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Issue No. 2749

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Local Govt democracy returns after 22 years Page 12 & 13

– as parties, individuals make Nomination's Day submissions

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Essequibo man burns self to death P9 – 19-year-old succumbs after ingesting poison

Wanted P2 bulletin issued for brothers in Farm, EBE murder Supporters of the People’s Progressive Party Civic along with APNU/AFC supporters gathered on Tuesday in front of the office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Waterloo Street, Georgetown, as they presented their respective list of candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE)

GPL multimillion-dollar fraud

Former Director, Deputy CEO charged Page 7

– wanted bulletin issued for Deonarine

PAC grossly misled on drug shortage, expiration fiasco

– checks & balances in place to determine drug quality, life – NEW GPC owed hundreds of $millions

Page 3

67th Republic Day of India observed

Zika Virus

Health P2 Ministry concerned over illegal entry of Brazilians Region 2's 2015 capital and current works programme

$79M returned to Finance Ministry – Chairman Page 15 Guyana joined in celebrating India’s 67th Republic Day on Tuesday. Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam addressing a large gathering at the Marriott International Hotel during a dinner and reception. Also in photo are Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Seeta Nagamootoo

2 news

wednesday, january 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Conmen wanted Zika Virus

by Police Health Ministry concerned about

illegal entry of Brazilians

A

Wanted: Dhanraj Raghubir

Wanted: Michael Persaud

olice investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating two individuals who are wanted for fraud.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Dhanraj Raghubir, 26, of Lot 26 Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown, and 43-year-old Michael Persaud, called “Jaggie” of Lot 15 Public Road, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

According to the Police, the men are wanted for questioning in relation to investi-

gations into several counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Dhanraj Raghubir and Michael Persaud are asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-9941, 227-2128, 227-1149, 2256411, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police station.

The Police have advised that all information will be treated with strict confidence.

P

s Guyana continues to put measures in place to deal with the Zika virus detected on these shores, the Public Health Ministry is expressing concerns about the illegal relocation of Brazilians here. An outbreak of the Zika virus began in April 2015 in Brazil, and subsequently spread to other countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, during an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, said that besides the measures which the Ministry has already effectuated since the discovery of the virus here was made, there are other defence mechanisms which needs addressing. However, the Ministry has encountered complications in doing

so, the most complicated being the illegal relocation of Brazilians to Guyana.

Minister Norton told this publication that this has certainly engaged the Ministry’s attention since Brazil has been deemed as the most affected country with the Zika virus.

Dr Norton explained that as a result of the low levels of water in the Takatu River, there has been a significant amount of Brazilians entering Guyana, since it is now possible to walk over the almost parched river.

Questioned about whether Police Officers have been dispatched to the entrances to stop illegal entry, Minister Norton responded that there are persons presently guarding the area.

“Yes, there are persons there on the lookout but it is not that easy to stop persons

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

from coming in since there are quite a few entrances,” he told this publication.

In addition, the Ministry is having consultations with the Vector Control Unit to ensure that all trucks from Brazil entering Guyana are sprayed to rid the vehicle of any mosquitoes which may possibly be carrying the virus.

Apart from these concerns, Norton has informed that the Ministry is taking precautions in protecting

the country from the virus.

These protective measures include the fogging campaign which is being carried out countrywide, distribution of nettings to pregnant women and educational programmes to inform persons about the virus.

However, the Public Health Minister has advised the public to do their part by getting into the habit of using mosquito repellents which will reduce the chance of being bitten by the mosquito.

Guyana had been recently added to The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel warning list as one of the countries which is likely to be affected by the virus which is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This was issued after the Public Health Minister reported to the National Assembly that Guyana had verified one case of the Zika virus.

Pregnant women were advised to take extra precautions since unborn babies are most seriously affected by the virus which causes microcephaly, a neurological defect in newborns which hinders their brain development.

Wanted bulletin issued for brothers in Farm, EBE murder

P

Wanted: Leon Khan

Wanted: Quincy Khan

olice investigators are on the hunt for two brothers who are wanted for the murder of a Farm, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) man in December.

Leon Khan, 22; and Quincy Khan, 25; both of Farm, EBE, are wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to investigations into the murder of Dennis Martin which occurred on December 15, 2015, at Farm.

Martin, 36, of Lot 5 Public Road, Farm, EBE, was beaten to death after he tried to settle an ongoing dispute between the suspects and his nephews. He died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to reports, the suspects and Martin’s neph-

ews were involved in two separate altercations, during which the nephews were wounded by the two brothers. However, on the day in question, Martin was on his way to the shop when he saw one of the suspects and confronted him.

During the confrontation, the father of one was brutally attacked and beaten by both brothers, who seem to be on the run.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Leon Khan and Quincy Khan are asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 227-2128, 227-1149, 225-2227 226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police station.

The Police have advised that all information will be treated with strict confidence.

news

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wednesday, january 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 27 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, January 28 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 27 – 06:30h-00:00h and Thursday, January 28 – 06:50h-08:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny intervals can be expected to prevail in the morning with light rain showers and sunshine expected in 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 to North-easterly between 5.36 metres and 6.70 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:27h and 18:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.63 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:02h and 12:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.62 metre respectively.

PAC grossly misled on drug shortage, expiration fiasco – checks & balances in place to determine drug quality, life – NEW GPC owed hundreds of $millions

T

he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament was on Monday grossly misled by officials of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) regarding the massive shortage of drugs at the country’s premier State-run medical facility.

During a meeting of the PAC on Monday, Yvonne Bullen, newly appointed Administrative Manager of the GPHC’s pharmacy said that some 186 drugs were either completely out of stock, in very low supply or in short supply.

Another section of the anti-NEW GPC media claimed that drugs were being delivered to the Hospital with short shelf life. “Drugs were being delivered with expiry dates as soon as four months from the date of delivery. Some are ordered from India, where it takes about nine months to travel to Guyana and I don’t know how long it takes to be cleared but when they arrive ,they have a short usage period.”

The NEW GPC Inc, which is the leading supplier of drugs to the local health sector, when contacted for a comment on Tuesday, comprehensively refuted the imputa-

NEW GPC INC, Farm, East Bank Demerara

tions that the Corporation had supplied expired drugs or pharmaceuticals with short shelf life, noting that this claim “is far from the truth.”

The entity noted that there are several layers of scrutiny before drugs are supplied to the Public Health Ministry (MPH) and the GPHC. “First NEW GPC cannot supply an item, which the Hospital did not previously request or order.

Secondly, to their credit, both the staff of GPHC and MPH is very strict in ensuring that contractually inbound items arrive with 75 per cent or more of their remaining shelf life.

Importantly, the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department also monitors shelf life through

its own means, that is via issuance of import licences, which are required for each consignment of pharmaceuticals that are imported into Guyana,” the NEW GPC said in a statement.

The pharmaceutical producer said that for items manufactured in Guyana or in stock, any potential buyer, including the GPHC, is free to confirm and most times does confirm expiration date prior to purchase.

The NEW GPC’s air conditioned warehouse is still used to store large quantities of GHPC’s drugs even though the contract has expired.

The company explained that the media seems to be reporting on expiration cumulatively without analysing the products by date of

acquisition and clarifying if free goods or donations are included, or was simultaneously received in the period. Contrary to claims in other sections of the media, GPHC CEO Alan Johnson, also newly appointed, confirmed that the institution owes hundreds of millions of dollars for pharmaceuticals supplied by the New GPC. NEWGPC also expressed disappointment at the sensationalised coverage of an issue that has grave implications for the well being of the nation and pointed out that both the individuals giving evidence and those reporting on the same do not seem to understand the supply chain regime of pharmaceutical supplies.

Trio to be charged for Bank of Baroda robbery

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hree persons are expected to be placed before the courts today for the brazen daylight robbery committed on the Bank of Baroda branch at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, on Friday last.

This was disclosed

by Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Wendell Blanhum, during a telephone interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> on Tuesday.

It was reported that

four masked gunmen stormed Bank of Baroda at Mon Repos and carted off an undisclosed sum of cash. According to information received, four bandits invaded the Bank which is located on the ground floor of the Mon Repos Mall at about 12:50h, and relieved the female security guard of her .32 service revolver.

The men then held two female tellers at gunpoint and relieved them of money. No customer was con-

ducting business at the time of the robbery. After committing the robbery, the four exited the building and escaped in a waiting silver-grey Toyota Primo car bearing licence plate PNN 8984.

The Police stated that the plates were false. Upon

receiving the report, the Police swiftly erected road blocks at strategic locations but the car was not seen.

The surveillance footage has since been handed over to the Police as they continue to investigate the robbery.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, january 27, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

A broken system needs urgent fixing

I

magine a diabetic or high blood pressure patient, a patient with a serious infection, a very sick child and no medicine in the hospital.

Imagine a patient in need of surgery or a pregnant woman in need of a Caesarean operation, but the surgeon cannot operate because vital supplies necessary for the safe functioning of the operating room are unavailable. Imagine a blood bank without blood bags and the antenatal clinic without HIV test kits.

These are only some consequences of medical supplies shortages and, unfortunately, some of these scenarios have occurred many times in our public health system in the last several months. There is a crisis in our health system because of too many shortages of critical supplies, including life-saving medicines. The shortages include the absence of critical laboratory test kits, like HIV test kits. Patients' families are now being given prescriptions to obtain supplies in the private pharmacies or at private clinics and private hospitals.

The Minister of Public Health has confirmed that the public health system is experiencing a devastating medical supplies shortage, including the lack of many critical medicines. The public has known about the shortages for months and the Guyana Times has reported on these shortages for most of 2015 and several times so far in 2016. Regional officials and hospital personnel are on record bemoaning the crisis in supplies for months now. From silence or sometimes rebutting these reports, the Minister now concedes that there is a serious shortage of medicines and medical supplies.

The Minister has promised that the problem will soon be fixed. We have heard these promises before, and in spite of his assurances, we remain sceptical that any serious or any feasible solution is near. We suspect that the present situation of medical supplies shortages will persist for a long time. We do not believe that the problem right now is money. The 2015 medical supplies budget was the largest medical supplies budget ever. Most of the money for 2015 remained unspent in the budgets of the Ministry of Health and the Regional Democratic Councils.

To be fair, the problem is not new and is not peculiar to Guyana.

Even with improving availability and access since 2001, Guyana has faced occasional shortages, but in recent months the problem has become a crisis. This situation is inexcusable and is happening during the tenure of a Government that castigated the previous Administration for occasional shortages in the past. But the shortages are now widespread and persistent and although we now have assurances from the Minister that the problem will be fixed, there is also the caveat that they are changing the procurement system which the Minister attributed as the cause of the severe shortages.

During the period 2001-2015 when we had annual improvements in supplies and quality of medicines and medical supplies, Guyana utilised a prequalification system for suppliers. In spite of verification and clear evidence that the prequalification system works, in Guyana and around the world, and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the then APNU and AFC Opposition deemed the system as sole sourcing and corrupt, and vowed to discontinue the practice.

But nine months into their Administration, they have yet to resolve the procurement problem, as admitted by the Minister. They came into office with a promise that they have a better system to procure medical supplies than the system the PPP utilised. But the truth is APNU/AFC has no system and each time that shortages affect the system, they resort to sole sourcing.

The Minister further confessed that the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) were confused by the new system, putting blame on the RDCs while admitting that the Councils received financial releases from the Ministry of Finance very late. The fact is that if the Ministry will procure medicines and supplies as a central agency, why do we need to reduce the Ministry of Health's medical supplies budget and increase the medical supplies budget of the Regions? There was a sound reason why the PPP Government ensured that the budget for medical supplies was located at the Ministry of Health: it procured medical supplies for the whole country. Abandoning a well-tried system merely because it was introduced by the PPP is risking the lives of too many people.

In addition, the distribution system is in shambles. This is a direct consequence of gutting the staff of the Materials Management Unit (MMU) to remove people who APNU/AFC deemed PPP supporters. In a shameless display of casting blame, the Minister insisted that the RDCs placed their medical supply lists too late. This is an indictment of the Ministry and its MMU. Whatever the reason, the procurement and distribution of medicines and supplies must be quickly resolved, because drug shortages threaten the capacity of clinicians and Governments to fulfil their moral obligations to patients and society—specifically, to provide benefit and minimize harm and to promote equity.

Drug and medical supplies shortages directly reduce the quality of patient care, but they also contribute to indirect costs on the system by requiring time and money to be spent hunting down alternatives, rescheduling procedures, or modifying drug usage protocols. Some drug shortages have dire consequences for patients, because there are no substitutes, while others may be less important. For example, certain vial sizes may be in shortage, but other measurements of the drug are available and can be substituted. The time has come for the public health system to be provided with the supplies it needs to provide quality care.

The APNU/AFC Administration has abdicated its responsibility to ensure consistent supply of quality medicine for the people.

Dancers at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday as Guyana joins in celebrating India’s 67th Republic Day

Give Wales Estate land to sugar workers Dear Editor, Sase Singh wrote that GAWU, the PPP and sugar workers should accept the closure of Wales Sugar Estate in order to save the other estates and GuySuCo. Sase is naïve.

People feel there is a plan afoot to close GuySuCo. Wales is the first step in that direction. One by one, the estates will be closed down and by the time Sase realises what is happening, it will be too late.

Years ago, supporters of the PNC called for the closure of GuySuCo – one can go back to the newspaper for commentaries.

There is a general feeling that a plan is afoot to close GuySuCo and distribute the land to financiers of APNU/AFC and their supporters. In fact, David Granger himself had made the comment before a coalition was formed with AFC that APNU would shut down GuySuCo. After the coalition was formed with AFC, Granger changed his words but not his heart.

He, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan indicated that GuySuCo would be untouched – lip service paid to sugar workers to win their votes. The coalition committed that no sugar estate would be closed and no sugar work-

er retrenched. This promise led to thousands of people voting for the coalition. The announced closure of Wales last week is a broken promise – a betrayal of trust by the AFC and APNU for the workers. They fooled sugar workers. Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are silent.

The nation has now learnt through the media that the decision to close Wales was made even before the Commission on GuySuCo was established and long before it delivered its report.

It seems that the GuySuCo Commission is merely rubber-stamping the plan of Government by recommending the closure of Wales. The closure of Wales will result in tremendous suffering and hardship for the people of West Coast and West Bank Demerara as well as Georgetown and the nation as a whole. So many economic activities are tied to Wales. The lives of tens of thousands are tied to Wales, with tremendous repercussions on social and economic life.

There are those who say that it is okay to close Wales because the PPP closed bauxite. Tacuma Ogunseye and Lincoln Lewis made that observa-

tion. They are seeing politics as tit for tat. And that is not an accurate statement. It was Hoyte who privatised bauxite when it became a money losing enterprise. Nevertheless, Lewis is applauded for calling on the Central Government to work with PPP and GAWU to find a solution to the closure of Wales.

But contrary to what Lewis has hinted, closure of Wales is not an option. For the record, it was Cheddi Jagan who tried to rescue and save bauxite.

Jagan was against closure or privatisation and committed billions to bauxite.

The funds of sugar (when it was profitable) were used to subsidise and save bauxite. Where are the voices of reason on the closure of Wales? Where is labour’s (non-GAWU) voice? Why are David Hinds, Eusi Kwayana, and Rupert Roopnaraine quiet on the closure of the Estate? Freddie Kissoon is not speaking out on the effects of the closure on tens of thousands, but he led the battle when workers affiliated with PNC were affected. And where are Moses, Khemraj and Charandass Persaud – have they lost their voices?

Sase has drunk too much

of the coalition kool-aid and he should wake up to understand what is being planned and executed by APNU. Sase felt he was illtreated by the PPP leadership. But many of us who fought the PNC dictatorship and liberated the nation were also disrespected and ill-treated by the PPP. But taking vengeance on PPP supporters for what the leadership did is unacceptable.

Retributive justice against poor PPP leadership hurts the entire nation.

Years ago, Ravi Dev proposed that GuySuCo land be distributed in parcels to sugar workers who, Dev showed, would increase yields; those who own land would work harder and increase harvests.

Private cane farming has been relatively productive and profitable. A social list enterprise is never more profitable than a private enterprise. GAWU and PPP opposed the Ravi Dev proposal. I reminded the PPP leadership of that proposal again just before it became a minority government in 2011 and repeated it during the Ramotar Administration.

Now, the sugar workers are going to be jobless and landless, unable to make a living. continues on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, january 27, 2016

Urgent need for Gatekeepers’ Programme Dear Editor, Two colleagues were having a conversation; one, who was facing a rough time was asked by the other, “How do you feel?” The response resulted in a process that saw the respondent, in spite of his protestations, being escorted by the Police, to the hospital for an evaluation, as an assumption was made that he was suicidal. At the hospital, he was held overnight, again in spite of his protestations so as to be monitored, and the following day, just like the previous day, he had to undertake evaluations by social workers and psychiatrists. Additionally, a family member also had to be interviewed. In the end, it was decided that he was not a danger to himself and so was discharged.

The above scenario reflects a reality that happens quite regularly in the US. Given this reality, the many hotlines, the availability of counsellors at the touch of a button and so on, why is it then that over 42,000 persons commit suicide annually in the US, making it the tenth leading cause of deaths in the US? And why is it that 650,000 plus persons attempted self-harm annually?

Clearly something

else is missing and The Caribbean Voice strongly believes that it is the absence of first responders, trained eyes and ears in every community, neighbourhood and blocks.

In Guyana, the missing piece becomes integral, given the absence of the sophisticated US system referenced above. Yes, there are not enough counsellors by any stretch of the imagination, and yes, resources are lacking but the reality remains that if warning signs can be identified and individuals suspected of being at risk are able to open up to others they can trust, then there is already a very strong possibility that they will never transform intention into action. And given its numerous villages and integrated communities, Guyana is ideal for the process of training and deploying first responders.

The fact is that the time has long gone to move beyond mere awareness and to arm citizens with the wherewithal to combat suicide at the community and household levels. First responders can do much more than simply identify warning signs and take action. They can encourage households to practice safe use and storage of poisons, especially agrochemicals, as well as safe dispos-

al of containers. Also, they can help families to understand and practice empathetic communication, so that whatever are the issues, children would not see suicide as the answer.

Furthermore, they can assist those with relationship issues to get help before the relations become dysfunctional and tragedies ensue. They can help families to tackle abuse and help prevent its occurrence. And they can train others to do all of this, thereby creating an everwidening circle of individuals who help to save lives, enhance relationships and make communities safe.

A perfect example of how this works was narrated recently to The Caribbean Voice. A teenaged student at a school in Berbice cut herself.

Teachers at the school called a Pandit, someone whom they were familiar with and trusted. After persuading the student to list the things that were bothering her, the Pandit took the student to a counsellor. The upshot was that the student was provided with needed services and then taken home, where the parents were informed that the home environment was not safe for the student and that a trusted family member or relative

Give Wales Estate land to...

Had the PPP listened to the advice of intellectuals, private farmers would have increased production of sugar and other agro crops in Guyana. Now, because of PPP, the sugar workers have “loss cutlass and guana” as we say.

So what should happen to GuySuCo since the APNUAFC Government is determined to close it? Contrary

to what Sase Singh proposes, GuySuCo (Government) should experiment with distributing the Wales Estate land to the sugar workers and let them grow cane that will be supplied to the factory for sugar production. The Government can initially offer the workers a grant so they can continue to grow sugar. In return, the workers should consider

from page 4

an agreement that if yields do not increase substantially, then the Estate would be closed and the farmers would engage in farming of other crops. If APNU-AFC considers this proposal, it will show it has greater concern for the well-being of sugar workers than the PPP. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

needed to be identified as caretaker for the student.

Of course, the ideal thing would have been for the student to be identified as suicidal, even before she attempted to harm herself.

And with first responders in the community, this could well have been possible. It is within this context that The Caribbean Voice has been calling for a return of the Gatekeepers’ Programme. Now with a suicide contagion raging and everyone becoming puzzled as to why no action is being taken by officialdom to bring back the Gatekeepers’ Programme, The Caribbean Voice is appealing to regional administrations, religious institutions, mass-based organisations, Non Governmental Organisations and community-based entities to please get the ball rolling.

We are willing to help coordinate. Please reach out to residents in communities or through community institutions, such as mandirs, mosques and churches, sports clubs, youth clubs, women’s organisations and so on and arrange for training sessions.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

5

There is something fishy about the Merriman's Mall

Dear Editor, Suddenly, there is a peculiar interest being shown in the Merriman Mall by the Georgetown City Council.

First, there was the demolition of the structures that were placed there by the Georgetown-based Pan African Movement, including the fences and a steel container.

Next were the vendors who normally ply their trade on the Merriman Mall between Orange Walk and Cummings Street who were barred from entering that area and who were only back after they called on President David Granger and others to intervene.

This came two months after the Council asked those

wholesalers who plied their trade in the area to move east and operate at what was once the “skating rink”.

However, throughout all of this there is an entity that is called “Home of the Jerk Hut”, which sells food every day all day long and which is never interfered with by the Council. Why is this so?

Are the owners of this food enterprise friends with some ‘Big Ones’ at the Council? In fact, their tent and other accoutrements remain right there seven days a week 24 hours a day.

Will other food houses be allowed to operate there in competition?

Sincerely, Debra Gibson

Call 223-7230-1 ext 35

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wednesday, january 27, 2016

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Stop the show: putting a lid on your Parenting child’s attention-seeking behaviour Q&A

Continued from Tuesday

By James Lehman, MSW

Problem #3: My child’s dramas and emotions rule our house

If your child is ruling your household with his or her dramas or emotions, you have to stop the show. You have to get that child alone and say, “Listen, just because something is happening to you doesn’t make it a tragedy for everybody else. If I see you being over-dramatic, I’m going to send you to your room for five minutes to pull it together.” Sometimes children will then react with, “You don’t understand me, nobody loves me.” I don’t have a lot of patience for that, personally. I recommend parents say something like, “If you say that we don’t love or understand you, I’m just going to ignore it. Because we’re not talking about you being understood or loved.

Your behaviour right now is about getting people to feel sorry for you. You just want all this attention and it’s not healthy for you.”

I want to make that very clear: that kind of attention is not healthy for the child receiving it. It’s a pain in the neck for everybody else, but it’s also not healthy for that child. As a parent, you have to teach them how to manage their inner experience without making other people feel bad. Part of what they get out of that drama and attention-seeking is they make

their parents and other children feel like they have to take care of them.

There’s a saying I like: “There are two kinds of days for teenagers. Good days and days when things don’t go their way.” As a parent, your best tool is to manage behaviour with a structured response. One approach is to give them a different way to express themselves.

Suggest, “Why don’t you write about it? I’m going to get you a journal. I want you to write all about your problems, and then once a night you can share it with me for five minutes.” So you put all these tools together and manage that child’s emotions until they can learn to manage them on their own.

Again, you set an external structure with the hope that they’ll internalise it.

and consideration for others.

Don’t forget, empathy is an instinctual energy, but it still has to be developed.

You may experience it as an emotion, but it’s also a drive that gets us outside of ourselves and thinking about others.

off that perception.

I think you can sit down with your only child at any age and say, “I’ve been thinking about how lucky we are to have what we have. Even if it’s not that much, we have more than many others. And I think we should find a way to

Problem #4: My only child is the little king/ queen of our house

I think a special note has to be made for only children.

I understand that this is a unique situation because these children are the centre of the family for a good part of their life. So as an infant, that child is always held, always gets special attention. Only children don’t have to share their toys at Christmas, or feel jealous of any presents or attention their siblings receive.

But remember this: it’s important for parents to shape that level of attention to develop things like empathy

Now, many only children do just fine because they learn those lessons in school, and they have their own instincts to rely upon. But there are others who don’t. You can think of it this way: in effect, these children have been trained to be self-centred –so as a parent, you have to slowly wean them

share with other people who are less fortunate. What kinds of things do you think we could do?” Come up with ideas with your child and then follow through on them together.

Solution: Develop clear rules and expectations around attention-seeking behaviour

It’s always important to

sit down when things are going well and talk to your children about things that need to be changed or addressed.

Don’t do it in a time of anger or frustration, or when you’re trying to correct their behaviour. You should always do it when things are going well. Be sure to have some other options prepared for them, such as the journal suggestion.

“Instead of starting fights with your sister, or ruining the evening for everyone with your bad mood, you can write about it in a journal. I can talk to you every night at a certain time.”

This way, your child’s needs are being addressed and they feel important, but you’re not letting them dominate the house.

It’s very important that you make an appointment to talk with your child again about it later.

Remember, children learn through repetition and rehearsal. So, when you repeat something, when you give them a day or two to think about it, children are able to absorb new ideas better. At the same time, you should introduce the idea that “If you don’t go along with our new rules, this is what’s going to happen.”

In my opinion, there’s not much change without accountability. So set up a structure to change the things you want to change.

(Excerpt from Empoweringparents. com)

My daughter puts herself down – How can I help her?

I often hear my daughter putting herself down, saying things like “I’m so ugly” or “I can’t do anything right.”

I try to assure her that none of these things are true, but nothing I say seems to make a difference. How do I know if my daughter is suffering from something more serious than insecurity? And what can I say or do to make her feel better about herself? – Dan How children feel about themselves can depend on many different factors, such as their environment, body image, experiences, and the standards they set for themselves.

While these factors may contribute to poor self-esteem, you can still play an important role in helping your daughter feel better about herself. When you hear her make a negative comment about herself, call attention to it and point out things that she should feel good about, such as close friends, a supportive family, good grades, or athletic successes.

Recognising and modifying negative thoughts about herself, making a positive contribution (such as volunteering), exercising regularly, and adjusting unrealistic expectations that she has set for herself are just a few strategies that may boost your daughter’s self-esteem.

Parents can provide honest praise whenever it’s called for. Just remember to be attentive to your own style of criticism – try to keep it constructive.

In some cases, a child may need the help of a mental health professional to build healthy, positive self-esteem. If you’re concerned about your daughter’s self-esteem, talk to her doctor or a therapist with training in paediatric mental health issues. (kidshealth)

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wednesday, january 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

GPL multimillion-dollar fraud…

Former Director, Deputy CEO charged

– arrest warrant issued for Deonarine

By Kizzy Coleman

T

he Former Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) were slapped with conspiracy and simple larceny charges on Tuesday as Police continue their probe into the multimillion-dollar fraud at the power company.

Carvil Duncan, 73, of Lot 1977 Lanstead Road, Festival City, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan facing two separate charges – simple larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny.

The latter offence is a joint charge with former DCEO Aeshwar Deonarine, who was not present in court, as he is said to be out of the country.

Duncan pleaded not guilty to the first charge which alleged that on March 31, 2o15, he stole $984,900, property of GPL. It was also alleged that on the same day, he conspired with Aeshwar Deonarine to commit simple larceny to

Former Director of GPL Carvil Duncan

steal $984,900 from GPL. Meanwhile, Deonarine is facing charges which alleged that on May 7 and 8, 2015, he conspired to commit simple larceny at the sum of $27,757,547, also property of GPL. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Deonarine was summoned to attend court (he was informed by the Chief Inspector) but failed to show up. He further disclosed during the court proceedings that the DCEO left Guyana since August 3,

last year, via Fly Jamaica Airlines for Canada.

Based on this information, Magistrate McLennan issued a warrant for Deonarine’s arrest. On the other hand, the Prosecutor had no objections to bail being granted in Duncan’s case.

The Chief Magistrate then granted bail for Duncan, who was unrepresented in court at the time, in the sum of $1 million.

The men will make their next court appearance on February 19, when the matter will be called for report.

Alleged illegal transfers

In June 2015, Deonarine was sent on administrative leave after he allegedly transferred some $27.8 million to his personal account.

He was also accused of paying board member Carvil Duncan, a sum of $948,000 that was not authorised.

After coming into office in May last year, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration found that close to $142 million of the PetroCaribe Fund was plugged into the opera-

Former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GPL Aeshwar Deonarine

tions of the State-owned GPL. This was realised after Government said it had found an empty PetroCaribe Fund when it took office and later launched an investigation.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had explained that the power company has two DCEOs – one for operations and the other for administration.

He said apparently the operations DCEO was receiving a higher salary than the administration DCEO and the operations DCEO had been making representations to the Board for there

Chairman Winston Brassington

to be parity in the salaries of the two DCEOs. This, the Minister pointed out, was reportedly disapproved by the previous Board. In June last year, with the signature of Director Duncan, Deonarine made the payment to himself retroactive from January 2013 to June 2015.

Patterson further stated that Board Members had made several representations to have board fees increased from $5000 to $20,000. He noted while the Board had discussed the recommendation, no final decision was made in that

Region 2's 2015 capital and current works programme

regard. However, Duncan later went ahead and approved payment to the tune of $948,000 for himself, representing “back pay” for the 48 months that he has been a board member of GPL. Duncan, who sits on several other Boards and Commissions, was reportedly the only Director who received a retroactive payment from GPL. According to the Minister, when clarification was sought, Duncan gave conflicting reports. On one occasion, Duncan reportedly stated that the Board had given him the authority to take the money but when he was later confronted again, he said the Chairman had given him permission.

However, then Chairman Winston Brassington, when contacted, denied ever granting such permission.

Patterson said when further questioned, Duncan disclosed that former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had given the go-ahead.

The former PM was also contacted and he too denied such and when later confronted again, Duncan reportedly said that it “had to be President Ramotar”.

$79M returned to Finance Ministry – Chairman

REO Rupert Hopkinson

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

B y I ndrawattie N atram

tion of $2,864,439,000.

Unfortunately, only 77 per cent of the capital programme and 97 per cent of the current programme was completed, giving a balance of the voted provision as $79,036,788 at December 31, 2015.

Speaking with Guyana Times on the issue, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that indeed monies were returned by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) to the Finance Ministry.

“It simply means that the region is sending back to the national coffers the sum of $79,036,788 due to REO Rupert Hopkinson’s poor performance as an

A

t a time when rice farmers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are struggling for water and parents from Tapakuma cannot afford to send their children to school, the region has returned a total $79,036,788 to the national coffers, as the region has failed to meaningfully execute projects that would benefit the populace.

For the fiscal year 2015, Region Two was allocated a sum of $281,340,000 under its capital programme and $2,583,099,000 for the current, totalling a budgetary alloca-

accounting officer, our region needs this money, people are in need, our drainage system requires much attention,” Ramdatt said.

He added that such occurred because of the REO’s unwillingness to follow Government approved procedures on key development matters.

Meanwhile, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is deeply concerned over the inability of the REO to effectively implement the 2015 budgetary allocations.

The money was returned even though the region has serious drainage and irrigation problems and several contractors, suppliers and operators attached to NDCs have not yet been paid. Trench cleaners were asked not to continue regular maintenance of drainage and irrigation trenches due to poor financial mismanagement.

The non-payment of these employees will further compound the drainage issues faced by the region.

Speaking with Guyana Times, REO Hopkinson said that he is unaware of monies being returned to the Finance Ministry with respect to the capital works programme from the region.

8 news

wednesday, january 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

City Constabulary “very weak” – Chief T he Chief Constable of the Mayor and City Council, Andrew Foo on Monday stated that the Constabulary was “very weak”, explaining to the statutory Council meeting at City Hall that the department was plagued with many challenges.

Foo said there was a breakdown within the body regarding internal issues to be addressed relating to unacceptable practices. He mentioned that the Deputy Chief Constable and the Superintendent needed to address this matter, since they were directly responsible for dealing with Constables who conducted themselves in an unprofessional matter.

Foo added that the performance and challenges within the department would be explored.

According to him, the Constabulary which comprises 178 sworn officers and 65 auxiliary security

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

guards, did not reach the expectations of the department owing to “trials and limitations”, including the lack of human and other resources.

Foo explained that the department needed trained persons to work

with during its recruitment process, since there was competition with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, both offering professional standards of training to their recruits. He stated that the City Constabulary

was lacking in this area for quite a number of years, noting there was also an urgent need for uniformity of Constables within the department. However, this decision will be left to the administrative body of the Council.

Foo lamented that owing to the financial constraints of the Council, “he could not” proceed to address this matter, resulting in workers being placed to work under tremendous strain, on account of a lack of facilities and better working conditions.

There is also urgent need to acquire policing equipment, Foo said, explaining that they currently had one vehicle to cover an area of 15 square miles – an impossible task.

This matter needs to be addressed in order to have adequate resources for vehicular patrols to be conducted on a regular basis.

Security guard on illegal gun, ammo possession charges

A

security guard was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts.

Rico Daniels, 33, of 77 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the first charge which states that on January

22 at Hadfield Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, he had in his possession 10 live .32 rounds without being a licensed firearm holder. At the same time, the defendant

also had in his possession a 1.32 pistol without being a licensed firearm holder.

The matter is adjourned to February 22 for reports and fixture.

Vendor granted bail for forgery

A

vendor on Tuesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court One of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of forgery.

Steve Simon, 47, of 1719 Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank

Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the first charge which stated that on January 25, 2016 at the Central Immigration Passport Office on Camp Street, Georgetown, he uttered a forged National Identification Card in the name of Byron Cyndon Augustus Baggot to an

Immigration Officer.

It is also alleged that on the same day the defendant with intent to defraud forged an ID card in the name of Byron Cyndon Augustus Baggot saying that it was issued by the Guyana Elections Commission.

Also on that day, he made

false statements that he was Byron Cyndon Augustus Baggot.

The prosecution had no objections to bail, and the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $150,000.

The matter was adjourned to February 19, 2016 for reports.

Eyew tness New growth industry...

A

...in "suicide prevention"

s unemployment continues skywards – buttressed most recently by throwing 1700 persons on the streets of Wales – a new growth industry's taking off to reverse the trend – suicide prevention. Your Eyewitness doesn't think the second is caused by the first – merely a matter of coincidence. Or is it? Every since Guyana again hit world news on the grim topic of suicide by becoming number one in the entire world – groups to "counter" the scourge have literally been coming out of the woodwork.

The first time we hit the suicide jackpot was, of course… when Jim Jones decided to serve a cyanide-laced concoction of Kool-Aid to his entire congregation out in the wilds of Region One. Nine hundred and eighteen souls perished.

The Government of the day, however, pointed out that none of the dead were Guyanese, so suicide wasn't really a "Guyanese" problem. That wasn't actually true, since suicide had been flourishing within the "Indian" section of the populace – since the days of indentureship.

In the colonial days, that – in and of itself – disqualified suicide from being a "national" problem. The poor preparation of the cricket ground at the GCC, for instance, was much more pressing – and did secure the necessary funding and attention to rectify that sad condition. Nothing changed after independence – either in the absolute and relative numbers of suicide or the refusal to address it.

It's quite ironic that the People’s Progressive Party has been labelled an "Indian" Party – but when in office for 23 years, also just didn't really get serious about suicide. They did pretty much rehearsed what's going on today...lots of talk, lots of studies, lot of groups organised – but very little money allocated to get the one programme that could've impacted on the ground – the Gatekeepers' Programme.

Whatever happened to the "National Secretariat on Suicide"?

Leslie Ramsammy, the then Health Minister, had to stand on his head to secure funding for Gatekeepers. This was supposed to be deployed in the villages and communities where suicide was more prevalent. Its premises were quite simple. Suicide was a volitional act by people who were either depressed over some time or done impulsively.

With the impulsive suicides...there isn't much anyone can do...aside from keeping poisons under lock and key.

But then what does one do with rope? But with the ones arising from depression, the Gatekeepers Programme trained laypersons to be on the lookout for telltale signs. Or to be identified as persons who could offer some advice or counselling.

So why don't all the groups springing up like jumbie umbrellas keep more "gates" and have less releases in the papers?

Especially with those posed pics.

...to kill growth industries

One of the Achilles heels of the communist/socialist experiment was spending too much time distributing the pie, and too little time making the pie grow. It never became a win-win situation. Now this isn't a matter of theory – we were plunged into the experiment in 1970 with the launch of our "cooperative" Republic. And we imploded like a Death Star!

It's clear some folks in the present Administration want us to retrace that path. They shut down Leonora Estate then; let's close Wales Estate then. We'll diversify out of sugar then; let's diversify out of sugar now. Cancel the rice market with leftist Cuba then; cancel it with Venezuela now.

Build houses...give out land and equipment...open up for "small contractors", focus on "education" etc...etc. All for "the boys", of course.

But do nothing to encourage business to expand or be launched to expand the economic base and to create jobs.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. For the worse.

...in banks

Have you seen the profits our banks are making? But where are those profits coming from if the economy's doing so badly? Check out the notice that the Government's buying $5,000,000,000 in T-Bills and you'll get a clue.

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

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wednesday, january 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

to lobby for greater role Essequibo Guyana for Caricom in CELAC man burns A self to death – 19-year-old succumbs after ingesting poison

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

T

he Essequibo Coast was once again left in shock after a 22-year-old miner committed suicide by setting himself ablaze.

Noland Warren, 22, of St Densy/Tapakuma community, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was discovered by neighbours early Tuesday morning.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Warren was alone at the time of the incident.

Speaking with this publication, Warren’s father, Vincent Lowe, said he received a telephone call just before midnight on Monday informing him that his son had set himself on fire.

“Neighbours call we.

I had to ask them if they are sure cause my son was not a person like that. I am shocked, still can’t believe this,” the grief stricken father related.

When asked what may have triggered such a move by his son, the man related that was “clueless” as to why his son would commit suicide.

Lowe, who is a security guard at the Dawa Pump Station said he last saw his son on Monday and he appeared to be in high spirits.

Mental problems

Toshoa of the Amerindian community, James Scaddles, said that he is very saddened over the young man’s death.

Scaddles said that Warren never appeared to have problems but he would often withdraw himself from society.

The Toshoa also noted that Warren suffered from mental issues and would

sometimes “do unusual things.” He also related that a lighter and a bottle of gasoline were found at the scene.

He also related that he is disappointed that several calls made to the Police went unanswered. “I kept trying the Police. We are living over 30 miles from Anna Regina, the road is bad, signal is less, we trying to get help but no help is available, I had to call the Chairman, Mr Ramdatt who got [the] Police,” the Toshoa related.

Neighbours of the deceased told Guyana Times that they saw a “huge ball of fire” and heard screams.

They said that upon investigating, they realised that the 22-year-old was on fire and attempted to extinguish the blaze. Warren was the eldest of two children for his parents. Police from G Divsion (Essequibo Coast-Islands) are investigating.

Meanwhile, 19-yearold Janella Joseph of Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, who ingested a quantity of gramoxone following a stern warning from her mother about a Facebook boyfriend, has succumbed at the Suddie Public Hospital.

Reports are the young woman ingested the substance sometime between Friday and Saturday last.

According to the girl’s mother, she had a conversation with her daughter about a relationship with a boy, whom she met on Facebook. She said subsequent to the conversation, her daughter became annoyed.

The woman found her daughter in a helpless state on Saturday morning and rushed her to hospital.

delegation from Guyana will be seeking to ensure that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) plays a greater role in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) at the IV Summit of the Heads of State and Government underway in Quito, Ecuador.

Improving the integration process between Latin American countries and groups, and other countries such as China, Russia, South Korea, Turkey and India will also be stressed at the Summit. In addition to the eradication of extreme poverty, the environment, peace, terrorism and the economy of CELAC states are some of the main topics on the agenda.

The CELAC Foreign Ministers Meeting is currently in progress and will be followed by a meeting of the Heads of State of the grouping today.

President David Granger

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge who is attending the Summit with President David Granger told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that Guyana’s aim going into the Summit is to lobby for greater participation of Caricom as CELAC’s agenda reflects the interests of the smaller countries.

“This is where we fo-

cus our attention to ensure Caricom issues are reflected both in the action plan and implementation of the various programmes and initiatives of the CELAC”.

Within CELAC, Caricom is a very small group in terms of size and population, therefore there is a continued challenge to command attention of the Latin American countries which are much larger,” Minister Greenidge explained.

Guyana’s aim of joining CELAC is to continue lobbying for the continued integration of the region from a strategic perspective which will see its goals (region’s) meshed with those of other CELAC countries.

The last day of the Summit will see the President of The Dominican Republic receiving the temporary presidency of the CELAC from Ecuador’s President.

CELAC is the result of

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

several multilateral established organs led by Latin American countries to seek peace, socio-economic development and the integration as a region. It was created in February 2010 at a meeting held in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Then, it was definitely established as CELAC at the Summit held in Caracas, Venezuela, in December 2011.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednESday, january 27, 2016

News

Daycare hair clipping saga

Another student’s hair cut – CC&PA to meet with parents today

T

he investigations into the DesNoel Daycare and Playgroup have intensified as another student’s hair was cut off at the facility.

This newspaper was told that another guardian was furious after her cousin, returned home on Monday with the entire row of plaits in front of her head clipped off. Lowanda King is now seeking answers from the principal of the institution as to how and why this incident transpired.

The father of the child, Keon Adams said that he dropped his daughter off at the day care about 07:00h and when he went to pick

S

After

Before

DesNoel Daycare & Playgroup

her up at 17:00h, he realised that something seemed different about his child.

“A relative asked me if something looked wrong with Kiara’s head, and I said

Inspiration from Nagga Man

of course, since I was the one who plait it the night before, the part I put as a bang was completely missing,” King told Guyana Times.

According to King, when the child’s head was exam-

ined, it was confirmed that the hair had been cut and they immediately returned to the school to query the incident.

However, the principal was nowhere to be found and the teachers denied being involved.

“They told me that they were unaware of what happened and I would have to contact the principal. They even said that she might have been responsible for this act, but then I learnt she was at the police station,” she related.

King stated that they would be taking the child on Tuesday to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) to make a report.

Only last Wednesday, an angry parent was seeking answers in relation to a similar problem when her daughter’s hair was clipped off under the same mysterious circumstances.

Meanwhile, CC&PA Director Ann Greene, in an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, said that she was informed of several

incidents where children’s hair was cut off at the facility.

“I am aware of several incidents relating to hair clipping issues of children attending the school,” Greene said, adding that these were serious offences, since permission was never granted to any teacher to clip children’s hair under any circumstances, at any day care or playgroup.

“Presently, we are working with the parents who have children attending this childcare centre, and the Child Care Agency will be engaging in a meeting with them on Wednesday,” Greene added.

She said at that meeting discussions would centre on alternative solutions to have these children relocated to other daycare centres around the city.

According to Greene, closure of the DesNoel Daycare and Playgroup will be the next step, until the investigations are thoroughly completed. The Police are also investigating the incidents.

atiricus was depressed with all the bad news spreading like dark clouds around him. There were all the folks thrown out of work at Wales. There were all the folks taking their own lives because they had no hope.

There was the spiralling crime wave crashing over his head like a tsunami. There was the slowdown in the economy that was hurting him plenty.

Then he remembered the one thing that always cheered him up – the inspiring words of his leader – the Nagga Man. And since he couldn’t walk into the Office of the Prime Moocher, just like that, he did the next best thing. Satiricus went to the great man’s website to see what he advised about all the challenges that was besetting Satiricus and other Guyanese.

The website, of course, was run by the PM’s shill, Iman – otherwise known as “Shillo”. Every day, Shillo would sit at the feet of Naga Man and collect the pearls of wisdom that flowed from his tongue. It was on account of these pearls that Nagga Man’s salary had been bumped up to $1.7 million. He had no other “line responsibility”. Occasionally, he would leave his official residence being refurbished at the cost of $72 million and have Shillo drive him to meet his “constituents” in his $$60 million LANDCRUISER. On the website, Nagga Man had moved off the Wales closing after saying, “Oooops! I misspoke when I promised “NO closing of sugar estates” during the campaign.”

And these were the new Nagga pearls collected and posted by Shillo, the Shill.

“This is the year of our Golden Jubilee, and as depicted by our logo, we take pride in roaring this to the world.

The jaguar is roaring for us a narrative of Guyana – the land of many waters; the land of many ethnicities; a land of diverse cultures. We say to the world today in the words of our National Anthem that we are “united and free”; in the words of our motto, we are “one people, one nation, one destiny”; and in the preamble our Independence Constitution, that our society is founded upon “the Rule of Law.” A tear rolled down Satiricus’ cheek. This was PRICELESS, MUCH LESS $1.7M! All Guyana’s problems had been solved.

He felt like shouting, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty I am free at last!!”

What a man was Nagga Man and his waterboy Shillo, the Shill!

wednesday, january 27, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

UG lecturer invents technology to disperse oil spills

L

ecturer in the Department of Chemistry of the University of Guyana, Dr Dawn Fox, has been listed as an inventor on US Patent 9163374 issued October 20, 2015.

The patent was issued for an innovative technology: using cactus mucilage as a dispersant and absorbent for oil in oil-water mixtures.

She shares the honour of co-inventor with Dr Norma Alcantar (lead investigator); Dr Sylvia Thomas and Dr Ryan Toomey, all of the University of South Florida (USF).

The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 was recognised as the worst in US history. It fuelled a surge of research into absorbent and dispersant materials to clean up affected areas.

Cactus mucilage is an extract from the tuna cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) also known as nopal. The mucilage is a natural hydrogel polysaccharide found in many water-storing succulents including aloes and slimy vegetables. It swells in water, but remains insoluble and is able to precipitate bacteria, suspended solids and ions from water.

Conventional chemical clean-up of oil spills utilises dispersants that reduce the

Dr Dawn Fox

surface tension of water allowing oil and water to mix; this is emulsification. This causes the oil layers to break up into smaller droplets allowing more efficient biodegradation. In laboratory trials, the mucilage showed the ability to both disperse/ break up oily layers as well as absorb oil from oil-water mixtures. Both methods of action are critical for targeting oil slick. Dispersal allows gases to dissolve in the water bodies which would reduce ‘fish kills’. The mucilage stays afloat while absorbing the oil layer which facilitates the ultimate physical removal of the oilmucilage complex.

This material is environmental-

Region 1 gastro outbreak

Situation under control – officials

Baramita, Region One

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he gastroenteritis outbreak in Baramita, Region One (BarimaWaini) is said to be under control.

Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, in an interview with Guyana Times, said there were no new reported cases. “That situation currently is under control.

Those that have to get treatment would have received such.”

The Chairman also explained that the Region’s health department has been meeting with residents and has been continuing to monitor the situation in case if there were any new developments.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton on Tuesday also confirmed that there were no new cases of gastro in the area. He

11

said patients were responding well to treatment, but cautioned that the El Niño weather phenomenon may be responsible for the gastro crisis.

It was explained that because of the inconsistent rainfall over the past several months, the declining levels of water can become contaminated. Residents use water from creeks and rivers for drinking purposes and general use.

On Sunday, this publication related that the Environmental Officer had taken water samples from the affected areas to Georgetown for testing. However, it has not yet been disclosed what the results of the tests have indicated.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. This most recent outbreak has so far taken the life of a toddler.

ly-friendly and readily available which make it an attractive alternative for a competitive technology to clean up oil spills.

Dr Fox worked on this research during her doctoral studies at USF. For her dissertation, she investigated the mucilage’s ability to remove arsenic from water, both directly and as part of a hybrid system with ferric salt. She completed her PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2011 and returned to lecture in the Department of Chemistry, University of Guyana. Her current research interests are in water remediation, materials engineering for environmental applications, and developing sustainable, indigenous technologies.

The University of Guyana, in a release, expressed warmest congratulations to Dr Fox on her achievement. She has made the institution proud.

Stray cattle an issue at Kwakwani Airstrip – having area fenced an option

O

fficials of the Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Democratic Council (RDC) are contemplating having the area surrounding the Kwakwani Airstrip fenced to prevent stray cattle from wandering onto the strip.

RDC Vice Chairman Alroy Adolph recently voiced concerns over the negligence of farmers in the community, for failing to have their cattle confined. He noted that the absence of a pound has only compounded the situation.

Flights land at the Airstrip one to three times a week and, according to Adolph, while the Airstrip is generally in good condition, there is need for it to be fenced in an effort to keep out the stray cattle.

“It’s not fenced, and because the Airstrip is not

fenced, there are cattle that roam the place. Cattle normally roam the Airstrip...so the thing is to get it fenced, once it’s fenced, things will be OK,” he said.

Farmers affected

“Like anywhere in Guyana where there is stray cattle, even farmers are suffering. They have identified areas for the farmers, but they are not willing to take their cows in the savannahs...some say that they don’t want their cows to get mixed up. They make all sorts of silly excuses,” the Vice Chairman stated.

He said farming in Kwakwani has also been adversely affected due to the inability of cattle farmers to contain their cattle, stressing that some farmers have become frustrated. They

have voiced opinions on having them contained, since their crops sometimes become trampled; however, the Vice Chairman said there was unwillingness on the part of some farmers who refuse to look at possible alternatives.

“A man may have a garden and he wants to farm, but when he plants because the cows are roaming the streets, they would break down the garden. I know a man who farms, he said he had over 200 roots of cassava, 150 roots of ochroes about to bear and the cows went in and eat it; he did not receive a cent from the owners.

Normally, they are supposed to have someone watching over the cows, but, in this case, you don’t have that. So, this is one of the problems we face in Kwakwani.”

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wednesDAY, january 27, 2016 | gu

Local Govt democracy r S

People’s Progressive Party/Civic supporters

Leaders of the Healing the Nation Theocracy Party including Ras Leon Saul

– as parties, individuals make Nom

upporters of political parties and voluntary groups on Tuesday gathered in front of the office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in Waterloo Street, Georgetown, as they presented their respective list of candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for March 18 this year – the first of its kind in more than 20 years.

Among the groups gathered were the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC); The Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP) headed by Ras Leon Saul and Mark Benschop’s Team Benschop.

Benschop’s group came out in full support. The mayoral hopeful informed that the group intended to contest all 15 constituencies around Georgetown. He added that if elected he would be moving to have a comprehensive audit of City Hall, while promising not to waste taxpayers’ money and give better treatment to vendors.

A new face on the block was Team Legacy, a group headed by radio announcer Malcolm Ferreira. According to him, his team was a young creative group of individuals brought together by their yearning to see improvement in their communities. The group, he said, is contesting as a voluntary entity in six constituencies: 6, 9,10,11,13 and 14.

Meanwhile, PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha said apart from some minor hiccups, which were immediately sorted out, everything went well. Among those issues, he said, was what seemed to be the lack of knowledge of some Returning Officers.

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield told Guyana Times in an invited comment, that while the Nominations Day process has not yet been completed, there were no any major hiccups on Tuesday. He explained that Returning Officers would have to identify the defects in the lists presented, which would have to be corrected. According to him, the final lists will most likely be ready sometime after Wednesday.

Essequibo Coast

A GECOM employee placing lists of LGE candidates outside the elections body’s Kara Kara office in Linden

Norris King presenting the list for Ambassadors for Progress

Over in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), decked out in red and black and dancing to lively Tassa drums, scores of PPP/C supporters showed up to support the candidates who would be representing them in the contest for the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Local Authorities. A drive along the Coast around 09:30-10:00h on Tuesday revealed the PPP/C’s readiness for the elections and the crowd support was a testimony of their confidence in that political party.

When Guyana Times visited Annandale/Riverstown NDC, Good Hope/Pomona, Aberdeen and Zorg en Vlygt, scores of persons had flocked the local GECOM offices. A handful of APNU/AFC supporters were noticed underneath bottom houses. Around 10:00h, PPP/C and APNU/APNU submitted to GECOM their lists of candidates with much vigour and eagerness.

Presenting the list for APNU/AFC in the Annandale Riverstown NDC in the south of the Coast were Marlene Lake and Nuel Richardson from Suddie Housing Scheme. Both of them were on time and were decked out in green shirts. While they presented their list to GECOM, their supporters were seen under a building. Both Lake and Richardson said their party was ready for the polls on March 18.

Linden

In the Local Area Authority of the Linden Municipality, political parties, voluntary groups and independent individuals submitted their qualified list of candidates to be elected across the eight constituencies. The two major political parties were the first to submit their candidates at the local GECOM office at Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden, before Returning Officer Rensford Alleyne. The PPP/C was first up in presenting its list of 18 candidates, followed by the APNU/ AFC with 31, then independent Huburn Smith (contesting constituency 6), Ambassadors for Progress and Linden 2025.

Regional APNU Party Leader Sandra Adams expressed enthusiasm following the submission, noting that the list was a mixture of both community and political candidates.

“We’re a complete mixture: we ain’t short of nothing. We got APNU, we got AFC, we got women, men, youths, doctors, and religious persons...we got everything. We have our eight constituency representatives, and in all 24 representatives for our PR (Proportional Representation) list... We are anticipating 16 seats... eight constituencies and eight PR...I can say to you, APNU has started progress, a good life for all Guyanese here in Linden,” she said.

She said there was much planned as it related to the next 50 days of campaigning. Noting that she has interacted with each candidate on the list, Adams said she was endorsing all of them.

PPP/C nominee Orrin Wilson was also optimistic following his submission, noting that the list of candidates would be representing all eight constituencies and are all community based.

“Our campaign start today and each of our candidates will be hitting the ground by next week Monday with the manifesto to the people in the various blocks indicating what they are going to do for the people,” he stated.

Smith, the independent individual nominee who is contesting for a seat on the Council, outlined plans to effectively represent constituency six, which is inclusive of the Victory Valley and Christiansburg areas. “...as a Councillor on the Council, I promise my constituency effective representation.

I would lobby for them...mobilise the residents so we can advance our programme to develop our communities. I think that is what has been lacking...having somebody like me on the Council to represent the residents I think will bring the necessary development,” he said.

Ambassadors for Progress’

Norris King noted that while he was contesting independently, his team consisted of 21 persons.

“We generally have plans for the town as a whole...to try and improve the standard of living of the workers of the municipality first up...improving the economic state of Linden. Once our team is approved today, our manifesto will be up for scrutiny by everyone. We plan to make Linden an economically viable town,” he outlined.

Linden 2025 nominee Samuel Wright presented 23 candidates for all constituencies except number four. Wright outlined a plan of action intended for the development of Linden over the next 10 years.

“We’re looking for development in Linden in terms of what is going to happen in 10 years’ time...We’re looking in terms of how we’re preparing Linden to meet its potential over the next 10 years...We see a development plan for Linden involving all stakeholders,” he stated.

The nominees have all expressed genuine interest in representing their various constituencies and have outlined plans to present massive manifestos.

While some have indicated that they have commenced campaigning, others have outlined various plans to do so in the near future.

Berbice

In Berbice, several hiccups seemed to mar what was projected to be a smoothly-run process.

PPP/C parliamentarian Adrian Anamyah was of the view that the GECOM staff members were unaware of what needed to be done. This, he said, frustrated the Party’s operations as it presented its list of candidates for the upcoming LGE. There were several issues in the municipality of Rose Hall Town in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) at Bush Lot. At Bush Lot, according to Rolentnauth Suresh, the PPP/C was treated unfairly when it went to the local office to submit its lists of candidates. He said they arrived at the office at 15:00h and A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Coalition arrived at 18:00h, but the coalition was allowed to submit its list first. “When we were giving our list to the Officer, Mr Mingo from the GECOM Fort Wellington Office came and stopped the process because they came with their list first. The law doesn’t say that the list has to be there first, it says that the group that gets there first shall be the first to present its list.”

The PPP/C is the only political party which contested the May 11 General Election which will be contesting the LGE in all of the constituencies in the two Berbice regions: Region Five and Region Six. The Party submitted lists of candidates for all 16 NDCs and three municipalities in Region Six and for the 10 NDCs in Region Five. Meanwhile, the APNU/AFC coalition will be contesting in all 26 NDCs in Berbice. The coalition also submitted lists of candidates for the municipalities of New Amsterdam and Rose Hall Town.

13

ary 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

y returns after 22 years

ke Nominations Day submissions

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for developterms of what n in 10 years’ g in terms of ng Linden to over the next a development involving all tated. have all exnterest in reprious constitoutlined plans e manifestos. indicated that ced campaigntlined various e near future.

Supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change march along the streets

A candidate from Berbice

e

veral hiccups at was project-run process. rliamentarian was of the view staff members hat needed to aid, frustrated ons as it precandidates for

everal issues lity of Rose ion Six (East and in Region bice) at Bush according to h, the PPP/C y when it went to submit its He said they at 15:00h and National Unity/ ange (APNU/ ved at 18:00h, was allowed to st. “When we to the Officer, the GECOM fice came and s because they first. The law e list has to be that the group t shall be the ist.” e only political sted the May n which will be E in all of the he two Berbice ve and Region

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Members of Team Legacy, headed by radio announcer Malcolm Ferreira, pose for a picture

PPP/C supporters in Region Two marching towards the place of nomination

Team Benschop says it is ready to take up responsibility for the Georgetown municipality

Nominees wait their turn to present their list in Berbice Linden 2025 candidates after submitting list

14 news

wednesday, January 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

67th Republic Anniversary of India

Flag raising ceremony hosted in Guyana

By Shemuel Fanfair

O

n Tuesday, January 26, Indians across the globe marked their 67th Republican status. In Guyana, this event was marked with a flag raising ceremony at the Indian Cultural Centre in New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown.

During the event, High Commissioner of India to

occupied almost a centre stage on the global [scale] in many respects, including climate change, eradication of terrorism, human [rights] reforms and also internally. Our Making India Programme has been going really well. The country has been seeing phenomenal growth at 7.3 per cent and it is one the largest growing economies in the world.”

In their presidential re-

High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam interacting with attendees

Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam noted that this year’s commemoration is quite special, as India has made positive strides on an international scale.

“We feel that India has

lease, it was observed that the downturn in the global economy has led to weak investor sentiment in emerging economies, such as India, which has put pres-

sure on their currency.

However, Indian citizens were assured that “great virtue” exists in acknowledging a problem and resolving to address it. High Commissioner Mahalingam said that India’s new Government, which came to power in May-June 2014, is doing, “really well.”

He posited that good relations with Guyana have continued even with the change in Administration.

“No time is better than today. In terms of relations, we have been working very closely with the new Government again and we have been particularly happy to work with [them] on developmental projects.

He noted that many projects have already been initiated and are “a work in progress.” He further explained that meetings between our two nations have been cordial, which has put India in a “good mindset.”

In light of Guyana’s upcoming Local Government Elections, the High Commissioner touted India’s democracy as a mod-

B

The Indian mind and Cheddi Jagan (Part 3)

C

The Indian flag was hoisted at the Indian Cultural Centre

el to be followed, while noting the importance of electronic voting.

“India is the world’s largest democracy in terms of its mammoth size of voters. We have used electronic voting methods and our results come very fast. People have been very happy with how our democracy has taken shape over the years and feel that our democracy is getting better.”

India gained Republican status from Britain in 1950 and Rajendra Prasad served as the first President.

Demerara Harbour Bridge gets better traffic management

etter traffic management by ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s traffic department at the Demerara Harbour Bridge is resulting in an easier commute to and from the West Bank of Demerara.

Commuters now do not have to worry about being ‘cut in front of’ by other vehicles

Keeping it real

after a long wait in the line to cross the Bridge.

In the early morning hours, primarily between 06:30h and 08:30h, the lines at the Bridge’s approach have been extremely long, because while some drivers wait in the traffic for almost an hour if not more, others disregard the traffic regulations and bully their way to the front. This created an even larger buildup of traffic during peak hours at the Bridge.

Commuters are now experiencing some measure of relief as this situation has been addressed by traffic ranks, who work within the catchment area. Using new strategies to better manage the traffic flow, the ranks are now implementing road blocks to close off the entrance to the Bridge leaving only one lane open to the flow of traffic for vehicles approaching the intersection from the Versailles end.

Traffic is also diverted through the “Old Road” at La Grange that leads to the Bridge. This has contributed significantly to a reduction in the level of confusion and frustration for commuters.

Owing to the increasing number of vehicles on roads, the lines are still long, but the waiting time has been reduced and commuters are crossing the Bridge in a more orderly and hassle-free manner.

Earlier in the month, during the launch of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Company’s wireless link with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson related to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud the complaints of commuters. As such, the situation has been addressed.

heddi Jagan’s political survival was due to a unique relationship he cultivated with Indians. In hindsight, it was a relationship that contributed to the continued stripping away of layers of their humanity. Much of the problems facing the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) today are a legacy of Jagan’s leadership. This humanity was carefully constructed by members of the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA) before Jagan’s entry into Guyanese politics. The BGEIA, Dr Baytoram Ramharack even within its limited national scope, understood the nature of the evolving ethnic divide. The organisation had worked out a number of tenuous positions with Africans, many of whom felt threatened by a growing Indian population and the increasing number of Indians who would become eligible to vote.

The unfortunate reality is that an older generation of Indians refused to acknowledge the shortcomings of Cheddi Jagan. A central reason for this stubbornness has been the lack of a repository of experiences from which to draw inspiration, as well as the absence of serious sustained challenges to Jagan’s leadership from within or outside the PPP. Both of these situations created an organisation that claimed, overtly or covertly, to be the sole representative of Indians. The PPP leadership got a free ride. There was no Indian “Walter Rodney” to expose the fallacies of the Jagan legacy, even when the Party was at its weakest between 1964 to 1992.

The 1938 centenary celebration organised by the BGEIA capitalised upon the nationalism that had developed within the Indian community.

A new sense of boldness had given Indians a sense of pride, one linked to the belief that their presence in the colony saved the rice and sugar industries from collapsing, following the end of a long period of dehumanising African slavery. Indian nationalism and pride continued to grow, despite the fact that a creolised society imposes new challenges on the community. This was the society that Cheddi Jagan discovered upon his return to Guyana in 1943.

As a charismatic leader, the emotional bond Indians shared with Cheddi was unbreakable. Indians remembered Jagan’s frugality, a common parlance to which they could relate, his honesty and the young firebrand always willing to challenge European (and American) imperialism. They missed the big picture. They could not accept Jagan’s 28 years of exclusion and disappearance into the political wilderness and being outmanoeuvred by Burnham’s pragmatism as reflections of a failed politician. They equated his sacrifice as fortitude, one to be imitated. They ignored Cheddi’s and the PPP’s inability to remove a dictatorship, as party cadres foolishly imitated Cuban revolutionaries, knowing that Jagan had already abandoned revolutionary tactics as a means of political struggle. There are a number of deep contradictions that shaped Jagan’s political career, all lost to the Indians who were smothered by his charismatic appeals.

One, during the 50 years of his political career, from 1947 to his untimely death in 1997, Jagan remained a very naïve politician, stuck in Cold War politics. Communism gave him an alien belief system. It brought consistency to a confused vision, but it did not create within his mind a well-grounded understanding of the nuances and complexities of Guyanese society. Stephen Rabe noted that while declaring himself to be a “left-wing socialist,” Jagan developed a “lifelong habit of speaking of the cuff”; a practice that regularly baffled both his friends and enemies.

Second, the Marxist ideological cushion led Cheddi to weed out potential rank and file supporters. The result was an open window for opportunistic newcomers and a closing of the door to intellectual elements from within and outside the Party. This trend had devastating consequences on the once multi-racial mass-based organisation and placed the Party in the hands of an uneducated and inept lumpen/rural managerial class. Colin Palmer, in his study of Jagan, argued that while Jagan was “naïve” and “indecisive”, Governor Grey’s characterisation of Boysie Ram Karran, the Minister of Communications and Treasurer of the PPP, was of a person “utterly devoted to Jagan,” who doubtfully shared “any ideology”. Fenton Ramsahoye, Jagan’s Attorney General, was seen as an opportunist, with “no deep convictions”. R B Gajraj, a businessman, former Mayor of Georgetown and a nominated member of the Legislative Council, was motivated by “a desire for personal reward”.

Third, despite its working class rhetoric, the PPP’s dominant strategy for governing Guyana was based on its fortunate ability to win elections. Jagan knew, from its inception, that the Indian majority, and a divided politics was the Party’s political ace. The Party aggressively fought off Indians who threatened its base, including Rai’s Justice Party and Ravi Dev’s ROAR. Had the Party not insulated itself from noncommunists, it might have extended an olive branch to the Opposition in 1992, incorporate credible Opposition elements within its ranks, and taken actions to restructure key political institutions. Today, the Party finds itself out of office, perhaps for another 28 years, amid accusations of widespread corruption, with a much maligned political leader. More importantly, the PPP, given the changing racial configuration, cannot win a free and fair election by relying on its traditional support base.

Jagan’s charismatic appeal which served to corral the Indians died a long time ago.

Today, the PPP continues to hold out the promise of false hope to its supporters. The Party is dominated by a single individual, Bharrat Jagdeo, who himself is surrounded by powerful dinosaurs of the Jagan era, making it difficult to open the Party to much needed reforms. Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com.

To be continued

wednesday, January 27, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

67th Republic Day of India observed

– countries pledge to strengthen ties

G

uyana joins in celebrating India’s 67th Republic Day, which commemorates the day when the Asian country adopted the Constitution of India as its governing policy replacing the Government of India Act. The Indian High Commission office here hosted a grand reception and dinner at the Marriott International Hotel on Tuesday, which was attended by acting President, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; several Government Ministers, former President Donald Ramotar, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and local and overseas members of the business community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Indian High Commissioner V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam pointed out that when the Lower House of the Parliament was elected into Government in the May 2014 elections, one of the key priorities of the new Administration was the sharp focus on meeting India’s developmental goals and overcoming various challenges to achieve high economic growth.

He noted that the programmes and initiatives established by the current Government presented real commercial and business opportunities for many countries, noting that India has never shied away from partnering with other countries or the Private Sector within those countries.

Hitting home, High Commissioner Mahalingam stated that Guyana and India have continued to build and strengthen their relationship based on historical and cultural links.

He added that this relation-

15

Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon toasting at the reception on Tuesday

ship was further strengthened in recent years with enhanced cooperation in various fields and meetings between leaders at the highest level.

“India is committed to partner with Guyana in its developmental efforts, whether it is in terms of infrastructure or capacity building. India is ready to offer its hand to Guyana in developing its health infrastructure, both in primary health care and specialty fields; road infrastructure; irrigation and drainage; marine transport; bio and renewable energy; Information Technology and upgrade of the sugar industry,” he remarked.

The Indian High Commissioner went on to highlight the capacity-building programme his country was offering Guyanese – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) – which has been creating experts in various fields such as agriculture, disaster management and parliamentary

studies. Mahalingam further stated that his office has been promoting business and trade relations between the two countries.

Additionally, the High Commissioner outlined that cultural links between the two countries have been one of the strongest threads in the relationship, benefiting from yoga, dance and music classes through the Indian Cultural Centre since its establishment in 1972.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted that not only was this year Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, but it also marked 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and India.

“Relations between Guyana and India have grown from strength to strength over the years.

Our bonds rest on a solid foundation of true friendship and mutual respect.

India has proved to be a dependable friend and partner. This partnership has

in past years reaped great benefits for Guyana. Today, other beneficial projects are in the pipeline,” the Prime Minister noted.

One such project, he mentioned, is the East Coast and East Bank Demerara road link project, which is being funded by the Government of India via a loan. Nagamootoo added too that soon the relationship would take Guyana on the information and technological superhighway, as the two countries would shortly conclude a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology here.

The Prime Minister outlined several other areas in which the two countries had strong ties such as culture. He concluded, “My Government wishes to declare on this 67th Anniversary of the Republic of India, our gratitude for India’s continued support and assistance to my country.”

PAHO/WHO joins Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations

T

he Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) has now joined the observation of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebration, to showcase the significant accomplishments achieved over the past 50 years in the health sector.

This will be done in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud during a press conference on Monday revealed that the focus in the health sector would be changing from nutrition issues to mental health and chronic diseases, given the fact that during the early independence era, a lot of focus was placed on food and nutrition to address malnutrition challenges.

He stated that antibiotics and anti-parasitic interventions in the mid 70’s and 80’s became the hallmark of Guyana’s health sector and emphasised the strong programmes that the country has to combat some of the major health issues; some of those listed as “generally infections”; emerging infectious diseases; chronic diseases; and mental health, including suicide, accidents and violence.

The CMO further noted that in the earlier days, the Ministry placed a lot of focus on addressing sanitation matters, which has made improvement over the years but has not yet completely dissolved. He added that some of the challenges exist in dealing with cases of malaria and leprosy.

Moreover, he boasted the country’s ability to increase its life expectancy over the years and the mastering of its immunisation programme that led the country having the best immunisation programme in the region.

PAHO/WHO Guyana’s office has taken this opportune moment to ‘reflect, compile, and present’ on the achievements and challeng-

Dr Paul Edwards, PAHO/ WHO Health Systems and Service Advisor

es in the health sector from the period of 1966-2016, proceeding to the next 50 years forward.

Meanwhile, Health Systems and Service Advisor of PAHO/WHO, Dr Paul Edwards, told the media that the organisation has already accomplished the confirmation of dates of the planned activities from the National Commemoration Commission and that the Public Health Ministry has already identified two representatives to be part of their committee.

In addition to that, it was noted that Guyana’s development over the years has included major achievements, challenges and changes in the health sector. These achievements and changes in the health sector have been supported by contributions in various forms from different development agencies, as well as key stakeholders together with the Government of Guyana.

While the organisation is looking to complete this project by April 15, they are currently under the process of completing the report by health research, interviewing persons who have worked in the health sector within the past 50 years, by gathering documents from the Public Health Ministry, and also by collecting data from the National Library, newspapers and other viable contributors.

Youths For Local Government

A force to be reckoned with at the upcoming LGE

By Jillicia Pinder

W

ith the aim of educating young men and women across Georgetown on local government and the many roles they can play to help build better communities for themselves, the recentlyformed group “Youths For Local Government” (YFLG) is on a mission to make their mark in the further development of Guyana.

The group is also contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) within the municipality of Georgetown.

The group’s leader,

Clayon Halley, in an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, stated that Guyana’s youth have much to offer if given the opportunity to do so.

The 25-year-old stated that for some time, it has been falsely perceived that young people did not have any interest in their country’s development at any level, stressing that the youths were just never given the opportunity.

The auditor and entrepreneur said many young persons have shared that they were part of the general and regional election campaigns, but were never

YFLG leader Clayon Halley

given a second glance when the campaigns were over.

Many of them were not offered any meaningful post that would give them an opportunity to be part of the country’s decision-making and development process.

However, local government offers that opportunity for Guyana’s youth, Halley said.

In the upcoming elections, young people have the opportunity to be elected to serve: to use their creative ideas to implement policies, strategies and projects for the betterment of their communities, and in particular, the city of Georgetown.

YFLG symbol

Halley shared that he believed that opportunity in itself was something young persons who were interested in developing this country would “grab with both hands”, as it was a great opportunity for many to step

up to the plate and be part of that process.

Halley posited that the group’s first priority if elected would be to review as many as possible outreach projects, plans, and policies that the country has undertaken over the last few years. “... by reviewing these activities, we will ensure that what is undertaken by the Government is what’s best for the citizens of Georgetown and implement new strategies and ways to make projects, plans and policies better,” the YFLG leader declared. turn to page 17

16 news

wednesday, january 27, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana a paradise destination Ramsammy’s Ruminations Government has for hardcore adventure thrown integrity out

H

ardcore outdoor challenges tourism appeals to tourists seeking adventure and Guyana is just the place to experience it. Guyana’s layout of rolling savannahs and highlands offers new tourism opportunities.

Director General of the Tourism Ministry, Donald Sinclair, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) indicated that this potential will be maximised.

According to Sinclair, “Guyana has great potential for the visitor who wants hard adventure. Biking is one area. Hiking is another, because a lot of our terrain is rugged. We have mountainous terrain. We have hills and for example, if we take the resort, Arrowpoint Resort, there is a nature trail there which has a good scope for biking, mountain biking and so on.”

The terrain of the

Vehicles taking persons to enjoy the beauty of the South Rupununi

Rupununi also offers exciting opportunities for that kind of tourism, Sinclair pointed out. This area is made up of savannahs and rainforests and is located in the Southern part of Guyana. He further stated that the Visit Rupununi

Organisation aims to develop attractions in the area by developing the communities.

This will strengthen the participation of the residents in growing and marketing the Rupununi.

The Visit Rupununi Organisation was launched

in 2015 and comprises several stakeholders, including Government, the Private Sector, and representatives of 35 communities of the Rupununi.

Guyana’s flora and fauna and rich indigenous culture are also pull factors for ecotourism, Sinclair highlighted. These, he said, relate to landscapes, birds, fishes, Amerindian culture, foods and a whole range of exciting opportunities.

Hardcore tourism is discovering areas through the most intense, rewarding and strenuous way possible.

Community-based tourism and eco-tourism will also be examined and promoted.

Eco-tourism involves travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the objective of admiring, studying, and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any cultural features found in Guyana’s hinterland.

Smart City Project to be implemented to tackle crime

T

he Smart City Project is among several initiatives which have been identified to reduce crime. The Project is part of the US$15 million Citizen

Security Strengthening Programme that was launched on Monday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

It was explained by Public Security Minister Khemraj

Ramjattan that this aspect of the programme would see cameras strategically placed around the city. This initiative, he noted, is part of the Integrated Surveillance and

Patrol Management System.

“This surveillance technology will enhance law enforcement effectiveness by providing up-to-date information, and supporting the development of proactive operational strategies and intelligence-led tactics.”

The programme, as noted by the Government Information Agency (GINA), will also lend support to training in criminal and forensic techniques for Police ranks, according to Minister Ramjattan. He stated that the Project was a priority and would provide a safe environment for citizens.

He opined that the programme would “improve effectiveness in the Guyana Police Force’s disciplinary control and accountability mechanisms by bridging the capacity gap in Police Complaints Authority and the Office of Professional Responsibility in conducting independent investigations”.

The programme accounts for US$5.5 million of the US$15 million provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Specific objectives of the five-year Citizen Security Strengthening Programme are: to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in target communities, increase the Guyana Police Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and crime investigation nationally, and improve the Guyana Prison Service’s effectiveness in reducing offenders’ recidivism at the national level.

The Project will be implemented by the Public Security Ministry Project Implementation Unit, and will be managed by the IDB through direct supervision.

of the window hiding behind confidentiality

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) in part came to power because they succeeded in labelling the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government as corrupt. For years they presented themselves as Guyana’s self-appointed crusader for good governance and anticorruption watchdogs. Even PPP supporters began to believe some of the stories, although some of them were quite outlandish. But the very people who stood vehemently demanding Dr Leslie Ramsammy that corruption be wiped out and who the people expected will take the necessary initiatives to stamp out this governance cancer, are the people who seem determined to take corruption to another level today.

Ordinary people are asking what is wrong with the proposal for all MPs to make public their income tax returns as part of their asset and income declarations? If there is nothing to hide, what is wrong with public figures who self-righteously rail against corruption making their declarations public or providing for citizens to examine those declarations if they have reasons to so inquire? Is it true that some of the rich lawyers, for example, pay less taxes than teachers and nurses?

It is bizarre that the accuser is trying to hide from being accountable and the ones they accused insist on being open and transparent. APNU/AFC made income and asset corruption almost their single platform issue to mobilise people to vote for them and they literally dubbed PPP Ministers and officials as the biggest thieves in the world, without presenting any evidence to support their contention. True or not, many people believed the APNU/AFC and gave them the benefit of the doubt.

Even more bizarre is that Guyana already has a law providing for public officials to submit their income and asset declarations to the Integrity Commission, but these same MPs from APNU/ AFC never submitted their declarations. As an MP and Minister in the PPP Government, I submitted those declarations for the entire time I served as an MP and as a Minister. The then Presidents, Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds and Bharrat Jagdeo insisted that every PPP MP and Minister must submit their income and asset declarations each year.

In the face of a demand that all MPs and Ministers make public declarations of their income and assets, APNU/AFC wants to make confidential income and asset declarations to the Integrity Commission only. This is what the PPP MPs and their Ministers have done for more than 20 years and what APNU/AFC MPs and now Ministers have never done. It begs the question, what are the MPs and Ministers of APNU/AFC afraid of?

Parliament had a simple proposal before it – all MPs to make public declarations of their income and assets to the Parliament so that the people of Guyana would know who are rich and who are paying or evading their taxes. Public officials must demonstrate they are willing to be held accountable and are willing to allow the public to examine their income and assets before and during their service. In any case, since APNU/ AFC literally came to power accusing the PPP MPs of “thieving all over the place”, the PPP was giving a gift to APNU/AFC by having all MPs publicly declaring their assets and income and revealing who paid taxes. It is utterly bizarre that the PPP agrees and APNU/AFC is hiding. But hiding from what?

It is not like the PPP proposal for all MPs to submit their income and asset declarations for public scrutiny is a unique one. Asset disclosure programmes enhance the legitimacy of Government in the eyes of the public and stimulate foreign direct investment.

There is a growing trend toward requiring financial disclosure by Government officials, including publication of asset declarations, in order to combat corruption, foster public confidence in Government, and encourage foreign investment. An extensive World Bank Survey of 176 countries completed in 2012 shows that 137 (78 per cent) have financial disclosure systems, including disclosure for Cabinet members and MPs and 62 per cent for high-ranking Prosecutors and Judges. Importantly, 43 per cent of countries provide the public with open access to public officials’ financial disclosures. In Caricom, The Bahamas, Jamaica and Belize have such requirements.

It boggles my mind that politicians are able to fool so many people so often. For years sitting as a PPP Government Member of Parliament, I listened as APNU/AFC MPs castigated us for corruption. They took the message that PPP Ministers and MPs were thieving all around, to the people in communities.

The message resonated and many people believed them.

Why then are the PPP MPs open to have their tax returns and asset declarations public and APNU/AFC is hiding? What is it that Nagamootoo and his collegaues like Ramjattan, Trotman, Williams and others are so afraid of? I urge the MPs from APNU/ AFC to put their income and asset declarations where their mouths are.

17

news

wednesday, january 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Wales Sugar Estate closure

Unions still awaiting Govt’s decision on land

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) are still awaiting word from Government on its plans for the prime lands on which the Wales Sugar Estate stands.

GAWU’s President Komal Chand told Guyana Times on Tuesday that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), during its meeting with farmers and their representatives last

operations in 2016 so there is time… we will work out the options and we have lots of time to adjust to allow a smooth transition,” he said.

Guyana Times was further told that with regards to the Wales Community Centre and ground which belong to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and is managed through the Wales estate, it will not be sold.

The Minister noted that operations at the Wales Estate, on the West Bank of Demerara, have an im-

ting down the Wales Sugar Estate, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo called on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government to take into consideration the option of transforming large sums of sugar debt into equity.

This would greatly assist the cash-strapped Sugar Corporation and put it on a better footing, he said.

According to Jagdeo, the debt of the sugar entity could be easily reduced by $5 billion which is what

week, had promised to provide information before the end of this week for the use of the land after the estate is closed.

This publication understands that discussion were held on the possibility of having the 25,000 acres of land sold to private investors, but efforts to contact Agriculture Minister Noel Holder for confirmation proved futile.

The Minister had recently told this newspaper that Government was yet to decide on what acreage will be utilised after the closure of the estate.

“We are still looking at options at the moment… we will not be closing the

pact on drainage and irrigation works in neighbouring communities.

As such, GuySuCo will have to hand over the community centre ground to the Agriculture Ministry.

“GuySuCo is trying to do a lot of things… but it will have to hand over the land to the Ministry of Agriculture… it will be taken care of by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) under the Ministry so that drainage and irrigation in the communities will continue and not be affected,” he added.

Following the announcement by Government last week that it will be shut-

is owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as a short-term debt.

“Of the $62 billion in long-term debt, over $33 billion is owed to the Government… you can easily convert it, and this is for the co-gen plant and other things, so that tomorrow this debt could be off the books. We can covert this into equity so if you go through the shortterm debt and the longterm debt, you will see that although it is carried on the books that they are not required to service a lot of these things,” he had explained.

As the Administration remains firm in its position

A force to...

He said the group also has plans for infrastructural development, garbage collection and disposal, and many other sectors.

Presently, the group has no form of funding from any outside party, although persons have signalled their interest. Currently, all campaign funding is coming from the pockets of group members.

As they continue to campaign, their plans for community development continue to grow and are tweaked to facilitate the needs of people in the various communities.

Halley told this newspaper that he hoped per-

from page 15

sons in corporate Guyana saw the difference that the group was trying to accomplish and they would make a donation out of the generosity of their hearts. The group has a strong social media campaign going and a strong door-to door-campaign as well.

“The whole setback of finances will not deter us from contesting the elections and having an impact, but we do know and believe that persons are gonna come on board and support us,” Halley shared.

YFLG recently announced its 16 candidates on its Facebook page. The candidates come from diverse eth-

nic and social backgrounds.

They include: Halley; junior library assistant and actress Abigail Brower, 25; Dr Stephan Muridall, 28; University student Trevor Baird, 22; Lecturer Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, 27; doctor and teacher, Andrew Hutson, 23; human rights activist Alistair Sonoram, 28; Malika Thamon, 21; Sidney Nelson, 20; Chemist Morris Solomon, 27; logistics officer Mark Smith, 20; journalist Mondale Smith, 38; De Vaughn Lewis, 34; Dr Stefan Hutson, 24; teacher Nashava Philadelphia, 25 and journalist and global youth ambassador, Jamicia Mc Calman, 19.

to have the Wales Sugar Estate closed by yearend, the sugar unions are demanding that Government engage in dialogue to notify them of plans for the af-

fected sugar workers.

GAWU, NAACIE and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) in a joint press conference on Monday reminded Government that

apart from the ‘painful effects on those workers’ directly affected from such a move, the issue also has far-reaching economic and social implications.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, January 27, 2016

ARCHIE

Keep a promise you made to yourself at the turn of the (March 21- year and follow through with April 19) your plans. Nothing will happen if you don’t take action.

ARIES

You’ll have everyone’s atTAURUS tention if you speak up and of(April 20- fer options. Your insight and May 20) common sense will help you face anyone who opposes you.

Get ready to celebrate with someone special.

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Listen carefully and don’t GEMINI (May 21- make assumptions or overreJune 20) act to what’s being said. Once you decide on your position, make a subtle but effective move that will help you avoid a loss.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

You’ll have plenty to think about and lots of options. The changes you make at home or within important relationships will add to your future stability. Romance is encouraged.

Take it upon yourself to LEO finish what you start. Once (July 23you have put the work behind Aug. 22) you, it will be much easier to indulge in something you enjoy doing.

Attend a networking funcVIRGO tion.

Discussions that allow (Aug. 23you to share your ideas will Sept. 22) prompt an interesting offer.

Love is on the rise, and romance will improve your personal life.

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Don’t put up with someone LIBRA (Sept. 23- pressuring or bullying you.

Oct. 23) Make plans to spend time with those who support your actions instead of criticising them. Research an attractive personal change.

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Explore interests and exSCORPIO pand your friendships. The (Oct. 24Nov. 22) more you interact with others, the better your options will be. A unique change at home will help you reach one of your dreams.

Don’t share too much with SAGITTARIUS others, even if you are enjoy(Nov. 23- ing the attention that results.

Dec. 21) Ulterior motives will lead to trouble and a loss of reputation or status.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t hold back. If you CAPRICORN want something, take it. You (Dec. 22- can reach your goal if you are Jan. 19) diligent in the way you do things. Indulge in a romantic encounter.

Don’t act on hearsay.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Someone will try to lead you Feb. 19) astray with bad information.

Avoid a feud by keeping your opinions to yourself and getting involved in projects you can do independently.

The help you offer will PISCES (Feb. 20- lead to an opportunity to get March 20) involved in something that concerns or excites you. Your originality and compassionate nature will put you in a leadership position.

wednesday, january 27, 2016

19

G. Square Cavaliers top ICC praises Chanderpaul Bacchus but fall to Affiance C ricket’s world governing body, the ICC, has praised recently retired West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul as “a role model for millions”.

The 41-year-old Guyanese called time on his international career last week, after playing 164 Tests and finishing as just one of 11 players to score in excess of 10 100 Test runs. “ S h i v n a r i n e Chanderpaul will be remembered as a reliable and extremely effective batsman. He was remarkable with the way he could

T

with figures of 4-32 in four overs. H. Boodine also grabbed 2-24.

In reply, Affiance won comfortably by seven wickets with an over and two balls to spare. P Parastam made 75 runs to lead the squad while G Mangal returned with the bat to make 38 and P. Persaud 32 runs.

C. Ragnauth was the pick of the bowlers for Cavaliers with figures of 2-37 in four overs.

Meanwhile in game two the day’s activities, Cavaliers batted their way to 155-7 in a reduced game of 18 overs against I.

Bacchus XI. S. Shiwnandan top scored for the Cavaliers with 73 runs while H. Sukhram and J. Manbodh scored 19 and 15 respectively. Bacchus Lall was the top bowler with figures of 3-36.

In reply, Bacchus XI mustered 136-8 in their 18 overs with Prasram (only name given) scoring 31. K Persaud was the next best scorer with 30 runs.

Bowling from the Cavaliers came from L. Narine with figures of 3-25 and D. Shiwnandan with figures of 2-16.

Serena, Djokovic through to final 4 of Australian Open

N

ovak Djokovic and Serena Williams faced what were supposed to be their biggest challenges to date at this year’s Australian Open on Tuesday but both rattled off comfortable victories to march into the semi-finals.

Australia Day fireworks were expected on court and off on day nine of the championships but Djokovic extinguished Kei Nishikori’s flame 6-3 6-2 6-4 and Williams doused every spark of a threat from Maria Sharapova to win 6-4 6-1.

The defending champions face very different hurdles in the last four, however, with Djokovic moving on to face 17-times grand slam winner Roger Federer and Williams’s path to a seventh final blocked by the slight figure of Agnieszka Radwanska.

Federer eased past

Tomas Berdych 7-6(4) 6-2 6-4 while fourth seed Radwanska thrashed Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1 6-3 to

Serena Williams

reach her second semi-final at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic has played five and had already booked a place in his sixth when the traditional festive fireworks lit up the skies over Melbourne to celebrate the

average of 51.

Chanderpaul also served as West Indies captain, leading the regional side in 14 Tests.

While known for his attritional run gathering, Chanderpaul also excelled in the shorter formats, stroking 8778 runs from 268 One-Day Internationals at an average of 41.

His career was effectively ended last May when West Indies selectors axed him ahead of Australia’s tour of the Caribbean, following failures against South Africa and England.

(Cricinfo)

Sammy retained as Captain for T20 World Cup

The G. Square Cavaliers after their matches on Sunday

he G. Square Cavaliers Sports Club continued with their cricket programme in Wakenaam, hosting two teams from the Essequibo Coast last Sunday at the G. Square Complex ground.

In their first game against Affiance Sports Club, G. Square batted first and posted a respectable total of 178-7 off their allotted 20 overs.

K. Khan was the top run scorer with 78 while H. Sukhram and L. Narine contributed 45 and 17 runs respectively. G. Mangal was the top bowler for Affiance

adapt to his style, mixing solid defence and attack, to the demands of the situation,” ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.

“For nearly two decades, Shivnarine not only excelled with the bat but with his sporting attitude and quiet determination became a role model for millions of youngsters.”

Chanderpaul scored 11 867 Test runs to be second on the all-time West Indies list behind legend Brian Lara and seventh on the international list.

He scored 30 Test centuries and finished with an

national holiday.

The 28-year-old, supposedly vulnerable to an upset after racking up 100 unforced errors in a five-set marathon against Gilles Simon in the fourth round, rolled on remorselessly.

Seventh seed Nishikori stunned the world number one the last time they met in a grand slam at the 2014 U.S. Open, but there was to be no repeat.

Early breaks were enough to secure the first two sets for the Serbian, who later revealed he had not hit a single ball on Monday, and only after an injury timeout did Nishikori rediscover the aggression that got him to the last eight.

Asia’s number one raced to a 3-1 lead on the back of two breaks in the third set but Djokovic reined him in with two breaks of his own and grabbed a third before

W

Darren Sammy in action

est Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy has been retained for the upcoming International Cricket Council World T20 tournament in India in March.

The West Indies selectors, headed by Sir Clive Lloyd, are happy to keep Sammy for the premier tournament. The West Indies are currently ranked number one in the ICC rankings for T20s and Sammy has

been the man in charge during this climb.

There were speculations that Sammy may have been replaced by Test and ODI captain Jason Holder but the selectors opted for experience going into the World T20.

Sammy was at the helm of the team that won the title in 2012 in Sri Lanka and reached the semi-finals in 2014 in Bangladesh. He retired from Test cricket on

finishing theJapanese off with a crunching backhand winner after just over two hours.

second.

“I think if you’re serving maybe 180 (kph) against somebody else compared to Serena, that’s an ace,” said Sharapova.

“Against Serena, as we all know, the return is one of her great strengths. She’s very explosive.”

Williams twice had treatment for the after-effects of food poisoning before securing an 18th successive win over the five-time grand slam champion.

The 34-year-old American has won all eight matches against Pole Radwanska but said she was taking nothing for granted as she continues

Losing streak

Williams faced her biggest threat in the first set of her contest against Sharapova, who had placed her hopes of ending a 12year losing streak against the world number one on a rejuvenated serve.

The Russian had racked up a career-high 21 aces in her fourth-round match but her serve deserted her when she needed it most in the 10th game and Williams broke to win the first set before racing away with the

May 9 last year but is still available to play ODIs for the regional team. He was left out of the West Indies team for the ODIs against Sri Lanka in November.

The World T20 gets going on March 16 for the West Indies, as they come up against England in Mumbai. They will also face Sri Lanka, South Africa and a qualifier from the associates.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is awaiting news on the results of tests on Sunil Narine’s bowling action before announcing their team. Narine was banned from bowling by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an illegal bowling action. He is due to return to Loughborough University later this month to do tests on his action.

If he passes the test, he will be named on the team, as he has tremendous experience of the Indian conditions, having campaigned in the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 since 2012. (Trinidad

Guardian)

her bid for a 22nd grand slam title.

Federer is also 34 and it has been quite some time since he was able to take for granted advancement to the last four at grand slams.

Czech Berdych had triumphed in their last two meetings at majors but, after a tight opening set, was no match for the clinical Swiss.

Federer found the target with nearly 70 percent of his first serves and won 83 percent of those points, hit 48 winners and made only 26 unforced errors to smother the sixth seed in two hours and 16 minutes.

(Reuters Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 27, 2016

Busta Champion of Champions 2015 Cup

RHT Gizmos and Gadgets defeat Young Warriors in final P

laying in front of a packed Area ‘H’ ground, home team Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) easily defeated Young Warriors by 171 runs to lift the 2015 edition of the Busta Champion of Champions 40-over cricket tournament.

The sun showed in all of its glory as Clinton Pestano turned in a fine all-round performance to claim the Man-of-the-Final and Best Batsman prizes.

Batting first after winning the toss, RHTG&G were given an opening stand of 34 by openers Khemraj Mahadeo and Delbert Hicks- both former national Under-19 batsmen- before Mahadeo was dismissed for 14 in the fifth over by medium-pacer Seon Hetmyer.

Hicks and Jason Sinclair then added 81 for the second wicket before Hicks was caught at the wicket off pacer Jermin Henry for an attractive 70, which included eight boundaries and two massive sixes.

Sinclair (33), Rajiv Ivan 42 (7x4s) and Pestano 72 (4x4s, 4x6s) all batted well to ensure the home team reach an imposing 274-7 off the al-

Guyana Beverage Company’s officials pose with members of the successful Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets teams

lotted 40 overs. Pestano and Ivan added 81 for the fourth wicket off just 6.3 overs as the visitors bowling struggled for control on the lighting fast outfield.

Bowling for Young Warriors, Suresh Dhanai and Hetmeyer both took 2-52 from eight overs.

Needing to score 275 to win from 40 overs, Young Warriors were rocked back

in the first over bowled by Pestano, when national junior player Alex Algoo’s middle stump was sent flying for zero. West Indies Under-15 selectee Kevin Sinclair was then trapped leg before by pacer Keon Sinclair for 17 to leave his team at 20-2 in the sixth over.

The visitors never recovered and were eventually dismissed for 104 in 23.1

overs as only the impressive Waheid Edwards (41) and Suresh Dhanai (21) offered any resistance to a purposeful RHTG&G bowling attack. Off-spinner Eon Hooper (3-16), Keon Sinclair (3-21), Pestano (2-17) and Shawn Perriera (2-19) bowled well for the champions.

At the presentation ceremony, Rose Hall Town

Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Secretary/ CEO, Hilbert Foster, praised both teams for their high example of discipline and hailed the 12th edition of the Busta Champion of Champions tournment as a great success despite several setbacks. The tournament was organised by the RHTY&SC. He expressed gratitude

to the management of the Guyana Beverage Company for their support over the years, especially General Manager Robert Selman and Marketing Manager Shameiza Yadram.

Selman, in an emotional speech, stated that the RHTY&SC has presented the Busta brand well over the years and stated that working with the club was always a privilege. The outgoing General Manager, who would be retiring shortly, noted that the tournament has made the Busta brand a household name in Berbice. He also expressed his admiration of the club’s discipline and remarkable ability to successful organise and host events.

The champions took home $100,000 and the beautiful Busta Cup, while the runner-up received $50,000 and a trophy.

Pestano was named Man-of-the-Final and Best Batsman; Eon Hooper Best Bowler, while Waheid Edwards and Suresh Dhanai received special prizes for their performances for Young Warriors.

England hold onto series win despite Rabada’s brilliance in final Test

K

England get hold of the series prizes (Getty Images)

agiso Rabada completed a dream sequence with 13 wickets in the match as South Africa thumped England by 280 runs in the final Test at Centurion. England won the series 2-1, and can claim the bragging rights, but South Africa have their first Test win in 10 outings and evidence that the future is not necessarily as bleak as has been suggested.

South Africa’s victory was a convincing one, a splendid recovery after their defeats in Durban and Johannesburg. Most pride of all will come in the feat of Rabada, only the third South African to take so

many wickets in a Test, following Makhaya Ntini and Hugh Tayfield. He finished with 13 for 145 in the match, pronouncing that he has the capability to become the inspiration in South Africa’s attack for many years to come.

From the start of their innings, England’s task was to try to bat long and hope that South Africa’s attack fell apart in front of their eyes. Kyle Abbott was carrying a hamstring, Rabada had borne a heavy workload and the unpredictability of Morne Morkel meant that he might go haywire if left to carry the pace bowling alone. With only three

seamers, backed by the offspinner Dane Piedt, their threat might be neutered, even on a surface of variable bounce.

It all proved a hollow theory. Little went right for England for the outset.

They lost three wickets in 21 overs on the fourth evening and capsized completely on the final morning, their last seven wickets disappearing for 49 runs in 13.4 overs. It is fair to suggest that they made no concerted attempt to save the match.

This enterprising England side is a batting line-up of great extremes, committed to a positive approach which can produce

thrilling cricket but which also comes close to an abdication of responsibility in times of hardship.

There was talk among spectators of Cape Town 2010 when England began the final day three down and saved the match at 296 for 9 thanks to plucky backs-tothe-wall resistance from Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood.

From the moment that Joe Root edged his first ball of the day, from Piedt, past the flailing gloves of the wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock that possibility seemed non-existent. In Centurion 2016 they did not even quite make it to the first drinks break.

South Africa had shrewdly given the first over to Abbott - an on-field fitness test in an attempt to gauge the level of his contribution for the battle ahead.

One trundling over was enough to indicate he was unlikely to be a figure of heroic deeds.

Morkel replaced him and struck with his sixth ball, making the ball rear sharply at James Taylor who fended to the keeper.

Bounce is one of Morkel’s greatest assets and he has always felt he could expose a player as short of stature as Taylor: this was how he imagined it would be.

Root was not attuned to the challenge. Shot-making has become central to his game as he has become one of the most prolific No. 4s in Test history, but there seemed little reason to be tempted into a drive at Piedt in the following over,

the resulting edge flying to first slip.

Jonny Bairstow avoided a pair; Ben Stokes needed strapping around his chest after being struck by Morkel. Both were committed to attack. England had a chancy feel about them.

Bairstow managed to get out twice in successive balls. Rabada overstepped for the first, as Bairstow hacked at a wide outswinger to be caught at slip, then the batsmen edged again, a more conservative push this time, de Kock taking the catch.

The daftest shot fell to Stokes - the Man of the Series, often an inspiration with bat, bowl and in the field, but daft all the same as he pulled a short one from Morkel to deep square leg. More than any other England batsman, attacking cricket is in his nature, but he had been suckered.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings 475 England 1st innings 342 South Africa 2nd innings 248 Did not bat KJ Abbott, M Morkel, K Rabada, DL Piedt England 2nd innings (target: 382 runs) AN Cook* c & b Morkel 5 AD Hales lbw b Rabada 1 NRD Compton c †de Kock b Rabada 6 JE Root c Elgar b Piedt 20 JWA Taylor c †de Kock b Morkel 24 BA Stokes c Cook b Morkel 10 JM Bairstow† c †de Kock b Rabada 14

MM Ali not out 10 CR Woakes c †de Kock b Rabada 5 SCJ Broad c de Villiers b Rabada 2 JM Anderson lbw b Rabada 0 Extras (lb 2, w 1, nb 1) 4 Total (all out; 34.4 overs; 151 mins) 101 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-8, 3-18, 4-58, 5-58, 6-83, 7-83, 8-91, 9-101, 10-101 Bowling: M Morkel 12-5-363, K Rabada 10.4-2-32-6, KJ Abbott 2-0-10-0, DL Piedt 7-2-11-1, D Elgar 2-1-8-0, JP Duminy 1-0-2-0.

sports

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Brian Lara

B

rian Lara believes recently retired West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul should have been afforded the time to make a graceful exit from the game. Hailing Chanderpaul as one of the “giants of West Indies cricket”, Lara said he was disappointed the 41-year-old had been axed from the Test team without having the opportunity to have a “proper send-off.”

“Shiv, who played since 1994, had a tremendous career. I started with Shiv in Guyana and remember his first Test match against England,” Lara said yesterday.

“That guy with the most Test matches for the West Indies, playing for over 20 years, I don’t think people in the West Indies understand exactly his contribution.

“I was very disappointed that Shiv was not allowed a couple of more Test matches, not necessarily to break the record but to have a proper send-off. Something

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I think he is very disappointed (about) and unfortunately that did not happen.”

Chanderpaul’s form came under the microscope after he managed just 91 runs in three Tests against South Africa last year January and 92 runs in a similar three-Test series against England in April.

In announcing the lefthander’s sacking ahead of Australia’s tour of the

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Caribbean last May, chief selector Clive Lloyd said Chanderpaul’s decline in form had been “rapid” and selectors had opted to focus on younger players. Overall, Chanderpaul pummelled 11 867 runs from 164 Tests at an average of 51, with 30 centuries.

Though known for his patient, attritional batting, Chanderpaul piled up 8778 runs from 268 One-Day Internationals at an average of 41. Lara said he was a big admirer of Chanderpaul throughout his career.

“He has been a great servant for West Indies cricket

and he has done some tremendous things throughout his career, and credit must be given to the man for how he has played,” said Lara, who is here to play in the Masters Champions League.

“When I do have the opportunity to give him a call and thank him, I will because for me he was one of the giants of West Indies cricket.”

Meanwhile, cricket’s world governing body, the ICC, has praised Chanderpaul as “a role model for millions.”

In a release yesterday, the ICC noted: “Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be remembered as a reliable and extremely effective batsman. He was remarkable with the way he could adapt to his style, mixing solid defence and attack, to the demands of the situation,” ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.

“For nearly two decades, Shivnarine not only excelled with the bat but with his sporting attitude and quiet determination became a role model for millions of youngsters.”

Chanderpaul scored 30 Test centuries and finished with an average of 51. He also served as West Indies captain, leading the regional side in 14 Tests. His career was effectively ended last May when West Indies selectors axed him ahead of Australia’s tour of the Caribbean, following failures against South Africa and England. (Trinidad Guardian)

Pride performance leaves Holder stumped

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aptain Jason Holder is at a loss to explain Barbados Pride’s poor showing in the final of the Regional Super50 last Saturday. The star-studded side, boasting 10 current and former West Indies players, went down by 72 runs to reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in a lopsided affair at Queen’s Park Oval.

“I can’t really put my finger on it at the moment. We just weren’t good enough in the field … I reckon we gave away about 40 runs and really paid for it in the end,” Holder said.

“It’s tough in a final to make so many mistakes and come out winning the game at the end of the day so we just need to tighten up on that in the future.”

Winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pride were ragged in the field, allowing Red Force to reach 270 for seven off their 50 overs. West Indies batsman Darren Bravo top-scored with 97 while Barbadian opener Kyle Hope got 34 and captain Jason Mohammed, 31.

In reply, Pride slumped to 31 for four in the tenth over and never really recovered, eventually bundled out for 198 in the 43rd over.

Shai Hope made a patient 50 while Carlos Brathwaite blasted an attacking 46 from 32 balls.

“We didn’t get off to a good start with the bat so we just had to, in a sense, rebuild in the middle and we never quite got it going,” Holder explained.

Jason Holder

He added: “When you’re chasing 270-odd on these types of pitches you need a good start, you need to keep wickets in hand and we didn’t do that. We had an unfortunate collision on the field [between Shane Dowrich and Ashley Nurse] and Shane Dowrich was pretty much out of it afterward.

“He had to go to hospital while we were batting so he had to bat down the order which is a tough decision for us because obviously he has

been very good for us.

“I thought we were doing pretty good in the middle.

It was a top innings there from Carlos Brathwaite. I thought he really came and showed how we should play on this track and how to put pressure on these bowlers but it’s just a situation where we never got the partnerships going.”

Holder was one of several West Indies players who joined the Pride squad at the half-way stage of the tournament, following the tour of Australia. Likewise, Bravo also returned to strengthen the Red Force duty following West Indies duty, reeling off three half-centuries in as many innings, and Holder believed he was the difference for the hosts.

“We didn’t bowl too badly. I think the ball went into some pretty tight spots in terms of not going to the fielders where we set them and I think we just need to be a little more precise when we set fields,” he pointed out. “But credit to the way Darren played, he was outstanding. At that stage he came in, he knew he had to build an innings and be there at the end and he batted deep into the innings which was good for them.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

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guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 27, 2016

The untold stories of Shiv Chanderpaul Part 1: The beginning of an Icon S

hivnarine Chanderpaul speaks to Philip Spooner and outlines his life and times as an amazing West Indies batsman and ambassador for the game of cricket in the Caribbean.

If you think back 22 years ago, what were you doing? Where were you in life? What were your goals? Did you achieve them? Were you even born yet?

Two decades is a pretty long time – a lot has changed in our world. Back in 1994, Nelson Mandela had just become the first black President of a united South Africa; the founder of Facebook was an 11-year-old with a dream of having a great impact on the world; and Lebron James was also 11, dreaming of winning an NBA ring.

That was the year Shivnarine Chanderpaul made his debut for the West Indies. The match was played at Bourda – there was no Guyana National Stadium. Kraigg Brathwaite was in diapers; he now plays alongside Shiv in the Test team and teenagers listened to music on the go with a Walkman and went to the phone booth – you can now do both, and a lot more, with a “smart phone”.

The debut match was West Indies against England and a young Chanderpaul stepped into the team alongside Brian Lara, Desmond Haynes, Richie Richardson, Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. England’s starting XI included Michael Atherton at the top of the order with Alec Stewart with Robin Smith in the middle while the new ball combination was Chris Lewis and Alan Igglesden with Gus Fraser coming on first change.

It was a day of destiny for the young man – he saw an opportunity and he took it. Now, 22 years later, he has

Shivnarine Chanderpaul prepares to face a delivery with Adam Gilchrist looking on behind the stumps

risen to the very top of world cricket.

He’s one of the greatest batsmen to ever play the game. Chanderpaul announced his retirement from international cricket last Saturday, and the cricket world paused to pay tribute to a legend, who crafted his own niche in the game’s history.

“That was one of my greatest days.

I couldn’t believe when my name was announced in the team,” Chanderpaul recalls. “I was like ‘really? Me? Am I really going to play?’ All the hair on head was frozen and the hair on my hand was standing up. I had to calm myself and say ‘wait am I really going to play a Test match, today? Am I actually in this team? I honestly thought I was there to be just in the squad to learn, but to hear my name in the team was

amazing. Then I composed myself and said ‘listen. . . this is your opportunity, go out there and grab it!”

Shiv walks around with a mantra that was handed to him by Faoud Bacchus, a right-handed opener who is famous for his one Test century – 250 against India at Kanpur in 1979. The former Guyana captain played 19 Test matches – remarkably all?at different grounds.

“The one thing that guides me, the one thing that sticks in my brain is ‘keep it simple keep it as simple as possible’. Faoud Bacchus said that to me.

He said always keep your eyes on the ball and watch it closely.”

Shiv has cultivated his own approach, including the bizarrely squareon “Chanderpaulian stance”. He does everything precisely in the correct order – someone once remarked that he probably eats his alphabet soup in alphabetical order.

Then there is also the knocking of the bail to take guard – something taught by his father Khemraj; and kissing the pitch to celebrate a century – a tribute to Mother Earth for blessings bestowed.

“Preparation is vital. Preparation is the key. If you don’t prepare well you will struggle when the match comes around. When you step to the nets you have to know in your mind why you are going to the nets. You don’t just go to the nets to hit balls and bowl balls and then come out and say ‘I was in the nets for such-and-such time today’.

You have to look at the areas where you have strengths and weaknesses and get better for the match which is coming up.”

To be continued… (Windies Cricket)

GCB/Banks DIH/DIGICEL’s NSSCL

Hope, Cummings Lodge, Annandale and LBI Secondary Schools grab wins

A

magnificent display of spin bowling by Cordel Martins helped Hope Secondary to victory over Bygeval Secondary, while Cummings Lodge Secondary, Annandale Secondary and La Bonne Intention Secondary also recorded victories as the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water, along with Digicel continued this week.

At the Fairfield ground in Mahaica, Hope Secondary, batting first were dismissed for 85 in 20 overs. The only batsman

Hendricks top scored with 11.

Bowling for Cummings Lodge, Heranjan Ori took 5-23 from three overs.

Cummings Lodge in reply made 71-2.

In another East Coast Demerara District match, Annandale Secondary took on International Business School (IBE). IBE, batting first, were bowled out for a paltry 103 off 20.4 overs.

Avinash Ramsaywack top scored with 19, while Kendard Amsterdam contributed 11. Tameshwar Motiram grabbed 4-15, Ayube Sammy 2-24 and Damuko Nguend 2-25.

Annandale Secondary, in response, reached 104-7 in 26.4 overs.

to offer any resistance was Rovin Ramsarup with a top score of 27. Doing the damage for Bygeval Secondary was Shoaib Shaw, who claimed 3-22.

Bygeval Secondary in reply squandered a chance of victory along with the right to represent Mahaica zone in the second stage of the competition. Their batsmen were bamboozled

by Cordel Martins, who bowled with excellent control, claiming 5-12.

His spell broke the backbone of the Bygeval Secondary batsmen’s limp run chase. He was ably supported by Gopaul Applesammy with 4-18 as Bygeval Secondary folded for 70 in 18.2 overs.

Over at the Enterprise ground, Cummings Lodge Secondary came up against Plaisance Secondary.

Plaisance Secondary, batting first, found the going tough and were bowled for 70 in just 10 overs. Trion

Mike Persaud made 23, while Punishwar Amsook chipped in with 15. Bowling IBE, Kendard Amsterdam grabbed 2-31 and Damul Motto 2-16.

Annadale Secondary won by three wickets.

In another match, La Bonne Intention (LBI) took on IPE. IPE batted first and struggled to 54 all out in 19.2 overs. Ravin Singh top scored with 17. Bowling for LBI, Nandkumar Krishna grabbed 3-22 and Kumar Persaud 5-31. LBI in response made 56-2 in 7.3 overs. Nandkumar made 23.

Hope Secondary will now face Mahaicony Secondary on Friday at Fairfield ground.

In Georgetown, Chase Academy will take on St Joseph’s High school at Everest ground from 10:00h, while Linden Foundation will play against Dora Secondary at Bayroc.

Narine headed to Trinidad for CPL this year C ricket fans in T&T will be happy with the news that mystery spinner Sunil Narine will be coming home for the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament this year.

Narine who has been playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the past three years, is set to be transferred to the T&T Knight Riders for the 2016 edition. Guardian Media understands that the move will take place within the next two weeks.

Narine was Amazon Warriors marquee player for the first three years but with the pool of players opened up now, the Warriors is set to transfer him to the T&T Knight Riders. However, Narine’s availability for the CPL will depend on the results of the upcoming tests on his bowling action, which is expected to take place at the end of the month at Loughborough University in England.

Narine, earlier this month, was banned from bowling by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and then subsequently by the West

Indies Cricket Board (WICB) after he was reported for an illegal bowling action last November in Sri Lanka while representing the West Indies in a One-Day International Series.

Sunil Narine

He is currently undergoing rehabilitative work on his bowling action and is being assisted by David Furlonge, the Queen’s Park coach, and Kelvin Williams, national assistant coach, and head of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) Technical Committee on Suspect Bowling Actions.

Narine’s progress will be closely monitored by

his coach and the bowling consultant from England Carl Crowe, as he looks to put his game right before the World T20 in India in March and the Indian Premier League T20 tournament that follows.

Narine’s move to T&T was always on the cards, since Red Chillies Entertainment bought the franchise last year.

Red Chillies also owns the Kolkata Knight Riders which Narine campaigns for in the IPL. As Narine goes to Loughborough for his tests, there will be tremendous interest from all parties, as he is expected to play a major role for the West Indies at the World T20, and the Kolkata Knight Riders and T&T Knight Riders in the domestic T20 tournaments.

Narine suits up for QPCC Meanwhile, the embattled player is set to represent his local club Queen’s Park during the 2016 domestic season which blows-off later this month.

Information from a senior executive member of the T&T Cricket Board: “Narine is from Trinidad

and Tobago and falls under the umbrella of the TTCB. We just could not bury our heads and not discuss the matter concerning Narine.

It was brought up as just a matter of interest and there was never any intention or direction to ban the player from taking part in the domestic tournament.”

The official explained: “Because the ICC has indicated that the call to allow Narine to play or not has to come from the respective boards. The matter has been referred to the National League Committee and it is just a discussion that will take place between the committee and officials of Queen’s Park Cricket Club.”

The domestic tournament gets going on January 30 and Narine is expected to line-up with the Parkites, as he work on getting back into the game fulltime.

Narine was called for an illegal bowling action during the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka recently and failed a subsequent test on his action at Loughborough University in London. (Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 27, 2016

Elite League Finale set for February 12 kick-off

WICB/PCL 4-day cricket

Guyana Jaguars to be encamped from Monday

By Avenash Ramzan

T

The West Demerara based Slingerz FC took top honours in the Genesis phase of the Stag Elite League

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ivalry in the Final stage of the Stag Elite League is set to commence on February 12 with a double header at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Camp Ayanganna.

In the opening game at 17:30h, Genesis phase winner, Slingerz FC of West Demerara will face off with city side, Pele FC. The fea-

ture match at 20:00h will be an all-Georgetown affair with Alpha United squaring off with Fruta Conquerors FC. Two days later, the action will switch to the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda, with the GDF against East Coast side Buxton United at 18:00h, followed by Berbice side Monedderlust against

GFC at 20:00h.

A total of 56 matches will be contested during the Finale, with the venues being GDF, GFC, Tucville, Buxton, Number Five and Leonora grounds.

Slingerz FC had won the Genesis phase of the Stag Elite League late last year when they defeated Alpha United 3-2 in the final at the Leonora Stadium.

23

able-toppers Guyana Jaguars will be encamped from Monday ahead of the resumption of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Fourday competition next month.

The second half of the Four-day competition will start on February 11, but the Guyana Jaguars’ match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the National Stadium at Providence, will start a day later.

When these two teams clashed in early December

Esaun Crandon

Sessions will be held at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. According to Crandon, there will also be a warm-up game, starting next

Windward Islands Volcanoes by 104 runs, Leeward Islands Hurricanes by an innings and 35 runs, and Barbados Pride by nine wickets. In the two away matches to close off the first half of the tournament, the Leon Johnsonled team whipped Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by an innings and 49 runs, and Jamaica Scorpions by 117 runs.

After being knocked out at the semi-finals of the NAGICO Super50 last week, Crandon said he would urge his players to “refocus and regroup” as they head into the final phase of the Four-day

Sun Burst/EBFA U-17 League

Grove beat Soesdyke 4-2 to retain crown G rove underlined their dominance at the Under-17 level on the East Bank of Demerara when they romped to their second title in as many years, a 4-2 triumph over Soesdyke Falcons in the final of 2015 tournament, which was contested on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield.

Led by double from Nickolai Matthews, Grove overcame Soesdyke Falcons for the second time in the competition- first time by a 4-1 margin- to lift the championship trophy, apart from claiming all the individual awards.

Herstelling Raiders took home the third place trophy without breaking a sweat as their opponent, Mocha Champs, failed to show up for the match.

The confident Grove unit, enjoying home support, never doubted their ability to retain the title as the best team at this level on the East Bank. It took the champions 13 minutes, two more than when the two teams first met to break the deadlock.

Matthews opened the scoring from the penalty spot to send the champs on their way. Soesdyke, like they did before, kept the Grove boys at bay for the remainder of the first half, but were not able to avert the goal flow in the final 45 minutes, despite hitting back twice as they showed some fight.

Four minutes into the second half, Grove’s captain, Denzil Crawford, took matters into his own hands to deliver his side’s second goal of the match and his fifth of the competition to double the advantage.

Nickolai Matthews

Six minutes later however, Soesdyke, looking more purposeful in the second half forced a penalty which was successfully converted

by Tyrone Khan to reduce the deficit by one whilst netting his sixth goal of the competition.

Alwyn Haynes scored his fourth goal of the tournament to restore the two goal advantage for Grove in the 73rd minute and the game was placed beyond the reach of Soesdyke two minutes later when Matthews netted his second of the match and his fifth overall.

Soesdyke kept on persevering with the hope of scoring more, but were only able to score one more through Tevin Marshall in the 78th minute, his seventh of the competition as Grove won the championship match 4-2.

Apart from taking the first place trophy and gold

medals, Grove swept the individual prizes with Kevin Dalton ending as the highest goalscorer with nine goals. He was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Usher Jones collected the Best Goalkeeper trophy.

Soesdyke Falcons took home the Fair Play plaque after being adjudged the most disciplined team during the competition.

Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Agencies Limited, manufacturers of Sun Burst Orange Juice, Avalon Jagnandan, was on hand to witness the final and present prizes to the teams.

In remarks following the final, Jagnandan complimented all the teams for their dedication, discipline and commitment towards making the competition another success. He also congratulated Grove Hi Tech for retaining the winner’s trophy, having also won the tournament in 2014 under the Cult Energy Drink brand.

“We at Continental Agencies Limited are pleased to have been associated with this tournament yet again. It is our continued commitment and investment in the development of our young people. We have been making similar investments in other sports and as you know, Sun Burst is the Juice of Champions and you are all champions,” he said.

Jagnandan assured that Continental Agencies Limited will continue to invest in the development of the nation’s young people, which is the country’s most important asset.

The PCL Four-day competition has been a fortress for the Guyana Jaguars

at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, the Guyana Jaguars prevailed by an innings and 49 runs with seamer Christopher Barnwell and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul claiming five-wicket hauls and opener Assad Fudadin scoring a hundred.

To ensure his players are adequately prepared for

Tuesday.

Guyana Jaguars are leading the points table after a flawless record in the first five matches, winning all by comprehensive margins. They currently sit on 85 points, 22 more than second place Barbados Pride.

Jamaica Scorpions are third on 53 points, followed

by Trinidad and Tobago Red

Gudakesh Motie has captured 34 wickets from five games in his first regional First-Class season

the upcoming return match, Head Coach Esaun Crandon informed this newspaper on Tuesday that a period of encampment will commence on Monday.

Force (37), Windward Islands Volcanoes (29) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (13).

Playing their first three matches at home, the Guyana Jaguars defeated

competition, fully energised for the task at hand.

With a perfect slate of five victories from five games, the Guyana Jaguars are primed to repeat as champions, after they took championship honours in the 2014/2015 season with a performance of a similar nature.

So far this season, newcomer left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been the standout performer, finishing the first half as the leading wicket-taker with 34 wickets from five games.

Left-hander Vishaul Singh, with 421 runs at an average of 60.14 with two hundreds, is the Guyana Jaguars’ leading runscorer and the competition’s second highest run-getter behind Roston Chase (436) of Barbados Pride.

Meanwhile, Crandon further highlighted that the Jaguars will certainly miss the experience of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who announced his retirement last weekend, but noted that there is now the opportunity for a young players to come to the fore.

The 41-year-old left-handed Chanderpaul scored over 25,000 First-Class runs, inclusive of 71 hundreds and 133 fifties.

During the first half of the PCL Four-day, he ended as the Guyana Jaguars’ third highest runscorer behind Singh and Johnson, with 226 runs at an average of 45. (aram-

zan@guyanatimesgy.com)

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

wednesday, January 27, 2016

WICB/PCL 4-day cricket

Guyana Jaguars to be encamped from Monday Pg 23

The Guyana Jaguars players will be back in camp from Monday

Narine headed to Trinidad for CPL this year

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Hero CPL draft announced for February 11

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 player draft for 2016 will take place on February 11 at The Barbados Concorde Experience, Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church, Barbados.

The new rules have allowed the six franchise teams to sign one “marquee” player as a free agent before the draft process begins.

The number of players that the franchises can retain before the player draft has been reduced from four to three whilst the squad size increases from 16 to 17 for the new

season.

Further changes to the rules include the number of players who must live in the franchise territory being reduced from four to two, whilst the limit on overseas players has increased from four to five. Last season also saw the introduction of ICC Americas players, with two being selected for the Tridents and Patriots squads.

In 2016, at least six ICC Americas players will be guaranteed a contract. Overall the salary cap for each team has increased to US$780,000 from US$600,000. (Trinidad Express)

Sun Burst/EBFA U-17 League

Grove beat Soesdyke 4-2 to retain crown Pg 23

Pg 22

Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Agencies Limited, Avalon Jagnandan (fifth right), hands over the champions trophy to Grove Hi Tech captain Denzil Crawford as his teammates and club officials savour the moment

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