Guyana Times

President to address Parliament today P14 THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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Issue No. 2736

Thursday, January 14, 2016

PRICE

Controversial NICIL probe

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sam Hinds, former Govt Ministers, officials questioned by SOCU Former President Samuel Hinds

– under surveillance

Govt to reduce excise tax on new vehicles soon – Govt source

Page 15

$80 vat included

Page 3

Another teen commits suicide Page 17

Guyana recommits to CSME development

Page 13

Repsol asks for Kanuku well extension P17 UG announces new admission requirements P12 Guyanese protest raciallymotivated dismissals at Guyana's NY Consulate P14 Time stands still at Stabroek Market clock: so does City Hall P14

Duo charged for Bush Lot killings P11 Raid of Sattaur’s home

PSC vows to speak out against injustices

P2

A section of the gathering at the Grand Coastal Inn, ECD where Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence affirmed Guyana was committed to the development of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME)

As crime spirals out of control GDF Sergeant Pyle, wife given ceremonial send-off Guyana beginning to win

crime fight – President Granger claims Page 9

Page 7

...even as 9 murders, several robberies have been committed 14 days into 2016

12-gauge P11 cartridges found in Mahaicony house Accountant fined for drug possession P8

2 news National Youth Policy Raid of Sattaur’s home yet to be implemented PSC vows to speak out against T injustices T thursday, january 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

he release and implementation of the National Youth Policy is still being anticipated, six months after the draft was completed by the Government.

At a crucial time, when unemployment, crimes, abortions and suicides among youths are soaring high, Guyana is desperately in need of the Policy, which is expected to lay out the Government’s plan for moulding the future of young Guyanese people.

However, Guyanese are still awaiting word on the Policy, which had the Government’s keen interest as was highlighted in its manifesto and before it ascended to office in May 2015.

Guyana Times has made several attempts to contact Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Minister within the Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry, along with presidential adviser on youth empowerment, Aubrey Norton, to secure

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

their comments on the status of the Policy, but these efforts were futile. On a number of occasions, this newspaper was told the Ministers were in a meeting, while Norton has indicated that he preferred not to speak on the topic.

Meanwhile, speaking with this newspaper on the issue, Member of Parliament Charles Ramson Jr expressed his dissatisfaction

with the Government’s pace in completing the Policy.

According to him, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had completed 90 per cent of the draft, and all that was left to be done was to have it finalised.

Ramson added that after the new Government took office and reviewed the draft, it had decided to consult a professional in assisting with a new draft of the Policy. This new draft, he stated, never came out.

“All we’ve been hearing from the Government is drafts about this, drafts about that. They had a draft on code of conduct, draft on youth policy, everything is draft. Nothing is ever finished,” Ramson stated.

He explained that Minister Henry and Norton were assigned to draft the Policy, but both have been unable to do so.

“You have Norton being paid $500,000 a month who was specifically designated to this; you have a minister, but both of them are unable to come up with the national youth policy,” Ramson mentioned.

He related that he had interrogated Minister Henry, and she revealed that $7 million was budgeted to be spent on a youth conference which was to be held in November.

This conference, he said, was never hosted by the Government and since then, there has been no update on when it will be held or if it ever will be.

This newspaper spoke with another PPP member, the former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who did

Presidential adviser on youth empowerment, Aubrey Norton

not have much to say on the matter, but shared similar thoughts as Ramson.

He too believes that the Government has neglected the National Youth Policy, which was drafted when the PPP was in power.

The National Youth Policy is a document which outlines plans for the development of young people in Guyana. It was re-proposed by the current President in his manifesto.

This Policy seeks to create a nation in which young people can utilise their full potential in a land which is protected, peaceful and healthy for growth and development.

Norton, the Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, had made the announcement in August 2015 that the National Youth Policy draft had been completed and was awaiting a review from the President and the Education Minister.

Norton had said that a copy of the Policy would be presented to the President who in turn would evaluate the document and implement the Policy.

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday made it clear that it would not turn a blind eye to injustices that were meted out to any Guyanese.

The Commission was at the time responding to a statement from Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rawle Lucas over the controversial ‘visit’ of GRA officials to the home of the Authority’s Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur last week.

“We will continue to raise our voices whenever we see unfair or partial treatment being meted out to our fellow Guyanese,” the PSC said in a statement.

The PSC added that it was pleased to hear that the rights of Sattaur were not breached in this matter, while Lucas claimed that the visit, which was “most unusual in the circumstances”, were allegedly consensual.

“We were, however, disappointed that in their release, he sought to target only PSC and did not respond to our concerns and also debunk the misleading news article which led to this matter being brought to the fore,” the PSC said.

The body said that it would have spoken to Sattaur, but did not divulge the content of that meeting.

After reports surfaced that a team from the GRA visited the private residence of Sattaur to allegedly conduct a search and seize property, the PSC heaped criticism on the revenue body for unprofessionalism and a breach of Sattaur’s human rights.

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

The PSC also called on President David Granger to reign in those who were involved in excess.

But, Lucas, in the press release, dismissed the PSC’s claims, noting that the visit to Sattaur’s home was not unprofessional and was approved by the Commissioner General.

In his media statement on Sunday, GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas said that the PSC had accused the GRA of searching the home of Sattaur, but “this was not so”.

“While I agree that the protection of human rights is important, that concern did not apply to the case where GRA officials went to the home of Mr Sattaur by mutual agreement on December 31, 2015 to retrieve the property of the Government of Guyana and to ensure that sensitive taxpayers’ data was properly secured,” Lucas stated.

Sattaur is currently on 200 days’ annual leave as a full probe by an international firm is set to be launched into the GRA soon.

news

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thursday, january 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, January 14 – 08:30h-06:30h and Friday, January 15 –09:00-10:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, January 14 – 07:05h-08:35h and Friday, January 15 – 07:55h-09:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny conditions will prevail throughout the day. Cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Controversial NICIL probe

Sam Hinds, former Govt Ministers, officials questioned by SOCU – under surveillance

F

ormer government officials and other new Members of Parliament of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition have become targets of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as the controversial investigation into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) continues.

Former Prime Minister

Winds: North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:33h and 19:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 01:05h and 13:26h reaching minimum heights of 0.49 metre and 0.60 metre.

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

Samuel Hinds and parliamentarians Gail Teixeira, Irfaan Ali and Nigel Dharamlall are all reportedly under police surveillance and were recently called in to be interrogated on matters related to the NICIL forensic audit report that was prepared by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran.

Only recently, PPP Member of Parliament Charles Ramson Jr and his family were the targets of a covert operation into NICIL, which eventually resulted in the death of three persons, including two civilians.

During the high-speed chase that ensued in the operation, Ramson’s wife Alana Seebarran said she was terrified and scared for her life.

Therefore, when the PPP members were summoned to be interrogated, it was cause for much concern.

Interrogations

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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Guyana Times understands that during the interrogations questions posed were all about procedural matters.

Some of the questions included matters about the attendance at NICIL’s Annual General Meetings (AGMs), whether the minutes were written, issues arising from the meeting, among other bureaucratic matters.

Hinds was questioned on January 12 and was accompanied by Attorney Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall during an interview with Guyana Times explained that this entire process seems to be a “fishing exercise” to unearth evidence to support the conclusions of corruption mentioned in the NICIL Audit Report.

Teixeira and Dharamlall were interrogated on January 11 and were accompanied by Attorney Bibi Shaddick and Glen Hanoman respectively.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Teixeira related that SOCU ranks had showed up at her home and started to ask a series of questions in relation to NICIL. She said they then informed her that she will be called in for further questioning. Teixeira too described the

The official explained that, “Because we are approaching LGE, the government can’t now go to their base like they did before and make allegations against PPP about them being corrupt because people would say, ‘well if they are corrupt, why aren’t you doing something about it’.”

Therefore the official posited, this campaign by the government to destroy the reputations of the PPPaligned officials is all a part of

Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

operation as a “fishing expedition” that is being used capriciously to target and embarrass PPP-aligned officials.

Teixeira also raised concerns about the usage of SOCU to investigate matters in relation to NICIL, given the fact that the body’s remit is governed by the AML/CFT Act 2015 to deal with money laundering and related issues.

She also expressed concerns that the parliamentarians were interrogated

by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) ranks and not SOCU’s.

Dharamlall, when contacted by this newspaper for a comment, expressed concerns that the forensic auditor Anand Goolsarran was sitting in one of the office’s at SOCU’s Headquarters at the time he was being interrogated. He noted that Goolsarran’s presence there was “unbecoming”.

He too related that he was informed that he will be called in for further questioning on various aspects of the forensic audit report as the probe deepens.

Ali, former acting Tourism Minister and Housing Minister, was interrogated on January 6. Contacted for a comment on the matter, Ali said he was concerned and to some extent shocked that SOCU would base questions on AGMs that were held more than 10 years ago.

in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on a civilian operation and had called on the government and other relevant authorities to break their silence on the matter and address the nation on the situation which has sparked much public disquiet.

Other organisations including the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Red Thread, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), among others, weighed in on the situation, noting that the haphazard stakeouts on civilians are worrying.

The GPF recently received the NICIL Audit Report from government and has since begun investigations to determine if any criminality was involved in the management and operations of the controversial state holding company.

Tarnishing images

Contacted for a comment on this development, a senior PPP official said the entire exercise seems to be done with the sole intent of tarnishing images in an effort to win support for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

Nigel Dharamlall

an elections gimmick.

“So they might lay a few spurious charges, not with the hope that they will secure prosecutions but to satisfy their base and use it as a tool in the upcoming campaign season,” the official added.

Concerns

Several organisations have expressed concerns about SOCU’s mandate and legality to engage in such operations where civilians’ privacy are being invaded by military personnel and other Joint Forces officers through random surveillance and stakeouts.

The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) in a statement had questioned the entire nature of the operation and investigation into NICIL including its legality to work

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, january 14, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

The SOCU Saga W

ith calls for an official inquiry into the tragic denouement to the high-speed chase on behalf of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) that ended in the death of three persons showing no signs of a let-up, the administration cannot continue with their stonewalling. The Guyana Police Force, of which SOCU is a unit, cannot bear the sole responsibility of investigating itself.

There is firstly the matter of the remit of SOCU, and why was it deployed on a NICIL investigation. In mid-November 2013 at the announcement of Cabinet’s formation of SOCU, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon stated this succinctly, “SOCU is intended to be Guyana’s response to its treaty obligations to investigate suspicious financial transactions that are suggestive of money laundering. SOCU’s creation is in response to nonparliamentary recommendations from Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).”

Luncheon stated that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) the body statutorily charged with monitoring the financial sector, would compile information on suspicious financial transactions and make it available to the SOCU. “SOCU, armed with the information, will then conduct investigations to establish whether these transactions are indeed money laundering transactions or financing terrorism transactions”, concluded Dr Luncheon.

From the scanty scraps of information released by officialdom in the security forces and not refuted by anyone in government, a GDF intelligence officer Robert Pyle was seconded to SOCU and was keeping tabs on what he thought was the home of Winston Brassington. The latter was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) who had been extensively in the news during the past months on account of a “forensic audit” on his corporation that was conducted by Anand Goolsarran, on behalf of the government.

The audit was selectively leaked to the press even before it was presented to Brassington or the NICIL board, but at no time was it even hinted that there was any “money laundering or the financing of terrorism” of Brassington. The Kaieteur News however began a campaign for the head of the NICIL PRO. ON 18 October 2015 it reported ‘Forensic audit recommends criminal charges against Brassington – Minister Sharma’. At that time the draft audit had only been presented to Brassington two weeks before for his response.

On 12 December KN trumpeted, “Brassington engaged criminal companies for Marriott construction – Goolsarran”.

On 19 December, quoting commentator Ramon Gaskin, it claimed, “Despite damning revelations on Winston Brassington’s corrupt acts… Coalition Govt pussyfooting on prosecution”. On the same day, it quoted Orrin Gordon, Region 10’s IMC Chairman: “Brassington must be jailed for his treachery.”

On 21 December the KN went all the way: “Cabinet top brass wants Brassington prosecuted… But says “Minister Jordan should have instituted sanctions by now.” And elaborated, “They indicated that his “acts of corruption against the nation just can’t be pardoned. Cabinet reportedly added “we support Government taking the relevant steps towards ensuring that he does the time for the crime committed.”

The following day, 22 December, Brassington responded by pointing out his detailed line by line riposte to Goolsarran’s report had not been included in the final report and maintained he would be willing to stand before the courts since he had done nothing “illegal”.

And on the same day, 22 December, the KN ran: “Corruption in Public Office… Brassington and others should be charged without delay - Robert Badal” The very next day, Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon announced that another “deeper” audit – by Auditor General office was to be conducted on NICIL and Brassington was sent “on administrative leave”. He also said that Goolsarran's report was “being forwarded to the Commissioner of Police and the SOCU”.

“In cabinet’s view there is sufficient information provided in the report to the agencies for them to explore further and basically for them to dig deeper,” he warned.

On 30 December, the presumably “deeper digging” by Pyle ended in tragedy. Guyanese need to know why SOCU was sic’d on Brassington.

Women take a “selfie” at a sunflower field in Bangkok, Thailand, January 13, 2016 (Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)

Community Policing Group is everyone’s business

Dear Editor, The security and first line of defence of a family are the very members of that family, buffered by the culture and individual and collective consciousness of that unit. In fact, history tells us that as far back as 3000 BC, the head of a family was also the head of the security arrangement in that family and all ablebodied members of the family were its defenders.

The same holds good for any organisation: club, business, church, etc.

In some countries "Neighbourhood Watch", comprising residents within laid-out wards, are in place and serve as the "eyes and ears" of that ward as it relates to criminal and/or other activities which threaten

the wellbeing of the ward and, by extension, the wider community.

This thinking was the premise on which late Commissioner of Police Henry Fraser introduced the formal Community Policing movement in Guyana in 1976. Community Policing in Guyana had relevance in 1976, it has relevance today and it will have relevance 20 years from now.

Sadly, whether because of malaise on the part of residents in communities, resistance from certain formal law enforcement agencies, incompetence by support agencies/personnel, or all of these, the community policing movement in our Nation is struggling. Perhaps the foremost impediment is the community itself.

Did it have to take the recent gruesome murders at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, for some residents to suggest the "re-formation of the Policing Group" in the community? Isn't this locking the gate after the horse has left the stable? I am reminded of an adage coined by a Life Insurance salesman: Not many wives like life insurance, but all widows do. Community policing is a kind of indirect life insurance.

With all the resources being made available to community policing by the past and current administrations, why has the movement not evidenced greater traction in communities?

My own experience advises that it is easier to find residents willing to break

the law than to find leaders willing to lead a good cause. And when the rarity occurs, those willing to give it a shot are quickly stigmatised by the very communities they are trying to protect.

This is Guyana's reality, a reality where the many lack the fortitude to deter the few from terrorising the many - in our neighbourhoods, in our communities and in our country. We want somebody else to do it for us.

My appeal to fellow Guyanese: Form Community Policing Groups in your areas and get involved.

You are the first person to defend yourself!

T Jadunauth

M&CC created endurance obstacle course for pedestrians Dear Editor, Pedestrians in Georgetown attempting to practise road safety by using the sidewalks and pavements to walk on rather than the busy roadways are confronted with what can only be described as an endurance obstacle course thanks to the Mayor and City Council.

First, one has to navigate around countless itinerant vendors, some with tables, some with trays

and others with significant structures, most of which are permanently placed there.

But now and more significantly, persons walking along Regent, Robb, Charlotte, Water and Camp Streets and many others in downtown Georgetown are faced with rising and falling pavements. This is because the City Council gives individual business owners permission on a case-by-case basis to raise

their pavements and entryways. How unwise.

If permission has to be given because of concerns for flooding, etc, then there must be a benchmark with a standard height that would allow the pavement to resume one conventional level after all the businesses have raised their entryways and sidewalks.

At the moment, some are raised 10, some 12, some 18 inches and higher. This causes many per-

sons to fall if not paying rapt attention to the pavement they are traversing.

Heaven knows what happens to the blind and physically challenged. This is because citizens of Guyana are not in the habit of suing the city and the business owners.

The City Council needs to step up and take public safety seriously Sincerely, Sean Moniz

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, january 14, 2016

Sinister moves to hijack LGE Dear Editor, Would you believe me if I told you that it is possible that the Counsellors and Mayors will be determined before one vote is cast in the upcoming Local Government Elections?

Well maybe you will when I explain what was told to me at a recently held meeting in Georgetown.

I was reliably informed that the larger political parties and at least one of the groups contesting are going from constituency to constituency handpicking persons to run as counsellors. That would not be a bad practice, except that the persons are being handpicked to run with the promise that these deep-pocket groups and parties will finance the individuals’ campaigns, in exchange for their votes for the mayorship.

The plan is a well hatched-out one. It goes like this: if you agree to run under the banner of a particular group or party, all your finances will be provided by the said group or party. You must agree, however, that when you are elected as a counsellor, you will cast your vote at the Municipal level for the person who funded your campaign.

Editor, just when we thought as Guyanese that

we have attained some semblance of democratic transparency at the national and regional levels, we realise that at the local level, electoral shenanigans and political vagaries loom large.

One would have thought that at the local government level, those contesting the elections were patriotic and nationalistic at heart. It would have been assumed that those competing to represent their constituents were doing so because they saw a tangible need and wanted to cast in their lot to help.

However, it is likely that many of those who will be offering themselves to the electorate are really strawmen and straw-women, who are political pawns. Now after 23 years, the LGE which should have been about the development of the individual communities has been reduced to a power-grab and an egotistical scramble for the Mayoral positions.

Because of the selfish desires of a few wealthy parties and groups the LGE is shaping up to be a big pansy scheme. What should be a huge national activity filled with pride and nostalgia is likely to turn out to be a business agreement with prearranged quid pro quo provisions. Any Tom,

Mary and Jane are being asked to enter the LGE race. He/she does not have to have a desire for the betterment of the community.

He/she does not have to understand the art of management or possess a nationalistic desire for the development of Guyana.

All he/she has to be willing to do is be a political pawn and exchange their seats for their votes, for the Mayor. And the sad fact is, except the law changes, there is nothing that can be done to stop it. The construct of the LGE electoral laws allows for this kind of political gymnastics.

Additionally, no wellfunded party or group will renege on the temptation of exploiting this loophole.

All of them are likely to do it, because all of them want the mayorships to be under their control. The other frightening fact is that once a Mayor is entrenched, he/ she could remain there for many years. All the Mayor has to do is fund the campaigns of straw-people in exchange for their votes, and we could well have another life-time mayor.

Dear Editor, The winners of the Guyana Prize for Literature have been awarded and applauded but writers who did not win have not been mentioned, left in the shadows in the background.

Should that be?

As an avid reader, I'm sure their work is also good for reading. A suggestion, if I may, to publish the names of the writers who submitted their works in the different categories and the title of their submissions New talents have been emerging, breaking new grounds, opening a whole new world of impressive writing, the modernity, living issues, socially and culturally, yet there are still old writers on the scene, scholars and intellectuals, long established, who have won many prizes, entering the Guyana Prize and suffocating new writers.

Opportunities are not abound in this country for writers and certainly not the money but the pens of

our local writers have been opening doors in the literary world, so they deserve to be appreciated for their work Winning the Guyana Prize is a great achievement but is not the biggest prize. The biggest prize a writer can win, is the fans whose interest have been captured, who are awed and mesmerized by the different genres of stories

that flow from the writer’s pen, an endless flow.

A writer whose work is deeply appreciated, who is so adored by fans, he/she has gained a celebrity status, is a winner.

But the judges continue to find favour with the established intellectuals.

Sincerely, Pastor WP Jeffrey Practical National Movement

New writers left in the shadows

Yours Sincerely, Madhu Singh

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Illegal squatting allowed on Cornelia Sea Wall reserve Dear Editor, Please allow me space to highlight an event that started 16 December 2015. I went to Leonora Police Station and reported a woman depositing some building materials on Cornelia, WCD Sea defence reserve and intended to construct a squat shack. I spoke to senior officers giving all the details pertaining to this illegal activity. The officers declared this is not their work and referred me to the Stewartville, WCD NDC. At the Stewartville NDC, the overseer listened to my concern but informed me if the police can’t do anything, there is nothing she can do.

She suggests trying Den Amstel Sea Defence office.

This is an office you will wonder if anyone works there.

However, a gentleman, like the NDC overseer listened to my concern but informed me that there is nothing he can also do but I must check with the Ministry of Public Works.

Editor, this trend has become a Guyanese culture especially in the public ser-

vice. No one will be held accountable. No one will be disciplined or fired for dereliction of duty. It is quiet noticeable that non-performance and incompetence in the public service are rewarded with promotions and increased salaries.

We, the legitimate residents of Seaview, Cornelia have to bear the consequence of a squat shack and a pit latrine built on the re-

serve next to our home.

This is the extent to which lawlessness prevails in our country. Even though this matter is highlighted for all whom it may concern, no one will take responsibility for allowing this lawlessness to happen in the first place; much less to take corrective action.

Yours sincerely, Concerned citizen

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thursday, january 14, 2016

Page Foundation The teachings of the Jedi Master

guyanatimesgy.com

– the wisdom given to us by Yoda can make 2016 a less stressful, peaceful year

By Dan Peters, PhD

I

t was 1980 in Century City. I was 10 years old waiting in a line that did not seem to end with my grandma (now 104). We waited for two hours to see the “Empire Strikes Back”. There was a buzz in the air that I couldn’t explain but could feel. It was three years after the world was introduced to the Force, the Jedi, and the evil empire. At last we were in our seats. I don’t remember if there were coming attractions. However, I remember like it was yesterday, the sound of the orchestra moving through my body as the words rolled up the screen and into the galaxy. I read as fast as I could and immediately felt like I was in a land far, far away.

It is 2015 and I am 45. I am in a theatre with my adolescent children who were raised on Star Wars. We watched all six movies together several times. We have put together virtually every Star Wars Lego made. We have “real” light sabres and the Millennium Falcon. We don’t wait in line this time. We order our “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” tickets online and see the movie a few days after the opening. After what seems like 30 minutes of previews (enough already!), it starts. The orchestra booms, the original font moves through space and I am 10 again and every other age I have been since, when I hear the music and think about Yoda, Obi-Wan, Luke, Vader, R2D2, C3PO, Chewy, and Han. Almost 40 years later, the story of Star Wars is as strong as ever.

The messages are timeless. Daily, we are confronted with good and evil. Daily, we have choices with how to live and who and what to

follow. And daily, we can accept or ignore we are all connected and there is a force that exists among us. As Obi Wan explains to Luke, “The Force is what gives a Jedi his powers. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us and binds the galaxy together.” All too often people and nations are choosing war

must accept that things will occur as they do. We must learn to be open to what comes and not fear what is to be. When we are open to what is, we feel at peace with what occurs since we do not have preconceived expectations.

“Fear is the path to the dark side.

Fear leads to anger. Anger leads

“Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”

We must examine our thoughts and feelings, particularly our fear.

Fear is powerful, especially when we don’t understand what we fear. By examining what we fear and why we fear what we do, we can take steps toward our fear.

Labelling our fear is the first step of increasing awareness. With increased awareness we can choose to detach from our fear and choose to live with inner peace.

“Difficult to see, always in motion is the future.”

over peace and hate over love.

I would like to share the wisdom given to us by one of our greatest teachers—Jedi Master Yoda with hopes of ushering in both inner peace and peace among us in the New Year:

“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.”

Much of our discontent and emotional discomfort comes from attachment to objects and outcomes. When we attach to an outcome, we need things to happen the way we want them to happen so we do not get upset. Rather, we

to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Fear is the monster that controls how we think and feel, and ultimately act. Fear makes us avoid life and respond in ways that are not our natural state of being.

When we fear others or objects, we often develop an aversion (or hate) towards them as a way to feel in control and powerful. Fear, anger, and hate are strong emotions that keep us from feeling and showing love. We must not let fear control us. We must choose love over fear.

With love and kindness comes compassion. With compassion comes peace.

Most of us naturally think about the future which often leads to worry and fear, and takes us away from living in the present.

The key to living a purposeful and intentional life resides in the present moment. The past is gone and the future has yet to come. Live in the present and choose your words and actions intentionally.

We are connected to everything – all living creatures, natural elements, our ancestors, our children, and our future grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In order for us to create a healthy world, we must all commit to using the Force for good, and overcoming fear and hate with love. We will all face challenges in 2016 and we can choose the good side of the Force, while being aware of our connection to everything. We can all be Jedi warriors.

We can choose to be at one with the Force. We can choose love over hate and fear. We can choose peace within and among each other.

May the force be with you... and your family and your children.

(Excerpt from Psychologytoday)

– these key tactics come in handy when you’re raising children Continued from Wednesday

By Gina Shaw

Take lots of time for laughter

“Kids need belly laughs.

Set aside time for roughhousing and goofiness.

Laughter helps kids feel safe, and helps them transition when they have to leave you for school or a babysitter, because they feel connected.

“But I don’t recommend tickling to get kids laughing. … It doesn’t accomplish the goal of release, and it can make kids feel out of control.”

Avoid power struggles

“We are told as parents that we’re supposed to be in charge, and children are supposed to do what we say.

But no one wins a power struggle, so don’t get stuck on showing who’s boss.

“For example, if your child always resists dinner, think about the real needs involved. If she says she’s not hungry now, but then she’s hungry later, maybe she means it. Is it the end of the world if she eats her dinner while you read her bedtime story?”

Don’t take it personally

“If your child is upset and lashes out, it’s usually not about you. Don’t attack back. If your child is rude to you, I would try responding, ‘Ouch! We don’t speak to each other that way. You must be very upset to talk to me like that.’ That opens the door for talking instead of escalating.”

Help your child learn self-discipline

“Self-discipline is giving up something you want for something you want more.

That’s essential as a child grows up. If they want to get good at something, they have to learn to manage themselves through the hard spots. If his train tracks won’t fit together or her puzzle is too hard, empathise with the frustration and encourage your child to work through the problem.”

Never interrupt a playing child

“OK, you can’t always follow that rule. But play is a child’s work. If they love doing something so much that they lose themselves in it, that’s the kind of passion and flow they’ll need to be successful in whatever they do as an adult.” (Excerpt from WebMD)

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GDF Sergeant Pyle, wife given ceremonial send-off Stacy, he said.

“She was like the livewire of the Church. She believed in prayers. Whenever there was time for a testimony, she would always be the first one. She would also always have a word of encour-

who drives and he is in the army too and my parent is crying out for the parents of both husband and wife because I can imagine how they’d feel,” she expressed.

“He was a young man full of life, and she was a woman

The incident had gained much media attention after it was revealed that Sergeant Pyle was at the time involved in a covert operation into National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

A section of the large gathering at the funeral service of Sergeant Robert Pyle and his wife Stacy Pyle

The Golden Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church was packed to capacity with family members, friends and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) that turned out to pay their last respects to the late Sergeant Robert Pyle and his wife Stacy Pyle, the couple who died during the botched Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) operation.

Sergeant Pyle and his wife Stacy were laid to rest at the Golden Grove Cemetery, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday, but while their souls may be

resting at peace, much controversy still exists over the manner in which they died.

At the house of worship, the church choir sung lustily in an effort to liven up the environment and while others joined in, the pain and sorrow on the faces of close family were all too heartbreaking.

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips, who attended the sombre funeral service, embraced grieving family as he expressed his deepest condolences.

Speaking to Guyana Times, several close col-

leagues of the young couple expressed sorrowfulness and their sympathies.

Church member Whitney Peterkin said it is beyond unbelievable that the young couple is no longer with them.

“I can’t overcome it. It was about 1:30 in the morning and someone called me, crying, to ask me if it’s true and that’s how I know. Their lives have touched not only me, my entire family but the entire church family,” he expressed.

The Pyles, both husband and wife, were deeply devoted to the church, especially

Family members and members of the GDF including GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips

agement to offer,” Peterkin reflected.

Stacy Pyle was a nurse at Davis Memorial Hospital.

Another colleague Paulette Stephen, said she knew sergeant Pyle since he was a little boy going to school and that the news of his death definitely threw her into a state of shock.

“I am very, very saddened because I have a son

full of life too, and their lives were cut short,” she added.

Robert and Stacy were parents to two young children who are completely devastated and confused that their parents are no longer with them.

GDF sergeant Pyle and his wife died tragically following a two-vehicle collision on Carifesta Avenue on the evening of December 30.

Controversy still shrouds the entire process, including inconsistencies as to why the army officer was called out whilst on vacation and why his wife was with him at the time.

Meanwhile, the accident also claimed the life of a third person, Canter driver Linden Eastman.

He was laid to rest on Saturday last.

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Accountant fined for Eyew tness Good golly… drug possession A W

n accountant who told Police he uses narcotics to help him study, on Wednesday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with a drug possession charge.

Christopher Kawall, 24, of Lot 15B Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, accepted the charge which stat-

ed that on January 12 at Station Street, he was found with 14 grams of cannabis sativa.

According to Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day in question at about 09:30h, ranks from the narcotics unit, acting on information, went to the home of the defendant and conducted a

search. At that time, the defendant was not present however, his mother, 61, witnessed the search.

During the search, the cannabis along with two pills was found, and the mother related it belonged to her son. Kawall was contacted and turned himself into the Police admitting ownership of the drugs.

He told the Police he uses the cannabis for relief from allergies. He revealed that the two pills were ecstasy tablets, which he uses to help him to stay awake and study as he has examinations ongoing.

The Magistrate, after listening to the explanation, fined the accountant $30,000.

Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC), Akeem John.

The Court heard that on the day in question, both individuals were passengers in a minibus travelling from the East Bank of Demerara to Georgetown. It was related that the bus stopped in front of Mohammed’s Enterprise and the VC exit-

ed.

The defendant then reportedly jumped out of the bus and dealt John several punches to his face, saying “Yuh want play disrespectful? Yuh playin’ yuh muddah?”

The VC then called for help and was rescued by public-spirited persons. A report was made to the Police and the defendant was arrested.

In Court on Wednesday, the defendant explained that

on the day of the incident, the bus had to make several short drops and the frequent stops apparently annoyed the VC who became disrespectful to the conductress.

“I didn’t like that, suh when the bus stop, I jump out behind he and start cuffin’ him in his face,” Wilson told the Court.

The Magistrate reprimanded both parties and discharged the case.

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Delroy Boyce, 27, of Lot 48 High and Barrack Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, denied the allegation, which stated

that on January 5, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Alwyn Anthony of one Samsung Galaxy smartphone valued $30,000 and $3000 in cash.

Police Prosecutor

Neville Jeffers objected to bail, citing the prevalence of the offence and the fact that a knife was used to commit the act. The case will continue on January 20.

Conductress’s defender charged

A

farmer was on Wednesday taken before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he allegedly dealt several punches to a man whom he claimed disrespected a conductress.

Rayon Wilson, 31, of Lot 20 C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on January 12 at High

Robbery accused remanded

A

labourer was on Wednesday remanded to prison after he was charged for robbery under arms when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the

Alleged cannabis smuggler remanded

A

man was on Wednesday remanded to prison by Magistrate Alex Moore after being charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle a quantity of cannabis into the Camp Street Prison.

Collin Roberts denied the charge which stat-

ed that on January 11 at Camp Street, Georgetown, he was found to be in possession of 294 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The Court heard that on the day in question, the defendant was visiting his brother at the Prison when

he was searched by the security officers. The drug was found on his person and he was taken into custody. He was remanded to prison and the case will continue on January 28.

Meanwhile, Arnold Aaron was also remanded to prison on a charge which

stated that on January 12 at Arapaima Street, Georgetown, he was found with 20 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The details of this charge were not revealed; however, the matter was adjourned until January 28.

…Mr Nagamootoo

ell, inevitably the other foot had to drop. There’s the law of gravity and all that, you know. But even though gravity waves have finally been detected (they think), there’s more than mere foot dropping, when politics is involved. And the resignation of NCN’s CEO Molly Hassan is all politics. Some will say there are also elements of jealousy and envy but your Eyewitness will respond, “What’s your point? Aren't those the essence of what drives politics?”

Especially when Moses Nagamootoo’s involved! And since no one can figure out what the heck “governance” entails when he still can't chair the Cabinet, he’s like so totally involved in NCN with his “Information” portfolio.

Early last October when the news that Cabinet had doubled their salaries made the populace respond with loud gnashing of teeth, Nagamootoo as the biggest beneficiary of the salary heist, had to do something. And quick!

What the old codger knew best was to launch some good, old fashioned “misdirection”. So as the salary firestorm raged, up comes a report in – where else? – the Chronicle wherein the headline blared, “At $1M, NCN CEO gets more than Ministers!!!” But the report didn't just give that number – that would've been a statistic – and who gives a darn about statistics?

No Siree Bob… the Chronic gave chapter and verse in such a manner to raise the hackles – and ire – of the poor working stiffs who’d been ready to storm the ironwork fence at Parliament Buildings at the Ministerial Salary outrage.

“Basic Salary: $707,347 Duty Allowance $25,000 Entertainment Allowance $25,000 Security Allowance $30,000 Housing Allowance $50,000 Landline Telephone fully paid, on average $5,000 Cell phone bill fully paid average $25,000 DSL Services for her home $9,980.

Fridge allowance for the office $10,000 Tea Items for herself average $5,000 Vehicle and a Driver.

Gratuity every six months 22.5%” Now you know after that ambush, the head of the NCN Board – placed there as a lifelong AFC member, contributor and (most germane) friend of “Moses and Khemraj” – wasn’t going to be mollified until the poor woman was gone. The surprise is she lasted three additional months.

But inside sources inform that the delay had nothing to do with any milk of human kindness from Nagamootoo, but everything with the true grit of Hassan. She was pushed, baby, she was pushed… and hard.

So your Eyewitness read that advertisements will be placed for the position. But let's cut to the chase, shall we? A little tweety bird told yours truly a certain inveterate “news” critic of the PPP – who cultivates an oleaginous rotund voice – had already signed along the dotted line.

At a higher overall salary than Miss Molly! Ain't life a bitch? …more SOCU persecution?

After Goolsarran’s “audit” created more heat (“jail/ hang” Brassington calls from the Muckraker) than light (no evidence unearthed on ANY crimes under the law governing NICIL) the govt announced they’ll have 1) a new audit done by the Auditor General’s office 2) have the Police and SOCU investigate “deeper”. We’ve heard NOTHING about the first (excepting that their Budget’s been slashed) but the latter’s been working overtime.

After three persons perished in the SOCU end-of-year “investigation” of Brassington, we suppose we have to be thankful they didn't send another undercover operative to tail other “persons of interest”. And who might the latter be, you ask dear reader? Go to the back of the class!! Why! The PPP top guns, of course.

They ASKED folks like Gail Teixeira, Sam Hinds, etc to come in to SOCU’s HQ to be interrogated. Now why couldn’t they’ve done this for Brassington?

Three lives could've been spared. In the Christmas Season, and all.

…more than a hundred deportees!

The US been giving out visas like those touts begging you to “Check it out!! Check it out!!” But we didn't know it’s a two-way street.

They’re sending back hardened criminals to ensure crime spiral upwards and onwards.

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

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As crime spirals out of control

Guyana beginning to win crime fight – President Granger claims ...even as 9 murders, several robberies have been committed 14 days into 2016

President David Granger

D

espite the country recording a staggering nine murders within the first nine days of the new year, President David Granger has stated that Guyana has started on the path of winning the war against crime.

Speaking with media operatives at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday, the Head of State had high praise for the Guyana Police Force for its successful investigative work of recent. The

that his Administration, upon its assumption to office in May last year, inherited a tradition of disorder in the country, a situation the current Government was trying to address.

“We inherited a tradition of disorder, which has been occurring since 2000 under the previous Administration, so many of the crimes that we saw were really the continuation of some of the problems we had like gun running, smuggling and narcotic trafficking. These were not things that occurred in 2015 when we got into office,” he stated.

Moreover, the Head of State outlined that soon after his induction, he established the National Security Committee, which he currently heads. Granger noted that through this Committee, he would meet with Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Public Security Minister

The Guyana Police Force came in for high praise for its investigative work

Police Force, more so the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has been having breakthroughs in solving several high-profile cases, including the murder of British teen Dominic Bernard.

Granger expressed his satisfaction with the way the Police have been investigating recent crimes, which resulted in most of the perpetrators being arrested. “I would say the war on crime is being won.

I’m very pleased with what the Police Force is doing…

So the future of Guyana is a safe future,” he noted.

According to the Head of State, one of the contributory factors in the Police’s recent performance is the fact that the CID has been strengthened, something which was not visible to the public.

“The CID has been strengthened so even though we can’t prevent crimes from occurring in all cases, we could detect those crimes and bring those people to justice very quickly and that has been one of the achievements of the Police Force over recent months,” the President stated.

Granger pointed out

Khemraj Ramjattan and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on a weekly basis to discuss the country’s security sector and look at ways to strengthen the Police Force.

Among the areas in which the Police have seen improvements is the relocation of the F Division (Interior Locations) Headquarters from Georgetown to Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). This move, Granger explained, allows the Divisional Commander to have greater reach over his territory.

Furthermore, the President spoke about the deployment of horses to the Rupununi region for ranks to carry out mounted patrols. He also mentioned the fact that there was aerial surveillance of the country’s coastland, which he said was also preventing piracy off of Guyana’s shores.

Additionally, the Head of State disclosed that he was in contact with the United Kingdom (UK) to have its Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP) restored.

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News

Car driver narrowly escapes Jagdeo discusses Guyana’s economy with death in three-vehicle collision business community I – “meeting was a very cordial and fruitful one” – PSC

T

he prevailing economic conditions in Guyana, the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) and renewable energy were but a few of the issues discussed at a high-level meeting between Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and a delegation, which met with the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

The Jagdeo-led delegation included Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and former Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali. “The meeting was a long but fruitful one where the Leader of the Opposition spoke on a wide range of topics starting with Hydroelectricity and, in particular, Amaila Falls. There were also extensive discussions on the world economic situation and the state of the Guyanese economy and such issues as Sugar, Rice, Bauxite and other major sectors of the economy,” the PSC said in a statement.

The PSC said it also enquired from Jagdeo his willingness to participate in the National Economic Forum

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

and to provide any assistance that he and the Party would be willing to give for this National Programme.

“Mr Jagdeo indicated that he would be willing to support the Government on any benefits to the Guyanese people and he was at all times prepared to support the Government in this important thrust but is indisposed to cutting Budgets or benefits. Indeed he advocated for greater benefits as it was in the national interest for this to take place,” the

PSC Chairman Norman Mclean

statement said.

Meanwhile, Teixeira addressed issues regarding the upcoming Local Government Elections and an assessment of the preparations by GECOM and, in particular, Education as the Local Government Elections are likely to be even more complex.

Ali spoke on issues relating Housing.

There were also discussions on collaboration with the Government, both by the Opposition and the PSC.

n an attempt to save his life, a vehicle owner has found himself in heavy expenses, having now to cover the cost to repair three badly damaged cars.

The car driver was traveling in PLL 1541 in the southern carriageway along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) roadway within the vicinity of the Mon Repos Market when a sand truck traveling in the opposite direction overtook a minibus that was ahead.

The truck was heading eastward at a rapid pace in the southern lane, posing a threat to oncoming vehicles.

In an attempt to avoid crashing into the truck, the driver swerved off the road but during the process, he crashed into parked vehicle number PRR 4946 and the impact caused that vehicle to pitch forward into another parked vehicle PMM

Two of the vehicles involved in the accident

7968.

A female passenger in the car sustained injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

Speaking to Guyana Times the driver said he was completely shocked when he noticed the truck speeding down the wrong lane and

did the only natural thing to save his life.

“He was coming down with a heavy speed, he overtake a minibus. If I didn’t pull, he wudda jam into me and I wudda die. Everything happened so fast,” he stated.

According to reports, the truck did not stop to render assistance.

Submachine gun discovery

Miner slapped with unlicensed possession charge

– released on $300,000 bail A miner was on Wednesday released on $300,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with an unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm charge.

Steven Martindale, 39, of Lot 85 Fourth Avenue, Bartica, denied the allegation which stated that on January 11, at Arangoy Backdam, Mazaruni River, he was found to be in possession of an unlicensed .9mm submachine gun.

According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, at about 10:00h on Monday, Police ranks in F Division conducted a search on a mining camp at Arangoy, Mazaruni River, occupied by the accused. The Court heard that several other firearms were

The .9mm submachine gun

found in secured boxes, however, the submachine gun was found in a separate, unsecured box. The accused was questioned and it was realised that he did not have the necessary documents to be in possession of the submachine gun.

The man’s Attorney Peter Hugh told the Court that his

client is a licensed firearm holder, and does not have any knowledge of that particular weapon. He made a successful application for bail, which was granted in the sum of $300,000.

The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for January 22.

Men charged for burglary, receiving stolen goods

T

wo men were on Wednesday fined by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when they were taken before her charged with burglary and receiving stolen goods.

Wazim Pereira, 22, of Lot 111 North Sophia, Georgetown, accepted the charge, which stated that between January 6 and 8, at Georgetown, he broke and entered the storage room of Moses Pereira and stole a sanding machine and a power saw at a total value of $130,000.

Meanwhile, Robert Pintero, 65, of Lot 30 Liliendaal Pathway, East Coast Demerara, accepted the charge which stated that between January 6 and 8, at Liliendaal he accepted a sand-

ing machine valued at $65,000 from Wazim Pereira knowing same to be stolen.

The Court heard that on January 6, Moses Pereira secured his storage room with the articles inside and left.

Upon his return on January 8, he discovered the roof pried open, and further checks led to the discovery that the items were stolen. A report was made to the Police, and an investigation led to the arrest of his nephew, Wazim Pereira.

The nephew admitted to stealing the items and that he sold the sanding machine to Pintero for $3000.

The machine was recovered and lodged with the Police.

The younger Pereira told the Court that he was sorry for what he did, relating that his

uncle had “promised to bless him with a fine piece” but after he, uncle, failed to keep his promise, he stole the items and sold them.

The Court was informed that the young man was before the Court previously on a similar charge and had been sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Pintero pleaded for leniency, telling the Magistrate that he has three dependants and has never been in trouble with the law before.

On that note, the Magistrate fined Pereira $50,000 with an alternative of six months imprisonment while Pintero was fined $35,000 or on default three months in prison.

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News

Teenagers charged for Bush Lot double murder T he two teenagers, who confessed to the murder of a Berbice businessman and his wife, were remanded to prison on Wednesday when they appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court.

Neeman Rafeek, 19, also called ‘Shazam’ of Lot 5 Bush Lot New Housing Scheme and Kokum Madanpaul, 18, also called ‘Clown’ of Lot 175 Block D Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice were not required to plea to the indictable charge.

The police stated that between January 8 and 9, 2016

Diane Chamanlall

along with others, they murdered Arthur Rajkumar, 81, and Diane Chamanlall, 44, at Lot 93 A Bush Lot and in the course of a furtherance of a burglary.

The two suspects were unrepresented and did not show any remorse when the charge was read to them by the Magistrate. The two accused will have to return to court on February 3, when the case comes up again for police to present a progress

Arthur Rajkumar

report.

On January 9, police ranks acting on reports went to the home at Bush Lot, and as they approached three men were seen scaling the fence and managed to evade police ranks who gave chase.

Upon checking the house which was ransacked, the ranks found the businessman and his wife with multiple chop wounds about their bodies. They were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where Rajkumar was pronounced dead and Chamanlall succumbed while receiving attention.

It was reported that later in the day, the police arrested Rafeek who was in the process of washing blood off of his clothing. Madanpaul was later arrested. They both claimed they are drug addicts and that they committed the murders.

Initially, they claimed that they had gone to rob the couple but after getting only $13,000 they became furious and demanded more.

It was during this time that the men brutally chopped the couple. They had also

12 gauge cartridges found in Mahaicony house

O

ne man was on Wednesday taken into police custody following the discovery of several 12 gauge cartridges at a house at Wash Clothes, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

According to reports, the police received a tip-off

and went to the house in Mahaicony where four cartridges of a 12 gauge shotgun were discovered.

The man in the house at the time was arrested and taken into police custody.

He is assisting with investigations.

confessed to another murder but investigations are ongoing.

However, Rooplall Abrahim, 24, who was arrested on Tuesday evening has also confessed to murder of the businessman and his wife.

According to reports, Abrahim who was acquitted of murdering a 13-yearold school girl when he was 16 years old, also admitted to murdering Anita Baichan, 49, who was bound and burned to death in

Neeman Rafeek

her Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice home two Saturdays ago.

Abrahim also called ‘Vijay’ was captured on the No 4 Village, West Berbice foreshore. He was taken to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital for a medical checkup before being placed in a cell at the Police lockups.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times Wednesday evening that Abrahim’s file will be sent to Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Kokum Madanpaul

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Missing British teen UG announces new admission requirements Godbrother, close friend likely – to take effect from the second semester

T

he University of Guyana has modified its general admission requirement and this is to take effect from the second semester.

In a special meeting held late last year, the academic board of UG unanimously approved that the number of sittings as a requirement for admission should be removed from the institution’s general entry requirement.

The previous general entry requirement was five CSEC subjects at one sitting or a minimum of six subjects at no more than two sittings.

The amended university general entry requirement is now a minimum of five CXC/ CSEC General Proficiency (Grades I & II; and III from 1998) or five passes at GCE ‘O’ Level, including English Language, the subject(s) re-

quired for the pursuit of the major, where applicable, and Mathematics for designated programmes.

This new amendment will take effect in semester II, 2015-16.

According to University Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande access to tertiary education must always be seen as a fundamental right and not a privilege: “It is in this context that the recent changes in the uni-

versity’s matriculation entry requirements must be lauded as it presents opportunities for greater access to programmes being delivered by the university,” she said.

Online applications for the second semester are now available and prospective students are invited to visit the university website at www. uog.edu.gy to view the available programmes.

Guyana beginning to win...

Despite Government’s efforts, there has been criticism from various sections of society on the rising rate of criminal activities. Only recently, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) called for the Guyana Defence Force’s intelligence officers to be enlisted to support the Police Force in going after criminals, especially in Berbice.

The Chamber’s call was against the backdrop of 81-year-old businessman Arthur Rajkumar and his 44-year-old wife Dianne Chamanlall, being chopped to death by cutlass-wielding bandits in their Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice home

about 03:00h on Saturday.

“Why, why should a senior citizen be slaughtered in his home at 3:00 am in the morning?” the Chamber queried. It also lashed out at Government for its inability to arrest the current spiralling crime situation in the country, pointing out that hardworking citizens were being butchered in their homes seemingly without any protection from the authorities.

“The Minister of Public Security (Khemraj Ramjattan), and the Government as a whole, seems impotent to arrest the situation. We would like to remind the Minister of his many calls whilst in

FROM PAGE 9

Opposition for the resignation of the then Minister of Home Affairs for situations exactly like what we are facing. Whilst we are not asking for him to resign, we are demanding that they go after these ruthless killers and let them feel the consequence of their actions,” the Chamber said in its statement.

Last week, when contacted by Guyana Times for an update on Government’s comprehensive anti-crime plan which he spoke about extensively in his 2015 Budget Debate, Minister Ramjattan said that “Operation Dragnet” was the Administration’s crime prevention plan.

for court today

The teen’s Godbrother, Aaron Hing

A

s the expiration of the additional 72hour detention period for the godbrother of the missing British teenager and his accomplice closes in, the Police will today approach the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the Police could keep the missing teen Dominic Bernard’s godbrother Aaron Hing in custody until late this evening and his accomplice, Staymon George can remain in custody until Friday morning.

However, the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) explained that once the DPP’s recommendations were solicited during the course of today, the accused would make their first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The latest development in the case was the discovery of the teen’s camera and its components. These were

Dominic Bernard

Staymon George

dug up after a third suspect, Jameel Sinclair, took law enforcement to an area behind Nurney Village and pointed out where he hid the device.

Sinclair admitted that he was promised payment to hide the teen’s belongings on the night he was fatally beaten. Later on Sunday evening, the said suspect led ranks to another area where the laptop that belonged to the teenager was reportedly hidden.

The teenager reportedly arrived in Guyana on the evening of October 14 and was not seen since. His father, during his visit to Guyana for news on his son, met with Blanhum, who promised that the Police would do everything in their power to solve the mystery.

The teen’s godbrother became a person of interest after he disappeared when Police attempted to contact him. As law enforcement continued to dig for information, George was added to the list of suspects. Wanted bulletins were issued for the two men as suspicions grew about their involvement in

the teen’s disappearance.

Police later captured them both: Hing at a city hotel and George at a house in Tucville, Georgetown. They were arrested after the decomposed body of a male believed to be that of the missing teenager was discovered a few villages from Kildonan, the village where the teen was expected to spend his time during his visit to Guyana.

They later admitted that they had collected the teen from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on October 14, 2015 and on their way to Berbice, they stopped along Sheriff Street where they ate and drank a few beers.

To date, they have not confirmed when they actually murdered the teen, since one suspect claimed it was done on the night he arrived in Guyana, while the other claimed it was a week after.

It was reported that the two suspects had dug the grave two days in advance.

The motive remains a mystery.

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thursday, january 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana reaffirms commitment to CSME Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence has affirmed Guyana’s commitment to the development of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

She made the recommitment while delivering the keynote address at a twoday workshop hosted by the Caricom Secretariat on free movement within the CSME on Wednesday at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.

The CSME, established in 1989, was envisioned as the creation of a structure that would provide the

riers.

This was a step in the right direction not only for forging the integration process of Caribbean States and nationals, but also enhancing the production of goods and services, thus enabling the Community to better invest and negotiate with trading partners.

However, there have been some gaps along the way, with issues arising such as Guyanese being humiliated by immigration officials in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Similar treatment has been meted out to Jamaicans

the development of CSME. The Region has a pool of human resources which can greatly enhance the prospects of all participating economies. We welcome this sensitisation workshop, for it augurs well for the ordinary men and women in the Community. Herein lies the potential of the Region.

Let us make all the necessary accommodation for the free movement of labour and so prepare the groundwork for the sustainability of our Region,” she told the room of Private Sector members and other stakeholders.

According to statistics,

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence addressing the gathering

Guyana has welcomed a total of 4890 persons since the free movement aspect of the CSME came on stream to November 2015.

Of these, 3372 were graduates, 487 non-graduates in-

cluding musicians, artistes, sportspersons and media personnel, 75 nurses, 182 trained teachers; 774 certificates were assessed and there were 51 non-nationals.

“You will admit that this movement was significant in Guyana and I am quite certain that the same phenomenon, though varying in numbers, must have pertained in other member states,” Lawrence said.

She added that as the CSME developed, there would be a growing number of nationals moving across the Community and this naturally brought into focus the workforce and labour.

“The free movement of persons is a fundamental prerequisite for the effective operation of any mar-

A section of the gathering at the workshop

Community with more bargaining power and economic and political strength as a single entity as opposed to separate and distinct markets operating with different rules and divided by bar-

and nationals of some of the smaller Caribbean islands.

Lawrence, driving home the importance of this initiative, said Guyana stands ready to see CSME develop.

“Guyana is committed to

ket, so as we anticipate more movement for the future, we must entertain and seek to create the mechanisms that must be put in place to ensure that no discriminatory acts are meted out to those joining our workforce or the workforce in other member states,” she said.

The free movement of labour is high, Lawrence stressed, on the agenda of the CSME and justly so, because to delay its discussion is to ill-prepare the stakeholders to deal with the labour adjustments that will become necessary.

According to Lawrence, the free movement of labour necessitates measures to harmonise social services such as health and education, and allows for the

transfer of social security benefits.

She said as nationals were drawn into the workforce, consideration must be given not only to the working conditions, but the Caribbean Region must strengthen social protection, must ensure Regionwide safety and occupational health standards, must consider and provide a safe place for the physically challenged and people with disabilities, must provide training for all and make provision for genuine consultation with workers and their representatives.

She said too that the CSME must take into account the less developed member states.

“As the free movement of labour intensifies, it cannot allow these states to be sidelined; there must be a process of catching up, so that there is not a polarised market in which some member states attain the greatest level of development to the sustained detriment of the less developed. I also see the need for the trade unions to regroup and seize the opportunity to develop initiatives which will seek to modernise their structure, organisation and recruitment strategies so that they can play a more vital role for the labour movement in the creation and effective functioning of CSME.”

14

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, January 14, 2016

News

Time stands still for Stabroek Guyanese protest raciallyMarket clock: so does City Hall motivated dismissals at Guyana's NY Consulate A

s the time stands still at the Stabroek Market clock, residents of the Georgetown locality are still awaiting a response from City Hall as to when the restoration of the historical Stabroek Market clock will commence.

According to an official at the National Trust of Guyana, who spoke with Guyana Times Wednesday, the Mayor and City Council has been organising to have the clock repaired for some time now. However, she was unable to provide a precise period when those repairs would commence.

Attempts to contact Mayor Hamilton Green and Town Clerk Royston King to attain information on the issue, were unavailing since both individuals were at the time occupied.

The question on what was the cause for lagging behind by City Council in repairing the landmark was raised in a letter to the editor on January 11, 2016 by Debra Gibson.

Gibson evinced disappointment at City Council’s incompetence in maintaining the antique clock. She made mention also of other countries which are able to upkeep their tower clocks in a functional condition.

“In Georgetown, in the heart of downtown, in our capital, our Stabroek clock ground to a halt ages ago and was left like that, possibly to remind us that time stands still at City Hall with hardly anything moving forward.

Why is this so? Are we cultural barbarians? Do we have to learn history to appreciate heritage? All over

T

The non-functional Stabroek Market tower clock

the world, there are prominent clock towers such as the Big Ben in London; the Philadelphia City Hall tower clocks; the Saviour Tower clocks located in the famous Red Square, close to Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia (the Tower is part of the Kremlin’s walls); the Peace Tower Clocks in Ottawa, Canada and the list goes on and on with many, many more.”

She added that Guyana is at a central point in its history as it approaches ob-

servance of the 50th Golden Jubilee Independence anniversary and as such interest should be placed in ensuring the matter is rectified before the period of celebrations.

Stabroek Market clock serves as a significant landmark which was constructed in the 1800s but has evolved into the current structure.

Over the years it has become a famous tourist attraction.

he APNU/AFC government has come in for much criticism following the decision to send five employee of the Guyana Consulate in New York, all of whom are Indo-Guyanese, home.

As a result of this the Guyana Solidarity Movement-New York (GSMNY) is condemning most vociferously the “Granger/ Nagamootoo ethnic cleansing policies” that have now been introduced at the Guyana Consulate in New York.

According to the GSMNY it has taken note of the APNU/AFC coalition being accused of instituting racial and political discrimination against Guyanese (particularly Indo-Guyanese) in Guyana.

“We note the dismissals of some 2,000 Amerindians and hundreds of IndoGuyanese who were sent on leave and dismissed. At the Guyana Consulate in New York 100 per cent of the staff sent home are IndoGuyanese. This seriously impacts the racial composition of the staff, which previ-

ously was the proportionate 50-50 balance of Indo- and Afro-Guyanese,” a statement from the organisation said.

The GSM-NY contends that this “racial policy is clearly demonstrated” in the cases of MR Khan and B Evans at the Consulate.

“Mr Khan has more than 40 years of diplomatic service with the various Guyanese governments that were in office. Mr Khan, who is an Indo-Guyanese, was sent home while Mr Evans, who is Afro-Guyanese and a political appointee under the previous government, was retained. Appointed Consul General by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) for 23 years, Evans has now switched support for the ruling coalition,” the media release stated.

As such the GSM-NY believes that such a situation clearly violates national and international labour practices, especially of the “last come first to go” policy.

It opined that this policy taken is clearly one of ethnic cleansing and reeks of racial discrimination which is now

being implemented through demotion, recall, and nonrenewal of contracts.

“Senior officials were demoted and frustrated into resignation. Others had their annual contract not renewed. As such, the GSMNY urges that a bipartisan commission of enquiry be established comprising government and opposition forces to investigate and correct these racial, unproductive, and undemocratic policies and practices.”

Meanwhile, the GSMNY is assuring the victims of racial discrimination that they have the support of the organisation and urges those affected to continue the struggle for fairness and justice.

“We also urge all Guyanese including those in the Diaspora to let their voices be heard on these issues that are of critical importance to the nation of Guyana. We call on the Indo-Caribbean Federation and other Guyanese cultural, political and social organisations to demand that these practices cease forthwith,” the GSM-NY called.

Guyana could tap into project funding from Kuwait – as non-resident Ambassador accredited

President Granger accredited Kuwait’s Non-resident Ambassador to Guyana Ayadah Alsaidi

A

s Guyana seeks to strength ties with Kuwait, it could benefit from having several local projects funded by the Arab country.

This was announced by Kuwait’s newly accredited non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, Ayadah Alsaidi, who handed his Letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday at the Ministry of Presidency.

Ambassador Alsaidi committed towards working to strengthen the relations between Guyana and his country and noted that despite having good relations, the economic and trade relations between the two countries last year were not as strong as it could be and promised to change this during his tenure.

“I promise you to do my best... Besides, there is a lot of projects that the Kuwait Funds gives to some of the Muslim community but I can assure you that Kuwait want to you – any project you have

– propose to her. We study these proposals and can give to any project, the benefits for the people of Guyana,” the Diplomat stated.

After accepting the documents President Granger said he is confident the two countries would find practical ways of forging ahead with their already established collaboration during Ambassador Alsaidi’s tenure.

“Your Accreditation takes place at a time of economic transformation for both our countries, albeit at different levels. Guyana, like Kuwait, is striving to further develop its natural resources to accelerate economic growth and ensure the good life for all of its citizens. Guyana remains deeply committed to its efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment and to provide better social services for all. There are ample opportunities for our two countries to collaborate in this regard.”

According to the Head of State, the two countries

have concluded several cooperation agreements in the areas of communication, culture, commerce and investment. He added that during Ambassador Alsaidi’s tenure, they will be able to find practical ways of implementing these agreements.

“We have worked closely at the multilateral level on matters of mutual interests including those relating to the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also share similar positions on several issues on the global agenda including political and economic security, crime change and poverty reduction,” the President further outlined.

In addition, it was mentioned that Kuwait supported Guyana’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nation’s Security Council for the period 20142015 and Guyana, in turn, is currently supporting that country’s bid for 2017-2018.

Both state officials used the opportunity to express appreciation for the each other’s support.

Guyana and Kuwait commenced diplomatic relations in August 1995. In 2010, Guyana accredited the first Kuwait Ambassador to this country. Dr Odeen Ishmael served as Guyana’s Ambassador to the Arab State but retired in 2014 due to illhealth.

President Granger is yet to announce a candidate to take up the ambassadorial posting to Kuwait.

thursday, January 14, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

Govt to reduce excise tax on President to address new vehicles – Govt source Parliament today

G

overnment will soon move to significantly reduce the excise taxes on the importation of new vehicles in an attempt to encourage more people to purchase brand-new vehicles as opposed to used.

A Govt source reliably informed Guyana Times that there was already a draft proposal on the new rates and more information would soon be announced publicly.

The source was unable to confirm whether Government will be moving to increase the excise taxes on imports of used vehicles.

President David Granger had previously stated that used vehicles had created many problems in society and had contributed tremendously to the road carnage in the country.

“Many of those vehicles being imported are being discarded by states that have proper safety regulations, many of the tyres that we use on our vehicles are being discarded by people who know they

are unsafe, but we are so happy to get cheap handed downs that we don’t realise that we are jeopardising the safety of our citizens,” Granger had reasoned.

He maintained that second-hand vehicles had a whole host of problems and should not be allowed to enter Guyanese markets.

“People must be discouraged from buying junk,” Granger insisted.

There were several arguments proffered within the public domain that this decision would not benefit low-income and middle-income earners.

Guyana Times had interviewed several persons within the auto dealership industry who were not too pleased with this idea, claiming it would be bad for business.

A representative from A&S Auto pointed out that new vehicles already carried heavy prices; therefore, a reduction of taxes on them would be insignificant in comparison to the cost attached to the importation of a used vehicle

with the current tax rate.

“If you reduce the tax, the price will still be expensive,” the representative posited, noting that most Guyanese could not afford to spend exorbitant sums on new motor vehicles.

Another auto dealership company, Auto Mart, shared similar views. The company’s representative told this publication that this new policy made “absolutely no sense”.

“We’re a Third World country and we have to import what people can afford. If you drop the tax on the new vehicles, that’s fine, but for most people, it will still be too expensive,” he contended. The representative did, however, emphasise the need for a better tax system, but noted that Granger’s proposal should not be the way to go.

“If you want to keep the vehicles on the road up to date, then draw a cut-off time. Let’s say 2005, you can import used vehicles from 2005. Drop the taxes on that and also drop the taxes on new vehicles.

Let the taxes be based on the value for those vehicles imported. What he is proposing, dropping taxes on new vehicles and raising tax on old still won’t make it affordable for regular Guyanese,” he explained.

However, Transpacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales noted that the system being proposed should be introduced gradually.

“For the first couple of years, it is going to take a while to digest because we still have a lot of cars that are used that we will need to sell out and also not a lot of people can still afford to buy the new cars even though the taxes are lowered,” the company’s representative noted.

Meanwhile, this newspaper has learnt that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition will support this decision nonetheless, given the fact that its members have said publicly that the Party would reinforce any decision taken by Government that would bring benefit to people.

Canada injects $2.8M to promote gender equality

T

he Government of Canada has injected over $2 million to show its support for promoting gender equality locally.

The cheque of $2.8 million was handed over to the Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC), Indranie Chandarpal, on Wednesday by Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux.

This donation was the result of collaboration between the WGEC and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

Speaking at the simple handing-over ceremony, Chandarpal stated that this donation would go a long way in supporting the work of the Commission to promote gender equality.

“It is intended to increase gender equality and women’s leadership in decision-making through community outreach, workshop seminars and development of a community outreach course that aims to serve as an introduction to gender and development – its necessity to sustainable development,” she stated.

According to the Chairperson, the funding will also support actions towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – “Gender Equality and empowerment of all women and girls with the objective of “Stepping it up for Gender Equality 50/50 for 2030”.

Chandarpal also not-

F

President David Granger

or the third time since his election as President of Guyana, Head of State David Granger will be addressing the 11th Parliament, in its session today.

This session will be the second sitting for the year 2016. While there has been much speculation about his speech, President Granger told media operatives on Wednesday that his address was “forward looking”.

According to the Head of State, his speech is about the current structure of his Government and how the Ministries are working to accomplish what he calls the second part of Guyana’s independence.

“In 1966, we had what I

call political independence.

In 2016, we now aim at greater economic independence. So the thrust of my remarks will be largely economic,” he revealed.

President Granger added that he would also be outlining plans that his 27-member Cabinet would be embarking on to ensure that Guyana attained “economic independence”.

Guyana will be celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary in May this year and the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition has already indicated its intentions to make the milestone a huge affair with much pomp and ceremony.

Guyanese pill-pushing NYC doctor jailed

A

The Canadian High Commission donates $2.8 million to support the work of the Women and Gender Equality Commission

ed that the project would be implemented by the Commission and supported by the newly-established Institute of Gender Studies at University of Guyana (UG).

Moreover, High Commissioner Giroux explained that under this project, the WGEC would be working along with the Institute of Gender Studies to design and test courses in gender development for policymakers such as parliamentarians, regional and local government members, and the National Toshaos Councils (NTC).

He underscored the need for more women in decision-making positions and in governments, explaining that this way they can influence policies that will affect them.

“Although we have made

strides in advancing women’s rights globally, there is still much to do. We are still grappling with women issues such as protection from domestic and gender-based domestic violence, discrimination, career training and small business support, safe and affordable childcare and education. Today’s activity is helping to pave the path towards gender equality,” the High Commissioner stated.

The Canadian diplomat further pointed out that championing women’s rights and gender equality was a huge priority for the Government of Canada, both at home and abroad.

“It’s a Canadian core value and it’s an effort in which we will continue to work with Governments, civil society and other donors to remove barriers to gender equali-

ty, address violence against women and advance women rights in America,” he added.

Other groups that this collaborative project aims to engage include NGO/CSO Gender Advocates, grassroots leaders and the National Youth Commission. The first activity will commence next week and will see Professor Kamala Kempadoo of York University in Canada assisting to develop and test a community outreach course module.

This module will be delivered through roundtables and seminars at the regional level throughout Guyana for the NTC executives and Women Toshaos.

Additionally, there will be a special seminar for Members of Parliament.

pill-pushing physician, who used bogus Bronx clinics to run a massive oxycodone ring, will spend 12 years in prison, a federal judge decided Monday.

Dr Kevin Lowe, who resided in Campbellville prior to migrating to the United States, was convicted in May for operating a chain of Astramed clinics that, for three years, wrote around 35,000 fraudulent prescriptions for some 5.5 million tablets of oxycodone — worth up to $165 million on the street, the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office has said.

While prosecutors portrayed Lowe as a brazen kingpin, his lawyer, Florian Miedel, cast him as a hardworking, respected member of the community.

“He was — and is — a good man,” Miedel said, imploring Judge Lorna G. Schofield to take his history into account during sentencing.

“Yours is not an easy case for a judge,” Schofield conceded, saying she had to weigh his accomplishments with his misdeeds. “I don’t believe you are an evil person ... but you have broken the law,” she said.

The crooked doc maintains he’s innocent.

“I did not commit this crime,” the 55-year-old said

Guyanese Dr Kevin Lowe

before Schofield handed down his punishment.

Lowe will appeal his conviction, Miedel said.

Down the block in Manhattan Supreme Court, another doctor was sentenced to probation for illegally selling at least 28 Xanax prescriptions. Dr. Mengjia Zhao sold the prescriptions over four years and put $4.6 million in pills onto the black market, state prosecutors said. As part of his sentence he was required to give up his medical license.

“You sold out your profession for financial gain,” Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Neil Ross told the disgraced doctor.

He previously pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was arrested on the charges in July. (Daily News)

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thursday, january 14, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

From cricketer to entrepreneur

– Ramnaresh Sarwan enjoyed a prolific cricketing career. He’s now hoping his first business venture in Guyana is just as productive

By Avenash Ramzan

W

hen Ramnaresh Sarwan first picked up a cricket bat close to three decades ago, he was merely indulging in a pastime, having grown up on the island of Wakenaam, a village that glorified the sport.

Little did he know that he would soon become the country’s youngest First-Class cricketer at the tender age of 15 during the 1995/96 West Indies Cricket Board’s domestic season, and subsequently, Captain of the senior West Indies team.

A decision to move from Essequibo to Georgetown to pursue a cricketing career paid immediate dividends, as the classy right-hander, whose obvious talent was a major talking point even in his early teens, made a meteoric rise up the ranks.

Though he had to wait 49 innings before that first Test hundred, he would go on to hit 15 in all, including a masterful 291, the highest score by a Guyanese batsman in international cricket. He later dispelled doubts about

Ramnaresh Sarwan explains a feature of the exercise bike to this young lady during a media walkabout last weekend

his abilities as an ODI cricketer, racking up impressive performances to earn the label “Finisher”.

Years later, injuries and disputes with the WICB would follow, and it was not long before Sarwan lost his central contract and fell out of favour with the selectors. An ODI recall 18 months later yielded a century, but a total of 40 runs from the next seven innings meant hopes of a lengthy stay at the highest level were short-

lived.

Suddenly, the man whose entire life had centred on cricket had to now contemplate his next move. While many of his contemporaries have gone into coaching, administration and commentary, Sarwan has opted to take the route of entrepreneurship, investing in a spanking new state-of-theart gym at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The doors to that impressive facility Fitness53

Business News

Scotiabank LivePitch set for January 17 and 20 – public votes needed

T

he four finalists in the Scotiabank LivePitch Business Plan competition will be vying for the $500,000 top prize and bragging rights as the first winner when the competition culminates with the television segment and Facebook voting component next week.

The four finalists – Extravagant Celebrations, Wafugee Inc, The Solution Centre and Robbie’s Weedcutting, Landscaping and Building Maintenance Services – will pitch their business plan to a panel of judges which will be prerecorded and broadcast on NCN Channel 11 on Sunday

January 17, 2016 at 19:00h and on Wednesday January 20, 2016 at 20:05h for the public to view before casting their votes at facebook. com/ScotiabankGY between January 18 and 22, 2016.

The judges’ scores will be added to the public votes to determine the winner.

Market statistics Cur

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

Fixed as at January 12, 2016 Calculated at 94% purity Selling

GBP

$ 296.31

$300.04

CAN

$144.74

$146.43

USD

$205.98

$208.44

$ 222.81

$225.67

EURO

In full flow, Ramnaresh Sarwan was a joy to watch

minds, among them President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lance Hinds.

“This is the kind of thing the Chamber always espouses; this is the kind of things the Chamber supports. It is entrepreneurship…even better, it is local entrepreneurship.

For someone to show [this confidence], it take belief, it takes guts, it takes the research and understanding of an emerging market, and anyone doing this must be commended,” Hinds told the gathering at the opening.

Minister within the Education Ministry with responsibility for sport, Nicolette Henry hailed the cricketer turned businessman as an inspiration to youths across the country.

“For someone to come and put up this type of building in this community, in this country to the belief that they can make this type of investment and be able to get returns is something that is certainly commendable, and definitely I believe that it is something that the young people can

learn from,” Henry explained.

She continued, “Because what it says to me is that he believes that his business can flourish here in Guyana, notwithstanding what is happening in the country. And this is the type of inspiration we need for our young people.”

Sarwan, whose ODI shirt number, 53, is incorporated into the business’s name, revealed that the response has been good so far, noting that the initial registration fee will be $6000 per person, and $5500 monthly thereafter.

With Guyanese gradually gravitating towards a healthy lifestyle, there is bound to be more gyms popping up across the country, thereby bringing a level of competitiveness to the sector.

It is the type of scenario Sarwan knows all too well.

His competitive instincts as a professional sportsman would definitely be a great asset, as he surges ahead in virgin territory.

Block M, Providence, East Bank Demerara I 6209385 I fitness53guyana.com I facebook:fitness53

Investors' guide

Cambio Rates Buying

– arguably the largest gym in Guyana – opened to the public on Tuesday, offering services to just about everyone: from the ordinary man looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle to the seasoned professional athlete.

Boasting the latest in fitness equipment and some top local trainers, the modern facility is part of a huge building that will soon be transformed into a massive shopping mall.

It is nestled between the National Stadium and the Princess International Hotel, a 30-second drive heading east off the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

This first business venture in Guyana by the middleorder stroke player was conceptualised about five years ago, and he shared the reason for investing in such an area.

“Because I think we in Guyana are becoming health conscious and I thought it was really a good opportunity to open a gym that is very modern and different,” Sarwan declared.

While not divulging any specific figures, the former West Indies Captain said the investment was huge, but noted that the main aim was more of satisfying a personal ambition of his.

“I don’t think that is important [the magnitude of the investment], I think it is something that I’ve worked very hard to accomplish for the past year, year and a half, and I just wanted to put it together and offer something to the public that they would enjoy, and, of course, help them with their health. That’s our focus here,” the elegant right-hander explained.

The confidence to invest in the economy has certainly not escaped some influential

U.S.

$1094.85

Gross

$211,410

Net

$196,611

Indicators as on January 13, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil Price

$30.44 USD

Rough Rice

$11.320/cwt

London Sugar

$423.30/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

-3.19 Change %

-3.82 +2.54 USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1093.50

$1094.50

Low/High

$1079.50

$1096.70

Change

Business Concept – Interest

+7.00

+0.04

A fee paid for the use of another party's money. To the borrower it is the cost of renting money, to the lender the income from lending it.

Interest on all debt is normally deductible before taxes are assessed on a company's income. Corporate legislation requires disclosure of interest payable on loans. In cost accounting, interest is normally excluded from cost computations on the grounds that (being a payment for capital) it is equivalent to dividend, and hence is a finance item and not a cost item. (Business Dictionary)

GBTI’s “Easy to Own Technology” Loan

A

s the world comes to increasingly rely on technology, a savvy entrepreneur or would-be entrepreneur will find that technology, once utilised correctly, can be an indispensable tool, even partner, in any business enterprise.

Technology improves productivity by cutting the input costs (time, material and labour) of the products and services sold by a business. Technology can help level the playing field for small businesses in a world where giants dominate and help them outmanoeuvre their similarly sized rivals.

The local commercial banks offer loans that can be utilised to purchase technological devices, but the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has gone a step further with its

“Easy to Own Technology” Loan on which it has partnered with several technology retailers, including Digital Technology, Starr

Computer, NT Computeac, CCS Guyana Ltd, DIGICOM, Gizmos & Gadgets and Laparkan Trading Company Ltd. The loan package was launched in 2013, as the Bank said it wanted to play a key role in the public’s ability to enjoy a better way of

life. According to GBTI, the loan facility is designed with lowered interest rates to allow customers easy access to money to purchase the technological device of their choice. It features: • Competitive rates • Fast approvals • No late payment fees • No prepayment penalties Just visit any GBTI branch and speak to one of the loan officers, and you could soon be improving your business and personal life with technology. For more information contact: 226-84309 (Water Street branch); 225-5291-3/5 (Regent Street branch); 771-4830-4 (Anna Regina branch); 260-4400-4 (Parika branch); 339-28349 (Corriverton branch) and 264-2191/3/4 (Vreed-en-Hoop branch) or www.gbtibank. com or banking@gbti.com.

17

news

thursday, january 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Another teen commits suicide – left note expressing love for 17-year-old boy

By Alexis Rodney

“I

love Dane... Nobody don’t understand…

I’m lost in darkness… please give Luan all my things... Bye.” Those were the words scribbled on a piece of paper purportedly by a secondary school student of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) who is now listed as the latest suicide case in Guyana.

She was found hanging in her bedroom on Tuesday.

Aaliyah Simon, 13, a student of Vergenoegen Secondary was discovered by her guardian, Rojinie Sobers on just after noon, minutes after the child went upstairs to take a nap.

Sobers told Guyana Times that the discovery was made when she went to check on the teenager, after several calls for her went unanswered.

“I was washing down in the bathroom and Aaliyah was in the bathroom bathing and told me that she was going to do some painting. And then she said after I finish painting she would go and take a rest”.

She said the child’s grandmother, who lives next door later came to enquire about her. She was told the child was sleeping. The

grandmother later offered the guardian some jamoon drink and invited her over to collect the drink. She said she was about to leave with Aaliyah’s baby brother, but decided to inform the child that she was going.

“So when I come and opened the blind, I watched on the bed and didn’t see the girl, I just see the bed rumple up. Then I pull the blind lil bigger and then in front of the wardrobe, there was the girl, she hang herself”, an emotional Sobers moaned.

Sobers said the sight left her speechless and she later fell, unable to control herself.

She said she later called out to the child’s grandmother saying “come and see what your granddaughter do… I said, come, come and see” While the motive for the suicide is unclear, the child’s grandmother Stephanie Fredrick’s told Guyana Times that the family found a note allegedly written by the teen expressing her love for a 17-year-old boy.

Speaking of the note, the grandmother explained that “Dane” is a boy who said they were simply just friends She said she had just returned from the doctor with her son, and decided to check on Aaliyah and her

baby brother Luan.

She said she enquired where the child was and was told that she was sleeping.

She said she did not press the issue, because two days prior the child told her she was feeling unwell.

Asked if the child ever spoke about any problems she might have been facing, the grandmother said she was not aware, at least she was never told anything.

“She never told me anything. She always was a jovial little girl. She loved dancing and singing”. She said it was only on Sunday that the teen was over at her house and went shopping with her your cousin.

“I didn’t see she had any problems at that time”. She said however that two days before when she visited the home, the teen was on the phone crying to her mother.

She said she does not know of any problem she had before that.

There are reports too that the child might have been pregnant but the relatives are awaiting a post mortem to determine same.

The autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Aaliyah‘s mother and father, who work in the interior, returned home Tuesday night.

Repsol asks for Kanuku well extension

Mabaruma Hospital water shortage

$1.4M spent to purchase water – GWI to allow 8500 gallons to be pumped daily

By Kristen Macklingam

I

n less than four weeks $1.4 million was expended on purchasing and transporting water to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, Region One (Barima-Waini), after the health facility’s well malfunctioned.

This is according to the Public Health Ministry, which stated on Wednesday that this practice has come to an end following a new arrangement between the regional health authorities in that Region and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) which will now see 8500 gallons of water being pumped daily from a special overhead tank to the Hospital.

It said that this muchneeded assistance by the GWI was granted on Wednesday and Region One’s Health Officer, Dr Cerdel Mc Watt, had reported that the Hospital was able to benefit from this agreement since 09:00h on the day in question.

Meanwhile, Director of Regional Health Services of the Public Health Ministry, Dr Kay Shako explained that the new arrangement was made after efforts to rectify the problem by the technical personnel on the ground were unsuccessful.

“GWI will pump 8500 gallons of water daily into a special overhead tank which will supply the Mabaruma

Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley

Hospital only, and the Hospital will distribute the water as needed within the complex,” Dr Shako said.

According to a media statement from the Public Health Ministry, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital’s well stopped functioning on December 15, 2015.

The problem was identified as the pump had been discharging sediments which resulted in the water becoming contaminated.

“The Hospital reservoir, which can accommodate approximately 54,000 gallons of water, was not full at the time of the breakdown and the purchase of water for the doctors’ quarters commenced on December 18, 2015. According to Dr Shako, the purchase of water for the entire hospital

complex, which includes Hospital and staff quarters, commenced on December 19, 2015,” the release noted.

Guyana Times was told that in the interim the Hospital reservoir was “washed and prepared” for refilling during the period December 27-December 28.

On Tuesday, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley had told this publication that water was being sourced for the Hospital to ensure continuity of service at the health facility.

Earlier reports are that the pump had begun to experience problems and eventually the well (along with the pump) was damaged.

At the time of this occurrence, an individual living in the area is said to have offered to fix the well and have it functional at a cost of just over $300,000.

However, this newspaper was told the offer was not accepted by officials, with them citing that the regional office did not have the monies.

Guyana Times understands that following this, a decision was made to source water from elsewhere which is said to have cost an average of $15,000 per trip to the health facility.

Several trips have to be made on a weekly basis, since one trip can only facilitate two black tanks being transported to the Hospital. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Gastro outbreak in Region One

80 reported cases confirmed – Dr Karen Cummings

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

From left: Repsol Country Manager Giancarlo Ariza, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, President David Granger, Repsol Latin America Exploration Director Mikel Erquiaga and Exploration Manager of the Atlantic Basins, Allan Kean, at the Ministry of the Presidency

O

fficials from global energy company Repsol on Wednesday met with President David Granger to seek an extension to continue exploratory work in the Kanuku Block.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman also attended the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency.

In a brief comment after the engagement, Repsol’s

Latin America Exploration Director, Mikel Erquiaga explained that the company has to drill a well, but had been delayed by several stumbling blocks, including its legal battle with CGX Energy Incorporated in 2012 over exploration activities in the Georgetown Block. This matter was resolved in 2014.

Repsol needs an extension to complete the neces-

sary preparatory work for drilling to begin.

“We want a short extension in order to continue working in the Block and eventually drill a well,” Erquiaga said.

Repsol, which is based in Spain, is one of the first oil companies to discover oil in Guyana. It commenced drilling in 2012 at the Jaguar-1 well and discovered the presence of hydrocarbons.

he numbers in the gastroenteritis outbreak situation are continuing to climb. Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings confirmed that the number of reported cases has risen to 80.

Dr Cummings, through Government Information Agency (GINA), said: “There is a technical team on the ground, assessing the situation and working to keep it under control.” This team, it has been said, “comprises one doctor, one Medex and one Environmental Health Officer.”

This newspaper was told that the outbreak is not necessarily from one community but from over “20 satellite communities” connected to the Baramita area in the North West District.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday evening, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton said health officials are having difficulty encouraging residents to take the ‘hydration solution.’ This is due to the fact that many have said they were not feeling dehydrated.

Dr Norton explained that though there was swift mo-

Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings

bilisation, “healthcare givers” in the area seemed to believe they could manage the situation. “One of our first efforts was to send down a team immediately but the medics and the doctors on the ground [were] saying there’s no need for that, they have it under control,” Dr Norton said.

Though the number of cases has increased, Dr Norton feels that everything is being done to combat the issue. He stated, “I personally would think so… any death is one too many. I still think that it is not a situation that we had in the years gone by… five hundred and something were infected where a large num-

ber of children died.

Efforts were made to keep the media out. No, we own up to the fact that the outbreak was there but we have it under control.

We are sending up the Regional Health Officer tomorrow… not necessarily Baramita alone but in other areas,” the Public Health Minister stated.

Former health minister and Opposition MP Dr Bheri Ramsarran called for two resident doctors to be stationed in Baramita. “There are many doctors who are trained, some should be deployed out of Georgetown to go urgently to deal with that problem,” he related on Wednesday.

Some symptoms of gastroenteritis include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

This year’s outbreak has already taken the life of one child.

Dr Norton had earlier revealed to Guyana Times that he was aware of five new cases and that they are being monitored and are “coping well.”

“We are in communication with our health officers there on the ground including the doctor, the medic, the environmental officer,” Dr Norton had stressed.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, January 14, 2016

ARCHIE

Enjoy the company of an agreeable someone. Physical (March 21- exertion or an update to your April 19) image will make you feel good and help you present what you bring to the table.

ARIES

Listen to the advice ofTAURUS fered, but make up your own (April 20- mind. You will have the inMay 20) sight and knowledge to make the best choice. A professional gain is within reach.

dilbert

Be cautious how you diGEMINI (May 21- vide your time. Don’t be too June 20) willing to give your all to someone else’s cause or concern. It’s important that you take care of your business first.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Don’t fear doing things differently. A change will do you good and spark new ideas that can help you make personal and professional gains.

Home improvement projects are favoured.

You’ll mesmerise those LEO you encounter with your live(July 23ly attitude and innovative Aug. 22) ideas. Good fortune will come your way through the connections you make. Romance is encouraged.

Explore new places in orVIRGO der to discover interesting (Aug. 23opportunities, but first take Sept. 22) care of your responsibilities at home before someone complains. A clear conscience will enhance your performance.

Calvin and Hobbes

Getting together with peoLIBRA (Sept. 23- ple who understand you and Oct. 23) can help you see a personal situation clearly will help to ease your mind. Put your needs first.

SUDOKU

Don’t be too trusting of SCORPIO (Oct. 24- someone showering you with Nov. 22) compliments. Ulterior motives lie behind kind gestures. Focus inward and on the changes that will enhance your life.

Problems will develop if SAGITTARIUS you travel or get into an emo(Nov. 23- tional scuffle with someone Dec. 21) equally as passionate about winning arguments as you are. Back down and spare yourself grief.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Money matters must be CAPRICORN taken seriously. Don’t let (Dec. 22- anyone stand in your way Jan. 19) or prevent you from getting done what needs to get done.

A new opportunity will arise if you take care of unfinished business.

Don’t take chances. Protect AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- against injury, and avoid getFeb. 19) ting into an argument with someone who doesn’t see things the same way you do.

Take part in activities that make you happy.

Partnership problems will PISCES (Feb. 20- escalate if you make assumpMarch 20) tions or overreact to what’s going on around you. Retreat and do your best to find out exactly what’s going on before making a move.

THURsday, january 14, 2016

19

Mets search for a diamond on the cricket pitch

– former international cricketer Kieran Powell gets tryout

K

ieran Powell, a 25-year-old outfielder from the Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis, has received worldwide recognition for his ability to react to a ball traveling at 90 mph and hit it ridiculously far with a wooden bat. In light of that, it might not sound all that surprising that he was invited to work out for the Mets at their training facility in Port St Lucie last weekend.

What is surprising is that in Powell’s world, the bat is flat, the ball bounces before he swings and pitchers and catchers give way to bowlers and wicket-keepers.

After nearly a decade playing high-level cricket, Powell has decided to pursue a career in professional baseball, in the hopes of one day making the major leagues. If he succeeds, it would make him a pioneer: Though baseball and cricket appear similar, there has been virtually no overlap between the sports in the elite ranks.

“Hopefully I can be the face of change for both sports,” said Powell.

Powell has never played organised baseball, but he has shown enough potential to generate attention from MLB talent evalua-

tors. He has already worked out for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Mets. On Wednesday, he held a tryout session for scouts at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Representatives from around a dozen teamsincluding the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates- were expected to attend.

Following a contract dispute with the West Indies team, Powell’s agent sent footage of Powell to major-league teams, catching the eye of scouts from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

They arranged for Powell to spend eight weeks last summer training in Southern California with two former Dodgers players to start the process of dropping his “cricket habits” and learning the nuances of baseball.

(Powell declined to reveal which ex-players worked with him.)

From there, Powell moved to IMG, where he had to convince the coaches to take him on. Dan Simonds, a former minor-league catcher and the director of IMG’s baseball academy, said he was initially “a little skeptical” of Powell after watching film of him swinging a baseball bat. But after seeing another tape of Powell tak-

en two or three weeks later, Simonds changed his mind.

“At that point I said if he made that kind of progress in that amount of time with a limited amount of coaching, if we could get our hands on him, maybe we could help him and he would become a legitimate pros-

fense with former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tim Raines Jr. He has also spent time with Miami Marlins infielder Dee Gordon, who trains at IMG in the off-season.

Powell initially thought of himself as a right fielder, but the Brewers recom-

Kieran Powell, who is attempting to make the switch from international cricket to professional baseball, had a tryout with the Mets at their facility in Florida

pect,” Simonds said.

For the past five weeks, Powell has been training extensively at IMG. He has worked on hitting with John-Ford Griffin, who appeared in 13 games for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2005 through 2007, and de-

mended he try center field to emphasise his speed.

Simonds said Powell’s 60yard dash times of around 6.6 seconds are above average. In cricket, Powell said players often warm up with baseball gloves, but field in matches barehanded.

“You can’t question my defense,” Powell said. “They give you a big glove and go tell you to go catch a ball with a big extra glove.”

Hitting presents a greater challenge, as Powell must reconstruct a left-handed swing tailored for cricket into one suitable for baseball. Cricketers swing with more of an uppercut, while the baseball swing is traditionally on a level path. But Simonds said that Powell’s proficiency in cricket proves that he at least has the hand-eye coordination and hand strength to handle baseball, if nothing else.

The question is whether the skill set will translate.

Ed Smith, a former professional cricketer in England, spent a week at spring training with the Mets in 2001, while writing a book called “Playing Hard Ball,” which explored British and American cultural identities through the lens of cricket and baseball.

He said that while certain aspects of cricket are transferrable to baseball, the mechanics of the swings are different.

That said, Smith suggested that the two swings are closer now than ever before. The advent of Twenty20 cricket- a version of the

game that shortens matches to about three hours from as long as five days- has emphasised power. As a result, cricketers have started to adopt a swing more similar to baseball’s, relying on lower-body torque.

“It would present major technical challenges,” Smith said of switching sports.

“I’m not saying he can’t. The games are converging technically from quite a wide distance.”

Thus far, Powell has mostly worked against pitching machines throwing in the upper 70s and low 80s. He hasn’t seen much live pitching, which Simonds called “the true test.”

Even if a team does sign Powell, he faces a tough road. He would have to start at the bottom rungs of the minor leagues and, at age 25, he’s already old for a baseball prospect to enter the system.

Yet Powell remains undaunted. “I don’t expect to walk in and be the star of the show,” Powell said. “I just want the opportunity, and I believe a team will have a major-league player in two or three years from a market they never expected.” (Wall Street Journal)

Scotiabank extends partnership with RHTY&SC T

he highly successful relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and the Bank of Nova Scotia has been renewed for another year.

RHTY&SC Executive Mark Papannah earlier this week received a sponsorship cheque from the bank’s Marketing Executive, Jennifer Cipriani, for $365,000.

The sponsorship will cover support for the club’s annual Youth Review Magazine, Tribute to Teachers, Inter-school Essay Competition and annual Awards Ceremony.

Papannah observed that the RHTY&SC completed a record of 302 programmes/activities for its

Bank of Nova Scotia Marketing Executive, Jennifer Cipriani, hands over cheque to RHTY&SC Executive Mark Papannah

Silver Jubilee anniversary last year and has committed itself to completing 300 programmes for 2016

under the sub-heading of sports, education, charity, awards/honours, religious, jobs among others.

The bank, over the last six years, has become a major sponsor of the RHTY&SC, and Papannah hailed the establishment for its support. Noting that the club would shortly be receiving a national award, the RHTY&SC executive expressed gratitude to Cipriani and Scotiabank for being one of the foundation if its success over the year.

Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, disclosed that special emphasis would be placed on the promotion of sports and education in 2016, along with making sure that deserving Berbicians are honoured for their contribution to the development of the Ancient County and

Guyana.

The Tribute to Teachers programme would involve 10 teachers in the Lower Corentyne area, while the essay competition would be opened to all schools across Berbice with the topic being related to Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

Foster disclosed that the club’s 2016 Youth Review Magazine would be a special edition as it would focus mainly on the RHTYSC’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 2015. The announcement of the Medal of Service award has renewed the passion of the club’s executives and members and they are working hard to achieve

the projected target of 300 programmes/activities by mid-October.

Cipriani stated that the bank was proud to be associated with the RHTY&SC, an organisation which has a remarkable history of achievements. The bank strongly believes in investing in youths, education and sports as part of its corporate responsibilities and hailed the RHTY&SC as a role model organisation that gets things done to the satisfaction of sponsors. She congratulated the club on its Medal of Service award and urged its executives to re-double their commitment to always strive in pursuit of excellence.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

THURsday, january 14, 2016

Two Guyanese in West Indies Women squad Agard bowls

BCB/NSC/BRCA Second Division Cricket

– South Africa tour, World T20 Kimbia to final K

T

Shemaine Campbelle

he Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has announced a 15-member squad for the tour of South Africa from February 12 to March 10, and the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament from March 15 to April 3 in India.

The squad includes two Guyanesefast bowler Tremayne Smartt and allrounder Shemaine Campbelle.

The squad reads: Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Shakera Selman (Vicecaptain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Shaquana Quintyne and Tremayne Smartt.

The Team Management Unit comprises Vasbert Drakes (Head Coach),

Ann Browne-John (Team Operations Manager), Ezra Moseley (Assistant Coach), Oba Gulston (Physiotherapist), Hector Martinez-Charles (Fitness Trainer) and Trent Sargeant (Data Analyst).

“The team has worked hard over the last year and the Selection Panel is very happy with the combination and the hard work that the players and management has put in,” said WICB selector Courtney Browne.

“They have made good progress and this squad has a lot of variety with a number of quality all-rounders that should serve the team well throughout the period they will be travelling.”

Browne said: “To highlight a few players – Stafanie Taylor has taken up the captaincy and has maintained her high performance standards and we are very happy to see this.

“Former captain Merissa Aguilleira made good progress during the past series against Pakistan Women and has added value to the team with her batting, and Hayley Matthews is a young, exciting prospect as an all-rounder, so we are quite satisfied with how the team has progressed over the last year.”

The 15-member squad, plus five reserve players, will be part of a training camp from January 28 to February 8 at the West Indies High Performance Centre in Barbados. The five reserve players are: Leeann Kirby, Natasha McLean, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack and Vanessa Watts.

In addition to the on-field training programme, the players will also undergo mental skills and media training before the touring party departs for South Africa on February 9 and 10.

On arrival in South Africa, they will continue their preparation from

imbia beat Ebini Ranch Raiders in their final preliminary match of the Berbice River Cricket Association (BRCA) Second Division 40-over cricket competition to end up as runners-up to Friendship Youngsters, thus earning the right to

Martin Agard, who took the first four wickets in quick time to reduce them to 24-4.

Irving Lyte and Andrew Pearson stopped the slide by putting on 50 for the fifth wicket, but after Lyte fell for 28, Pearson found no other support and

meet them in the final of the competition.

This competition, which is geared to promote the game in the area, is being organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), with balls being provided by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

In the match played at the Ebini Ranch Raiders ground, the host, choosing to bat first, ran up against Kimbia’s opening pacer

Raiders were bowled out for 98 in 22 overs. Pearson was left on 37 not out, as Agard ended with 4-15 from five overs and Lance Gillard 3-16.

In reply, Kimbia did not encounter much problems, reaching 99-4 in 18 overs with Bevon Smith leading the way with 39 and Lance Gillard making 23. Peter Grant took 2-30 for Ebini Ranch Raiders.

Tremayne Smartt

February 12 to 19 in Port Elizabeth with a one-week training camp that also includes a practice match against Eastern Province Women before playing the home team in three ICC Women’s Championship One-day and Twenty20 Internationals.

Following the trip to South Africa, the team flies directly to the ICC Women’s World Twenty20, where they have been drawn in Group “B”.

They will face Pakistan Women, Bangladesh Women, England Women and hosts India Women in the group stage, looking to reach the semi-finals which are carded on Wednesday, March 30, at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi and Thursday, March 31, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Final is on Sunday, April 3 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (windiescricket)

Farfan and Mendes renews RHTY&SC U-15 sponsorship T

he long-standing cricket sponsorship relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and agricultural tools giant, Farfan and Mendes Limited, was extended for another year, following a simple ceremony recently.

For the 19th year in succession, the company has injected funds into the club’s Under-15 team at the cost of $240,000 for 2016.

RHTY&SC official Mark Papannah, who received the sponsorship, stated that the company has been sponsoring the RHT Farfan and Mendes team since 1997, and over that period the club has won four tournaments and is waiting to play another final in the 2015 Tenelec tournament versus Blairmont.

The team has pro-

duced over 20 national junior cricketers for Guyana, including Assad and Abdel Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Shawn Perriera, Murphy LaRose, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Plaffina Millington and a total of 72 for Berbice.

The RHTY&SC, Papannah stated, also won four Guyana Club-of-theYear awards over the 19 years, while the members of the Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team have also completed over 600 personal/community outreach programmes under the name of the sponsorship since 1997.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, in an invited comment, noted that the sponsorship between the RHTY&SC and Farfan and Mendes Limited is a unique and special one as it is on the verge of 20 years.

The RHTY&SC’s long-

Novella Perriera of Farfan and Mendes Limited hands over the donation to Mark Papannah of RHTY&SC

serving Secretary/CEO stated that the club has an unmatched record of gaining the trust and support of sponsors based on its activities, achievements, hon-

esty, hardwork, visionary leadership and remarkable record of fulfilling its commitments to sponsors.

He specially mentioned June Mendes, Amanda

Richards, Andrew Mendes, Mrs. Barker and Onai Vasconcellos of the company for their cooperation over the years.

Every year, Farfan and Mendes also co-sponsors the club’s youth review magazine, television programmes, awards ceremony, cricket academy, Christmas charity programme among others.

Foster also stated that the RHTY&SC would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the company for the role it played in ensuring the club received a Medal of Service this year from the Government of Guyana.

He described Farfan and Mendes Limited’s assistance over the years as unbelievable and expressed confidence that the relationship would be expanded in the future.

Marketing Executive of the company, Onai Vasconcellos, stated it was

a special privilege to be associated with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation and stated that the Farfan and Mendes Limited’s logo and brand has been well represented over the years by the Under-15 team.

He congratulated the RHTY&SC on the announcement of its national award and expressed confidence that the club would uphold the high standards it has set itself over the years. In 2016, the RHT Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team would be captained

by Chanderpaul Govinda, with Vijay Gopilall as his deputy, while Collis Butts will be the coach. The team would also be involved in 40 personal/community programmes, including the construction of a 16’x40’ concrete cricket pitch at the Area “H” ground.

sports

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WICB/NAGICO Super50

THURsday, january 14, 2016

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Volcanoes down Jaguars by 2 wickets in final over finish T

he Windward Islands Volcanoes defeated the Guyana Jaguars by two wickets in the fourth round of the WICB/ NAGICO Super50 tournament in a day/night match at Warner Park, St Kitts, on Wednesday.

Final scores in the match: Guyana Jaguars 209-8; Windward Islands Volcanoes 210-8.

The Volcanoes, in their come from behind victory, were led by Sunil Ambris (56) and some lower-order hitting by Shane Shilingford (21*) and Keron Cottoy (23*).

With eight needed off the final over, the first three balls bowled by off-spinner Royston Crandon went for 1, 6, 1, as the islanders sealed the win with three balls to spare.

The Volcanoes were 1568 in the 46th over, before Cottoy and Shillingford added 54 in 24 balls to snatch the win.

The Volcanoes got off to a flyer with Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher taking the score to 15 without loss from two overs. Charles did not last long though, as he was caught on the third man boundary looking to go inside out for five.

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Sunil Ambris

Fletcher (19) did not last long either, as Volcanoes were reduced to 29-3 from 7.5 overs.

Tyrone Theophile (24) and Ambris found scoring tough, but meandered along to take the score to 68-4 in the 26th over just before Theophile hit a full toss too hard back to Jacobs who gobbled it up.

Ambris and captain Liam Sebastien (27), with sensible batting, took the score to 142-5 when Sebastien was bowled by Crandon to leave Volcanoes six down in the 44th over, needing 68 to win from 39 balls.

Kyle Mayers, who was the hero in the last game with 55 off 38 balls, was cleaned bowled by Permaul looking for the big hits.

Soon after Ambris, who was the lone fighter fell for 56, bowled by Crandon trying to get under a flat and fast delivery to hit over the top.

That was the last success for the Jaguars as Shillingford and Cottoy kept the bowlers at bay.

Crandon ended with figures of 2-56 (9.3 overs) and Permaul 2-26 (10 overs).

Earlier, in sunny condition, the Volcanoes inserted the Jaguars to take first strike, and they quickly slipped to 16-4 by the eighth over. Openers Assad Fudadin and Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Vishaul Singh all fell cheaply, as Mervin Matthews and Mayers claimed two wickets each.

It soon became 25-5 when Raymon Reifer felt to Johnson Charles, before Crandon and skipper Leon Johnson brought up the fifty.

However, Johnson fell soon after to Shillingford for 29 at 50-6.

Crandon and Steven Jacobs (27) then added 45 for the seventh wicket, before the former and Permaul (12) put together another 46 for the eighth wicket.

Crandon and Wintz then joined forces for a 68-run unbroken ninth wicket stand to

take the Jaguars beyond the 200-run mark.

Crandon ended on 68 not out and Wintz an unbeaten 38. Shillingford, Matthews and Mayers ended with two wickets each.

Guyana Jaguars’ next game is on Friday against the Leeward Island Hurricanes at 09:00h.

Below are the summarised scores from the other games.

Barbados Pride defeated ICC Americas by 4 wickets. ICC Americas 202 all out (Srimantha Wijeyeratne 46; Jonathon Carter 4-37) Barbados Pride 206-6 in 36.3 overs (Kraigg Brathwaite 86*; Nitish Kumar 2-33).

Leeward Islands Hurricanes defeated Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners by 14 runs. Leeward Hurricanes 242-8 (Nkrumah Bonner 79; Mark Deyal 3-32) CCC Marooners 228 all out in 49.1 overs (Vikash Mohan 79; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-21).

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeated Jamaican Scorpions by 7 wickets.

Scorpions 176 in 49.2 (Devon Thomas 70; Jon Russ Jagesar 4-32) Red Force 177-3 in 38 overs (Evin Lewis 102, Kyle Hope 43).

Uncontracted players still eligible for selection – WICB

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21

Andre Russell

C

hris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Darren Sammy will be eligible for selection for upcoming tournaments, including the World Twenty20, despite not being given annual retainer contracts by the West Indies Cricket Board. The only condition the WICB has placed is that the players will need to meet criteria set in place by the selection panel, led by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd. The six players are not part of the group of 15 who were given retainer contracts for the period between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016.

According to Michael Muirhead, the WICB’s chief executive, the selectors had shortlisted 15 players for the contracts based on certain criteria that were

drawn keeping in mind the future of West Indies cricket. Muirhead pointed out that the aforementioned six players - including Sammy who captains the West Indies T20 side - did not fit into the selection panel’s vision and hence were not given a contract.

“The selectors did the retainers based on where they saw West Indies cricket going and the philosophy which they wanted to encourage and adopt, principally being loyal to commitment and really build for the longer form of the game,”

Sunil Narine

Muirhead told ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday. “Lloyd had previously said how and where he was projecting our cricket to go, and how he wanted to build it.”

According to Muirhead, the 15 players were shortlisted by the panel and endorsed by the WICB based

Kieron Pollard

on the “combination of their performances in the regional tournaments as well as their attitude.”

Still, Muirhead insisted the six players should not misread the situation as they would be eligible for forthcoming series, if the selectors deemed fit.

Some of the six players have failed to feature in the list of contracted players in the past, for reasons ranging from disputes with the WICB to voluntarily declining the retainer. In January 2015, Gayle and Narine had refused the retainer contracts as they wanted to focus on playing domestic Twenty20 leagues around the world, where they are marquee players.

“When Chris Gayle and Narine refused our retainer contracts some years ago it was so that they had the freedom to do what they wanted,” Muirhead said.

“But they are eligible to play all our games if they meet

our criteria. This [is] not a penalty.”

Muirhead said most of the players had made the decision to make themselves unavailable because they wanted to be free to play in T20 leagues to earn more. “And they took that business decision to do so,” Muirhead said.

Muirhead also stressed that most of the six players had already made public their intentions of not playing Test cricket. “Many of those players have withdrawn from the long form of the game officially and are not interested in playing for the West Indies in all formats,” he said.

In the last two years, Bravo and Sammy announced their retirement from Test cricket. Pollard has never played Test cricket and is seen by selectors as a limited-overs specialist. Although Lloyd has always been keen for Russell to play Test cricket, the allrounder told the chairman of selectors he would like to play only limited-overs cricket due to a bad knee.

Narine, who has played six Tests, is busy remodelling his bowling action after he was suspended by the ICC in November last year. Only Gayle, a 103-Test veteran, has openly stated he is still keen to return to Test cricket in 2016. (Cricinfo)

22 Trophy Stall supports NBS 2nd Division 40-over cricket National Senior Table Itwaru, Ayana guide Number 64 Fighting Marines into playoffs Tennis Championships guyanatimesGY.com

THURsday, january 14, 2016

Kevin Sinclair

Balram Samaroo

Ramesh Ayana

n a match reduced to 20 overs per innings due to rain, Jason Itwaru hit 73 (5x4s, 3x6s) to help Number 64 Fighting Marines to 183-5 against Number 59 in Zone M of the New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40over cricket competition in Berbice.

Number 59, in reply, gave good chase with Rajin Persaud hitting 73 (2x4s, 9x6s), but with Marines offspinner Ramesh Ayana picking up 5-10 from two overs at the end, they were bowled out for 171 in 19 overs.

With the win, Number 64 Fighting Marines ended their preliminary games tied with Number 48 Challengers, but due to having a superior net run rate, they have earned the right to advance to the last 16 playoffs of the competition.

Elsewhere, former Berbice Under-19 batsman Hakeem Hinds scored 67 (6x4s) to help Tucber Park to 184-7 in 40 overs against Fort Canje Warriors, whose former Berbice all-rounder Balram Samaroo gave them a fighting chance with a sensible 72 (5x4s, 2x6s). However, after he fell the innings fold-

ed for 155 in 37.4 overs. The win enabled Tucber Park to emerge as winners of Zone E, thus moving forward to the playoffs.

Also advancing was Young Warriors, who gained a walk over from Betsy Ground Strykers, to emerge as the winner of Zone F. Wayne Richards made 85 not out (6x4s, 2x6s) to steer Police to 242-8 in 30 overs and after that, Guyana Under-17 off-spinner Kevin Sinclair took 5-6 from four overs to bowl out Canefield for a paltry 54 in reply. Also scoring a half-century was Jorm DeFreitas of Guyana Eagles.

Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

At Number 59: Number 64 Fighting Marines beat Number 59 by 13 runs.

Number 64 Fighting Marines 183-5 in 20 overs (Jason Itwaru 73, N.S. Kumar Chand 26) Number 59 scored 171 in 19 overs (Rajin Persaud 73, Ramesh Ayana 5-10).

At Cumberland: Tucber Park beat Fort Canje Warriors by 29 runs. Tucber Park 184-7 in 40 overs (Hakeem Hinds 67, Linden

Austin 2-18, Royden Phil 2-45) Fort Canje Warriors 155 in 37.4 overs (Balram Samaroo 73, Dion Sinclair 2-19, Nial Smith 2-25).

At Rose Hall in Canje: Police beat Canefield by 188 runs. Police 242-8 in 30 overs (Wayne Richards 85*, Robert Barrington 44, Kevin Sinclair 25, Vijay Balgobin 4-25) Canefield 54 in 18 overs (Kevin Sinclair 5-6, Martin Singh 3-6, Michael Campbelle 2-17).

At Lochaber: Guyana Eagles beat Angoy’s Avenue Achievers by 196 runs.

Guyana Eagles 215-9 in 30 overs (Jorm De Freitas 75, Kellon Henry 41, Mark Barker 3-, Jamal Rose 2-40) Angoy’s Avenue Achievers 109 in 21.4 overs (Chris Sulker 33, Glendon DeCunha 27, Fiaz Latif 3-17, Michael West 2-2, Andy Hidar 2-17).

At Number 48: Number 48 Challengers beat Number 43 Scorpion by 110 runs.

Number 48 Challengers 184 in 22.4 overs (Monesh Kalu 44, Balram Persaud 30, Satesh Baldeo 2-38, Devin Singh 2-50) Number 43 Scorpion 84 in 16.5 overs (Balram Samaroo 2-14, Balram Persaud 2-16).

I

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe receives one of the trophies from proprietor of the Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich

T

he Trophy Stall has thrown its support behind the National Senior Table Tennis Championships, which is making a return for the first time in four years.

Slated to start on Friday and conclude on Monday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, the event will feature the country’s leading players going headto-head in nine categories.

The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, the City Mall and South Road has provided trophies for three of those categories, and its proprietor Ramesh Sunich has expressed elation at being associated with the tournament.

Players will compete in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, B Class Open Singles, 21 and Under Male Singles, 21 and Under Female Singles, C Class Open Singles, Men’s

Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

The event will pit some of the biggest table tennis stars against each other with the likes of Shemar Britton, who has been dominant, against the likes of defending champion Nigel Bryan, who won the last Men’s tourney against each other.

Joel Alleyne, Edinho Lewis, Elsihaba Johnson, Kyle Edghill, Orin Hickerson Stefan Corlette and Colin France are also expected to bring their talents to the table in what is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament.

On the distaff side, defending Women’s champion Trenace Lowe is currently in Guyana preparing for the games, as well as defending Junior champion and Junior Olympian Chelsea Edghill, who is currently playing on the U.S.A

Intercollegiate circuit.

The improving Natalie Cummings, along with former Caribbean junior champion Jody Blake, Delcia Cummings, Neveah Clarkston, Priscillia Greaves and Selenas Jackman all expected to put on a show in the female category.

Meanwhile, the B Class and C Class events will offer a new dimension to the national championships, but is part of the association’s plan to establish a system ranking for all levels and tiers of players.

The events are also expected to provide a system for measuring players’ development, as well as an opportunity for players outside of the top tier to be able to win. This format also allows juniors to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the first three places in each division.

The awards include trophies and cash incentives.

ECCB/Elizabeth Styles 40-over cricket

Better Hope “B” prevail over “A” team in final T

he East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB)/ Elizabeth Styles 40over cricket competition concluded last weekend with Better Hope “B” team defeating their “A” counterparts in the final.

Playing at the Better Hope Community Centre ground, Better Hope “A”, opting to field first upon winnings the toss, immediately put the pressure on the opening batsmen of the “B” team with impressive bowling.

Azaad Mohammed bowled steadily with good pace and movement of the ball, as the batsmen found it difficult to score. Mohammed captured 4-19 from eight overs, as Better Hope “B” were bowled out for 160 from 31.1 overs.

Jaidev Mana, who would later earn the Man-of-theMatch award, scored a fighting 33, and returned with the ball to capture 3-24 from

Members of the Better Hope “B” team with president of the ECCB, Bissoondyal Singh

eight overs.

When the “B” team batted, Mana found useful partners in Sachin Singh (23) and

skipper Clive Rampersaud, who stroked three fours and two sixes in a valuable 40, to revive their fortunes.

Ravi Singh (2-30) and Khan (2-34) supported Mohammed.

Defending 160 was no

easy task, but the “B” team immaculately stood to the task, as the “A” team lads were bundled out for 121

in 28.4 overs. Mana received support from Daniel Kowlessar (3-23) and Sachin Singh (2-29).

Sachin Singh removed Ravi Singh (01) with first delivery of the second over of the “A” team’s chase at 6-1.

Chris Deonarine was then joined by Rooplall, the only other batsman to reach double figure, but was sent back

by Singh at 34-2 after he had thumped four fours and a six in 24.

Deonarine, quickly running out of partners, made a gutsy 54 decorated with seven fours and a six, but when he departed at 117-7, the game was virtually over.

The end was swift as Mana claimed two of the three wickets to fall for an addition of just four runs.

The championship trophy and cash prize of $350,000 were handed over to the “B” team, while the “A” team collected a trophy and $50,000.

guyanatimesGY.com

THURsday, january 14, 2016

Jones fully supports naming Stadium after “one of our icons”

By Akeem Greene

T

he naming of Guyana’s premier sporting facility, the Guyana National Stadium, seems to be closer to reality, as Director of Sport Christopher Jones in speaking to media operatives on Wednesday at his office indicated.

When quizzed on the issued, he said, “I am fully open and fully in support of the Providence Stadium being named after one of our icons and of course some of the stands as well.”

The naming of the National Stadium and other institutions of similar nature has been an issue in the public domain for quite some time now.

Jones further revealed, “We are hoping to have a panel established to identify those icons, and of course after the panel will deliberate and whatever submission they make, we are hoping that we can see the renaming of the Providence Stadium and some of the

Christopher Jones

stands during the month of May, during the 50th anniversary.”

However, in August 2015, Minister Nicolette Henry, who is charge of the Department of Youth, Culture and Sport in the Education Ministry, when questioned about the naming of the Stadium, was reported in the press as saying, “No, that will not be done since it could cause controversy as to who are the most outstanding and

whose name should be used and I don’t want to have to spend the next five years defending the naming of the stands.”

The National Stadium was built in 2007 by Indian firm Shapoorji Paloonji ahead of the ICC 50-over Cricket World Cup. With a capacity of 16,000, the facility can also play host to other disciplines.

There is the notion that since the National Stadium primarily for cricket, it should be named after one of the country’s numerous cricketing stalwarts.

The likes of Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, Colin Croft, Lance Gibbs, Roy Fredericks, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Carl Hooper, Clive Lloyd, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are just some of the top cricketers who have originated from Guyana.

The National Stadium is one of the few cricketing facilities in the region that is not branded. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Simon elected president of Essequibo Softball Association

23

GSL Minor League 10/10

Leonora Primary lads play unbeaten; win for Tuschen

The Minor League 10/10 organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) and sponsored by Rohan Furniture Establishment and Parbhu’s General Store saw two tournament matches and one exhibition match involving teachers from the various schools completed in front of a fair-sized crowd.

Playing at the Leonora Primary School ground recently, the first match saw the host school taking on Windsor Forest Primary.

Windsor Forest taking first strike made 54 all out in 6.5 overs with Hemchand Bisnauth topscoring with 14 (1x4). Vicky Singh with 3-12 from two overs and Shahid Veira with 2-4 were the top bowlers for Leonora Primary.

In their turn at the crease, Leonora Primary replied with 56-2 in four overs with skipper Aryan Persaud hitting 26 not out (1x4, 2x6s) to guide his team to victory.

Sachin Balgobin with 2-5 was the pick of the bowlers.

The win maintained Leonora Primary School’s unbeaten run in the competition.

In the second match, Tuschen defeated Windsor Forest by eight wickets to record their first victory in the tournament. Windsor Forest batted first and

Two Tuschen players celebrate the fall of another wicket in their game against Windsor Forest

made 42-6 in 10 overs with Julius Williams topscoring with 19 not out. Trevlange Chichester (2-5) was the pick of the bowlers.

Tuschen then raced to 46-3 in six overs with captain Ezekiel Renee leading the way with 18 not out, while Trevlange Chichester supported with 12 not out to crown a good all-round per-

formance.

In the exhibition match, Leonora Primary teachers triumphed by six wickets, Tuschen batted first and rattled up 61-6 in 10 overs and Leonora Primary replied with 63-2 in four overs.

The tournament will continue this weekend with several teams making their first appearance.

Fresh water swimming pool on the agenda – GASA president

By Akeem Greene

T

Newly elected president of the Essequibo Softball Association, Travis Simon (left), along with members being congratulated by Leonard Harprashad of the Guyana Softball League

T

he county of Essequibo has formed an area board to administrate softball cricket in that jurisdiction. The board, which has representation from all areas, will be affiliated to the Guyana Softball League.

The body, which many felt was long overdue, will see its first task being to regularise softball cricket in the Cinderella County and to ensure that teams are structured in order to have continuity.

The body will be led by Travis Simon of the Wild Oats Sports Club. He was elected president to serve for the period 2016-2017.

The other elected members are: Vice-president Anil Durga (United Brothers);

Secretary Elroy Stephney (Ravens); Treasurer Ekkie Persaud (Wild Oats Sports Club); Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Sherman Austin (Jacklow); and Public Relations Officer Dasroy Balgobin (Jib).

The Committee Members are Latchmikant Narine (Ravens); Nazir Khan (Cotton Field); and Thakur Samlall (Shawn XI).

The board will examine the other sub-committees and also name its two representatives on the Guyana Softball League Board at its next meeting to be held shortly. The Guyana Softball League has extended its congratulations to Simon and his team and looks forward to working assiduously to ensure that

respect and glory comes back to softball cricket in Essequibo.

Simon also expressed confidence in his team of executives, as they have been involved in softball cricket for a number of years. He also extended his call for all representation of areas in Essequibo to come onboard to build and solidify the game in Essequibo for the benefit of all areas.

The first tournament will be in collaboration with the Guyana Softball League and the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two. The tournament is dubbed the “Essequibo Challenge Cup” and will be held on January 16. All areas will be represented and eight matches are slated for the day.

he Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will be pursuing a fresh water swimming pool to cater for swimmers who reside in interior locations.

The objective is to allow these swimmers to train under a more professional construct, since they are accustomed to swimming in lakes and when they take part in organised competitions they have difficulty in fully utilising the pool in the correct manner.

The concept of a fresh water pool is one where makeshift barricades are placed in the lakes to allow the swimmers to turn and complete the strokes, as is customary in a regular pool.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, GASA president Ivan Persaud explained the reason for the move. “Because the kids who come from out of Georgetown that don’t really use a swimming pool for training, that train in lakes and rivers; remember in swimming you use a wall to turn on, so that is the greatest issue we have in swimming, how to resolve that. So we are trying to create some fresh water pools so that we can correct this problem.”

Persaud was highlighting the struggles swimmers from interior locations face when they are competing at the Guyana Teachers Union’s National Schools

Championships.

He further added, “For example, in the backstroke they would be knocking their heads because they do not know how to stop or do the backstroke turns; they basically train the freestyle and to a lesser extent the backstroke, but you know swimming has four styles and that what we need to get to these various regions and districts.”

Quizzed as to a timeline for the implantation of this initiative, Persaud revealed that it could become a reality by the first quarter of this year. “In the first quarter we will start with the creation of this fresh water pool; we will start in Region One and Two and some other regions,” Persaud said.

Successes of 2015 Meanwhile, looking back at 2015, Persaud was quick to assert the fact that it was an extremely successful year for swimming since the Association met most of its objectives. Greater level of participation and having a larger pool of swimmers to choose from were some of the highlights of the year.

In describing these achievements, Persaud said, “Relatively, we achieved most of the objectives for 2015.

We got more kids swimming in Guyana at the ‘learn to swim level’ of the clubs. We have a larger pool of swim-

mers to choose for our national team, from various age groups… we also managed to have our first [swim] meet in Linden after many months.

Our only development meet in Caribbean, we travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, we did well- even better than 2014.”

The president also alluded to the fact that they were able to initiate the Armed Forces and the City Constabulary to engage more in swimming and that they are seeking to forge stronger relations with the Guyana Teachers Union to get more teachers engaged as officials of the sport.

Despite the successful year, Persaud still believes there is room for improvement, as he highlighted some of the areas that need attention.

“I think overall we need improvements in all those areas, coaching; infrastructure; more clubs; stronger clubs; more referees and officiating,” the President said.

However, Persaud assured that “overtime you will see a general improvement from officiating to participating and now we are seeing a greater improvement in parental support.”

The president is adamant that government and corporate support will be needed to aid the implementation of the various programmes the association has planned. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

THURsday, January 14, 2016

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

WICB/NAGICO Super50

Volcanoes down Jaguars by 2 wickets in final over finish Pg 21

Royston Crandon gathers runs during his half-century on Wednesday

Paul Wintz played a handy knock towards the tailend of the Jaguars innings

Jones fully supports Uncontracted players still eligible for selection – WICB naming Stadium after Pg 21

“one of our icons” Pg 23

The WICB has said that Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy are eligible for World T20 selection, provided they meet the selection panel’s criteria

The National Stadium has hosted several international cricket matches and cultural attractions since its construction in 2007

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