Guyana Times Daily

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2836 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

April 24, 2016

PYO marches in solidarity with Wales sugar workers … economic hardship awaits community – Jagdeo Page 19

In this composite photo: Members of the Progressive Youth Organisation marched in solidarity with scores of Wales sugar workers and their families on Saturday. Also attending the march were Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo; Chairman of the PYO, Irfaan Ali and former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

DDL, GRA tax settlement

GRA Chairman says not all cases are the same

PRICE

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mazaruni P7 Prison to house more prisoners from Georgetown – President

Where is the crime plan?

– Jagdeo P18 asks Govt Police issue wanted bulletins for serial conmen, women P7

Suddie Public Hospital disrupted by power outages P10

– several alliances damaged

Page 9

… in response to calls for agreement to be adopted for other companies

Carpenter dies after falling from roof Page 17

Miners burdened by “authoritarian grip” of Govt – GGDMA Page 3

1 injured as car slams into minibus in city P2

2 NEWS 1 injured as car slams into minibus in city SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

The vehicles that were involved in the accident at the corners of Camp and Lamaha Streets

BY KIZZY COLEMAN

I

n the midst of Saturday afternoon’s traffic, a collision occurred between a blue Toyota Spacio and a minibus at the intersection of Camp and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown, leaving one person injured.

Reports indicate that the accident, which occurred at about 15:30h, was caused by the alleged reckless driving by the driver of motorcar PPP 7897.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the motorcar which was travelling East along Lamaha

Street, attempted to breach the traffic light and slammed into the minibus that was proceeding South along the eastern Camp Street carriageway, about to cross over Lamaha Street.

The driver of the minibus, 32-year-old Akash Budram, of Lot 38 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, told this publication that he was at the corner waiting on the traffic light to turn green and as he crossed over Lamaha Street, the car which hurriedly breached the traffic light, slammed into the front of the bus.

The man stated that the

car struck the front of his minibus and toppled into a nearby trench.

“All I notice is this car dashing into my way as I pulled off, so I pulled brakes but the car hit the front of my bus and toppled into that [Lamaha canal] trench,” Budram explained.

The driver of the motorcar, who refused to speak with this publication, sustained injuries to his head and arm and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

Public spirited persons acted quickly in rescuing the

driver of the motorcar, getting him out of the sinking vehicle.

A traumatised passenger of the minibus related that she felt the impact and then saw the car plunge into the Lamaha canal.

“I deh in this bus and I felt an impact and when i looked up, I saw the car plunging into that trench,” the woman explained.

According to the woman, all the passengers started to scream but escaped unhurt.

Both vehicles were badly damaged.

An investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.

Sophia woman’s murder

Driver who transported murder suspect surrenders

T

he taxi driver who transported self-confessed murderer to Mahdia after killing his ‘child mother’ Simone Hackett, surrendered to police at Mahdia on Friday evening.

He was subsequently taken to the Criminal Investigations Department at Eve Leary where he is being grilled. He is expected to be charged as an accessory to murder shortly.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that on the night of the fatal stabbing, the taxi took Clevon Hamilton to the University of Guyana access road where he collected the mother of one.

Blanhum stated that based on the driver’s statement, an argument ensued between the suspect and the woman during which the man pulled out a knife from the haversack he was carrying and inflicted several wounds to the woman’s body.

The driver, the crime chief related, was then ordered to drive to a dark corner where the suspect dragged the woman out the back seat of the car. He then spent some time in the dark and returned to the car.

At this time, he ordered the taxi driver to take him to Mahdia. On their way to the mining community, the murder suspect disposed of the woman’s mobile phone.

However, it was reported that the car was found aban-

Murder accused: Clevon Hamilton

doned in Mahdia. At the time of the discovery, the back seat of the vehicle had blood stains and maggots.

According to reports the woman left home on April 16 at about 20:30h to uplift a package but never returned home.

She was due to be maidof-honour at her sister’s wedding on Sunday last and was to celebrate her son’s birthday on Monday. The woman’s body was discovered in a trench among vegetation by two school boys on their way to school.

Hours after the discovery, the police arrested Hamilton in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni). He was transported to CID headquarters where he was interrogated and during which he caved under pressure, admitting to committing the crime.

He was on Friday arraigned for the murder of the former model and was remanded to prison until May 18.

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 24 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, April 25 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 24 – 05:20h-06:50h and Monday, April 25 – 05:45h-07:15h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy to light rain showers can be expected in the morning hours, while light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected in the afternoon. Thundery showers with light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:32h and 17:56h reaching maximum heights of 2.72 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:30h and 23:42h reaching a minimum height of 0.48 metre and 0.63 metre respectively.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

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Miners burdened by “authoritarian grip” of Government – GGDMA

R

ushed, high handed, authoritarian and clandestine were some of the words used by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to describe what the miners said are government’s decision to unilaterally implement new polices within the mining sector without consulting with them. These polices the GGDMA said, will have deleterious consequences to the future of the already struggling mining sector.

According to GGDMA in an extensive statement to the media, while there are many concerns, the three main issues affecting miners are the moves by the Natural Resources Ministry to no longer facilitate the VAT waiver on the acquisition of heavy-duty earth moving equipment necessary in the medium-scale mining industry; the need for mediumscale mining permit holders to produce a yearly report on a “confidential basis” di-

vulging sensitive financial records regarding the operations of each Mining Permit; as well as the ministry’s recommendation to rescind all previously approved Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) permission for access and egress via river banks to access mining properties.

Addressing the rejection of VAT waivers on heavy machinery the GGDMA decried that “despite all the promises and commitments from the current Government of Guyana for waivers, tax concession[s] and other mechanisms designed to boost production in the industry we have been unable to get anything beyond lip service. Now we are told even the conditions we historically enjoyed are to be taken away and we will have

A typical mining area in Guyana

to pay even more to work in the industry.”

GGDMA said tax waivers were historically present within the mining sector, since their equipment are used in all scales of production. With its removal, “the additional cost that a miner will have to bear on each new excavator will be between $4.5 million to $7 million.

In the case of bulldozers it will be significantly higher. Given that these machines typically have a working life in the interior of three years, this is an added cost per excavator of approximately $13 million to $21 million over a 10-year period. Such large sums will definitely pose a heavy burden that will be difficult for medium-scale miners to bear and may lead to an increase in the number of operators exiting the industry.”

The body outlined that despite them being compliant with their taxes, medium-scale miners have not benefitted from any of the promised concessions on fuel and other items that were granted last year October for a period of six months.

The GGDMA said miners

were duped since the documents for the granting of their concessions, while executed, did not materialise anything: “These are retrograde steps, and we believe they are designed with suspiciously sinister motives.”

Speaking on the requirement to provide financial reports on the operations of each mining permit, the GGDMA posited that many of the ministry and even the GGMC polices are implemented without consulting the miners: “This was the main impetus that lead the then President, Donald Ramotar, to establish a Ministerial committee a few years ago with GGMC and the MNR in collaboration with the GGDMA to meet, consult and deliberate on revisions to the Mining Act and other related policies and regulations before the revised 2012 regulations were to take effect.

The main reason was to ensure applicability and practicality.”

The mining body is calling on Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

to rekindle this process before any such “dormant regulations are enforced”. The association is objecting to the implementation of any new policy without consultation and is calling for an urgent meeting with President David Granger, to discuss this, and other issues.

According to GGDMA, the MNR’s decision to rescind every single permission previously granted by GGMC for access and egress to mining properties via river banks is unreasonable.

However, government had recently issued a statement outlining that mining near river banks was banned, so as to protect the natural water sources from being polluted.

“While we can appreciate GGMC's desire to enforce the mining permissions/agreements and to have compliance in the sector, we wish to reiterate that it should be done via a genuine private and public partnership where there is consultation and education before action” said GGDMA.

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guyana-times.com

SunDAY, april 24, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Editorial

The Prison Service and Camp St Prison

E

ven as the Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of 17 prisoners at Camp Street Prison continues, President Granger is reported to have opined that "the problems at the prison will not be resolved unless there is a massive re-deployment of prisoners from Georgetown to Mazaruni Prison." It is not known whether this suggestion was initially proffered by his line Minister in the area of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

However, this was one of the recommendations of the Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC) Report submitted to parliament in 2004. Then Brigadier (retd) David Granger was a member of the DFC. As a matter of fact, every Inquiry into the problems in the Prison Service in modern times has identified overcrowding at Camp Street Prison as the single most pressing challenge that should be addressed by the authorities.

In 2001, after spending 18 months reviewing the entire prison system, a British team reported that "Georgetown's Camp St Prison, the country's largest, is extremely overcrowded." It quoted a prison officer as reporting that in 2000 there were between 900-1000 prisoners in the facility, intended to hold 500.

In summary, it "found the major problems to be overcrowding, poor conditions for prisoners and staff, perceived infringement of basic human rights, minimal rehabilitation and high costs to taxpayers. The most immediate concern of the team was overcrowding, which was attributed in large part to the lack of alternatives to imprisonment."

The DFC Report in its recommendations for the Guyana Prison Service under the rubric "Accommodation" posited: "Given the location of the Georgetown Prison and its proximity to busy streets on all sides, there is no room for structural expansion to cope with any sizeable increase of the prison population. Therefore any increase will require additional accommodation in other prisons which are capable of structural expansion or in the construction of other prisons.

"The Mazaruni Prison has considerable room for expansion which renders the construction of a new all-male prison unnecessary. Attention should be given to expanding the Mazaruni Prison and providing it with human and material resources for greater prison intake as the solution to the overcrowding problem in the Georgetown prison."

But security issues in our prisons in general and at Camp Street in particular are not limited to the overcrowded facilities, and the DFC stated prophetically in view of the recent carnage: "The Commission has received evidence that there is an increase in the number of violent prisoners. This poses a security threat both to the prison staff and fellow inmates."

It quoted from the Guyana Prison Service submission on the subject of security in prisons which is presently engaging the attention of the authorities. Contrary to the assertion by the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan that the situation at Camp St Prison is "stable" after his meeting with prisoners, the submission from 13 years ago is instructive since as with the physical infrastructure, nothing has been done to improve the security equipment of prison officers: "It must be noted that the security equipment available in the Guyana prisons do not match the security needs of the increasingly violent, aggressive and dangerous inmate population. The three major prisons (Georgetown, Mazaruni and New Amsterdam) are most vulnerable to security threats such as escapes, riots, hostage taking and fires.

"The changing nature of prisoners' character and the increasingly violent environment necessitate the quality and type of weapons, communication system and technology (monitoring cameras, scanners and other devices) be improved to prevent/suppress any threat to the security to these locations."

Finally, the DFC noted overcrowding in the prisons is also due to the non-implementation of the recommendations of the Criminal Law Review Committee in reference to expeditious hearings of cases of prisoners on remand and "due reverence to and compliance with Art (4) mandate the grant of bail where the prisoner has not been tried within a reasonable time."

Seven of the nine delegates posed with reigning Miss World Guyana 2015, Lisa Punch following the sashing ceremony on Saturday at Cara Lodge (Marceano Narine Photo)

Selfishness cannot be tolerated

Dear Editor, I am happy that Attorney General Basil Williams is moving to root out the institutions that “reek of selfishness” in Guyana and has set his sights on Red House which houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, and which he says should be a museum for all of Guyana’s presidents.

I expect that he will be swooping down on the African Museum and shutting it down forthwith since it is exclusive to only the African race. The property in Bel Air that houses the museum was bought with state funds in 1985 from well-known Pan Africanist, Hubert Nicholson, and the African Museum with an African art collection and artefacts officially opened to the public in 1994.

Its personnel, programmes and acquisitions

are all state funded and I am sure Williams recognises how selfish it is that this museum is not inclusive of the other five race groups of Guyana.

In fact, Williams would also want to shut down the Walter Roth Museum which houses artefacts and records of the country’s First Nations and move to establish a Guyanese Museum where every race and ethnic group will be represented under one roof.

Selfishness cannot be tolerated here, never mind that the world over leading politicians, artists, writers and other personalities have museums, libraries, and monuments that are exclusive to them, recognise their singular contributions and provide research facilities into their life and work.

Red House has always been associated with

President Cheddi Jagan ever since he resided there as the first ever Premier of British Guiana when the country attained self-government.

That is a notable historical point in itself and that the property should now house a Research Centre on this outstanding Guyanese far from being selfish is most warranted and absolutely proper.

Other leaders should also be afforded such facilities and one for President Burnham could be established at Castellani House which was his official residence during his Prime Ministership and Presidency.

I notice that some people are asking, quite rightly, that Martin Carter’s home on Lamaha Street be preserved as a national heritage site to honour our Poet Laureate. Martin Carter

would have had a good guffaw over the Granger Government’s view that it would reek of selfishness for his home to be a memorial and research centre for only him and his poetry and that it should be shared with other late Guyanese poets.

The poet is not around to write a couple of succinct lines to sum up the preposterousness of the idea but these, from “Bastille Day – Georgetown”, written in 1970s at the height of the PNC dictatorship will suffice: “I have at last started to understand the origin of our vileness, and being unable to deny it, I suggest its nativity.

In the shame of knowledge of our vileness, we shall fight.”

Dear Editor, It seems as though the Ministry of the Presidency (MoP) is being undermined so as to get control of the Norway funds. As the MOP subject Minister, Harmon is embroiled in various controversies surrounding his recent visit to China .Some are trying to take advantage of it and even trying to undermine it.

An article of Monday 19 April on the subject “Norway wants forest $$M removed from Ministry of Presidency’’ is a classic case of trying to under-

mine the office of Minister Harmon and the MOP. Where the Norwegian funds must go to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

The MOP formerly OP was and has always been in charge of the climate change portfolio through the Office of Climate Change (OCC) and by this very fact has been the lead in Management of the Norway Funds.

It seems that some elements at the MNR are trying to wrestle this portfolio from the MOP and place the funds at the MNR.

Therefore using the current situation that Minister Harmon finds himself in and using the media to do its bidding, is just undermining the MOP and the office of Minister Harmon and this must not be allowed to continue.

Minister Harmon must take charge of the situation and put an end to this delegation from Norway’s officials are expected in the country next week of April 25 and I do hope that they do not fall into this trap of undermining the MoP as this would be a clas-

sic case of interference by Norway in Guyana’s Redd+ Programme would.

Should this happen, the programme would be trained and sends back a message to countries that seek to get compensation or benefits for forest conservation activities that the contributor of the funds would dictate government’s policies. And this must not be allowed to happen in Guyana as a sovereign state.

Yours truly, Shanie Jagessar

Undermining Norway’s funds

Yours sincerely, Carl Lucas

guyana-times.com

SunDAY, april 24, 2016

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CoI needed in health sector Dear Editor, The New Amsterdam Hospital, Berbice, now has a matador who intends to ensure everyone - from the administrator to doctors to nurses and the entire staff is not spared his vicious onslaught. The entire hospital seems to the amphitheatre in which he carries out his attacks.

I have received several complaints where the CEO of this medical facility allegedly uses indecent language to all and sundry and even patients. He allegedly claimed that ‘this is my hospital’ while hurling his abuses, invectives and expletives in his inimitable vociferous tone. Is this how a CEO of a medical institution should behave?

However, this CEO went a notch closer in fulfilling his toreador ambitions: he not only verbally abused a medical doctor attached to the facility but he assaulted him physically! On April 6, 2016 a doctor (name withheld) was working at the Emergency Unit and was attending to three patients during the afternoon session. During that time he went to the lab to collect some results for one of the patients. At the lab he was approached by the CEO who questioned him in a rude

tone of voice with regards to his business at the lab.

The doctor explained but the CEO was not satisfied and continued to hurl abuses at him. He then took the doctor to the office of the Medical Superintendent where the matter was heard. It was explained to the CEO that there was nothing wrong in a doctor collecting lab reports in the case of emergencies and that if needs be the matter should have been reported to her.

The CEO then stormed out of the office followed by the doctor, who asked the CEO a question as to what problem he has with him.

The doctor explained that the question was posed just as a form of reconciliation but this infuriated the CEO who then attacked the doctor and pushed him against the wall and with his fingers to his face asked him if he then wanted to know what the problem was.

The doctor immediately made a verbal report to the Medical Superintendent who advised him to write a letter of complaint to her.

On 22 April, 2016 the doctor made a formal complaint to Minister of State Harmon, during the Office of the Presidency outreach programme at State House in New Amsterdam who as-

sured him that the matter will be efficaciously dealt with.

The doctor met with me at the said outreach and emotionally explained the entire incident and many medical staff from the Hospital who were there strongly empathised with him since they were recipients of verbal abuse from this CEO but were afraid to speak out because of fear of victimisation. He also complained to the Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, who advised him to write a letter to him.

As Chairman of the Health Committee I am calling for a Commission of Inquiry to be held not only in the case of this incident but the entire Health Sector since there is something drastically wrong with the administration and delivery of health service in Berbice and the entire country. This is getting worse by the day.

I strongly advocated this at the last Regional Democratic Council meeting but like many recommendations made at the RDC level they become lost in transit.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf Chairman, Region Six Health Committee

Mobile, temporary stands at Durban Park better suited

Dear Editor, It was with a deep sense of relief when it was reported that President Granger had appointed Infrastructure Minister David Patterson to overtake the management, and completion of the Durban Park (DP) project.

Minister Patterson has thus far proven to be a competent, and capable individual for the responsibilities entrusted to him under his portfolio.

While I’m not in favour of this short-term project being executed just for the 50th Independence celebrations, the works have already commenced and it is in the nation’s best interest to see it completed as competently and satisfactorily as possible.

The decision to use wood to construct a temporary facility, which will be dismantled after the Independence activities, was not well thought-out.

There were the issues of the time constraint to erect the structure, the use of the building materials afterward and the cost involved for the entire construction, demolition, and disposal of the wood materials.

It would have been better suited if the government had considered the use of mobile and temporary stands for this purpose.

Many stadiums and large event managers are using what is called modular seating systems made out of metal. These systems are solid, efficient, moveable, and can be

designed according to the exact specifications as required for a particular event.

Many global private sector companies offer this service and can either rent for shortterm periods or sell to event organisers. Additionally, most would also offer installation services. One such company, Switzerland-based Nussli, constructed a temporary 50,000 seat system in just seven weeks.

This modular system would have been better suited for the DP project since it would have ensured quality, saved time on construction and the government could have opted to just rent the approximately 20,000 seating capacity or purchased the system since the government has announced its intention to construct a stadium at the site. The same modular seating could have been re-used

for the stadium or for any other activity the government might have had planned in the future.

Sincerely, Clinton Urling

Disgraceful, despicable behaviour

Dear Editor, My first encounter with Carol Joseph was when she joined a taxi I was in on my way to Georgetown. It was sometime before the 2015 General Election, and the political landscape was the subject of discussion between the other two passengers, both in their early 20s.

As a political analyst, I obviously joined the discussion and asked whether either were familiar with the economic situation that existed in Guyana prior to 1992. During my brief history presentation to the young voters, the driver stopped to pick up another passenger.

Not knowing who she was, I continued my discussion.

It didn’t take long for Carol Joseph to let me know who she was and proceed to verbally abuse me with threats to slap me on my head if I didn’t stop “lying” about the PNC. I was sitting in the front seat and she was seated directly behind me. I told her that wouldn’t be such a good idea, as I would not hesitate to get her arrested. That only intensified her threatening and vulgar behaviour for the rest of the journey. I was happy when I arrived at my destination.

My second encounter with Carol Joseph occurred on Veterans Day last year.

I was asked by the PPP/C Parliamentary Representative for Region 5 to represent her at the Veteran’s Day parade which was held in front of the Regional Office at Fort Wellington, WCB. Before the parade started, I was in conversation with the Vice Chairman and other invitees when Carol Joseph approached and distributed ‘Poppies’ to everyone in my group but ignored my presence. After she walked away, someone commented that as the organiser of the event, her behaviour was very disrespectful to a Member of Parliament.

I then approached and advised her that I was filling in for my colleague, Priya Manickchand.

She said I could not do so because Manickchand did not inform her that she will not be attending. After I protested to the Regional Chairman, I was allowed to participate in the veteran’s memorial ceremony.

Carol Joseph was again verbally abusive to me as I instructed the PPP/C Councillors of the Woodland/Bel Air Local Authority Area to walk out of the kangaroo proceedings held at the local NDC office, after Minister Ronald Bulkan selected APNU+AFC Councillors as Chairman and Vice-chairman in a tied NDC where the People’s Progressive Party had won the plurality of votes in the just concluded Local Government Election.

Again I ignored this person who reminds me of the characters that gave Tiger Bay and Albouystown a bad reputation a few decades ago.

Then last Thursday, at the invitation of Region 5 Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, I travelled to Fort Wellington to attend the monthly statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council as an observer.

Since the year started, the Regional Chairman has been prevented from conducting the people’s business because APNU+AFC Councillor Carol Joseph has been influencing the other APNU+AFC Councillors to disrupt the meetings. She was subsequently suspended, but continued to show up with the aim of disrupting these proceedings.

I was armed with my video camera to document any disruption that may arise. As I approached the location, adjacent to the Fort Wellington Police Station, I observed a hostile crowd carrying placards blocking the entrance to the RDC building. To avoid navigating my vehicle through

the crowd to get into the compound, I parked my vehicle on the side of the road, some distance from the protestors.

As I approached the entrance to the compound with my video camera in one hand and my tripod in the other, the crowd zeroed in on me, pushing placards in my face and trying to block my entrance to the building. As I proceeded, APNU+AFC Councillor Carol Joseph deliberately moved to block my approach, waving her outstretched hands up and down using derogatory comments.

Shortly after, I was told that she had made a report at the nearby Fort Wellington Police Station, that I had assaulted her. Of course, the only part of my body that came in contact with the APNU+AFC provocateur, Carol Joseph, was when her descending right hand deliberately struck me on my head. But as I said in my statement to the police, had I been so foolish to have done that, the angry mob would have torn me in pieces.

When Chairman Ramphal arrived, the mob was determined to prevent his entry to the RDC boardroom. The ringleader Carol Joseph sat down in the middle of the driveway directly in the path of the Chairman’s vehicle. Several attempts by senior police officers to have her moved were met with the singing of “We shall not be moved.”

This woman is not only an embarrassment to herself, but to the entire APNU+AFC coalition as well. I urge Present Granger to intervene and put an end to Carol Joseph’s disgraceful, despicable behaviour, and send a strong message to APNU+AFC supporters that he will not tolerate any form of insurrection that hinders progress in Region 5 or anywhere else in Guyana.

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP

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Foundation

Indian women and Women Police Association hosts indentureship annual hat competition ...remember one-third quota, coolie woman, Was your blood spilled so I might reject my history... forget tears among the paddy leaves? – Mahadai Das

O

Anu Dev

f recent, I have been forced to think about the question of “feminism” through the lens of being a member of a community that looks at the issue a bit differently than the metropolitan countries where the notion arose. For instance, the reality of worshipping God as female Mother Saraswati, in my case, as I wrote about a few days ago - has to challenge you to question the feminist take on “patriarchal dominance” when females symbolise “power” and males, “inertness”. And the male gods all had to surrender their weapons to Mother Durga to save them from Mahishasura.

But with Indian Arrival Day coming up, I thought I would lay the groundwork for the Indian female’s experience in the West Indies to concretely locate the discussion. Now we all know about

the first Indians arriving in the Whitby and Hesperus on May 5, 1835. But did we know of the 396 that were in those ships, only 15 were female - of which just 11 were adult women?

This gender imbalance was to characterise Indian immigration until it was ended in 1917 and had a profound impact on the community’s life in their new homeland. That first 1838 batch faced so much hardships on the sugar plantations under “drivers” who still conducted themselves as they had with the newly freed slaves, that two thirds of them returned to India at the end of their five-year contract – along with all the women. One quarter perished.

When Indentureship resumed in 1845, new regulations demanded that one-third of all immigrants should be women.

And this is the “one-third” that the poet Mahadai Das (who lived her last years in my village) referred to in her poem.

Finding the “one third” in India was not easy and was a constant source of complaints by the agents of the planters. In India

of the 19th century, after a thousand years of invasions, the role of women were firmly fixed in the home to be “protected”.

But the India of the 19th century had also been devastated by famines and uprootings due to the British rape of the economy to funnel off India’s wealth to Britain. Within India, men from the now poverty-stricken north had become a familiar sight in other parts of their vast country looking for jobs. In this way, families were torn apart and many women would have been left adrift when their husbands departed.

As it was, most of the women who immigrated to the Caribbean were single – some being widows with children. But a major adjustment was made at the large “depots” where all the prospects were housed until the “shipping season” began.

At these depots the change from “Indian” to “West Indian” began – especially for women. While in the Indian villages, their single or widow status might be a burden, in the depots that was reversed. Many got married as the men faced

the daunting prospect of becoming strangers in strange lands.

On the three-month journey to the Caribbean, men and women were forced into even closer proximity and while the custom of having the single women sleep near the married couples was in place, shipboard marriages were also common. They however also faced sexual advances from the ship’s crew and there are several documented cases that described their ordeal.

However, the strong bonds that developed aboard the ships (“Jahaj”) made men and women become as close as any family. They called themselves “Jahajees” – shipmates – for the rest of their lives.

The story is told in my family of my Great-great grandfather Ram Bishun who was bound to Plantation De Willem along with one of his female Jahajees. And when she didn’t return from the backdam one evening, he went to search for her in the darkness and brought back to the logees her lifeless body that he fetched for miles in the night. (To be continued)

One of the participants in the elegant category of the competition displaying her hat

T

he Guyana Association of Women Police (GAWP) on Saturday hosted its annual Hat Show and Competition with the aim of providing bursaries for six students who would be writing the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE) and in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary.

The event hosted at Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, saw children, women young and old, beautifully attired in colourful dresses, complimented by exquisitely designed hats.

The atmosphere was one of delight with many ‘oohs and ahhs’ by onlookers as each participant walked in with their hat displays which mainly depicted Guyana’s diverse culture.

The competition consisted of three main categories - elegant, comical, and children.

Those participating were from the general public and also youth groups from D Division of the Guyana Police Force.

The winners were all awarded.

The event culminated with song and dance and the audience feasting on tea and a variety of dishes.

Speaking to Guyana Times, event coordinator Superintendent Maxine Graham explained that the event started last year is focused on providing finances for students who excelled

at the SSEE examination to further their studies.

“The Police Force would usually give bursaries to some children that are writing the grade six exams each year, especially those who excel and they would usually get from one to fifth prizes.”

Graham explained that GAWP would normally award only five students with bursaries but that the association wanted to do more, thus hosting the hat show and competition.

“We at the association wanted to do more for the students, so in order to raise funds which will enable us to do this; we have decided to make this hat show and competition an annual event. So that means that we will have another child that will benefit from our bursary award”.

The coordinator hopes with the continued support of the Police Force and the general public, next year can see the event being hosted yet again.

Also speaking with this publication, one parent expressed delight and appreciation for the interest GAWP has shown towards assisting students who are not financially stable.

“I want to thank them for this because there are a lot of parents that cannot afford to allow their child to pursue a higher education and this will be very helpful for them”.

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sunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Police issue wanted bulletins Mazaruni Prison to house more prisoners from Georgetown – President for serial conmen, women

T

M

ore prison blocks are being built at the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to facilitate a massive transfer of prisoners from the Georgetown Prison in an effort to ease the overcrowding at the facility.

This was disclosed by President David Granger who was at the time responding to questions posed by media operatives during his weekly telecast ‘The Public Interest’.

In light of last month’s deadly prison riot, Government began taking proactive measures towards ensuring there is no repeat of the situation.

“The problems will not be resolved unless there is a massive redeployment of prisoners from Georgetown to Mazaruni… Mazaruni has the space and it needs to be reinforced and fortified,” Granger emphasised.

In fact, he outlined three basic issues that need to be addressed in order to effect successful reforms to the prison system.

Unprofessionalism

President Granger ranked the second biggest problem contributing to the weakness of the prison service as the staff – their limited numbers and unprofessionalism. He said arrangements are being made to provide these individuals with enhanced training.

Returning to the issue of overcrowding, Granger pointed out that it is a consequence of the criminal justice system – an element which the prison service has no control over.

“So if the Magistrate remands someone to pris-

ment from Police Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker on Saturday, these persons “are wanted by the Police for questioning into a series of fraud matters committed on a number of persons”.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Romanie Bowman; Floyd Primo, called “Wild Buck”;

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the assistance of the public in locating four individuals who are wanted for questioning in relation to a number of fraud related investigations.

Wanted are Romanie Bowman of Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown and Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD); Floyd Primo, called

Wanted: Romanie Bowman

Wanted: Shane Wanted: Floyd Primo, called “Wild Buck”

President David Granger and other officals during his visit to the Mazaruni Prison

on then the prison service is obliged to keep that person,” he explained.

Nonetheless, he assured that engagements are ongoing between the executive branch and the judicial branch to examine the sentencing policies to ensure that custodial sentences would be reviewed so that there will not be a huge buildup of persons on remand in the prison.

According to the Head of State, it appears that the prisoners on remand are the ones more likely to rebel than those who have been convicted.

Contraband trade

Another

issue

that

needs to be addressed is the smuggling of contraband items into the prison.

President Granger indicated that changes in this regard will occur overtime, once the first three problems identified above are addressed fully.

“It is impossible for that level of contraband traffic to have occurred without the complicity of a few officers,” he noted.

On this note, the Commander-in-Chief said the main purpose of the heightened cordons around the Camp Street facility is to ensure persons no longer throw items over the fence into the prison compound.

“Wild Buck,” also of Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown; a woman known by the name “Marjorie Edinboro” of Lot 70 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and another woman known as “Shane”

Wanted: Marjorie Edinboro

of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and of Port Kaituma, NWD. According to a press state-

“Marjorie Edinboro”; and “Shane” is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 226-9941, 2261326, 225-8196, 911, or the nearest Police station.

The Police is advising that all information will be treated with strict confidence.

8

news

SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness Civilian...

I

...control responsibilities

n modern democratic regimes it’s an article of faith civilians must control the military – in our case the Disciplined Forces. These forces – called that for good reason - are the “coercive arms” of the state – and in fact encompass the ultimate essence of what constitutes a “state”. Which is, they can, in the end, “do what they want wid you”!

So you handle the military very carefully since like dynamite, it can either help or destroy you. In fact one of the fears expressed before and after the 2015 campaign was the government was way top-heavy with military types drawn in by APNU’s and PNC’s leader Brigadier (rtd) David Granger – who’s now President and Commander of the Armed Forces.

To guard against military interference with governance, the constitution places line responsibility over the Disciplined Forces in the hands of the Minister of National Security. But because the Disciplined Forces – the Police, Army, Prison Service, Fire Service – are such a specialised institutions, those civilians placed in charge of them must take the time to become au fait with their idiosyncrasies and needs.

And all of this brings us to the performance of Khemraj Ramjattan in his role of Minister of National Security over the past year. To say he’s “clueless” would be an understatement. If you accept you don’t know something, maybe you can be helped to bring your performance up to scratch. But Ramjattan’s bombastical pretence he’s on top of the demands of his job has destroyed his credibility.

Both in the eyes of the civilians, and of the Disciplined Forces in their barracks and stations.

Let’s consider his stewardship of the Police Force – the coercive arm that plays a ubiquitous daily role in the lives of most citizens. He’s consistently avoided addressing the need to professionalise the GPF. He insists in making cosmetic PR moves, which can only embarrass those who’ve long waited for a cleaning of that Augean Stable.

Dogs and horses? Maybe they’re needed - but surely there are more pressing needs like delivering on the promise of “intelligence led policing”.

And what’s with the SWAT unit? Have they been withdrawn from Berbice where they were deployed with great fanfare to deal with an explosion in crimes there?

Have we evaluated their efficacy? Does Ramjattan have a clear idea as what to deal with SWAT troops? Does he have scour of anything more than closing time for bars?

The nadir of his performance (up to now) has been his pandering to rebellious inmates at the Camp Street Jail.

All he did was to embolden them after they faced him down! The President must act swiftly and decisively: remove Ramjattan.

...promises and contradictions in government

After a year of stout (just look at the man’s Dhall belly!) denial by PM Nagamootoo, it’s again out in the open there are deep fissures between AFC and APNU in the coalition government. The cleavages are so gaping Trotman – who seems to be gunning for Harmon’s role – says they can’t be bridged in Cabinet. There needs to be a “retreat” where the rules and traditions of Cabinet won’t presumably stifle robust debate.

“Retreat” is, of course, also a verb – and this is just what Nagamootoo and colleagues will have to do when they get out of any retreat as a location. Since the Cummingsburg Accord was signed, sealed and delivered, the AFC’s been shown to have no clothes. (And it ain’t a pretty sight...

Don’t you dare try to imagine the aforementioned Dhall belly, nekkid!). First there was their inability to deliver a solid majority to the coalition in 2015 and second, there was their catastrophic slippage in the LGE. The AFC’s “dead meat”, with nowhere to go. Sound “Taps”!

...civilian carnage

Guyana has the world’s highest rate of suicides – that’s well publicised. But do you know we’re right up there with murders and road fatalities also?

So what are the authorities doing about our civilian killing fields?

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

news

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SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

DDL, GRA tax settlement

GRA Chairman says not all cases are the same … in response to calls for agreement to be adopted for other companies

By Vahnu Manikchand

C

hairman of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rawle Lucas, has stated that cases of delinquent taxpayers will have to be looked at individually before any determination can be made on whether it should be settled.

He was at the time commenting on recent calls by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for a similar procedure – used to resolve the longstanding legal battle on consumption taxes between Demerara Distillers Limited and GRA – to be adopted in dealing with other delinquent companies.

“From the point of view of the Private Sector Commission, we wish to urge that the Guyana Revenue Authority now engage other aggrieved companies to apply similar formulae to correct the distortions in the market place resulting from this action,” the Commission said in a statement on Friday.

However, in an invited comment, Lucas explained to Guyana Times that in its calls, the PSC is assuming that all

GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas

delinquent companies have the same problems.

“They are assuming that but I don’t know that everybody has the same problems...

Was the DDL story the same, I don’t know. I have no idea as to what the cases are but all the cases can’t be the same, I know that for sure,” he stated.

Rehabilitation of ECD bridges downscaled

… as Public Infrastructure Ministry focuses on Durban Park project

The bridge under construction at Ogle on the Railway embankment

A

s Guyana approaches its Golden Jubilee anniversary, focus has been shifted to the celebrations, and as such, the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) has downscaled its rehabilitation works of East Coast Demerara bridges in order to give the Durban Park project full manpower.

During a telephone interview with Guyana Times, Infrastructure Ministry Coordinator of the Works Services, Geoffrey Vaughn, said the main focus is currently the construction of the Durban Park Stadium.

However, he indicated that there is still some works being done on the bridge projects along the East Coast of Demerara, but it is being conducted “in a phased manner.”

“This is a phased intervention, one bridge has already been constructed, another is due for completion shortly, which is the one in Ogle, along the railway embankment, and we are moving in a phased manner.’’

Vaughn highlighted that

the Ministry is planning to replace the steel structure on the bridges. He added that there were many reasons for the decision to substitute the steel structures but one specifically would be because of the traffic increase on the East Coast of Demerara.

Vaughn added that workers would be designated to work 24-hour shifts to hasten the project’s completion.

The Ministry’s Works Services Coordinator was however not able to give an exact cost for the rehabilitation, noting that he “did not have the paper works and wants to give an exact amount and not an estimate.’’

Only last week, the Government announced that some $150 million was reserved for the completion of the Durban Park project. The Ministry will also be taking over the project, as this was confirmed by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who said that since Cabinet approved the finances, the Ministry was now taking full control of the project.

According to the GRA Chairman, the cases will have to be looked at individually before any decision can be made for a similar settlement, as was done with DDL. “One has got to look at every case by itself, take the matters case by case. It’s not something where you can just apply a rule,” he noted.

Moreover, Lucas pointed out that persons have to also take into consideration that the GRA might have decided to settle the $5 billion debt with DDL because the matter probably constructed badly. “I have no idea if they have the same problem and remember the people who constructed the DDL problem, might have constructed it badly in the first instance. I don’t know if people are taking that into consideration,” he noted.

When further probed whether the Consumption Tax assessment that was levied against the local beverage

giant was indeed “badly constructed”, the Chairman declined to say, noting that he will not disclose information on any taxpayer’s case.

“I don’t and I don’t expect the GRA to be discussing tax payers’ matters in the public.

Notwithstanding the fact that DDL might have put a statement on the settlement, the details of that matter still remains private and we do not intend to disclose details of the matter,” Lucas remarked.

Last week, DDL announced that it has reached an “amicable” settlement with the GRA thus resolving the longstanding legal battle between the two, which arose out of a Consumption Tax assessment levied against DDL by former Commissioner General Khurshid Sattuar in January 2009 to the tune of $5,392,020,753.

However, the legal battle dated back to 2002, when the local beverage giant raised a

legal challenge against the GRA on the methodology adopted by the latter for the assessment of Consumption Tax. In February 2005, the High Court found in favour of DDL. The GRA subsequently appealed that decision and on July 31, 2008, the Guyana Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the GRA’s appeal.

But the following month, GRA commenced a new assessment, this time, issuing a new claim billing the company a crippling $5.392 billion.

This was again challenged by DDL in 2009 and the High Court had issued an Order Nisi pending the hearing of the matter.

However, there has since been much speculation and condemnation of the transactions. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had strongly condemned the transaction, calling it a “scandalous out of court settlement” that has cost the State billions of dollars in

revenue.

“The settlement sends the wrong message to the business community; that a company can unilaterally decide to stop paying taxes, while other companies comply with the law, take the matter to court and drag it out until a sympathetic Government comes to power and settles its debts to the State,” the former Guyanese President stated.

Jagdeo further outlined that the settlement has opened the door for other companies to seek refunds on taxes paid. “There have already been reports in the Private Sector of other major companies consulting lawyers about this possibility. Management officials from a major local alcohol and beverage producing company have made it clear, in the past when I was President, that the company would be seeking a refund depending on the outcome of the DDL matter,” he noted.

10

sunDAY, april 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

Suddie Public Hospital disrupted by power outages – several appliances damaged

By Indrawattie Natram

S

everal electrical appliances and equipment at the Suddie Public Hospital, Essequibo Coast, were damaged due fluctuations of power and increasing power outages by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

The hospital's automatic standby generator is currently malfunctioning. This newspaper was reliably informed that due to a delay in the processing of vouchers, servicing of the generator was not possible.

This is said to be posing serious challenges at the operating theatre every time there is power outages and surgeries are being conducted.

Compounding the issue, several vouchers to purchase voltage stabilisers were not processed. The voltage stabilisers are needed to reduce further destruction of expensive appliances and equipment.

According to information, the theatre requires an assessment by a competent electrician. Patients are denied certain surgeries hence they have to endure the extra burden to travel to the city to undergo same.

This, a source close to the region’s administration said, is putting more pressure on Region’s budget and on the limited staff available since the ambulance and staff have to frequently transfer patients out of the Region.

At the recent Region Two RDC meeting, several PPP/C councillors raised concerns over the poor state of the public health care. Chairperson

lic medical facility Suddie Hospital is falling apart while poor people are suffering.

Region Meanwhile, Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said the Regional Democratic Council is concerned over the state of healthcare delivery in the region. The chairman said he was surprised to learn that the Minister of Public Health had recently visited the re-

Suddie Public Hospital

of Health and Sanitation committee and PPP/C RDC councillor Arnold Adams had reported the lack of essential syringes, insulin and other medications. He had also reported a missing heart machine that no one from the hospital seems to be accountable for.

Adams told his fellow councillors that for a pub-

gion without informing the office of the Chairman. He said he also learnt that Dr George Norton even visited the medical facility also.

He noted he is of the view that the issues affecting health in the region can be improved with better integration, monitoring and reporting systems.

"With meaningful com-

munication between the Ministry of Health and the RDC much more can be achieved in the interest of the people of the region" Ramdatt noted.

According to him, immediately after listening to RDC councillors’ concerns and issues about the hospital an impromptu visit was done by himself and a team. During his visit a number of critical issues were highlighted which included the lack of certain essential drugs and medical supplies especially insulin.

Ramdatt is therefore calling on Government to closely review the system now adopted to supply drugs and medical supplies to the region. He said the new system is affecting timely supplies while creating additional burdens on people.

Ramdatt however pledged his commitment in pursuing matters raised by staff with Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson.

Additionally, he noted that RDC is also concerned over the non- processing of nurses’ traveling and subsistence vouchers. He said the Regional Democratic Council will continue to pursue all possible ways of enhancing healthcare delivery in the region.

Re-presentation

S

atiricus was aghast. Generally Satiricus was agog with all the goings on in his native land. But this time he was aghast. He couldn’t believe what he’d read in the papers. After the record number of prisoners had perished in that Big Jail House fire, Satiricus was pleased the government set up a Commission of Inquiry.

There’d been several Inquiries investigating conditions at the Big Jail House in recent years. “But it wouldn’t hurt to have another Inquiry say the Big Jail House’s too crowded,” Satiricus thought. He figured if you squeezed rats into a small, confined space they’d end up rioting, so what about human rats? “And that’s how people see the fellas in the Big Jail House, don’t they?” Satiricus asked himself.

At the CoI, Satiricus knew there’d be all kinds of lawyers “representing” all the different people affected by what went down at the Big Jail House. But even though Minister Rum Jhaat had visited the Big House Jail and told the prisoners it was all the fault of the Prison Guards for the riots, the Head Commish of the CoI still didn’t give prisoners any respect.

So Satiricus was mighty pleased when Lalloo Ram volunteered to “represent” the prisoners. Lalloo Ram always “represented” the underdogs. “So why not the “under rats?” murmured Satiricus to himself. But as soon as the CoI got going, Satiricus noted the Head Commish wasn’t giving Lalloo no respect. Everyone could carry on as long as they liked, but poor Lalloo was cut short as soon as he opened up his mouth.

“Jeez!” Satiricus exclaimed, “Lalloo wasn’t only a lawyer like the rest of them, he was the Head Lawyer!”

It all came to a head when the Head Commish stopped Lalloo from asking questions one time too many. Lalloo told them where to get off and stormed out. Then the Commish had the nerve to say Lalloo behaved like “a five year old” who took his bat, and went home when he didn’t get to bat first. And worst of all, that Lalloo “traduced this glorious heritage (of law) in exchange for the standards and mores of a cad and bounder.”

“Cad and bounder?!” Did people still speak like that, outside of Chesterton?” - asked a livid Satiricus. Did the Commish know the meaning of the word, “represent”?

Lalloo had to “re-present” what the fellas in jail would’ve done. The Commish was lucky Lalloo didn’t torch the chamber with him in it!!

11

sunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

12 news

SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

“Bingo” line of detergents launched in Guyana

Marketing Manager Mark Kendall along with representatives from the company displaying the collection of Bingo products

B

ryden and Fernandes on Saturday added to its line of products with the launching of its Bingo detergents.

During the launching ceremony at Bounty Supermarket, the company officially revealed its new line of products

ranging from soap powders, dish washers, surface cleaners and other household cleaning items.

Speaking at the launching Marketing Manager Mark Kendall said Bryden and Fernandes is beyond excited to introduce its Bingo collec-

tion which surpasses many of the local detergents because of its high quality.

The collection of products is an import from Turkey.

Kendall added that apart from the purpose of cleaning, the products have its physical attributes since it is very gentle on the skin, compared to other detergents.

Since the product had been introduced to the market some days ago, Kendall reported that the support from the public has been overwhelming.

He said the company had never expected the response but they have gotten positive feedback based on the superiority of the collection.

The company urges the public to take advantage of the special initiation offers and obtain their collection of “Bingo” at selected locations countrywide.

Jamaica Govt to expand overseas employment programme

J

amaica's Labour and Social Security Minister, Shahine Robinson, has announced plans for the expansion of the Overseas Employment Programme.

She said the objective is to provide more job opportunities for Jamaicans.

She noted, for example, that the programme with Canada “has been going on for 50 years now and a lot of Jamaicans depend on it so we are committed to expanding it”.

Minister Robinson was speaking with JIS News on Thursday after her first meeting with the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) at her North Street offices in

Kingston.

Turning to the reviews to be undertaken of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), she said the objective is to better serve Jamaicans.

“PATH will be reviewed with a focus on empowering persons to move from welfare into work or entrepreneurial and self-sustaining activities. What we want to do is help families to stand on their own,” she stated.

Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, announced the programme reviews during his Throne Speech at Gordon House on April 14.

He informed that the ap-

praisal of the NIS is to address outdated practices and provisions, benefit rates and contributions.

“It will also close loopholes and improve coverage and compliance,” he informed. Drafting instructions are to be sent to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel by the end of the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.

The Governor General informed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be reducing pension-processing times, and will introduce more efficient methods of payment to pensioners, including direct deposit of funds into the bank accounts of new pensioners this year.

(Jamaica Observer)

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SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

It’s time for “Indian Region 10 RDC works dept understaffed – REO Arrival Day”

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his is a direct appeal to President David Granger that he graciously exercises his executive prerogative and declare that from this year May 5 will be celebrated and commemorated as Indian Arrival Day. The holiday was granted by the PPP/C Government in 2004 as “Arrival Day” even though it is recognised throughout Guyana as Indian Arrival Day with melas and programmes of Ryhaan Shah remembrance to our Indian foreparents.

The granting of the May 5 holiday was the culmination of a struggle for recognition for the Indian contribution to Guyana’s development, a struggle that began in the earliest period of our history.

The date is significant not only to Guyana but to the entire Western hemisphere. When the first Indian labourers disembarked the SS Whitby at Windsor on the Berbice River on May 5, 1838, this was not only the arrival of Indians to then British Guiana but to the New World.

The romance of that first Indian footfall on western soil is commemorated even in Canada where May is designated Indian Heritage Month in honour of this May 5 date.

ROAR and GIHA led the petition to the PPP/C Government to have the date declared a national holiday as “Indian Arrival Day”. The Government, however, while granting the holiday, dropped the “Indian” from the title and the day continues to be officially recognised as “Arrival Day”.

A similar contentious situation occurred in Trinidad and Tobago when Prime Minister Patrick Manning declared May 30 Indian Arrival Day but with the qualifier that in subsequent years the holiday would be known as “Arrival Day”.

However, when Prime Minister Basdeo Panday assumed office in 1995 he affirmed that the holiday would retain the name of “Indian Arrival Day”.

In Guyana, the correction is still to be made for a date that has always held special significance for Indians as a marker of their arrival and the start of a life in the West. On May 5, 1938, the British Guiana East Indian Association organised a centenary celebration to commemorate the date.

At that time there was a vibrant Indian movement led by stalwarts like Jung Bahadur Singh, Ayube Edun, Charles Ramkissoon Jacob, and others like Dr Cheddi Jagan who once served as the organisation’s secretary.

In the 1960s, the Gandhi Youth Organisation was among the earliest petitioners to Premier Cheddi Jagan to have May 5 declared a holiday. One of the early appellants proposed that the day be commemorated, rather distinctively, as “RamaKhan Day” to honour the first Hindu and Muslim labourer to step off the SS Whitby.

Jagan, however, refused the petitions. It appeared that the Government felt that Indians needed to subsume their ethnic and cultural identity in the struggle for the universal rights of the country’s working people, the view being that “Indianess” was somehow contrary and divisive to national unity.

The same was never asked of any other race group by any political or cultural leader, and the discriminatory view persists even to making the “Indian” invisible in the matter of a historical, recorded date.

The First Nations, Africans, Chinese and Portuguese all have celebratory occasions for their history and heritage without any negative assumptions of divisiveness being attached to the respective groups’ declaration of pride.

In his national addresses, the President speaks clearly about the richness of Guyana’s ethnic and cultural diversity and acknowledges the importance of this wealth to the nation and its progress.

Far from creating division, our history – all of our histories – reminds us of the traditions and values, and of the many sacrifices made by each group to further the country’s development.

Honouring the truth of our heritage is the best way we can pay homage to the trials that our foreparents faced when they arrived here and worked hard to build a life and pave the way for our citizenship in a homeland of which we should all be proud.

When ROAR and GIHA petitioned for the holiday at the turn of the century, they were following in the footsteps of the earliest Indian leaders who had made similar appeals.

They were successful but only up to the point where May 5 was added to the calendar of national holidays.

It is time that the day be given its due honour and respect, and that its importance as a historical marker in the narrative of the Indian indentured labourers and their contribution to Guyana be fully reflected in its official name.

Whether the President heeds this appeal or not, the country will continue to celebrate May 5 as “Indian Arrival Day”.

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

F

ollowing an investigation into alleged fraudulent activities at Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which saw some four employees being sent on leave, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke stated that the Works department of the council remains significantly understaffed.

This, according to him is hindering the smooth execution of projects the administration is tasked with.

"We're already understaffed in the Works department as would have

been mentioned in many RDC meetings... We've fallen further down the line in that four staff were placed on leave pending investigations.

Four months approximately has passed and we're yet to get this resolved. In the meantime, we're writing here, there and calling and talking to everybody, but nobody seems to be listening. But they still expect us to execute," Clarke related during a recent council meeting.

Clarke noted too that since the department is aiming to utilise all of its allot-

ted budgeted funds, the understaffing issue is posing difficulty for this to be done.

"I have a staff in the Works department of practically three... it's sickening...

I'm not getting answers, I'm not getting responses, and everybody you call they're referring you to somebody else," Clarke declared to the council.

He went on to state that in the interest of having projects completed in a timely manner, he has considered the option of hiring consultants to assist in the areas of preparation and supervision. However, this move,

he noted will come with additional costs and procurement activities.

"So while you hear that 50 to 45 per cent of our work has been tendered, it's not by any means by light work, a lot of pressure has been placed... I'm bringing this to Mr Chairman's attention...", the REO further stated.

While the REO stated that he is fed up with the issue, Councillor Douglas Gittens added that the problem is a years old one at the RDC. He added that it is imperative that the Woks department secures additional staff.

Magistrate’s Court.

He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on 17 April, 2016 at Better Success he unlawfully assaulted Rovena Williams so as to cause her actual bodily harm.

The Prosecution stated

that on the day of the incident Bloucher went home and demanded money from his wife but after she was unable to provide it he slapped and punched her.

Williams then jump through a window and was rescued by neighbours. A report was

made to the Police and the defendant subsequently arrested and charged.

In court on Friday Bloucher admitted that he hit Williams out of anger.

Magistrate Scarce sentenced him to two weeks imprisonment.

Essequibo man jailed for slapping wife

C

leveland Bloucher of Better Success Village, Essequibo Coast, will be spending the next two weeks in jail for slapping his wife.

Bloucher appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce Friday at the Suddie

14 news

SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Linden medical school

Project document still to be submitted

T

he Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) is presently awaiting a project document for the way forward with regards to the setting up of the Linden arm of the American International School of Medicine (AISM), which is scheduled to become operational Linden soon.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian said while the RDC was briefed on the concept during a discourse

with members of the AISM, it awaits a project document which will then be forwarded to the relevant authorities to make way for medical and legal ramifications. The Regional Chairman said when the opportunity presented itself, a survey was conducted to ascertain the amount of doctors, nurses and people in other medical capacities across the Region who are tasked with travelling to Georgetown to seek training. He added that there are other investment

opportunities which have also presented itself in the line of medical enhancement for the region.

"So they looked at the bottom line that this thing could work in Region 10...

There's also indication that even in the area of medical facilities and training that somebody wants to do an investment,” he noted.

During a visit to the Linden community last month, the AISM expressed great interest in having a branch of its operations established in the town. Once

all is in place, the Medical school could become operational by September, Dr Colin Wilkinson who is attached to the programme, stated during that visit.

The programme which will target some of the best qualified people is expected to commence with a three-part study programme followed by studies in Clinical and Basic Science. Programmes will run for five years, with intakes up to three times per year – January, May and September.

Younge’s Take

A call to action O

n Tuesday last, the swollen and partially decomposed body of Simone Hackett was fished out of a canal in the Cummings Lodge area after she had gone missing.

She was allegedly murdered at the behest of orders given by her exboyfriend.

Her family turned up to the scene and immediately hysteria broke Michael Younge out. There were screams filled with agony and despair from her relatives after learning about the manner in which she died.

Before that an elderly couple from Good Hope was burnt alive to death in their home after bandits invaded their property with the intention of robbing them. Again, another family was forced to bury their loved ones and mourn the brutal circumstances in which their lives were snuffed out.

Also, the past week saw the media reporting on several robberies, petty crimes, serious assaults and murders in various parts of the country.

The truth is, far too many of our women, men and youths are dying as a result of the recent spike in crime and criminality in our country.

Far too many families are being terrorised at the dirty and merciless hands and weaponry of bandits, thugs and criminals in general.

It would appear that these criminal elements have become emboldened, strategic and well resourced.

Some of them even appear to have serious connections with prominent figures in our society which sees them outmanoeuvring the security forces on one hand, and avoiding successful prosecution at the level of the judiciary on the other.

Also from media reports, reconsiderations and information provided by the Guyana Police Force, one ethnic group has become a major and lucrative target for these wanton and dastard acts.

But what is even more disturbing is the fact Government still has not managed to get the crime situation under control despite all the resources at its disposal.

Additionally, the new Govt’s crime fighting posture and policy initiative appears more reactive as opposed to proactive. The overall thrust of their actions to date could be described as ad hoc and lacking coordination. Simply put, the David Granger Government, even with all of its security experts and credentials, is lazy and continually failing the populace.

The roundtable weekly security meetings involving the security heads and the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan which is chaired by the President is also not having any significant impact as far as causing a noticeable reduction in crime is concerned.

More needs to be done to bring those responsible for these killings and reign of terror to justice.

Far more needs to be done to prevent crime in the first place because the morals and values in our modernised Guyana appear to be losing its dynamism and effectiveness in this respect.

Workshops and talkshops will not work. A multisector and cross-ministerial approach is needed that will result in community level activism to prevent and fight crime.

The detailed security sector reforms piloted by the PPP Government needs to be implemented immediately and all of the disciplined services recommendations.

The Government needs to launch its national crime prevention and crime fighting master-plan which must have extensive proposals for the rehabilitation of convicted and remanded prisoners as well as deported citizens.

Guyanese will have to take a stand as death, terror and pain appears to be stalking this land. We will have to end these tales of pain, anguish, tears sooner rather than later if Guyana is to become safe again.

How many more lives must be lost before Government and security forces respond to the outcry from the populace? Or is it that they are awaiting another episode like that at Lusignan or Bartica before they understand the gravity of the situation?

Regardless of politics, everyone's life must matter.

guyana-times.com

sunday, April 24, 2016

15

News

Miss World Guyana delegates sashed

W

ith just over a month to the hosting of Miss World Guyana Pageant, seven of the nine delegates competing for the title were officially sashed on Saturday at a simple ceremony at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The delegates sashed are Divya Yabindranauth – Miss Region One; Najuma Nelson – Miss Region Two; Marva Langevine – Miss Region Three; Ashmini Ramnauth – Miss Region Five; Treasure James – Miss Region Seven; Nurriyah Gerrard, Miss Region Eight; and Damallie Jackman, Miss Region Nine.

The other two delegates absent from the ceremo-

Seven of the nine delegates in the Miss World Guyana 2016 pageant were on Saturday sashed at Cara Lodge

ny will be sashed at a later date as they are both out of the jurisdiction.

Although the ceremony

started beyond the stipulated time, those in attendance were mesmerised by the beauty of the seven dele-

Heavy duty equipment operation programme a success – Clinton Williams

The participants along with Minister Volda Lawrence and Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training, Clinton Williams

T

he Heavy Duty E q u i p m e n t Operation training programme has become the flagship of the Board of Industrial Training with all graduates obtaining employment upon completion of the training programme.

This is according to Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training, Clinton Williams at the recent graduation of 129 persons from the programme.

Introduced in 2010 to train persons in the operation and repairs of such equipment, this programme is executed by the Board’s National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE).

“Since the introduction of our Heavy Duty Operator Training Programme in 2010, we have been recording 100 per cent employment of all

graduates from these programmes across the country,” Williams told the gathering at the graduation ceremony.

He said that over the last two years more than 225 persons, including females, graduated from this programme.

Of the 2016 batch in Region Four, 29 graduated from the Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Training, while in Region Three there were 12 graduates from the programme.

Subject Minister Volda Lawrence commended the Board for its vision in introducing such a programme and noted that the skills training provide through the various training programmes not only empower the youths trained, but their families and communities, as they can seek employment within the private

and public sectors or go on to become entrepreneurs.

She said this is especially important given that today has many youths involved in nefarious activities, drugs, alcohol abuse, crime and violence.

The minister also urged more parents to enrol their children in the various training programmes offered by BIT, including Motor Vehicle Servicing & Workshop, Food Preparation, Information Technology, Welding and Fabrication, Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, Office Administration, Medical Services and Care for the Elderly.

Among the 129 graduates were 25 persons trained to care for the elderly, 15 in catering and cake decoration, 16 in Information Technology, three in PC repairs and four auto mechanics.

gates and more so the melodious voices of the Marigold Choir.

The event actually com-

menced with the singing of the National Anthem by the Marigold Choir after which Miss Guyana World 2014, Ruqayyah Boyer introduced the seven delegates.

During her introduction, she graciously apologised for the absence of the two delegates who she claimed were attending to urgent family matters overseas. They are Ariella Basdeo – Miss Region Four and Marleena Ramdass – Miss Region Six. However, as the delegates stood before the attendees in smiles, Miss Guyana World 2015 Lisa Punch, did the honour of sashing the delegates as they were officially introduced followed by a loud cheers.

Immediately after the sashing Guyana Times caught up with Punch who expressed optimism about the delegates, stating that the young ladies have “what it takes to be a beauty ambassador.”

She said that come 27 May, she will be handing over her crown to her successor as the first step leading up to an exciting journey.

She wished the contestants best of luck while urging them to be themselves and to step out with a plan - one that they can execute to the best of their abilities.

Come 27 May, the delegates will clash head-on for the coveted title and amazing prizes.

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SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anna’s

NTC and the expression of democracy

T

he National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) has finally found a voice to stand up to the Government’s persistent impositions and attempts to override the body’s decision. This is expressive of the growing frustration felt by Amerindians, and which is transforming little by little into their taking a stance against Government Anna Correia to defend their rights.

The National Toshaos’ Council is a semi-autonomous body, provisioned for by the Amerindian Act no. 6 – 2006, receiving funds from the Government of Guyana, with the Minister of Amerindian Affairs sitting as ex-officio member of the Council.

The structure of the NTC and guidelines directing the functioning of the structure are set out by the Act. This is as political as the organisation gets. Neither the Minister nor the officials of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs ought to dictate the pronouncements of the NTC. Subsequently, that the NTC lashed out this week at the Government of Guyana for attempting to override its authority is legitimate.

In their statement on the said matter, the NTC indicated that an “official” of Government attempted to “manipulate its work”. The said “official” would have stated that s/he does “not respect the decision of 20 people in a room making decisions for all indigenous peoples in [over] 200 communities”. The recurrence of situations where elected Amerindian leaders are disrespected, their decisions overridden by the Government of Guyana and the democratic rights of their people trampled upon, is accelerating at a frightening rate.

This “official” of Government whose arrogance has become a trademark since he assumed his current office, has forgotten one important element before he issued such a reckless decision. Some two hundred Amerindian communities, villages and settlements elect leaders – Toshaos - who in turn constitute the membership of the National Toshaos’ Council. These members are then responsible for electing an Executive Body mandated by the Amerindian Act no. 6 – 2006, which is comprised of ten Toshaos representing the ten administrative Regions as well as ten other Toshaos. It is a fully democratic process where Amerindians exert their voting rights from the bottom up.

So to bypass the authority of the NTC’s executive body is to invalidate the voting rights of thousands of Amerindians.

This is the second violation of Amerindian democratic rights in the space of two weeks, with the first being the attempt by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan to discredit the Rupununi Petition against Regional Executive Officer (REO) Carl Parker.

What we are witnessing is a Government which instead of promoting inclusive governance, social cohesion and national unity, tramples anyone and bulldozes anything which is found on its path. The National Toshaos’ Council has the immense task, perhaps now more than ever before, in documenting these violations and reporting them to the relevant authorities, civil actors and international observers.

If the National Toshaos’ Council stands up and assumes its decision-making functions as an independent body in keeping with the prescriptions of the Act, then it will become the most powerful face of Amerindian rights and development in this country. For this, it must continue to rebut the intrusive policies of the Allicock administration and reconnect with the Amerindian peoples on the ground.

The persistent discrimination with which Amerindians are faced is causing them to stir in the regions and there are calls for increased representation covering a multitude of areas and not just land rights. It is here where the National Toshaos’ Council can provide guidelines to civil actors in promoting and defending the social, economic and human rights of their people.

There is renewed hope in the National Toshaos’ Council, now that the Executive stands strong against Government interference. Amerindians can now hope that their situation will be represented by their elected leaders at the next United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and that their votes would not have been cast in vain.

Send comments to Sundayarrow@gmail.com

1 critical, several injured in EBD collision

A

two-vehicle collision on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway on Friday evening has left over 12 persons injured, with at least one person in a critical state. The accident occurred sometime around 22:30h at Brickery, EBD. According to reports, a motorcar bearing registration number PJJ 8932 was travelling North along the East Bank highway while a Route 42 minibus with registration number BSS 6024 was heading in the southern direction when they collided.

Based on information received, as the vehicles were negotiating the turn, the car collided head-on with the minibus. The impact of the collision caused the car’s entire front to become smashed.

It is unclear whether any passenger was in the car with the driver; however the minibus had a full load of passengers as it was coming from Georgetown. Persons from the area and passersby wasted no time in rendering assistance, helping the occupants out of the vehicles.

Some of the passengers in the minibus sustained cuts and bruises while others complained about being in pain as a result of the impact.

The injured persons were rushed to the Georgetown

Carpenter dies after falling from roof

Dead: Youraj Sewlall

A

construction worker lost his life Saturday after falling from the roof of the house he was working on at Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

Dead is Youraj Sewlall, 29, of Number Nauth Village, Corentyne.

Reports are the father of two and several others were constructing a house when he slipped and fell from the roof.

This publication was told that when Sewlall fell he came into contract with an electric wire from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) before hitting the ground where several colleagues rushed to his assistance.

He was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police have since questioned all the workers as investigations continue.

Sewlall leaves to mourn his wife and two children.

Public Hospital where they were treated and sent away.

However, the driver of the motorcar was admitted after he was taken to the medial facility in critical condition, hospital sources confirmed. He sustained severe

Meanwhile, at the scene, the driver of the minibus recalled seeing the car approaching at a fast rate. “I was coming around the turn and I see the car sliding coming… I pull to the corner and still he come and hit my

The scene of the accident on Friday night at the Brickery Public Road

head injuries and as a result, had to undergo a CT scan. A nurse who was in the minibus at the time of the accident also sustained serious injuries but was discharged on Saturday after being kept overnight for observation.

bus,” the traumatised man recounted.

The car driver remains hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is said to be stable but still in a critical state.

This is the second acci-

dent to occur on the East Bank road with the space of a week, with the first happening a short distance away from Friday’s accident. Last Sunday, 23-year-old Rudolph Bess, of Kaneville, EBD and 16-year-old Hansranie Persaud, of Grove, EBD, lost their lives in a horrific three vehicle smash-up at Coverden, EBD. Two persons, Yolanda Fraser Patterson and Jason Baskarran, were also injured in the accident.

Reports revealed that Bess and Persaud were travelling on a motorcycle when the accident occurred between a 4×4 driven by Baskarran and a motorcar driven by Fraser Patterson on the Coverden Public Road.

That accident has brought the country’s road fatalities up to 39 for the year. Acting Traffic Chief Budnarine Persaud recently disclosed that these 39 deaths were from 38 accidents during the period January to April. This is in comparison to 31 deaths from 22 accidents during the same period last year.

18 news

SunDAY, april 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Where is the crime plan? Oil prices at highest levels Jagdeo asks Govt

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo believes that criminals are now acting with impunity because of the ambiguous signals emanating from government.

Concerns are aplenty that while the crime situation is once again spiralling out of control, government has been very laidback in its approach to addressing the matter.

Giving his take on the issue, Jagdeo said government has not demonstrated any starkness regarding which class of people they would support: the victims or the perpetrators.

The former President opined that the manner in which President David Granger is pardoning prisoners and the entire process of negotiating with prisoners have led to criminal elements in society feeling empowered.

Jagdeo noted that while pardoning prisoners is not entirely a bad action, the fact that government has kept

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

their identities hidden from the public portrays the message that these criminals are being protected.

On this note, Jagdeo alleged that some of the pardoned prisoners were convicted not of nonviolent crimes but of “hardcore ones.”

Comparing the situation with the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, Jagdeo said the people were

always clear on the fact that government stood with the people.

Moreover, he noted that when the President tells the security arm of the country to hesitate on shooting criminals but instead, “bring them in alive”, it also gives rise to worry within the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“What signal do you send to the Police Force when you say to the Police Force, ‘do not shoot at people just like that’, Policemen are worried because if they shoot a criminal in an act, then suddenly they will face the wrath of the government because he might be someone’s friend in the government… That is why criminals are acting with impunity today,” Jagdeo stated.

Moreover on security matters, Jagdeo posited that government is floundering in the dark and groping for effective policies to deal with the crime situation.

“We were told before the elections that they had three

former heads of the army, a former head of the police force and many military people who are capable to do a better job on crime and keeping our country secure than the PPP because they are security people and they had a plan to deal with it. What is the plan?” he demanded to know.

Jagdeo pointed out that in the National Budget, the only measure to enhance security in the country is a project that had commenced under the previous administration.

He went on to lambast the government for interfering with key initiatives that were established under the former government to combat crime.

“They quashed the Community Policing Groups, they are interfering with the operational duties in the Guyana Police Force, they will not deploy the Tactical Service Unit in a practical way across the nation, arms of the government designed to go after criminals are now being used for political vendetta,” he stated.

In fact, Jagdeo declared that nearly half of the police force is now focused on going after political opponents as opposed to criminals.

for year

C

rude oil prices reached their highest levels since November this week and at one stage were trading above US$45 a barrel on international markets.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark for the light sweet crudes produced in T&T, closed the week at US$43,73 a barrel. It rose 55 cents, or 1.3 per cent in trading yesterday while Brent crude, used to price international oils, gained 58 cents, or 1.3 per cent, to close at US$45.11.

It had been a volatile week for the industry with prices under US$43 on Tuesday. However, on Wednesday Brent crude oil closed at US$45.80 per barrel and continued rising through Friday.

The other energy commodity produced by T&T, natural gas, gained 7 cents, or 3.5 per cent yesterday to close at US$2.14 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In his mid-term budget review, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said for the

second half of the fiscal year budgetary operations will based on an oil price of US$35 a barrel and a gas price of US$2 mmbtu, Analysts said energy prices rebounded this week because of an output drop of US shale.

There had been concerns of that prices would decline after major oil producers were not able to agree on a recovery plan at a meeting in Qatar last weekend.

They will be meeting again next month to discuss the oversupply problems still facing the industry.

Another failure to agree on production cutbacks could result in another price crash.

Another factor driving up the prices is the recent strike in Kuwait where workers downed tools last Sunday over proposed government cutbacks. Although the strike ended a couple of days ago, prices have continued to rise.

However, they may drop again as production levels get back to pre-strike levels.

(Trinidad Guardian)

19 PYO marches in solidarity with Wales sugar workers news

sundAY, APRIL 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

… economic hardship awaits community – Jagdeo

W

ith resounding voices and placards in hand, scores of person on Saturday continued the enduring protest against government’s decision to shut

regardless of the temporary financial position of the Wales Estate, its operations would have continued to benefit the over 25,000 people who will now be affected by the closure.

well as some $2.2 billion on dietary expenses across all government ministries.

He argued too that the hefty sums of monies being paid to increased number of administration staff and

sums of money before the elections,” he stated.

On this note, Jagdeo urged that they be on the lookout for news on the future of the lands.

Jagdeo said it appears government seems to be favouring the people of Linden over the people of Wales, pointing to the fact they receive huge electrici-

exist.

This newspaper was told that in the phasingout process the canes at Wales will be transported via tractor/trailers—at

PPP/C Executive Member and Chairman of the Progressive Youth Organisation Irfaan Ali addresses the crowd

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo listens to the concerns of the sugar workers

down the main source of economic activity of the entire West Bank Demerara corridor by marching from Canal 2 all the way to Wales Sugar Estate where they took a firm stand once again, demanding that their cries be heard.

The rally was organised by the Progressive Youth Organisation, youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Completely ignoring the overcast sky, disgruntled protestors lined the roadway in front of the factory to show support of the

In fact, he labelled the entire closure as an attack on the PPP/C and an assault on the working-class people of the country.

“They are working out billions of dollars of tax deals with large companies and yet they are harassing the poor people,” he posited, referencing the sudden $5.3 billion tax write-off between the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and beverage giant Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

Jagdeo reckoned there are numerous avenues that can be explored to keep the

contractual employees can be significantly reduced in order to attain enough funds to sustain the Wales Sugar Estate.

“So any government person comes here to say ‘we do not have money to keep Wales open’, you say, ‘you are lying or you don’t understand the finances of the country,’ ” Jagdeo charged to the listeners who applauded.

He noted too that the unreleased funds from the European Union would be useful in preventing the industry from closing down.

The Opposition Leader also told them not to be surprised if government moves to shut down more estates, and in this regard, he called on all sugar workers across the country to stand in solidarity with the Wales workers during their time of hardship.

“We have to be vigilant.

If you don’t fight for things then you won’t get chang-

ty subsidies and other benefits which ease the burden on their cost of living.

Furthermore, Jagdeo expressed his willingness to work with the government on a transparent plan to safeguard the workers’ rights.

The Wales Sugar Estate is one of the oldest in the country still functional but is operating at a huge loss

tremendous costs – to the Uitvlugt Factory on West Coast Demerara.

It must be noted that the distance between the two factories is great – from Bank to Coast. The old fashioned method of using punts to haul canes is not applicable since the Boerasiri conservancy does not have a direct link between the two estates.

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy addressing the gathering on Saturday

es!” Jagdeo declared.

In further prepping protestors for the long-haul, he told them to demand similar treatment as is being given to the people of Linden.

Region Three Regional Chairman Julius Faerber addresses the gathering outside of the Wales Sugar Estate

Party leaders who pledged to fight until justice prevails for the Wales sugar workers and their families – many of whom are facing grave uncertainties in the face of the impending closure of the Estate.

Addressing the sizeable gathering was former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who received loud cheers and applauses from the crowd as he took centre stage to share his opinion and offer advice to the worried residents on the way forward.

In disputing all justifications put forward by government, Jagdeo argued that sugar has always had a positive impact on the village economy and

operations alive and ultimately save the jobs of the 1700 sugar workers who are now being dumped on the breadline, without even the slightest signal from government about a plan of action for the future.

According to reports, the Agriculture Ministry will soon be presenting its plan to the sugar workers of Wales.

One of the options highlighted by the Opposition Leader is the usage of taxpayers’ monies that are being otherwise lavishly and unnecessarily spent on celebratory activities.

Jagdeo reminded that the National Budget allocated over $1 billion to celebrating national events as

Confident in his contentions, Jagdeo even renewed his challenge to President David Granger and/or Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to have a public debate before the people of Wales on the financial issues and the feasibility of keeping Wales opened.

Moreover, Jagdeo disclosed the sinister plans being concocted by government to give away the prime lands belonging to sugar workers.

“I have heard that they are busy negotiating private deals about who to give the land to, private businessmen … They are negotiating quietly now, so I’ve heard, with a few people who gave them large

so the relevant authorities opine it should be closed down. As such hundreds of workers and their families are slated to be directly affected as their only means of livelihood will no longer

This means that the only way to transport canes would be via tractor/ trailer which can carry a comparatively very limited amount per trip, thus proving to be extremely costly.

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guyana-times.com

sundAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2016, Hyderabad…

GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 Inter-County 3-day…

99 lifts Demerara to title Mustafizur, Warner hand Renee’s – Yadram slams 177 against Berbice Sunrisers comfortable win

David Warner’s 59 off 31 -his third consecutive fifty and fourth in five matches - gave Sunrisers a turbocharge at the top

M

ustafizur Rahman and David Warner produced clinical performances to pave the way for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s thumping fivewicket win against Kings XI Punjab in Hyderabad.

Mustafizur executed his offcutters and yorkers again to return figures of 2 for 9 - the most economical numbers of the season - as Kings XI were restricted to 143. Warner then blasted his third consecutive fifty, off just 23 balls, to effectively finish the game.

Sunrisers’ third win of the season pushed them to third spot on the points table, while Kings XI were left languishing at the bottom with just one win in five games.

The tone for Kings XI was set by an outswinger from Bhuvneshwar Kumar that took M Vijay’s outside edge in the third over. Manan Vohra then stabilised the innings with a flurry of boundaries, including an exquisitely-timed drive over cover for six. Just when it looked like the batsmen were wrestling back the momentum, Vohra pushed one to cover and set off for a non-existent single. Shikhar Dhawan hit the

stumps and Vohra made his crease at the batsman’s end, but his bat bounced up after a full-length dive.

dismissed in the same over this season. Shaun Marsh trudged along and looked set for his second successive fifty before he was undone by an off-cutter from Mustafizur.

However, Nikhil Naik, on IPL debut, and Axar Patel gave Kings XI a chance with a 50-run sixth-wicket stand.

Axar was particularly dominant in the arc between long-on and deep midwicket - all his three sixes were hit in that area. Mustafizur, though, ensured Kings XI did not get much more with another frugal display. Fiftyfour runs were scored off the last seven overs, and Mustafizur conceded just nine off three overs in that period. He brought out all his variations – off-cutters, yorkers and slower bouncers - to befuddle the batsmen.

In the chase, Warner and Dhawan resumed from where they left against Gujarat Lions. Dhawan pierced the cover region with two crisp drives for four in the first two overs, before

SCOREBOARD

Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs maximum) M Vijay c †Ojha b Kumar 2 M Vohra run out (Dhawan) 25 SE Marsh lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 40 DA Miller* c †Ojha b Henriques 9 GJ Maxwell c Mustafizur 1 Rahman b Henriques NS Naik† c Henriques b Mustafizur Rahman 22 AR Patel not out 36 R Dhawan not out 3 Extras (lb-1, w-4) 5 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 143 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Vijay, 2.1 ov), 2-35 (Vohra, 5.5 ov), 3-63 (Miller, 9.2 ov), 4-65 (Maxwell, 9.6 ov), 5-89 (Marsh, 13.3 ov), 6-139 (Naik, 19.2 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-37-1, BB Sran 4-0-33-0, DJ Hooda 4-0-30-0 (2-w), Mustafizur Rahman 4-1-9-2, MC

Moises Henriques dented Kings XI further with a double-strike, removing David Miller and Glenn Maxwell in the space of five balls, the third time they have been

Henriques 4-0-33-2 (1-w)

Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (target: 144 runs from 20 overs) DA Warner* c Miller b Sandeep Sharma 59 S Dhawan c †Naik b Dhawan 45 AP Tare run out (Miller/†Naik) 0 EJG Morgan c Vohra b Sharma 25 DJ Hooda run out (Miller) 5 MC Henriques not out 5 NV Ojha† not out 2 Extras (w-5) 5 Total (5 wickets; 17.5 overs) 1 46 Fall of wickets: 1-90 (Warner, 9.5 ov), 2-90 (Tare, 9.6 ov), 3-115 (Dhawan, 13.6 ov), 4-139 (Morgan, 16.5 ov), 5-139 (Hooda, 16.6 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-030-1, KJ Abbott 3-0-34-0, GJ Maxwell 2-0-16-0, MM Sharma 3-0-20-1 (3-w), R Dhawan 4-035-1 (2-w), AR Patel 1.5-0-11-0

Warner took over.

Warner laid into Sandeep Sharma’s second over - the third of the innings - with two lofted drives over longoff. He hit six more boundaries in the remainder of the Powerplay as Sunrisers plundered 65.

In the 10th over, Warner holed out to long-on for a 31ball 59, an innings that featured seven fours and three sixes. Aditya Tare, promoted to No. 3, was run out off his first ball and Kings XI believed again.

However, Dhawan and Eoin Morgan snuffed out any hope Kings XI had. Dhawan dropped anchor after Warner’s dismissal, but topedged a length delivery from Rishi Dhawan to the keeper for 45. Morgan’s 20-ball 25 took Sunrisers within five of a comfortable win before he picked out midwicket with a jabbed pull. Eventually, Sunrisers cruised to the target with 13 balls to spare to keep their winning streak alive. (Cricinfo)

Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company representative, Mikhail DaSilva, hands over the Man-of-the-Match trophy to Ronaldo Renee B y A keem G reene

D

emerara comfortably won the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Hand-InHand Under-19, Intercounty, Three-day title on Saturday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

The certain star of the day was Man-of-theMatch Ronaldo Renee, who narrowly missed out on scoring back-to-back centuries when he fell for 99.

Renee’s heroics piloted Demerara to first innings points in the drawn match, as they topped the table in the four-team competition.

In response to Essequibo’s first innings total of 196, Demerara were bowled out for 240 just after tea and to obtain a lead of 44. Demerara resumed their innings on Saturday on 16 without loss, with both Renee and Raymond and Perez at the crease on seven.

The pair, who added over 200 runs for the first wicket in their previous match, looked like a recurrence was on the cards, but left-arm spinner Akini Adams trapped Perez leg before for 23 and the first wicket fell with the score on 73.

Off-spinner Looknauth Chinkoo in combination with Adams took the wickets of Sherfene Rutherford (15) and Romain Muniram (3) to leave Demerara in a slippery position at 96-3.

Renee, who plays for

the Everest Cricket Club, never seemed affected by the fall of the wickets at the other end, as he took his score to 52 at

preventing any easy single for the batsmen.

The pressure forced Renee to play a slogsweep off the bowling of Adams which ballooned into the air and was taken a square-leg.

The diminutive batsman, who did the bulk of scoring for his team, occupied the crease for 197 minutes and faced 207 balls.

In his responsible innings, he hit seven fours and cleared the ropes once and Demerara were now 204-7.

Ali-Mohammed eventually fell for 35, as the spin duo of Adams and Chinkoo cleaned up the rest of the tail to bowl out Demerara just after tea.

Adams’ mesmerising spell saw him end with fig-

Bhaskar Yadram collects his Man-of-the-Match trophy from a representative of Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company

lunch and shared a 39-run partnership with Travis Persaud (18) who fell just before the break.

It was after the interval that a further decline occurred as Gavin Boodwah (3) and Malcom Hubbard (4) fell to leave Demerara reeling at 1626.

The calm to the storm came when Ronaldo AliMohammed and Renee produced a gusty 42-run partnership for the seventh wicket which guided their team to first innings points.

An intriguing battle then occurred when Renee was on 99 and Essequibo brought all the fielders in,

ures of 6-87 and Chinkoo in support with 3-43.

With a deficit of 44, Essequibo reached 66-1 when play came to a close.

Mark Williams made an attacking 42 before he was out stumped; Nathan Persaud was the not out batsman on 19.

Over at Wales, Bhaskar Yadram slammed a stroke-filled 177 against Berbice to lead his side to 327 all out in response to Berbice first innings total of 73.

The one-day segment will bowl off on Monday with Demerara playing Essequibo at Wales and Berbice playing the Select Under-17s at Enterprise.

Guyana ruggers topple Barbados 48-17 G uyana’s ruggers utilised home advantage to sound effect on Saturday afternoon, toppling Barbados 48-17 in the first round of the Southern Zone of Rugby America’s North (RAN) 15s campaign.

It was a total effort from the “Green Machine”, who completely outplayed their visiting counterparts.

The Guyanese were led by Avery Corbin, who managed

three tries, while Rickford Cummings, Dwayne Shroeder, Lancelot Adonis and Dane Parks added one apiece.

Ryan Gonsalves was also outstanding from the line with five conversions and a penalty, worth three points.

For Barbados, Anthony Faggiani had two tries and Jeren Clarke one, while Kevin Carter managed a

conversion.

Following the comprehensive victory, the Guyanese will now switch focus to playing Jamaica on May 21 and Trinidad and Tobago on June 19.

The winner of this zone will play the winner of the Northern Zone for the overall RAN title. The winner will then move on to the qualifiers for a chance at the Rugby World Cup.

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Daredevils take game after Mumbai’s late stall

Sanju Samson scored 60 off 48 balls for Delhi Daredevils

D

elhi Daredevils defended 164 against Mumbai Indians and secured a hat-trick of wins for the first time since IPL 2012. Mumbai appeared to be cruising in the early part of their chase, but leg-spinners Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir strangled them in the middle overs, before seamers Zaheer Khan and Chris Morris fired inch-perfect yorkers to seal Daredevils’ tense 10run victory.

Mumbai still had a chance when the equation was 42 off 18 with Kieron Pollard on 8 and Rohit Sharma on 50. Morris, coming back for his third spell, conceded ten runs in the 18th over and Zaheer followed it with the wicket of Pollard to push Daredevils ahead. This meant that Morris was left to defend 20 off the last over.

Hardik Pandya slapped the first ball to long-off and Rohit gave Mumbai hope by clouting the second ball for six. A ball later, when scampering back for a second run, Rohit collided with Hardik near the middle of the pitch and was run out. Mumbai also had to bear the anxiety of Rohit being helped off the field by the physio. Morris trapped Harbhajan Singh lbw the next ball and consigned Mumbai to their fourth loss in six matches.

Mumbai, however, had started brightly in their chase.

Rohit and Ambati Rayudu pierced the packed off-side field frequently, after Parthiv Patel was run out for 1 in the second over. Rohit and Rayudu built momentum with seven fours in 12 balls and the score raced past fifty by the sixth over.

Rayudu could have been dismissed on 16 had JP Duminy hung onto a sharp catch at slip. He added nine runs before Mishra bowled him with a googly in his second over to break the 53-run partnership. Krunal Pandya, who was

promoted to No.4, mixed finesse with power and hit 36 off 17 balls before Zaheer caught him short with a direct hit off his own bowling.

Krunal’s run out applied the brakes on Mumbai’s innings.

Mishra’s googly then made a reappearance in his third over and pinned Jos Buttler lbw for 2. Mishra celebrated the wicket by setting off on a celebratory run. Mishra and Imran Tahir tightened the screws and ended with combined figures of 8-0-53-2. Rohit then brought up his third fifty this season with a crunching drive in the 17th over but his collision with Hardik killed the chase.

Hardik was involved in a similar nasty collision while fielding, when he tore to his left from deep backward square leg and bumped his face into

Buttler who was running to his right from deep midwicket.

Daredevils met an early stumbling block when Quinton de Kock, coming off a century against Royal Challengers Bangalore, miscued a leg-side slog to backward point for 9 in the second over off fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan.

Shreyas Iyer showed promise but he fell to a leg-side slog of his own. By the time Karun Nair sent a top edge to fine leg the following over, Daredevils had been reduced to 54 for 3 in eight overs.

Duminy then joined Sanju Samson and revived Daredevils’ innings. They did so under pressure, given that Daredevils had packed their team with bowlers, with Pawan Negi batting at No.6. At one point 26 off 27 balls, Samson broke free with a huge six off Harbhajan Singh over long-on.

A ball later he swept the off-spinner for four between deep square leg and fine leg.

He went on to bring up his fifth half-century against Mumbai off 40 balls.

Samson holed out in the 17th over but Duminy took 22 runs off Jasprit Bumrah from 11 balls. The highlight of Duminy’s unbeaten 49 off 31 was an over-the-shoulder scoop for six. Mumbai, on the other hand, did not find impetus in their slog overs.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Delhi Daredevils innings (20 overs maximum) Q de Kock† c HH Pandya b McClenaghan 9 SS Iyer c Rayudu b HH Pandya 19 SV Samson c Southee b 60 McClenaghan KK Nair c Southee b Harbhajan 5 Singh JP Duminy not out 49 P Negi not out 10 Extras (lb-3, w-8, nb-1) 12 Total (4 wickets; 20 overs) 1 64 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (de Kock, 1.6 ov), 2-48 (Iyer, 6.6 ov), 3-54 (Nair, 7.6 ov), 4-125 (Samson, 16.3 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 3-0-210 (3-w), MJ McClenaghan 4-031-2 (3-w), JJ Bumrah 4-042-0 (1-nb, 1-w), KH Pandya 4-0-25-0 (1-w), HH Pandya 1-0-7-1, Harbhajan Singh 3-024-1, KA Pollard 1-0-11-0

Mumbai Indians innings (target: 165 runs from 20 overs) RG Sharma* run out (Negi/ 65 Morris/†de Kock) PA Patel† run out (Iyer/†de Kock) 1 25 AT Rayudu b Mishra KH Pandya run out (Khan) 36 2 JC Buttler lbw b Mishra KA Pollard c Morris b Khan 19 HH Pandya not out 2 Harbhajan Singh lbw b 0 Morris TG Southee not out 1 Extras (lb-1, w-2) 3 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 1 54 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Patel, 1.4 ov), 2-62 (Rayudu, 8.3 ov), 3-103 (KH Pandya, 12.4 ov), 4-110 (Buttler, 14.3 ov), 5-144 (Pollard, 18.6 ov), 6-152 (Sharma, 19.3 ov), 7-152 (Harbhajan Singh, 19.4 ov) Bowling: Z Khan 4-0-30-1 (1-w), Mohammed Shami 3-0-24-0, P Negi 1-0-19-0, CH Morris 4-0-27-1 (1-w), A Mishra 4-024-2, Imran Tahir 4-0-29-0

Gayle still unlikely for...

services

TO let

21

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35

“The circumstances last night was live television and I don’t think anyone should be put in the sort of position that Mel McLaughlin was put in. It’s not a nightclub, and one of the things that hasn’t dawned on everyone is it’s actually a workplace. It’s Chris Gayle’s workplace, it’s also Mel McLaughlin’s workplace and those sorts of comments border on harassment and are completely inappropriate in cricket, inappropriate in a workplace.

“Anyone who sees the humour in that is misunderstanding and somewhat delusional about the situation. I think they’re forgetting as well that

it’s a workplace situation. It’s inappropriate and it’s very, very public. That just goes to the point about how inappropriate and ‘not cool’ that is.”

The sense of a changed course was stronger for the fact there is believed to be minimal interest among BBL clubs in contracting Gayle, for reasons including the negative effect of his actions last summer but also cultural and tactical reasons. Gayle was not a prominent on-field contributor in a struggling Renegades side last season until his fifty in his final innings of the tournament.

Stronger displays for West Indies in the World Twenty20 and the IPL have raised spec-

from page 3

ulation about his return, but Gayle would have to accept considerably-reduced financial terms even if one of the clubs decides he is worth picking. If they do, Sutherland’s earlier remarks - and wide reporting that CA had decided there is no place for Gayle in the BBL - will ring hollow.

One event that preceded Sutherland’s remarks was the departure of CA’s head of communications Jonathan Rose, a respected, reasoned and experienced figure who has moved back to corporate communications after a three-year stint at the chief executive’s side. CA is yet to start the search for his replacement. (Cricinfo)

22

guyana-times.com

sundAY, april 24, 2016

Belle Vue Sports Club on the move – but executives claim “visionary group” trying to stymie progress

I

t has been almost a year since the resuscitation of the Belle Vue Sports Club and the youths of that area are now happier with the change from dormancy and neglect, to a progressive environment.

In the minds of many, the stagnation and neglect seemed inevitable, but this was changed through diligent work by those who understand the value and benefits of youths engaging meaningfully in sport.

Fifteen years of dormancy has already made its mark on the lives of many youths who desired to be engaged in sport. Many were not afforded the opportunity to realise their potential or make their

dreams a reality.

The community of Belle Vue has witnessed the negative impact on the minds of those who did not benefit from the positive influence sport can contribute to their social and physical wellbeing. Over the years, many youths were forced to abandon sport and gravitate to unwholesome activities.

Today, the youths of Belle Vue have much to look forward to and dream big as their potential can now be realised. Executed by a discipline and energetic group of individuals, who have a passion for youths and sports, nurturing these youths through coaching and mentoring has become an easy task, be-

GSL/Golyn 10/10 softball...

Omesh XI, Ruimzeight XI look to bounce back from losses

T

he Golyn 10/10 softball competition, organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) and sponsored by Golyn and Sons, Trophy Stall, and Miss Love Trading (West Coast), will continue today with five matches in the West Coast zone.

Teams like Omesh XI, Ruimzeight XI and Mighty Lions will look to extend their lead in order to stay in front for a quarterfinal berth.

At Leonora, Mighty Lions will take on Ruimzeight XI. Both teams are hunting points in this match with Mighty Lions having the edge due their superior win/loss ratio in the tournament.

The Ruimzeight XI will look to bounce back from their recent shock defeat just when they were cruising against Unstoppable XI. In the next match, Omesh XI will come up against Crossbreed Warriors. Both teams have lost only once and have since redeemed themselves as they have been outstanding in their exploits since

then.

The composition of the teams on the day will give a hint as to how both camps are leaning and victory here will almost assure the winner of a quarter-final place.

West Coast Blazers will play two matches, one against Power XI and the other against Speedboat XI. In their Power XI match, they need to improve their consistency tremendously to pull off a victory.

The Speedboat XI encounter will see the Blazers having their work cut out as the Speedboat SC have not lost an encounter since last October and will want to keep it that way, but having the experience will offer the Blazers some hope.

Meanwhile, officials in the various districts are reminded to ensure the teams in their area have an opportunity to play in order for the players to be eligible for selection on the Inter-county team.

Players can only be selected from Guyana Softball League tournaments for the Inter-county.

Young members of the Belle Vue Sports Club pose with some of the individuals who were responsible for the club’s resuscitation

cause of their inclination.

Pastor Krishna Singh, who was very instrumental in the resuscitation, continues to play an active role in the lives of the youths. He lends his professionalism, time and skills to contribute in guiding the youths. While he enjoys doing this his focus is to instill discipline.

“Returning to Belle Vue after a while, I am impressed with the positive change that has taken place.

While it’s evident, it can also be felt,” Mustafaa Azimullah, one of the persons behind the resuscitation process, revealed to this publication.

He added, “The club has grown significantly in its membership, not only of those that are interested in participating in sporting activities, but overwhelmingly by those that have an interest in the continued progress at Belle Vue.”

Executive in place

The club held its election and has an executive that manages the day-to-day affairs. The President of the club is Safraz Baksh, who has expressed elation at the current position of the club and the opportunity the youths are now exposed to.

He is of the firm belief that Belle Vue Sports Club will once again rise to dominance.

Over the past months, Belle Vue

Sports Club has been dominating the West Bank at the senior and junior level. The club currently has a senior team, as well as age group teams at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

“While no one from the leadership of the club wants to take credit for the club success thus far, the leadership has attributed the successes it enjoys as a team effort,” Azimullah pointed out.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the club, Satesh Singh, has expressed some of the challenges the club is faced with, the highlight of which is dealing with persons who are opposed to progress.

Azimullah explained, “He [Singh] explained that recently there has been a group of few that suddenly woke up with a vision that they are “Belle Vue Sports Club” and is causing problems for the functioning club. Their contention is to the rights of the name “Belle Vue Sports Club.”

He added, “When engaged on the rights of name, one resident, who did not provide his name, said that this visionary group is the very people that stood idle while an entire generation went by without knowing how to hold a cricket bat.”

According to Azimullah, the matter is now engaging the attention of the Director of Sport

Christopher Jones. He said he was very privileged to attend a meeting held recently involving representatives of the Belle Vue Sports Club and the “visionary group”, and which was chaired by a representative from the sport component of the Education Ministry.

“It is appalling that the representatives of this “visionary group” choose to assassinate the character of those that took the mantle to work and create opportunities for the youths of Belle Vue, all influenced by their jealousy and guilt of reluctance to work for a common goal. They have demonstrated total incapacity for the role they wish to assume,” Azimullah lamented.

In spite of their challenges, the members and executive of Belle Vue Sports Club is optimistic that this matter will be resolved soon.

Break-ins

Yet, the club is facing another challenge of break-ins. On numerous occasions the club had to replace locks as the building is broken into.

Asked about the future plans of the club, Pastor Krishna Singh highlighted the intention to enhance the lives of youths through education by having classes for both dropouts and those in school.

He also alluded that the club has been very successful in its endeavours, which could not have been possible without the contribution of all stakeholders.

Pastor Singh is also imploring on the residents to allow their children to be involved as the club strives to create a safe environment for young people to utilise their energy, time and ability.

“On my first visit to Belle Vue, the condition of the field was described as worst than a cow pasture, but this is now a thing of the past, as improvements were made through expenses absorbed by the club. A hefty sum was spent by the Belle Vue Sports Club to improve the conditions of the facility,” Azimullah concluded.

sundAY, april 24, 2016

GFF/Stag Elite League Finale...

Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors continue ascendency S

lingerz FC and Fruta Conquerors continued their surge to the top of the table when the Guyana Football Federation’s Stag Elite League Finale continued on Friday evening at the Tucville ground.

The highlight of the night was the home side, Fruta Conquerors, outplaying the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 5-2.

The dismantling of the soldiers all occurred in the first half as the boys in orange hammered five goals before the end of the half.

Dennis Edmonds was the first to inflict the damage when he netted in the ninth minute. It was then over to dynamic winger Eon Alleyne, who made it two-nil when he scored in the 18th minute.

Five minutes later, Delon Williams hammered in the third goal as GDF looked completely out of sorts. The goals did not stop there as Hubert Pedro and Jahaal Greaves, who have been having great goal scoring form in the League Finale, hit the back of the net in the 31st and 38th minutes respectively.

The second half began to look like the home side would replicate their first half heroics, but GDF found their composure to score two goals off the feet of Clifford

Garraway in the 60th minute and Jerome Richardson in the 92nd.

Conquerors have now won eight of their 10 matches, with just one loss and a draw. They comfortably sit in second position with four rounds remaining.

With the recent improvement of Pele FC, the GDF team will want to return to their winning ways if they seek to hold the fourth place position.

In the other match, Slingerz FC’s unbeaten run remained intact as they comfortably defeated the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 2-1.

Gideon Payne gave Slingerz the early lead when he scored in the 28th minute, which was only goal in the first half.

Marilo Barbosa extended that lead in the 80th with his shot on goal, but a late goal in the 92nd was scored

by GFC’s Kelroy Benjamin.

The grave contrast between these two sides is that Slingerz have been unbeaten in all their matches, while GFC have not won any of their 10 matches to date.

The League will continue today at the GDF ground where Pele will play GFC from 18:00h, followed

by Buxton United against Monedderlust from 21:00h.

Gayle still unlikely for Big Bash League

C

hris Gayle remains unlikely to reappear in the Big Bash League next summer despite an apparent climbdown from the Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland when discussing the board’s capacity to bar the West Indian opener from returning.

Sutherland had been an outspoken voice decrying Gayle’s behaviour following his inappropriate on-air exchange with the former Channel Ten broadcaster Mel McLaughlin when playing for the Melbourne Renegades last summer. The head of the BBL Anthony Everard had also stated that CA reserves the right to veto the overseas recruits of their clubs.

However, Sutherland retreated from taking a position against Gayle’s possible return when asked about it this week. “No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought at management level, board level, I think you’re on a slippery slope if you start making judgements on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domestic competitions,”

Sutherland told the Daily Telegraph, “Because, when does that ever end?

“My view is unless there’s a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then it’s difficult for us to be making those judgements. I’m not saying that it wouldn’t happen, but my judgement is that it’s not appropriate, it’s about the teams themselves to make the calls.”

Sutherland’s remarks were a surprise to numerous figures connected to Australian cricket, particularly when lined up against his strong words about Gayle the day after the incident and other related allegations that were raised subsequently. One of these is presently the subject of legal action by Gayle against <<The Age>> newspaper.

“I think it’s a pretty significant mis-hit by Chris Gayle,” Sutherland said at the time. “Those comments are completely out of line and inappropriate and something that we don’t in any way condone, and there’s no place in cricket or the Big Bash League for those sorts of comments.

Turn to page 21

23 Teachers complete foundation cricket coaching course guyana-times.com

Instructors Latchman Yadram (right) and Daniel Richmond (left) with the participants of the three-day workshop

M

ale and female teachers on Thursday last completed a three-day foundation cricket coaching course, compliments of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport in partnership with the National Sports Commission.

The workshop, which was held in the auditorium of the Lusignan

Community Centre ground on the East Coast of Demerara, attracted 25 primary and secondary school teachers between the areas of Plaisance and Hope.

The course was conducted by experienced cricket coaches, Latchman Yadram and Daniel Richmond.

According to Yadram, the course sought to give the teachers a foundation in the sport, as they were ex-

posed to both theory and practical.

While the initiative is the first of its kind, there are plans to expand to other areas in the country with the aim of ensuring each school is equipped with a certified cricket coach.

“At the end of it all, these teachers will be in charge of their school team,” Yadram stated.

He also indicated that the

teachers are free to do follow-up courses in the future.

One of the teachers, Videsh Lall, who also plays competitive cricket for the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, said the course was very timely and informative. He pointed out that he will continue to pursue coaching and is urging his fellow colleagues to do the same.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Sports is no longer our game, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our business

guyana-times.com

Guyana ruggers topple Barbados 48-17

Page 20

Director of Sport Christopher Jones with the successful Guyana ruggers on Saturday afternoon (Paul Vanvield photo)

Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors continue ascendency Page 23

Part of the action between Fruta Conquerors (orange) and GDF on Friday evening

Gayle still unlikely for Big Bash League Page 23

Chris Gayle landed in trouble for his on-air comments to former Channel Ten broadcaster Mel McLaughlin during the last Big Bash League

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