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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3165

Monday, March 27, 2017

PRICE

Prove your capacity – Govt tells GTT

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana still at risk of P10 correspondent banking derisking – IMF

Page 7

…if Digicel’s Suriname bypass link be discontinued

GPHC staff dies in highway accident

Page 8

$80 vat included

Food and Drug Dept swoops down on spoilt meat sausages

Page 9

Observing Earth Hour 2017

...urges continued recommendations adherence

$10M games arcade opens in Bartica P11

Educator advocates for introduction of ethnic studies P9

Women in Business Expo P12

Female-led businesses celebrated

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guyana Office, in collaboration with the Office of Climate Change of the Ministry of the Presidency, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) and several other organisations, on Saturday, observed Earth Hour 2017 with a special Lights Out Concert at the National Park. In photo, attendees at the event observing the lighting of the Earth Hour '60+' emblem on the tarmac (See story on page 13)

Integrity Commission Act amendments

…all Govt Ministers should be jailed – Jagdeo

…as Region 5 disabled persons seek more resources

P13

AG’s report

Executive controls Accounting officers given disciplining, subverts notice of looming sanctions transparency – PAC Chairman Page 3

Govt believes in equality for all Guyanese – President

Page 10

…if accountability not improved

Wage increases fiasco P11

Unions slam UG administration’s claims of regular meetings

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 27 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, March 28 – 05:00h- 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, March 27 – 16:00h-17:30h and Tuesday, March 28 – 16:30h- 18:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy conditions followed by heavy to light rain showers throughout the day, with sunny weather in the late afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tides: 04:06h and 16:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.83 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 10:00h and 22:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metre and 0.39 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

01

10 15

19

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21

28 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 04 13 14 18 LUCKY 3 7 5 5 Afternoon Draw

26 5

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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17 18 20

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

Integrity Commission Act amendments

Executive controls disciplining, subverts transparency …all Govt Ministers should be jailed – Jagdeo

P

resident David Granger may be exempted from facing disciplinary action if he violates any of the provisions under the Integrity Commission Act, which was intended to uphold transparency and accountability in public officials.

Government has said that its proposed amendments to the Integrity Commission Act will further strengthen transparency and accountability in public office-holders, but the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) believes it is all just a veneer.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has warned that the amendments will lead to a further deterioration of transparent and accountable governance, as the Act will now bestow disciplinary powers in the hands of the Head of State and the State Minister, Joseph Harmon.

The new article stipulates: “The authority for ensuring the observance of the provisions of this Code shall rest with the President in the case of the Vice-Presidents or Minister, and the Minister of State in the case of other persons in public life.”

It further states: “A person in public life may be removed from office when he or she contravenes any of the provisions in this Code.”

Since the President and the State Minister are the authorities for ensuring public officials abide by this Act, they ultimately have the power to remove persons from public life should they believe those individuals are in breach of the Act. Therefore, Jagdeo questions: If the President has the ultimate power to remove ministers from public

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

President David Granger

life, who disciplines him if he breaches the Act? Jagdeo also observed that the Act gives Minister of State Joseph Harmon the power to remove parliamentarians from office − a move which he emphasises is illegal.

According to the existing Act, “Where a person who is required to do so fails to file a declaration in accordance with this Act, or to furnish particulars under section 18, the Commission or the President, as the case may be, shall publish the fact in the Gazette and in a daily

According to the former President, the proposed amendments are only an attempt to destroy the Integrity Commission, but Government is contending that those powers were already vested in the President. Jagdeo has, however, outlined that the Integrity Commission had only a reporting relationship with the President.

“In the past, all he had was a relationship (wherein) the Integrity Commission reported to him, and this report should be made public,” he contended.

newspaper.”

“We saw a slew of misinformation coming from Government and their public relations apparatus. They are just arrogating more powers to the Executive; (but) without improving accountability, transparency will deteriorate with this new Act. Public relations matter more to this Government than reality,” Jagdeo stated.

He added that there appears to be a new trend in Government, wherein its ministers “openly lie” to

the public, as with the case of the 50 percent salary increase. “They obfuscate issues by making excuses; they deliberately sidetrack people by subterfuge; they give comments that are ambiguous; and they equivocate on issues, all with the intent of misleading the public,” he stated.

The Opposition Leader contends that all Government Ministers should be in jail right now for committing numerous breaches of the Code of Conduct. The Code stipulates that Ministers must declare all private interests relating to duties of public officials; demonstrate objectivity in executing business; and make decisions based on merit and solely in the national interest, without benefit or personal gain.

Jagdeo had previously announced his intention to file criminal charges against members of the Government for a variety of issues for which he believes they are criminally liable.

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

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

Spinning wheels on Constitutional Reform

T

he Constitutional reform promised by the APNU/ AFC coalition in its 2015 elections Manifesto has since turned out to be a paradigmatic example of foot-dragging. For years before the elections, both parties had protested the long PPP control of the Executive, and had demanded constitutional change to accommodate changes that would “make governance more democratic”.

It is now clear that while their appetite for those changes has disappeared upon their assumption of office, the parties still want to maintain the illusion that they are fulfilling their promise. But this is a very cynical game, and it only serves to undermine the legitimacy of our Constitution as the Supreme Law of the land.

If the clearly identified changes demanded by APNU/ AFC, such as Executive power sharing, were necessary before the elections to improve our form and substance of government and governance, why are they now being delayed? After all, in the meantime, Guyana is being governed by laws that have been identified by the government of the day as being, at a minimum, inappropriate for our circumstances, and therefore not really deserving of our compliance.

The post-elections history of the PNC-led coalition Government on the constitutional reform promise makes for very depressing reading. They established, with great fanfare, a “Steering Committee for Constitutional Reform” (SCCR) in September 2015, which held extensive hearings and took submissions from the populace at large. These were summarised and submitted to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in April 2016. He, in turn, submitted the Report to Cabinet, which had a “Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill” drafted, then further “deliberated” on it. The Report then seemed to have disappeared into a Black Hole, where we are informed no information can exit.

The only hint of the status of the Constitutional Reform Process was a cryptic comment by President David Granger, in June 2016, implicitly criticising the SSCR’s methodology when he claimed Constitutional Reform should not come from individuals “sitting in a room”. He opined: “We need to go to the people, find out what the people think; we need to have consultation and we need to listen to them.”

However, cognisant of this need for wide legitimacy, the SSCR had already recommended a detailed, wideranging process to effectuate Constitutional change.

Initially, the Parliamentary Standing Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) would have worked with legal experts to prepare a draft of the proposed changes. After circulating this document to the political parties and the widest possible array of Civil Society organisations, the CRC would have been expanded by representatives of these groups, and they would, in turn, repeat the earlier process. Their report would then be submitted to the National Assembly for debate and ultimate ratification by one of the methods included in the present constitution, most likely a referendum.

PM Nagamootoo duly requisitioned $80M in November 2016 for wider consultations. So it was with some surprise that, on February 8th 2017, Guyanese learnt that a UNDP Mission was in Guyana at the request of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to “(i) assess the political environment in Guyana and the legal and institutional framework governing the constitutional reform process; (ii) review past reform processes; (iii) evaluate the interest, capacity and roles of the various civil and political stakeholders in engaging in the constitutional reform process; and (iv) assess the potential role of UNDP-UNDPA in assisting this process and resources required.”

But the UNDP team came, met, and then departed without their assessment being made public, or the public being consulted, as President Granger had demanded.

Then, this weekend, it was announced that the Carter Center Guyana will host a symposium with the theme ‘Perspectives on Guyana’s Constitutional Reform Process’ on Friday, March 31, at the UG Turkeyen Campus. It is our sincere hope that since this is an event funded by the British High Commission and hosted by an eminent US NGO, the participants will include, in their disquisitions, comments on the Government’s lassitude on Constitutional Reform.

Taxi for a taxi? One of the oldest modes of tranportation, a horse cart assisting in transporting a car used as a taxi, which has over the years replaced the horse cart in the moving of people and goods

Seeking to have a ‘Good Life’ for our children Dear Editor, The Guyana’s Private Schools United is heartened by the support we received for our first peaceful protest exercise outside the Finance Ministry. The turnout, we hold, is indicative of the groundswell that is emerging against the imposition of VAT on education. Our presence also confirms that the Government’s intention to have a more socially cohesive society is being spurred by what we hold is not only a wrong, but im-

moral, decision.

We reiterate that education is a right and we should not be penalised for our choices. We, like all right-minded parents, are only seeking to have a ‘Good Life’ for our children. Our body holds that the issue of tax compliance is a red herring meant to distract from the additional burden that is being placed on our already overburdened backs.

The Government and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) should fulfil their mandate and not seek to

make us victims of their laxity.

Our movement as is demonstrated is made up of persons from all strata of society and united in a common cause against this injustice meted out against us. Important as we go forge ahead and trumpet our clarion call is the need for us to encourage others to join our movement.

Do not be despondent and afraid; let us not be lulled.

In unity, there is strength and our strength will take us to victory!

We need to be the voices for our children and as the Song of Guyana’s Children says let us show: “What Guyana’s sons and daughters can be”.

Also, join us on (Wednesday) March 29, 2017 between 12:00h and 13:00h outside the Education Ministry, Lot 21, Brickdam, Georgetown as we say together: Education is a right! No to VAT on education!

Sincerely, Dr Brian O’Toole

Alcohol triggers abuse Dear Editor, Post on facebook recently: “International Women’s Day event at Theatre Guild organised by UG and UNICEF…I told them the main culprit was alcohol abuse, reduce it and you will reduce domestic abuse, suicide, noise, drunk driving, etc etc.”

Comment on the post: “I totally agree. Alcohol is the root cause of all acts of violence, abuse, etc…”

Another commentator added: “Alcoholism as one of the main causes of domestic violence has been known for ages.”

When the original poster and those who commented on his post were informed that alcohol is not a root cause of abuse but

a trigger, they vehemently disagreed, and, instead, continued to perpetuate the long-held myth.

The reality, however, is that while there have been many studies done, there is no scientific evidence indicating a cause-and-effect relationship between substance (alcohol, drugs) abuse and gender-based violence. Some abusers rely on substance use (and abuse) as an excuse for becoming violent. Alcohol allows the abuser to justify his abusive behaviour as a result of the alcohol.

The reality is that domestic violence is used to exert power and control over another; is often a learned behaviour, but is never the result of loss of control. In

an abusive relationship, the batterer uses the pattern of tactics described in the Power and Control Wheel (see attached image) to reinforce the use of physical violence. Violent incidents are not isolated instances of a loss of control, or even cyclical expressions of anger and frustration.

In fact, research indicates that a large quantity of alcohol, or any quantity for alcoholics, can increase the user’s sense of personal power and domination over others.

Also, alcohol does affect the user’s ability to perceive, integrate and process information. This distortion in the user’s thinking does not cause violence, but may increase the risk that

the user will misinterpret his partner or another’s behaviour. Additionally, substance abuse may increase the aggressive response of individuals with low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Research also indicates that there may be a correlation between the risk of domestic violence and certain personality characteristics. Furthermore, a 1991 study done in the United States found that the average amount of alcohol consumed prior to the use of violence was only a few drinks, which “suggests that the act of drinking may be more related to woman abuse than the effect of alcohol.” continues on page 5

NEWS

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Berbice Police get boost to pursue criminals

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he crime-fighting efforts of Police in ‘B’ Division received a boost with the recent donation by A. Ally and Sons of a Shineray 250cc motorcycle to the division’s mobile unit.

At a simple ceremony held at the business entity’s soon-to-be-opened new store at Main and New Streets, New Amsterdam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of A. Ally and Sons, Faizal Ally, made the donation to the ‘B’ Division Police on behalf of the business community in general, and called

on other entities to follow suit.

“Without the necessary tools, the cops could not be efficient in their fight against crime within their respective communities.

With this in mind, we at A. Ally and Sons took the initiative to make this donation. This is the first of several motorbikes that we will be presenting to the Police,” Ally said. Ally promised that a similar donation will be made in August.

He told the media that he has discussed the idea with

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, along with ranks from the Division, received the motorcycle from Faizal Ally

all the motorcycle-producing companies the business rep-

resents, as a means of getting them to contribute to

the initiative. He noted that while Shineray has come on board, the second donation will be a bigger bike and of another model.

Police Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, expressed gratitude for the donation on behalf of the Guyana Police Force, and urged others in the business community to assist the Police in efforts to carry out their mandate.

“It is another partnership venture to show what the business com-

munity can do to help the Police Force, by coming on board with the necessary tools to make our job easier. Motorbikes are one of the tools we depend on, and (they are very useful) as first responders for serious crimes, especially in areas where there are improper streets and terrains,” Amsterdam noted.

Although the Berbice Division is in possession of motorcycles, the Commander explained, those bikes are ‘ailing,’ thus this donation is timely.

Education Ministry’s help needed Alcohol...

FROM PAGE 4

Dear Editor, A student is a learner, a learner who is assiduous.

Teachers are persons who help others acquire knowledge, competence and good proficiency.

Teachers play an important part in a child’s life; but when teachers display disdain to students’ concerns, students are moved to seek professional help from the public and higher authorities in the system.

This has been an ongoing issue at Tagore Memorial Secondary School, located at No 63 Village, Corentyne, in Region 6 of Guyana. Students are being victimised over an incident which occurred in the previous year. You may ask, “Do teachers victimise students?” and unfortunately the answer is yes. In this modern era, students are being victimized, and no action is taken against this issue at Tagore. In the Science Department of the above named school, students have had their SBA books marked with prejudice and bias. Students

have done what was requested by their teachers, but yet, to ensure that students gain undeserved marks, the marking schemes have been fabricated and modified with equal and unbiased indifference.

Why? It was done in order to ensure that students produce bad grades; and there is need to spread a rumour that a certain teacher is the best and only person on earth who is capable of teaching tough subjects.

You may ask, “Why have you not lodged a complaint with the Head Teacher?”

Students have a stance, but are not allowed to voice their opinions; but rather, are forced to be submissive.

Teachers also have stances. Head teachers should therefore have reconciliation with compromise.

Students have consequently tried to articulate on this issue, but no action has yet been taken. When students go to the head teacher’s office to query the matter, they are chased out of the office and given deceitful hopes. How would students

be able to identify with this organisation?

Several teachers have expressed concern about this unethical practice against students, and even they are being discriminated against when they exercise freedom of speech.

Students aspire to be doctors, humanitarians; and what not? A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And that single step is to gain good grades in order to be what they aspire to be. Imagine these students ending world hunger and even saving millions of lives in various ways. Consequently, these desires have been suppressed by the HoD of Science, and the teachers among others. Even some who desire to be called ‘the greatest’, ‘the most intelligent’ and God knows what!

Moderators were the only hope for these unfortunate students, who have been robbed of their aspirations. Moderators are

supposed to be equitable.

They are given that status to ensure that every student gets what he or she fully deserves, but not of recent. Students are told they are not allowed to speak to moderators, to express their concerns and open up on the causes of the situation. Why were students from the previous batches allowed to? It has only been unfortunate to this batch. Moderators use marking schemes students have never seen.

To whom should the students turn? This situation would impact the future of several students. We request that the Ministry of Education and capable persons of the general public should intervene in this crucial issue ASAP. One last note: it was a well-planned mission which is almost completed.

Sincerely, Names withheld

Thus, abusers follow their own “internal rules and regulations about abusive behaviours”, which may include destroying property, relying on threats of abuse, and threatening children.

In effect then, domestic violence and substance abuse should be understood and treated as independent problems. Most importantly also, the myth that alcohol is a cause of domestic violence needs to be laid to rest, so that the concept of gender-based violence can be understood for what it is. The fact is that abusers may feel this need to control their partner because of their own low self-esteem, extreme jealousy, and difficulties in regulating anger and other strong emotions. Some people with very traditional beliefs may think they have the right to control their partner, and that women aren’t equal

to men. Others may have an undiagnosed personality disorder or psychological disorder. Still others may have learned this behaviour from growing up in a household where domestic violence was accepted as a normal part of being raised in their family.

Abusers learn violent behaviours from their family members, people in their communitis, and other cultural influences as they grow up. They may have often seen violence being displayed, or they may have themselves been victims of violence.

On a final note, The Caribbean Voice holds no brief for alcohol use. In fact, anti-alcoholism is one of the pillars of our platform.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

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Foundation

– move students in and out of class and between activities smoothly to save valuable instruction time

By Todd Finley

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hile facilitating a demo lesson in front of eight instructors, my credibility crumbled when 35 cranky middle graders gridlocked themselves in a failed attempt to move their desks into small groups. Charitably, the observing teachers pretended not to notice.

Botched transitions are not only embarrassing, they’re lost time. If you save 15 minutes a day through more efficient transitions, that will result in 45 extra hours of instructional time per year. Therefore, shifting students from one task to the next is worth getting right.

There are essentially three types of transitions: entering class and taking a seat, switching from one academic activity to another, and exiting class.

And just like any academic procedure, transitions are taught through explicit explanations, clear models, rehearsal, and review.

Whether students are transitioning from reading to Maths, or PE to break, author Mike Linsin recommends standardising the process with five steps that I paraphrase this way: 1. Secure students’ attention: “Focus on me, please.”

2. Explain the procedure: “In a moment, return to your desks and take out your history textbooks.”

3. Prepare kids for the signal to start: “When I say ‘smooth,’ you’ll quietly proceed.”

4. Initiate the transition: “And... smooth.” Don’t say

guyanatimesgy.com

“go,” warns Linsin, because that word cues students to race.

5. Observe: Watch to make sure all students are complying.

Troubleshooting

When transitions take too long or learners misbehave, it’s time to don your figurative Sherlock Holmes deerstalker hat and reflect on these questions: •Did I provide too many or too few directions?

•Did the transition catch kids off guard when they were absorbed in an activity?

•Did too many kids have nothing to do?

•Are there specific students who created chaos?

After answering those questions, try some of the

techniques described below.

When transitions take too long: To counter students dragging their feet, announce how many seconds are left before the next event begins. Teachers like Tyler Hester take out a stopwatch and challenge kids to beat the transition times of other classes. And here’s a personal secret: Slowly counting down from five in a booming voice never fails to acceler-

ate transitions.

When procedures aren’t followed: Lining up her students at the end of the day was a problem for one fifthgrade teacher. Her challenging class often erupted into fights, and the assistant principal chewed her out for delaying the buses.

As a solution, she affixed black dots to the floor three feet apart for students to stand on and provided more time for packing belongings.

After a few practice sessions, her students’ dismissal behaviour improved.

Any transition benefits from showing young students how to ninja walk.

Other routines are equally engaging.

A number of

s t u d ies show that reminders called precorrectives reduce misbehaviour during transitions. Right before a transition, ask a child to describe the proper progression of steps for, say, entering the class after recess. Or play “correct the teacher” by performing examples and non-examples while learners indicate incorrect actions with a thumbs-down signal.

Then call on someone to articulate or model the correct procedure.

In another precorrective,

described by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a child walks through the procedure while the teacher narrates: “Let’s watch Noel at the sink.

First, she turns the handles a bit. What does she need next? That’s right, soap! She pumps once because that is all she needs. Now she is rinsing off the bubbles and is ready for her paper towel. How many pulls does she need? Let’s say it together— one, two, that will do!”

Finally, an effective strategy for reteaching transitions is simply to direct the entire class to start over.

Budget extra time for doovers during the first two weeks of class and be patient. As the Navy SEALs say, “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”

When students don’t want to quit what they’re doing: Have you ever seen a boy wail when bedtime is announced?

More than likely, he felt blindsided. In the classroom, many kids feel the same volcanic emotions when asked to stop doing an activity that absorbs them.

However, displaying a countdown timer, like E.ggtimer. com, Online-Stopwatch.com, or Timer-Tab.com – when combined with verbal time signals – helps students anticipate and prepare for an approaching transition.

When younger children get distracted: In an article on transitions, Sarah E Mathews cites a 2007 study that showed how “children appeared excited to engage in many routines that were part of music.” Singing

the following song, says Mathews, will help kindergartners straighten their work areas between activities: “A helper I will be. A helper I will be. / There’s work to do. There’s work to do. A helper I will be.” Or play this clean up song.

Letting students take charge of transitions: Transitions don’t have to involve an entire class. Wendy Hopf’s sixth graders use hand signals: Raising one finger requests help, raising two fingers asks for a bathroom or water break, and raising three fingers indi-

cates that a pencil needs sharpening. “I love it,” says Hopf, “because I have the option of saying no.”

Research suggests that successful transitions are quick and have clear beginnings and endings. Meeting those requirements will maximise learning time.

However, don’t be afraid to add in some whimsy, like the teacher who greets each student with a charming individual handshake as they enter the classroom each morning, thus illustrating that transitions happen with kids, not to them. (edutopia)

Strategies for developing self-control – the elements of enduring and sustained change

By Shahram Heshmat, PhD

G

ood intentions are not enough.

Sticking to one’s plan is hard work. We humans are notoriously poor at following through with our plans. We tend to be ambivalent about making a change. We want to lose weight, but we also love to eat. People can resist desire (temptation) using the following resistance strategies.

A can-do attitude

Viewing ourselves as free and responsible for our actions is the foundation for self-discipline. Evidence shows that people function better and are more able to deal with stress when they feel that they are in control. Believing that things are beyond your control and they probably will be.

Goals

One has to have a goal.

Goals basically guide our choices. The more specific the goal, the better able people are to reach it. A highly abstract goal may not be actionable (eg, to get healthy). For example, instead of pursuing the goal of “being healthy”, a person may adopt the goal of “walking at least 30 minutes every day”, which is more concrete and easier to monitor. Effective goal pursuits follow the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based.

Self–monitor

Self-monitoring is a form of feedback. Monitoring progress toward goal attainment helps one to con-

centrate on goal-relevant activities. Successful dieters count calories and otherwise carefully monitor their food intake, and that the stopping of monitoring often undermines dietary efforts.

Self-monitoring helps us to become experts on our behaviours. By doing so, it will make habits much less difficult to change.

Motivation

The more you want the goal, the more likely you are willing to make the efforts and sacrifices required to achieve it. The strength of people’s commitment to something depends on its value to them and the chance that the value will, in fact, occur (Value*Likelihood).

The relation between these two factors is multiplicative.

This means that there will be no motivation to the goal pursuit if the value of the goal is zero, no matter how high is the likelihood of success. Similarly, there will be no motivation if the expected chance is quite low.

Self-confidence

An important component of motivation is the person’s self-perceived ability to achieve it. People won’t build up much motivation for change if they believe it is impossible for them. In the face of difficulties, people with weak self-confidence beliefs easily develop doubts about their ability to accomplish the task at hand, whereas those with strong beliefs are more likely to continue their efforts to master a task when difficulties arise.

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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Prove your capacity – Govt tells GTT …if Digicel’s Suriname bypass link be discontinued

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overnment has asked the telephone giant GTT to prove it has the capacity to meet the needs of most Guyanese, should there be a discontinuance of the Digicel link to Suriname.

discussion with both service provides on the matter of the unlicensed transmission of voice and data traffic by Digicel, grounded in GTT’s claims to exclusivity over all international transmissions. Hughes said her in-

ly liberalised and competitive sector would prevent the resurgence of claims such as those made by GTT. However, Digicel in a statement on Sunday said that it notes GTT’s most recent statements to the press in which allegations were made in relation to the conduct of “illegal” activities by Digicel.

es of both Digicel and GTT and upon consideration of all the relevant facts. At present there are matters before the court in which the court is called upon to make determinations in relation to the same issues.

One such matter is the Constitutional Motion filed

by Digicel against GTT in which Digicel challenges

Digicel said that it considers these statements to be yet another irresponsible attempt by GTT to deflect from the material issues that have now been brought to bear upon the company by the onset of liberalisation in Guyana.

“Digicel wishes to state that any question of the illegality of any conduct on the part of Digicel and as to the services that Digicel can properly provide to the public can only be determined upon the judicial construction of the respective licenc-

the fundamental legality of GTT’s authorisations to operate in Guyana and the extent to which these run counter to the tenets of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. It is Digicel’s view that it is only when the court has ruled on these fundamental legal principles can any determination be made in relation to legality.

GTT said on Saturday that the Digicel bypass is causing significant harm to Guyana, financially.

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

GTT recently complained that this bypass was “illegal”, and called on the Government to immediately launch an independent audit into this trans-border link, although same has been active for more than five years.

P u b l i c Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes on Sunday explained that the matter has been engaging Government’s attention. She said the Telecommunications Ministry has been in active

tention is to arrive at a resolution that would be in the best interest of the people of Guyana.

However, she said Government’s approach to the matter should not be misconstrued to mean that is condones acts of illegality. “This has proven to be a complex matter, exacerbated by demands of the market for adequate voice and data services. Among the issues to be considered are whether GTT has sufficient data capacity to meet the needs of the market,

and the degree of congestion of its network. GTT has been invited to submit relevant information and data to clearly demonstrate that (it has) the network capacity to ensure that the people for Guyana will not be adversely affected by discontinuance of the Digicel link to Suriname,” she explained in her statement.

The Minister emphasised: “This does not mean that the Government is in any way eager to condone this activity, but in this age of such high dependence on telecommunications and the Internet for the conduct of business, learning and many activities of life, we

must be satisfied that there is adequate communications available for the people.”

Hughes said that while the Government is committed to ensuring that applicable license terms and conditions are honoured, it must similarly ensure that relevant obligations in the licences that provide for adequate service are met, and also that the needs of the people are met. “The Ministry is keenly aware that increased investment and greater network capacity (are) needed to meet the demands of consumers,” she stated.

According to Hughes, the Ministry believes that a ful-

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8 news GPHC staff dies in highway accident A monDAY, march 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

n early morning accident on the LindenSoesdyke Highway has claimed the life of 30-year-old Simon Paul of Victoria village, East Coast Demerara, an employee of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Paul was reportedly proceeding in a northerly direction along the highway, heading towards Georgetown in his car, PVV 9105, when he collided headon with a truck heading to Linden, Region 10.

Simon Paul’s ill-fated vehicle (Photo courtesy of Gordon Moseley)

This publication was told that the accident occurred in the vicinity of Hararuni at about 00:30h, and preliminary investigations indicate that Paul was probably

Prove your capacity...

“With liberalisation on the horizon, the practice of equity and transparent conduct of all players is of paramount importance. It is essential that both the public and our leaders have the complete details about Digicel’s bypass operations, and that they understand the full consequences of the company’s actions, which are illegal and in direct vio-

lation of their licence,” GTT said in a release to the media.

GTT is also calling for Digicel Guyana to release documentation to show where it has made tax payments on the revenue generated by the ‘illegal’ bypass operations. This, it stated, will determine whether or not the company has failed to pay some US$30 million

speeding when he apparently lost control of the car and slammed head-on into the truck.

He was reportedly flung from the car, and his body

was discovered on the highway, some distance away from the scene of the accident. The car’s roof was completely ripped off, while extensive damage was seen to its front and rear. Both windscreens were smashed inwards.

The driver and the porter of the truck were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they were treated and sent away. However, the driver of the truck has been taken into custody as investigations into the fatal accident continue.

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to the Guyana Treasury for the past five years.

Apart from the loss of taxes, valuable spectrum is being used by Digicel Guyana, GTT contends. “We all have a right to know whether this spectrum has in fact been stolen by Digicel,” the release stated.

Only last Tuesday, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) held a hearing to de-

termine whether GTT’s promotions are anti-competitive, as claimed by Digicel Guyana. As a result of that hearing, it has since been determined that an assessment of the services will be conducted. This is according to Chairman of the PUC, Justice Prem Persaud. The promotion in question is the “GET MORE PAY LESS” promotion.

What’s behind…

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…Basil’s bluster?

ttorney General Basil Williams, SC, is a fella who seems full of himself. But when your Eyewitness looked at a tape of him at a press conference, it was clear he’s just full of bluff, bluster and poop.

Williams was addressing a very serious charge levelled at him by his predecessor and bête noir Nandlall that he’d threatened the Judge in front of whom they were appearing. And all Williams could do was puff up his chest and refer repeatedly to himself (in the third person) as “The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, SC”!!

He clearly can’t believe he’s occupying those positions and needs to constantly reassure himself about “who he is”. Like Rodney Dangerfield, Williams thinks he’s not getting the respect he deserves. He complained that once, the Muckraker didn’t give him credit for being a crack criminal lawyer! But after your Eyewitness looked at the press conference, Williams should be reminded that respect is earned and not demanded. And boy, did he demand respect, while putting down others!!

He repeatedly referred to the Judge in question as a “magistrate” who was his “schoolmate”. This might explain insulting the Judge by asking whether he’d made a note of the witness’ answer! This is none of Williams’ business and he presumed upon the dignity of the Court. He obviously thought he’d risen far above the Judge since “school days”. Williams still insisted he couldn’t understand why the Judge thought HE was disrespectful and took “umbrage”!!

Even the threat to the Judge in response to the Judge’s retort: “This is my Court, Mr Williams” was explained in a story about another member of the bench “disrespecting” him. Williams claimed some Magistrate found him in contempt because he’d told the Magistrate that, he, Basil Williams, never failed a course in Law School – but never meant to imply the Magistrate had! Williams said when he informed the Judge that the Magistrate was now dead, it wasn’t a “threat”! But as a lawyer who claimed to “love cross questioning” – of what other relevance was the mention of the Magistrate’s demise in the context of his retort??

Williams also promised to sue the newspapers carrying the “threat” story, but said he knows, “like Nicodemus” they’d come in the night to settle.” He could’ve been referring to an (infamous) taped conversation that went like this: Voice 1: I just settle a matter with Glenn Lall wheh the Magistrate sue he fuh libel.

Voice 2: Which Magistrate?

Voice 1: Holder-Allen.

Voice 2: Dey settle it?

Voice 1: Uh huh!

Voice 2: Fuh how much?

Voice 1: Just about a hundred thou.

But the AG boasted, “Still I rise!” Go figure!

…Exxon’s drilling?

Exxon just announced it has started drilling its seventh well. Well, it’s actually “spudding” its seventh well for Guyanese excited about this manna coming out from under the sea, who may want to be “wit it” with the lingo!!

So how close are we to that manna? Well, we, Exxon and the world know we’ve got at least 1.1 billion BOE reserves. And Exxon also just signed a FEED contract (Front End Engineering & Design) in preparation for the FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) facility that’ll ensure no oil touches our shore. The FEED study is the starting point for any offshore development and lets Exxon assess the viability of the Liza project and address any areas of technical uncertainty.

Exxon still hasn’t made its FID (final investment decision, folks!) – but promises to do so by year end. So, since it’ll take at least two to three years to construct the FPSO, oil flow by 2020 is OUT. And let’s not talk about shale oil – which Exxon just entered, that’ll keep oil prices below US$50!

…no GPSU term limit

Mouth open and story jump out. Your Eyewitness didn’t know the presidency of the GPSU has term limits.

And we expect Public Servants – condoning an illegality in their affairs – to protect us from illegalities??

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

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monDAY, march 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Educator advocates for introduction of ethnic studies

Food and Drud Dept swoops down on spoilt meat sausages V

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he Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has begun monitoring several Georgetown wharves following the revelation that spoilt meat has been used in neighbouring Brazil to produce sausages that are being imported into Guyana.

“The Department has initiated the process of exacting closer regulatory oversight (verification) on several containers currently on the city’s wharves with sausages, to ensure the implicated brands were not imported into Guyana,” GAFDD Director, Marlan Cole, has recently disclosed.

According to reports coming out of the neighbouring country, Federal Police executed an “Operation Spoilt Meat” exercise, and two major Brazilian meat packers/ producers were discovered to be implicated in this practice. These are: FBR SA with trademark brands such as Friboi, Swift and Ceara; and BRF SA with trademark brands such as Sadia and Perdigao. These are the noted products for which it was suggested that spoilt meat was mainly used to “process different types of sausages”.

GA-FDD further noted that it received official communication from the Agriculture Ministry

in Brazil through the Office of the Guyana Mission to Brazil. Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil, George Talbot, was informed of the circumstances that surrounded the “Operation Spoilt Meat” exercise, wherein Inspectors in that country were accused of taking bribes to certify and

GA-FDD Director Marlan Cole

facilitate export documentation for spoilt meat.

Cole has advised that all importers of sausages and other meat products from Brazil should “take the nec-

tinue to monitor the situation, and would notify the general public and importers of any additional information that comes to its attention.

On Wednesday last, the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department announced that some 2000 cases of tuna imported from China were refused entry into Guyana. The tuna containers were labelled “BUIWICK” instead of “BRUNSWICK”, and the exact address of the manufacturer in the country of origin was not stated. The GA-FDD refused the cartons entry on the basis of the Laws of Guyana stipulated in the Food and Drugs Act

Two of the implicated trademarked brands

essary precaution by removing and/or recalling any of the affected brands from

our market, and to notify the Department of any shipment(s) that is/are destined for Guyana.”

Port Health officers have been encouraged to exercise greater caution in dealing with these imported products. The GA-FDD has also indicated that it would con-

Chapter 34:03 part (2) section (6), which prohibits importation of anything coming into the country with false, misleading, or deceptive information. In addition, the product was inadequately labelled, according to the Food and Drug Regulation of 1977, Regulation 18 part (2) (a) clause (3) – Labels.

The Department wrote to the Commissioner of Customs to suspend processing of the documentation of the known agency, as this “third party” deliberately facilitates the importation into Guyana of products which are substandard and/ or inadequately labelled.

Consumers have been duly warned to properly examine labels, to ensure the ‘country of origin’ of products on the market and the exact names and addresses of manufacturers are clearly stated.

incent Alexander, the former Registrar of the University of Guyana, who is now Technical Advisor to the Education Ministry, wants ethnic studies to permeate the entire education system in the country. He believes that by bringing focus to this theme, the number of issues which arise in plural societies like Guyana can be addressed.

“We live in a plural society, and what is critical if we are to be a cohesive society is for the various groups to have an appreciation of, and respect for, each other. I am not quite sure we can rely on the families to do that,” he told Guyana Times during a recent interview.

Alexander envisions that the principle of ethnic studies can be fused into all subject areas, and can be enhanced with the introduction of a course centred on Guyanese history at all levels in schools.

“I think the education system owes it to us to provide that opportunity for a look into each group, a building of respect for each group, and enhancing tolerance among the groups…I don’t necessary believe it has to be a subject, I think a lot of this can be taught by fusion and inferential teaching,” he explained.

He noted that there is not necessarily a need to add another subject to the curriculum. Nonetheless, the educator said he would rather push for the introduction of Guyanese history, since an understanding of the country’s struggles as well as an

Vincent Alexander

in-depth background on contributions of each ethnicity can go a long way in fostering an appreciation and respect for the country’s diverse culture; as opposed to the fuelling of hate, as is presently prevalent in today’s society.

Social media is riddled with trolls and other individuals who constantly propagate racist remarks, further inciting the vulnerable, the gullible, and those who leap at every opportunity to use racism to their advantage, it has been observed. In fact, social media users and society at large wasted no time in peddling race-hate messages in light of the recent beatings which occurred at Canal #1 Polder, West Bank Demerara. Observers note that such a culture can have devastating impacts on Guyanese society, the social fabric of which is already on the verge of being torn.

Alexander envisions that UG, the country’s premiere tertiary educational facility, can be involved in research on the matter, and create the

material needed to be used at various levels, including in the schools’ curriculum.

“I envisage that UG would be involved in research, and that in the schools’ curriculum we introduce Guyanese history, which has to recognise the plurality and the way society has evolved.

I also believe that, in other subjects, inferentially we can also deal with the question of a plural society,” he explained.

As it relates to progress, the education advisor said these desires have been fed into the Commission of Inquiry on the local education system, and Government will be guided by the contents of the report, which will be submitted at the end of this month.

The Education Ministry is also moving in the direction of curriculum reform, a matter which will also be addressed in the CoI report.

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has underscored the importance and urgency of educational reform in Guyana. Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry has also announced that the Ministry plans to mainstream music and sports into the schools’ curriculum.

The CoI is expected to establish a baseline analysis of the sector, as well as recommend broad strategic guidelines for its enhancement, including addressing issues of the low and declining examination scores and the challenges of human resource development in regard to both enrollment and delivery of the curriculum.

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monDAY, march 27, 2017

News

Guyana still at risk of Accounting officers given notice of correspondent banking looming sanctions – PAC Chairman de-risking – IMF …if accountability not improved AG’s report

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he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has put officials, including Regional Executive Officers (REOs), on notice that sanctions will be inevitable if areas of concern raised by the Auditor General’s 2015 report are not addressed.

This comes in the wake of several PAC meetings, which have seen regional officials being grilled by the Committee over red flags raised by the report.

According to PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali in a recent interview, the PAC will exercise its responsibility to ensure that public officials expend public monies.

“The PAC has made it very clear that public officials must take (integrity) seriously when they come before the PAC. We have a responsibility to ensure that public resources are expended in an accountable and transparent manner.”

“We had brought all the REOs together with the elected officials. And we would have highlighted to them some of the consistent weaknesses we have seen in the system. And we have highlighted areas where we would have no tolerance with and their improvement is needed,” Ali pointed out.

“The Financial Secretary,

…urges continued recommendations adherence

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PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

who is an adviser to the PAC, has already written a number of accounting officers in relation to breaches and warnings in terms of sanctions. So the PAC is looking at those accounting officers who are not improving their work.”

Ali stated that there would definitely be disciplinary measures through the relevant agency, which he noted is the office of the financial secretary, for recalcitrant accounting officers.

He was also asked about the fate of REO of Region One (Barima-Waini), Leslie Wilburg. He stated that that matter would be addressed when the PAC meets on March 27.

In February 2016, Wilburg was questioned by

the PAC about some $30 million in overpayment to contractors in 2010 and 2011. He had stated that they were written to in order to inform them of the monies owed. But it was when Wilburg claimed to have sought legal advice from the Communities Ministry that things went downhill.

The PAC ascertained from the Communities Ministry Permanent Secretary, Emil McGarrel, that a letter he had sent to the contractors was sent to the PS, but no legal advice was actually sought. This and the fact that some of the overpaid contractors were still working with the Region caused Ali to eject Wilburg from the chambers. turn to page 16

he effects on Guyana if Correspondent B a n k i n g Relationships (CBRs) continue to be affected are a major concern for the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is according to an IMF team, which recently conducted a mission in Guyana and released its preliminary report.

According to the preliminary report, which was compiled by a team led by IMF Deputy Division Chief Marcos Chamon, the loss of CBRs remains a major concern for trade finance and remittances. Acknowledging that Guyana had exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) watch list, the team pointed out that there was more work to do.

“While Guyana has commendably exited the Financial Action Task Force monitoring and concluded a National Risk Assessment, it should continue to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework in line with international standards,” the report noted.

The team advised that stronger supervisory and regulatory regimes, in line with the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) recommendations, were necessary. In 2015, the Government of Guyana had approached the IMF to conduct a FSAP. The FSAP is supposed to serve as an analysis of aspects of the country’s finance sector, including its stability, regulatory and supervisory framework and its potential for contributing to growth and development.

IMF Deputy Division Chief Marcos Chamon

Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

During the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had told the House that like other Caribbean economies, Guyana faces the potential of damage from a correspondent banking crisis.

He had stated that local banks and financial institutions of small Caribbean economies rely heavily on correspondent banking relationships with global banks to connect with the international financial network.

Jordan had noted that it was these relationships which allow local residents to receive remittances from abroad, as well as for tourists to access cash from their home accounts. CBRs also facilitate the transfer of funds for trade and investment in our Region.

The Minister had said that foreign-owned banks operating in Guyana have not been subject to de-risking, but locally owned banks have been severely affected by this.

He said that these banks lost “in the aggregate, approximately 37 per cent of correspondent relationships

by end-June 2016. Thus far, only one bank has been able to establish new correspondent relationships to cover about 75 per cent of those that were lost.”

In his speech, he had also said that these problems were being addressed, in collaboration with other Caribbean countries and financial institutions. Among those institutions have been the IMF and the World Bank.

Remittances have always held a dominant spot in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At one time, remittances accounted for 25 per cent of Guyana’s GDP. The IMF visit lasted from March 6 to 17 and had been in relation to the 2017 Article IV consultation.

While here, the team had separate meetings with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo; Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga and Minister Jordan.

Representatives from the Private Sector, labour unions and other stakeholders were also present at some of those meetings.

monDAY, march 27, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

$10M games arcade Wage increases fiasco opens in Bartica Unions slam UG administration’s claims of regular meetings

From left to right: Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall, businessman Richard Gray and Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford during the ribbon cutting ceremony

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dream of over seven months finally became a reality when a Bartica businessman cut the ribbons to his fun park establishment, the first of its kind in the newly acclaimed town.

Gray’s Family Fun City provided a more than $10 million investment into an economy that has been stuck in a coma owing to the falling gold prices and the comparatively poor performances of several other sectors.

for children, something that my children can enjoy, not just other children. You don’t wanna just pour everything into mining, you wanna diverse into something else so I started to research on this fun park,” he told Guyana Times during an interview.

Bartica, renowned as the “Gateway to the Hinterland”, is located in CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven) and is relatively known for its tourism attractions such as

Some children playing in the newly opened arcade

Miner Richard Gray conceptualised the idea in July 2016 following years of lamenting the dismal fact that there was no appropriate place to take his children for an afternoon or weekend of entertainment.

“Bartica needed something more for children to enjoy. So one day I was thinking about what more I can do

waterfalls and aqua resorts.

The once-booming community was bestowed with its township status in 2015 by President David Granger.

However, the town barely boasts entertainment hotspots, especially for children.

There is a seaside playground with a few swings, slides and seesaws as well as

a time-honoured game shop with a wide selection of popular video games.

“I have two kids and they always like going places; my daughter went to Disneyworld with me and then when I son born, you always wanted somewhere to carry these kids and in Bartica, there was nowhere appropriate for children to go play and have real fun. They have a park where they sell ice-cream and so, but I think Bartica needed something more,” he explained.

Currently, Gray’s play park has several arcade games such as basketball, shooting games, car and motorbike racing and the gift machine.

But it does not stop there as the businessman has great plans to develop the facility.

In fact, he may probably act sooner than later as a result of the long lines of excited children who flock the fun park for a chance to partake in the frolic.

“I have plans to develop the facility. Currently, the site is not big, there are long lines and kids have to wait before they can go on a game,” he stated.

Notably, Gray said he has employed very strict control measures to ensure children do not ditch schools to play in the arcade.

Gray’s Family Fun City is located at Second Avenue, Bartica.

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Union members during the protest last week

he University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) have rejected claims by the institution’s administration that it had been meeting in “good faith” with union executives for several months.

According to the unions, between November 2016 and February of this year, there had been just about three bilateral meetings with the administration. One of those meetings was an agreed negotiation meeting for February 27. The unions said they sent a full delegation to this meeting, only to be told by the Vice Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith that the meeting was not for negotiation.

“Professor Griffith said that he did not wish to negotiate at this stage, because he would not be able to make a substantial offer to staff. He said nothing about being unable to negotiate because of rules forbidding him from doing so,” the two unions said in a statement over the weekend.

According to the statement, the unions met with the staff, who said that they would be interested in any offer that the administration wished to make. The staff said too that they needed negotiations to begin immediately.

“Staff also expressed concern about the state of the sewerage system on campus.

The administration responded to these demands after

two letters were sent to them on March 8 and March 15.

Their response on March 16th stated that emergency work would be done on the sewerage system, but there would be no movement on the salary offer or on negotiations”.

The unions said the town hall meeting on March 20 was deemed an ‘emergency’ as it was called after the unions sent their final letter on March 17, indicating that since their demands were not met, industrial action would go ahead.

“It was an event that shut down the University for the entire morning with less than 30 minutes’ notice, and shared very little new information with the staff. The Vice Chancellor did, however, further demonstrate his lack of respect for the industrial relations process by indicating for the first time what percentage increases were being contemplated for wages and salaries for 2017. He also argued against the proposed industrial action.”

According to the unions, regarding the 2017 budget, the two bodies were not consulted in the preparation of the original budget presented to the Finance Ministry.

Further, it said the Vice Chancellor’s recent assertion that he needed to have the budget approved before he could negotiate demonstrated that he perhaps did not understand what was involved in the process, the unions said.

If UG’s Council approves a budget with a certain percentage for staff, there is no truly meaningful negotiation thereafter. The negotiations can only occur while the budget is under revision, and priorities are being considered.

This is why the unions have moved to industrial action, so that staff interests could be included in the document that is taken to the Council meeting on Thursday, March 30.Last Wednesday, the two bodies picketed the administration office of UG, raising concerns over the delays in the commencement of salary negotiationsAt the protest action, UGSSA President Jewel Thomas explained to Guyana Times that the staff found the delays unacceptable and were calling for a much earlier date.

“The reason for this protest here today is that we do believe that the money is available for them to begin negotiations, but for reasons known to them, they are delaying those negotiations,” Thomas posited.

Furthermore, the UGSSA President noted that the administration was trying to tie the negotiations to the highly unpopular tuition hike.

“Our position is that there is no need, whatsoever, to do that… There is no need to tie the two things together, we don’t believe in being played against our students.

We don’t believe you should pit staff against students; we reject that,” Thomas outlined.

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monDAY, march 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Times/TVG/Radio Women in Business Expo Guyana employees benefit Female-led businesses celebrated from mental health training

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mental health awareness workshop was conducted by The Caribbean Voice (TCV) organisation on Saturday at the office of Guyana Times/TVG/Radio Guyana, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt.

Employees from the companies were the beneficiaries of the comprehensive forum.

ic communication is very important not only as an individual, but one of the reasons why it is necessary in an organisation; it is so that persons can put themselves in a place of someone else.”

She went on to say, “often times, you find that we judge someone without fully understanding.”

tal illnesses. He pointed out that they have completed similar sessions with schools across the country, with ongoing sessions still to be completed. They have also embarked on a “Training of Trainers” initiative in Essequibo and Berbice so as to build an army in their fight against

Organiser Sonia Noel joined by the oldest and youngest exhibitor and Minister Amna Ally in cutting the ribbon to open the Women in Business Expo 2017

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Employees of Guyana Times/TVG/Radio Guyana during the mental health workshop on Saturday

The workshop was in accordance with the mandate of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which is to spread awareness on mental health and illnesses as well as matters relating to suicide.

Leslyn Holder, a member of TCV and a teacher by profession, explained that “Guyana is notorious for suicidal behaviour and it is important that we step forward as Guyanese to share whatever information we (TCV) have with the public”. As such, she pointed out, “Our aim is awareness. It is important that in Guyana we raise awareness of mental health and mental illnesses and suicide prevention.”

During the workshop, the participants were exposed to statistics relating to suicide, a clear definition of the social ill as well as suicide first aid to detect and prevent mental illness and suicidal tendencies.

Moreover, the staff of the local media conglomerate benefited from an emphatic communication session conducted by specialist Ibina Edwards. Edwards highlighted, “The role of emphat-

The specialist noted that with the racial barriers existing in Guyana, it becomes difficult to understand each other without being able to respect and appreciate the

these social ills. The building of self-awareness and self-esteem are the strategies generally adopted in their suicide prevention mission.

One of the workshop facilitators, Leslyn Holder presents a certificate of participation to Guyana Times pressman Robert Joseph

differences. This is where emphatic communication plays an integral role in bridging the gaps and increasing understanding within diverse societies.

TCV National Coordinating Director Nazim Hussain indicated that the NGO has been in existence for almost three years in Guyana and has been active in the fight against suicide and men-

TCV is a not-for-profit organisation that continues to thrive and accomplish successes through the service of its dedicated volunteers. It is urging persons who may be in need of its special services to reach out to the membership, and is also open to the contribution of businesses in aiding in the realisation of its goals and objectives.

he Women in Business Expo took on a grand showcase as it returned for a second year at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

Female-led businesses from across Guyana have been celebrated during the two-day exhibition, held over the weekend.

This year saw the participation of over 50 women in business, who gathered to showcase their talents and skills after weeks of preparation. The forum provided a marketing opportunity for their unique products and services (most of which were Guyanese in origin), while allowing them to network with the cadre of inspired women present at the event. Women in fashion, craft, food, homecare and events planning were some of the businesses featured in the expo this past weekend.

This business forum was the brainchild of local designer Sonia Noel through her foundation, the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts. Noel, being a woman in business, took it upon herself to extend the reach of the Foundation to young women entrepreneurs, affording them a platform to showcase their abilities. The focus of the initiative was to provide a stage for females to exhibit their products and services while networking with other women in business.

Speaking at the launch

of the event on Saturday, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally pledged, on the Government’s behalf, continued support for the empowerment of women, and dedication to gender equality. Ally declared, “Research has shown that cultural and institutional barriers still exist within our society, (and those) impede women from achieving their full potential.

Nevertheless, we must work to ensure that no talent, no ideas, no efforts are wasted simply because they come from a woman, rather than a man.”

The Minister applauded the effort to broaden

es. The designer also pointed out the benefits that such a forum allows, and shared her vision for the future of the Women in Business Expo. Noel indicated that she hopes this event would become a building block for the country, establishing Guyana as a model for the rest of the Caribbean. Moreover, she projected that “It must be a Caribbean Women in Business Exhibition. That is where we’re going.”Celebrating talent, promoting friendships and encouraging collaboration among women where some of the themes highlighted in the two-day event. Aside from

One of the women in business displaying her merchandise at the expo

the horizon for women-led initiatives. She highlighted that this investment in women will have a ripple effect on their families, communities, and subsequently contribute to the development of Guyana’s economy. Noel, in her feature address, expressed delight at the growth and successful execution of the exposition for yet another year, and commended the exhibitors for their bold move to participate in the promotion and expansion of their business-

the exhibition, an ‘Inspire You’ session was conducted to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure their businesses continue to thrive.

The expo also facilitated the introduction and exposure of numerous products to the Guyanese market.

The Women in Business Expo, launched one year ago, has joined the calendar of activities in commemoration of International Women’s Day, celebrated during the month of March.

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monDAY, march 27, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

PPP supporters host Govt believes in equality for cultural evening in all Guyanese – President memory of Jagans …as Region 5 disabled persons seek more resources

President David Granger listens as the persons living with disabilities voice their concerns during the meeting on Sunday

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A Party group performing a dance for the event

embers of the People’s Progressive Party of district one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) hosted a cultural evening in memory of the party’s founder leader Cheddi Jagan.

The event hosted on Saturday featured dances, poems, talks, and songs, and attracted a large gathering.

Delivering the feature address was the Region’s First Secretary and former Regional Vice Chairman, Vishnu Samaroo. Samaroo firstly congratulated the district group for hosting such an activity in recognition of the former Presidents. Samaroo said that Cheddi Jagan even though he was brought up

on a sugar estate, he dedicated his life, work and teachings towards national liberalisation and democracy.

He said the late leader together with his wife, Janet Jagan, fought for the rights of the Guyanese people and dedicated their struggles for a better Guyana. He, therefore, called on party comrades and supporters to continue along the path of the legacy that the Jagans had left and to practise his teachings.

Giving brief remarks also was Member of Parliament (MP) Vickram Bharrat.

During his remarks, he said the Jagans were great souls who chartered the way for a progressive and prosperous Guyana. He further went on to say that Guyana was

only able to achieve democracy only after 1992 as prior to that, the country was ruled by a dictatorship.

The MP said with democracy came freedom of speech and free and fair elections among other things. He also mentioned that most of the development sectors were struggling and the economy for Guyana was currently declining; as such, the Jagans’ teachings must come into action.

“We need to apply what the Jagans taught and what they did; if we examine, history is repeating itself; as such, we need to be strong and work towards making Guyana a better place” Bharrat said.

Scores of party supporters in the Region attended the event.

Guyana observes Earth Hour

resident David Granger on Sunday told members of the MahaicaBerbice (Region Five) Disabled Persons Network that Government believes in equal opportunities for all Guyanese and that every person must have equal access to public services.

The President made these comments during a meeting with the group at the Carmichael Centre in Seafield, West Coast Berbice, where the members shared with him several concerns affecting the group and sought the President’s assistance to improve conditions for disabled persons in the Region.

“Every person must be treated as equal and must have access to the public services of this country…so that if you have lost your sight or your mobility, it doesn’t mean you have become less equal.

You remain an equal citizen with the same rights as any person in Guyana,” the President said.

As such, the President said that persons with disabilities must, therefore, be given the resources available to improve access to the services and opportunities afforded to all citizens. “In this case, we need to consider special education for persons who have different abilities…

This means that if it is challenging for you to attend the schools, we must make special arrangements and this is something we must not ignore. Your education should not be left behind simply be-

cause of disability… We have to look at individual disabilities if we are to ensure that people get access to the good things the Government has to offer,” the President said.

The Head of State also said that Government would explore options that can improve the ability of persons with disabilities to become financially independent.

“There are so many things you can do if you are given the equipment… so you don’t have to ask people for help, so that you can generate your own income… We believe in equality and employment for all and we believe in special education and we believe in providing that equality, which would allow you to work without depending on favours,” he said.

Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) Disabled Persons Network Chairman Mark Archibald, who chaired the meeting, outlined several concerns that were affecting persons with disabilities in the Region. Chief among the issues is the need for bigger premises to house the group’s office, since the current building serves as a community centre as well as the group’s main meeting place.

Archibald said that the building was too small for the 60plus members of the group, which was steadily growing.

Additionally, Archibald said that the building has only one entrance, which makes it unsafe in the event of an emergency. “We try to provide skills training for persons

with disabilities in the areas of joinery, computer training and other areas… We want persons with disabilities to develop their own lives and not be burdens to their families. These things can only be possible if we are able to have a proper building to conduct these activities,” Archibald said.

He said that the group was presented with a plot of land by the previous Administration, but a lack of funds has prohibited them from proceeding with construction. Other issues highlighted included the provision of a bus specially designed for persons with disabilities to aid in transportation of not only the members of the Network but other persons with disabilities in the Region.

The Network also requested access to a trained healthcare professional to tend to their health needs during emergencies and a first aid kit. The need for computers to assist in Information Technology (IT) training of members was also mentioned, as well as the need for a review of certain areas of the Disabilities Act to provide more inclusivity to persons with disabilities.

In response to their concerns, the President said that although monies have already been allocated for the year 2017 in the Budget, he would look into the various matters to see what resources could be provided to address their concerns.

Diaspora to discuss USCaribbean relations this week

Attendees observing the lighting of the Earth Hour ‘60+’ emblem on the tarmac of the National Park to observe Earth Hour

T

he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guyana Office, in collaboration with the Office of Climate Change of the Ministry of the Presidency, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) and several other organisations, observed Earth Hour 2017 with a special Lights Out Concert at the National Park on Saturday evening.

Now in its tenth year, Earth Hour is referred to as the largest environmental event in the world, and

is used to signal the commitment made by countries, individuals and organisations to create a brighter and more conscious future for the Earth, and to promote efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The event saw the symbolic switching off of non-essential lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, and lighting of the ‘60+’ emblem to signify Earth Hour. It also featured dances, songs, poems and other artistic pieces from artistes, including musician Jeremy

Sobers, the National School of Dance, the University of Guyana and the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra. The occasion was attended by Head of the Office of Climate Change, Janelle Christian; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn; Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Robero Sierra Medel; Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, Mikiko Tanaka; and, Deputy of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Paolo Marchi.

…during meeting with White House officials

A

n alliance of the Caribbean Diaspora community, religious and business leaders assembled by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) will meet with officials of the Donald Trump Administration this week to provide input into the construct of future US-Caribbean relations and the role of the Diaspora in contributing to the process.

These consultations follow up on meetings held last month to identify a mechanism to provide for ongo-

ing consultations between the Administration and the Caribbean Diaspora in the United States.

At the centre of the discussions is the United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016, which was signed last December by former President Barack Obama and which provides for the identification and implementation of specific initiatives and programmes to enhance America’s relations with the Caribbean at both the multilateral and bilateral levels.

The Act identifies nine broad areas which the US State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are mandated to address and to provide recommendations and a proposed plan of action to the US Congress by June this year.

The Caribbean Diaspora Alliance has prepared a white paper, which it submitted to the State Department Friday and which is expected to form the basis for Wednesday’s consultations. turn to page 17

14

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, march 27, 2017

Regional

Dominica Foreign Minister Trinidad companies pay TT$11M files defamation lawsuit

A

s a result of allegations that have continued to circulate that Dominica’s Minister for Foreign and Caribbean Community (Caricom) Affairs, Senator Francine Baron, misappropriated funds that she received but were designated for the Dominica Disaster and Development Fund, Baron has filed a claim for defamation against Opposition Leader Lennox Linton, talk show host Angelo Allen and local radio network Q95, who reportedly alleged that she received US$10,000 in Malaysia while she was Dominica’s High Commissioner in London in 2014.

Back in February, Baron wrote to the three parties demanding they apologise for defaming her character and that they each pay US$10,000.

Speaking on State-owned DBS Radio, Senior Counsel Tony Astaphan indicated that since those demands were not met, Baron has decided to file

Foreign Minister, Senator Francine Baron

a lawsuit.

“Well, enough is enough. This thing has been going on now for over two years and Senator Francine Baron decided enough was enough. She wrote, they did not apologise. They continued

the campaign after she wrote them and she has sued,” he said.

Both Baron and Astaphan contend that the accusers have failed to provide any reliable evidence or done any research on the matter but rather embarked on a smear campaign.

“She intends to claim significant damage because the real vileness of the allegations against her was that the photograph on which the relied to launch this campaign, was the photograph of her receiving the symbolic check… It could not be cashable, non-transferable and Senator Francine Baron’s name was not even named on the check as a recipient,” Astaphan said.

According to Astaphan, the money was actually transferred and received by the recipient named on the symbolic check and Baron intends to claim significant damages as a result of the allegations against her. (Excerpt from Caribbean News

Now)

Praise, celebration at Walcott’s farewell

N

obel Laureate Derek Walcott went to his final resting place amid unwavering praise and admiration of his talent, influence and work on Saturday, as mourners bade farewell during the funeral service at the Minor Basilica Cathedral in Castries, Saint Lucia.

The packed church accommodated the mourners who would have been absent from the private service held for him by family members on Friday.

The private service was a prelude to an evening of celebration of the poet and playwright’s vast work at the National Cultural Centre.

Born in 1930 in Castries, Walcott went to school at St Mary’s College, before going to study at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and beginning work as a journalist at the Trinidad Guardian newspaper, establishing his foundation as a true Caribbean man.

Walcott died on March 17, after a long illness.

Reading the eulogy for Walcott,

Professor Emeritus Edward Baugh started with the opening lines of Walcott’s poem “Sea Kings”, the many verses about friendship.

Baugh described it as remarkable that Walcott’s poetry hit “transatlantic metropolitan literary headlines well before he left the Caribbean”.

“We celebrate the maker who spoke for the Caribbean person in words and in paint, who spoke with the Caribbean.”

Baugh said Walcott helped the Caribbean to articulate its engagement with history and with the colonial legacy of the Caribbean.

“He does this memorably, etching emotions and ideas through his eye-opening representations of our landscape, through images and rhythms that fix themselves in our memory, through his always unobtrusively inventive respect for form, through the subtlety of his rhyme,” Baugh said.

He said Caribbean history and the colonial legacy were also engaged

L

oyal supporters and members of the People’s National Party (PNP) were overcome with tears as Portia Simpson Miller made her final address as party leader Sunday afternoon.

The supporters were moved to tears after Simpson Miller ended her address in which she spoke about her love for the party and her rise from humble beginnings to become the first female Vice President and President of

T

he Industrial Court has ordered several employers to pay their workers almost TT$11 million in compensation. Most of the cases were for wrongful dismissal.

The payout from 11 companies was for the period January and February of this year, and 26 employees benefited.

This is according to records for the Industrial Court’s registry. Of the 13 judgements, 11 were in favour of the employees and their requisite trade unions, while two were dismissed.

The single largest judgement was in the case of Ready Mix Limited and the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) in which the company was ordered to pay a total of TT $6,303755.97 to 16 workers.

However, the largest individual judgement was against natural gas company – BG Trinidad and Tobago Ltd in which the

employee was awarded $3 million. BG has now been bought by Royal Dutch Shell and its holdings upstream in natural gas production and in Atlantic LNG are now part of Shell’s operations.

In the case of the $3 million award to the BG employee, the court found that the company was seeking to constructively dismiss him by indicating that his job was no longer available. He was instead offered a lower paying position and then, later, a consultancy position. The fact that the individual was in a supervisory position and the company paid generous salaries to BG employees were taken into consideration by the court in determining the size of the award. In another matter, a worker was dismissed for allegedly stealing money.

Among some of the employers were HADCO, Sunny Group of Companies, Safe Sales Ltd, and International Interior Ltd. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Probe coming into alleged civil rights abuses in implementing Trump’s immigration orders

T

Derek Walcott

in varying ways by some of Walcott’s plays. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Tears flow as Simpson Miller bids PNP farewell

A visibly emotional Lisa Hanna hugs former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller after she gave her last speech as PNP party leader

to workers

the party as well as the country first female Prime Minister.

Councillor Venesha Phillips, who was seen rushing out of the National Arena in tears, had to take a moment to compose herself.

“She has been here longer than I have been and it is a bitter sweet moment and I know Dr (Peter) Phillips is capable, but some of us have been so close to her so it’s just a lot of emotions, a lot of what ifs, but the PNP is the party that still has the people’s best interest at heart,” she said.

Phillips became the fifth president of the People’s National Party by acclamation as he replaced veteran parliamentarian Portia Simpson Miller, following her recent decision to step down.

He follows Norman Manley, the organisation’s first President, his son Michael Manley, PJ Patterson, and Simpson Miller as the persons who have held that distinguished office.

All before him, except for Norman Manley, have become Prime Minister of Jamaica. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to conduct a probe in response to Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke’s concerns about alleged civil rights abuses in implementing United States President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration.

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, has expressed outrage over Trump’s executive orders, saying that they wantonly discriminate against Muslims, and Caribbean and other immigrants.

Clarke had also written to DHS Inspector General John Roth, calling for a probe into potential abuse of civil and constitutional rights of immigrants detained by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents under implementation of Executive Order (EO) “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.”

“Our office has initiated an investigation into the implementation of the EO and has asked Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) to

United States President Donald Trump

stay their investigation until DHS OIG [Office of Inspector General] completes its work, so as not to inadvertently duplicate, interfere with or compromise the OIG’s investigation,” said Ross.

“As a result, CRCL will begin its investigation into the civil rights and civil liberties issues raised once the OIG investigation concludes,” he said. “In addition to reviewing its implementation, we will review DHS’ adherence to court orders and allegations of individual misconduct on the part of DHS personnel, including CBP agents. We will also consider adding other issues that arise during the course of the review. (Excerpt from CMC)

MONDAY, march 27, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Russian Police detain Mosul offensive: Iraq denies air opposition leader, strike caused civilian deaths hundreds of protesters

I

raq’s military has cast doubt on reports that an air strike by the US-led coalition caused the deaths of dozens of civilians in west Mosul.

Instead it blamed explosive booby-traps set by socalled Islamic State (IS).

The US said on Saturday that it was investigating an air strike on March 17 at “the location corresponding to allegations of civilian casualties”.

The Iraqi Government of-

P

Law enforcement officers gather as they block Opposition supporters in Moscow, Russia, March 26, 2017

olice detained hundreds of protesters across Russia on Sunday, including Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny, after thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against corruption and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The protests, reckoned to be the biggest since a wave of anti-Kremlin demonstrations in 2011/2012, come a year before a presidential election which Vladimir

Putin is expected to contest, running for what would be a fourth term.

Opinion polls suggest the liberal Opposition, which Navalny represents, have little chance of fielding a candidate capable of unseating Putin, who enjoys high ratings. But Navalny and his supporters hope to channel public discontent over official corruption to attract more support.

A Reuters reporter saw police detain Navalny, who hopes to run against Putin,

as he walked along central Moscow’s Tverskaya Street with supporters, part of an unsanctioned rally as a Police helicopter circled overhead.

Police put Navalny in a truck around which hundreds of protesters crowded, trying to open its doors.

“I’m happy that so many people came out (onto the streets) from the east (of the country) to Moscow,” Navalny said, moments before he was detained. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

UN: 6 aid workers killed in an ambush in South Sudan

S

ix aid workers have been killed in an ambush in famine-hit South Sudan, the United Nations said on Sunday, without specifying what organisation they worked for.

The victims were attacked on Saturday as they travelled from the capital, Juba, to the eastern town of Pibor, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“I am appalled and outraged by the heinous murder of six courageous hu-

manitarians in South Sudan,” Eugene Owusu, the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, said in a statement.

“At a time when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, it is entirely unacceptable that those who are trying to help are being attacked and killed,” Owusu added.

According to OCHA, it was the highest number of humanitarian workers killed in one incident since the start of a civil war more than three years ago.

Saturday’s ambush fol-

lowed two other attacks on aid workers this month, shortly after South Sudan declared famine last month in two counties of Unity state, saying 100,000 people face starvation and another million are on the brink of famine.

After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, the world’s youngest nation descended into war in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Merkel set for success in Saarland bellwether vote for Germany

E

xit polls suggest German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right party has won state elections in Saarland, ahead of September’s national vote.

Her Christian Democrats (CDU) are on course to take 41 per cent, comfortably seeing off a challenge by the Social Democrats (SPD), projected to secure 29.5 per cent.

Mrs Merkel is hoping for a fourth term as Chancellor but is under pressure.

The centre-left SPD has

Chancellor Angela Merkel - hoping for a fourth term

seen a recent surge in popularity under new leader Martin Schulz.

Polls closed at 16:00 GMT in Saarland – a small south-western state with one million inhabitants.

The state is currently governed by a coalition of the CDU and SPD as junior partner, mirroring the national government.

The outcome of Sunday’s election in Saarland is being watched for signs of voter sentiment ahead of the September 24 general election. (Excerpt from BBC News)

fensive to drive IS from west Mosul continued on Sunday with helicopter gunships in action.

“Ignore reports Iraq forces have paused Mosul offensive,” the BBC’s Jeremy Bowen tweeted from Mosul.

“It continues. Have seen gunships firing and heard much activity in the last few hours.”

Reports suggested the disputed air strike, or strikes, killed more than 100 people in the Jadideh neigh-

bourhood. But the details, and even the exact date, remain sketchy. Some reports suggested more than 200 bodies were pulled from a collapsed building.

However, the Iraqi military, on its Facebook page, has issued a detailed rebuttal of claims that an air strike was behind the deaths.

The statement names al-Resala neighbourhood rather than Jadideh.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

China-based Carrie Lam elected Hong Kong’s new chief executive

H

ong Kong’s electoral committee has chosen Beijing-backed Carrie Lam as the city’s next chief executive.

Lam won with 772 votes, the South China Morning Post reported citing an unofficial count. A total of 1194 electors cast their votes on Sunday.

Hong Kong’s small-circle electoral system has come under criticism as unrepresentative of its 7.3 million residents.

Al Jazeera’s Adrian Brown, reporting from Hong Kong, said Beijing would be pleased with the result.

“They will see it as a resounding victory for Carrie Lam, who after all has been their preferred candidate in this election,” he said.

Carrie Lam, second left, smiles as officials count votes during the election [Bobby Yip/Reuters]

“Many of Lam’s opponents are saying that her victory is a Pyrrhic victory because the only mandate she has comes from the small amount of people who voted on this committee.

“What she doesn’t have is the mandate of the elec-

torate at large, because the Hong Kong people had absolutely no say in this election as Beijing said that Hong Kong can have their election only if they could vet/approve the candidates.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ohio nightclub shooting: 1 dead, 15 injured

O

ne person has been killed and 15 others injured in a shooting at the Cameo Night Club in Cincinnati, Ohio.

A “dispute” between several men escalated into a gunfight in the crowded venue, Police Chief Eliot Isaac said. A 27-year-old man died in the incident, which occurred early on Sunday.

There was no indication the shooting was terrorism-related, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said at a news conference.

He went on: “However, to the victims, what difference does it make?”

Police Chief Isaac said a “couple of hundred people” were inside the “very large establishment” when the in-

cident occurred.

“Several local men got into some kind of dispute inside the bar and it escalated into shots being fired from several individuals,” he said.

The Police Chief said that despite security checks, several firearms had been brought into the nightclub.

Investigators are still trying to identify the shooters.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

US-backed forces capture airport near Euphrates dam

A

US-backed Syrian alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias on Sunday took a military airport in northern Syria held

by Islamic State, close to the country’s largest dam that may be in danger of collapse.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias supported by a US-led international coalition, said in a statement they had seized the air base.

Earlier, SDF spokesper-

son Talal Silo said its fighters had seized “60 to 70 per cent” of the airport, but were still engaged in intense clashes with the ultra-hardline militants inside the air base and on its outskirts.

The SDF, backed by US special forces in a campaign that has driven Islamic State from large swathes of northern Syria, fights separately from other rebel groups that seek to topple President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

The SDF have been battling the militants near the Tabqa dam and air base west of the city of Raqqa in an accelerating campaign to capture Islamic State’s stronghold.

The Pentagon said last Wednesday it had for the first time airdropped local ground forces behind enemy lines near Tabqa in northern Syria in a move aimed at retaking the major dam.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

16 News

monDAY, march 26, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt pursuing national framework DROP − online transportation for energy policy – Patterson service launched in Guyana

I

n its quest to realise a green Guyana, Government is moving to establish a national framework for energy policy, to encourage the use of sustainable and renewable energy.

Addressing the opening of the first energy forum hosted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI), at Palm Court in Georgetown recently, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson reported on Guyana’s rich endowment of energy power, including that from hydro, solar, wind and bio-energy; and the recently discovered oil and gas resources. However, he said that despite the country’s considerable potential, it is still heavily dependent on fossil fuel for its energy needs.

Government is thus seeking to ensure that an appropriate framework is in place, and Patterson expressed that the development of energy resources can support a diversified pattern of energy supplies.

“In order to support the transition of the use of fossil fuel towards the use of indigenous and renewable energy resources, Government is working to ensure that an appropriate framework is in place,” Patterson told the small gathering of stakeholders.

He reported that Government had last year begun the review and update of Guyana’s National Energy Policy, which he said seeks to move Guyana from an economy that is inefficient in energy use and wholly dependent on imported market-sensitive fossil fuels to one largely based on economically efficient indigenous energy resources.

The first phase of the study included a draft energy document, Patterson noted. He said the document was completed in December last year, and the second phase -which seeks to involve stakeholders’ consultations towards the finalisation of the National Energy Policy -- will soon commence.

He said that within the next month, Government will officially begin consultation with relevant bodies to collectively craft the policy.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Additionally, Patterson reported the completion of a National roadmap for Guyana, which identifies tasks together with specific projects and responsible parties.According to the Minister, natural gas from Guyana’s offshore exploration suggest a transitional energy source. He said funding for the roadmap will be based on the monetization of the recently discovered offshore oil and gas resources, public/private partnership, international donors, and national government resources.

“Guyana Energy Plan seeks to harness resources such as hydropower, solar, wind and biomass; and encompasses various scales of projects, including micro-hydro plans for the hinterland electrification, medium-size renewable projects for the National Grid, and larger projects for the export of electricity,” he explained.

According to Patterson, energy efficiency is now considered the “low hanging fruit” to climate action. He said technological and behavioural changes can lead to improved efficiency, less wastage, and significant reduction in energy consumption. A small shift in demand, based on increased energy efficiency, can result in the saving of millions of dollars in the country’s oil import bill, he explained.

He said there have been fiscal incentives to motivate energy efficient behaviours by promoting the use of more efficient vehicles, compact fluorescent and LED lamps.

“By improving energy efficiency, local businesses will be able to enhance their productivity due to lower cost struc-

ture and improved cash flows, and savings can be used to maintain the viability of these measures and subsequently reinvest further in social economic projects and development, he explained.

According to Patterson, Government is also acting on the charge given by President David Granger -that the Public Sector should lead the way in transitioning into a greater renewable energy use. As a consequence, Government will this year be introducing an energy programme which will see at least 64 Government buildings each being outfitted with 1.3MW solar systems.

A 400 KW solar farm will be created in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima Waini), and similar farms will be created in Lethem, Mahdia and Bartica.He related that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc is also seeking to establish a National Grid Code for the integration of disruptive generation, which will provide a commercial and technical framework to accept electricity from renewable energy resources into its distributing network and streamline feeding mechanisms.

“The Government’s commitment towards a greening economy, in recognition of our national determining contributions to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as well as (the) Sustainable Development Goals, remains at the forefront of national priority.

Government has made a budgetary allocation of 1 billion to implement a series of renewable energy projects and efficiency programmes in 2017,” he explained.

He said there is need to optimize all energy resources, even as the country strives to transition to renewable energy resources.

Expanding more on Governments blueprint, Patterson said the Energy Development Plan seeks to harness resources such as hydro power, solar, wind, and biomass, and encompasses various scales of projects, such as micro-hydro plan for hinterland electrification, medium size renewable projects for the National Grid, and larger scale projects for the export of electricity.

Accounting officers given notice...

from page 10

Some of the key findings of the Auditor General have been that Central Government “failed to achieve their anticipated levels of capital expenditure activities during 2015 with actual capital expenditure being approximately 79 per cent of the approved allotment of $39.048 billion, resulting in a shortfall of $8.452 billion.”

It was noted that this shortfall was attributed primarily to delays in the implementation of key infrastructural projects. As a result, there was a return of disbursements totalling US$5.3 million, equivalent to G$1 billion, which was requested by the InterAmerican Development

Bank (IDB) from loan agreements.

The agreements, the AG had noted, had been related to the Road Network Upgrade, Expansion Programme and Sustainable Operation of the Electricity Sector.

One of the PAC’s main functions is examining the audited accounts in the Auditor General’s Report, which would show the appropriation of sums granted by the National Assembly to meet public expenditure.

It also exercises general supervision over the functioning of the Auditor General in accordance with the Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual.

The Committee’s pow-

ers are enshrined in the Legislative Bodies (Evidence) Act, Chapter 1:08, which allows for the PAC to summon witnesses to give evidence and/or provide documents to it. It also has penalties for non-compliance, including not answering questions fully or satisfactorily. These penalties include fines and prison time, if persons are convicted.

In addition to its Chairman, PAC members include Members of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill, Charrandas Persaud, Nigel Dharamlall, Pauline Sukhai, Volda Lawrence, Jermaine Figueira and Valerie Sharpe-Patterson.

D

ROP, an online transportation service provider, has officially launched operations in Guyana. This announcement was made via a radio broadcast and through advertisements on the company’s social media page.

DROP joins the market as the second transportation service provider conducting operations through an online mobile applica-

make transportation quick, easy and reliable for both passengers and drivers, while guaranteeing safety.

The unique business initiative allows passengers to save money with much lower rates, while giving anyone in possession of a car the opportunity to work part-time or full time in providing rides to earn an income.

Chief Executive Officer

out the Caribbean.

Hundreds of potential passengers have already downloaded the DROP app within the few days it has been launched. Numerous drivers have also indicated interest, and have already grasped the opportunity to earn an income through this technologically-advanced approach, replacing the many conventional taxi services which have been

tion. This business initiative reached Guyana following the emergence and success of similar business entities, such as UBER and LYFT in the United States.

But while offering services that are similar to those which are already in existence, DROP promises to go the extra mile in providing added features which will benefit its customers. Drop claims to be Guyana’s ultimate on-demand taxi/transportation application, connecting thousands of passengers to independent drivers all across the country.

DROP is currently creating a vast network to

of DROP, John Singh, has said that unlike its local competitors, DROP is USA developed, engineered and supported, which means the DROP’s apps are more likely to be safer and more secure to use than any other similar apps that may be released in Guyana.

It is important to note that while customers are comparing DROP to UBER, this transportation service differs to some extent, especially in regard to plans to offer a much more customized service for Guyanese.

Furthermore, the CEO indicated, if successful in Guyana, DROP plans to roll out services through-

operating throughout the country.

DROP is therefore pleased to announce that it has been receiving excellent responses in the short period since commencing this service, and is currently recruiting drivers from all corners of Guyana. Interested car owners are invited to contact DROP at 227-0873, or to visit its offices at 20 Bel Air Road, Lamaha Gardens Georgetown to register as a driver with the company.

The DROP app is now available for download on Android and Apple iOS App Stores on mobile devices worldwide.

Linden farmer pleads for help …claims neglect during canal clearing exercise

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aymond Paul, a farmer of West Watooka, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) is presently pleading for assistance in having a canal situated in close proximity to his farm cleared.

Paul says he has been a farmer in the area for several years, and farming has been his sole source of income; but he noted that he has been suffering tremendously as a result of blocked drains and canals eventually leading to flooding on his farm.

Paul noted that when the Agriculture Ministry did a canal clearing exercise in the area where his farm is located, his canal had been skipped ostensibly because of its location; but he is contending that that same canal used to be dug in previous years.“Right now, they’re cleaning up the canals in the area, and they start from the front going in to the back, and they skipped my canal and end up going to the other canals further up the road. So I asked them, ‘Why is it y’all skipping my canal at the back?’ They said to me, ‘No excavator can go behind there.’ So I said, ‘It going behind all the rest, because the other areas do, but just mine ain’t do’,” Paul stated.

The clogged canal

The farmer indicated that the issue appears to be a political one. He explained that he has also consulted with Regional Chairman Renis Morian regarding the canal not being cleared, but this has been to no avail. “Any hour or two of rain, I in a major disaster. And there is no major system set up for when you lose -- to get some kind of funds to start back; you have to start from scratch, so it’s difficult for me”, Paul told this publication.When this newspaper visited the site, the drains and canal were evidently in need of clearing, thus Paul is appealing to the relevant authorities to look into his situation. “At least, if the back canal could be done before the May-June (rainy) period, I would be grateful,” he

explained.He further pointed out that during the recent clearing exercises, it was evident that 4-foot drains connecting the road to the canals were not being cleaned.“Most of those drains start to get blocked up. Those drains is what used to save the farmers dem with taking the water from the road to the back canals, or from the back canal to the road canal. They used to clear it 2 times a year, but now they got a machine working regular”, he noted.

Paul has expressed the hope that everyone can put aside their differences and offer assistance to whomever so requires. He said a lot of other farmers in the area are suffering similarly, but they do not know to whom they should complain.

news

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monDAY, march 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 rice farmers complain 25 Bartica youths graduate as heavy duty operators about weight, grading issues

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everal rice farmers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have vented their concerns over the grading and weight penalty that have been imposed by millers along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. As such, millers are calling on the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to launch an investigation into claims rice farmers were being ripped off.

Currently, most rice millers are making cash payments for paddy, but even as this is happening, farmers alleged that millers were profiteering through their weight system. Rice farmers have complained that often they are told that their paddy has too much moisture and dockage and as such, they often get less money.

“This is really not fair; then high moisture and dockage content imposed by millers are robbing us. Rice farmers are honest people; they do an honest living to provide for their family. We take our harvest to millers and cannot be compensated for the quality. Is this fair???” a rice farmer queried.

Guyana Times understands that some millers are not following the grading procedure when it comes to purchasing paddy from rice farmers. Information revealed that some millers are buying from 160 pounds, flouting the GRDB grading

From left: Assistant Director of the National Community Development Councils (NCDC) Donald Ainsworth, Permanent Secretary of the Social Protection Ministry Lorene Baird, Minister within the Social Protection Ministry Keith Scott, Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Officer Earl Pestano and Executive Development Officer of Hope Foundation Ivor Melville along with the 25 graduates

T A rice farmer offloading paddy into a trailer

procedure. If the procedure is adhered to, then the same weight per bag would be below the 160 pounds hence rice farmers would earn more.

During a visit to a rice mill on Thursday, Government Councillor Naitram, who is also a representative to the GRDB Board, related that he has received several complaints in relation to the weight issues. As such, the Bureau of Statistics ,as well as the GRDB, has increased visits to various mills. Naitram said he hoped that would solve the problems and rice farmers would be given the right prices for their harvest.

Meanwhile, farmers at

the various mills said that millers continued to rip them off and those in authority were not protecting their rights.

They have questioned what the GRDB is doing to represent their interest.

Farmers are, therefore, calling on the GRDB to increase inspections at mills and to examine millers’ specifications in terms of weight and grading.

Harvesting commenced in March along the coast and already many fields have been cleared. Truckloads of paddy are parked in front of various mills waiting to be discharged. The prices range from $1800 to $2300.

(Indrawattie Natram)

wenty five youths in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Friday graduated from the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), The BIT training programme is aimed at empowering youths with the skills necessary to meet the future needs of local industries.

During the six months session, the youths were trained specifically in Heavy Duty Equipment Operation.

Present at the graduation ceremony were Minister within the Social Protection Ministry Keith Scott, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, Deputy Mayor of Bartica Kamala Persaud, Assistant Director of the National Community Development Councils (NCDC) Donald Ainsworth, Permanent Secretary to the Social Protection Ministry Lorene Baird and Heavy

Duty Equipment Operator Officer Earl Pestano.

Minister Scott said that the graduation of the youths indicates that Bartica will no longer have to look to Georgetown for handouts.

The Minister said that the youths are now equipped with the skills needed to further push the developmental process in the township.

Minister Scott also encouraged the youths to form cooperatives as it is the best way to rapidly develop the town.

Deputy Mayor Kamala Persaud lauded the graduands for completing the training programme.

However she cautioned them stating that, “going forward I hope that you will constantly tell yourselves that the sky is not the limit your mind is, whatever you put your mind to you can achieve it and today is a testimony to it.”

The Deputy Mayor urged

the graduands not to take the opportunities they receive for granted. NDCD Assistant Director Donald Ainsworth expressed similar sentiments as Deputy Mayor Persaud and Minister Scott. He urged the youths to use the skills they have acquired to foster development in Bartica. “There is so much to be done to develop Bartica that your skill would be needed right here and I hope that you would commit yourself to enhance life here in Bartica.”

The graduation of 25 youths makes it the third batch to graduate from the BIT training programme in Bartica. While the course only saw males graduating, the Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Officer Earl Pestano indicated that already five females have registered for the programme which recommences in April, 2017.

Aid worker acquitted of Guyana to host 62nd death of Indian boy CARPHA meeting

A

n aid worker accused of causing the death of a young Indian boy has been acquitted on appeal.

Narges Kalbasi Ashtari was convicted in 2014 and jailed for a year over the death of five-year-old Asim Jilakara, who disappeared from a picnic she had organised.

It is thought Asim was swept away by a strong current. His body was lost.

Ashtari, 28, denied causing death by negligence and has been on bail pending the outcome of an appeal.

She said she gave a statement about the death

Narges Kalbasi Ashtari says local politics and corruption are to blame for her predicament

to the Police on the day, but a month later officers filed a complaint against her, insisting that she had thrown the boy into the river.

Jilakara’s mother accused the aid worker of kill-

ing her son, but Ashtari maintained that she was caught up in local corruption after she refused to pay bribes to local officials after the accident.

She was banned from leaving India during her appeal, which drew the attention of international aid organisations. An online petition about her case was signed hundreds of thousands of times.

On the petition she wrote: “I have gone through the most horrific forms of abuse by a group of people with immense power, influence and protection.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Diaspora to discuss US-...

The paper addresses the nine issues and received input from Diaspora leaders across the US representing organisations whose membership are made up of Caribbean Americans from every Caribbean nation.

Input for the white paper was also garnered from consultations with organisations in the Caribbean Region, including Private Sector organisations and

the Caricom Secretariat.

Wednesday’s consultations will address issues under three broad themes –diplomacy and security; economic development; and education and health.

A US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State will lead the US discussion with an overview of current US engagement with the Caribbean, while Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Dr

from page 13

Riyad Insanally, who is also the current chair of the Caribbean Caucus of Ambassadors, will deliver opening remarks.

The Diaspora discussion on diplomacy and security will be led by Wesley Kirton and Herbert Nelson; economic development by Alland Leandre and Oscar Spencer and education and health by Eric Walcott and Roxanne Valies.

G

uyana will next month be the host of the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s 62nd annual Health Research Conference under the theme “Climate Change, the Environment and Human Health”.

The April 27-29 conference will provide an avenue to address the impacts of climate change and the environment on human health. It will also offer discussions and networking opportunities for environmental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, students and others.

The Public Health Ministry and environmental specialists from the Region and further afield will examine a raft of issues in the two fields during the conference.

CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr James Hospedales said last week that increases in vector-borne diseases, rising sea levels, prolonged periods of drought which pose a significant threat to human health and more frequent and intense storms and hurricanes in the Region are among some crucial

agenda issues slated for the Georgetown conference.

The key regional annual research event is slated for the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston where an expert panel on climate and health specialists is also expected to present their findings on the implications of rising sea levels, the impact of climate change on food security and health, as well as the significance of tobacco use among Caribbean youth.

The panel is also expected to unveil its ideas on other issues such as transgender health, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and the Zika Virus. The CARPHA conference is expected to “deliver a roadmap to chart the regional response to climate and health”, Dr Hospedales said.

The Conference “also provides a training ground for young researchers”, Hospedales explained, adding that environmental health professionals, researchers, senior health officers and clinicians will be among regional and international delegates to attend the Health Research Conference.

The Conference will host a series of events, including a grant writing and implementation; science workshop; a stakeholder policy dialogue; Training in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH); Training in indoor air quality, and a seminar on health diplomacy for Caribbean Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).

Guyana’s CMO, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, said the Public Health Ministry was fully supportive of the event as it would zero in on diseases that are of serious concern to the country.

He noted that Guyana’s tourism and health project, executed by CARPHA, will also be launched during the week of the Conference.

According to Persaud, the Agency will work with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to include hoteliers, and tour operators into a system of surveillance, which will include training in food safety and regulatory mechanisms.

Persaud hopes locals in the health and environmental sectors would register and take full advantage of conference sessions.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, march 27, 2017

ARCHIE

Don’t miss out on an opportunity that can change (March 21- your life. Size up the situation April 19) and make your decision intelligently, without listening to someone’s persuasive tactics.

Be a leader, not a follower.

ARIES

Get out and get active.

TAURUS Learn as you go and strive (April 20- for perfection and tolerance.

May 20) Check out what others do, but don’t be a follower.

dilbert

Lead the fight for justice.

GEMINI Question someone’s inconsis(May 21tency and ulterior motives.

June 20) Initiate discussions and bring about positive change. Take control, do your part and secure your position.

Temptation will be your downfall. Moderation on all (June 21- levels will be necessary to July 22) avoid controversy and damage to your reputation, status and emotional health. Keep a low profile.

CANCER

Peanuts

Size things up and take conLEO trol. You are in a position to do (July 23some good, so don’t back down Aug. 22) when you should be moving forward. Establish your position and make decisions that promote positive change.

Calvin and Hobbes

You should take action VIRGO only when you are sure you (Aug. 23Sept. 22) are doing the right thing. Act on principle, facts and common sense. Your practical nature and astute insight will help you excel.

Don’t let anyone spoil your LIBRA day or ruin your plans. You (Sept. 23cannot please everyone, but Oct. 23) you can be responsible for your own happiness. Offer peace and love.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Make changes at home or SCORPIO to a relationship that will en(Oct. 24courage unity, strength and a Nov. 22) clear passage to a brighter future. How you relate to those around you will improve your status.

Don’t be fooled by someone SAGITTARIUS using persuasive emotion(Nov. 23- al tactics. Ask questions and Dec. 21) look for alternatives that are more beneficial to your current situation. Don’t promise what you cannot deliver.

SATURDAY’S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Look for clarity before you CAPRICORN make an assumption. Being a (Dec. 22cautious observer is in your Jan. 19) best interest. Avoid unnecessary stress and pressure by steering clear of anyone acting erratic or unpredictable.

Use your resources and AQUARIUS search for opportunities that (Jan. 20will benefit you financialFeb. 19) ly, contractually or medically. Someone you have worked with in the past will offer pertinent information.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Don’t share private informaPISCES tion or feelings that might put (Feb. 20you in an awkward or vulnerMarch 20) able position. Live up to your promises, but protect yourself against being taken for granted. Invest in yourself and your talents.

MONDAY, march 27, 2017

19

A night of

upsets!

— Sparta Boss, Broad Street beaten

T

he group matches of the GT Beer sponsored Petra Organised Futsal Championships continued on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium and crowd favourites Sparta Boss and Broad Street Bullies were on the receiving end of defeats.

Back Circle got the better of the Sparta Boss, winning 3-2, as Stephon McLean scored the winning goal in the 30?th minute while teammate Selwyn William helped with a brace (20th and 23rd). For the inaugural losing finalist, Cleon Forester (17th) and Devon Millington (21st) efforts were not enough.

Likewise, a youthful and talented Sophia Unit got edged powerhouses Broad Street 3-2 in match that had the massive and passionate crowd on their feet.

Leonnox Cort gave Broad Street the early lead in the 9th minute but Sophia had splendid second half, as Shemroy Arthur (21st), Simon Emmanuel (26th) and Orlando Jordon (27th) powered their side glory;

tory as they defeated West Back Road 4-2. Junior netted in the 11th, 16th and 29th while Jahaal Greaves scored in the 22nd. For West Back, Jamal Haynes tried to help his side avoid a second successive defeat when he scored in the 10th and 19th minutes.

Tigerbay’s 3-2 victory over Agricola Champion Boys was orchestrated by Deon Alfred’s brace , netting in the 18th and 28th while Mario Bascom added the other in the 12th; Delray Dodson scored a double (2nd

Cort returned to score his second in the 29th minute.

Meanwhile, defending champions Bent Street hammered Albouystown 9-1 with goals coming off the heels of Joshua Brown (20th and 21st), William Europe (30th and 31st), Anthony Abrams (11th), Wendell St. Hill (14th), Konata Manning (18th), Sheldon Holder (22nd) and Okeene Fraser (25th); Nicholas Adams scored for the losers in the 27th.

Jermin Junior’s hat-trick led Tucville to their first vic-

Lennox Cort (with ball) in action for Broad Street Bullies against Sophia at the National Gymnasium on Saturday

nament is set to pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy; while the second, third and fourth

placed finishers will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

The championship will resume on Thursday at the aforementioned venue from 19:30hrs.

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

Jiwanram eyeing podium finish

Sports Tuner driver Paul Jiwanram in action at the South Dakota Circuit (Rohindra Mahase Photo)

S

Bent Street’s Collin Nelson battles with an Albouystown player

Point Standings Group-A Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts.

Back Circle

2

1

0

1

5

4

+1

4

Tigerbay

2

1

0

1

5

4

+1

4

Sparta Boss

2

1

1

0

3

3

0

3

Agricola

2

0

2

0

2

4

-2

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts.

West Front Road

2

2

0

0

4

0

+4

6

Tucville

2

1

1

0

5

4

+1

3

North East

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

West Back Road

2

0

2

0

2

7

-5

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts.

Sophia

2

2

0

0

7

2

+5

6

Bent Street

2

1

0

1

11

3

+8

4

Group-B

Group-C

Broad Street

2

0

1

1

4

5

-1

1

Albouystown

2

0

2

0

1

13

-12

0

and 29th) in a losing cause.

Similarly, R a n d o l p h W a g n e r ’ s 20th minute goal helped West Front Road-Gold is Money defeat North East La Penitence 1-0.

Top two finishers at the end of the round-robin stage, and the two best third ranked teams from the respective groups, will progress to the quarterfinal phase.

The winner of the tour-

port Tuner (1500 cc) competitor Paul Jiwanram is confident his Suzuki Swift 1.3L can withstand the pressures of race day and gave him a podium finish when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) host their National Race of Champions on April 2 at the South Dakota Circuit.

Jiwanram in speaking to Guyana Times Sport expressed his excitement over the upcoming meet stating that “fans can come out and watch as I put on a fight for the podium spot; I will be staying focus on winning and utilizing the full potential of the car”.

He added that “preparations are coming along great, the guys put in allot of work and we should be at the track on Wednesday to practice”.

The team ER racing driver whose teammates, Daniel Deokie, Azaad Hassan, Troy Muir and Davin Panday will also be gunning for top spot, is hoping that his machine works according to plan.

“For this meet we will just be focusing on getting the car to work properly, last November was bitter sweet for me as we developed mechanical problems with the engine and I had to retire from

the event with just a few laps in but I rather it happen in a race than me not competing at all”, the race car driver stated.

Jiwanram disclosed that his team is currently building another car which should be finish in time for the mega November race meet.

In closing the experienced driver expressed appreciation for the support of Java Coffee Shop, A and R Jiwanram Printery Inc., Noble House Seafoods, Prestine Wates, Ariel Enterprises, EyeMax Optical, Atlantic Petroleum, Talk Is Cheap and Emran and Raymon General Automotive Services.

Georgetown U-17 practice set for Wednesday

U

nder-17 players are invited to the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground on Wednesday, March 29, to undergo training for qualification for the Georgetown U-17 team.

The Demerara InterAssociation Cricket tournament is expected to commence soon, thus the various associations are in the process of preparing their

teams.

The training session, to be conducted under the watchful eyes of Coach Garvin Nedd, is set for 16:00h on the said day.

26 names have been shortlisted, but any interested U-17 player could participate.

The listed names are: Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh, Alphius Bookie, Adrian Hinds, Yeudistir Persaud, Cevon Allen, Qumar Torrington,

Joel Spencer, Jospice Jones, Dequan Bamfield, Dwayne Dick, Nkosie Beaton, Garrick Persaud, Osapha Greene, Ghansham Premsham, Tyrese Payne, Jeremiah Benjamin, Fadil Hick, Bently Singh, Anthony Hetsberger, Wayne Bollers, Ariel Tilku, Daniel Paul, El Nathan Suknandan, Novindra Persaud and Afile Henry.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

MONDAY, march 27, 2017

India v Australia, 4th Test…

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-day…

Lyon leads Miller leads

Australia’s comeback Scorpions' crushing on see-saw day win over Red Force F or the second day running, neither India and Australia were able to secure a significant advantage as a thrilling Test ebbed and flowed.

Nathan Lyon ensured the decisive fourth Test between India and Australia remained tantalisingly poised, claiming four wickets on the second even i n g as the hosts

10.

Although Lyon ultimately proved Australia’s most threatening bowler, Cummins and Josh Hazlewood (1-40) each impressed as they shared much of the workload in Sunday’s opening session.

Hazlewood ended an unconvincing innings from Murali Vijay (11), inducing an edge through to Matthew Wade behind the stumps, but Cummins’ initial toil went unrewarded as Rahul rode his luck.

After bringing up his fifth fifty of the series, Rahul was again unable to kick on and fell to Cummins when he toe-ended a bouncer to cover.

Things were starting to look ominous for Australia when Rahane overcame a shaky start to reach tea unbeaten alongside the assured Pujara.

Yet Pujara offered a bat-pad catch to short-leg off Lyon in the first over of the evening session and the same bowler then found bounce to have Nair caught by Wade and Rahane held at slip.

Australia’s decision to delay taking the new

reached stumps trailing by 52 on 248-6.

India initially seized the upper hand in Dharamsala on Sunday, as Cheteshwar Pujara - a double-centurion in Ranchi last time out - followed up another solid contribution from KL Rahul (60) by bringing up a half-century in the company of stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane.

However, Lyon (4-67) provided a significant boost to Australia’s hopes after tea, which India had taken on 153-2, removing Pujara (57), Karun Nair (5), Rahane ball (46) and Ravichandran Cheteshwar Pujara was jusAshwin (30) as a fantas- was again among tified when tic pitch continued to offer the runs © Associated Press Lyon struck something for everyone.

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and a again to trap Ashwin in front - a review counter-attacking Ravindra Jadeja made failing to save the batsman.

Renshaw’s sloppy work at slip denied it through to the close unbeaten on 10 and 16 respectively, the latter striking Steve Cummins the wicket of Saha, but India a batsman light after replacing injured O’Keefe (0-69) and Lyon for sixes.

Saha should have been dismissed late skipper Virat Kohli with spinner Kuldeep in the day, but Matt Renshaw spilled a Yadav - nevertheless have work to do in orrelatively simple chance at first slip off der to secure first-inPat Cummins (1-59). Renshaw had earli- a er dropped a tougher chance, again off the nings advanluckless Cummins, to give Rahul a life on tage. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Lyon had Cheteshwar Pujara caught at short leg © Associated Press

Australia 1st innings 300 India 1st innings K Rahul c Warner b Cummins 60 M Vijay c †Wade b Hazlewood 11 C Pujara c Handscomb b Lyon 57 A Rahane* c Smith b Lyon 46 K Nair c †Wade b Lyon 5 R Ashwin lbw b Lyon 30 W Saha† not out 10 R Jadeja not out 16 Extras (b 4, lb 9) 13 Total (6 wickets; 91 overs)248 To bat: B Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, UT Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Vijay, 10.2 ov), 2-108 (Rahul, 40.2 ov), 3-157 (Pujara, 60.6 ov), 4-167 (Nair, 64.4 ov), 5-216 (Rahane, 78.6 ov), 6-221 (Ashwin, 82.1 ov) Bowling: Hazlewood 186-40-1, Cummins 215-59-1, Lyon 28-5-67-4, O'Keefe 24-4-69-0

Nikita Miller

C

aptain Nikita Miller’s 26th five-wicket haul in first class cricket helped Jamaica Scorpions halt their losing skid, with a convincing 87-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force inside three days here Sunday.

Set a modest but tricky 229 for victory at Queen’s Park Oval, the hosts were bundled out for 141 — the second time in the contest they failed to crack 200 after being dismissed for 173 in their first innings.

Miller scythed through the innings to finish with five for 45 and claim match figures of nine for 85. In the process, the 34-yearold passed 450 wickets in first class cricket.

Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs provided the support, picking up three for 55 to add to his three from the first innings.

Marlon Richards, batting at number eight, top-scored with 47 while captain and opener Kyle Hope chipped in with 35 and Isaiah Rajah, 23.

Red Force lost Jeremy Solozano for two but cruised to 60 for one courtesy of a 51-run, second wicket stand between Hope and the left-handed Rajah.

But Miller and Jacobs combined to trigger a collapse where five wickets tumbled for eight runs in the space of 53 deliveries.

Richards brandished his bat to good effect, cracking three fours and four sixes in a 43-ball cameo but the damage was already done and Red Force never recovered.

Earlier, Scorpions were dismissed for 201 — the same score as their first innings — after resuming the day on 172 for seven.

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell picked up two of the three wickets to fall to finish with three for 52 while seamer Rayad Emrit failed to add to his tally from Saturday, ending with three for 30.

Scorpions had lost both of their games since the restart of the competition earlier this month.

CBJ final leg

cancelled T

he final leg of the Cheddi B. Jagan Memorial three-stage Cycle-racing competition has unfortunately been cancelled.

The CBJ Memorial, now in its 20th year, was originally billed for March 19, but was postponed to March 26. Now, due to unforeseen circumstances, the event has had to be cancelled.

Organised by National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohammed, the three-stage racing event was expected to take to the Essequibo Coast after the first two legs had been held in Berbice and on the West Bank of Demerara respectively.

Mohammed made this sad disclosed of the event being cancelled on Saturday at the conclusion of the 4th annual Star Party Rental’s 11-stage meet in the National Park at Thomas Lands.

He told riders and those in attendance: “It is unfair, and I would not allow the riders to be subjected to a journey where they get up early in the morning and travel -- ride and travel all the way back to Georgetown – and (I) can’t be providing a breakfast and a lunch for them.”

The veteran cycling coach added that, to compensate for this loss, he would soon be organizing a 50-mile road race.

Shaquel Agard, in a time of two hours, six minutes and fifty-four seconds (2:06:54), won the first stage of the CBJ Memorial cycle road race, and in the process erased Marlon “Fishie” Williams’s 2016 record of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 10 seconds registered on March 5 in Berbice.

Agard approached the finish line in a tussle with Alanzo Ambrose, and both men got off their seats for a 200-metre sprint to the finish

Organiser Hassan Mohammed

line. However, Agard proved he was by far the better sprinter when they were both were 50 metres from the finish line. Ambrose was forced to settle for second place.

Third place went to Hamza Eastman, ahead of Paul De Nobrega, Orville Hinds and Michael Anthony in that order.

The second of three cycle races of the CBJ Memorial rode off on the West Side on Sunday, March 12, with Team Coco’s Jamaul John outsprinting Michael Anthony in a close finish to take the top prize in the seniors’ division of the event.

John bettered the 2015 timing in the event to stop the clock at one hour 54 minutes and 30 seconds (01:54:30), shaving 10 seconds off club mate Hamza Eastman’s time recorded in the 2015 edition. This is a pretty impressive feat to be accomplished by the young man, as the 55-mile journey commenced in the early morning sun at Wales, West Bank Demerara and proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, from where they headed back to finish at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

YELLOW PAGES

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Bond elected

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New President of the GCF, James Bond, (centre) is seated among other executive members of the GCF

P

rominent Attorney-at-law James Bond was on Sunday elected to lead the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) when that body held its Annual General Meeting and elections at the Guyana Olympic House.

Bond, who takes over at the helm of that body from Irshad Mohammed, has had extensive experience in leadership capacity, and took the post along with his team uncontested.

Along with Bond, Frank Farley will be responsible for the dual position of Vice President and Vice President with responsibility for Development. His responsibilities include breaking new ground for chess in rural and hinterland communities and schools.

Yollanda Persaud is responsible for Fundraising, and is Vice President of Finance and Sponsorship. Her responsibility will be the general management of the financial resources of the Guyana Chess Federation, and she would have to secure sponsorship for the activities of this association.

Tournament Director and Vice President of Competitions is Irshad Mohamed, the immediate past president of the Guyana Chess Federation. He will be responsible for the hosting and management of local competitions and for that body participating in competitions overseas.

Natasha Singh, the confidential secretary for Attorneys-at-law Mark Waldron and Ronald BurchSmith, is the association’s new secretary, while Davion Mars has been elected Treasurer and Wendell Meusa is the National Trainer. Anthony Drayton, Maria Thomas and Ryan Singh have all been elected committee members.

Bond expressed gratitude to Antony Drayton and Wendell Meusa for encouraging him to run for the post, and for having taught him how to play the game.

According to Bond, under his leadership, chess will see national resuscitation; expansion of the sport into rural and hinterland communities; greater focus on participation of women and youth; national schools’ competitions conducted annually; and a National Chess Scholastic Centre which will be a state-of-theart facility.

To realise this vision, Bond said, he will donate 12 tablets, a projector and screen, and a laptop to the Guyana Chess Federation. He said the chess curriculum in schools with a focus on teachers, students and parents will begin at the primary level, and there will be partnerships with private sector entities, Government and the international community.

He said the economic viability of the sport will be enhanced through aggressive marketing, innovative fund-raising ventures, and the securing of sponsorships; and accountability and transparency, discipline, performance-based incentives for executives and stakeholders would follow the reform of the Guyana Chess Federation Constitution.

Bond reiterated his pledge to promote chess among women, and has committed to working with the differently-abled. He has also indicated to the representatives from Berbice that forming a Berbice Chess Association is a priority of the new body.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, march 27, 2017

West Indies v Pakistan, 1st T20I...

Shadab stars as Pakistan beat sorry Windies S

hadab Khan made a dramatic impact in his first international, taking three wickets in eight balls as Pakistan claimed a comfortable win.

Teenage spinner Shadab Khan starred in a dream Pakistan debut as West Indies slumped to a six-wick-

his four overs in Barbados on Sunday.

Captain Carlos Brathwaite smashed 34 not out from only 27 balls, steering the Windies from 49-6 to 111-8 from their 20 overs, but that was never going to be enough.

Pakistan whitewashed

Mohammad Hafeez into the stands over midwicket in the second over as Pakistan opened with spin at both ends after winning the toss, but a superb direct hit from Ahmed Shehzad ran him out three balls later.

Marlon Samuels (7) was somewhat unfortunate to be

Lendl Simmons bowled by Shadab Khan (WICB Media/Randy Brooks )

et defeat in the first game of the Twenty20 international series at the Kensington Oval.

Shadab was given his chance after impressing for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League and the 18-year-old claimed remarkable figures of 3-7 from

West Indies 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates in the shortest format six months ago and eased into the lead in the four-match series, with Shoaib Malik making an unbeaten 38 from 29 deliveries to get the tourists home with 17 balls to spare.

Evin Lewis (10) hit

given out leg before to Imad Wasim before Shadab announced himself on the international stage with a first over he will never forget.

The leg-spinner trapped Chadwick Walton (18) lbw with his second ball and struck again to remove the returning Lendl Simmons, who

played o n when attempting a sweep, for one.

H e had three w i c k ets in eight balls after Sunil Narine (1) holed out and debutant Rovman Powell also fell cheaply for five, so the Windies needed some lusty blows from all-rounder Brathwaite to reach three figures.

Kamran Akmal, making

Captain Carlos Braithwaite made a fighting 34 not out

his first international appearance for almost three years as a specialist batsman, hit a quick 22 at the top order but failed to go on.

Jason Holder took 2-27, including the wicket of Babar Azam (29 off 30), and

Brathwaite took a steepling catch off his own bowling to remove Mohammad Hafeez (5), but was clattered into by wicketkeeper Walton in the process. Shoaib guided Pakistan to vic-

tory, launching Braithwaite over midwicket for six and hitting another three boundaries in a comfortable win for the tourists. The next T20 in the four-match is on Thursday at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago from 12:30 hrs.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings (20 overs maximum) E Lewis run out (Ahmed Shehzad) 10 C Walton† lbw b Shadab 18 Khan M Samuelslbw b Imad Wasim 7 L Simmons b Shadab Khan 1 K Pollard c Imad Wasim b 14 Wahab Riaz S Narine c Imad Wasim b 1 Shadab Khan R Powell lbw b Hasan Ali 5 C Brathwaite* not out 34 J Holder c Mohammad Hafeez b Sohail Tanvir 14 7 Extras (lb 3, w 3, nb 1) Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 111 Did not bat: S Badree, KOK Williams Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Lewis, 2.2 ov), 2-35 (Samuels, 6.3 ov), 3-37 (Walton, 7.2 ov), 4-38 (Simmons, 7.4 ov), 5-42 (Narine, 9.2 ov), 6-49 (Powell, 10.5 ov), 7-74 (Pollard, 16.1 ov), 8-111 (Holder, 19.6 ov) Bowling: Imad Wasim 3-0-12-1, Mohammad Hafeez 1-0-8-0, Sohail Tanvir 4-0-21-1, Hasan Ali 4-0-25-1: Shadab

Khan 4-0-7-3, Wahab Riaz 4-0-35-1 Pakistan innings (target: 112 runs from 20 overs) Kamran Akmal c Lewis b Badree 22 Ahmed Shehzad c †Walton b Holder 13 Babar Azam c Powell b Holder 29 Mohammad Hafeez c & b 5 Brathwaite Shoaib Malik not out 38 Sarfraz Ahmed*† not out 4 4 Extras (w 3, nb 1) Total (4 wickets; 7.1 overs) 115 Did not bat: Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Ahmed Shehzad, 4.3 ov), 2-40 (Kamran Akmal, 5.3 ov), 3-49 (Mohammad Hafeez, 8.4 ov), 4-95 (Babar Azam, 14.6 ov) Bowling: Badree 4-0-24-1, Holder 3.1-0-27-2, Narine 4-0-22-0, C Brathwaite 3-0-18-1, Williams 2-01-0-10-0 14-0, Pollard

GCA/Carib T20...

DCC remain unbeaten after thriller against Police

D

iscarded national player Christopher Barnwell defended seven runs in the final over as the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) prevailed over hosts Police Sports Club (PSC) by three runs in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA)/ Carib T20 Tournament.

In pursuit of 155, Police entered the last over at 1483, after recovering from a shaky start in which they had slipped to 21-3. Lennox Andrews, who top scored with 75 from 66 deliveries, was there at the beginning of the ultimate over.

Jason Heyliger, with whom he had added 129 runs for the fourth wicket, was also there.

Having accounted for five fours and five sixes in the PSC’s innings, Andrews was very aggressive at this stage of the match, and his

partner had also kept up the tempo; but even they could not get the required seven runs from the final over, although they had scored 16 runs in the penultimate over, sent down by all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford.

Eventually they had to settle for 151-5 from their

allotted 20 overs.

Barnwell, who had been belted for 34 in his previous three overs, ended with figures of 2-37 to finish as DCC’s best bowler in the match. He captured the wickets of Andrews, caught at deep cover by Jahron Byron; and Kelvin Leitch, who was bowled.

Jason Heyliger hoisted Sherfane Rutherford to the on-side in the penultimate over of the match (Marceano Narine Photo)

Sherfane Rutherford

Lennox Andrews

Ashmead Nedd, once again consistent with line and length, tormented the PSC batsmen, who managed just nine runs from his four overs, as he claimed one wicket. Paul Wintz and Rutherford also claimed a wicket apiece.

When the visitors took to the crease, they amassed 154-6 after experiencing a

start that was similar to the PSC’s, stuttering to 36-3 before Rutherford, 91 not out, and Byron, 14, added 68 for the fifth wicket.

The left-handed Rutherford slammed eight sixes and four fours.

Heyliger led with the ball while PSC were in the field. He collected 3 scalps for a mere 22 runs, while

Leitch, Steven Harris and Ricardo Adams snared one wicket each.

DCC now have three wins from the same amount of matches, while PSC will await the verdict in the upcoming matches in Zone A to know what chances they have of advancing to the semifinal.

Petra/ Milo Schools’ U-18 Football…

Bishops’ too much for Queen’s College

Bishops’ High marksmen Keron Niles (left) and Imran Khan

T

he Bishop’s High School romped to a battling 2-1 victory against arch rivals Queen’s College to end the Camp Road unit campaign in the 5th annual Petra Organised Milo School’s under-18 Football Championships on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta.

A competition history which dates back to the first edition of the tournament, Bishop’s ensured the script was in their favour as compared to last year where they lost on sudden death penalty kicks in the quarter-finals.

Captain Imran Khan put the Carmichael Street unit ahead in the 3rd minute with a superb free-kick on the outskirts of the penalty area which sailed into the top right of the net.

Keron Niles then increased the lead when he tapped the ball into goal amidst the confusion by the Queen’s College backline from a left corner in the 10th minute.

A solo effort from DeAndro Kirton in the 14th minute gave Queen’s College a chance at reviving their fortunes but steely defending by Bishop’s ensured that they progressed to the

Nations edged Pure Masters 2-1 via goals from Carlos Oreido (22nd) and Quadad DeFreitas (33rd); Matthew Gonsalves had leveled the scores in the 31st for Pure Masters.

Meanwhile, Queenstown went down 4-1 to Buxton Youth Developers, as Ablamy Robertson (21st), John Gonzales (26th), Kifambo Goodman (30th) and Teffrel Campbell (41st) all helped themselves to goals while Denzil Ross was the lone scorer for Queenstown in the 59th.

helmet-trick in the ninth, 40th, 57th and 59th minute to help Sir Leon Lessons defeated Dolphin Secondary 7-1; Omari James, Meshach Barratt and Dexter Blue scored in the 56th, 60th and 65th minute respectively. For Dolphin Secondary, Shemar Welch netted in the 68th minute Morgan Learning Centre continued their unbeaten run as they crushed East Ruimveldt 7-0 with Chris Casey scoring a double, in the 44th and 55th minute while Orin Moore, Lionel

Rushan Ritch (yellow) battles his way through the mid-field for Chase Academy against South Ruimveldt

quarter-final stage.

Likewise, two-time defending champions Chase Academy made light work of South Ruimveldt crushing their opponents 13-0 on the back of a splendid five-goal spree by Nicholas McArthur and a hat-trick by Rondell Peters.

The talented McArthur etched his name on the score sheet in the 11th, 17th, 30th, 41st, and 46th while Peters had his joy in the 18th, 34th and 59th.

Also adding goals in the rout was Malachi Adonis (7th), Tyrell Khan (24th), Isaiah Jack (31st), Jeremy Garrett (61st) and Joshua Williams (63rd).

Arguably the biggest upset of the day, School of the

On Saturday, Masters Academy, Morgan Learning Centre, Sir Leon Lessons and Carmel secured quarterfinal berths.

Masters Academy trounced Tutorial High 12-1 as Calvin Peters recorded a helmet-trick, netting in the 5th, 9th, 32nd and 36th minute while Tyron Khan hattrick goals came in the 52nd, 60th and 62nd minute.

Chipping in with a double in the 58th and 64th minute was Dorinyn George while O’Neil Glasgow, Ryan Dowden, Carl Lynch and Andel Smith netted in the first, 28th, 41st and 47th minute respectively. On target in the loss was Zion Gray in the 57th minute.

Adrian Aaron tallied a

Holder, Daniel Clarke and Daniel Floyd scored in the 30th, 34th, 53rd and 62nd minute each.

Meanwhile, in the slimmest margin of victory of the day, Carmel Secondary downed former winners Lodge Secondary 1-0. Darrel Niles netted in the 55th minute.

The championships will continue this weekend at the same venue with the quarterfinal matches as the teams will continue their quest for the $500,000 first prize on offer in this tournament; while second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively – money that will go towards a school project.

GHB U18/2nd Division League…

GCC dominate outfield A

Action in the GHB U-18/2nd Division League GC

7

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, MARCH 27, 2017

nother week of action in the Guyana Hockey Board’s Under-18 and Second Division Outdoor Hockey league was staged at the St. Stanislaus College Ground on Carifesta Avenue, and saw club GCC enjoying the spoils of a good day on Saturday, while Hikers suffered a horrid run.

Four matches were played in the Under-18 category, with St. Joseph High School taking on Saints in the male and female divisions. Both matches ended with the two teams deadlocked on one goal apiece.

In the other two matches, GCC Girls tore into a Hikers side that capitulated without much resistance. In the first half of play, GCC had only managed to score once, thanks to the efforts of Alana Cheung; but

S

23

karatekas graduate in Berbice

even Berbician karatekas recently had the opportunity to be assessed in their hometown when the head of the Guyana Karate College (GKC) travelled to the Ancient County to conduct a grading exercise.

This was held on Sunday, 19th March, at the New Amsterdam Town Hall.

The Berbicians were assessed by Head of the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and Chief

Instructor of the Association do Shotokan Karate, 7th Dan black belt Sensei Amir Khouri, who was assisted by local instructors 6th Dan Black Belt Sensei Clinton Moriah and 5th Dan Black Belt Sensei Hazrat Ali. Guyana falls under the International Karate Daigaku (IKD).

The simple grading exercise was conducted in the presence of parents and guardians of the karatekas, and saw the small group display a competitive level of sparring skills and kata (karate form). karatekan Leam John did well enough to skip belts, moving from white belt to purple belt (4 Kyu).

Two others -- Aaliya Ahmad and Reaud Mohabir -- received the full rank of or-

the second half saw GCC playing with a vehemence that caused the side to net five more goals, to close out the match at 6-0. Cheung scored once more in the second half, alongside Abosaide Cadogan, Haley Carpenter, Sarah Klautky and Mickelly Rahaman.

The GCC Under-18 Boys were also on the money, clobbering Hikers 9-2. Led again by Kareem McKenzie, whose heroics secured them six goals, GCC were always in control of the match, and had signalled their intentions to a hapless Hikers’ side by registering a 4-1 lead by the close of the first half.

Raheem Oliver, Jason Canterbury and Jason Gomes were the other scorers for the GCC boys.

Over in the second Division league, GCC ‘A’ recorded a 5-0 win over Old Fort, having assumed a 3-0 lead by the first half of play. Shaquel Leung opened up the scoring with a

ange belt (7 Kyu), while four others gained yellow belts (9 Kyu).

Sensei Khouri noted that two objectives of the programme related to the GKC wanting to promote the disciplined art of fighting by encouraging youngsters to work at their own pace in the ancient art, and to develop modern strategies in conducting training sessions and practical examinations.

Training sessions are held at two loca-

tions in Berbice.

In New Amsterdam, sessions are held by long-serving Sensei Clinton Moriah on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Trinity Street Primary School within the timeframe of 16:30h and 18:00h. And at the Albion Community Centre on the Corentyne Coast, sessions are conducted by Hazrat Ali on Tuesdays and on weekends during the same hours.

Sensei Khouri disclosed that a new school will be opened at the School of the Nations at Savannah Park in New Amsterdam, and will be like the one at the same school in the city, thus students of the school are being encouraged to attend.

(Andrew Carmichael)

goal in the 9th minute, and Lennox Carrol added to the GCC A’s tally four minutes later while Kareem McKenzie close off the first half with another goal for the team. In the second half, Leung and McKenzie each score once more.

GCC ‘B’ team had a similar scoreline when they came up against Hikers. President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Philip Fernandes, was the first GCC ‘B’ player to find the back of the net, doing so with just three minutes of play gone in the game.

Trevor Smith would join Fernandes on the score board to close the first 20 minutes of play with GCC leading 2-0. Another Fernandes, Alan, would then mark his name alongside his brother’s on the score board in the 25th minute, as Melroy Scotland and Devin Hooper also scored to close the match 5-0 and cap off a good outing for the GCC club.

MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies v Pakistan, 1st T20I...

Pg 22

Shadab stars as Pakistan beat sorry Windies Debutant leg-spinner Shadab Khan wreaked havoc, snaring 3 for 7 from his four overs (WICB Media/Randy Brooks )

Petra/ Milo Schools' U-18 Football…

Bishops’ too much for Queen’s College

It was a feisty affair between Bishops’ High and Queen’s College on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta with the former winning 2-1

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