breakage would not result in flooding as the surrounding drainage canals were almost dried and extended all the way to Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara.

NEWS

Ramotar lays out plans for Essequibo

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

P

resident Donald Ramotar has promised to further boost the overall development of Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as he unveiled massive plans that will see thousands of jobs being created in the region and more opportunities available for young people there.

Speaking to the media at a specially convened press conference ahead of the massive rally planned by his party in the region, Ramotar gave his commitment towards establishing a branch of the University of Guyana there which will serve to further create opportunities for youth within the region to further their education there.

Ramotar said that there has been tremendous progress in the education sector and it was evident in Region Two when two top students emerged the best in the Caribbean.

He explained that as part of efforts to foster and develop education in the region, apart from the campus, persons can do online degree courses.

He also committed his Party and Government, should he be reelected, to the establishment of a multimillion-dollar call centre which would provide hundreds of jobs for young people who were unemployed and desirous of pursuing a career in telecommunications.

President Donald Ramotar

Ramotar, who is the Presidential Candidate for the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which is contesting the May 11 elections, also pledged his commitment towards lowering the cost of electricity within the region once reelected to office as the Amaila Falls HydroPower Project will come on stream.

He said when the Amalia Falls power plant is built then cables will be linked from the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam and therefore cheaper energy will be generated.

He said that as result of cheaper energy creating cottage industries and job creation will take off. He said that the agro-industry which has already created a number of jobs for many young people in Guyana, will also be boosted.

Ramotar said that cheap-

er energy will be provided as well as more generators will be sent to Region Two to eradicate the power outages.

He also said that the PPP/C will be seeking more markets for the coconut and rice industries in an effort to ensure sustainability.

Ramotar said that he is cognizant of the fact that there are challenges being experienced in both industries but assured farmers from the coast and Pomeroon that corrective measures will be taken to deal with the situation.

He said a special rice price support system will be implemented to assist farmers as well as well ensure timely payments.

Markets are also being sought in Africa and Chile.

The President told reporters that the Board through the Burma Research station will continue to produce new varieties for better production.

“With new varieties we can stay ahead of the game, we are also investing in drainage and irrigation, improved of farm to market roads as well,” Ramotar noted.

He said efforts will also be made to work holistically with millers so that mutual arrangement can be made.

Additionally, he declared that millers are venturing into investments such as “gasifier” plant to reduce cost while farmers are also adding value to their products.

"Vote like a Boss" claims IRI funding dwindling ...takes aim at key battleground Berbice

Part of the gathering at the launching of the “Vote like a Boss” campaign

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

A

dearth of financial resources has prevented the International Republican Institute (IRI)funded Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) “Vote like a Boss” campaign from gaining the widespread attention it needs in order to be effective, according to its Board Chairperson Tiffany Daniels.

Based on the conclusion by many observers that the campaign, which was dubbed a national initiative to get young people duly informed and equally excited about voting, lacks the momentum it needs to attract disenchanted voter, get them wholly prepared to make an informed decision and exercise their right to vote for a

Tiffany Daniels

party for their choice on May 11.

Daniels told Guyana Times that the organisation lacks the necessary financial resources it needs to widely promote this national project.

The youth group has been

Footballer passes in hospital after accident

A

fter spending more than one week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital, a young footballer succumbed to his injuries following an accident at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD) public road.

The accident occurred on April 2 but died on April 11.

The dead young man has been identified as twenty-oneyear-old Kerwin Benjamin also called “Fineman’ of Lot 194 Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

According to information received that young man was

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Kerwin Benjamin died one week after the accident

the back seat passenger of a car when the driver lost control and slammed into a utility police.

Benjamin received severed head injuries and was rushed to the medical attention where he remained unconscious up to the time of his demise.

His father told the Guyana Times that his son was heading to another house on the East Coast of Demerara to drop off two of his visiting friend from Linden.

On their way to the East Coast home, the driver of the car reportedly lost control

of the vehicle causing him to spin a few times before crashing into a pole.

His son, he added would have suffered the blunt of the impact after the accident. He explained that his son was making sure his guests are taken care of since whenever he visits Linden, he is well taken care of.

He added that he was at home when the family received the news of the accident and by the time they arrived at the scene, he was already taken to the hospital. At the hospital, he disclosed that his son was seen lying on the bed and was not

responding to anyone.

“He stay just like that until he died... the doctor said that he had severe head injuries and they tried hard to keep him alive,” he added. The driver of the car and the two other passengers escaped unhurt.

The grieving father stated that his son was a talented young man who played football very well for his community. He added that his son worked with his mother who is a businesswoman.

Benjamin is expected to be laid to rest on Sunday. He leaves to mourn his mother and two siblings.

in the middle of a controversy since it came into existence.

The organisation came in for heavy criticism from the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and its youth arm the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) about its bona fides , agenda and principles. Its funding had been provided by the IRI of the US, which in turn had been funded by USAID to the tune of some US$7 million to "promote democracy" in Guyana.

The IRI had been used by the US Government to help effectuate regime change in both western and eastern hemisphere – in North Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Honduras, Haiti and Venezuela.

But GNYC has continuously denied the Administration’s concerns, claiming that the council had aimed to launch a national campaign geared at sensitising young voters about the value of their participation in the electoral process.

In the other jurisdictions, the IRI had also focused on youth groups and assisting in mobilising them on behalf of the various Opposition groups. In Guyana, the GNYC has also been most active among the traditional Opposition constituency.

However, due to the lack of financial resources, GYNC appears to be failing in its bid to garner the support and attention it needs in order to be a national campaign.

It was not clear as to whether the IRI, with the huge budget at its disposal had closed off its funding from the GYNC. turn to page 14

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SunDAY, april 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Kitty resident convicted of brazen armed robbery Eyew tness A

29-year-old resident of Kitty was found guilty on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts of committing what has been called a brazen robbery in a minibus in late 2014.

The convicted felon, Kareem Lovell was found guilty in Court Five by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after a seven-month trial for the three charges that were levied against him.

The first charge detailed that Lovell and Kera Peters, the Virtual Complainant (VC) in the matter, were travelling in a bus on October 21 along the Kitty/Campbellville, Georgetown route around 08:30h when the bus stopped in front of the St Winifred Primary School. The defen-

dant whipped out a .38 revolver, held up the VC, took her Samsung Galaxy Tab and ran away.

In Court One, when he was first arraigned, it was detailed that the tablet was valued $160,000 and the gun had eight live rounds of .38 ammunition.

Lovell was brought to justice as the driver of the minibus knew him and took the Police to his home where he was arrested and charged for the offence. The revolver and the VC’s tablet were found at his home.

He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Clyde Forde, while the Prosecution was led

by Police Prosecutor Simone Payne. Payne brought forward a range of witnesses, in-

Kareem Lovell will spend another two years in jail

cluding the driver, who had been in the minibus and they were able to identify the defendant as the robber that took the VC’s items.

Magistrate Azore sentenced Lovell to four years’ imprisonment, two years for illegal gun and ammunition possession and two years for armed robbery.

However, Magistrate Azore stated that the sentences will be concurrent, thus Lovell will have to spend only two years in jail.

Lovell had been brought to Court Two other times for charges of cocaine possession and marijuana possession. He had boasted to Chief Magistrate Priya- SewnarineBeharry when he first appeared in court in October 2014 that the former charge was dismissed against him.

He had been sentenced for the latter charge after pleading guilty.

APNU/AFC Candidates List...

Granger now mum on Kissoon's reason for exclusion ...contradicted on previous explanation by Kissoon

P

APNU Member Vanessa Kissoon

NCR and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader David Granger has refused to comment on statements made by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) representative, Vanessa Kissoon, on her exclusion from the party’s National Top-Up List of Candidates.

About a week after it was noticed that her name was excluded from the PNC-led APNU/Alliance For Change (AFC) List of Candidates, Kissoon broke her silence, disclosing that she was dropped because of her refusal to issue

an apology to the leadership of the party.

In an interview with another media outlet, Kissoon related that she was told that in order for her name to be placed on the list, she would have had to issue an apology.

While she did not specify to whom the apology had to be given, she has been involved in conflicts with Granger; the party’s Chief Whip, Amna Ally; and PNCR General Secretary, Oscar Clarke.

Kissoon’s relationship with the leadership of the PNCR deteriorated following an altercation with Clarke at the party’s Sophia Headquarters

last year. It was alleged that Kissoon verbally and physically assaulted the General Secretary. Subsequent to PNCR’s Biennial Congress in July, Kissoon was instructed to apologise for misconduct; however, this recommendation, which was made by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, was ignored.

In September 2014, another letter was dispatched to Kissoon by Granger regarding her membership in the party, but she did not issue an immediate response.

When contacted on Friday, Granger said that he is not commenting on the issue involving the party’s Region 10 representative. However, Guyana Times made contact with Clarke who related that he is not aware of the reason behind the Region 10 representative’s exclusion from the list.

He explained that he is merely the party’s General Secretary and was familiar with the compilation process of the list. Asked about Kissoon’s statement on her refusal to apologise to him and the party’s leader, he stated “well if she is saying that then it must be the case… I can’t comment on something she said.”

Previously, questioned on why Kissoon’s name was not on the party’s official List of Candidates for the upcoming General and Region Elections, Granger responded that Kissoon had already served two terms and as such, the decision was taken not to include her.

He refused to comment when it was pointed out that several others such as Amna Ally had already also served two terms and were still on the list. He also refused to divulge whether Kissoon was officially consulted on the decision and what had been her response.

Dangerous game...

T

...by Roopnarine

his Eyewitness knows these are stressful times for Rupert Roopnarine. Right now he has to be very sheepish about placing his daughter on the APNU list when the rest of his comrades are baying at the PPP/C - with pitchforks in their grubby paws - about “nepotism” and what-not, for placing their scions on the PPP/C’s list.

And here it was Roopnarine’d been quite tickled to have at least one offspring follow in his footstep. At least Granger hadn’t told him anything seeing that HIS son-inlaw was a candidate!!

But that was not his main source of agony and angst.

All his life he’d been the bridesmaid and never the bride - until Granger came along. OK. So he’d had to frame his old school chum Rodney as “collecting arms” for revolt to get into bed with Granger.

But this was politics, no? He’d read somewhere that you had to be prepared to make Faustian bargains. But he’d though that was just a figurative expression: this Granger was proving to be a real literal Faust.

Here it was, he’d sold his friend down the river, and was shunned by all his old “progressive” friends ...and for what?? Granger had dumped him like a month-old salara for that Moses Nagamootoo. He had to find a way to get back into the swing of things.

But old men don’t think anymore - they just remember. And Roopnarine, who’s got to be in his late 70s, has evidently remembered the “revolutionary” times back in the day. So he’s singing his revolutionary song whenever he gets a chance on the hustings.

Over in Essequibo, he called for “revolution” in the shadow of Damon. And last Friday night he called for revolution at Plaisance of the East Coast. And this is where he’s fanning a smouldering fire...not just basking in an old man’s nostalgia.

This Eyewitness has been pointing out the context in which these statements are being made. Just as in other non-rigged elections after 1992, the PNC (and APNU+AFC is nothing but the PNC with lipstick) has been “guaranteeing” their supporters “victory”.

When the inevitable defeat strikes, the anger from the disappointment will boil over into violence.

Against whom?? Well, it’s always against those who would’ve been identified as having thwarted them from their expected victory, no? And that’s the PPP/C and its supporters. This time, the ranks of APNU are even more swollen with ex-members from the Disciplined Forces than in 2011.

And then you had the ex-Chief of Staff of the Disciplined Forces provoking the Police. What now??

...over development

Well, the Marriott’s not only a done deal...it is a done deal that’s been done well. And we’re happy that the President and all the speakers at the opening ceremony gave credit to Winston Brassington.

Presidents and other policy makers may dream dreams and have visions... But unless you have people like Brassington to execute the plans and make them into reality - it just remains a dream.

Burnham, for one, had a lot of dreams - some would say he was full of it. But how many became reality??

Hydro? Aluminium smelter? Bicycle factory? Glass factory?? Tilapia farming?

Not a single one of them moved from his head into the real world. Winston Brassington took the vision of Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar to bring a world class hotel to Guyana and made it happen.

The small man can now be a real man and have dinner just like anyone else at the seafront Marriott. Thanks to Winston Brassington.

...on names

Your name’s part of your being. Barrington Braithwaite referred to a “Rhyaan Shaw” in a letter. Last we heard Rhyaan, even though a writer, hadn’t filched George Bernard’s patronym. But was it a Freudian slip?

Maybe Barrington might take a hint from Malcom Little who at least chose an “X” for himself.

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guyanatimesgy.com

News

PNC-led APNU/AFC List of Candidates…

Samad left out after scoffing at coalition possibility

By Andrew Carmichael

A

dviser to People's National Congressled A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Daizal Samad claims he is still an active part of the coalition despite being left out of the coalition’s list of candidates for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Samad, who has been an active part of the Alliance For Change (AFC) early campaign, dwindled into the background as the party was preparing for the Valentine's Day marriage with APNU. Samad had been one of the main speakers at several political meetings in Berbice.

However, in more recent times, Samad became less vocal and less visible in party activities.

More noticeable was his omission from the coalition's List of Candidates for the upcoming elections.

In an invited comment, Samad said that his omission was not an indication that he was no longer a part of the AFC. Before the coalition was consummated, Samad had claimed that the AFC would never go that route and that the talks were merely a subterfuge. Observers say that because of this statement Samad was being punished by the APNU/AFC leaders.

“Not being on the list was because of my neglect, but I am still a very active part of the Alliance,” he said.

According to Samad, the fact that he has not been appearing in the AFC’s television programmes in Berbice is no indication that he is no longer in the party’s mainstream.

“Not everybody goes on television and makes noise… We have plans which are being generated.”

To many, Samad was a surprise guest on the stage at Whim when the coalition held its rally there recently.

Although he did not speak at that rally, Samad told this publication on Friday that ideas have to be generated first before they are put forward.

He said many of those who have been

Why the wedding in Whim

Daizal Samad

appearing on television have egos to satisfy. “What we need to do is to work towards a corrosion of egos.” Prominent on the television in Berbice have been Veerasammy Ramayana and Charandass Persaud.

According to the Professor, when the coalition wins the upcoming elections there will be much work for him. He added that the current administration is guilty of crucifying much of the talent we have in Guyana.

“The new Government will be sure to employ every bit of talent we have in Guyana and we will be cultivating new talent in so doing.”

According to the former head of the University of Guyana Tain Berbice Campus (UGBC), he is currently working with senior officials in the coalition implementing strategies and programmes which will take Guyana forward after the May 11 Elections.

Youth movement endorses PPP/C

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

W

ith just a few weeks left before the staging of one of Guyana’s most anticipated General and Regional Elections, Youth Movement Guyana (YMG) has taken a decision to endorse the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

In a press statement, YMG explained that the Opposition has been hypocritical in its campaign as it has been throughout the life of the 10th Parliament.

“The Opposition parties have been engaged in active sabotage of projects and laws that would have benefitted our nation, it is their very own admissions that show clearly that they put the interests of their parties before those of the people of this nation,” YMG said.

The Youth Movement pointed out that despite major objections in the National Assembly on the part of the Opposition, the Presidential Candidate of the A Partnership for

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, David Granger is now claiming that should the alliance be victorious at the upcoming elections, it would restart the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill.

However, YMG expressed its bewilderment over the fact that the Opposition had the opportunity to endorse those initiatives but objected. According to the Youth Movement, the “logic behind these new promises” must be questioned.

“Other factors in our decision include the proposals to ‘rationalise’ existing ministries, in the words of AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes, ‘If in the rational review of that Ministry’s operation there is nothing for them to do, I am not sure you can just keep employing people just for the sake of providing jobs,’ while we agree with the logic of Mr Hughes'

Administrator of the Youth Movement Guyana, Robin Singh

statement, we also live with the fact that Guyana has been carrying a bloated public service for many decades.

It speaks to the humanity of the PPP/C that upon assuming the reins of Government that they did not engage in discrimination or vindictive firing of public service workers, many of whom were at the time supporters of the

PNC. We cannot support any movement that would engage in such an exercise, we are all one small family in Guyana and every person presently employed plays a part in making the lives of those around her or him better,” YMG further explained.

In taking those factors into careful consideration, the YMG said it made a decision to endorse the PPP/C in the lead-up to the May 11 elections.

“Youth Movement Guyana is completely against the notion of party paramountcy and we cannot endorse or condone the behaviour of the joint Opposition in the concluded 10th Parliament. The reward for sabotage cannot be our vote of confidence,” the organisation noted as it vowed to continue to advocate for a better Guyana.

Unfair treatment

But while the YMG supports the PPP/C, the organisation is not in support of all the policies and ideas of

the incumbent administration.

Administrator Robin Singh had previously told the Guyana Times that the Government’s Remigrant Scheme is one such initiative that is unfair to young Guyanese living in Guyana.

Singh said that inequality exists when persons coming back into Guyana receive certain benefits like dutyfree concessions when such privileges are not given to persons living right here in the country.

“If it’s the birthright of someone living out of Guyana, it should be the birthright of someone living here,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, as the historic date approaches, the rumbling and tumbling among the two major political parties are incessantly increasing as the two forces try their utmost to prove themselves as the administration that can take Guyana forward.

While the PPP/C and the APNU/AFC have been at each other’s throats

since the beginning, political lightweights have stepped up to the forefront to now prove themselves.

The YMG was one such organisation which had embarked on a journey to stand out from the rest and to truly represent the voices of those who were not being heard.

Singh had told the Guyana Times that the Movement was initiated with the belief that Guyanese youth were not well represented or being mentored in any way to achieve success.

However, this dream was not realised as the party was forced to make a decision to withdraw because it was unsuccessful in meeting the requirements to contest the elections as laid down by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Nonetheless, the organisation assured that it will continue to work on building the capacity of the YMG so it will be capable of contesting the General and Regional Elections in the future.

news

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Duo remanded for Agricola robbery T wo men were refused bail on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly robbing a woman of more than half a million dollars in cash and items.

The accused are 21-yearold Simon David and Adam Downes both of Agricola Public Road, Greater Georgetown.

The men are alleged to have robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC), Natalie Outridge, using a gun, on April 16 of $565,000 in cash, a $35,000 cellular phone and other items valued $40,500 while she was in Agricola.

Also they are charged with using personal violence against her before or after the robbery.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru detailed that the VC is a businesswoman who had stopped at a shop to buy something when the duo accosted her. Downes was armed with the gun while David punched the woman and took the mentioned articles and money.

Prosecutor Mangru stated that the VC had positively identified David at his work-

Alleged armed robbers, Simon David (right) and Adam Downes (left)

place at the Mc Doom Feed Shop as one of the persons who robbed her, which led to the arrest of the second assailant. Mangru strongly objected to bail based on the

nature and prevalence of the offence committed against the defendant. He revealed that David was also on trial for a similar offence of armed robbery at the Providence

Magistrate’s Court.

However, the defence stated that David was nowhere near the crime scene.

It was noted that he was at that time appearing at Providence Court for the armed robbery charge that was levied against him and from there he went directly to court.

David’s Attorney stated that his employer from the feed shop and a colleague had also shown up to give evidence that he was not present at the time of the robbery of the VC. It was stated that the VC had made a mistake by identifying him as one of the perpetrators or it is a case of profiling.

Downes was not represented by legal counsel, and told the court that he did not rob the VC. He informed that he has a past of mental instability, but has never been in any court matter.

The men were remanded to prison. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry transferred their case to Court Three where it will be tried by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Prisoner sentenced for disorderly conduct, abusive language

A

man was sentenced to 21 days in prison

by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for disorderly conduct and abusive language.

Colwyn Cort, 33, who is currently on remand, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on April 9, 2015 at the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he made use of threatening

language against Renita Singh.

The man also pleaded guilty to a charge which read that on the same day he conducted himself in a disorderly manner at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to Police Prosecutor Steven Gonsalves, on the day in question the defendant, who is facing an attempted murder charge, was

scheduled to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Gonsalves added that while at the Camp Street Prison, there was an exchange of words between Cort and Singh during which he made use of abusive and threatening language against her.

The Police Prosecutor stated that he was present at the time of the incident and heard the defendant threatening to shoot and

kill Singh. It was further explained that when the defendant arrived at the court he conducted himself in a disorderly manner.

After listening to all the facts presented, the Chief Magistrate sentenced the man to 21 days in prison on the charge of disorderly conduct and abusive language. Court will return to court on April 17 for trial on the threatening language charge.

India’s fight for net neutrality

A

Indian protestors in support of net neutrality

battle that could decide the future of the internet in India is being fought online, between telecom users and operators.

In less than a week, more than 800,000 Indians have sent emails to India’s telecom regulator, demanding a free and fair internet.

The trigger was a paper published by the regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), discussing regulatory framework for Over-the-

top (OTT) services done via the internet. Over-the-top services include apps like Skype or WhatsApp that ride on top of telecom operators’ networks.

Also, some leading companies, including the media behemoth, Times Group, have pulled out of Facebook’s Internet.org initiative (to bring affordable internet access in less developed countries), fearing it threatens the principle of “net neutrality”. Net neu-

trality means service providers should treat all traffic equally. Users should be able to access all websites at the same speed and cost.

However, not everyone is backing the extreme “net neutrality or nothing” stance of the activists. Some free-market advocates and investors point out flaws in it, especially in possible over-regulation.

“I am not in favour of pricing guidelines and restrictions, or excessive government interference in a free market. So I am okay with zero-rating,” says Alok Mittal, a Delhi-based internet business investor. “But I am against throttling or slowing down some services.”

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, one of India’s leading internet entrepreneurs, says that he supports net neutrality, but worries more about net freedom.

“TRAI’s idea of licensing OTT apps is scary,” he says.

“India must not be denied access to great apps and services by a licensing regime.

Start-ups and young apps developers might have to apply for a time-consuming licensing process, stifling innovation.”

Activists have accused the TRAI of bringing out a consultation paper whose questions are framed in a way sympathetic to the telecom industry, suggesting an outcome that could be in favour of telecom operators.

However, all that may have changed with the sheer volume of user response, which has taken the operators, the regulator and even the activists by surprise.

India’s ruling BJP Government had set up a committee to study net neutrality issues, and it will submit its report next month. Given the general public opinion, that report may well tilt toward stronger net neutrality. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Murder of 9-year-old boy

23-year-old accused to undergo psychiatric valuation

T

he destitute man who has been charged for murdering nineyear-old Shaquan Gittens was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday.

Brian Bobb-Semple, 23, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between April 1 and 4, he murdered Gittens at Houston Backlands when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The lad who disappeared on April 1 was last spotted flying his kite in the area and several days later his body was discovered in a semi-nude state floating in a canal.

The suspect was arrested after he was reportedly heard calling the child’s name in his sleep. During questioning, he told investigators that he abducted the youngster on April 1 and

took him behind Cane View where he sexually molested him. Semple had told the investigators that he strangled Gittens in the process of the gruesome act. After committing the act, he reportedly went to sleep, but only realised the child was dead the following morning.

He then had sex with the corpse after which he severed the male reproductive organ from the child’s body and dumped the body in the canal.

Speaking in the man’s defence, his legal representative Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-A-Fat stated that his client was not competent to face trial and also claimed that the victim’s family was saying that they were sure that the defendant was not the perpetrator of the heinous crime.

The Magistrate ordered to have a psychiatric evaluation done on the man. BobbSemple is scheduled to return to court on May 6.

12 news Students gearing up for CSEC, CAPE exams SunDAY, april 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

By Devina Samaroo

I

n the midst of a heated elections campaign season, thousands of students countrywide are gearing up to sit their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and Caribbean Advanced Proficient Examination (CAPE).

CSEC examinations are usually taken by students after five years of attending secondary school to mark the end of standard secondary education. The CSEC examinations are equivalent to the Ordinary Level (O-Levels) examinations and are targeted towards students sixteen and older.

CAPE, on the other hand, is taken by students who have completed their secondary education and wish to continue their studies. Students who wish to sit for the CAPE are usually in the possession of CSEC or an equivalent certification. The CAPE is equivalent to the British Advanced Levels (A-levels)- they are both voluntary qualifications that are intended for university entrance.

Guyana has been dubbed one of the best performing regions in the Caribbean at the CSEC examinations, recording tremendous achievements in the various subject areas year after year.

In Guyana, the period leading up to these important examinations is usually marked by late nights of studying, thousands of students attending extra lessons running late in the evenings, a decrease in social media activities and more time spent buried in the books.

Richard Rampersaud of the Bartica Three Mile Secondary School said he is slightly nervous about the examinations.

“Sometimes I am nervous, sometimes I am not, but I know I will do good because I am constantly studying,” the young lad expressed.

Rampersaud is currently

in the science stream and has signed up to write 10 subjects at the CSEC examinations.

He noted that the studying did not force him to give up much of his leisure life as he succeeded in managing both effectively.

In Georgetown, Ravindra Racktoo of Queens College

her friends and family which contributes to her confidence in her ability to succeed.

Meanwhile, the examinations in Guyana will be slightly different from the previous years.

With the holding of a General and Regional Election in the midst of the

Ravindra Racktoo

Richard Rampersaud

told this publication that he has been studying very hard during the days and nights to ensure he is wholly prepared for the examinations.

The student related that he wrote Mathematics in Grade 10 (Form Four) and earned himself a Grade One: Distinction in the subject, however, he intends to rewrite the examination so he can get all his grades on one slip.

While not wanting to be overconfident, Racktoo said he is certain in his ability to succeed at the examinations.

Tricia Harris, a business student of the St. Joseph High School will be writing 9 subjects.

“I had created a timetable to manage my focus on every individual subject. Instead of just studying all the time, I would encourage those who are in preparation to be calm and stay focused and put some time to relax and focus,” the young lady said as she explained her studying routine and practices.

She noted that he receives a lot of encouragement from

examinations, CXC was forced to reschedule several of the examinations in the country to facilitate the elections process.

The CSEC and the CAPE examinations slated for May 11 and May 12 will be rescheduled for June 15-16 respectively for Guyanese students.

The Ministry of Education in Guyana and the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) had both assured that efforts will be made to ensure all candidates are duly informed of this alteration.

CSEC exams scheduled for June 15 include at 9:00 Agricultural Science (double award) – Paper 2, Agricultural Science (Single award) – Paper 2, Theatre Arts – Paper 1; and at 1:00pm: Electrical and Electronic Technology – Paper 1 and Food and Nutrition – Paper 2.

CSEC exams scheduled for June 16 include at 9:00am: Home Economics: Management – Paper 2, and Technical Drawing – Paper 2; and at 1:00pm: Electrical and Electronic Technology –

Paper 2.

CXC Registrar Glenroy Cumberbatch explained that the Council agreed to the rescheduling because they wanted to provide students with the same conditions and environment for the sitting of their examinations, as any other candidate on any other day would endure. As such, allowing them to write their examination on Election Day would have placed them in an unfair environment, ultimately putting them at a disadvantage.

He further stated that protocols were in place to ensure the integrity of the examination papers was maintained and that they were equal in weight and value.

Cumberbatch explained that CXC usually prepares “back-up” examination papers in the same subject area in the event something goes amiss. The assumption of students in Guyana contacting other students across the region for “prohibited assistance”, as it relates to preventing the contents of the examination papers from leaking, was also addressed during the press conference.

“They (the papers) will not be the same exact wording and questions and numbers and so on, but they will be parallel in terms of difficulty, conflict and demand,” the CXC Registrar explained.

Moreover, the Guyana Government will have to bear a cost for the adjustment in the timetable for Guyanese students but to this date, the government has not yet made any announcement in that regard.

It was last reported by this publication that the Education Ministry has received an estimated cost for the rescheduling but had declined to disclose the amount.

CXC officially began on Friday 17 with Visual Arts Paper 2. It continues tomorrow with the oral examinations in French and Spanish.

Altitude and Silhouette – a must try

F

ine dining, exotic new foods and burgers! Whatever you crave, you can find it at the JR Burgers Complex on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.

Everyone has already fallen in love with the famous JR burger since its introduction into the Guyanese community. Now, as the Guyanese palette expands, this complex has become home to two new equally delicious dining experiences – Altitude’s Sushi Bar and Lounge, and Silhouette.

Altitude

Sushi has the reputation of being uncooked fish wrapped in rice. This does not go over well with the culture that likes traditionally cooked food. However, Altitude’s Sushi is a hit with everyone. Having made its debut in January of this year, Guyanese have quickly learnt that sushi is not at all simply raw fish. It is the delicious jewel of Japanese cuisine that had now found a home in Guyana!

If you have not tried it out be sure to check Altitude on the rooftop of the JR Burgers Complex (order in-house or have it delivered). They also cater amazing sushi platters, and much more for parties and other functions.

Altitude does not just offer one experience every night of the week. Wednesdays feature the popular Cara Quiz Night along with Heineken specials, while Thursdays have become the “Request your Throwback Song” Night where any song can be requested. Friday night is always a buzz and now made sweeter because of the Signature El Dorado Mojito (buy one get one free).

Saturday is your day to just relax with best friends or get to know that special someone you brought as your date.

Opening its doors more than a year and a half ago, Silhouette has become one

of the go to restaurants for local residents and international guests in Guyana.

Rated #1 on Trip Advisor Guyana, Silhouette combines Chef Alleyne’s menu of international cuisine with a light and social atmosphere aiming to bring out the best in the dining experience.

One of Silhouette’s main attractions is their Tuesday’s themed buffet which allows you to enjoy foods from all around in the world in one cozy location. Come 18:0022:30h on Tuesday, April 21, and see for yourself! For the feast, start with Silhouette’s Spring Pea Soup; Chef Alleyne will delight you with carved Roasted Leg of Lamb marinated in dark beer, honey and thyme, Roman Style Chicken, Snook with Lemon Vinaigrette, Scalloped Potatoes with Dates, Vegetable Paella and Vegetable Medley.

Fusion

Guests will also enjoy a fusion of Greek and Italian with our Rotini Salad in Pesto with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Cheese, or a Mediterranean delight of Roasted Eggplant Napoleon Salad with Black Olive dressing. Relish in the fresh flavours and textures of our Crunchy Asian Salad. Now don’t forget desert! Sweeten your tooth with fresh seasonal fruit mousses, and indulge in Orange and Chocolate Xs Cakes. Food like this makes you grateful that there are different types of people in the world, each with their own special take on what life tastes like.

Whatever you crave, whether Japanese or Italian, Altitude and Silhouette are two wonderful additions to the ever growing dining industry in Guyana. Though nothing will ever beat your mom’s homemade curry, these come pretty close and offer the best atmosphere imaginable to indulge in.

13 Alleged gang-raped teen recovers news

SunDAY, april 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Presidential debate...

Opposition still refusing to participate

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ome four days prior to the hosting of the much anticipated presidential debate, the Opposition is still refusing to participate.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is yet to receive a definite response from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Presidential Candidate David Granger to deliberate on their policies in front of a televised audience.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar has already agreed to the debate.

But the Opposition has been demanding a prime ministerial debate as a condition for the presidential debate, which was never part of the PSC’s original proposal.

The PSC has been tasked with organising the debate between Ramotar and Granger, which has been scheduled for this Wednesday, April 23.

However the Opposition has continued to hold the debate hostage, calling for the prime ministerial debate as well.

When contacted on Saturday, PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud told Guyana Times that the ruling party’s position is that the APNU/AFC coalition is holding the presidential debate hostage in exchange for a prime ministerial debate, and it wants this hostility to be removed.

PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud

Asked whether the commission is prepared to host both debates if both parties agree, Persaud pointed out that the commission had only planned and organised the presidential debate.

Nevertheless, he noted that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has indicated its willingness to support the commission by hosting the prime ministerial debate.

Speaking with this newspaper last week, PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper said Guyana will have to “wait and see” whether she will be debating her opponent from the Opposition alliance, Moses Nagamootoo.

“We’ll have to see how that matter unfolds…let’s wait and see what happens,” Harper had said.

On the other hand,

President Ramotar was quoted as saying that his party’s Prime Ministerial Candidate is more than competent and equipped for any debate.

The APNU/AFC coalition has been threatening to pull out if its proposed conditions are not accepted by the ruling party.

Previously, Cocampaign Manager Raphael Trotman, told this publication that the coalition is very “keen and interested” in a presidential debate but would also like to have a prime ministerial debate along with it.

According to Trotman, he has sent an email correspondence to the PSC and copied PPP/C some members.

The APNU/AFC Cocampaign Manager claimed that the coalition wants a complete package of the top leaders debating each other so that the Guyanese public can see and know who they will be voting for come May 11.

Some sections of society believe that the Opposition’s sudden threat to boycott the anticipated presidential debate is an indication of its fear of debating its policies against those of the PPP/C. Earlier this month, the Opposition had also pulled out from a series of debates organised by the National Communications Network (NCN), arguably another indication that Granger does not want to face Ramotar in a national debate.

– gives detailed statement to Police

By Bhisham Mohamed

T

he 19-year-old Bellevue, West Bank Demerara (WBD) teenager, who was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men on Old Year’s Night, has given a detailed statement to Crime Chief, Leslie James.

In the statement provided to the Police, the teenager, who turned 19 in the latter part of March, revealed the names of at least four persons who allegedly raped him at one of his friend’s home at Vreed-en-Hoop, WBD after being drugged.

According to reports received, the teenager was lured into attending a party that was reportedly organised by his boss but this was never the case. He was collected by a group of friends after which they went to the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling where they met other friends and some strangers.

The young man reportedly told the Crime Chief that he did not drink any alcohol on the night in question but offered to purchase a case of beer for the others. After spending sometime at the water side, the young man was taken to a friend’s house where he was drugged and sodomised by at least eight men.

Initially, the young man told investigators that he was raped on the “jetty” which is now contrary to his statement given to the Police. He reportedly claimed that that at the time he spoke with the Police very briefly, he was traumatised and might have said the wrong thing.

The gang-raped teen

Guyana Times understands that after the men would have allegedly committed the act, they placed him in a minibus and told him that they were taking him home but being fearful for this life, he escaped when the men turned their backs and made his way to his sister’s residence.

The mother of the teenager told Guyana Times on Saturday that her son is recuperating and is being treated

by Dr Harry (only name given) at the Georgetown Public Hospital. She added that during the latter part of March, they visited Dr Harry’s clinic after which they went to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

A probation officer from the Ministry then took them to the Crime Chief where her son gave the statement. The senior Police rank promised to call them back after taking the statement but to date, they have received no calls.

She was also given a num-

ber to contact the Police but she did not. Nevertheless, the woman stated that her son has fully regained consciousness and for that she is thankful. Sometimes, she added that her son would faint for a short period. She recalled organising a thanksgiving ceremony for his 19th Birthday and during the preparation, he fell to the ground – that was the first time he had the experience.

She has since approached the Human Services Ministry for assistance in taking care of her son. The woman thanked those who came forward and offered assistance during their time of need. She is, however, holding out that the persons who committed the act against her son must face the full blunt of the law.

She recalled that her son was a very jovial and friendly individual who was full of life but now she said he remains isolated, talking only when prompted. A senior Police rank on the West Bank told this publication that there are some inconsistencies in the teenager’s statements that was provided to the Police a few days after the incident to that given to the Police last month.

They are, however, investigating the alleged rape.

The main suspect whose name was called in the incident has been arrested twice but was released since there was no evidence to institute charges against him.

The others are expected to be questioned in connection with the matter.

FAO, Norway ink US$4.5M pact to help developing countries monitor forest resources N

orway and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations have signed a US$4.5 million partnership agreement to improve the capacity of developing countries to monitor and report on their forest resources and changes in forest area. The project will facilitate countries’ access to earth observation data sources, including satellite imagery, and develop an easy-to-use platform for processing and interpreting this data.

“The new platform offers countries a set of efficient tools for monitoring changes in their forest area and carbon stocks, and for developing sustainable forest management regimes,” FAO’s Forestry Department Assistant Director General Eduardo Rojas-Briales said.

Gaining access to satellite imagery can be difficult for users with poor Internet connections, posing a serious challenge for natural resource managers in developing countries. Additionally, old, outdated computers process large-

New software will enable fast processing of satellite data in countries with poor Internet connections

scale data very slowly. FAO’s new software aims to overcome these problems by avoiding the need to download images locally and by using a scalable, “cloudbased” supercomputer instead.

All downloading and processing takes place elsewhere, in lo-

cations where connections are good and large amounts of computing power are available.

“One of the important components here is the creation of a user-friendly and efficient cloud-based computing interface,” explained Tiina Vähänen,

Deputy Director of FAO’s Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division. “The use of this interface will allow quick access to remote sensing data as well as to high-performance computing facilities, even in countries with limited access to Internet.”

Vähänen also stressed that many users in developing countries had limited resources to buy licences of proprietary software.

“They often simply do not have access to the tools they need.

Open-source software which was developed under the FAO’s Open Foris Initiative and used in this project is available for everyone without licence costs and allows the end user to modify the programme to suit their purposes,” she added.

At the initial stage FAO will start implementing the new system in 13 countries over the next three years in support of activities under the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD). The sys-

tem will be mainly used by forestry technicians to monitor and assess carbon forest areas stock, enabling countries to report on and receive compensation for verified emission reductions.

“Satellite imagery and other earth observation data are important for countries working to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,” said Lars Andreas Lunde, State Secretary in the Norwegian Climate and Environment Ministry. “Improved forest monitoring systems enable better informed decision making and policy development, and enable tracking of performance in reducing forest-based emissions. This is why Norway is supporting this project through its International Climate and Forest Initiative.”

“The outcome we are looking for here is to help countries produce and access satellite-generated forest maps and related information products in an easier, faster and more sustainable way.

This will allow them to gather better information for their own needs and for REDD+ implementation,” added Vähänen.

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man Worldwide protests planned Albouystown secures protection order following assault against new trade pacts T A ctivists are planning demonstrations around the world today, in what organisers anticipate will be one of the largest collections of protests to date against an emerging free trade pact.

Called the Global Day of Action, the international protests — primarily in Europe and US — come ahead of the ninth round of talks for the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which begin in New York City on April 20.

US and EU negotiators are hoping to conclude talks on the deal by early 2016.

Proponents say the pact will be a major boon for participating nations, possibly boosting their economies by US$100 billion per year combined.

But labour and environmental groups fear the pact amounts to a giveaway to corporate interests in the West that will weaken labour, environmental and consumer protections.

“For the last decades, secret trade and investment agreements have been pushed by corporations and governments, damaging our rights and the environment,” GlobalTradeDay.org, a group co-hosting the worldwide protests, said a statement. “For the last decades, we have

Called the Global Day of Action, the international protests — primarily in Europe and US — come ahead of the ninth round of talks for the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

been fighting for food sovereignty, for the commons, to defend our jobs, our lands, Internet freedom and to reclaim democracy.”

If a deal is reached, it would cover a market with a combined population of over 800 million accounting for approximately 46 per cent of global GDP, making it the largest free trade agreement of its kind.

The global day of protests is tapping into public discontent over another major multinational trade deal in the works among the US, Japan and 10 other nations, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which could be completed this year and would cover some two-fifths of the global economy.

The planned day of protests elicited a response from Cecilia Malmström,

the European Commissioner for Trade, who wrote on Thursday that while she found it “inspiring that trade policy is garnering this type of far-reaching, heated debate,” some of the opposition to the TTIP was rooted in arguments that “do not have a basis in reality”.

“TTIP can help us deliver better public services like health, education or water, by lowering the costs of the goods and services that governments have to buy — like uniforms, furniture or medicine,” she wrote on the website of the European Commission. “TTIP will not force governments to open public services to any new competition from private providers, it won’t force the government to privatise any public service, and it won’t limit governments’ freedom

to change its mind about public services in the future.”

President Barack Obama has made securing trade deals a major priority of the final two years of his Administration. It is one of the few areas where he and Republicans have been able to find some common ground.

The Obama Administration’s efforts to conclude the two agreements were given a major boost on Thursday when US lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation that would give Obama fast-track authority, or trade promotion authority, which makes it much easier for him to finalise a trade deal by overcoming congressional amendments or filibuster.

“Now that Congress is considering important bipartisan legislation for trade promotion authority, TTIP negotiations need to make major progress this year,” Obama said during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday.

The planned day of protests will feature demonstrations against the legislation that would guarantee President’s fast track authority. (Al Jazeera)

wo persons appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday to face cross charges of unlawful assault.

Ian Henry, of Lot 144 James Street, Albouystown Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charges of unlawful assault and threatening behaviour.

Christina Defrietas, a clothes vendor of Farm Squatting area, also pleaded not guilty to the charges of provocation and unlawful assault.

According to the Police Prosecutor, while in the vicinity of Cornell Street, Georgetown, Defrietas provoked Henry resulting in him making use of threatening language against her. A scuffle ensued between the two, during which they assaulted each other. A complaint was lodged at the Police station

by Henry and the charges were filed.

It was also reported that the two shared a commonlaw relationship for 22 years which ended in December, 2014. Addressing the court on Wednesday, Defrietas admitted that she is guilty of the charges levied against her, however, claimed that she did it out of frustration due to the fact that Henry does not support his four children financially.

Defrietas explained that on the day in question, she had

been following Henry around the bus park when he picked up a glass bottle and threatened to kill her, and in a fight to relieve him of the weapon she received a few minor cuts and bruises.

Henry refuted the allegations, claiming that while he did pick up a bottle and advanced towards the woman, a man that was present at the scene relieved him of the object and reprimanded him, advising him to lodge a report instead.

Henry said he went to the Providence Police Station, where they have several other matters pending, and filed a complaint.

He said that while the allegation that he is failing to make his child support payments is true, the matter was settled at the Providence Magistrate’s Court. He said that several months ago he received third degree burns to his arms and as a result of the accident which rendered him incapable of working, the Magistrate granted him time to make his total payment when he is fully healed.

The man said that he is willing to withdraw the charges on the basis that he is granted a protection order against the woman. An agreement was made for the procurement of a protection order to be granted to the man and the matter was dismissed.

US Embassy in outreach to Corriverton and Linden

The HAP team donated sports equipment to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and to the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre

T

he US Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) team has participated in multiple outreach programmes for underprivileged residents of Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Donations consisted of footwear, books, food, clothing, blankets, and sports equipment. Items were generously donated by organisations such as Food For The Poor, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and United States non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including Reader to Reader Inc, Darien Book Aid Plan, and SHUZZ. In Corriverton, a press statement from the US Embassy said, the HAP team, with volunteer resi-

dents, civic groups, and municipal government officials, provided aid to 140 families in Villages 76, 77, and 78.

Local residents expressed gratitude for the assistance and support offered by the US Embassy, NGOs, Civic Groups and Volunteers.

The HAP team also made sports equipment donations to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and to the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre. The equipment will benefit the congregation of 51 cricket clubs in the Upper Corentyne District and significantly increase youth access to better sporting supplies, and help sustain cricket programmes in the Corriverton area.

Lastly, in collaboration with USAID’s SKYE Programme counsellors, the HAP team conducted a humanitarian aid

distribution in Linden.

The aid was given to five Community Development Council (CDC) leaders from Constabulary, Amelia’s Ward, Nottinghampshire, Old England and Blueberry Hills. The HAP team’s distribution of several hundred items reached over 1000 residents within these communities.

“The contributions to underprivileged families help alleviate the daily strains of Guyanese citizens in Linden,” the Embassy said in its statement.

HAP is an initiative under the US Embassy to assist Guyana’s communities, particularly in underserved regions, in the areas of social, economic and medical development. HAP works to bring together multiple local and international agencies to reach common goals.

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news

Region 9 still experiencing dry weather conditions – despite intermittent rain

T

he periodic rainfalls during the last two days have caused a slight relief for residents in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), who have been faced with severe drought conditions over the past week.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, told Guyana Times on Saturday that while the intermittent rainfall has brought some relief, the region continues to suffer from severe dry weather.

Region Nine, along with parts of Regions One and Eight, is facing a bout of dry weather patterns, which is expected to be prolonged in the next few months.

Already in Region Nine, residents do not have access to potable water for domestic and agriculture use.

The drought has also attracted a resurgence of pests that are attacking the few crops which survived the drought. The Agriculture Ministry has since deployed a team to ensure that residents have the necessary materials needed to sustain the crops and livestock in the region.

Dr Ramsammy explained that even with periodic rainfalls in Region Nine, access to water is still a concern since most of the creeks have dried up.

Additionally, he noted that Region Eight is experienc-

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ing increased rainfalls of recent and 15 millimeters of rain is expected over the next few hours.

The Minister added that the response team being led by the Civic Defence Commission (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely especially the availability of food in the region. “We have people there looking at what is happening in the

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) representatives are also a part of the team.

The team is sourcing water from accessible sources such as rivers that still flow and GWI water wells, and then distributes the water via tractors and trailers to the affected areas for domestic and agricultural use. Furthermore, Dr Ramsammy noted that

Region Nine still facing dry weather despite intermittent rain

region and to monitor the impact the weather has on food supplies and water,” he stated.

The CDC led response team comprised representatives from the Amerindian Affairs, Local Government, Housing and Water, and the Public Works Ministries.

the response team is meeting regularly to ensure that the region is adequately served. He added that there are water conservation programmes are being implemented to ensure that there is enough water sources to sustain the region during the expected prolonged

dry weather in the coming months.

On the other hand as it relates to the agriculture sector, a full blown drought response is being prepared for the worsen weather conditions anticipated over the next few months. Dr Ramsammy noted that they have been supplying the affected areas with pesticides to protect the crops from the severe case of drought.

Guyana Times was made to understand that the Mocamoca Creek currently has very little water left and the Kuma Fall is dried up along with the Tabatinga Creek. These creeks usually flow into the Takatu River but has dried up way before reaching the river over the past two weeks.

This situation has affected many of the residents and businesses operating in the region. One businessman in Lethem, Daniel Gadjie, has expressed concerns over the limited access to water.

“It is very difficult to cope with because we have limited supply of water so we have to conserve. The place is very dry,” he related to this newspaper.

In addition, the immense drought in the area has contributed to disastrous forest fires which have been sweeping through the Aranaputa Village, North Rupununi for days.

Canal No 1 Polder CPG accused of targeting PPP/C supporters

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esidents of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara (Region Three) are alleging that supporters of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) are being targeted by the members of the Community Policing Group (CPG).

Speaking to Guyana Times, Kowsilla Singh claims that members of the CPG are misusing and abusing their authority.

According to the woman, these members have been removing and destroying campaign materials such as posters and flags from the area.

“They go around and take down the flags and posters that we have put up for the party, it’s very unfair to us as well as the PPP,” the frustrated woman said.

Several allegations of abuse of power have also been made by members of the community. They claim that the Chairman of the group, whom they identified as “Ramzan”, has even gone as far as to implement a community curfew which states that women are not to be seen on the road after 20:00h.

A young man, who requested anonymity, said he is no longer a member of the CPG because of the position it has now taken. “I was a member of the group too but I chose not to participate anymore because of the things that they are doing.”

The community has a

very low crime rate, and is rarely the location for any major criminal activities.

There are also claims that some members are using their power to target individuals over personal malice held against them.

“Late in the evenings, the young men usually hang out at the conservancy area, sometimes they have a few beers there but they never involve themselves in any criminal activities. Yet every time they are there, they face some sort of harassment, they are taking this too far…something needs to be done,” a concerned mother explained.

Prahalad Singh also claims to be a victim of abuse, stating that he is often targeted by the group.

The disgruntled man said that several false allegations have been levied against him including possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The man claims that he has gone to the Police station on multiple occasions due to these frivolous accusations. In addition to these allegations, residents are claiming that the perpetrators are trying to intimidate them into silence and are being very disrespectful to them.

These residents are calling on the Guyana Police Force to look into this matter as soon as possible as it has become very infuriating.

Attempts to get a comment from members of the organisation proved futile.

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News

Scores benefit from Banks/Courts health fair

S

cores benefitted from another health fair this time at Demerara Park, Georgetown, organised

by Banks DIH Limited and Courts Guyana Inc under the theme “Wellness, Fitness and You Health Fair.” Persons who attended the event benefitted from a number of services ranging from blood pressure testing to educational lectures on healthy eating.

Organiser of the event, Jennifer Khan told Guyana Times that after a long time a health fair was a raised initiative under the Cocoa Umbrella, realising the 20/20 vision which is refreshing the world, and at the same encouraging persons to live healthy and balance lives.

She said that the event was organised as a gift to the community in which the companies operate in.

She noted that several initiatives have been launched to encourage persons to exercise such as the jump rope exhibition and the zombo dance session. “Guyanese we are now into sitting too much, we do not want to park too far from our destinations because we may have to walk,

This man is getting his blood pressure tested at the health fair

in everything you do try to be balance, which therefore means you have to be active in taking part of differing activities and eating healthy,” she said as she addressed the importance of exercising.

Persons were also advised to use a lot of ground provisions, fruits and vegetables.

In addition, it was indicated that the Red Cross was on board and persons were allowed to donate blood to the blood bank Meanwhile, Sister Jeane (only name given) a repre-

sentative from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University emphasised that persons need to recognise the connection between the mind and the body as it relates to differentiating the positive and negative effects.

On this note, she said that when the mind is in a positive state it has a positive effect on the body and when it is in a negative state it has a negative effect on the body.

“It starts in the mind with a worry or fear and stress and then they begin to affect the

bodily organs,” she explained.

She stated that the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga meditation is a “meditation being done to create very positive strong, beautiful and pure energy in the mind and when this is done it promotes good health because of that, the booth was set up so that people can become more aware of that body and mind connection.”

She urged persons to be more aware of the spiritual health of the soul and to feed the mind with positive pure divine thought. “Just as how we feed the body with good and healthy nourishing food in the same way we need to be aware that our mind needs positive uplifting thoughts so the mind can be healthy and if the mind is healthy then of course the body will be healthy,” she said.

It was noted that this was the first time a health fair was organised by the Banks DIH Limited and as such organisers are hoping that it will be an annual event which will seek to reinforce the importance of maintaining a balance life.

"Vote like a Boss" claims IRI...

In defense, Daniels explained that, while GNYC failed in its quest to make its “Vote like a Boss” campaign strategies nationally known, the organisation is still pushing to take its campaign countrywide despite the financial constraints.

She said GYNC would

usually send out blast messages to persons, noting too that various non-governmental organisations that support them would assist in spreading the word of the campaign.

When asked why the council never sought the media’s help in publicis-

ing the events, Daniels said “we don’t have the finances to take over the media like the political parties are.”

Nevertheless, she said the council will soon start to issue updates on its activities and keep the press informed on future events.

Since the campaign

from page 7

was launched on March 21, Daniels said, to her knowledge, teams have only been dispatched to Berbice.

Berbice is seen as a key political battleground in the coming elections since it was once seen as a PPP/C stronghold, but with the AFC forming an alliance with APNU, the latter sees an opportunity to takes votes away from its opponent. Moses Nagamootoo was able to convince APNU to allocate twelve seats to the AFC regardless of their performance since it promised to pry 11% of the votes from Berbice She explained that team members would relate in detail the importance of voting and encourage the attendees to go out and vote.

She added that the council even established mock polling stations where it would walk the inexperienced electorates through the voting process.

In addition to the sessions in Berbice, Daniels disclosed that the council recently held a similar session on the lawns of the University of Guyana.

Daniels said GNYC has plans to take the campaign to Anna Regina, Linden and Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) but due to the financial challenges, she is unsure of the amount of publicity the events will gain.

As it relates to Georgetown, Daniels said GYNC is still in the process of organising one massive rally for the highly populated region.

According to her, GYNC is focusing its attention on the outlining regions where voter education programmes as lacking and the demand for these sessions is higher than the demand in Georgetown.

Younge’s Take The taste of power F

ormer US President Abraham Lincoln, in one of his most memorable speeches, said that “nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power”.

His words provide food for thought in this heightened political season where several persons are vying to lead this country at different levels.

A careful analysis of this country’s history would prove helpful in understanding how power has corrupted many men who came to power and has changed both their personality and vision for Guyana’s overall development.

Our history, depending on whose account you are reading, will show that one of the most powerful Presidents and political parties to have governed this country was Forbes Burnham and the PNC. Burnham is hardly ever spoken about in a very positive manner.

Before he came to power, he was widely viewed as a man of honour, principle and character. He was seen as the man who could lead this country toward a brighter future where equality, democracy and progress were the flavours of the day.

But as history would have it, when he had the taste of power, much of this changed. With time, he became undemocratic and dictatorial.

Burnham did whatever it took to hold on power, and this included rigging elections, persecuting his political foes, and marginalizing minorities who challenged his rulership of the country.

Dr Cheddi Jagan was viewed in a different manner. Before he came to power, he was seen as a man who could be trusted with power because he had the moral stock to resist many of its temptations.

He was also admired for the quality of politics he employed while being in Opposition for many years and was seen as a man of very high levels of integrity.

When Dr Jagan came to power, many of the positions he articulated were adopted before his untimely death in 1997. He was criticized for being too modest and for making very unpopular decisions which proved to be necessary for Guyana’s modernization in the long run.

Bharrat Jagdeo also became President and exemplified very strong qualities of leadership at a very young age. While in office, he introduced sweeping changes which catapulted Guyana’s development.

During his presidency, Jagdeo enjoyed massive support from Guyanese regardless of their race, creed or political orientation. This obviously angered many of his political foes and soon after they embarked on a deliberate campaign to tarnish him.

Since he demitted office, there have been manufactured scandals of all sorts, but history is replete with thousands of positives about the Jagdeo presidency.

But these are different times and Guyanese cannot afford to simply give power to people because they say they will move Guyana forward. Guyanese must look hard at the track record, behavioural pattern and ego of the men and women who seek to govern this country in 2015.

The time for experimenting with change is not now. They must pay keen attention to David Granger, Moses Nagamootoo, Donald Ramotar and Elisabeth Harper as they make their bid to lead Guyana for the next five years.

Ramotar and Harper seem more competent to draft policies and implement safe projects that would continue progress in this country. They appear more concerned about working for Guyanese and in their interest than pursuing ambitions, egos and vendettas. They have spoken about unity, healing and continuing in progress, while accepting that more must be done to move Guyana forward.

Granger and Nagamootoo have confirmed that a revolution will take place in this country and many of the projects that the previous Government has worked on will be scrapped or changed.

They have spoken about increasing pay and spending here, there and everywhere, which is pretty much what Burnham did, which earned Guyana the reputation of being the only bankrupt country in the Caribbean around that period.

Granger has also militarized the Opposition, while Nagamootoo has bartered all the principles he stood for while with the PPP/C for position and power.

Look past the promises. Examine the people, their policies and their commitment to development. The answers about their character and how they would govern all lie in the 10th Parliament.

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, april 19, 2015

39

News

PPP/C’s mega Essequibo rally

Harper outlines transformative plan for Guyana

– social and economic gains guaranteed

By Indrawattie Natram

T

housands of Guyanese on Saturday joined the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at Damon Square, Anna Regina as the party intensified its bid to be re-elected a sixth time to Government with its core leaders making passionate and nationalistic delivery to the attentive crowd.

The rally was held under the theme “Forward ever, backward never” and saw thousands joining a procession that commenced from La Belle Alliance Square, Reliance to Damon Square in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The delegation had most of the top brass of the party and President Donald Ramotar, Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul, Members of the PPP/C Ali Baksh, Harripersaud Nokta, Dr Vindyha Persaud, Francis Darchville and Cornel Damon, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud and Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo.

Vision

Harper said that her party the PPP/C has a clear vision and a strong track record of progress ensuring a more stable and secure Guyana.

She called on Essequibians to continue their support and put their “X” next to the cup come May

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper interacts with a passerby

11.

Harper, addressing thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life, said over the past nine years Guyana has enjoyed stability and continued economic growth despite global economic crisis.

She affirmed that this was possible because of the prudent management of the country’s economy.

Harper, who recently resigned as Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said in an effort to continue progress, her party remained committed to job creation, economic intervention, enhanced agricultural processing, enhanced Tourism and Hospitality development, the fight against Domestic Violence and the creation of a better life for elders and differently able, Border protection are top priority of the PPP/C. She said a tangible demonstration to Essequibians of progress was the gift received from the Government from China, the two roll-on roll-off ferries.

Harper noted that the ferries from China have as-

sisted many businesses, residents tremendously in cutting down their travelling time to the rest of the country.

The Prime Ministerial Candidate said that given the fact that education was so important, should be the PPP/C be reelected to office, focus would be placed on achieving several goals including upgrading the University of Guyana, attaining universial secondary education and the provision of better working conditions for educators.

Note was made for the establishment of start up funds for small business community, an initiative she said gear to help farmers.

Plans for progress

Speaking at length, Harper said a Flood Management committee will be established in an effort to assist Pomeroon whenever there is a flood.

With regards to Health, a Poly Health clinic will be established in Supenaam.

Doctors will be providing

NACTA: Voters concerned about talk of May 11 being payback time

T

he ongoing North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) tracking poll into the May 11 general election reveals that one of the greatest political factors in the election is “fear”. Many voters say they feel like they are being “terrorized” with the widespread uttering of racist comments on the campaign trail and at ordinary conversations.

A worrying concern among voters is persistent remarks made by some opposition supporters of “payback time” promising “to exact revenge”, with the opposition feeling confident they would win the election. Also, feelings of palpable racism are widespread among voters with many complaining that derogatory and insulting ethnic comments are routinely uttered against them.

Voters also complain about intimidation tactics and hostile behavior of some sup-

porters of the parties, driving intense fear among them.

Supporters of the incumbent People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) complain that supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) constantly remind them that May 11 is “day of reckoning”, “our time to rule is coming”, and it will be “payback” for the many years of PPP/C governance.

Voters say that without the slightest provocation during friendly level of interaction, at business location or at offices, on the streets, and even among residential neighbors, they are constantly reminded “May 11 coming” and “We will deal with you all”, driving fears about physical security. Some also complained about veiled threats of bodily harm regardless of whether their party win or lose.

As a result of these threatening remarks, voters feel there should be international

observers and security forces at polling places and in the streets to protect voters and ensure a free and fair voting process in which every eligible voter is allowed to vote.

The latest NACTA poll is showing a very close election with the PPP/C marginally ahead of the Opposition People's National Congress (PNC)-led alliance.

Supporters of both political forces are rallying with their party, confident of victory.

The poll’s findings show the electorate is racially polarized with the Africans voting overwhelmingly for the PNC-led alliance with only a small percentage indicating they will vote PPP/C. Indians are splitting their vote with most voting for the PPP/C and a sizeable chunk for the alliance. The poll’s projections relating to popular support and seats will be released in a subsequent report.

home based care also to residents. Harper said in an effort to foster empowerment amongst women in Region Two, greater opportunities would be provided, through grants and entrepreneurs skill training programmes.

She committed to providing more resources to the Child Care Protection Agency.

As she continued to address to thousands of party supporters, at Anna Regina, Elisabeth Harper promised to safeguard as well as to protect Essequibo Territorial integrity against Venezuela’s claim to the area by working with the diplomatic corps community.

She said should the PPP/C be elected to office, protection will be given to the Borders which is source from the Pomeroon River.

Harper said the she will ensure that PPP/C Government works to ensure that Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is maintained against Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo coast.

She said that during her interaction with residents of Region Two many persons complained of lack of Jobs.

The Prime Ministerial candidate said under the PPP/C jobs will be created for young people through many industries and noted the “Rice Cereal Crisp Factory” as one.

She reasoned that grants will also be given to young people to start their own businesses while mentioning that they will be exposed to many entrepreneurial skill training programmes, technical and vocational education, and apprenticeship programmes.

Harper said that the social scourge of Domestic Violence, is very prevalent in society and women alone cannot address the issue.

The anti-domestic abuse advocate said she will work with relevant stake-

holders to combat the ailment thereby finding solutions for a better life.

Regional speakers

Meanwhile Former Region Two Chairman and Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Alli Baksh said that the crowd present was the largest he ever saw in Region Two and said it is testimony that the PPP/C will win the upcoming election with landslide victory. “ We are ready to put back the PPP/C in Government, this crowd’s indication says it all, when we took Government the sea defences were crumbling, only one secondary school then, today we have 7, this is because off

farmers, the largest coconut exporter Vilma Da Silva, said that the PPP/C is the most productive party.

Da Silva said that PPP/C is the only party to move Guyana forward for a prosperous nation.

“Government doesn’t have to do everything we can do for ourselves, PPP\C has given me the opportunity to become empowered, we need that in Essequibo, Business People need personal gains, PPP/C ensuring this, and this is progress”. Da Silva said.

Da Silva urged Essequibians to vote for PPP/C for victory and don’t be fooled by the opposition.

Meanwhile, PPP/C Parliamentarian Cornel

Harper interacts with a fruit vendor

PPP/C” Baksh said.

Baksh said that in Region Two every single community has paved roads, 13 new housing schemes, more schools, people are more comfortable and this is development.

Baksh who served Region Two for nine years called on Essequibians to give their support to the present administration and noted that the opposition did inhumae things to Guyanese.

“The struggle continues until all Guyanese live comfortable, the changes that we are going through are very evident” Baksh said.

Speaking for coconut

Damon, told the Essequibo Coast said that the cup will never fall, but it will continue to be the signal of progress.

“We never will give this cup up, it is here to stay, under the leadership of Donald Ramotar,” Damon said.

Damon said that the opposition did the working people many injustices and noted that the PPP/C supporters will never allow the Opposition to win. Damon said during his time in Parliament, all the opposition did was to cut development. Damon urged persons to vote for PPP/C for continued progress.

40 news

SunDAY, april 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Secondary students capitalise on UG Career Day

Students posed as victims of domestic violence

H

undreds of students from across Guyana flocked the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus as representatives from the different faculties and business sectors joined the University in staging its Annual Career Day under the theme “Building Blocks for a Strong Foundation.”

The day’s activities were primarily intended to inform the students on the wide range of opportunities available at the University and within the business community.

The event sought to target the career choices of the visiting students as they further their studies.

The Career Day attracted over 25 businesses including both private and public organisations which part-

nered with the University to showcase their available job opportunities and requirements for employment.

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) were among the entities that participated in the event.

The University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr Barbara Reynolds said one’s career choice would change his life forever hence it is important to be careful when making the decision. She urged the students to choose wisely.

“I want you to understand how blessed you are, you are much more aware than I was, you have choices beyond becoming a minister, lawyer or a doctor. Now, not

only do you have many choices but you are aware of those choices and you are aware of some of the pathways that will help you achieve those choices,” the Deputy Vice Chancellor as she addressed the students during the opening ceremony.

Deon Frank, a representative from the Department of Sociology, explained that the department offers programmes in sociology and social work. She further explained that students are nurtured to be active forces in the social service industry.

The department’s booth consisted of models who were students portraying the effects of domestic violence and other forms of violence.

Other students acted as professionals who were offering assistance to victims. These models included counselors, probation officers, welfare officers, empowerment advocates and community activists who all work together in

Students visiting the various booths

terms of helping the victims.

Frank said that in terms of preventing these issues, community education is vital. “Students do practical exercises within the community where they engage various social groups and seminars which are implemented by the final year students.”

She stated that one such agency established by the final year students of the department was the Sisters Empowerment Network. She said that they have worked

with female victims and persons who were affected by HIV/AIDS. The Confucius Institute of the University of Guyana (CIUG) Director Janet Ma told Guyana Times that the institute is a joint venture among the University of Guyana, Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL) and Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters) which is a non- profit educational institution of learning Chinese Language and un-

The University of Guyana Career Day in progress

derstanding Chinese culture.

Janet noted that as a window for Guyanese people to know China, CIUG provides different types of language classes and various Chinese culture experiencing activities. She added that once students are able to attain a high score at the end of the sessions they will be given the opportunity to study in China.

In taking the education system to a next level the Director of the Online Degree Programme, Abraham (only name given) outlined that the newly established programme allows persons to study outside of the Turkeyen and Berbice Campuses. He said that the essential aspect is to ensure that education is available to every community in Guyana.

It was pointed out that in 2014, four online programmes were launched, Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, Environmental Management, Computer and Technology, Psychology and Criminology.

PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition hosts youth rally

A section of the crowd

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

H

undreds of Guyanese youth turned up to a youth rally organised by the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR)led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Friday evening.

At the rally, the coalition via its youth leaders Malika Ramsey, Reynard Ward and Jevaughn Stephens made a number of sweeping promises to those present with the hope of winning their support at the upcoming May 11 elections.

Ramsey, who addressed the rally held at the corners of Main Street and Coppers Lane, told the crowd that

youths will play an important role at all levels of Government and within the decision-making forums of the country should the APNU and AFC come to power.

“We will also create more jobs and high paying jobs.

We will work with other countries and utilise their skills,” she said.

She said youths should not have to be leaving the shores of Guyana seeking jobs and betterment.

“The coalition has a message of good life and prosperity which has attracted many youths following the merger of the two parties: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) unlike the People's Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) which has been exploiting youths,” she remarked. She told the crowd that “as youths we do not care what happened before 1992. We were not there and we don’t care. We want to know what plans they have for us now.”

According to her, the coalition’s Presidential Candidate has promised to fix the education system within his first 100 days in office.

“We will ensure that they do that and also close the gap between the top students and those who don’t do so well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, but don’t expect a miracle.”

Meanwhile, Ward, in pinpointing some of the plans the coalition has that will benefit youths, said the coalition in Government will focus on the development and implementation of intellectual property rights.

“We will also create more jobs and high-paying jobs.

We will work with other countries and utilise their skills.”

He said there was a culture where many young men were pushed into abuse of alcohol which must be changed.

“Many of our youths have lost hope and are frustrated,” he said, while adding that the town of New Amsterdam was the first

Another section of the crowd at the APNU/AFC youth rally

in Guyana and under an APNU/AFC Government it would become the best town in Guyana.

“Life is not a bed of roses for people of the East Bank of Berbice, the only access road in a bad state and those residents bring their produce out to feed the town.”

Touching on education, Ward said that resources available to schools were limited and that would be one of the priorities of the coalition.

But the PNC-led APNU’s Regional Chairperson, Jevaughn Stephens went further when he criticised the Government for spending millions of dollars on the sugar sector and Skeldon

Sugar Factory.

“But yet they closed the doors to BERMINE (Berbice Mining Enterprise). It created jobs for people of New Amsterdam and the East Bank. They say that bauxite is not doing well, but yet the Russians are fetching our bauxite out by the boat loads every day and making money from it.”

Attorney-at-Law James Bond said that under the PPP/C Administration, there had not been enough investment in youth development.

“We need a government to provide an enabling environment where young people do not only sit call centres. Youths need jobs that

befit their education.”

Bond, while praising Government’s investment policy, said when companies come to invest they must be forced to provide training for young people so that they will in the future be able to take up senior positions in those companies. “The only way Guyana can develop is if the country invests in youth and women. The coalition will ensure that women take up their rightful place in the society. Women will receive lower interest rates,” Bond remarked.

Other speakers included the embattled Mark Ross and Chairman of Guyana Youth and Student Council, Ryan Belgrave.

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SunDAY, april 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Linking hinterland communities and connecting to the coastland ly. They would be able to market their art and craft and agricultural products.

With communication being one important aspect, the roads have allowed the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company and Digicel to put up towers in some communities, thus allowing for quicker contact between them and the rest of the country.

Region One

New road linking Regions Eight and Nine

R

oads are essential to any country aspiring to become modernised.

They are described as a pillar for economic development, since they provide the base for physical connection of centres of economic production.

The absence of roads throughout the hinterland regions has been one of the major reasons for hinterland growth and development not progressing at the rate they should.

Establishment of the Hinterland Roads Programme by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), has effected a greater level of interconnectivity throughout communities, some of which are no longer considered remote.

Dream to reality

Some said it was unattainable, others, it was an impossibility in this generation, but what was once a dream has become a reality today! Two of Guyana’s interior regions, where accessibility once was very challenging, have now been linked!

Considered an engineering feat, there is now a road between Regions Eight and Nine, stretching dozens of miles into difficult terrain, from Meritzero to Monkey Mountain.

Hinterland Roads Engineer of the Public Works Ministry, Naeem Mohamed is very proud of this achievement explaining that this fair weather road links to the Lethem road and leads to villages like Karasabai, Moraibaiko, Yurong Paru, Tiperu and Rukumoto. Not satisfied with

length), and Omai Gold Mines built the road itself.

To date the road is almost completed towards the Monkey Mountain end and although it is a fair weather, it is a good one. Cars can access it from Meritzero to Karasabai, with the travel time drastically reduced. Prior to the construction, to get to Monkey Mountain it normally took about a day and a half, now people can traverse from Meriterizero to Monkey Mountain in approximately three hours, using a four wheel vehicle. With the final inspection due with the contractors, that phase of the project is expected to be closed soon, Mohamed said.

Major projects in Region One include repairs to the road from Port Kaituma to Baramita under two contracts, both totalling approximately $70M. There is also the 28 - mile Santa Rosa/Kwebanna road which would cost approximately $60M. Repairs to Matthews Ridge/Baramita Road are almost completed. Critical areas were fixed to make the road traversable.

Works currently ongoing in Santa Rosa/Kwebanna are approximately 40 to 50% complete whilst some additional works are being done to ensure that the road will remain in

Region Nine

In Region Nine numerous roads have been done beginning with the Linden to Lethem road which is approximately 276 miles long. The Ministry of Public Works annually expends in excess of $250 to $300M for maintenance of the roadways. Maintenance would include repairs and rehabilitation to 65 bridges, which are made of both log and timber. With routine maintenance, works would entail grading and shaping, obtaining a saddle-back surface so that water would run off and bush clearing.

When the road is in bad condition the travel time basically varies from 18 to 20 hours, but currently the time is nine hours.

Phase Two is currently on-

Impact

In Regions Eight and Nine, commuters are now positively impacted as the Linden/ Lethem Road which was once impassable now enables travellers to get to Lethem in about nine hours in good weather.

Although the road is designed for 4x4 pick-ups and trucks, cars traverse it as well.

It has opened up opportunities for Region Eight residents to easily transport their produce to market in the busy hub of Lethem.

The road works under the current administration have impacted significantly on Amerindians. First through accessibility with the price on the Linden/Lethem road being reduced. Guyanese use this road to conduct business in Lethem and Georgetown. The road link created also assists in promoting tourism.

Road linking Matthews Ridge to Baramita,

good condition over a long period of time. These additional works include stabilising the material that is currently available with cement so that the road would be stronger.

Region Seven

In Region Seven, repairs were done to the Mile One to Four Mile road in Bartica and the Bartica/Potaro road.

Asphalt was used to repair the bad spots on the roads which normally deteriorate every year. However, based on the last inspection made with the asphalt used, good results were seen.

It is expected that the Mile Four to Five Mile on the Bartica/Potaro road would be done since it is in the planning stage. This road is expected to be upgraded.

Region Eight

Linden to Lethem road

this level of development, the government plans to take the road up to Kato.

Lasting over four years, the 71-mile Karasabai/ Monkey Mountain road project was built by several contractors working in phases.

Vivekanand Dalip was contracted for the installation of culverts, Cyril King for the installation of bridges (in excess of 1,000 feet in running

and Chenapou were rehabilitated.

Works are ongoing on rehabilitation of the road linking Kato to Chiung Mouth, Mountain Foot to Taruka and Paramakatoi to Bamboo Creek .

With works being planned on a road from Bartica, this would see access to Mahdia and Monkey Mountain in Region Eight. Work is also planned for the Kurupukari Bridge, so that it could create accessibility for Amerindians.

When the gaps are closed and tourists visit villages, there would always be a spin off for Amerindian communities, since they would benefit great-

Apart from the road connecting this region to Region Nine, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) did the section of road from the Brian Sucre Junction to Mahdia. Whilst this was basically the same maintenance that the Public Works Ministry does every year it made a final inspection to ensure that the road is traversable and safe for commuters.

Completed are the rehabilitation of the ‘Wrong Turn’ to the airstrip, rehabilitation of Road Cenotaph to the pavilion and Mahdia to Campbelltown.

Other works were done on the Campbelltown roadway and roads in Mahdia, Princeville,

going on the road, since it was noticed that some of the sections on the road regularly fail. What is being done is additional work on these sections to ensure that when the area experiences torrential rainfall of high intensity, they would stand up to a certain degree.

Whilst the road is unsurfaced, Mohamed said they are doing their best to ensure that the road would be rigid enough.

Some community roads were also done in Region Nine, including the Sand Creek road which cost in excess of $80M; the Masara road which utilised approximately $45M; and the Parashara/Nappi/Haiawa road which took approximately $25M. The outlook now is to do some other village roads in Region Nine.

Future plans

Future plans for the hinterland regions would see the Ministry of Public Works ensuring that all the arterial roads are maintained. With most of the Amerindian people living along these areas, this is a first priority.

New roads are being looked at in Region Nine from Karaudaranau to Parabara, some arterial roads from Lethem into Aranaputa; and roads from Katoonarib that branch off in some small villages. Estimates are in hand to be finalised.

In Region One, other arterial roads are being looked at, these coming from the Santa Rosa/Kwebanna roadway. (GINA feature)

History is everything in an election

By Rakesh Rampertab

“...[T]he experiences of our history...have refined and revived our party’s ideology” – David Granger, “Declaration of Vreed-en-Hoop,” 2012, Official PNC Revivalist Party Policy.

In an election, history is everything. The past is without an equal as a gauge by which voters measure candidates and parties. Voters do not vote as if in a vacuum.

Politicians, therefore, should allow voters to vote as they see fit, with free access to Guyana’s political history.

To ask voters (or voters from a certain section of the electorate), as the AFC has done, to ignore the history of one political party but not the others, is to discriminate.

Said another way, it is double standards. If PPP/C history is relevant, so too is PNC history. Or WPA, etc.

There should not be one law for jaguars and another for jackasses, so to speak. However, this is already happening already. Currently, the AFC/APNU coalition has advertisements created to promote coalition politics in Guyana, and in at least one there is a reference to Dr Cheddi Jagan as far back as 1964.

Yet, coalition figures want voters to ignore PNC history.

This outreach is meant to specifically get votes from PPP/C supporters, no one else. It is done, therefore, with some kind of racial or ethnic bent to ensure the coalition gets at least 51 per cent of votes cast.

Further, to strip voters of the benefit of memory is to make them handicapped, and to interfere with their right to freely enjoy political speech. Voting is, after all, protected political speech and for politicians contesting the elections to suggest what voters should forget and what they should remember, is an interference with a voter’s fundamental right.

Voters, with the aid of history, can better assess what a candidate is saying. Consider, for example, the following illustration. During an interview, Mr. David Granger rightfully noted that the PPP failed to have an inquiry into the death of a PPP Minister (Sash Sawh).

Now, with the aid of PNC history, voters would also know that the PNC failed to have an inquiry into the death of a PNC Minister (Vincent Teekah). Suddenly, both parties appear to be equally guilty of failing to have inquiries done. Of course, a voter without the benefit of history would easily be misled.

While it is unreasonable to hold current PNC leadership for what happened 30 years ago, this cannot be said for its Presidential Candidate David Granger. Further, as a matter of history, the PNC itself is yet to attempt, even in small measures, to shake off its history.

They do not wish to examine and expunge, but celebrate PNC history under Burnham.

Additionally, the more recent PNC history is also a controversial, because of some kind of violent events.

Elections in 1997 and 2001, if not also other elections, are remembered for ant-PPP/C disturbances used by the PNC to weaken the will of the electorate. The five-year term of the 1997 government was reduced to three. And to the PNC, that is quite fine.

In 2001, the PNC forced at least 15 demands on the Jagdeo regime, arguing from what Desmond Hoyte called a “position of strength.” The only strength Hoyte had was the anti-PPP/C violence on the streets, because the electorate had already spoken on elections day.

Also, voters will recall that criminals aided by others, used Buxton, a PNC constituency, as a base to foster a campaign of violence, the aim of which was to bring down the Jagdeo Administration. The PNC never intervened until significant damaged had been done.

So, it is not as easy to ignore PNC history, as Nagamootoo has suggested, as having a photo album and brushing pass all the old photos, to a new page. Further, whoever came up with this analogy needs to be reminded that the purpose of a photo album is to trap and contain history, not to dismiss or set it aside.

People who have scars from history need not pretend to be victims. But with poor record keeping by the PPP/C and civil society, deaths, old age, migration, and the passage of time, it is easy to see why the AFC is asking people to ignore, to forget, to set aside PNC history today.

Worse, already some (example, David Granger and the issue of rigged elections) are saying certain events never happened, or they need evidence to say it did.

But the AFC should be reminded that hundreds of thousands of persons who suffered in extraordinary terms directly under PNC politics, without any forum or recourse or court that afforded them a moment in time to bear witness against PNC history, should not be asked to shake off PNC history when the PNC itself has, on the record, refused to shake off its past.

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april 19, 2015

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice leg…

Blatter endorses Webb as potential FIFA President

Opening night produces goals F galore T

he opening night of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice leg was filled with goals as the lowest scoring game producing four goals on Friday evening at the New Amsterdam Stelling tarmac.

The highest scoring game of the evening saw Unruly Gang trounce Black Sharks 7-0 in a dominant showing.

Delroy Ferdinand led the way for Unruly Gang with a hat-trick while Devon James had a double to be the game’s two best scorers.

New Amsterdam Kings demolished Lochaber Boyz 5-0 with Adrian Adams scoring a double while Leonardo Adams, Delroy Deen and Samuel Johnson scored a goal apiece.

In the only draw of the night, six goals were scored between East Bank Gunners and Fiesta Boyz with Ronaldo August scoring a double for East Bank. However, East Bank Gunners eventually pre-

Some of the action during the evening

vailed 3-2 on penalty kicks.

The lowest scoring game of the night saw Courtland Stars topping Top Ballers 3-1 with Michael Cummings scoring all three goals for Courtland. The lone goal for Top Ballers came from Compton Watts.

Meanwhile in other result Canje defeated We the boyz 3-2, Rosignol conceded a walkover to Corriverton, Manchester topped Big Ballers 3-2and Spartans won by walkover from Five Yard Out.

IFA president Joseph Blatter has suggested that CONCACAF boss Jeffrey Webb has the potential to become leader of football’s governing body.

Blatter offered his comments at the conclusion of the 30th CONCACAF ordinary Congress in the Bahamas that confirmed Webb unopposed for his second mandate as president.

He told the Observer that the 50 year- old- Caymanian has demonstrated the capabilities necessary to lead FIFA one day.

“He is a leader of CONCACAF, he is already a leader in FIFA as he has a big task (as vice-president and chairman of the AntiRacism and Discrimination Committee), and he will have a bigger task now in the next four years (as CONCACAF president),” said Blatter, set for a fifth and likely final term as FIFA president.

“In his speech after the elections, if you were listening, and I am sure you were, he is already projecting himself (as a future leader of FIFA) and he is a winner, so let’s see where he is going”.

This is not the first time

Joseph Blatter

Jeffrey Webb

that Blatter has been promoting Webb as a potential head of football’s government body.

Two years ago during a function in the Caribbean celebrating reforms within CONCACAF Blatter remarked that FIFA could soon have a new president and that it could be Webb.

Webb took over the helm of CONCACAF in 2012 in the wake of the infamous cash-for-votes scandal which resulted in the resignation of former FIFA strongman, Trinidadian Jack Warner.

Blatter, 79, who is expected to prevail at the FIFA polls on May 29, praised the leadership qualities of Webb and the role he played in changing CONCACAF. “I knew this congress was going to be important for CONCACAF because after 2012 when CONCACAF was going through a difficult situation, he took over and changed CONCACAF... today it was for him as he got his confirmation as president and that is a huge success for Jeffrey Webb, my colleague, my friend, my brother,” said Blatter. (CMC)

Chelsea 10 points clear WICB abandoned tour to India on agenda for meeting with Caricom at top of league

L

C

helsea moved to within two wins of reclaiming the Premier League title after Eden Hazard’s goal gave them a narrow victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard’s first-half finish gave Jose Mourinho’s side three points and means that victory in forthcoming games at Arsenal and Leicester City will return the title to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2010.

Chelsea were pushed all the way by a resurgent United, hunting a seventh successive Premier League victory.

Wayne Rooney and the recalled Radamel Falcao came closest for United but once again they fell victim to the resilience and defensive strength that is Chelsea’s trademark under Mourinho, assisted by the brilliance of Hazard, and ended frustrated.

The reaction of Chelsea’s players as referee Mike

Eden Hazard’s goal was Chelsea’s 101st of the season in 48 matches across all competitions

Dean sounded the final whistle, celebrating wildly in front of their supporters, suggested they believed this was the victory that has pushed them to the brink of glory.

And now, even if they do not wrap it up in these next two games, surely nothing can stop Mourinho winning the title in his second season after coming back to Stamford Bridge.

As for United, this defeat

may have ended their recent winning streak but they once again produced compelling evidence that they are now a very different proposition from the side that struggled, even though they were grinding out results, earlier this season.

Manager Louis van Gaal, as expected, had to reshuffle his side after ruling out Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind through injury. (BBC Sport)

ast year’s controversial abandoned tour of India will be on the agenda when the West Indies Cricket Board meets with Caricom’s Committee on Cricket Governance next Monday in Grenada.

WICB President Dave Cameron, along with all 18 directors of the board, will sit down with four regional Prime Ministers including current Caricom chairman, Perry Christie of the Bahamas, to discuss the state of the game.

WICB abandoned tour against India on agenda for Caricom meeting The abandoned tour of India last October is one of three items up for discussion, with the reform and governance of West Indies Cricket, and the relationship between the Caricom Committee on Cricket Governance and the WICB, also on the agenda.

“This will be a big opportunity for us to fortify our relationship with

WICB President Dave Cameron

Caricom,” said WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead, who along with WICB Vice-President Emmanuel Nanthan and corporate secretary Verlyn Faustin, will participate in the meeting.

“We believe that the governments of the Caribbean are among the group of key stakeholders in West Indies cricket and we want to engage them on some of the critical matters relating

to the advancement of the sport in the region.”

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell will chair the meeting, with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, expected to be in attendance.

The meeting will bring Cameron face to face with the outspoken Gonsalves, who criticized the WICB chief in the wake of the abandoned tour.

Gonsalves, who played a critical role in mediating the subsequent impasse between the board, the aggrieved players and players union, WIPA, described Cameron’s leadership as “poor” and “embarrassing” in his handling of the controversy.

The long-standing Vincentian leader also called for Cameron to resign or be fired by regional boards.

Cameron was re-elected for another term last month.

(CMC)

guyanatimesGY.com

april 19, 2015

43

Bolt reminds the world of Dead icons inspire Holder’s sub-19-second 200m plans maiden test century

W

Usain Bolt

S

ix-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt is targeting another piece of history as he looks forward to next year’s Olympic Games.

The Jamaican sprinter has taken the athletics world by storm in recent years and is the double reigning Olympic champion in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay.

Bolt also holds the world records over both sprint

distances and is hoping to break further ground in the 200m in Rio de Janeiro next year.

His 19.19 seconds in Berlin in 2009 usurped the 19.32 set by Michael Johnson at the Atlanta Games in 1996, but Bolt believes he can dip under 19 seconds.

“I want to break the 200m world record, that’s one of my biggest goals. I want to run under 19 sec-

onds,” he said.

“I think this season it would be hard to do but the key thing is to try and stay injury free this season so I can go into the Olympic season in the best shape I can be so it will be easier to attempt to break the records.

“I worry about nobody. I know when I’m at my best it’s almost impossible to beat me so I have to give it my best and I’ll be okay.”

(Digicel SportsMax)

CONCACAF re-elected President credits support for Confederation's gains

R

e-elected president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Jeffrey Webb, says widespread support from the membership helped the hemispheric body to reform its governance structure.

Webb, who was reelected unopposed, was delivering an acceptance speech to delegates at CONCACAF’s 30th ordinary Congress staged here this week.

Webb was first elected in 2012 in the wake of the infamous cash-for-votes scandal which resulted in the resignation of former FIFA strongman, Trinidadian Jack Warner.

“Three years ago, I ran on a platform of unity, development and enhancement, with a promise to advance our sport and unite the region around it,” said Webb during his speech.

“These were lofty goals — and I fully acknowledge, possibly unattainable ones -without you”.

The CONCACAF Integrity Committee, an independent panel that has examined the organization’s functions, reported the Confederation has fulfilled more than 30 recommended reforms.

CONCACAF also moved to implement the recom-

est Indies allrounder Jason Holder says images of the late South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela as well as his dead grandfather flashed through his mind after scoring his maiden test and first class century on Friday.

Holder, playing in only his fourth test, struck an unbeaten hundred to help West Indies force a draw against England on the final day of the opening test at the Vivian Richards Stadium.

The 23-year-old Barbadian conceded that a test century has been his long held dream.

“There was a lot of emotions running through my minds. It was something I visualized for a long time.

I thanked god for it… and I remember my grandfather who passed away a few years ago,” said Holder.

“A lot of things just ran through my mind. I am a big fan of Nelson Mandela and the celebration was a little tribute to him. I have a picture on my phone where he just has his hand up in a sign of peace”.

Holder, batting at number eight, anchored two key partnerships which frustrated the England attack.

He posted 105 for the seventh wicket with Captain Denesh Ramdin who hit 57, and then put on a further 56 with Kemar Roach in an unbroken eighth wicket stand which enabled West Indies to see out the last hour.

“When I was sixty odd or so I saw the fields they were setting and then Denesh got out so the focused moved away from me,” he said.

“The English obviously set some attacking fields because they needed wick-

Jason Holder

ets and that freed up a lot of scoring options and it was just for me to play the ball on its merits and try not to play any rash strokes and just be selective “.

During the match West Indies held the advantage over the Englishmen on a number of occasions including during the first and second innings when the visitors were reeling at 34 for three and 52 for three respectively.

Holder says the West Indies need to work harder to secure pole position in the first innings of the match.

“Winning is obviously on my mind for sure. I think what is ideal for that situation is that we pay special attention to the first innings. I think we need to set the game up well,” he said.

“Whether we bat first or bowl first I think we just need not to let the game run away from us. If we bowl and if we bat we need to at least bat a day and a half and bat England out of the game. I think the first innings is key to setup the game for us””.

The two teams were due to arrive in Grenada Saturday afternoon for the second test which begins on Tuesday at the National Stadium in St.George’s.

“It would have been a lot worse of if we were going into Grenada one down,” Holder said. “It does a lot for the confidence for the team and we keep pushing the word belief in the dressing room. The guys could have more belief within themselves and we could push on and win this series”. (CMC)

Holder: West Indies have edge

A

Jeffrey Webb

mendations and enforce new governance policies.

“CONCACAF is more than ever united by one vision,” said Webb.

“We represent our region on the global stage with one strong and cohesive voice.

The invisible barriers that have hampered the region’s progress for decades are diminishing, and we are seeing unprecedented levels of success both on and off the pitch.”

The meeting, attended by representatives of all 41 Member Associations, featured dignitaries including FIFA President Joseph Blatter, Bahamas Minister

of Tourism Obediah Wilchcombe, as well as candidates to the FIFA Presidency Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, Luis Figo and Michael van Praag.

“What makes the strength of this Confederation is solidarity and unity,” said President Blatter, who also said CONCACAF should receive a fourth spot in the upcoming World Cup. “For this remarkable leadership, congratulations to Jeffrey Webb and compliments to CONCACAF Executive Committee and Member Associations.” (CMC)

hard-fought draw in Antigua has West Indies well-placed against England, Jason Holder said.

Jason Holder believes West Indies hold a psychological edge heading into the second Test against England after fighting out a draw on Friday.

Holder was the hero as his unbeaten 103 helped the hosts in Antigua secure a draw in the first Test, finishing the fifth day at 350-7.

England had looked likely to open the three-Test series with a win, but they were unable to take 10 second-innings wickets.

Holder said the draw was a huge result for his team after they found themselves 104 runs behind following the first innings.

“It means a lot to the team,” the first-time Test centurion told the West Indies Cricket Board.

“Obviously, psychologically, going into this next game 0-0 is a very, very good achievement based on the

Jason Holder

fact our backs were against the wall in this game.

“We’d be a lot worse off if we were 1-0 down heading to Grenada. It does a lot for the confidence of the team.

“We just keep pushing the word belief and hopefully the guys can instill some more belief within themselves and we can push forward to win this series.”

Holder came to the crease with West Indies in some trouble at 189-6 in the 80th over, with the best part of 50 still to bat.

The 23-year-old said his focus was simply on building with Denesh Ramdin, and the duo combined for a 105-run stand.

“It was important that we got a partnership. My main thing was just to bat, spend time at the crease and I think it would become easier,” Holder said.

“Obviously the English bowlers had a tough workload in the first innings so my aim was just to wear them down as much as possible.” (Digicel SportsMax)

44

april 19, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

All-round Duminy sees Russell blitz leads shaky Knight Riders to win Daredevils through K

J

P Dumiy’s all-round brilliance set the foundation of Delhi Daredevils’ second win of the season but it still took remarkable presence of mind from Mayank Agarwal to close the doors on Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The home team needed seven runs off the last two balls when Karn Sharma’s slice was headed over the rope behind point, but Agarwal leapt and parried the ball back into play to deny Sunrisers four runs. That save more or less sealed the result.

That Sunrisers had managed to come so close was largely due to some late blows from Karn and Ashish Reddy, but they had already been put in an awkward position

by Duminy. He had scored a 41-ball 54, one of the two key efforts that lifted Daredevils to their eventual 167, and his four key wickets were key in stalling Sunrisers.

Duminy removed both David Warner and Shikhar

JP Duminy drives down the ground during his 41-ball 54

Dhawan in the seventh over, just after the two had taken 30 off the previous two overs. Those strikes changed the momentum. Duminy pulled it towards Daredevils even further in the 17th over when he removed both Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara. It was only the fifth time a play-

SCOREBOARD

Delhi Daredevils innings (20 overs maximum) MA Agarwal c Dhawan b B Kumar 1 SS Iyer c Warner b P Kumar 60 JP Duminy* b Steyn 54 Yuvraj Singh c Warner b Ashish Reddy 9 15 AD Mathews not out KM Jadhav† not out 19 9 Extras:(b 1, lb 2, w 6) Total:(4 wickets; 20 overs) 167 Did not bat: MK Tiwary, NM Coulter-Nile, A Mishra, Imran Tahir, DJ Muthuswami Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-93, 3-132, 4-132.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Bowling: P Kumar 4-0-38-1, DW Steyn 4-0-27-1, B Kumar 4-0-21-1, RS Bopara 4-0-380, KV Sharma 2-0-25-0, A Ashish Reddy 2-0-15-1.

Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (target: 168 runs from 20 overs) DA Warner* c & b Duminy 28

S Dhawan b Duminy 18 RS Bopara c Tiwary b Duminy 41 KL Rahul b Mathews 24 NV Ojha† c Duminy b Imran Tahir 12 EJG Morgan b Duminy 1 A Ashish Reddy run out (Coulter-Nile) 15 KV Sharma c Mathews b Coulter-Nile 19 P Kumar not out 1 Extras: (b 2, lb 1, w 1) 4 Total:(8 wickets; 20 overs) 163 Did not bat: B Kumar, DW Steyn Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-51, 3-89, 4-120, 5-128, 6-129, 7-159, 8-163.

Delhi Daredevils Bowling: NM Coulter-Nile 4-0-261, JP Duminy 3-0-17-4, DJ Muthuswami 2-0-20-0, AD Mathews 4-0-38-1, Imran Tahir 4-0-35-1, A Mishra 2-0-14-0, Yuvraj Singh 1-0-10-0.

er had managed a fifty and a four-wicket haul in the same game.

Batting was not easy on a tricky pitch. After their loss to Rajasthan Royals in their previous match, Sunrisers had asked the curator for a surface with more pace, but it wasn’t to be. The new pitch behaved exactly the way the other one did, with ball sticking and the bounce unpredictable. Throughout the game, seamers often used their slower ones, there were plenty of edges, while Dhawan took a couple of blows around the rib cage.

Perhaps because of this unknown, Warner had said he wanted to bowl after Daredevils had opted to bat.

As Agarwal edged to slip a rising delivery from Praveen Kumar, that decision seemed justified but Shreyas Iyer, after initial discomfort, showed that if a batsman was prepared to stick on, there were runs to be had.

Iyer punched Dale Steyn, who was playing his first game of the season, for a boundary through cover in the bowler’s second over but was also lucky a couple of times as the edges evaded the fielders. (Cricinfo)

ings XI Punjab pacer Sandeep Sharma’s controlled, incisive spell with the new ball had threatened to make a chase of 156 insurmountable for Kolkata Knight Riders, before Andre Russell’s bluntforce innings took the defending champions to their second win of IPL 2015 after three games. Kings XI, meanwhile, have three losses from four games.

The victory margin of four wickets with a little more than two overs to spare may suggest a stroll, but that was hardly how things proceeded in the first half of Knight Riders’ chase, when Sandeep had reduced them to 60 for 5.

He pinned Robin Uthappa lbw for 13 in the third over. In his next over, Manish Pandey chipped a catch straight to midwicket. Thisara Perera got the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav in the seventh over, and Sandeep returned with a double-wicket maiden

Andre Russell raises his bat after making fifty

that accounted for Gautam Gambhir and Ryan ten Doeschate.

Within six balls, Knight Riders had slipped from 60 for 2 to 60 for 5. He got movement into

SCOREBOARD Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs maximum) M Vijay c Russell b UT Yadav 0 V Sehwag c Chawla b Russell 11 WP Saha† c Pathan b Morkel 15 GJ Maxwell c Russell b UT Yadav 33 GJ Bailey* run out (ten Doeschate/†Uthappa) 60 NLTC Perera c Pandey b Russell 9 Gurkeerat Singh c SA Yadav b UT Yadav 11 AR Patel c SA Yadav b Narine 2 MG Johnson c Gambhir b Morkel 1 Anureet Singh not out 0 Extras: (b 9, lb 1, w 3) 13 Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 155 Did not bat: Sandeep Sharma Fall of wickets 1-0, 2-23, 3-27, 4-90, 5-107, 6-131, 7-146, 8-154, 9-155.

Kolkata Knight Riders Bowling: UT Yadav 4-0-33-3, M Morkel 4-0-27-2, AD Russell 4-039-2, SP Narine 4-0-17-1, PP Chawla 4-0-29-0.

Kolkata Knight Riders

innings (target: 156 runs from 20 overs) RV Uthappa† lbw b Sandeep 13 Sharma G Gambhir* c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 11 MK Pandey c Bailey b Sandeep Sharma 12 SA Yadav c †Saha b Perera 23 YK Pathan not out 28 RN ten Doeschate lbw 0 b Sandeep Sharma AD Russell b Johnson 66 PP Chawla not out 4 2 Extras:(lb 1, w 1) Total:(6 wickets; 17.5 overs) 159 Did not bat: SP Narine, M Morkel, UT Yadav Fall of wickets:1-16, 2-34, 3-60, 4-60, 5-60, 6-155.

Kings XI Punjab Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-1-254, Anureet Singh 4-0-370, MG Johnson 3.5-0-41-1, NLTC Perera 4-0-33-1, AR Patel 2-0-22-0.

and away from the batsmen and stuck resolutely to lengths.

There was a pattern to Knight Riders’ innings the impressive cast of bighitters would take guard, smash a couple of boundaries and then walk back.

While the wickets left them in a bind, the boundaries meant that Russell and Yusuf Pathan never faced an overtly steep asking rate.

Russell settled in with a couple of swipes, but Knight Riders’ final tilt at the target was set in motion in the 13th over, when Russell took 19 runs off Axar Patel, hacking two fours and a six off the first three balls.

His brutal fluency at the crease allowed Yusuf Pathan the luxury of a slow start before he, too, managed to find boundaries. Their 95-run partnership, which lasted almost 10 overs, was broken only when the scores were tied.

Kings XI were stifled right from the start of their innings, after being put in.

(Cricinfo)

Messi scores 400th Phelps fails to make 400m freestyle final goal for Barca after finishing 17th L

ionel Messi scored his 400th goal for Barcelona as Luis Enrique’s team beat Valencia to stay clear of title rivals Real Madrid.

Messi set up Luis Suarez’s opening goal after 55 seconds before scoring his landmark goal in stoppage time.

The Argentine scored his 46th goal of the season at the second attempt after Diego Alves saved his initial effort.

Barcelona were made to work for the win, with keeper Claudio Bravo saving a penalty from Dani Parejo.

Real stayed two points behind leaders Barca after their 3-1 win over Malaga late on Saturday.

Suarez was in scintillating form during the 3-1 Champions League win against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, and it took him

less than a minute to make his mark as Barca turned their attentions back to La Liga.

Sergio Busquets released Messi, who surged forward before finding former Liverpool striker Suarez, who slid home a low shot for his 11th league goal of the season.

Fourth-placed Valencia were given the chance to level from the spot after Gerard Pique’s clumsy challenge on Spain striker Rodrigo, but Bravo dived to his right to keep out Parejo’s penalty.

Striker Paco Alcacer found space in the Barcelona box and his shot beat Bravo but came back off the upright as Valencia pressed for a leveller.

Pedro had the chance to seal victory but fired into the side-netting after another

E

Lionel Messi

fine pass from Messi, but the Argentina forward had the final say.

A Valencia attack broke down, allowing Messi through on goal on the break.

Alves saved his initial effort but Messi prodded in the rebound to score in his 471st appearance for the club. (BBC Sport)

ighteen-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps failed to qualify for the 400m freestyle final in his first meeting back after a six-month suspension.

The 29-year-old American served a ban after being arrested in September for drink-driving offences.

He won the 100m butterfly in his first race back in Mesa, Arizona on Thursday but was 17th in the 400m freestyle heats in four minutes 2.67 seconds.

That put Phelps in the C final but he elected not to compete in the race.

He also pulled out of the 100m backstroke and will instead focus on Saturday’s

Michael Phelps

200m individual medley and 100m freestyle events.

Phelps, who has won

22 Olympic medals, wants to compete at next year’s Games in Rio. (BBC Sport)

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45

GCB U-19 Inter-County 3-Day tournament...

Berbice regain title with an innings and 100 win over Essequibo – Demerara, U-17 play to a tame draw

By Rajiv Bisnauth

B

erbice regained the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County Three-Day title after their spinners took all Essequibo second innings wickets to seal an innings and 100 runs win on Saturday at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

With a 192-run lead in hand, Daniel Lewis (4-11), Kassim Khan (3-9), Joel Seetram (2-19) and Leon Andrews (1-15), wiped out the Essequibians for just 92 in 31.4 overs.

Resuming on 273-7, Berbice were bowled out for 331, a lead of 192.

Overnight batsmen Lewis and Retesh Umroa continued to control the pace of the game and their batting looked as purposeful as the day before.

Both batsmen posted their half-century and took their eight-wicket partnership to 100 before Umroa was trapped leg before wicket to Kemo Paul for 51, which spanned 121 balls as he stroked two fours.

Seetaram and Grisean Grant stay at the wicket were short. Both batsmen fell leg before wicket to Looknauth Khinkoo and Keanu Harry for two and four respectively.

Lewis, who was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match eventually finished unbeaten with a polished 67 that included six fours from 181 balls. Akinie Adams finished with figures of 4-48 off 20 overs, while the more economical Keanu ended with figures of 2-62. Denzil Harry, Khinkoo and Paul had figures of (1-37), (1-62)

and (1-102) respectively.

A 46-run association between openers Nathan Persaud (19) and Parmesh Parsotam (25) was the only glimmer of hope of the Essequibians, but once that partnership was broken the remaining batsmen could only mustered 46 runs among them.

Khinkoo was the other batsman to reach double figure with ten.

Meanwhile, Demerara and the National Under-17 team played to a tame draw in the other final round game between at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Demerara responding to the Under-17 first innings total of 251 reached 219-7.

Sherfane Rutherford, who was adjudged MVP for his allround performances top scored with 66.

Sagar Hetheramani finished with 6-59 from 29 overs.

Meanwhile, the oneday version of the tournament bowls off on April 20.

Essequibo will oppose the Select Under-17 squad at Wales while Demerara play Berbice at the Enterprise Ground.

Round two is billed for April 21 with the Select Under-17 squad playing Demerara at the Police Ground and Berbice taking on Essequibo at Everest Cricket Club Ground.

The final round will be played on April 23 when Essequibo faces Demerara at Enmore and Berbice go up against the Select Under-17 squad at Police.

The two leading teams will clash in the finals on April 25 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

John dominates...

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Feature race winner Jamal John receives his prizes from sponsor Shameer Baksh

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Raphael Leung, Jamal John and Romello Crawford were 1-2-3 in the Juveniles race, while Keon Thomas won the Mountain Bike race from Julio Melville and Deeraj Garbarran in that order.

With the absence of the unbeatable champion rider Sherwin Sampson, the age group BMX races had some new winners with Alexander Leung winning the 6-9, Jonathon Jagdeo the 9-12

and Adelia Hodge the 12-14.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, organiser and national coach Hassan Mohamed thanked Shameer Baksh, the proprietor of UA&GS, for sponsoring the race for over a decade, noting that sponsorship is critical to the development of the sport.

Baksh said he was pleased to invest the sport, adding that he will continue to plug his finances into the 11-race programme in years to come.

46

guyanatimesGY.com

april 19, 2015

DDL Pepsi renews Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme…

Cricket clubs in Little sponsorship with Diamond/Herstelling RHTY&SC receive kits D

emerara Distillers Limited (DDL), under the internationally renowned Soft Drink Pepsi, has renewed its sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) under-19 and intermediate teams for another year.

The partnership, which is now in its 11th year, started in 2004, is worth $230,000.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster, speaking at the presentation ceremony, which took place Thursday at the company’s head office, hailed the productive and successful relationship between DDL and the entity.

“The sponsorship has been highly successful with the team winning three Berbice Championships and producing numerous Berbice and Guyana players,” Foster said.

Foster indicated that the sponsorship has helped the club to mould the careers of players’ like includes Assad Fudadin, Abdel Fudadin, KhemrajMahadeo, Dominic Rikhi, Murphy LaRose, Loydel Lewis, Shailendra Shameer, Shemaine Campbelle,Plaffinna Millington, Clinton Pestano, Brandon Prasad, AkshayHomraj,

DDL Pepsi Brand Manager Larry Wills hands over one of the Pepsi t-shirts to Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

Junior Williams, Kevlon Anderson, Shevon Marks, ShabikiGajnabi, Shawn Perriera, Parmanand Narine, Naresh Mahadeo and Terrence Madramootoo among others.

Foster disclosed that with Pepsi sponsorship, the RHTY&SC was able to concentrate on properly preparing the cricket teams without worrying about the cost.

The RHTY&SC Under-19 and Intermiade teams under the sponsorship over the years have successfully completed over 800 self-developmental programmes under the subheadings of sports, culture, religious, anti-drugs, antisuicide, pro-education, charity, awards and are current-

ly playing a major role in the club’s Silver Jubilee anniversary celebrations.

Calling the relationship a producer of positive results, Foster thanked DDL for their continued support and belief in Guyana’s “leading” youth and sports club.

DDL Pepsi Brand Manager Larry Wills, in handing over the sponsorship cheque, re-stated his company’s pleasure in being associated with the RHTY&SC. “This club’s record of achievement speaks for itself, and I would like to congratulate the Rose Hall Town Pepsi team for successfully representing the Pepsi brand on and off the field.”

Children at the Farm Community Centre ground in the company of the President of EBDCA, Anand Kalladeen (extreme right) and Overseer of the Little Diamond/Herstelling NDC, Diane Barath (left)

C

ommunity cricket clubs in the Little Diamond to Herstelling area on the East Bank of Demerara benefitted from the receipt of three Kiddy cricket kits from the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme on Friday at the Farm Community Centre ground.

This programme is being carried out by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) throughout Guyana.

President of the East Bank Cricket Association, Anand Kalladeen, said he is happy to have the gear as they would help to promote cricket on the East Bank.

He thanked Scotiabank and the GCB for recognising that clubs on the East Bank are in need of these kits, adding that he would like all clubs in his association to eventually have at least one kit.

Overseer of the Little Diamond/Herstelling NDC, Diane Barath, also thanked Scotiabank and GCB for remembering them in this venture. She stated that the Farm ground has recently been resuscitated after a number of years and people are noticing, especially little children who are turning out in large numbers everyday to play cricket.

She said the gear would be extremely helpful in developing these young aspiring cricketers.

Also present at the ground during the handing over of the kits were East Bank Cricket Association VicePresident, Rohan Sarjoo, and the Little Diamond/ Herstelling NDC Works Chairman, Wilfred Bassant.

GCB Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart, highlighted the

Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme to the East Bank Cricket Association.

Stuart, who is tasked with administering the programme in Guyana, said the involvement of Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme cannot be underestimated.

It is seen as a meaningful development initiative, he said. This collaboration between the GCB and Scotiabank in Guyana is very critical as the equipment used, assist in the development of young talents who would be exposed to the technical aspects of the game in a fun related environment, and at the same time ensure that they learn the laws of the game.

Stuart noted that once they learn correct methods at an early age, it will be easier for them to focus on game situations later on.

Block 4 Tain, Yakusari cricket clubs declare teams

B

lock 4 Tain and Yakusari Cricket clubs have both named their respective teams to participate in the first ever Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Silver Jubilee’s ANSA McAL Mash Day Cup five overs touranment.

Tain Block 4 15-man squad will be Captain by Mahendra Baldeo and includes: Mahendra Maynard (Vice Captain), Imran Khan, Veeram Baldeo, Wesley Charles, Winston Smith, Marlon Kumar Budhram, Dhanraj Janack, Chandradat Jagdat, Mahendra Persaud, Jamal Jarvis, Govindasammy Kishnasammy, Dhanraj Dewlar, Kushar Sugrim and Jaipersaud Rawanna.

Naipaul Iyana will lead the Yakusari Cricket Club which include, Karrim Amin, Rajesh Lalu, Ryan Bownath,

Hilbert Foster

RajendraBownath, KhelawanPhagu, ChermaniIyana, Ramesh Iyana, KeshoreIyana, Terrence Budhu, Altaf Mohamed, Karamchan Singh, Vijay Iyana, RaymanBownath and Jason Watson.

Twelve teams will contest the one day tournament, slated for May Day at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

The teams confirmed their particuipation are:vYoung Warriors, Courtland, Fyrish, Albion, Jai Hinds, RHT Bakewell ‘A’, RHT Bakewell ‘B’, Tamarind Root, Chesney, Tain Block 4, Whim and Yakusari of Black Bush Polder.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster stated that the club apart from celebrating its Silver Jubilee will also be using the tournament to promote its Say No to Drugs/Suicide and Yes to Education/ Sports message.

Funds raised from the one day tournament will be used for the club’s cricket development programme.

The winning team will pocket $70,000 and ANSA McAL trophy.

april 19, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

47

‘We need to develop school cricket’ – Kallicharran F

ormer West Indies Test and ODI batsman, Alvin Isaac Kallicharran, has called for the playing of cricket in schools across the country as he continues to work with the nation’s young cricketers at various venues in the three counties.

Addressing youths at the Enterprise Busta Sports Club on the East Coast of Demerara last Wednesday, the 66-year-old former West

Indies captain and dashing middle-order batsman underscored the importance of developing a sound structure in schools, which he said would be the catalyst for development at the club and national level.

“We need to have more cricket being played in schools. School cricket is very important in the process of development, because the talent is therewe just need to nurture it,”

Preparation heats up for PPP/C horse race meet

Action at a previous meet

Dennis DeRoop

By Rajiv Bisnauth

P

reparations have picked up for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) horse race meet which is scheduled for April 26 at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

With the horses having a little break after a hectic two months, all the big names in the horse racing circle are expected to converge on the arena, for what is expected to be one of the biggest race meets of the first quarter.

Chief coordinator Dennis DeRoop, DeRoop indicated on Saturday that entries have passed the 50-horse mark.

Organisers have put together an impressive eightrace programme with over $7 million up for grabs.

The feature race of the day is for animals classified A and Lower over a distance of 1700 metres for $1.2 million and the President’s

Cup. Other events billed for the day are the E1 and Lower race, which will run over 1300 metres. Other 1300 metres races are for animals G1 and Lower, H1 and Lower and Three-year-old West Indies median bred.

There are two 1200 metres races and these are for animals classified J1 and Lower and Three-year-old Guyana bred and J3 and Lower.

The Three-year-old West Indies bred animals will run over a distance of 1400 metres, while K Class non winners will run over 1000 metres. Registration closes on April 20, and according to DeRoop no late entries will be accepted.

The race is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and those rules would be rigidly enforced.

Horses not properly registered will not be allowed to participate in the day’s proceedings.

Admission to the venue is $1500 for adults and children under the age of ten will be admitted free.

Parking cost $300 while programme will be free.

For more information and entry details interesting persons can contact Chattergoon Ramnauth on 337- 5311 / 697-1979, Kris Jagdeo on numbers 624-6123/ 322-0369, Fazal Habibulla on Telephone No 232-0232 or 6577010, Dennis DeRoop on 609-9143

Former Test batsman Alvin Kallicharran (centre, second row) poses with the young cricketers and some of the other coaches (front row)

Kallicharran said.

During the session at Enterprise, Kallicharran, who scored 12 Test centuries in 66 matches, conducted catching and fielding drills with the youngsters attached to Enterprise

Primary School, while he observed the club’s Under-19 cricketers during a session on the pitch.

Kallicharran was assisted by Enterprise Busta Sports Club coaches Latchman Yadram,

Seemangal Yadram and Jitlall Jowarhirlall.

Over 80 youngsters, including four females, attended the three and a half hour session, which was facilitated by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Jowarhirlall, who is also Secretary of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, expressed gratitude to Kallicharran for spending time with the young crop of cricketers. He also lauded the GCB for the initiative.

april 19, 2015

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

guyanatimesgy.com

John dominates UA&GS main race

By Avenash Ramzan

Y

outhful exuberance was on show on Saturday as Team Coco’s Jamal John stormed to victory in the feature 11race cycling programme sponsored by Universal Auto and General Supplies (UA&GS) for the 11th year in succession.

National Park with a tremendous ride, lapping several of his more illustrious counterparts to chalk up his maiden victory in the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race.

The Campbellville, Georgetown, resident clocked an impressive one hour, 18 minutes, 08.62 seconds (01h: 18m: 08.62s) to win the race

The top performers pose with their trophies on Saturday at the National Park

As easy as Sunday morning! Jamal John cruises to the finish line unchallenged to win Saturday’s race (Avenash Ramzan photo)

The 18-year-old John, with just 18 months competitive experience in the sport, lit up the inner circuit of the

by a comfortable margin. So dominant was John’s performance he could have hopped off his saddle on the final

turn and walked to the finish line without being caught.

The battle for the remaining top six spots was a heated one as John’s teammate Hamzah Eastman outsprinted the experienced Marlon Williams to cop the second position.

GCB U-19 Inter-County 3-Day tournament...

Raynauth Jeffrey, another Team Coco’s rider, occupied fourth, followed

by Akeem Wilkinson and Walter Grant- Stuart. John copped four of the prime prizes, while Jeffrey won two and Shaquille Agard one.

The day’s activities start-

ed with the BMX Boys and Girls 12-14, which was won by Brighton John, with Daniel Perriera and Toshawna Doris second and third respectively.

Sponsor Shameer Baksh ensured one of the trophies is added to his collec-

tion as he rode to victory in the Veterans Under-50, with Jaikarran Sookhai second and Junior Niles third, while Linden Blackman and Wilfred Thom won the Veterans Over-50 and Over60 respectively. turn to page 45

GTA mourns passing of sport enthusiast Khan

Berbice regain title with an innings and T 100 win over Essequibo Page 45

– Demerara, U-17 play to a tame draw

The winning Berbice team

he sporting fraternity was plunged into mourning last week with the passing of Mohamed Feroze Khan, an avid sport enthusiast and proprietor of the popular West Indian Sports Complex on Robb Street, Georgetown.

Khan, who was ailing up to the time of his death, was laid to rest on Friday at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

The Guyana Tennis Association (GTA), with whom Khan shared a close relationship, has expressed condolences to the family of the businessman and those closely affiliated to him.

A release from the GTA read, “The Guyana Tennis Association and our tennis community at large mourns the recent passing of sports enthusiast Mr Mohamed Feroze Khan, proprietor of West Indian Sports Complex. Feroz was an avid tennis player who ensured that he made his mark in tournaments on the local

Flashback! The late Mohamed Feroze Khan making a donation to top seed Jeremy Miller in 2011

scene over the years with his consistent form of maintaining long rallies.”

It added, “He was also a keen supporter of tennis development, always willing to lend a helping hand to the GTA especially for juniors while genuinely recognising the efforts of the association to keep tennis

alive in Guyana. His donations to tennis and unwavering contributions to various sports will never be forgotten and will continue to serve as an inspiration to other sports enthusiasts and players. Our condolences go out to his beautiful family, especially his respected sons Javed and Imran.”

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