Guyana Times Daily - February 6, 2016

Minister Lawrence urges new Public Assistance Board to be compassionate P17

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2759

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Gunmen ambush, rob Craig miner $30M in raw gold

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Suspect in P14 Annandale stabbing still on the run

Page 7

Ramotar P13 rubbishes Nagamootoo’s “pro-Hindu PPP” claims – says former member trying to “fit in” new party

US monitoring local drug ring – Ambassador

– says local DEA office set for February 10 opening

$80 vat included

Page 3

Umana Yana reconstruction commences Page16

3 arrested at Turtle Creek with guns, P2 ammunition and stolen ATV P9 46 died from cancer in 2015

Wales Factory closure

– to be completed by April Works have now begun to rebuild Guyana’s historic Umana Yana. Originally built in 1972, the Umana Yana was erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Georgetown. Tragically the structure was completely destroyed by fire back in 2014 (Marceano Narine)

7 Body of Page nude man discovered at Whim foreshore

GECOM ready for March 18 polls

– starts printing LGE ballot papers

SOCU unearths over $16M, 2 arrested during raids Page 10

Page 14

No loss of jobs – Minister Holder assures

P2

Education P9 CoI still not constituted

2 news

saturday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Wales Factory closure

No loss of jobs – Minister Holder assures

BY EDWARD LAYNE

A

griculture Minister Noel Holder says there will be no loss of jobs following the closure of the Wales Sugar Factory on the West Bank of Demerara, which is scheduled to take place at the end of 2016.

Holder’s assurance comes on the heels of civil unrests and protests in the mining belts across the country, as sugar workers stand in solidarity with more 1700 workers from the Wales Estate who are likely to be affected by the decision to close the estate.

The Minister did admit, however, that just over a dozen workers are “threatened” by retrenchment.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Thursday, Minister Holder said that workers of Wales Estate should not be

worried, since their jobs are not on the line.

“As it stands now, we don’t think any worker will be retrenched at all. In terms of field operations, there is a total of about eleven hundred and something field operators and its only about 13 people who are probably threatened,” the Minister assured.

He went on to explain that as the finer details of the merger is worked out, the possibility exists that even these 13 persons will hold on to their jobs.

Conflicting statements

However, this most recent statement by the Minister conflicts with previous pronouncements made, since only last month, the Minister said that the Wales factory workers would be relocated at Uitvlugt to fill vacancies there and the re-

Wales Sugar Factory

maining workers would be given severance packages.

As a matter of fact, in a statement on January 18, confirming the closure of Wales, the Agriculture Ministry did indicate that some workers would lose their jobs.

“Agricultural workers at

Wales will be absorbed by Uitvlugt up to the extent of suitable vacancies on that location. Surplus labour would have to be made redundant. The same principle would apply to the other departments,” the release added.

Both statements by the

Minister are admissions that there will be loss of jobs, since there is no way Uitvlugt can absorb the more than 1700 employees at Wales.

Critics believe that the Minister’s most recent statement that there will be no loss of jobs is merely to pacify workers and to counter the public outcry and intensifying protest actions by sugar workers across the country, in a show of solidarity for their colleagues at Wales.

Guyana Times first reported early January on the Government’s plans to close the Wales factory and Minister Holder during an interview with this publication, confessed that Government had no intentions of telling the sugar workers about the closure until the second half of the year, but was forced to do so after the Guyana Times report.

“What happened...

Guyana Times– I don’t know

how they got wind of discussions going on at management level and Board level at GuySuCo, they published something last Sunday and immediately the thing went viral… so you can’t say it’s not true, because the discussions are going on. This whole thing came out prematurely and that is the unfortunate part of it and people are asking questions of GuySuCo that they really haven’t got all the answers for… management is playing catch-up now,” Holder told this publication during an interview on January 27.

The Government has come in for severe flagging for its decision to close the Wales Estate, despite a multimillion-dollar Commission of Inquiry it commissioned, not making any recommendations for the closure for any estates at this time.

As a matter of fact, the Commission of Inquiry said any closure of estates, should be done in three years’ time.

3 arrested at Turtle Creek with guns, ammunition and stolen ATV

T

hree men were on Thursday arrested at Turtle Creek, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) after they were found to be possession of illegal guns, ammunition and an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

Based on information received, Police ranks in the area acted on information and went to a location at Turtle Creek, Mazaruni, where an unlicensed .32

pistol with three matching rounds were found in possession of one of the men.

In addition, one of men was also carrying an unlicensed .38 revolver with three matching rounds of ammunition. Finally, Police also suspected that the ATV that the men were using at the time of their arrest was also unlawfully obtained.

The men were taken into custody and are assisting with the investigations.

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SATURday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 6 - 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, February 7 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 6 – 14:55h-16:25h and Sunday, February 7 –15:40h-17:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light cloud cover with heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the morning, with light rain showers dominating throughout the afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 5.36 metres and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:54h and 15:11h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.56 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:44h and 21:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metres and 0.60 metre respectively.

US monitoring local drug ring – Ambassador – says local DEA office set for February 10 opening ticipated DEA office is scheduled to have its official opening on February 10.

The opening of this office comes amid spiralling narcotics trafficking here and it is anticipated that it will help break up local drug networks.

Stakeholders have long called for the establishment of a DEA office in Guyana as they believe it would prevent the spread of the narcotics trade, which has gotten to the point of Guyana being considered a transshipment point.

Additionally, the drug trade

BY VAHNU MANICKCHAND

U

nited States (US) law enforcement agents have been keeping an eye on a local drug ring, as Guyana continues to grapple with the high presence of narcotics trafficking within its borders.

In an interview with Guyana Times, US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway stated that while he cannot talk about specific cases, his Government is monitoring local organisations believed to be engaged in narco trafficking activities to the United States.

“There are narco trafficking organisations in Guyana that ship drugs to the United States and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and others, of course, are looking at those – that’s what they do and they will do even a better job once they (DEA agents) get here,” he said one week ahead of the opening of a local DEA office.

“Fair” number of seizures

Ambassador Holloway pointed out that the US is concerned about the “fair” number of drug seizures happening locally, particularly since most of them are destined for the North American country. However, he explained that there is some positive on the flip side of this situation as it shows that persons are being intercepted.

“The good news is that seizures are being made so bad guys are being caught and every time you catch a bad guy, you get a ton of information – who they’ve been calling on their cellphones, who they’re meeting with – and this allows you to eventually make the links to try to go back to the root of the organisation,” he outlined during the interview.

According to the US Ambassador, this was the

policing activities.

“DEA agents are not Policemen in Guyana. They cannot kick down doors, they can’t arrest anyone.

They work on cases that have a US link so if we believe this organisation is smuggling cocaine to New York, then they’re focusing on that,” he stated.

Furthermore, the US Diplomat outlined that with the DEA office here, they will not only get information on the illicit trade to the US, but to other regions around the world. “In the course of

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

driving force behind the establishment of a DEA office in Guyana. Ambassador Holloway further explained that he has worked in lot of countries that struggle with tremendous narco trafficking problems, and while there is a nacro trafficking problem in every single country in this hemisphere, he does not believe that such a situation is totally permeated in the Guyanese society.

“I still think there is an opportunity for Guyana to start the spread out. Will you ever take (narco trafficking) to zero, to be honest, I don’t think that’s possible but you still have United States being one of the largest consumers even though our consumption is going down, we are still a big consumer so as long as there is a demand, there will be a supply but what you have to hope for is to contain it in such as way that it doesn’t totally degrade or rot your society within,” he remarked.

Permanent DEA presence

Moreover, the US Diplomat stated that with the DEA here permanently, it will allow for a more close collaboration between Guyanese and US law enforcement in tackling the illicit trade. The much an-

DEA office in Guyana to be launched next week

has also been tied to the increased level of gun violence and other crimes.

According to Ambassador Holloway during the interview with this newspaper, DEA agents would previously come to Guyana at the behest of the Government to assist with investigations into major drug trafficking by providing technical assistance, intelligence and other data to help their local counterparts carry out interceptions.

He noted too that it was against this background and with approval from the previous Administration, and now with support of the current Government, that the US is establishing a local office here which will see the presence of DEA agents here on a fulltime basis.

However, the Ambassador, remained that these agents will not be engaged in actual

investigations, they (DEA) pick up lots of information dealing with local narco trafficking or maybe narco trafficking going to Europe and they’ll be able to share more and more of that information with their counterparts here because relations are going to closer,” he added.

The US Ambassador underscored that while there is no magic bullet to rid any society of narcotics trafficking, he noted that in the period of months and years, all of sudden there will be greater information available adding that with information is how these types of crimes are dissolved.

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Editorial

Mental health in Guyana

T

he heart breaking incident of a mentally challenged young girl, rescued from her home on the Essequibo Coast, was brought to light in the media Friday. The young lady was forced to live in inhumane conditions for reason which the family attempted to justify, claiming that her mental condition was so severe that she was beyond control.

The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualises mental health as a “state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Mental disorders are highly prevalent throughout the world, however, the resources allocated by countries to tackle this burden are often times insufficient, inequitably distributed, and, at times, inefficiently used.

In 2015, the Public Health Ministry launched Guyana’s National Mental Health Strategy 2015-2020. While launching such a strategy is commendable, having a plan without proper execution is merely words without action.

A perusal of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 outlines a coherent strategic framework for guiding the development of new plans while bringing alignment and synergy to the Ministry’s national and international activities over the next five years. In addition, it will serve to coordinate development and technical assistance and other partnerships in health.

Among the programmes and services that are highlighted in the plan for implementation over the next five years are the National Suicide Prevention Programme, the Integration of Mental Health into Primary Care, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programme, Psycho geriatric Clinic, extend and enhance satellite clinics to communities (Diamond, Leonora, Mahaicony, Enmore and other communities with such needs) .

While we deal with these areas it is hoped that the Public Health Ministry also take into consideration the stigma, social exclusion, and discrimination that occur around people with mental disorders which compound the situation. Persons with mental disorders are reported to suffer discrimination in their communities, the workplace, educational institutions and the healthcare system. In the context of Guyana and more particularly with the plight of the young lady on the Essequibo Coast, it is apparent from media reports, that stigma may have been a contributing factor to the family’s decision to lock her away.

In moving forward, our officials must also deliberate on the outdated mental health law - the 1930 Mental Health Ordinance - which exists in Guyana. The Mental Health Ordinance of 1930, which is antiquated, does not have provisions for the protection of the rights of people with mental disorders. Given this factor, there is recognisable need for updated laws to be enacted to deal with safeguards to protect against abuse, appropriate and accessible care within communities, equality in opportunities for access to care, to employment, to shelter, to justice and consent.

There should also be independent review bodies established to protect the human rights of users of mental health services.

Among some of the improvements that need to be adopted as highlighted in the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 is that primary care personnel need to play a more pivotal role in the mental health area and mental health services should be made more available or accessible to the population.

The standard of the National Psychiatric Hospital (NPH) is in dire need of improvement with respect to policies and guidelines for the usage of psychotropic medications, the assessment, treatment, monitoring, and ongoing evaluation of patients with mental disorders, the charting of patient information and the maintenance of health records.

The key recommendation for Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 is that implementation must be evidence based, planned and managed within the resource base limitations and the policy and regulatory framework. This however must provide for strategic prioritisation and a long-term approach that provides sufficient room for capacity development, cultural and behavioural change.

As recommended communication and change management measures need to be incorporated in the strategic planning process to ensure sound understanding, buy-in, and support for the strategy among implementing partners.

It is time that as a nation we cater more for our brothers and sisters, who suffer from mental health illnesses regardless of their circumstances. While stigma associated with mental illness has malicious effects on the lives of those affected, we can move forward as a compassionate country and not have a repeat of the incident on the Essequibo Coast.

A monkey catches knives as it balances on a board during a daily training session at a monkey farm in Baowan village, Xinye county of China’s central Henan province, February 2. Baowan village of China’s central Henan province appears to be your average farming community from the surface, but at a closer look, one can hear monkey hoots from every direction. Although no official number exists, villagers say that they have been a breeding ground for both monkeys and monkey trainers for centuries (REUTERS/Jason Lee)

Perceptions and reality Dear Editor, In life, we hear people talking a lot about perceptions and reality. This is a very important subject in politics. That is why many people say that perception is reality in politics.

This, of course, is not correct. While it is true that a person’s perception can reflect reality, perception can be manipulated and be as different from reality as night from day.

Today, there are many think tanks and media personnel who have become specialists in creating perceptions, which are different from reality.

In Guyana, this method to engineer perception was used successfully to distort reality in our country.

Over the last ten years or so, a section of the media, in alliance with the then political opposition, worked hard to create the impression that Guyana’s government was practicing poor governance and corruption, and was, therefore, doing nothing about it.

Unfortunately, many persons fell for this line and the perception was created that the government was corrupt.

The reality is indeed very different.

The PPP/C administration took many measures to fight corruption and to improve accountability in public life.

Indeed, Guyana was far ahead of almost all the countries in the Caribbean region in respect of this matter.

In the first instance, on assuming office, The PPP/C government immediately signed the United Nations’ Optional Protocol, which gave the UN the right to investigate any charge of discrimination based on race or ethnicity. We were the only country to sign onto this protocol.

Despite all the charges of racial discrimination made by the opposition and their mouthpieces in the media, they did not take any case to the UN. Clearly, they knew that no organised or surreptitious discrimination was taking place.

That, however, did not stop them from making those charges because they were interested in creating the perception of discrimination to use against the PPP/C administration.

In terms of financial accountability, the PPP/C took many steps to improve that.

It is apposite to note that in the years before the PPP/C took office, public accountability and disclosure of the government’s finances were not done. In fact, according to a former Auditor General, he was prevented from conducting audits.

Every single year that the PPP/C was in office, the Auditor General’s report was presented. The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee examined these reports in detail and made a subsequent report to the National Assembly.

That was not the end of the matter.

The Ministry of Finance was then mandated to produce a Treasury Memorandum, which had to clearly outline what measures would be taken to deal with the issues raised in the report.

The PPP/C government was the only administration in the region, and possibly in the Commonwealth, that removed the Cabinet from awarding contracts. This process was mandated to the National Procurement and Tender Board. The Cabinet was only tasked with giving its ‘no objection’ to the awarding of contracts.

Moreover, the PPP/C made the Auditor General’s office completely independent by having that department placed under the jurisdiction of the Parliament and more specifically, accountable to the Public Accounts Committee.

It was the PPP/C government which introduced the system to advertise projects for public bidding. The same process was introduced for the procurement of goods and services by the then administration.

Before that, the PNC gave out contracts to their friends and family for both work programmes and projects for the acquisition of goods and services.

The PPP/C administration ensured that all the checks and balances were in place as far as good governance was concerned.

No one ever accused the administration of tampering with justice. The judiciary was an independent decision-making body and free from political in-

terference. This was clearly evident in the many verdicts that went against the government.

It was the PPP/C that insisted that the Caribbean Court of Justice be established as our final court.

Before that, the PNC manipulated the courts and even had the PNC flag flying above the court.

The National Assembly, too, was transformed into a fully functional and democratic body. The PPP/C established Standing Committees in the Assembly that were fully functional/operational.

Ministers and senior public servants appeared several times before these bodies to give account of the government’s work. The issues dealt with included the economy, security, foreign affairs and border issues, natural resources, social services, etc.

All of these functioned.

To foster inclusivity, the PPP/C established rotating chairs of these committees.

Both members of the opposition and government held these positions at all times.

This is another first in the region and possibly in the Commonwealth, and even outside of the Commonwealth.

The PPP/C also ensured that members of Parliament were given time to express their views in debates, budgets and/ or otherwise.

At the same time, many Bills were sent to Select Committees to afford the input of both the opposition and the public.

This was a far cry from where we came in 1992.

These are only but a few of the measures that the PPP/C implemented to ensure transparency, accountability and good governance.

In the wider society, freedom of speech was guaranteed.

Freedom of the press flourished.

No one was afraid to express their views/opinions.

Yet the opposition and its media friends managed to create an impression of massive corruption.

It appears that the opposition believed their own propaganda. They launched many audits, most of which have shown no evidence of corruption. Of course, such audits

may uncover discrepancies, but there is no indication of any major corruption.

The regime is now, therefore, emphasising those discrepancies and attempting to magnify them as major practices of corruption.

Meanwhile, the APNU+AFC regime has started to reverse the gains our nation made.

Speeches in the National Assembly are being cut. The media is being prevented from covering some Parliamentary Committee meetings, motions by the opposition are being thrown out, etc.

At the same time, racial and political discrimination have once again reared their ugly heads as thousands of IndoGuyanese are being purged from the Public Service.

Fear is beginning to creep into society as the army is also being misused to stake out houses and to chase people down. People have become afraid to speak on their phones, believing strongly that their conversations are being listened to.

Fear is again the key to their governance.

The media is being barred from covering some Standing Committee meetings of parliament and many committees have not been meeting.

The perception which the APNU+AFC created that they would practice democracy and good governance is not in accord with reality.

All of these are signs that we are drifting back into the worst days of the PNC rule.

A former editor of the Guyana Graphic, Ric Mentus, once described the PNC and their media manipulators are ‘The Mind Bogglers.’

He was speaking of the manipulators of the 1973 elections.

Mentus eventually lost his job and was kicked out of Guyana for expressing that view.

We must, therefore, guard against the manipulators and mind bogglers. Let us not allow them to misrepresent reality with false perceptions. We must always ensure that our perceptions are grounded in reality.

Donald Ramotar

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, february 6, 2016

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Afro-nationalists, not racial extremists Dear Editor, In a recent statement in your letter column, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee slammed several prominent supporters (like David Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye, Lincoln Lewis, Desmond Trotman, Eric Phillips, etc) of the PNC (APNU) describing them as (racial) extremists.

These men may be militant and have had a long dislike for PPP. But they are not racial extremists in the real sense of the current meaning of the term.

These political figures are Afro-ultranationalists, the equivalent of which are absent in the PPP which hides under the elusive “socialists” description. The PPP lacks strong ethnic nationalists who are proud of their identity and who can stand up for and/or defend Indians, Amerindians and Chinese they way Africans do in the PNC or AFC. The African leaders are respected within their community for standing up for the rights of their supporters.

The PPP leaders don’t stand up strongly for the rights of their supporters. The PNC

Afro-nationalists are men who are proud of their racial identity and who would do anything to protect, defend and advocate for their group.

Where is the PPP equivalent? There is virtually none.

For 23 years, Indians could not count on the PPP leadership for support when they were physically attacked, not even on the day of the May general elections – President Ramotar did not call out the troops to protect supporters who were violently attacked and their homes burnt.

The PNC Afronationalists are hard-line militant zealots when it comes to defending their race. However, that does not make them racists or extremists. And what is wrong with a militant position on behalf of one’s race. Why should the men not be proud of their race? Who prevents individuals from other races or in the PPP to be proud of their identity? Why should the Afro-nationalists (people like Vincent Alexander, Rickford Burke, David Granger, Joe Harmon, Eusi Kwayana, Nigel Hughes, etc) not love their race and identify and defend their members?

The PPP has shown itself to lack men with testicular fortitude to defend or stand up for Indians, Amerindians and Chinese.

Instead, the PPP practiced appeasement of those who attacked Indians, Amerindians and Chinese.

And the PPP paid the price for their idiotic policy by being removed from office.

The concept of “extremists” gives an impression of a group of people who wants to eradicate other groups.

The PNC affiliated Afronationalists have not shown such an extremist sentiment as to want to exterminate opposing ethnic groups like Indians, Amerindians, Whites and Chinese.

There may be some in the group who have intense hatred for other groups. But other than people like Juliet Holder who wants to ship all Indians back to India, they have not advocated the extermination of Indians or Amerindians or Chinese like what happened to Jews in Europe under Hitler.

The African ultra-nationalists say they want those who they feel were involved

in corruption during PPP’s term in office be brought to justice. However, the African radicals are only targeting PPP affiliated figures on the issue of corruption.

Those who looted the treasury during the 28 years of the PNC dictatorship (and some of them are currently serving the coalition regime) should also be brought to justice. Those who also awarded themselves state contracts, houses, and properties during the PNC tenure in office should also be investigated and prosecuted.

If the goal of afro-nationalists is to return undervalued property to the state as allegedly occurred during PPP tenure, and as being championed by Desmond Trotman and other Afronationalists, then the same should also be done to those who acquired undervalued property during the PNC era.

In that sense, Rohee is right that individuals like Desmond Trotman, Hinds, Ogunseye, etc are extremists who are not interested in pursuing equitable justice against all crooks (including PNC affiliated fraudsters).

Rather, they target Indians

Political and racially united committee needed to organise golden jubilee celebrations Dear Editor, I endorse the brilliant suggestion of the eminent scholar Dr Vishnu Bisram that “There should be joint committees organising the jubilee celebrations locally and in the diaspora” (title of missive SN Feb 4) in order to avoid the pitfalls of racially divided festivities that characterised the celebrations fifty years ago in 1966. Like Dr Bisram, I am interested in promoting racial healing and racial harmony and building a non-racial society. I am of the view that the minor parties like URP, UF, etc and civic society (NGOs, etc) should also be included in the planning and organising committee of the historic celebrations for inclusiveness to maximise participation.

I note that since last year April, at the start of the election campaign the APNU-AFC coalition has been advocating power sharing. It committed itself to inclusive governance in which the PPP and other minor parties will be included in the governance of the nation. Eight months into governance, there is no movement towards power sharing or inclusive governance. On the contrary, the APNU-AFC has been governing alone and blaming the PPP for not accepting an invitation to discuss power sharing. The PPP, on the other hand, has refused to sit with the coalition representative to discuss power-sharing claiming the PNC (APNU) is not serious about the offer.

It is noted that the politicians of the two dominant political forces (APNU/AFC and PPP) have been dwelling on personal attacks, innuendoes and malice in their political discourse at the expense of

the many developmental programmes and challenges the country faces. The population is hurting while they are fighting each other. Thus, the country is not moving forward and in fact has been regressing in recent years.

This country has been cursed with race based politicking with few politicians or even scholars willing to tackle it. As Dr Bisram notes, the planning and organising of the golden jubilee celebrations offer a unique opportunity for bringing the races together, racial healing and reconciliation if the politicians can put aside their differences.

President Granger speaks the language of racial harmony but does not walk the talk. He stated he would like to have a united 50th Independence anniversary celebration. But so far, people have been victimised on account of racial and political affiliation over the last eight months. And the composition of committees empowered by the government to organise golden jubilee celebrations are not reflective of the composition of the population or political support of the parties. Many point towards the dominance of one race in the composition of the local organising committee that is not good for race relations in our country.

In New York where I spent almost the last two weeks, the same trend was brought to my attention. I was told it’s an African PNC committee that has no qualms about its racial composition with the committee’s members saying it won the election and it will decide on the composition of the committee. So what happens to racial equity and power shar-

ing being touted by the regime – thrown out the window? My friends in the AFC Diaspora have expressed outrage at not being included in the New York organising committee of the celebrations. I was told the meeting to set up the planning committee was not an open one but was by special invitation resulting in the exclusion of non-supporters of PNC and dominated primarily by one race.

Also, AFC supporters complain that the overriding purpose behind the activities of the 50th golden jubilee committee in NY seems to be money making and not racial harmony.

As the erudite Dr Bisram points out, the country has experienced too long a period of hatred among politicians and their supporters. It needs an end to ethnic mal-

ice, and this can start with the establishment of racially balanced committees planning Independence anniversary celebrations. Otherwise, as Dr Bisram posits, the country will end up having divided celebrations just as it did fifty years ago when it gained independence.

I support the call for an emergency meeting between the leaders of the ruling coalition and opposition PPP and that should also include representatives of minor parties and stakeholders from civic society to find a way forward in which there will be a united committee to plan and organise the golden jubilee celebration.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bandhu, URP Leader

and/or PPP affiliates.

Anyone and everyone who stole from the state (post independence) should be criminally pursued and be forced into financial restitution to the state.

It is noted that when the PPP assumed office in October 1992, it had 23 years to seek justice for corruption and criminal activities (rape, murder, theft, electoral banditry, hooliganism, other barbaric acts) as occurred during the PNC’s 28 years tenure.

The PPP, in an agreement with the Carter Centre and Desmond Hoyte, sought not to pursue “vengeful policies” prosecuting those who en-

gaged in criminal misconduct.

Where was Hinds, Ogunseye, Trotman in seeking justice?

The PPP cannot now complain that PNC figures are racial extremists for targeting PPP figures. The PPP had its chance to clean up Guyana of extremists but did not take advantage of it.

The PNC has a chance now to selectively prosecute PPP affiliates and is taking advantage of it. Welcome to real politics!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Slam… today Dear Editor, Firstly I’d like to clear that Islam is not a religion, it’s a way of life. The principles and guidelines directly from the creator to creation, instructing how to dwell in this world so as to determine the hereafter; Islam is submission, it’s precision’ it’s brotherhood.

2016 should be an interesting year… because decisions made globally will affect Muslims. But to what significance? If any…. make that is... currently a large percentage of our universal population are against the beliefs and practices of Islam, evidently this is being powered by state authorities.

This stigma against Islam originated eras ago but recently gained more dislike with ISIS reprisals followed by republican candidate Donald Trumps’ stated intention on banning Muslims from entering America. This notion is a shame, it is shallow especially coming from someone so experienced and brilliant – but is he really?

Recently I was in a bus and I was the only Muslim and of this I’m sure. Some women seated behind me were in a heated discussion over the destruction of ISIS, from the disdain in their voices (may Allah protect us all) I can conclude that they believe that all these actions and practices fall under one umbrella labelled “ISLAM” but they are

wrong.

The idea here is that you shouldn’t look at Islamic believers as murderers, suicide bombers or people who victimise or vandalise. This is all false.

One wise Muslim once said, “these terrorist groups don’t speak for all of us”. And that is the reality. The acts of ISIS and many before and I’m sure many that are yet to come are not permitted.

Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) commanded in wars: don’t cut a tree, don’t kill a child, don’t kill elder people, don’t destroy a temple or church, don’t destroy a building, don’t kill those who surrender, don’t kill women, don’t kill a sick person, don’t disfigure the dead, don’t kill animals except for the purpose of eating and be good to prisoners.

These were the words and instructions from the greatest prophet of time. So how can people be so easily fooled? How can one view Islam in such a negative light? Obviously what ISIS is doing is not halaal, it’s not permissible, it’s haram. They are not a part of Islam.

This way of life is calm and teaches humbleness and mutual love. And as I conclude this try to understand that sometimes it’s not about logics, sometimes it’s about submission.

Regards, Name withheld

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BY JENNIFER KELLY GEDDES

I

f you’re pregnant – or trying to conceive – the Zika virus is probably a top-of-mind concern right now, and with good reason: This mosquito-borne virus is dominating headlines with its scary multi-country advance and potentially devastating consequences for pregnant women and their babies.

Zika surfaced last May in South America, and Brazil has been disproportionately affected, with thousands of babies suffering severe birth defects, including brain damage, in utero when their mothers contracted the virus.

But it has now spread to nearly three dozen countries,

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

and has even shown up in the United States (although it’s important to note that the US cases were brought by returning travellers from affected regions). The virus is likely to spread further, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), because the mosquito that transmits Zika is in all but two countries of the Americas, and the people in these regions lack immunity to the virus.

If you’re expecting (and frankly, even if you’re not), it’s crucial to arm yourself with information and up-to-date advice. This is what you need to know: What is Zika virus?

The Zika virus is an insectborne illness that can be primarily transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same kind that carry dengue and yellow fever.

The name comes from the Zika Forest in Uganda where monkeys with the virus were first found in 1947.

Why is it dangerous?

For the relatively few people who show signs of a Zika infection, the illness is often very mild. But in pregnant woman, the effects can be devastating, and can include pregnancy loss or a baby born with an abnormally small head and brain – a condition

known as microcephaly, says Edward RB McCabe, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the March of Dimes. Microcephaly may be associated with developmental delays, mental retardation, and seizures, and in some cases can be fatal.

Because the Zika virus has been associated with significant risk to the foetus, the assumption is that the effects seen are in fact caused by the virus. But there are still many unknowns – including how likely it is that an infection in a pregnant woman will be passed on to her foetus; whether some foetuses are infected but don’t develop microcephaly; how often pregnancy loss may occur in expecting women with Zika virus; and whether pregnancy makes women more susceptible to the virus, says Marjorie Treadwell, MD, Director of the Foetal Diagnostic Centre at the University of Michigan and a maternal and foetal medicine expert.

While the Zika virus remains in the blood of an infected person for a few days to a week, according to the CDC, there’s no current evidence to suggest that it poses a risk of birth defects in future pregnancies. And Zika won’t cause infections in a baby that’s conceived after the virus has left the bloodstream.

How is Zika transmitted?

In a scary new update, the CDC confirmed in early February the first US case of Zika virus infection that is believed to have been transmitted sexually, from a traveller to a non-traveller in

the United States. But Zika is primarily spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

When a mosquito bites and draws blood from someone who’s infected, the insect itself becomes infected and then goes on to bite other people.

The Zika virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or

around the time of birth, but according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), there are no clinical studies to measure the risk to an unborn child if the mother is infected.

Zika virus has been detected in foetal tissue, amniotic fluid, full-term infants, and in the placenta, according to ACOG, and trace amounts of the virus have also been found in breast milk, but because the amount is tiny, it’s unlikely to pose a threat. Oral infections of Zika haven’t been documented and, if one were

to occur, it would likely be the same mild version as seen in adults. The many benefits of breastfeeding outweigh this possible risk.

What are the symptoms of Zika?

A Zika infection is similar to a mild case of the flu and may include such symptoms as a low-grade fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Symptoms may last several days to a week. Only 20 per cent of people infected with the Zika virus will actually become ill, reports Cynthia Moore, MD, PhD, of the National Centre on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adding, “We don’t know at this time if pregnant women are more likely to develop symptoms if infected.”

Testing for Zika virus Right now there’s no commercially available test for Zika virus; just a few state health departments are able to test for it, and the test isn’t perfect. “Because it cross reacts with other related viruses, it’s possible to have a positive test but not actually have the Zika virus,” says Treadwell. Because of this, the CDC recommends the test only for people who’ve been exposed (that is, travelled to a high-risk country) and show symptoms.

Federal health officials are urging that newborns be tested if the mother has visited an affected area and also exhibits symptoms of the Zika virus. Your doctor should contact a health department for information about testing for Zika. Even if you don’t show signs, your unborn baby should be examined, usually via ultrasound. If there are concerns following an ultrasound, amniocentesis may be the next step.

Reducing the risk Because there’s no vaccine for Zika, the best way to reduce your risk is to stay current with the latest recommendations.

If you’re pregnant, delay travel to the regions listed in the CDC’s advisory. If travel can’t be avoided, take every precaution to avoid mosquito bites, including: - Wearing shirts with long sleeves and pants, rather than shorts - Using bug spray with DEET, which is safe for pregnant and nursing women (check the label and follow the directions carefully) - Treating clothes with permethrin, a type of insecticide (Parents.com)

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saturday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Gunmen ambush, Matter being investigated rob Craig miner $30M in raw gold – Minister Allicock Detention of Indigenous Guyanese

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock

T

he reported harassment of Guyanese in Corentyne by Surinamese military is being investigated. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock in an interview with this publication stated that Government has taken note of the recent occurrences and are working to remedy the situation.

“Our ambassador who is the authority there with regards to addressing these issues is presently following

up the matter… we look forward for the eventual outcome of the whole situation,” Allicock stated. Minister Allicock further explained that his ministry will be updating the nation on the situation. “Having the attention of the relevant authorities, they would be able to give us feedback as soon as things are better but in the meantime, we would be releasing a write-up on this very soon,” Allicock stated.

The minister explained that according to reports he received, tensions in the area have eased. He however cautioned that one “could never tell what could happen.”

“It has always been a troubled area,” the minister emphasised.

On January 26 there were reports that the Surinamese Coastguard was hassling Guyanese fishermen and Indigenous People at Orealla. It was alleged that as much as “G$10,000” was demanded from Guyanese to engage in fishing activities in the area. It was also reported that fishermen’s passports and identification cards

A

Orealla

were also being demanded.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had related to an online publication that Guyana would be “registering its objection to ensure that its rights under international law are protected.”

In a Peter Persaudpenned letter published in Guyana Times on February 4, the The Amerindian Movement of Guyana (TAMOG) stated their concerns over the matter. It was highlighted that “the Indigenous people are now fearful of using the said river to travel to Berbice to conduct their own business.”

It was emphasised that these incidences of harassment are “a violation of articles 20 (1)(2) and 36(1) (2) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).”

TAMOG has called on the Government of Suriname to ensure the rights of Indigenous peoples be upheld whenever they use the Corentyne River.

It was sixteen years ago in 2000 that Surinamese gunboats forcibly removed a licensed Canadian-operated CGX petroleum exploration platform.

Body of nude man discovered at Whim foreshore

T

he nude body of a so far unidentified man of East Indian descent was on Friday morning found on the Whim Foreshore,

Corentyne, Berbice, with suspected marks of violence about his body.

The deceased is about 5 feet 6 inches, brown in complexion and ap-

pears to be mid-forties.

The body was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital Mortuary awaiting post mortem.

miner was on Thursday ambushed and robbed $30M in raw gold by gunmen while driving his motorcar along Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Akeem Chase, 22, of Craig, EBD, was in the company of two other miners in a vehicle and as they made their way out of the street, they were intercepted by another car which blocked their path.

Three of the men who were armed with guns reportedly exited the car and held Chase at gunpoint, demanding that he hand over the gold he was carrying.

During the ordeal, the gunmen pulled Chase out of the vehicle and threw him into a trench and further made their demands.

A fearful Chase reportedly directed them to the section of the car where the gold was kept. The gunmen without hesitation grabbed the bag containing a quantity of raw gold and made good their escape.

The Police have since arrested the two men who were with Chase at the time of the robbery as they continue their investigations.

Speaking with Guyana Times from his East Bank home, Brian Chase, father of the distraught young miner, stated that after the robbery, one of the men who was with his son, ran to the house and informed the family of the incident.

He explained that his son and his two friends only returned from the interior on Wednesday evening and were on their way to the city when they were ambushed.

He told this publication that based on what was related to him, the entire robbery was planned.

“One man with a hand gun was standing at the corner while three other were in the car… one of them had an AK-47 and the other a small gun… we don’t know if the driver of the car had a gun as well,” the man stated.

He explained that as his son drove out of the street, the man who was standing at the corner order him to stop the car while pointing the gun in his direction. As the car came to a halt, two others exited the getaway silver grey car, pulled the young man out of the vehicle and demanded the gold, the father added.

As they collected the bag, they drove away. The Police were contacted and immediately visited the scene where they took statements from several eyewitnesses. The angry father stated that the Police arrested his son’s two friends, claiming that they are involved rather than actually searching for the real perpetrators.

The robbery occurred approximately 300 feet from where the young man resides.

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saturday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Mashabo resident granted bail for assault, unlawful wounding R ose Raphea, 29, of Mashabo Amerindian community in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was granted bail for the offenses of assault causing actual bodily harm and unlawful wounding.

He was charged separately when he appeared be-

fore Magistrate Sunil Scarce Thursday at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

For the unlawful wounding he was granted $20,000 bail and was ordered to keep the peace. The particulars stated that on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Mashabo Mission, he un-

lawfully and maliciously wounded Desiree Williams.

Bail was also granted in the sum of $20,000 for the offense of assault causing actual bodily harm. The details of this matter stated that the accused on January 14, 2016 at Mashabo, unlawfully and maliciously

wounded Lynden Robinson.

Both matters were adjourned to February 18, 2016.

Raphea was not represented by any attorney and pleaded not guilty to both offenses after the AJA (Administration of Justice Act) was applied.

Duo placed on $50,000 bail for felonious wounding T wo men on Friday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they were crossed charged for felonious wounding.

Jagdesh Ramnarine, 44, of Lot 22 East Callinder Street, Albouystown, and Romain Petemiah, 19, of 47 West La Penitence Housing Scheme, Georgetown, both stood before the court to answer the charges.

According to the re-

ports, the duo is known to each other but on January 25, around 18:00h, they had a misunderstanding after Petemiah requested a cigarette from Ramnarine.

Upon refusal to give the cigarette, Petemiah got angry and picked up a piece of wood and began lashing Ramnarine about his body. Ramnarine as a result picked up a glass bottle and lashed Petemiah in his head which caused him to bleed.

The matter was later re-

ported to the Police after which they were given reports to seek medical attention.

It was also noted that Petemiah was admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was seen and examined for the injury on his forehead, while Ramnarine was seen and examined by a doctor and sent away.

After a further investigation was launched, they were both subsequently charged. However, they

were both placed on $50,000 bail each for felonious wounding and the matter was adjourned for March 1.

Unlawful wounding charge dismissed against taxi driver

A

matter that appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennon at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was on Friday last dismissed against a taxi driver who was placed on $150,000 bail for unlawful wounding.

According to police reports Kevin Leitch, 44, a taxi driver who resides at Princes Street, Lodge, on December 22, 2015 wounded Ranault Rigby, 27, a person known to him, within the vicinity of Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown.

It was noted that Leitch was on his way to drop off a passenger at Perry Street where he had an exchange words with Rigby who is also a resident of Perry Street.

The argument eventually saw Rigby throwing food onto the accused which resulted in Rigby receiving several chops about his body.

The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested and charged for the offence.

However, Rigby told the court he is new to court matters and he didn’t want the case to be serious against Leitch, someone he knows very well, and further requested that the report against the accused to be withdrawn.

The matter was dismissed after the Chief Magistrate questioned to verify whether or not Rigby was pressured into this decision.

Eyew tness Workers of Guyana...

Y

...uniting or fissioning?

our Eyewitness has been struck by a seeming anomaly in the pictures of the striking/protesting/”vigiling” sugar workers at Wales and more recently some other sugar estates in Demerara and Berbice. You’d be forgiven for thinking sugar workers are only IndoGuyanese – which fits right into the dominant narrative, no? Truth is – it just ain’t true!!

Afro-Guyanese form at least 20-25 per cent of the sugar workers on most estates – and in the case of Wales, that percentage could be as high as 35-50 per cent!! But you’d never guess that from the pictures, would you?

What’s going on? Are Afro-Guyanese sugar workers camera shy... or is something else going on here? Because whatever the fate of the Wales Estate -– and no one save the government thinks that their economic fate won’t be VERY dire – it’ll fall one both groups.

The conundrum is an old one in Guyana: why don’t the workers see their “class interest” – read “ethnic interest” – and unite to defend those interests when threatened?

The reasons the Afro-Guyanese sugar workers aren’t storming the barricades gotta be the same why IndoGuyanese didn’t do the same when the PPP was in office.

When politics intersects with economics in Guyana – politics trumps all.

And this is nothing new. Back in the day, when Jagan and Burnham started up our “modern politics”, they bemoaned the incipient ethnic orientation. They hoped their socialist/Marxist call for “working class” unity would transcend that divide. Some folks forget after Burnham broke from Cheddi and launched the PNC... he still insisted the latter was “socialist”. Yet even Dr Jagan considered himself fire-breathing Marxist took pains to put forward “ethnically balanced” slates. When it came to politics, folks wanted to be represented by “their own”...and it’s clear they still do.

Because when it comes to Wales, it’s the GOVERNMENT that’s closing down the estate... and cudgels on behalf of the workers are being taken up by the OPPOSITION PPP. So the issue isn’t simply an ECONOMIC one but also a POLITICAL one. And as we said, politics trumps all in Guyana. And that’s why we only have Indo-Guyanese workers marching under the Wales protest banner.

It would thus appear that Marx’s call for: “Workers of the world unite!! You have nothing to lose but your chains!” hasn’t found fertile ground in Guyana. We can’t even get the workers of a single sugar estate to unite. But that shouldn’t stop us from trying, should it?

The trick would be not to make it “political”. Is that possible?

...are sheep?

So your Eyewitness is still kinda confused. Why do workers put their own livelihood on the back burner just to help out politicians? We know these worthies will promise them the moon and the stars – and maybe throw in a few asteroids! But you don’t have to be an anarchist to accept – at the end of the day – workers generally will still end up doing what they’ve always done: WORK their fingers to the bone.

OK... maybe sometimes they’ll get thrown a bone – like a “significant” salary increase and such like. But then even when it happens, it’s still a bone. The politicians and the elites get the meat. So what’s in it for the small man – who knows he ain’t never going to be a “real man” excepting through his own blood, sweat and tears?

Your Eyewitness thinks it has to do with the people at the bottom IDENTIFYING with those at the top – and because of that they feel reflected in the glory above.

Man doesn’t live by bread alone?

...are in for it

So with the six sisters – sugar, rice, gold, diamonds, bauxite and forestry – not exactly setting Guyana, much less the world on fire – it’s clear the above ruminations will be tested in the coming year.

At least workers gotta have SOME bread, no?

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

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saturday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Education CoI still not constituted M

onths after the declaration was made that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was being launched into the education system, the Ministry of Education still is in the process of constituting this commission, even after the appointment of the CoI was approved by cabinet since August 2015.

“I am establishing a Commission of Inquiry into education. At the moment I am constituting the commission”, Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine stated Thursday during an interview with Guyana Times.

The minister explained that the CoI is essential since it will analyse the problems within the school system and the ministry will be able to use this information to formulate plans on

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

dealing with the adversities faced.

This analysis will be obtained through consultations with parents, students and teachers on various aspects of the education sys-

tem.

“Through the CoI we will know what exactly has to be done in the education sector because we’ll have an idea of what needs to be done” Roopnaraine informed.

He reported that the ministry has number of ideas to reform the sector but these cannot be implemented until the CoI shows what each region/school needs to further build and enhance the manner in which education is delivered across Guyana.

This analysis, according to Roopnarine, will produce a ‘picture’ so the ministry will know how to fashion its plans.

Additionally, the minister disclosed that an audit had commenced since the beginning of his appointment to the education sector.

This audit had revealed a number of glitches within the system, physical and administrative, and the ministry is working round these results to ensure the education sector blooms and prospers, and students have the opportunity to obtain high quality education wherever

they are residing.

In October 2015 Roopnaraine had stated that there had been a delay since the ministry was still in the process of appointing persons to head the probe.

He had intended to have nine persons being commissioners of the panel but at

that time there had only been five confirmed persons, and he was in the course of contacting and confirming four others.

However, it would appear these four persons were not confirmed, thereby causing the CoI to be lagging this long.

Police host interactive sessions with youth groups in A Division

46 died from cancer in 2015

Francine Leitch, a cancer patient presently undergoing treatment at the Oncology unit shared her experience

I

n Guyana, a total of 46 patients lost the battle to cancer last year, with breast cancer being the leading diagnosis of the 314 cancer patients registered for 2015.

The 2015 report from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Oncology Unit, which was released in observance of World Cancer Day 2016 on Thursday, disclosed that breast cancer continues to top the list of recorded cancers in the country with 125 diagnosed patients, followed by cervical cancer with 47 diagnosed patients, ovarian with 26, adeno endometriosis (uterus/womb) with 15, colon with 14, lymphoma with 10 and rectum with nine.

Other recorded cancer diagnoses in Guyana are lung, tongue, prostate, nephrotic estoror, vulva, adenocarcinoma of liver, thyroid, tonsil, oropharynx, bladder, oesophagus, stomach, maxillary sinus, shoulder, testicle, gastric, hip, alveolar rhadomyosarcoma, gall bladder, ankle, thigh, anal, face, right pyriform, neck, elbow, maxillary papilloma, unknown primary paritonral metastasis, mediastinal, leukaemia, supraglottis and laryngeal.

According to the report, of the 314 recorded patients,

only 98 are currently on treatment.

At a commemoration ceremony of World Cancer Day

couragement of younger girls out there fighting cancer: “Many persons with cancer will say that once you’ve had cancer, there is a deep desire and passion to give back. It’s true, I felt it and continue to feel it… and all of us here are cancer advocates not just through improving wholesome public awareness, but by making individuals think that ‘hey, that woman walking slowly across the road may have cancer,’ or the person you are scrutinising with discoloured skin may have cancer.”

The young woman is

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton addressing the gathering at the Cancer Day 2016 event at GPHC

at the GPHC on Thursday, Director of Disease Control Dr Morris Edwards explained that females are 1.5 times more likely than males to be diagnosed with cancer. He noted too that females are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages.

Dr Morris also disclosed that during the period 20032012, 6518 cases were recorded and of this amount, approximately 5000 of these individuals were never treated.

Meanwhile, cancer survivor Francine Leitch, 20, shared some words of en-

a past student of Queen’s College and medical technology student of University of Guyana.

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton during the ceremony reiterated government’s commitment to implementing the necessary support mechanism to help fight cancer.

Moreover, GPHC Chief Executive Officer Alan Johnson, a cancer survivor, said the medical institution will continue to advance its efforts in the fight against cancer.

Members of the Central Georgetown Police Youth Club being addressed by Assistant Superintendent Rovindra Stanley at one of the sessions

P

olice of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) recently held three interactive sessions with youths in the Division, as part of its continuous efforts to educate young people of being law abiding citizens.

During the sessions, discussions were held with members of the Central Georgetown Police Youth

Club, where topics including suicide, career choices and mentorship were done.

In addition, traffic ranks of the Division conducted a lecture on road safety to youths of the Kaleidoscope Police Youth Club of Grove, East Bank Demerara, and encouraged them to be road safety conscious and more so, reiterated the need for them to use pedestrian

crossings and pavements for their own safety.

Finally, a number of youths of the Tiger Bay Trend Changers Youth Club benefited from a discussion on discipline, respect for elders and inculcating good morals. They were addressed by Allister Collins of the President Youth Award Republic of Guyana Programme.

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saturday, february 6, 2016

News

SOCU unearths over $16M, Backlog of land, housing 2 arrested during raids vex Region 2 residents T he Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Friday morning seized more than $16 million in foreign and local currencies as it steps up operations to address money laundering in Guyana.

According to information, the unit conducted operations at four locations on the East Bank and East

Coast Demerara but the money was unearthed at two houses at ECD. Guyana Times understands that close to US$80,000, G$1 million and a quantity of Trinidad currency were seized in two separate homes belonging to prominent business people.

The money was detained

pending investigations into money laundering while a man and woman were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

Guyana’s AntiMoney Laundering and Countering of Financing Terrorism Act allows persons to have in their possession US$10,000 with a good reason to do so.

David Granger 2 boat makes first trip in Linden

T

he President’s newly commissioned school boat in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice), the David Granger 2, made its first trip in the Demerara River on Thursday.

The speedboat was handed over to the community by President David Granger some two weeks ago, as part of the Head of State’s Three Bs (Boats, Buses and Bicycles) initiative, aimed at providing transportation to ensure the nation’s children get to school.

Thirty-one students from the community’s riverine area are set to benefit from the transportation service the boat provides.

They are students residing at areas along the Demerara River who attend schools at

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo speaking with Region 2 residents

S

The speedboat David Granger 2

Linden.

During the commissioning of the boat, President Granger said the idea of the "Three Bs" initiative was birthed after learning about the situation many of the nation’s children in riverine areas faced in having to pay thousands of dollars to get to school.

A total of two boats were handed over to the Region, with the other being given to the Sub Region 2 area (areas located along the Berbice River in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)).

The boat was handed over to the Kwakwani area, through the Region’s Department of Education.

cores of Region Two residents are frustrated over the number of land and housing issues in the Region with little or nothing being done to address them.

Several affected persons vented their frustration to the Housing Department team on Thursday at the Ministry of Presidency Public Day meeting outreach held at Perth Unity Park.

They are hoping that the Region would get a functional housing department to effectively address their problems. Many vented their frustrations to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who was also present at the Public Day meeting.

Stating her issue, Carloin Boston said she had applied for a houselot since 2009 and to date she has not receive any.

She said however she was told that she would get one at Parfate Harmony but to date she has not received that call. She said at that time she was living on the East Coast Demerara.

She explained that at the moment she is renting an apartment and finding it difficult, as such she would love

to get a house of her own so is calling for her application to be followed-up.

Meanwhile Mona Williams said she applied for a houselot since 2010 but to date she is without because

paying for his land but cannot source his “title” document. He said eight years have elapsed and he has already erected a permanent structure.

Other persons who spoke

A resident voicing his concerns

she was given a lot that was already allocated and that created a chaotic situation.

Williams said she was told there are lands available in the Onderneeming Sand Pit area so she is waiting on Housing Department to call her.

Meanwhile Adrian Roberts from Onderneeming Sand Pit said he finished

to the media also had similar problems while many stated they cannot afford to rent.

These persons are calling on the Coalition Government to address their issues in a speedy manner. On the spot was a Housing Department team from Georgetown which took the complaints and promised to follow-up same.

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saturday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 10 RDC to implement strict Kitty Market measures for heavy-duty trucks restoration to

commence shortly

BY UTAMU BELLE

H

eavy-duty log trucks traversing Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) along public road domains are presently cause for concern to residents, regional officials, and the Region 10 Road Safety Council.

Extra effort is now being made by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to have these truck operators divert from using the main roadways in the community and utilise the back roads at Wismar and Mackenzie instead.

Briefing the Council at the monthly statutory meeting on Thursday, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said the issue attracted much attention during a recent meeting of the Council’s Intelligence Committee.

He said plans are in the pipeline to set up a check point where truck drivers will be required to pay a toll so as to assist with road maintenance. In moving forward, he said the Council in collaboration with the Police will pen letters to bauxite company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated and others – noted for operating large heavy duty trucks in the community – in an effort to have a diversion of such trucks to the back roads. “... We will write these agencies, Bosai and those who drive through the town, to use the back road,

- vendors to be temporarily relocated

Some of the heavy-duty trucks that traverse the Linden roadways

avoid using Casaurina Drive (Mackenzie) instead to use the Noitgedacht back road. So we’re encouraging persons, the road is currently being done by Bosai and members of the community with the view of having those trucks use there,” he said.

The implementation of these measures may see the reintroduction of the Kara Kara toll booth at Mackenzie, as a checkpoint for heavy-duty trucks, as outlined by Morian.

“I’ve sent off a letter to the Ministry of Communities in support of the Town Council as it relates to setting up back the checkpoint that these trucks that damage the roads will pay some money that will go towards reha-

bilitating the roads in the community,” he said.

Speaking on the issue, Councillor Gordon Callender said it is time for such trucks to desist from traversing the public roadway since they are causing considerable damage.

He said in some cases, the weight of the trucks are causing the roads to sink in addition to the hazards they pose, such as in the case of roadway accidents.

As such, the Councillor asked for other strict systems to be implemented, suggesting that there should be a time frame governing when they should cease traversing public roads and the main highway in Linden. He also pointed out the fact that there are trucks which traverse with timber extended out of the trucks.

“A lot of lives are being lost to those same things when they break down and then like the lumber get more long that they carrying”, he outlined.

Following up on this, Morian added that the Police has established a legal time frame for such trucks to traverse the roadway, noting that the time limit is expected to be reenforced. Additionally, he expressed concern over the scale at the MackenzieWismar bridge which is presently not operational.

“There are two things which the Police would have to enforce – a lot of them (trucks) are coming overweight and the projection at the back of the trucks are beyond the legal limit,” Morian said.

In addition, Councillor Vladimir Glasgow expressed concern over the securing of logs on these trucks with chains, noting that in his opinion they are unsafe.

He called for the return of bars which will safeguard the weight of lumber being carried on trucks as opposed to chains only being used to secure it.

The Guyana Forestry Commission Outpost at Mackenzie, he opined, is also a hazard, since it is located around a turn.

Glasgow pointed out that when several trucks are lined up, it may cause issues for oncoming traffic.

As such, he urged that adjustments be made to accommodate trucks which stop at the Outpost.

Councillor Stanley Collins also brought to the attention of the Council that there are numerous heavy-duty trucks on the Winifred Gaskin Highway, Mackenzie.

Meanwhile Councillor Charles Sampson stated that it’s time to act, since the issues with heavy-duty trucks is an “old one”.

The dilapidated Kitty Market

M

ayor and City Council (M&CC) officials met with vendors of the Kitty Market on Friday, to discuss plans for temporary relocation, as restoration is expected to commence shortly at the market.

M&CC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Debra Lewis told Guyana Times that Town Clerk Royston King, accompanied by committee members from the City Council, met with vendors initially to discuss plans to have them relocated temporarily so that works could commence on the market.

Several other decisions were made and vendors were again visited on Friday by the Market Clerk, city engineers, committee members and the PRO to discuss the final plans for the temporary relocation, until the new structure is completed. She explained the site for relocation is situated in Shell

Road, eastwards to the garage; however the site has to be developed by City Council before the vendors are relocated to conduct their businesses.

“Development for the site will be done over the weekend to accommodate the vendors on Monday.

Council members will be installing electricity for adequate lighting, potable running water and also washrooms for the vendors,” Lewis noted.

Measures will be put in place to ensure there is adequate security on the premises for the vendors.

Lewis mentioned plans are already progressing, however, the restoration process is expected to commence during this month as decisions are still being made to retain the historic and architectural designs of the structure.

Over the past yeas, much deliberation was made on restoring the Kitty Market by the M&CC.

Call 223-7230-1 ext 35

news

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saturday, February 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar rubbishes Nagamootoo’s “pro-Hindu PPP” claims – says former member trying to “fit in” new party

I

n light of a recent statement by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo accusing the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of being a “Pro Hindu” party, former President and PPP Executive Member, Donald Ramotar has boldly rubbished the accusation.

Nagamootoo, a former PPP Executive Member, recently stated that during his 50-year membership in the Party, he had suffered immensely for not being a Hindu. He declared that “the public will never know” how much he suffered as a result of not being Hindu as he recalled, what appeared to be, a dreadful experience in one of the country’s and Caribbean’s oldest political movements. “… It had always been thought that the PPP was some type of pro-Hindu Party and when it was discovered that I was a Christian, I suffered disqualification that I lived

with for many, many years,” the politician stated.

However in an interview with Guyana Times on Friday, Ramotar pointed out that the statements are totally untrue and without basis. He noted that the PPP is known for its diversity and has never had any such issues raised by members before.

“I was really shocked when I heard Mr Nagamootoo make that type of comment because to me, it is an issue that has never come up in the Party. The PPP has people of all ethnic groups, all religious backgrounds, and those things have never come up to stop the promotion of anyone,” he stated.

According to Ramotar, the Party has had, and still has, many members in its hierarchy who are of different religious and ethnic backgrounds, and never complained of being sidelined or discriminated against. He

Former President and PPP Executive Member Donald Ramotar

named prominent non-Hindu PPP members such as Aube McDoom and Feroze Mohamed who never mentioned such treatment as claimed by Nagamootoo.

In fact, the PPP Executive Member said that this is the first time that he is hearing such claims, not-

RUSAL controversy…

GTUC wants Govt’s intervention

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espite Guyana celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary shortly, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) believes Guyana has not completely got rid of colonialism, referring to the manner in which the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) operates.

Speaking at a press conference Friday, Chairman of GB&GWU Lincoln Lewis, who is also General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), called on Government to put an end to the colonialist ways of BCGI, a subsidiary of RUSAL. He noted that workers attached to the Russianowned bauxite company, and even Government officials, are constantly being mistreated and disrespected by the company.

The chairman mentioned a meeting held Thursday where a Russian executive of the company went in and refused to sit despite the pleadings of representatives from the Labour Department.

He also recalled several occasions where the company would ignore invitations to attend meetings with Minister Simona Broomes while she was heading the Labour Department and to also engage the unions.

According to Lewis, the labour movement is of the view that BCGI is allowed to mistreat Guyanese and violate the country’s laws. “As a people we have fought slavery, indentureship, colonialism, and we’re talking about 50 years of independence, where we now have our own constitution, our own laws but in Region 10 (Upper Demerara, Upper Berbice), (a) group of Russians have decided who will get what,”

Chairman of GB&GWU Lincoln Lewis

he stated.

The GB&GWU head pointed out that this basically is apartheid being practiced by the European company. On this note, he called on government to take appropriate actions that would bring an end to this type of attitude by BCGI. “We cannot be celebrating 50 years of Independence, when a group of people in this country are colonise and are being told what they must do and how they must live,” Lewis declared.

He added that the argument of the company providing jobs would be baseless if there is no justice for workers, who suffer on a daily basis under RUSAL and its subsidiary. He emphasised the need for Government to take action now against the company.

“Government has to do something about this situation… It is this Government’s responsibility to now take on RUSAL… We cannot have two Guyana – one run by Mr (David) Granger and Mr (Moses) Nagamootoo, then another one run by Russians,” he maintained.

According to the Chairman, while in opposition many of the current Ministers had taken vested interests in the struggle of the bauxite workers and now that they are in the position to do something, there is high expectation that they will.

Meanwhile, one of the 57 workers dismissed by RUSAL back in 2009, Lennox Smith, also spoke against the atrocity by the company. He too mentioned the fact that none of those very Ministers have done anything to improve the state of workers in the bauxite industry.

“In the colonial day we used to face that, why should be continue to face it in 2016 when are celebrating 50 years of so-called Independence. Because if it was independence, then you could not have come into my country and say to me that my Government done run (Aroaima and RUSAL). The Government of Guyana runs 83,000 square miles,” he stated.

Furthermore, Smith related that some 50 workers of the 57 dismissed are still suffering and cannot find permanent jobs since other companies refuse to hire them because of the RUSAL controversy.

“As soon as you placed that you worked at RUSAL on an application form, you are out and if you don’t place it, as soon as they find out you worked there they let go,” he noted.

Over the years, workers at BCGI and RUSAL have been crying out against the treatment meted out by management of the company as they advocate for better pay and union representation.

ing that the former member never raised the issue.

He opined that it seems as though Nagamootoo is trying to use religion to divide the people of Guyana.

“He was in the PPP for almost half of a century and he never raised these things, these were never issues. Anyone who had any linking with Dr Jagan, knows that he will never tolerate any such thing.

I am saddened by the fact that the Prime Minister of this country, who holds a very high office, can descend to such low levels and to try to use religion not as a factor for uniting people but as an attempt to divide people within the country,” Ramotar declared.

Moreover, the former President posited that the Prime Minister seems to want to use his power to divide the people of the country, only to promote and ingratiate himself into the new political group he is in.

Ramotar added, “I am really saddened that Nagamootoo is now trying to use that as a means to divide our society in order to promote his own narrow political career at the ex-

Former PPP member Moses Nagamootoo

pense of the integration of Guyanese people. He obviously seems to be trying his best to be more acceptable in the group that he is in”.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister had also claimed that when he was discovered to be a Christian, he was made to suffer disqualification. He alleged too that he was branded and was further disqualified when he refused to give into the Communist ideologies.

“I have suffered major disqualifications, one of which was that I never studied in the Soviet

Union…one of which I refused to be indoctrinated by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and I was branded for that…”

Responding to this, the PPP Executive Member again rubbished the statement, pointing out that Nagamootoo had gotten to levels within the PPP and was an Executive Member when he departed.

“He reached the very top level of the Party… the issue with him is when he challenged to be the Presidential Candidate in 2011 – if you remember in 2006, he went on the platform and said he will never be a nemakaram, that’s his words, that he would never be ungrateful to the PPP but when he didn’t get the presidential candidacy, that’s when he left,” Ramotar stated.

Nagamootoo had left the PPP to join forces with the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, of which he is currently a Vice Chairman.

Last year, the AFC coalesced with the People’s National Congress-dominated A Partnership for National Unity to contest the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURday, february 6, 2016

News

GECOM ready for March 18 polls – starts printing LGE ballot papers

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has been making a rigid effort to get all of Guyana streamlined for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) scheduled for March 18, even though it has commenced the printing of ballot papers.

This preparation includes the training of staff to work on elections day across the 71 Local Authority Areas, and the continued efforts to expand the voter’s education programme.

On Friday, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, along with its Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud along with new Public Relations Officer (REO) Tamara Rodney met with members of the press to share the Commission’s level of preparedness for the much anticipated poll.

Local Government Elections has not been conducted in close to 22 years, the last being held in 1994.

The GECOM team said it has been working tirelessly to see a smooth and transparent ex-

From left: GECOM’s PRO Tamara Rodney; Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally; CEO Keith Lowenfield and Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud

ercise come March 18.

Overview

GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said that above all the points relative to the voters’ education programme, the electorate must be cognisant of one fact. “You are voting for a person whom you feel will best represent your interest. That has to the objective more than anything else.

Once you stick with that, everything else is adjunctive are peripheral to that main point”.

Meanwhile, CEO Keith Lowenfield said GECOM has so far been able to satisfy all

the requirements set out by law for the holding of Local Government Elections.

“We began and concluded our exercise of ensuring our register of voters was prepared and certified.

According to Lowenfield, GECOM has in its possession, a total of 523,831 electors on its certified electors list. However, even with this number, all of Guyana will not involve in the Local Authority Election process.

These are called the “no contest” areas. In four Local Authority Areas across Guyana, there is no contest, meaning only one particular political party or group has

indicated its interest in participating in the LGE. These include the Crabwood Creek (CWC), Black Bush Polder (BBP), Kentyre Borlam and the Mocha Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

Added to the Local Authorities Areas, out of the 508 constituencies, 149 have been declared no contest areas. However, while persons will be voting in the Proportional Representation (PR), they will not be participating in the First Past the Post system. Lowenfield said the Commission has addressed the issue, since it has implications for the production of the Ballot papers in those areas.

Ballots, Disciplined Services voting

With that in place, GECOM is now in the process of producing Ballot papers, which will be done in Montreal Canada. This is to ensure that the ballots are printed and returned to Guyana by the appropriate time. He explained that the format for the Ballot speaks to both the PR and the First Past the Post components.

As far as the Discipline Services ballots go, the CEO said GECOM has been engaging the Army, Police and Prison Services. He said there is a rigid training session which is in place to ensure that everything goes well on Discipline Services day. Members of the services will vote one week prior

on March 8.

Meanwhile, Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud said GECOM has been arranging meetings in all of the Local Authority Areas; however, this has not been reaping much success.

“We wrote letters to 96 civil society areas inviting them to arrange meetings with the local areas, only five have responded. We are on an all out campaign to provide information about LGE”. He said GECOM has been working from the grass root level and has not spared any effort in this regard.

Nomination day

Speaking on the Nomination Day procedure, Lowenfield reiterated that everything went well. From the 71 Local Authorities Areas, lists from parties, individuals and groups were received.

“Indeed on Nomination Day there were some issues relating to defective lists and those were corrected in the main. “In the main, this was done and at the end of the exercise, we received lists provided by parties, voluntary groups and individuals. We were also doing all the administrative requirements in the acquisition of the sensitive and non sensitive materials for elections”.

Suspect in Annandale stabbing still on the run S hafeek Mohamed of South Annandale, East Coast Demerara, is still on the run after stabbing to death his brother-inlaw, Ramkarran Mohanlall three days ago.

Mohanlall, 33, of Lot 218 Track A Coldingen, ECD, was stabbed four times about his body sometime around 22:45h on Wednesday. According to police reports, “investigations have revealed that Mohanlall was involved in an argument with another man, during which he was stabbed about his body”.

Guyana Times understands that the injured father of five was rushed by relatives to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post mortem Friday revealed that the man died as a result of multiple stab wounds. He sustained four stabs to his stomach, groin, arm and nose.

Mohanlall’s wife, Latchmie Singh, had stated that her husband and her sister’s husband, the suspect Shafeek Mohamed, had an argument which stemmed from an old grievance be-

Dead: Ramkarran Mohanlall

tween them.

She recalled that on the night in question when her husband came to visit her at her mother’s house in Annandale, Mohamed who resides in the bottom flat of the two-storey building, was outside of the gate. The two men then had a confrontation.

“They argued first and then they had two scuffles and on the last occasion, he (Mohamed) dealt him (Mohanlall) four stab,” the woman stated. She noted that after seeing what

transpired she rushed to her husband who had collapsed while her brother-in-law escaped.

Singh disclosed that the misunderstanding stemmed from an incident three years ago, when Mohamed went to their Coldingen house and verbally abused her husband, prompting him to lodge a police report.

“My husband took the police to get him and when the police arrive at the house, Shafeek was returning home. When the police told him to walk with his hands up and come forward, he walked towards the police with a knife as if he was going to attack the policeman. The policeman fired a shot at him, hitting his car so from that it led to this,” the grieving widow stated.

Meanwhile, ranks in the C Division (East Coast Demerara) are continuing the hunt for Mohamed.

After committing the act, the man got into his car and speed off.

He has not been seen nor heard from since.

Guyana Times understands that he took the “dagger” with him, which he used to stab his brother-in-law.

saturday, february 6, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Colombia links Zika to rare US, India in talks to settle solar power trade dispute nerve disorder deaths

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olombia says three people have died after contracting the Zika virus and developing a rare nerve disorder. Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria said there was a “causal connection” between Zika, the Guillain-Barre disorder and the three deaths.

Earlier, Brazilian scientists said they had detected for the first time active samples of Zika in urine and saliva. However, it is not clear whether the virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids.

Zika, a mosquito-borne disease, has been linked to cases of babies born in Brazil with microcephaly – underdeveloped brains. “We have confirmed and attributed three deaths to Zika,” said the head of Colombia’s National Health Institute, Martha Lucia Ospina.

“In this case, the three deaths were preceded by Guillain-Barre syndrome.”

he United States and India are in talks that could settle a long-running solar power trade dispute, delaying the announcement of a ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an Obama administration official said on Friday.

Washington filed the WTO challenge three years ago, claiming that India’s national solar power programme illegally discriminated against imported solar panels and related products though its domestic content

Colombia has launched a programme to kill the mosquitoes that spread Zika

Guillain-Barre is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system. It isn’t normally fatal. Ospina said another six deaths were being investigated for possible links to Zika.

“Other cases (of deaths linked to Zika) are going

to emerge,” she said. “The world is realising that Zika can be deadly. The mortality rate is not very high, but it can be deadly.”

Gaviria said one of the fatalities took place in San Andres and the other two in Turbo, in Antioquia department. (Excerpt from BBC News)

State-of-the-art cancer treatment centres coming to Jamaica

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wo new state-of-theart cancer treatment centres are to be built in Jamaica within the next 12 months.

The first, expected to be completed in the middle of this year, will be located at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, in St James, while another centre will be on the grounds of St Joseph’s Hospital in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston.

The centres will be outfitted with linear accelerator

(LINAC) machines, which are the most modern technology in radiotherapy treatment. They are being built at a cost of US$14.5 million, with the major funding partners being the National Health Fund (NHF), which donated US$10 million; Culture, Health, Arts Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, US$3.5 million; and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), US$1 million.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for

the centre at St Joseph’s Hospital on Thursday, Health Minister Horace Dalley, said the centres represent one of the “largest investments” by the Government in the provision of equipment and service to the country’s health sector.

He added that they form a crucial component of health strategies that are being developed to tackle non-communicable diseases, such as cancer. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

requirements.

The WTO in recent weeks has twice delayed the public announcement of a ruling in the case, rescheduling it for next Wednesday. Indian media reported last August that a WTO dispute settlement panel had confidentially notified Washington and New Delhi that it would rule against India in the case.

US Trade Representative spokesman Andrew Bates declined to confirm any details of the WTO’s intentions, but said the talks were aimed at reaching an out-of-

court resolution before any public announcement by the Geneva-based trade body.

“The United States initiated this dispute for the purpose of advancing the rapid deployment of clean, affordable energy in India and around the world,” Bates said.

“India has now asked to speak with the United States regarding the issue, and in light of ongoing discussions, release of the WTO panel’s report ruling has been temporarily delayed.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Thousands head to Turkey fleeing Syrian offensive

T

housands of Syrians are fleeing the Aleppo countryside, heading towards Turkey, as Government forces break through rebel defences in the northern province.

The development comes as diplomatic talks on ending the war in Syria remain on hold and Saudi Arabia announces its readiness to send in ground troops.

A Turkish aid organisation said on Friday that about 50,000 refugees urgently need food, water and shelter. “In the last three days over 50,000 people from Azaz across the Turkish town of Kilis reached the Turkish border,” Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) said.

“People, who fled their homes to protect their lives, came to the border and they are trying to survive sleeping under the trees in the open air.” Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey’s Prime Minister,

Most of those fleeing the fighting are reported to have arrived at the Bab al-Salam border crossing

told a Syria donor conference in London on Thursday that between 60,000 and 70,000 Syrians were on their way towards Turkey, trying to escape the deadly violence in Aleppo.

“They attacked Aleppo and the humanitarian corridor, [the] logistic corridor from Turkey to Aleppo, has

been cut off,” he said. “All the needs, food, everything to Aleppo where 300,000 people are living, were coming from Turkey.”

Sami Kekhia, a Syrian activist, told Al Jazeera that tens of thousands have fled their homes and are spread along the border with Turkey. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China blasts: Tianjin report finds 123 people responsible Magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits southern Taiwan: USGS

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ore than 120 people, including senior officials, were responsible for deadly blasts in the Chinese city of Tianjin last August, investigators have said.

Their report said the warehouse blasts were caused by hazardous materials improperly or illegally stored, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Investigators identified 123 people, including five officials at ministerial level, who they said were responsible.

The blasts killed 165 people and eight others are still missing. More than 300 buildings were damaged by the blasts in the port area, forcing thousands of people from their homes.

Residential areas near the site had to be evacuated

The Xinhua report said a highly flammable chemical, nitro-cotton, had been allowed to dry out and self-ignite, setting fire to other chemicals including ammonium nitrate and causing a chain reaction of fires and explosions.

It said that the owner of the warehouse, Ruihai International Logistics, had “illegally built a freight-yard of hazardous materials, conducted illegal operations, illegally stored hazardous material and had been running inept safety management”.

The report said local officials in several departments had failed to enforce regulations strictly. In December, Police arrested 24 people from Ruihai and 25 Government officials in connection with the blasts. The investigation panel, led by the State Council, China’s Cabinet, suggested that authorities take action against those it had identified. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Al Qaeda group claims kidnapping of Australians in Burkina Faso

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he militant group al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of two Australians near Burkina Faso’s border with Mali on January 15, according to an audio statement on Friday.

The recording by the

al Mourabitoun branch of AQIM, released on its official Telegram channel, also said the group had decided to release one of the captives – a woman – unconditionally.

“The primary motive behind their kidnapping was an attempt to (gain) re-

lease of our captives who sit behind bars and suffer the pain of imprisonment, as well as being deprived of their basic rights,” the recording stated.

Dr Ken Elliott and his wife Jocelyn, who are in their 80s, have operated a 120-bed clinic in the town

of Djibo for over 40 years.

They were abducted from the town as al Qaeda fighters raided a restaurant and hotel across the West African nation in the capital Ouagadougou – an attack that left dozens dead, most of them foreigners.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

A

powerful earthquake struck southern Taiwan early on Saturday near the city of Tainan, triggering at least one partial building collapse and other damages but no immediate reports of deaths or serious injuries.

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 6.4 quake, initially reported as a magnitude 6.7, was centred 27 miles (43 km) southeast of Tainan, a city of nearly two million people.

The quake was very shallow, at depth of 6.2 miles (10 km), which would have amplified its effects, the USGS said.

Taiwan’s China Post newspaper said on its website that more than one building collapsed in the quake.

“Collapsed buildings re-

ported in Tainan, with rescue workers arriving on scene. The city Government there has set up a level one emergency response centre.

Onlookers are urged not to block access to emergency crews moving into the area,” the newspaper said.

Tainan city’s fire department said earlier that it was on its way to the site of one building that had partially collapsed and Liu Shihchung, an official with the Tainan City Government, said the city had set up an emergency response center.

No other details were immediately available but many people in Taiwan said the tremor was strong. “I hugged the wall and put my face to the wall,” Pao-feng Wu, a Tainan resident, told Reuters after the quake hit.

(Reuters)

16 news

friday, february 5, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What are your thoughts on the decriminalisation of marijuana?

Duncan Farley, telecoms rigger: “I am a rasta and all rasta don’t smoke and I don’t think it should be legalised. It could lower sperm count. I used to use it and I got very fat and the doctor warned about cholesterol so I stopped using and I’m now fit.”

Imran Khan, vendor: “You got to get prescription to use cause if the police stop you, you got to show the prescription. People doing stupidness when they smoke it. It same thing like alcohol: people use it, abuse it and can’t control it.”

Colwyn Benjamin, heavyduty equipment operator: “Well, I think if they legalising it, they will have to get certain amount and some special place – it can’t be an everywhere something, it got to get a limit.”

Patrick Daniels, hairdresser: “My take on that is that there’s not a problem legalising marijuana. I’m a rastaman, but I’m representing justice and fairness. The truth is it’s a herb, Father produced it, it has its purpose but everything has its advantages and disadvantages. To sip it is the greatest way ever cause human is not a chimney, I don’t burn not even cigarette. Your spirit does tell you when you need a herbal cleanse and at that time you’ll go for what is best for health.”

Natasha Lesprance, cosmetologist: “These people who are smoking, they don’t have no heart for other people and I am saying everybody [has] a right to walk and have that beautiful sense of clean air.

The right way for medication is either through boiling it or whatever, smoking is not the way.”

Sevevia Cornelius, unemployed: “It ain make no sense, they aren’t legalising ganja when they are things like ganja wine saying that it cures something… it legal in other countries.”

Sherwin Belle, minibus driver: “Smoking is not something good, don’t legalise it. It could damage your brains. For medicine, yes, but not smoking it.”

Michael Ramcharran, security guard: “I can’t say, that left to the Government to decide. In one way the rehab will be full; they say it healthy but I don’t know.

I prefer the doctors to give we the medicine.”

Umana Yana reconstruction commences – to be completed by April

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n less than two months, Guyanese, and more specifically, those of Amerindian heritage, will have something to smile about, as work has commenced on the reconstruction of the Umana Yana which was destroyed by fire back in 2014.

Some 17 months after it was destroyed by fire, construction has commenced for the rebuilding of the fine building at a cost of some $60.7 million The cultural edifice was burnt to the ground in September of 2014, after a fire, later said to be electrical in origin, engulfed one of nation’s most famous landmarks.

The reconstruction commenced on Friday, with work being done on the foundation along with the planting of the poles.

A Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) Toshao Paul Chaema, one of the contractors said the reconstruction should be com-

Reconstruction underway for Umana Yana

pleted before the beginning of April.

The team working along with Toshao Chaema also come from Amerindian communities. According to him, only special materials can be used for this project.

The Umana Yana, which was built in 1972, was a historical structure and one of

Guyana’s most famous landmarks, appearing on the cover of several magazines and publications.

It was erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Georgetown.

Thereafter, it served as a VIP Lounge and recreation centre. It was a permanent

and much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, and in constant use as an exhibition and conference centre.

Fashioned like the Wai Wai benabs or shelters which are found deep in Guyana’s interior, it occupies an area of 460 square metres. This makes the benab the largest structure of its kind in

Guyana. It stood about 55 feet high (16.78 metres) and was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines, all of which are found in Guyana’s interior.

Back in 2015, the Indigenous People’s Affiars Ministry facilitate the sod turning ceremony for the reconstruction of the heritage site. It is expected to be completed within the next six months. This is according to Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe.

“It was historic in 1972 when the Umana Yana, 55 feet in height, was built for a visiting foreign delegation as a conference centre and it was a total disaster and a sad day in 2014 Heritage Month, the ninth of September, that this building was burnt down… due to electrical problems,” Garrido-Lowe had told the

gathering.

She reminded that the first Umana Yana was built without nails by the Wai-Wai nation, adding that “once again the WaiWais will be constructing the new Umana Yana, supported by the village of Moraikobai and the people of St Cuthbert’s who will be providing the materials.”

She expressed her appreciation for Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine whom she revealed designed the new building. According to Public Infrastruture Minister David Patterson, the project is a joint initiative between the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the indigenous people of Guyana.

He added that the villages of Moraikobai and St Cuthbert’s Mission would be providing the leaves for the construction of the roof, revealing that $16 million was budgeted for the installation of solar panels to provide the structure with power.

17

news

saturday, february 6, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Minister Lawrence urges Region 9 drought continues – Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry new Public Assistance monitoring conditions Board to be compassionate

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Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence during her remarks to the new Boards

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inister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence on Friday urged the new Boards of Guardian, who are responsible for evaluating and determining the legitimacy of the Public Assistance applications from outside Georgetown to ensure that tax-payers’ dollars are justifiably spent, to treat persons seeking assistance with compassion, while maintaining strict confidentiality in relation to all cases. She was at the time speaking to three of the five Boards responsible for Region Three at the West Demerara Secondary School.

She urged the members to network with other services offered by the Ministry, such as training through the Board of Industrial Training and job placement through the Central Manpower Agency to ensure to further empower persons seeking

Public Assistance.

Public Assistance, a form of temporary financial assistance issued by the Government is aimed at assisting the elderly, infirmed, sick, destitute and children below the age of 14 with their basic needs.

“This is important as the Ministry plans to introduce conditional cash transfers in 2017, which will seek to empower families, rather than individuals,” Minister Lawrence noted.

The new Boards of Guardian were installed across the country on February 1 and have commenced the processing of Public Assistance applications.

“The Local Board of Guardians Board members were appointed by Minister Lawrence in accordance with the Pension Ordinances, Chapters 36:02 and 36:03 respectively. The

members were all selected from communities within the regions, and several persons from the previous boards, which recently expired, were returned to serve on the new boards”, said a release from the Ministry of Social Protection.

There 28 existing boards report to the Poor Law Commission, which also has responsibility for Public Assistance in Georgetown.

The Commission’s authority ranges from consideration, amendment, discontinuation, and restoration of the relief granted by the Local Board of Guardians.

“This is done based on reports presented by Social Services Officers, who are required to investigate each claim in collaboration with relevant entities, such as the National Insurance Scheme in cases of medical conditions and disability,” the release stated.

he prevailing weather conditions which have continued to cause hardships to all in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) and is being monitored by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs.

According to a release, Sydney Allicock’s Ministry has undertaken several measures to “bring relief to Indigenous People in Region Nine.”

A public awareness campaign on water conservation and health related issues are being observed.

Additionally, reports are being received at Lethem from Regional Councillors, Community Health Workers and Village Toshaos, while Regional Health authorities are on high alert for “possible health challenges which could arise.”

It was also posited that Agriculture Extension Officers are carefully monitoring the Region’s production. Earlier in January, Guyana Times reported that dry conditions have hampered cassava production which had severely impacted production of cassava bread and other derivative products.

Village leaders have also put “measures in place to prevent the poisoning of creeks, streams and rivers for the harvesting of fish” while bathing in creeks is now prohibited.

These creeks are traditionally used for drinking

purposes and general use.

In the villages, there has been cleaning and increasing the depth of hand-dug wells.

Additionally, 450-gallon water tanks and water pumps have been provided by the Risk Reduction Management Centre and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to aid in water distribution. Also water purification tablets, and one-gallon water bottles are being sourced. Humanitarian efforts by the Full Gospel Fellowship Church have seen the Guyana International Mission commencing work on the construction of fifteen wells in the North Rupununi District.

The ministry has further recommended that, “the water harvesting project at the JR Ranch at Manari in Central Rupununi District be studied with a view to replicating it for the benefit of Indigenous Villages and communities in the Region.”

Special attention is also being placed on the elderly and persons with disabili-

ties.

Areas such as Paru, Paipang, Taushida, Tiger Pond and Rukumuta in the South Pakaraimas are having water transported in tanks from Karasbai, with assistance from the CDC. North Rupununi communities have faced more favourable conditions but water at Rewa and Crash Water crossings has dried up.

Health and Education sectors are being given priority in the water distribution plan in North Rupununi and Deep South.

The South Central area has been without rainfall for at least thirteen weeks and Rupununi River has partially dried up.

While the Central Rupununi district has slightly better conditions, the villages of Nappi, Kumu, Moco Moco, Simonie, Marcanata are continuing to ration water supplies.

The Kumu and MocoMoco creeks are also drying up while the Kumu falls has already run dry.

Caledonia farmer to be tried in Transportation operators High Court for manslaughter to pay for parking

J

amal Bacchus of lot 17 Caledonia, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Friday committed to stand trial at the High Court on a manslaughter charge. The 48-yearold was initially brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a murder charge which he denied.

The charge alleged that on February 4, at Access Road, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, EBD, he murdered Dhanshana Ram. Later on into the Preliminary Inquiry, the charge was reduced to manslaughter.

Police Prosecutor

Jamal Bacchus will be tried at the High Court for manslaughter

Michael Grant did not reveal the prosecution’s facts.

The accused was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes. The matter was adjourned to February 26.

According to reports, on the day in question at about 01:15h, Ram sustained stab wounds about his body during an argument with another man at Timehri. He was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Bacchus was arrested and an investigation was launched which led to the charge being instituted against him.

American Citizens invited to town hall meeting

T

he American Citizen Services (ACS) of the United States Embassy is inviting all US citizens living in or visiting Guyana to attend a town hall meeting next week.

The meeting will be held at the US Embassy, Duke and Younge Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. It will

commence at 15:00h.

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway, will be addressing the meeting where attendees will receive important information about voting in the 2016 US elections, updates to the US passport services, federal benefits check requirements, and vital information on health, safety, and security.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to share any concerns and have their questions answered.

All U.S citizens are encouraged to attend.

For more information on the Meeting, persons can contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S Embassy at acsgeorge@ state.gov.

T

he Georgetown Mayor and City Council plans to implement payment system for public transportation operators in an effort to maintain a clean environment.

This move has attracted criticisms from operators who stated they are not prepared to pay this fee for every trip made, while others are in favour of it.

A Corentyne driver Mark Williams stated minibus operators operating his route are in agreement with the parking fee however the council needs to remove touts from the minibus parks.

Angry drivers plying University of Guyana route explained they are not in favour with the fee, since they also have to pay fees to enter University of Guyana to transport passengers.

Meanwhile, the minibus operators from Georgetown noted if the fee is compulsory, they would be demanding an increase in fares, citing it is totally unfair to them.

During an interview Mayor and City Council Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis (ag) explained

Minibus operators sharing their concerns

to this publication that the fees collected would be used to assist in the maintenance of the surroundings where there are public transportation centres.

She said this effort is part of the city clean-up campaign initiative. Lewis stated too that the overall plan for charging the fees was not finalised; however a meeting is slated for Sunday with these operators, to put

it in effect at the earliest date.

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown recently resuscitated its Traffic Management Unit, along with its bicycle patrol, in an effort to restore order around the City. Barriers were placed at some parks around the city to ensure an easy flow of traffic within the areas.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, february 6, 2016

ARCHIE

Leave the past behind you and focus on building a stron(March 21- ger and better future. Bring April 19) about practical changes that will encourage stability and future security. Don’t give in to pressure.

ARIES

Take on more responsibiliTAURUS ties and prove to others what (April 20- you are capable of doing. You May 20) will obtain greater popularity and pave the way to a better position. Romance is highlighted.

dilbert

You should take care of GEMINI (May 21- your interests, not someone June 20) else’s. It’s important not to fall behind or to let anyone take advantage of your generosity.

Keep your life in perspective and live within your means.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

You should make positive changes that will add comfort and joy to your home. An important partnership can be taken to the next level if you share your feelings.

Preparation will be necLEO essary if you want to achieve (July 23your goal. Put extra effort into Aug. 22) physical improvements if you want to feel confident enough to engage in a challenge.

You will attract positive VIRGO attention if you use your at(Aug. 23tributes to help others and Sept. 22) are open and receptive to new ideas and projects. Romance will improve your life.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t be too quick to share LIBRA (Sept. 23- your thoughts or feelings.

Oct. 23) Someone will use your words against you, making your life difficult. Work on yourself instead of trying to change others.

SUDOKU

Take a break and make SCORPIO plans to do something fun (Oct. 24Nov. 22) with a loved one. A short vacation or just lazing around and discussing plans for the future will result in personal gains.

Take time to rummage SAGITTARIUS through your possessions and (Nov. 23- donate things you no longer Dec. 21) need. Your kindness will be appreciated, and the space you make at home can be put to better use.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You’ll be in the spotlight.

CAPRICORN Everyone will want to know (Dec. 22- what you think. An opportuJan. 19) nity will arise if you get together with people from your past. Make love a priority.

If you reconnect with AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- someone from your past, an Feb. 19) opportunity will present itself. It’s time for a new beginning. Aim for progress in all aspects of life.

Focus on helping others.

PISCES (Feb. 20- Seek out individuals who can March 20) make whatever project you are working on better. Make romance a priority and celebrate life.

saturday, february 6, 2016

African confederation backs Salman for FIFA job B

ahrain's Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa gained a major boost in his bid to become the next FIFA president when he received endorsement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday.

Salman and Swiss Gianni Infantino are now clear front-runners to win this month's presidential election at soccer's ruling body FIFA, which has been embroiled in a huge corruption scandal that has seen 41 people and entities indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The governing body of football in Africa, which has 54 full voting members, said Asian Football Confederation president Salman was its preferred candidate for the poll in Zurich on Feb. 26 that will determine who succeeds Swiss Sepp Blatter.

"CAF will give full support to Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa towards his candidacy for the FIFA presidency," vice-president Suketu Patel told reporters before declining to answer questions.

The decision was a big blow for South African candidate Tokyo Sexwale who will remain in the race despite having come under pressure to withdraw.

Salman already has the backing of his own

Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Asian confederation while Infantino, general secretary of UEFA, has the support of his European organisation along with the 10-member South American confederation CONMEBOL. "I am deeply honoured to have earned the trust of many of our African friends at this crucial stage of the campaign effort," Salman said in a statement.

"The two endorsements only mean there is a strong groundswell in favour of my candidacy. What they don't mean is that I can sit back and relax. This campaign will be decided on the day of the vote, not before.

"Naturally I am confident I now have a reasonably strong position to work from with such support," added Salman.

The FIFA poll will be a

secret ballot and the support of executive committees for candidates does not necessarily translate into a united block of votes.

STAND DOWN PLEA

Sexwale, who looked upset as he huddled with his advisers after Friday's meeting, will remain in the race despite being asked by CAF officials to stand down.

"They did ask 'can you stay back?' and my answer was I recommend that they should not consider me today...so that they should not have a difficult decision to make, and for the sake of unity," the South African told reporters.

"But certainly in the race I remain. I still stand, I go to Zurich," he added, noting that individual associations would make their own deci-

sions.

The former anti-apartheid activist, who was imprisoned on Robben Island and was a close friend of the late South Africa President Nelson Mandela, said he did not feel betrayed by his fellow Africans.

"No. I was a man of war at one stage and I was in prison. I had been betrayed during war. I saw men die and I was betrayed like Mandela. This is all about football. Let's smile, it is a game," he explained.

CAF listened to presentations from Salman, Sexwale, Infantino and Frenchman Jerome Champagne, the former FIFA deputy general secretary, who all travelled to Rwanda to attend the meeting.

Infantino said he expected the decision and vowed to win over the single federations.

"I am not surprised. It was in the air for a few days.

It was not really a secret but it is not the executive committee that votes, it is the individual associations," he added.

"I still have to visit many African countries in the coming few weeks and still have to see a few people."

Champagne declined to comment on the CAF decision.

The fifth candidate, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, did not attend. (Reuters

Sport)

Criticism of Windies U-19s for Mankad “rubbish” – claims former umpire

F

ormer Test umpire Malcolm Holder has rubbished talks of the Mankad dismissal being considered unsporting conduct as hypocritical and rubbish.

The West Indies U-19 team came under heavy criticism following the use of the dismal to secure a win over Zimababwe and a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

England ODI captain Eoin Morgan described the action as “disgraceful behaviour” and claimed the team should be ashamed.

Holder, however, dismissed such assertions as “hot air”.

“A non-striker leaves his ground early for the sole purpose of gaining extra distance to enable him to get safely to his ground at the far end and it is against the laws. Why should he be able to break the law, wilfully, but a bowler accidentally overstepping the

NBA roundup…

Kobe’s 27 leads Lakers to victory

Kobe Bryant

C

heered on by a road crowd, Kobe Bryant nailed three 3-pointers in the final 6:07 to score a team-high 27 points and lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-96 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at the Smoothie King Center.

Bryant re-entered the game with the Lakers holding an 85-79 lead, and immediately hit a 3-pointer from the right wing and came back on the next possession with another longrange jumper from the left wing.

Each time his shot fell, the Pelicans’ home crowd erupted in cheers.

Los Angeles (10-42), which had lost 14 of their previous 16 games, also got 18 points from Jordan Clarkson.

New Orleans (18-31) lost its third consecutive game despite a game-high 39 points and 11 rebounds by Anthony Davis.

Raptors 110, Trail Blazers 103

Windies U-19 celebrate the fall of a wicket during the ICC U-19 World Cup

popping crease is penalised by being no- balled?

“Talk of the bowler who effects the run out acting against the spirit of cricket is simple garbage and hypocrisy. Are umpires supposed to apply the laws selectively? The fact of the matter is that the non-striker in this instance is acting against the law and all

the laws apply equally to every player,” Holder explained.

“Whenever such a run out happens there is a big outcry – wrongly so. I am fully supportive of the action of the West Indies bowler and believe that the only way of eradicating the practice of non-strikers backing up illegally is to run them out.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

19

Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined for 59 points as Toronto beat Portland.

Lowry scored 30 points with eight assists while DeRozan added 29 points for the Raptors (34-16), who won for the 13th time in their last 14 outings. Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 14 points and 11 rebounds for Toronto, which won for only the second time in the last 13 trips to Portland and first

since December 2006.

Damian Lillard collected 27 points and 11 assists while CJ McCollum had 21 points for the Trail Blazers (24-27), who lost for only the third time in 12 games. Allen Crabbe added 17 points off the Portland bench.

Rockets 111, Suns 105

Corey Brewer had a season-high 24 points, including two 3-pointers in the final two minutes, and Trevor Ariza had 20 points to lead Houston past Phoenix.

Brewer hit back-to-back threes from the left corner, the second on a third-chance possession with 1:10 remaining to give the Rockets (27-25) a 108-101 lead.

Archie Goodwin had 22 points for the Suns (14-37), who have lost six in a row, 12 of 13 and 21 of their last 23.

Pistons 111, Knicks 105

Reggie Jackson scored 21 points, including a pair of 3-pointers to save Detroit’s victory after it blew a 27-point lead.

Jackson also made three free throws in the closing seconds as the Pistons (2724) outscored New York 16-8 in the final 1:47.

Arron Afflalo scored 19 of his 24 points after halftime as the Knicks roared back from a 60-36 halftime deficit. Robin Lopez had 26 points and 16 rebounds to lead New York (23-29), which has lost seven of its last eight. (Lindy’s Sports)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, february 6, 2016

ICC Under-19 World Cup…

Zakir, Mehedi 50s guide Bangladesh U-19s to semi-finals A

splendid 113run fifth-wicket stand between captain Mehedi Hasan and Zakir Hasan steeredBangladesh Under-19s to the semi-finals after completing a sixwicket win against Nepal Under-19s in Dhaka. The pressure steadily built

on the pair after Joyraz Sheikh was dismissed for a patient 38. However, they found the boundary, rotated the strike and compiled fifties in the process as Bangladesh reached the target with 10 balls to spare.

Earlier in the chase, Nepal had chipped away

SCOREBOARD Nepal Under-19s S Dhamala run out (Nazmul Hossain Shanto/†Zakir Hasan) 25 S Sunar b Mohammad Saifuddin 7 YS Karki c Saif Hassan b Mehedi Hasan Rana 1 R Rijal*† run out (Nazmul Hossain Shanto/†Zakir Hasan) 72 Aarif Sheikh c Joyraz Sheik b Mohammad Saifuddin 21 Rajbir Singh lbw b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 9 DS Airee b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 22 K Bhurtel run out (Pinak Ghosh/Mehedi Hasan Miraz) 14 P Tamang not out 22 S Kandel run out (Mohammad Saifuddin) 2 Extras: (b 1, lb 2, w 13) 16 Total (9 wickets; 50 overs) 211 Did not bat: S Lamichhane Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-19, 3-63, 4-114, 5-146, 6-153, 7-178, 8-202, 9-211 Bowling: Mehedi Hasan

Rana 10-0-30-1, Mohammad Saifuddin 10-0-38-2, Mehedi Hasan Miraz 10-0-51-1, Saleh 10-0Ahmed Shawon 31-1, Ariful Islam 5-0-24-0, Saeed Sarkar 3-0-24-0, Nazmul Hossain Shanto 2-0-10-0 Bangladesh Under-19s innings Pinak Ghosh run out (Kandel) 32 Saif Hassan lbw b Dhamala 5 Joyraz Sheik lbw b Dhamala 38 Nazmul Hossain Shanto c & b Lamichhane 8 Zakir Hasan† not out 75 Mehedi Hasan Miraz* not out 55 Extras: (w 2) 2 Total: (4 wickets; 48.2 overs) 215 Did not bat: Mohammad Saifuddin, Saeed Sarkar, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Ariful Islam, Saleh Ahmed Shawon Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-63, 3-75, 4-98 Bowling: S Dhamala 10-0-33-2, Aarif Sheikh 5-2-9-0, S Kandel 10-0-39-0, S Lamichhane 10-0-46-1, P Tamang 6-0-35-0, DS Airee 7.2-0-53-0.

Mehedi Hasan works one on the leg side during his unbeaten 55 (ICC photo)

at the wickets and gained a slight edge despite contributions from Joyraz and Pinak Ghosh (32).

Offspinner Sunil Dhamala was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 33 from his 10 overs.

Raju Rijal had set up Nepal’s score of 211 with a fluent 80-ball 72, which featured eight fours and a six. He strung handy stands of 44, 51 and 32 with Dhamala (25), Arif Sheikh (21) and Rajbir Singh. Some useful cameos lower down the order helped eke out 51 from the last 10 overs. Fast bowler Mohammad Saifuddin

picked up 2 for 38.

Karim Janat smashed a 132-ball 156 to propel Afghanistan Under19s to a massive 226-run victory against Fiji Under19s in the ninth-place playoff in Cox’s Bazar. After being inserted to bat, Afghanistan piled on 340 for 9 and then bowled out Fiji for 114 in the 32nd over. Perwez Malakzai (74 off 69) combined with Janat to add 130 in a fourth-wicket stand to rescue Afghanistan from 47 for 3.

The middle and lower order all contributed with

handy cameos to help add 73 in the last 44 balls. Peni Wuniwaqa picked up three 3 for 41 and T Veitacini claimed two scalps.

Fiji were never really in the chase after losing Delaimatuku Maraiwai off the first ball of the innings. They were soon reduced to 18 for 5 before Malakai Cokovaki (25) and Josaia Baleicikoibia (29) shared a 50-run stand.

Another clump of wickets soon fell and Fiji were bundled out. Nijat Masood returned figures of 6-1-6-3, while Rashid Khan claimed 3 for 16.

A collective bowling effort, led by Jeremy Ives, followed by a fifty from opener Shaun Snyderhelped Zimbabwe Under-19s seal a comfortable win against Canada Under-19s in the ninth pace play-off quarter-final.

After having opted to bat, Canada were quickly reduced to 21 for 2 and then 56 for 3. Harsh Thaker (23), Amish Taploo (37), Abraash Khan (32), Arslan Khan (31) all got starts in the middle order, but gave it away. Slow left-arm spinning allrounder Ives was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe with figures of 3 for 30. The lower order also struggled for momentum as Canada crawled to 186 for 8.

Ives starred with the bat as well, making an unbeaten 43 off 55 balls to steer his side home. It came after a strong opening partnership of 89 between Snyder and Wesley Madhevere. While Madhevere was dismissed for 31, Snyder went onto stroke his second successive half-century. Ives and William Mashinge added 46 together to ensure that the chase was completed in 31.4 overs with six wickets in hand. (Cricinfo)

GFF appoints Debra Francis as new PR/ Communication Officer – names management team of Golden Jaguars

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed popular radio personality Debra Francis as their new Public Relations and Communications Officer.

According to a press release by the federation on Thursday, Francis commenced duty on February 1.

Francis will be responsible for all matters relating to public and media relations as well as communicating the business and operations of the federation.

Meanwhile, the GFF revealed their management team for the men’s Golden Jaguars national squad for

Debra Francis

their upcoming international friendly on February 21 as well as their participation in the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Caribbean Cup Tournament slated for March 21-29.

The management team read as follows: CoachesWayne Dover and Jamaal Shabazz, Manager - Rawle Adams, Public Relations and Communications OfficerDebra Francis, Goalkeeper Coach - Andrew Hazel, Trainer - Anson Ambrose, Physiotherapist Beverly Nelson, Equipment Manager - Trevor Burnett and Equipment Officer Earl Paul.

sports

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21

Sir Viv backs Pakistan Super League for success

W

indies batting legend Sir Vivian Richards has backed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be successful after somewhat of a lowkey start.

The tournament, which will be missing some of the biggest names in Twenty20 cricket, began on Thursday with the Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators in Dubai.

Richards, a former West Indies captain, however, believes the league already has what it takes to be successful.

“I believe that with the magnificent cricketers that you have in this region, this could get better. It depends on the individuals who are part of the team themselves and I do believe there is enough personnel here for this league to be a success,” Richards said.

Richards will serve as mentor for Quetta Gladiators, one of five teams in the championship, which

Sir Vivian Richards

runs from February 4-23.

“I have been involved with Big Bash for three years and I have been involved with Indian Premier League (IPL) for one year and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) too, so this is an extension,” Richards said.

The PSL will, however, feature several of the Caribbean region’s top players. Superstar opener

Chris Gayle and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will turn out for Lahore Qalandars, while Andre Russell, one of the game’s best all-rounders, and leg-spinner Samuel Badree are on Islamabad United’s roster.

West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy has signed with Peshawar Zalmi with batsman Lendl Simmons expected to feature for Karachi Kings. (Digicel Sportsmax)

IAAF to probe Chinese letter pointing to systematic doping by Ma

W

orld athletics body IAAF said on Friday it would investigate the authenticity of a letter signed by 10 Chinese athletes that says a Chinese Olympic coach ran a systematic doping programme up to the mid-1990s.

Signatories to the 21-year-old letter, published for the first time on private news portal Tencent Sports, included women’s long-distance runner Wang Junxia, an Olympic champion and world record holder.

The allegations in the document, which Chinese TV channel CCTV and other state media also reported, date back to before the IAAF presidency of Lamine Diack, who took over in 1999.

Reuters could not independently confirm the authenticity of the letter and was unable to reach Wang or the coach the document named, Ma Junren.

The letter, sent in March 1995 to journalist Zhao Yu but never previously publicised, suggests Ma ran a systematic doping programme in China some two decades ago.

Reuters was unable to reach Zhao for comment.

The IAAF said its first action would be to verify that the letter was genuine. “In this respect, the IAAF has asked the Chinese Athletics Association to assist it in that process,” it said.

An executive at the Chinese Athletics Association declined to comment.

The release of the Chinese letter comes as Diack, the former head of world athletics, is under investigation by French authorities for corruption.

According to a World Anti-Doping Agency

The IAAF logo outside of the federation’s headquarters in Monaco

(WADA) report, Diack ran a clique that covered up organised doping and blackmailed athletes while senior officials looked the other way.

The WADA report found a “deeply rooted culture of cheating” in Russian athletics, leading to the country’s athletes being banned from the sport indefinitely.

‘CHANGING PERCEPTIONS’

Wang, whose 1993 world records for 3,000 and 10,000 metres still stand, was among a team coached by Ma, who for years had been dogged by doping allegations.

“For many years, (Ma) forced us to take large doses of banned drugs, it was true,” the letter signed by her and nine others said.

“Our feelings are sorry and complex when exposing his deeds. We are also worried that we would harm our country’s fame and reduce the worth of the gold medals we have worked very hard to get.”

Ma has consistently denied the drug claims and said his athletes reached such levels through hard work and natural remedies, including turtle’s blood.

However, in 2000, Chinese authorities fired Ma

from the Olympic team after six of his athletes failed drug tests.

The organisation confirmed that any athlete admitting to taking an illegal substance at some time prior to setting a world record would have the mark removed.

Tencent Sports said details of doping had been deleted from a book on Ma that Zhao had published in 1993.

However, these details were reinserted in a recent republication.

“We (author and editors) previously believed that the doping part was too sensitive, but now it’s a better time as Chinese people’s perceptions towards sports have changed substantially,” Zhao told the news website.

In 1993 alone, Ma’s team broke 66 domestic and world records, CCTV said. They took all three medals in the 5,000 metres and gold and silver in the 10,000 metres at the Stuttgart world championships.

His athletes smashed three world records at the Chinese national championships, with Wang taking 42 seconds off the 10,000 metres mark. She went on to win 5,000m gold and 10,000m silver at the 1996 Olympics.

(Reuters Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, february 6, 2016

GFA, ANSA McAL partner to host Stag Premier League – action to kick off on Sunday

B

everage giants ANSA McAL under their Stag Beer brand have teamed up with the Georgetown Football Association to host a Premier League that will feature some of Georgetown’s top clubs when action kicks off on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.

At the launching on Friday, ANSA McAL’s Public Relation Officer (PRO), Darshanie Yussuf highlighted that it is the aim of the company to have football being played at all levels.

“Football isn’t only being played at the (GFF) Elite League level; we (ANSA McAL) want to see football being played throughout Guyana.”

Further, Yussuf highlighted that Stag wants to see football being played in a structured fashion, “Ansa McAl wants to own structured football at all levels; we’re willing to support

ANSA McAL’s PRO Darshanie Yussuf hands over the sponsorship to the President of the GFA Clifton Hicken in the midst of ANSA McAL and GFA officials

once it’s done in a structured manner and one where the players will be the ones benefiting in the long run.”

However, with ANSA McAL having their Stag brand not just on the elite league but on a number of other Guyana Football Federation (GFF) sub asso-

ciation tournaments, Yussuf pointed out that their sponsorship is strictly for the development of the game.

“We’re lending the support because while the Stag Elite League has the creamof-the-crop, this is us helping other players and teams to reach to that level or even

higher,” Yussuf pinpointed.

The tournament’s opening day at the GFC will see Santos taking on Sunburst Camptown from 18:30h, followed by a clash between Western Tigers and Riddim Squad at 20:30h.

Beacons, Police FC, Northern Rangers and

Flamingo are the other teams in the league that will benefit from the league.

Meanwhile, ‘A’ Division Commander and President of the GFA Clifton Hicken, who thanked ANSA McAL noted that the sponsorship will go a far way in helping to build Georgetown teams

into better squads.

“This is our first approach to ANSA McAL and we were greeted with open arms. Next year, we want to see more of our teams in the Elite League but in order us to do that, we will have to build capacity in terms of developing more first division players at a club level,” Hicken highlighted.

Hicken also noted that sport is a major boost to society, “Like ANSA McAL, we’re asking other stakeholders to come on board because we’re seeing the benefits from developing football at all level and, if you have the youths of this country do something constructive with their energy, I think society will develop in terms of morals and we’ll have less perpetrators of violence.”

The league will be played outside of the dates occupied by the GFF Stag Elite League, according to GFA Vice President Frank Paris.

Rugby 15’s action continues today

UG Wolves (green and black) hammer Police Falcons for 64 points last weekend

A

ction in the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT)/ Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) first division 15’s league will continue over the weekend at the National Park rugby field.

The Pepsi Hornets will lock horns with the Police Falcons today from 16:00h in what is expected to be an easy game for the Hornets.

Hornets who opened the league with a win against the Yamaha Caribs last weekend will be fielding an unchanged squad against the young Police team.

With the Hornets looking for their second win in as many games, Police Coach Troy Yhip indicated that his squad has added some firepower and they intend to play their best game possible in hope of causing an upset.

Meanwhile On Sunday from 16:00h the University of Guyana Wolves will do battle with the Caribs.

UG already owns one win in the tournament by hammering Police 64-5 in their opener.

Nevertheless, Caribs will be aiming to avoid their second loss in a row especially with national coach Theodore Henry at the helm of the squad.

UG’s coach Larry Adonis, stated that he expects Caribs to come strong at them but the guys are up to the challenge, he said the team will be working on several game plans to lockdown the Caribs.

The GTT/GRFU League will be used as a bench mark for the selection of players to the national squad for international engagements later this year.

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, february 6, 2016

23

Guyana to be represented by Regal at 13th Florida Cup Festival Round 2 to kick Milo U-20 School Football Tournament…

off with four games today

By Treiston Joseph

A

R

Flashback: Members of the successful Regal open and masters squad pose after their respective victories

egal XI will represent Guyana at the 13th edition of the Florida Softball Cup slated for March 11-13 at the Brain Picelo Park.

Regal who defeated New York All Stars and Floodlight in the Guyana Cup 5 open and masters finals respectively in 2015 will be led by Chien Gittens and Troy Kippins respectively.

According to a release, the competition is being

held to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and is being organised by the Consulate of Guyana in association with the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL).

In addition, the squad met with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones on Friday where Jones wished the team success while noting that teams have become ambassadors of the nation in the sport of softball.

Vice-Captain of the team

Samuel Kingston expressed confidence in his side, “We have a number of players who can hold their own in any given situation so I am confident we can go all the way,” he added.

The teams; OpenChien Gittens (Capt.), Samuel Kingston, Pritvinauth Motilall, Safraz Esau, Roohit Dutchin, Delroy Perreira, Seewchand Budhu, Balram Roopnarine, Sachin Singh, Navin Singh, Kawson

Joseph, Richard Latif, Ricky Sergeant, Fazal Rafiek and Tyrone Sanasie.

Masters: Troy Kippins (Capt.), Mahendra Hardyal, Rudolph Baker, Mahesh Chunilall, Shawn Massiah, Fazleem Mohamed, Laurie Singh, Longsford Klass, Mohamed Rafeek, Rudolph Rodrigues, Eion Abel, Peter Persaud, Raymond Harper, Afzal Haniff and Amarnauth Boodhoo.

Intercab Kharamattalee manager.

n exciting first round of action has ended in the Milo Under-20 School Football Tournament and round two will begin today at the Ministry of Education ground with four games.

Defending champions, Chase Academy will be in action today when they face St Winefred’ Secondary School in the third game of the day.

Chase topped Tucville Secondary 5-nil in their opener and will be aiming to continue with their momentum against a St Winefred’s squad that might not be able to slow down the defending champs.

With Chase aiming to become the first team to repeat as champions in the tournament’s four year history, St Winefred might be in for a long day on the pitch.

Meanwhile the day’s opening game will pit Houston Secondary against North Ruimveldt in what might just be an easy win

for North Ruimveldt.

Houston not known for their defence allowed six goals in their opener with Queens College when they lost 6-2.

North Ruimveldt has the firing power to take advantage of their defensive lapses which might just be the difference maker in the game.

Brickdam Secondary will do battle with North Georgetown in a game that can go either way since both teams seem on even keel.

Nevertheless, the match of the day might just be Morgan Learning Centre (MLC) against Queens College (QC).

MLC touted as a favourite of the tournament can definitely turn it up once they are in the zone.

However, facing a squad such as QC that has shown some early fireworks with six goals in one match might just give MLC something to think about going into the encounter.

Action is set to start from 11:00h.

saturday, february 6, 2016

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

Rugby 15’s action continues today

Pg 22

Action between Pepsi Hornets (red, white and blue) and the Yamaha Caribs last weekend

Milo U-20 School Football Tournament…

Round 2 to kick off with four games today Pg 23

Action during round one of the tournament

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