Guyana Times Daily - October 10, 2015

50th Independence Anniversary launched P2

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

– Minister Henry encourages all with ‘exciting ideas’ to come onboard

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2642

Saturday, October 10, 2015

PRICE

President Granger to pardon more prisoners

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Causing death by dangerous driving

Page 9

...as Bar Assoc joins mounting disapproval

Sanjay’s P8 Jewellery owner jailed for 58 months

Executive mega salary increases...

Ministers should enter Private Sector to get rich – GTUC Page 7

Education Minister calls for multiculturalism in schools

Canadian jailed for 4 years, P9 fined $35M for drug trafficking Four P10 homeless after fire guts Crane house

Page 12

US $1.2M boost for P11 CARICOM cassava industry

Hundreds of students on Friday participated in the Education Month Rally which was held at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown (Carl Croker Photo)

Reg 6 REO Ramayya lacks qualifications for post Page 3

...hiring process evidently politically compromised

Guyana to benefit from multimilliondollar UK grant Page 11

Convict remanded for killing 78-yearold Granny Page 2

Region 10 Health P16 Committee urges swift action into LHC woes Essequibo P16 drivers reject recommended parking fee

– say no consultation was done

2 news

saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

50th Independence Anniversary launched – Minister Henry encourages all with ‘exciting ideas’ to come onboard

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h e 50th Independence anniversary official logo, symbolising Guyana – the Land of the Jaguar, has finally been revealed.

The Commemorative Commission for the 50th Independence Anniversary, at a special ceremony at the National Cultural Centre on Friday afternoon unveiled the special image that will represent all aspects of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebration.

The logo is a roaring Jaguar superimposed almost on top of the figure 50. Designed by Chris Taylor and Compton Babb, it represents Guyana as a golden nation moving forward towards establishing itself in the countries of the world, in its next 50 years.

Taylor and Babb’s design was selected out of a field of 64 entries, following a competition

Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration logo design winners Chris Taylor and Compton Babb collecting their winning cheque from Minister within the Education Ministry, Dr Nicolette Henry

launched two months ago by the Commemorative Commission. The entries came from a wide cross section of Guyanese, from almost every region of the country, as well as the Diaspora.

Delivering the feature address at the

event, was Minister within the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Nicolette Henry.

Minister Henry stated that “Guyana’s 50th belongs to all Guyanese” and it is to this end that the Education Ministry

through its Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is encouraging all to come onboard and to share their ideas for the celebration of the anniversary. This, she noted, can be done on the Ministry’s website and on a website that is currently being constructed specifically for the celebration.

She said too that persons can send their suggestions to the Anniversary’s Secretariat on Lamaha Street or at any of the Education Ministry’s location.

“Just as we have built this nation through the collective effort of everyone, we want to create a celebration that is truly inclusive and meaningful. As we share our collective memory of the last 50 years let our celebration be a first step towards a common future for all Guyanese,” the Minister said.

“If you have ideas that

Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration logo

will help us to celebrate the true Guyanese spirit, please come forward and share them and make this really our celebration,” Minister Henry said.

She restated that ideas are welcomed from everyone, whether they are a group, a friend, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or a company. “Even if you are not registered in Guyana, I

encourage you to come forward,” she urged.

On Friday, in addition to unveiling the winning logo, the winners and the runners-up – Dominic Hunter, Sudesh Krishnaram and Wuayne Cheong Kee-you were presented with cheques.

Others who participated in the contest were given certificates of participation.

Convict remanded for killing 78-year-old Granny

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West Berbice man was on Friday refused bail when he appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court charged with murdering his great aunt.

Family members of both the accused and deceased sat in court as the charge was read by Magistrate Rhondel Weaver. The accused, Devon Griffith of Cemetery Road, Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) was not required to plead to the charge. He appeared emotionless when the charge was read to him.

He is accused of killing Vaulda Britton called ‘Auntie Voulda’ of Hopetown Village on October 4 at Hopetown.

Police Prosecutor Corporal

Murder accused Devon Griffith

Racquel Mars told the court the accused had admitted committing the crime.

After being arrested Griffith gave Police a confession statement of killing his great aunt.

He will have to return to court on November 5 for a Police report.

news

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saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 10 – 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, October 11 – 14:30h-16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 10 – 15:10h-16:40h and Sunday, October 11 – 15:40h-17:10h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day and early afternoon, while light rain showers can be expected in the late afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening. Temperatures can range between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 2.23 and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:45h and 15:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.49 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:38h and 20:58h reaching a minimum height of 0.77 metre and 0.71 metres respectively.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

LOTTERY NUMBERS N 01 02 16 21 22 23 10 Bonus Ball

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Reg 6 REO Ramayya lacks qualifications for post

... hiring process evidently politically compromised

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he newly appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Dr Veerasammy Ramayya, described by Minister of Sate as “quasi political”, does not have the specified qualification to hold the current office that he is occupying. This is according to documents seen by Guyana Times on Wednesday.

Dr Ramayya, an Executive and former Parliamentarian for the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was appointed to the post on September 1 this year by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan.

According to an advertisement contained in the Minister’s correspondence to the Region Six Regional Democratic Council, successful applicants must have a Master’s Degree in Administration, with five years managerial experience or a first degree in Management or Public Management or any other related field with 10 years managerial experience in the Public Sector.

Since the Minister’s, and by extension Government’s decision to appoint Ramayya to the Executive and technical post within the region, residents as well as the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have raised an alarm over both the process used to appoint him and the apparent fact that he is not qualified to hold the post.

But Minister Bulkan and the Government are still maintaining that the process to select Ramayya was “fair, transparent and open”. At one point, the Minister even argued that he met all of the perquisites to be given the job.

This statement precipitated outraged calls from politicians throughout the country and within the Berbice region, specifically for the Government and Ramayya to make available the certificates related to the requisite academic training and other information about his related

work experience.

Dr Ramayya – a resident of Whim, Corentyne Coast, as is Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo – apparently took up the challenge and met with this newspaper to

experience in “public management”.

This response came even after Minister Bulkan assured the Council that “following advertising and application process, the Ministry of Communities has selected Dr Veerasammy Ramayya as being qualified to fill the position of Regional Executive Officer, replacing Mr Paul Ramrattan effective from September 1, 2015…”

PM’s statement

Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Dr Veerasammy Ramayya

set the record straight.

He denied being a “political hack” or “political appointee” and asserted that he gained the job on the basis of meritocracy.

The REO showed this media copies of his certificates but denied us the opportunity to take pictures or copies of same.

Qualifications vs job requirements

Dr Ramayya showed documents asserting that he had an Associate in Arts from Borough of Manhattan Community College (1995), two awards for Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College of NY (1977), a Masters of Arts for the New School of Social Research in Political and Social Science, Pacific Western University Doctorate in Philosophy (1987) and a BA in Political Science and Sociology.

There were indeed documents which appeared to be copies of these qualifications.

However, his academic qualifications did not include the requisite Master’s Degree in Administration but the herbal doctor insisted that he had the experience and served as a parliamentarian which gave him additional experience. He also does not have

The situation got more convoluted on August 29, soon after the Minister’s statement to the Council, as Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo declared that he “selected” Ramayya for the job when he addressed a gathering at Whim, Corentyne during a visit there.

“I have decided to make him the new REO. I had offered him a job to work for me and be my local representative but I realised that it was too small a piece of the pie and he needed to do bigger things. So come Tuesday, Dr Ramayya will be your new REO…,” the Prime Minister

Successful applicants must have a Master’s Degree in Administration, with five years managerial experience or a first degree in Management or Public Management or any other related field with 10 years managerial experience in the Public Sector. is on record as saying.

The Prime Minister made no mention of a process but rather said that he selected Dr Ramayya.

Government’s decision to appoint Ramayya came after he protested bitterly the post-election treatment he had received from the coalition Government which failed to reward him for his efforts properly.

This led to Ramayya resigning from the AFC after he had single handedly campaigned for the AFC in Region Six, which resulted

in the party earning 12,000 votes at the 2011 polls. The APNU/AFC 2015 rally was held in front of his home.

“Had it not been for me, the Opposition would not have had the majority to file a No-confident Motion… and the PPP would have still been in power today because we would not have had elections this year,” Ramayya said.

No respect

During an interview with Guyana Times at his Berbice home, Ramayya said the APNU/AFC coalition Government has no respect for him.

“They offer me $180,000 to sit in an office in Georgetown and take complaints from people and report to Khemraj. I want to work for the people of Berbice and serve them,” the politician said, noting that all he wanted to do was to serve the people of Berbice but the coalition is not allowing him to do so.

“What I wanted to do is to be able to fix all of the sport grounds in Berbice and to clean up the hospital compounds, but I have to have the authority and power to be able to do so,” he asserted.

Ramayya had not yet tendered his resignation to the party, nor has he internally expressed his dissatisfaction but instead, resorted to the media to signal his intentions to AFC officials.

Ramayya continued to lash out at the AFC, contending that the coalition simply used him and dumped him after it won the election; after he worked tirelessly to help the coalition to win the election.

“They did not even invite me to the Inauguration ceremony of President David Granger held at the National Stadium. I spent my money to organise meetings in Berbice during the campaign period. Now when I go to the office in Georgetown, the office is empty because all the boys get Minister jobs and big positions with some Ministry,” he said, expressing anger at the perceived disrespect.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

Views Editor(ag): Michael Younge Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Caricom stutters on Agri

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griculture Ministers from across the Caribbean Community are currently meeting in Guyana to discuss the development of the Region’s agricultural sector at the 59th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Agriculture.

The specific goal of the meeting is to discuss strategies among the agricultural sector heads with the aim of achieving a ‘new day’ within the region’s agricultural sectors.

Assistant Secretary-General with responsibility for Trade and Economic Integration Josepha Cox with responsibility for Trade and Economic Integration Josepha Cox has outlined that these objectives includes the achievement of food selfsufficiency. Interestingly, Cox called for the need to ensure that agriculture development strategies in the region facilitate an environment that fosters increased production and access to global and regional markets. Guyana is represented at that meeting by Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder.

This meeting comes at a time when both Guyana’s two major agriculture industries, rice and sugar, are in crisis.

In the rice industry, our farmers are crying desperately for help. Help in any form, but none is forthcoming. Only recently, the Head of State President David Granger distanced himself from the current crises in the rice industry by bluntly declaring that marketing in the rice industry is not a government problem. He insisted that the rice industry is a “private arrangement” between “farmers, millers and markets” while maintaining “it’s not a Government arrangement.”

For the Head of State declaring that a sector that racks in about US$250M per year in revenue for the country, is “not a government arrangement” send disturbing signals in an economy where private enterprise is supposed to be the “engine of growth”. President Granger clearly ignores the interventions that the modern development state make to ensure that exports are facilitated.. It is unimaginable to think that our leaders also failed to understand that rice industry plays a major role not only rural development but in the livelihood of rural Guyana. This sector creates employment for thousands of Guyanese and accounts for 23 per cent of the country’s total exports.

Over in the sugar industry, the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) has already revealed that the future of the industry continues to be uncertain because of major financial difficulties facing Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Essentially GuySuCo is effectively ‘bankrupt’.

Workers attached to the GuySuCo have over the past months been lamenting the hardships they would face if a decision is made to close the sugar industry. The COI’s results are expected to be out by the end of this month, and from all indications it appears unlikely that the present status quo of the industry can continue. The pertinent question is how radical the recommendations for restricting the industry will be.

How can Caricom call for the achievement of food selfsufficiency and increased production in agriculture sectors in the region without examining the crisis in Guyana’s rice and sugar industries? Guyana considers its self as a ‘food secure nation’ but the very farmers that are feeding us are now in desperate need for assistance. Against this backdrop for the need to foster increased production and access to global and regional markets, Guyana can consider itself physically challenged. Before concluding this 59th COTED meeting, the regional agricultural ministers through the mechanisms of Caricom should examine the state of Guyana’s major agricultural sectors, namely rice and sugar, before recommitting to aim of achieving a ‘new day’ in the region’s agricultural sectors.

This young lad pushes his friend who is confined to a wheelchair during the Education Month march from Parade Ground on Middle Street, Georgetown, to the National Park on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

We ain’t been ‘thiefing money all over the place’ – Hinds Dear editor, I want to express how deeply hurt we were, I and my colleague Ministers, of the twenty-three years of PPP/C in office, by those words of the Hon Minister Joseph Harmon – ‘you cannot have a situation like the PPP where they (the Ministers) were accepting low salaries because they were thiefing money all over the place’.

Perhaps we could and should take this outburst as just another instance of the ‘fish-market busing-down’ that is being dished out at us. What is of greater concern however, is what this whole affair might reveal about the beliefs and attitudes of the Hon Minister and our current Administration, and the signals it is giving: that there are set levels of salaries which sensible, bright persons will insist on. Only dull, ‘thiefing’ people will accept less. What else can we think, since they would have known the salary levels before they took office and appear to have assumed office with the clear intention of raising their salaries, even before any work was done?

When I became Prime Minister in October 1992, the PM’s gross pay was about 70% of what I was being paid in Guymine/ Linmine, about thirty-something thousand dollars per month as far as I can remember. Then I learnt that PAYE, NIS and a contribution to a Parliamentary pension had to be deducted: not much to take home. But that was where we and our country were in 1992. It was from such an understanding that we, PPP/C Ministers, accepted the job to be leaders in the growth and development of our people and country: growing our economy and improving our people’s wellbeing.

Even with the very low ministerial salaries then, much below the salaries of many Permanent Secretaries, we did not make raising Ministers salaries the first order of business. That the Prime Minister’s gross salary about US$300 per month in 1992, can now be set at over US$8000 per month in 2015, must speak loudly about some degree of success, some achievements of the PPP/C Administration. Very much so! As I observed in a note to the recent twentieth biennial Congress of the GPSU, in spite of all the mistrust and contentions, the minimum wage of public servants has at the same time been increased from under US$30 to above US$175/month, and housing and vehicle ownership amongst public servants have greatly improved.

It was not easy, not all smooth sailing, calling for much sacrifice of Ministers and their families (as it was for all our citizens), much doing without, much cutting and contriving. It was not about ‘thiefing money all over the place’ but about contributing to the development of our people and country. Some appreciation would be expected for the much better wicket on which the new Administration finds itself.

Editor, my fellow Guyanese, hurt as I am, I am even more concerned when I read that the Hon Minister went on to say further, ‘and so we must pay people well if we want them to perform’. How is this ‘paid well’ to be assessed and set, and from where does the money come? Is it that people who are not performing, are not being paid well?

And is it that people who are not being paid well would not be performing? Is there not to be any sense of service, duty

or patriotism? I have heard the Hon Minister claiming at an earlier time that ‘if you pay peanuts, you will get monkeys.’ But what if all the harvest we have are peanuts?

Let me say clearly before I am misunderstood: We of the PPP/C want much better salaries. We want all our people working well and being paid well – that is what we have been always working for.

But the good pay which we all want and need is the outcome of our work and many things within and outside our control. That good pay we need cannot be set by any fiat: rather it is the need for that good pay which drives us to apply ourselves, hopefully better each day, and to put up with and work with many persons who otherwise we would not want to be near.

Editor, the salaries of Cabinet members as we left them in May 2015 were reasonable and livable for where Guyana is now. What is of great concern is that in the presence of difficulties in gold, rice, bauxite and sugar, salary increases for the Cabinet has been the top priority. Recall that we had our difficulties too in 1992, with bauxite (the inherited agreement which eventually called for closure; Alcoa buying out Reynolds then notifying us of plans to withdraw); gold (prices falling from about US$500/oz toUS$255/oz); rice with its ups and downs in the European and other markets and sugar perennially challenging.

We held off from increasing the salaries of Cabinet members relative to others for ten years, not because we were ‘ thiefing’ but because we felt we needed to hold the strain that we were asking of others.

Editor, my fellow Guyanese, the problem we of the PPP/C fear about this af-

fair is that the stage is being set for another inflationary spiral, heaven forbid, such as our people and country had to endure from shortly after independence unto 1992.

When I joined the bauxite company (Demba) in McKenzie as a fresh, young engineer in 1967, I received a handsome pay (for Guyana at that time) of G$750 per month. A brand new motor car then, was priced at G$4000 with tax included.

As I tried to accumulate the down payment, prices were rocketing and I closed my eyes and bought a brand new car in 1973 for G$16,000, a fourfold increase in six years! As inflation continued at faster rates than pay increases, I could not overhaul the engine in 1990 and sold that car after coming to office in 1992, for G$300,000 at which time the price for a brand new car with all taxes was approaching G$4,000,000! That is a vivid presentation of the inflation we had experienced and which we, the PPP/C, had to take account of in 1992. It is our tight financial discipline which might have seemed mean but which was very necessary against that background of two-and-a-half decades of rampant inflation, which is to be thanked for our progress since 1992. That discipline should not be compromised – we are not yet out of the woods.

The belittling and making trite of, rather than acknowledging and recognising the challenge in the great improvement which there has been during our PPP/C years, does nothing for national cohesion or for our prospect for continued growth and development.

Samuel A Hinds Former Prime Minister

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

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Salaries, pensions and pretexts Dear Editor, By virtue of the humongous increases in salary, the Prime Minister, and I am sure the President, when his increase is disclosed, will now enjoy a higher rate of pension than Former Presidents, Sam Hinds, Bharat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, since pensions for these office holders and indeed, Ministers and Vice Presidents are pegged by statute to 7/8 of their highest paid salary. So after 4 months in office and for doing almost nothing, the Prime Minister has chalked up a 22 million dollars land cruiser, 20 million dollars renovations to the Office of the Prime Minister, about 15 million dollars in renovation to the Prime Minister’s Residence, over 10 million dollars in furniture for the Residence, salaries over 1.7 million dollars monthly, retrospective to July, 2015 and a pension which even if he is to retire tomorrow, that will be higher than the pension enjoyed by Former Presidents, Hinds, Jagdeo and Ramotar.

From all indications, this will not be the only salary increase over the next few years. If in 6 months salaries were increased by 100%, it is frightening to project what it will be by the end of 5 years.

In relation to each salary increase, there will be a corresponding increase in pension payable at a rate of 7/8 of the highest salary. So the nation is not only fetching the burden of these salary increases but these increases are attached to the pension of each of the recipients at a rate of 7/8 of the salary of each of them. The cumulative amount will run into billions as pensions are payable until death. So they have secured themselves even after they would have left office and to the grave.

This is a burden that our

children and future generations will have to fetch on their backs.

When in Opposition, these are the very people, more particularly, the Prime Minister, who ranted and raved about Presidential pensions saying that “we cannot live a Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy”. Indeed, there is a video circulating on the social media which captures the Prime Minister at a public meeting, decked out in bright yellow, at the podium in his true elements. He is heard pitching about his allergies to salary increases when in government under the PPP and his intolerance to extravagance.

In speaking about his almost Gandhian lifestyle, he said “I was the first minister who refused to accept increase in my salary, unless the government could pay more to nurses and teachers … I, never as a minister, stayed at a hotel at the expense of the people of Guyana … I, never travelled first class as a minister … I lived on a minimum of what other workers earned, donating the rest of my salary to pay others at Freedom House …”. Today, after 6 months, he has cost the Guyanese tax payer nearly a hundred million dollars in 6 months when one takes into account the above expenditures along with drivers, maids, security, telephone, electricity, internet and other expenses.

As I write, he is now relaxing in Texas, on leave. Public servants are only entitled to leave after a year in office.

But of course, that matters not now to our PM. I encourage every Guyanese to view this video. It is a mastery in deception.

Let us examine the response of the government to this phenomenal increase in salary. The response, nay defence, came from my

good friend, Minister Joseph Harmon. It was a most uphill task. It had its effect on him. His response was most uncharacteristic in tone and tenor and sadly lacking in commonsense. He said that it was justifiable; that it is to prevent ministers from stealing; that while in private practice, he paid junior lawyers who worked for him $500,000 per month, why should he be paid less.

Some obvious questions must be asked. Is a 100% increase for public servants, nurses, teachers, sugar workers, the police, the army, the bauxite workers, not justifiable? The cash grant of $10,000 to every child in a public school; the subsidy for old age pensioners for light bills and water rates; a computer for every family who cannot afford one – are these not justifiable? Why only increases in salaries for cabinet members justifiable? If the increase in those salaries is to prevent stealing, is the government, now by not similarly increasing the salaries of public servants, nurses, teachers, sugar workers, the police, the army, the bauxite workers, encouraging them to steal? I am happy that my good friend, Joe did so well in private practice to pay his juniors $500,000 per month. I must assume that he earned much more than $500,000 per month. The upstanding individual that I know he is, I have no doubt that the records at the Guyana Revenue Authority will reflect the payment of taxes which this level of earning attracts for both himself and his juniors. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, someone should verify.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

Will more money reduce corruption?

Dear Editor, As I was preparing this letter, I came across a video on Facebook by CNN that profiled the CEO of one of the world’s top 10 Airlines (Japan Airlines). The CEO commutes with his workers by public transport, eats in the same cafeteria with his team and waits in line for his turn to get food. When his company was facing financial difficulties (like the case of Guyana now) the CEO refused all his perks and bonuses and took a pay cut up to the point where he was only earning JPN$90,000 yearly. To put this into context: this CEO made less than a middle to low income earner in the US. The point here is when a country or organisation is in economic disaster, only the wise and true leaders will lead by example and

not take the whole pie and leave crumbs for others. If you accept Chief Minister Joseph Harmon’s justification as fact then he is naturally implying that all of his Government officials (including himself) are corrupt unless they are given more money. Can the Minister show us any data that proves this fact? Can he prove to us that more money given to public servants will reduce corruption?

The problem here, like the other Ministers, example Khemraj Ramjattan, are using baseless reasons with no scientific data to back their decisions and making national policy changes out of pure smoke. The only justification that APNU/AFC provides is that the PPP/C did the same, so it seems they have the right to do so, too.

The Government offered public servants an “election promise” pay increase and everyone thought it was great but if you look at the sharp rise in the cost of living after May 11, 2015, it is clear that those same public servants are probably worse off now than before.

The only ones that will see actual benefits from their pay increases are the Vice Presidents and Ministers, because they are taking the whole pie.

I thought APNU/AFC were “Public Servants” and not necessarily hoping to become rich off of taxpayers as they accused the PPP/C of doing. Where is the “it is time for change” factor in all this? Has APNU forgotten about it?

Malcolm Watkins, CSCP

Freddie the fake pollster

Dear Editor, Freddie Kissoon made reference to a “fake pollster” (Oct 7) in a column that had no relevance to polling thereby exposing his obsession with the pollster. Freddie does not use logic in his writing to form conclusions. Freddie attacks the pollster because he says the pollster “criticises him five times last week”. That is not justifiable reason to attack an opinion writer. All that the pollster did was correct errors and misinformation in Freddie’s writings and exposing his phantasmagoria. But Freddie goes berserk when corrected.

The record would show Freddie is the fake pollster and how he loves a fake poll even when driven into him.

In 1991, TRPI and NACTA conducted separate polls showing the PPP winning the election, PNC second, WPA 3%, UF 1% and others less than 1%. Freddie attacked the polls. Freddie asserted his own poll showed the PNC had 10%, PPP 25% and WPA winning the election. The actual outcome showed PPP 53%, PNC 43%, WPA 2%, UF 1%, and others 1%. Freddie’s poll was a “fake”, but he has the audacity to call others fake pollsters.

In 2006, Freddie’s male companion, Dick Morris, conducted a series of polls show-

ing AFC winning the election with PPP second and PNC third. Freddie praised the Dick poll that was condemned

by Moses Nagamootoo as a fraud. NACTA projected a majority for PPP and PNC second with AFC well behind.

That was the actual outcome.

Instead of praising the work of the pollster who did scientific polling and got it right, Freddie attacked the poll (and Nagamootoo as well for campaigning for PPP) as “fake”.

In the Kissoonian logic, the pollster who got it right is a fake pollster and the pollster who got it wrong is not a fake pollster.

In 2011, Freddie’s pollster predicted the PPP would get 34% of the votes and the AFC was on course to winning the election with the PNC running behind. NACTA forecasted a PPP victory with PNC second and AFC trailing behind. Freddie praised Nagamootoo for leaving the PPP. The actual outcome: PPP 49%, PNC 40% and AFC 11%. The Kissoonian logic concluded that Freddie’s pollster who got it wrong is right and the NACTA pollster who got it right is wrong because he engaged in “fake polling”.

In last May 11 elections, Freddie’s pollster (the real faker) hired by Freddie’s coalition predicted that the APNU/ AFC would garner between 58

and 62% of the votes. Freddie praised the poll’s findings projecting the PPP defeat.

NACTA projected a 50-50 percent tie that could go either way. The GECOM declared outcome saw less than 1% margin between the APNU/ AFC and PPP. Freddie feels his pollster got it right (although off by 12%) and called the other pollster a “fake”. So the pollster who got it right was “fake” and the “real fake” pollster, Freddie’s man who got it wrong is right according to the Kissoonian logic.

This is the same Freddie who claimed someone from the CIA and a journalist from the New York Times (who Freddie said he contracted to do research) told him that “Vishnu Bisram” does not teach “anywhere in the world” despite the fact the man has been teaching (tutoring) for over 35 years in New York and was so advised by countless number of people. Is that not a fake claim?

Kissoon is reluctant to admit his flaws. Freddie is the “fake” for spreading misinformation and for “mis-diagnosis”, manufacturing data to support a contention, and misleading people with incorrect analysis and misapplications.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dr Rodney CoI abruptly ends Dear Editor, Please permit me a space in your opinion section to give my expression on the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) of Dr Walter Rodney.

The premature end of the Dr Walter Rodney CoI in Guyana will remain a continuation of myths and half truths, as the (PNC) APNU/AFC Government has stopped the inquiry.

Chairman of the Commission Sir Richard Cheltenham said while the Commission of Inquiry were “creature of the executive”, the move of the President David Granger Administration will not speak well for fairness of the final report which commissioners were expecting to present by November 2015.

The Commission is made up of Chairman Cheltenham a distinguish Barbadian Caribbean legal luminary, Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam of Trinidad & Tobago and Jacquelene Samuel Brown of Jamaica, which will be out of conflict, with none from Guyana.

The establishment of the COI into the circumstances of Dr Rodney’s death, regardless of the intent of the former PPP/C’s Government, should have been seized as an opportunity to get closer to the truth (although all evidence pointed to the Burnham-PNC, now APNU) to bring closure and political healing to this society that Rodney was birthed in.

The Commissioners were probing how and why Dr Rodney was assassinated on the night of June 13, 1980

during a brutal bomb blast that rocked Georgetown, just outside the Camp Street jail. The bomb was handed to Rodney in the vehicle which exploded. The fact is Dr Rodney’s assassination remains the single worst political assassination in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Dr Rodney was a Guyanese born Pan-Africanist and historian, who specialised in African studies and socialism, and who t transcended borders. The name Rodney had become more familiar in death than life and had been milked for decades, dividing the very people he cared for and used by enemies alike to propagate hate. He was marked by US and British Intelligence.

Witness Gates who was formerly employed by the Burnham Government as a spy in the CID, unveiled testimony of stunning detail, naming Guyana Police Chief Laurie Lewis, former head of the Guyana Defence Force Norman McLean, and then Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force Cecil ‘Skip’ Roberts as vital players in a deadly PNC State plot to assassinate Dr Rodney. They were needed to give evidence.

The Commissioners also were to call and get evidence from the present President David Granger, former GDF Lieutenant Colonel now Chief Minister Joseph Harmon, that were directly associated to the PNC Burnham’s Government which is being accused of being responsible for the assassination of Dr

Walter Rodney.

August 2015, Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James, who spent three days on the witness stand of the CoI, testified and submitted documentation that the GDF had loaned high-powered military weapons to the PNC’s Ministry of National Development. The records that Lieutenant Colonel James tendered show that the GDF loaned 200-odd weapons to the Ministry, as well as paramilitary organisations and other agencies.

The death of Dr Rodney caused some to benefit politically and personally, sadly, at the expense of a united Guyana. Over the years many have crisscrossed the world under the guise that they were either associates or friends of Dr Rodney, claiming that Forbes Burnham was responsible for his demise. Bringing the Inquiry to an abrupt end is a deliberate act by the APNU/WPA. Too many stones may be left unturned and those of us who seek an objective historical perspective may forever be robbed of the real truth. Why the Grainger Administration do not want to continue this Commission of Inquiry? It all happened during the PNC Government.

Why do they not want to get the answers? What are they afraid of?

It is said while the government can “shut down” the COI, “they cannot shut down nor shut out history.”

Yours sincerely, SN Singh Florida, USA

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f there is one thing in this world that there is simply not enough of, it is consideration for our fellow man. We seem to be living in a culture that is “all about me.” From the way Government are runs to the way we treat each other every day. What many people do not understand in all of their complaining about no one being there, or no one treating them kindly is that first you must treat others kindly.

With that being said, how are we supposed to teach our children to be considerate? That is a good question; see I do believe that as a whole most parents really do try to teach their children how to be considerate. At least through example. One of my very good friends, she and her husband are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. They would just as soon let harm come to themselves before they let it come to someone else.

However, their children are absolute monsters. It makes my husband and I scratch our heads. While children do most of their learning through the example that their parents display, it is not the only way they learn.

Tip 1: Respect others Along with consider-

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation ation is respect. I have said many times, we are not all cookie cutter cut outs of each other. Which means that there are many things about each of us that makes us different, and different isn’t bad. Make sure your child understands that it is important to respect others as humans, especially if they want to be respected.

Listen to someone else’s views. They don’t have to agree with everyone, but they should listen.

Tip 2: Nip it in the bud When your child acts inconsiderate correct them immediately. Don’t berate them or yell at them, that is counterproductive. What you can do is ask them why they did what they did and tell them the correct way to behave. So if they are with their friends and they hog all of a snack without making sure their friends have had a share correct it. What I used to do is say, “Did you make sure all of your friends had a share before you took more?” The answer was usually no, so then I would have my son or daughter go get more of the snack and offer it their friends.

Tip 3: Make an example of others When you or your child witnesses a person being inconsiderate explain to

your child why that behaviour was wrong. Explain to them what the considerate thing to do would’ve been. For example if there is an elderly lady trying to get through the door and someone goes around her instead of holding the door for her. That is inconsiderate; the considerate thing to do would’ve been to hold the door.

Tip 4: Teach the art of saying “I’m sorry.”

Now, there are some people, children included that constantly say they are sorry for everything.

This is not what I am encouraging. First, your child needs to understand that they should only be sorry or apologetic when they have done something wrong. Second, they should only be apologetic if they mean it. Thirdly, only apologise if they actually did something wrong.

So they should not say “I’m sorry” just because, and just to make you happy or if it is over something they did not do. My philosophy is that if a person is truly sorry they do not repeat the behaviour. I have told my children that since they were born.

Tip 5: Take a deep breath before responding When we are hurt by

someone, the initial response is to hurt them back. Encourage your child to take a deep breath before they respond when

those keeping our knee jerk reactions at bay are important.

Tip 6: Think twice before

pose to be best friends with your children. They have friends, they need parents. Discipline is important, but make it positive.

Don’t demean them, or belittle them. Correct them, tell them why you are disciplining them, tell them what they should’ve done and let them know you love them.

Tip 7: Listen to your children This goes along with tip six, only it is directed at the parents. You can not teach a child to listen to others, or to you if you do not listen to them. I grew up with parents who practiced “Do as I say not as I do…” of the three of us I like to believe that I have a better grasp on what is right and wrong… based on where each of us are in life.

someone hurts their feelings. While I am against allowing your child to be walked all over I do think that there are many times

you discipline your child Wait, take a deep breath. I am not one of those parents who believes that you are sup-

Tip 8: Do as I do I know that I said leading by example is not enough, but it is important. Make sure that you are providing a good example for them to look up to. Do you hold doors for others, do you listen when others are speaking, do you listen when someone expresses an opinion different from yours?

Tip 9: Let them know you love them It may seem silly, but believe it or not, it is easier to be considerate of others when you feel that you are loved. Our actions towards others are actually displays of how we feel about ourselves. This goes for children as well.

Children that don’t feel loved, or important tend to act one of two ways… either they treat others that way or they over compensate and smoother people with affection and they will bend over backwards to be nice to people so that the other person likes them.

There has to be a happy medium. Make sure that your child knows you love them. Hugs, kisses, listening, cuddling and spending time enjoying who your child is.

Tip 10: Surround them with positive role models Pay attention to the people your child looks up to. Whether it is a celebrity, an athlete or a neighbour make sure that those people behave in positive ways. In other words, Brittany Spears is not a good role model. Encourage them to look up to people that act in the ways you want to see them behave. (www.more4kids.info)

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saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Executive mega salary increases...

Ministers should enter Private Sector to get rich – GTUC

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

G

eneral Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Lincoln Lewis has expressed his displeasure at the recent decision by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to grant massive increases to all of its Ministers.

“You cannot say that Ministers are not being paid properly because they are making much more than what the normal public servant or miner is making, but what I am saying to you is that if you want to get rich then go into the Private Sector,” Lewis said on Friday during a press briefing.

According to Lewis, if any elected official does not want to serve in the post that he/she has been tasked with, and which oaths were taken to do so, then the official should venture into the business sector to obtain profits.

“Public service is not the money that you receive that matters, it is what you can do for the people who have elected you... we have lived to get rid of the People’s Progressive Party/

Civic (PPP/C) and the new coalition has come into power and they are doing almost the same thing,” the GTUC General Secretary noted.

As such, since the APNU/ AFC Administration has not demonstrated that it is different from the other party and wish to ‘become rich,’ then this new Government should ‘get out of office,’ he maintained.

Guyana Times was told that making profits is often associated with the business/Private Sector and it appears as if these new Government Ministers have not “come to grips” with the functions and responsibilities that they are mandated to provide to the public service.

Lewis further stated that the explanation given by this Administration that these mammoth increases in salaries would discourage the Ministers from accepting bribes and other such related incentives is not acceptable.

The media was told that there are other measures which could assist in this and include their mandatory declaration of assets to the Integrity Commission by parliamentarians across the

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis

board.

It must be reminded that the APNU+AFC coalition earlier declared that it would strengthen the laws governing the Integrity Commission to empower that body to “go after” those who fail to declare their assets.

According to the GTUC General Secretary, the Government has failed to provide justification for the decision of increasing its Ministers’ salaries. Lewis also disagreed vehemently at the secrecy of the announcement since the explanation given by the Administration

was not “properly packaged and sold” especially since it was only made public after media houses obtained this information from the Official Gazette.

Guyana Times understands that unlike the GTUC, the Government has taken its desire for increased salaries to the Public Service Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Lewis declared that no wage or/and salary issue(s) should be dealt with by such a body; however, it should be handled through the internationally recognised process of collective bargaining.

“Wage and salaries in the public service and the Public Sector have to be addressed by negotiations across the table between the unions and the Government and Government agencies,” he said.

The call was made for this Administration to cease its pronouncements on wages and salaries and abide by the country’s Constitution and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on collective bargaining.

Recently, President David Granger had stated that the issue of increased salaries for teachers would be addressed by the

Public Service CoI and the Teachers Union has already agreed to appear before the Commission.

However, it was noted that the Teachers Union is dissatisfied and upset at this Government’s decision to increase its Ministers salaries especially since the coalition had only been in office for a mere four months.

In the official Gazette published on September 25, it is stated that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will be benefiting from a over $20 million per annum, while the other Vice Presidents will each receive

$11,135,064.

Under the APNU/AFC Government, a Cabinet Minister will be given a hefty sum of $10,439,124 – annually – more than $300,000 over previous Ministers and a Junior Minister or a Minister within a Ministry will be paid $8,346,492 per annum.

In addition to the increased salary for Prime Minister Nagamootoo of $1.7 million monthly, an increase of over $200,000 each month, he will be drawing vacation benefits and perks totalling more than another $500,000. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

8 NEWS

saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Causing death by dangerous driving

Sanjay’s Jewellery owner jailed for 58 months

T

he proprietor of Sanjay’s Jewellery was on Friday sentenced to 58 months imprisonment by Magistrate Judy Latchman after he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant, Bishnarine Persaud called “Sanjay”, of Lot 26 Sheriff Street, Georgetown, was found guilty of the charge which stated that on September 10, 2014, he drove motorcar PKK 5501 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Leon Hunte, a handyman, attached to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

It was reported that at about 23:15h on the day of the accident, Persaud was proceeding East along Lamaha Street at a fast rate when he collided with Hunte, a pedal cyclist, who was proceeding in the same direction. Hunte was stuck from behind and as a result, was flung some distance before landing on the roadway.

Persaud’s lawyer, Glen Hanoman, in his submissions to the court stated that the prosecution did not provide any direct evidence to prove that the defendant was driving dangerously on

Bishnarine Persaud, also known as “Sanjay”

the night of the accident. He also made reference to the fact that the Prosecutor did not provide evidence about what the deceased was doing. “Was the cyclist riding the bike? Was he emerging from a rum shop? Was he hit by another car before this incident?” Hanoman questioned in his submissions. He revealed that the only eyewitness account came from the accused caution statement.

He also revealed that there was another witness (whose name was withheld), adding that in a statement given by this person, it was said the accused was driving normally. He further al-

leged that the prosecution did not provide this statement since it was likely their view that the witness’s statement would work against them.

The lawyer further posited that the Prosecution has fallen short in proving the case of drunk driving or that the death of the deceased was as a result of the defendant’s action. As such, based on his case, he requested that the case against his client be dismissed.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Vishnu Hunte in his submissions urged the court not to believe the unsworn statement of the accused. The Prosecutor stated that the defence attorney presented an argument that the defendant saw a dark shape and consequently collided with the dark shape; however, in the defendant’s statement he said, “I observed a dark object approaching. It did not have any lights or reflector on it.

It was later observed that it was a pedal cyclist. I tried to avoid hitting the cyclist.

He rode into the left-side front of my motorcar where he collided and fell onto the road surface”.

The prosecutor further stated that both the prosecution witness and the de-

fendant agreed that the roadway was dark. He stated that the defendant’s car lights would have been on at the time and if he was exercising the five C’s that any driver would have done. The prosecution claimed that the entire incident could have been avoided; hence the Prosecutor urged the court not to consider the statement submitted by the defendant and informed the court that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In reviewing the evidence presented during the trial, Magistrate Latchman said that it was clear that Leon Hunte, a pedal cyclist, lost his life as a result of the accident.

She stated that while it is evident that there were no other eyewitnesses to the accident, she has concluded that the defendant’s statement was given freely and willingly. In her ruling, she stated that it is evident from the Prosecution’s case that the defendant was the driver of the motorcar and was proceeding East on Lamaha Street in the vicinity of Best Buy Auto Sales.

The Magistrate said that her conclusions were that Hunte was hit from behind and not in front as stated by the defendant, and as such, she disbelieved that the defendant was driving carefully. She further allotted that the defendant had enough space to swerve and avoid the collision but he did not exercise the five C’s proving that he was inattentive, adding that the defendant was an incompetent and inexperienced driver. She revealed that as a result of his incompetence, the deceased suffered a fractured spine, a fractured neural line and a fractured thorax. As such, based on the evidence she found him guilty as charged.

In plea of mediation, Hanoman stated that his client did not abandon the deceased but rather remained at the scene of the accident after summoning the Police. He also stated that the defendant covered the funeral expenses of the deceased. The lawyer told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family.

Magistrate Latchman in handing down her sentence referred to the fact that a life was lost, reminding the defendant of the number of road fatalities for the year 2015. She stated that it was his responsibility and duty as a road user to promote road safety, and to preserve and value the human life.

In accordance to her ruling, she sentenced him to 58 months in prison. The defence Attorney has formally filed an appeal and made an application at the High Court for bail. However, those proceedings are yet to be determined.

Eyew tness Missing the pulse...

S

...of the supporters

ay what you want about David Hinds, but he’ll tell you the way he sees it. Most times! So even though he was given a squeeze in the Kronic by the Administration, he told them they really missed the boat on their supersonic salary hike. Let’s hope that the present lot aren’t as thin-skinned as the Founder Leader and lop off the head of the messenger.

Guyana needs more folks like Hinds who, even though they support a party or Government, are willing to offer some tough love when necessary. Too often Guyanese politicians prefer the practice of the Tudor Kings who used to pay “flatters” to sing hosannas and praises to them. Not without some reason, they were also calls “fools” and were well described by Shakespeare. So back to the (vexed) subject at hand – the 50 per cent salary raise that the Executive bestowed on themselves.

Thing is... even though that increase is outrageous against the background of the crumbs thrown from their tables to the public servants who’re presumably the “rabble” – it becomes downright obscene when the entire package is considered. Take Nagamootoo.

(Will SOMEBODY pleeeeease take him!!). His salary was bumped to $1.7 million but you have to add to this housing – what does it cost to rent the Prime Minister’s quarters on Main Street? $200,000 monthly? (We’re not counting the $73 million to fix up the joint). Then there’s entertainment – add another $4.8 million. (Grey Goose doesn’t come cheap).

But the Granddaddy of all is having that duty-free allowance on a vehicle. If, like Nagamootoo, you go for the Toyota Landcruiser which sets you back $20 million for just cost and freight, the duties and taxes are a cool $63 million!! Now this money the Government didn’t collect because it’s “duty-free” – it is pocketed by these fellas when they sell the vehicle in three years. (They have all kinds of schemes so the real sale price never gets to the Guyana Revenue Authority) So if you divide that $63 million by three, that’s another $20 million in income.

Can you believe this kind of money handed out to the “Servant Leaders” for four months of work when the public servant who’s worked for years can’t get a $10,000 raise?! It’s enough to make a grown man puke! But back to the point made earlier. It’s time we all stop being hypocritical when it comes to telling those who begged to “serve” us, when to get off.

And right now, they have to get off the gravy train!

...because the patient’s numb

So yes, Upton Sinclair knew what he was talking about when he pointed out: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” Don’t expect the fellas bellying up to the public trough to “understand” the outrage they’d precipitated on their heads. Those salaries they’ve just voted themselves really dulls their comprehension levels.

But another reason is they believe at some level it really doesn’t matter what the common folks think – at least for another four years or so. That’s when they’ll either be voted out or left to wallow at the trough.

But the problem is, they know in our neck of the woods, most voters don’t even bother to look at issues.

We haven’t gotten to the point where the colour of the skin or the texture of the hair don’t matter. Maybe we need our MLK? Anyhow, they’re counting on the tribal imperatives to kick in and that even if all the outrages aren’t really forgotten, they’ll be forgiven.

After all, they’re being reminded that they have to keep “THEM” out. And with their brains are numb, they’ll put their “X” where they are told.

...on preservation

Earlier this week, Ramjattan met the Argentine Ambassador and asked for help in the “preservation of biological samples”. Was so concerned the jaguar’s skin nailed to his wall was rotting, the wanker didn’t care Jaguars epitomise our sovereignty on our Coat of Arms.

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

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saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

President Granger to pardon more prisoners ... as Bar Association joins mounting disapproval

D

espite coming under heavy criticism by various sections of society, including the Bar Association, following his May decision to release some 40 odd “petty” criminals from prison, President David Granger is insisting that another batch of convicts will be released next year.

The Head of State made this announcement on Friday while addressing hundreds of students from schools across Guyana at the Education Month rally held at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

President Granger said that he does not want to see Guyana’s young people at the New Opportunity Corp nor in any of the country’s prisons. He reiterated that too many Guyanese children go to the “Underneeming Primary School”, then to the “Camp Street Secondary School” and move on to graduate from the “Mazaruni University”.

“They spend their whole lives in confinement,” he stated. According to the Head of State, persons are quarrelling because he has released a few “people who steal cellphones” but this will not deter him as he is determined to do the same

again next year.

“I said go your way and sin no more. Get out of jail go to college, go to university instead and some people are quarrelling with that, I will do it again next year! Young don’t have a right in jail, they have a right in school… so I will keep on doing it and my critics will keep on complaining,” he said defiantly.

As part of the country’s 49th Independence Day celebration in May, President Granger announced that he will be pardoning some 60 “petty” criminals in their late teens to mid 20s, however only 40 of them were released in June. The missing 20 were presumably found unsuitable for various undetermined reasons and remain incarcerated.

The criteria include prisoners who are facing short sentences; those who are incarcerated for petty, nonviolent offences; and those prisoners between the ages of 18 and 24. This pardoned gesture applies to both female and male inmates.

This decision had caused great uneasiness among Guyanese, especially business owners, since the country’s crime rates were high at the time. Persons were also calling for the identifies of these convicts to be pub-

President David Granger

licised, however it was explained that this would have hindered the reintegration process of these young people back into society.

Only recently, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has trenchantly criticised the secrecy behind the pardoned convicts in a local newspaper, asserting that unless queries on the identities of these persons are answered then the Association will not endorse the President’s action. In the months following the Presidential pardon, this newspaper had persistently queried the Police and prison service to provide the name of the pardoned prisoners, without any success.

It was even alleged that one of the persons who had been pardoned by President Granger raped an elderly

Rally ends Region 10 Teachers Week activities

T

he spotlight was on teachers across the nation this week, following the observance of World Teacher’s Day on October 5.

For teachers in Linden and across the wider spectrum of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), the need for celebrating their contributions in assisting to shape the nation’s children was put on the front burner.

In keeping with the theme ‘Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies’, a series of activities were put in motion at various schools across the region. On Monday,

a ‘day of fun’ was hosted at Hymara Park, MacKenzie, Linden, whereby teachers were honoured by their respective schools. This event was followed by a men’s symposium held inside the conference room of the Linden Enterprise Network on Tuesday, which featured speaker Apostle Nigel London. On Wednesday, the fun and excitement continued with a karaoke event at club Ice Rock, Mackenzie.

On Thursday, teachers hosted the annual ‘Teachers in Concert’ event at the Linden Concert Hall and School. The week was also marked by vari-

ous other activities at individual schools, including tree planting exercises and classroom appearance competitions. A massive rally by schools across the region brought the curtains down on the week of activities in Linden on Friday.

The procession, which featured teachers, decked out uniformly according to respective schools, proceeded from outside the Linden Technical Institute, along Republic Avenue and Greenheart Street, before assembling at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Canadian jailed for 4 years, fined $35M for drug trafficking

A

Canadian citizen was on Friday sentenced to four years in prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he appeared before her charged with trafficking in narcotics.

Miguel Sardina, 53, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on Thursday, October 8 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, he was found in possession of 13.006 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

According to Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones, on the day in question at 23:00h the defendant was an outgoing passen-

ger on Caribbean Airlines destined for the Pearson International Airport, Ontario. It was revealed that when he placed his suitcases on the x-ray scanner, a Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Officer observed the suitcase contained a suspicious object.

A search was conducted and the narcotics found concealed in four Kerry Gold milk packets, one Fernleaf milk packet and two boxes of frozen fried rice.

The defendant was told of the offence and arrested.

Under caution, he reportedly admitted ownership of the narcotic. He then confessed he was offered a large sum of money to travel to Guyana and transport the

narcotic back to Canada. He stated he was not aware of the large quantity he had agreed to. The prosecutor revealed that the street value of the drug is $11,759,400.

When asked if he had anything to say, the man related that he was very ill, often suffering from seizures, and requested that he receives proper heathcare while in prison. He also commended the CANU officers who he stated were very professional in carrying out their duties.

The Magistrate, after reviewing the charge, sentenced the man to four years as well as a fine of $35,278,200 which is three times the street value.

woman in Berbice. Since the incident, the Guyana Police Force and Prison Service have been mum on the incident with some of them appearing to be suffering from bouts of amnesia whenever this newspaper attempted

to ask questions about the young man’s background and track record with a view to confirming the allegation.

Meanwhile, the pardoned youths were reportedly accepted into the USAID’s Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Project. SKYE Chief-ofParty Magda Wills had told Guyana Times that all of the released youths are attached to coaches from their respective areas.

Before their release on June 12, the 40 individuals were all interviewed by SKYE representatives and were identified for certain training programmes that were being conducted in all the regions.

Training was con-

ducted in Regions Two (Pomeroon-supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Approximately 98 per cent of the amnesty beneficiaries were male while the other two per cent of females were between the ages of 18 and 25.

Some Guyanese are very concerned about the President’s latest statement because only recently the Guyana Police Force disclosed that there has been an increase of 10 per cent in serious crimes at the end of July 2015, compared to the same period last year.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

News

Four homeless after fire guts State of Guyana’s Crane house economy sluggish,

A

fire suspected to have started from a kerosene stove has completely destroyed a two-storey building at Crane Village, West Coast Demerara.

The fire, which started at about

gulfed the entire wooden and concrete structure leaving nothing to be salvaged.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, the injured Daniels was sitting as she gazed at the

The building moments after it went up in flames

01:30h on Friday has now left four persons homeless. One of the occupants, Camille Daniels, of the upper flat of the house, received minor burns to the hands after she attempted to salvage what was left after the blaze.

According to reports, the fire started in the lower flat of the Lot 75 Crane home and quickly en-

razed building. Her fiancé, Patrick Whyte explained that at about 01:30h, he heard some sounds emanating the kitchen.

He said he went to investigate and was confronted by flames which had already taken over almost half the house. He said he jumped from the veranda into the yard and ran to safety.

The distraught man also stated he was the caretaker of the house which belonged to his parents and that they are overseas. At the time of the fire, he was home alone since his fiancée and the female occupant of the lower flat had left earlier in the night to take a stroll.

He however said he believes his tenant might have left something cooking on the stove and may have forgotten about it.

Whyte is convinced the fire started in the lower flat as neighbours confirmed seeing flames emanating the kitchen area in the lower flat. He told this newspaper only recently he bought several pieces of furniture and electrical appliances on hire purchase and is now not sure how to deal with the issue. He estimated his loses to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Meanwhile, a resident and close family friend expressed his disappointment in the manner he was treated when he contacted the Guyana Fire Service after seeing the blaze.

He claimed he called 912 and a woman on the other end promised to inform the relevant fire station but after a while, none turned up.

He said he telephoned the fire service again.

The man further stated that by the time the fire tenders arrived, the entire building was completely burnt.

Fire officials have since launched an investigation into the fire.

A

stagnant – Regions 2, 6 Chambers of Commerce

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

T

he Private Sector in Guyana continues to suffer tremendously to the extent that persons are being laid off due to their employers being unable to continue paying them as a result of low profits, if any.

Guyana Times understands that in the Cinderella County (Essequibo), Region Two (Pomeroon-Supernaam), the economy is stagnant and businesses are not having any ‘turn over ’.

Executive Member of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ravi Mohan told this newspaper on Friday the situation in Essequibo is so terrible that even minibus and hire car drivers have issued complaints about persons no longer utilising their services as much anymore.

According to Mohan, Region Two depends mostly on rice production

and its sale for revenue. However, due to the low prices being offered to farmers by millers presently, this has had a direct debilitating impact on the economy in Essequibo.

“While rice yields have been good, in some cases farmers faced with a lot of bugs which affect quality of rice, and at the same time prices have been really low and as such everything has become stagnant. Most of Essequibo depends on rice so the economy in Essequibo is down because there is no spending power. Rice covers about 65 per cent of the income here and the prices being offered this trip just cannot cover the expenses and cost of production,” Mohan related.

He explained that many farmers have begun renting their lands to others and the ones who are leasing lands have to face the brunt of the situation since they will not only have to pay rent but take care of production costs as well as personal expense. turn to page 11

Parfaite Harmonie man remanded on narcotics trafficking charge

man was on Friday remanded to prison

by Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with trafficking in narcotics.

Sean Nurse, an employee of BJ’s Mining Enterprise, who resides in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on October 8 at MacKenzie Linden, Region

10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), he was found with 901 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the particulars presented by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, on October 8, the accused was among others in a minibus which was stopped and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station.

When the minibus arrived at the Police station, the occupants were asked to exit

with their bags and other belongings.

Their bags were subsequently searched by ranks in their presence. The narcotic were reportedly found in the accused bag. He admitted ownership to the bag but denied knowledge of the drug.

However, Attorney Jed Vasconcellos challenged the facts that were presented by the Prosecutor, stating that according to his instruction, the bus was intercepted and the passengers were ordered to exit the minibus.

He alleged that the passengers’ bags were beneath the seats and the Police ordered them to remove the bags from the bus.

He stated that the bag which does not personally belong to the accused was searched and the narcotics were found. According to the lawyer, there were not any articles in the bag to prove that it belongs to the accused, or that links it to him.

In his bail application, the lawyer said that his client is the father of a minor child and has never had any trouble with the Police.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the facts given by the Attorney differ from that of the Police report.

The Magistrate refused bail and the accused was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for October 28.

saturday, october 10, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Guyana to benefit from multimillion-dollar UK grant G

uyana is among eight countries that stand to benefit from the multimillion-dollar grant in the form of aid pledged by the United Kingdom as it seeks to re-engage and strengthen its relations with the Caribbean.

With this grant, the UK has become one of the largest bilateral donors to the Region. However, the Commonwealth Caribbean including Guyana will be benefiting from some $550M. Other countries eligible for the grant include: Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Belize, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This pledge was made

by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his recent visit to Jamaica, with the aim of reinvigorating the relationship between the UK and Caribbean countries that are strained from colonial ruling.

Speaking about the programme on Friday during a media briefing at his residence, British High Commission to Guyana Greg Quinn detailed the areas where the monies will be plugged. He noted that the major focus of the funding will be on infrastructural works including bridges,

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

ports and roads, something which is high on Guyana’s agenda.

The High Commissioner said some $450 million of grant will be directed towards this aspect. In addition, he outlined that the British Prime Minister also announced some $45 million to be plugged into improving healthcare facilities as well as another similar amount to boost economic growth in the benefiting countries.

Quinn emphasised that the money is not a loan as such so it will not have to be repaid. The High Commissioner noted that the monies will be given to the various Governments to be injected into projects agreed upon. He added that

within the next six months, the UK will be working along with the various Caribbean Heads to identify and establish their respective projects.

The High Commissioner further detailed that the funds will be deposited at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which will be monitoring the programme in collaboration with the UK Government. However, Quinn could not say at this time how much of the grant will be disbursed to Guyana.

He explained that the UK is yet to allocate any specific amount to the benefitting countries.

“The plan is that they (Caribbean Governments) will seek to bid for specific activity (projects) and then they will be looked at in the whole, but certainly, there is an expectation that of that £360 or $550 million, a significant portion will go to each of the individual countries,” he noted.

Quinn added that while no specific amount was allocated to any of the eight countries, the expectation is the monies will be disbursed evenly among them.

However, he did note that the determination of the allocated amount will also be dependent on the nature

State of Guyana’s economy...

“You see, the landlords will have to receive rents no matter what. Things can go up for sure if the rice price is up a little bit, things will take a turn, if the rice could bring in the money then the money will circulate. People will start constructing, people will move around more…

We have to have more investment here, we are looking for people to come in, manufacturing agencies, so jobs can be provided,” the Executive Member noted.

Meanwhile, President of the Central Corentyne

11

Chamber of Commerce, Tejpaul Ajodha, told this publication the business sector in his area is also being badly affected since people are not able to spend monies like before.

“Generally it is still very sluggish, I would say in the Central Corentyne area we are hoping that it will pick up for Christmas but generally it is very slow. Slow for the longest while. Most of the year; it hasn’t really kicked off as yet. We have had little spikes for periods.

Where school is concerned

of the project and requests submitted. Additionally, he outlined that there is no requirements for the eligible countries to use contracting companies from the UK to carry out the projects selected.

Moreover, the High Commissioner opined that in Guyana there is also infrastructural projects that can benefit from the grant. He pointed to airstrips, bridges such as the Demerara Harbour Bridge, roadways.

“I know there is lots of areas where it would obviously fall within the interest of Government here but I think whenever we get to the time of seeking specific requests, we’ll look to Government to prioritise what they want rather than me saying or anybody else saying we want you to spend on this. The whole purpose of the fund is actually to use it to do what the Government itself actually wants,” he explained.

In addition, High Commissioner Quinn highlighted that the British Prime Minister also announced an increase in the Chevening Scholarship Scheme, which will now see some 20 students benefitting as opposed to 12 as seen this year.

from page 10

that sector got a little boost going into September for the school year but other than that it has been generally very, very slow,” he said.

According to Ajodha, he has received a number of complaints from businesspersons in the Central Corentyne area concerning the state of the economy and the flow of monies in the Private Sector.

“Everyone is lamenting the fact that you know, business is not what they expect. We all hope it picks up soon and we are moving into

November and I want to suspect that it will pick up. We need something to stimulate the economy and it is something the Ministers have to look at. We got to do something; we have to put more money in the hands of the spending public, the consumers, you know, and that money goes around a number of time… taxes, vat is there, 16 per cent so revenues will come in and you can’t go wrong,” he added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

US$1.2M boost for Caricom cassava industry

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

T

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) will be placing keen focus on development of the Regional cassava industry, and has already benefitted from a US$1.2M grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

This is according to Eugene Hamilton, Agriculture Minister of St Kitts & Nevis who was also the Chairman at the recent 59th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) held at the Caricom Secretariat, Guyana.

He told media operatives during a media briefing on Friday that the Region’s progress towards food selfsufficiency and security was a “common thread” throughout the deliberations at this meeting.

Specifically, intraregional trade in food and agricultural products remain one of the Region’s greatest potentials for achieving a higher level of food selfsufficiency from a Regional perspective.

As such, the various Agriculture Ministers and delegations in their discussions placed emphasis on the commodities that were previously identified as priorities for increased agriculture production.

Guyana Times was told that those commodities are roots and root tubers (with focus on cassava), fisheries, small ruminants, and herbs and spices, particularly hot peppers.

“There was robust discussion on the roots and root tuber industry following a presentation by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which

leads the cluster of agencies that holds responsibility for the development of a Regional cassava industry,” Hamilton said. He added that ministers also agreed there should be greater involvement of the Private Sector at the individual entity level (as opposed to a Private Sector cluster approach) to push the industry.

“Ministers agreed on the necessity for support to be given to Public and Private Sector activities that were being planned, or that were underway to fully recognise the benefits of the development of the cassava industry,” Minister Hamilton posited.

Meanwhile, he noted that the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) had also presented its 2016 work plan and this was approved by all the Ministers who each signalled their continued support for this agency.

“CAHFSA can now become fully operational and one expects that it can support and resolve Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary issues that affect trade in the Region,” he said.

It was also mentioned that with regards to the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), its sustainability and effectiveness was discussed, so as to determine whether or not it was feasible to be held annually.

“Cost, as you know, is one of the major factors in the hosting of CWA by Member States each year in October,” the meeting’s Chairman said.

However, while the CWA was not held in 2015 it will be celebrated next year in the Cayman Islands. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

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saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Education Minister calls for multiculturalism in schools – youth must respect each other: President Granger

A

s the Education Month of activities concluded Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine is pushing for multiculturalism in schools across Guyana by calling on the country’s youth to respect each other.

He made this statement while addressing participants of the Education Month march and rally held

Month theme was: “Quality Educational Leadership: Improving Schools from Within.”

Addressing the gathering at National Park, Minister Roopnaraine urged the students to respect each others’ culture, noting it is imperative for Guyana’s survival as one people. He underscored this can be achieved through the use of educa-

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Friday. The march from Parade Ground on Middle Street, Georgetown, to the National Park saw scores of teachers, students and administrative staff of the Ministry of Education participating. The event marked the culmination of a month of activities.

This year’s Education

tion.

“No natural ecosystem can sustainably exist with one component excluding all others, and no human society can sustainably exist much less thrive with one culture or ethnic group creating and maintaining domination over another,” he pointed out.

According to the Education Minister, Guyana’s cultural diversity, which can divide its people, is in fact the country’s greatest strength. He noted that if Guyana can get rid of these divisions, then it will serve the country well.

“In a world in which our survival as a small country will largely be determined by how we can interact with other people and other cultures, in an environment with mutual respect and cooperation,” he stated.

Dr Roopnaraine went on to say this will entail a massive cultural pyridine shift and that the education system will make a central undertaking in this regard. Furthermore, he charged the country’s youth to be the foremost crusaders for unity and reconciliation in Guyana.

Meanwhile, President David Granger in brief remarks also highlighted the importance of having and showing respect for each other: “We are a multicultural society, a multiethnic society and one of the most important thing we have to learn is to respect ourselves. That is where we start, that is where education starts… So your first lesson to learn is that we are a Guyanese people, we may look different but what matters is not

Students participating in the march, marking the end of Education Month

the colour of our skin or what (hair) is on top of our head but what’s inside our head,” he pointed out.

According to the Head of State, if students can respect each other, then there will be fewer problems in schools. On this note, the President reiterated that children are the future and as such the Administration will ensure all the necessary resources are available to them so they can better equip themselves.

“We are here because education is the gateway to that good life. Education is the mother of good jobs; education is the mother of employment; education is the mother of enterprise,” he stated.

Further, Granger noted that while Government has its role to play, it is

also imperative for children and parents to be actively involved in the education system as well as teaching their children to be respectful.

Additionally, the Head of State went on to highlight the need for every school-aged child to be in school, saying that too many of Guyana’s children are dropping out of school in spite of efforts by Government to implement measures to keep them there.

“Every child must go to school. Primary education is compulsory, but too frequently we hear that children in some area don’t get a chance to go to school,” the President said.

Granger also spoke about the importance of promoting the use of technology in the education system. He

noted that this is critical in ensuring that students are on par with the current information and communication technological age.

On the other hand, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam underscored the importance of having education as a top priority on the national agenda.

During the rally hundreds of spectators were treated to several cultural items including song and dance performances.

Education Month was launched on September 1 by the Ministry of Education. During this time, there were several activities throughout the country including educational symposiums, exhibitions, distribution of books to encourage reading, tree planting exercises, among others.

Govt to review mining concessions

G

overnment will soon be moving to review mining concessions as it seeks to ensure that mining interests are in conformity with the Laws and Regulations governing the sector. This is according to Governance Minister Raphael Trotman who spoke with the Government Information Agency (GINA) recently.

Minister Trotman said it is not the intention of Government during the review, to look at everything with a suspicious eye, and “to say that all concessions were given out in wrong or corrupt ways, but certainly as we are responding to complaints, we will do so (that is, proper reviews).”

The Minister with responsibility for the Natural Resources Sector acknowledged there have been complaints from per-

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman

sons in mining communities, and that he is working along with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to have those addressed.

“So this is why a meeting is planned between the Department of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, so that we

have one Government policy on Amerindian lands, mining, and forestry. Even as you unveil new towns and townships, we’ve got to have one plan, not several different plans around,” Minister Trotman stated.

Minister Trotman also highlighted that no mining rights will be given on land occupied by Amerindians: “However, there is nothing stopping Amerindians themselves from doing mining within those lands, or as has been the case, they are free to enter into bilateral arrangements with persons or companies, to do mining on their land, but the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) is not allowed to give out permits either to prospect or to mine in any such area, without the consent of the Amerindian community.”

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saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Argentine doctors to help develop blood programme

Confusion reigns at Merriman’s Mall – vending disrupted

S

Vendors look on as their stalls are being taken away (Marceano Narine photo)

Health Minister, Dr George Norton (centre) and Argentina’s Ambassador Luis Alberto Martino (left) meeting on Friday

By Akeem Greene

T

wo Argentine doctors specialised in Haematology will be meeting their Guyanese counterparts to have discussions with the aim of improving the local blood programme. This was revealed by Health Minister Dr George Norton on Friday who was meeting with the two visiting doctors, Dr Ana Del Pozo and Dr Sebastian Okanaian, along with Argentina’s Ambassador Luis Alberto Martino.

Ambassador Martino assured that the two doctors have vast experience in the area of blood transfusion and further stated that the framework of this agreement between both countries will establish a programme that involves three years of cooperation with this being the first leg.

Director of Standard Services at the Public

Health Ministry Dr Julian Amsterdam said the aim of the Blood Programme is to reach 100 per cent voluntary blood donations. “The current blood donation pool stands at above 94 per cent but there is a culture in Guyana whereby persons would only come to donate if family or friends are in need of blood” the Director said.

The programme seeks to ensure blood and blood components are safely collected, processed and appropriately preserved and distributed for transfusion.

The outreach programme lasts one week, and will see hospitals throughout the Regions being visited with several blood drives being conducted.

In responding to a question about a recent incident where persons were turned away from donating blood, Dr Amsterdam said, “Investigations are still being conducted on the incident but the blood

bank has capacity as this was not the issue, however persons would need to undergo screening before they give blood.”

Dr Amsterdam also mentioned that another facet of the programme is to build the personnel capacity in the medical arena of Guyana as there is a huge number of doctors recently returned from Cuba, and this venture could see some of them becoming specialists in the blood transfusion area.

Health Minister Dr George Norton also mentioned that the visit will help build stronger relationships with Argentina as that country currently offers post-grad training; and there are local doctors who are already ready to undertake the training.

The Argentine team of experts plans to conduct an audit of the blood bank with the aim of bringing the programme up to Caribbean Standards.

everal vendors were disrupted from their daily routine on Tuesday at the Merriman’s Mall – which runs parallel with Church Street and North Road – when City Council Officers arrived to move them, dismantling and damaging their stalls.

One Vendor, Mellissa Jeffery said she has been selling at the mall for over 24 years and that she pays a fee to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to vend in the area. “I pay $300 per day for selling here, this is a regularised area, and I don’t understand why they want to move us,” Jeffery said.

There has been miscommunication about vendors presence at the sight since according to another vendor, they formed a delegation and went to Deputy Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen to discuss the issue.

“We went to Patricia Chase-Green, she did not have a clue on the move, we tried talking to Royston King but he avoid us but the Mayor spoke to us and said go fit ourselves in the area and sell, all is needed is a proper shed and standard colour, soon after we see the City Council turn up to break down our stalls,” the vendor said.

Many of these vendors sell vegetables and fruits

and have been vending in the area for a number of years. One vendor who identified herself only as “Sita” said on Sunday last, Royston King met with them but he did not mention anything about moving them from the area.

some angry stall owners rushed to City Hall where they met with Mayor Hamilton Green.

The Mayor requested that they be replaced in the area and that demarcation of the area will be done soon.

Only recently, a simi-

Some of the broken material from the stalls

“They want to move us and put other persons here, which is wrong,” the vendor said. Guyana Times was told that moving the vendors is part of an effort by the M&CC to properly demarcate the size of the various stalls but based on interactions with the outraged vendors, this information was not properly conveyed to them.

As members of the City Constabulary drove away with the vendors’ stalls,

lar exercise was conducted by agents of the M&CC, which saw more than 10 stalls at the Bourda Market being dismantled and goods being displaced.

On that occasion, the question of notice was raised by the frustrated stall owners who lamented that they were not given any sort of notice and were now left on the breadline as their stalls were their only source of income.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

Regional

Brazilian Policemen arrested Trinidad approves construction over Sao Paulo shooting spree aid for Dominica storm recovery

T

he Government of Trinidad and Tobago has pledged TT$5 million (US$79,263) in construction material for Dominica as the Eastern Caribbean country continues to rebuild following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika in August.

And the donation is expected to come in particularly handy as Dominica on Thursday listed building supplies among its critical needs. Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie made the disclosure of Trinidad’s aid at a post-Cabinet press

“Who killed the 19?” reads the banner held by a group protesting against impunity in Sao Paulo

P

olice in Brazil have arrested nine of their fellow officers suspected of carrying out a series of killings on the outskirts of Sao Paulo.

Investigators say they were probably seeking revenge after the shooting of an off-duty policeman during a robbery in the area.

Nineteen people were killed within several hours on 13 August.

Witnesses in various locations said masked gunmen pulled up in a car before opening fire. In many

cases they checked the victims’ names before shooting or asked if they had criminal records. The nine suspects were arrested in a major Police operation across the Sao Paulo area.

More than 400 Policemen took part in the operation.

They seized guns, mobile phones and other objects.

The August attacks happened in the municipal areas of Osasco and Barueri.

Sao Paulo State Governor Geraldo Alckmin promised a swift investigation and set up a special task force.

But nearly two months after the attacks, only one suspect had been arrested. Human rights groups say there is a high number of people are killed every year in Brazil either in Police custody or by rogue Policemen.

In the city of Rio de Janeiro alone military Police have been responsible for more than 1500 deaths in the last five years, the UK-based campaign group Amnesty International says. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaica moving ahead in health tourism – McNeill

J

amaica’s Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill, says the opening of the state-of-the-art private hospital in Rosehall, St James, on Thursday, is tangible proof that Jamaica is moving ahead in health tourism.

“This new J$2.3 billion state-of-the art hospital is largely driven by tourism interests. The more the investment in Jamaica and the more hotel rooms there are, it’s good for the (owners of the hospital). Right now

in Jamaica, we are going through possibly, the most active period of investment in the tourism sector than we have ever had,” McNeill pointed out.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the minister noted that this year alone, the sector will be breaking ground for over 2600 new hotel rooms.

“Never before have we ever had such robust growth.

This is surely a tremendous achievement for Jamaica and also for tourism. This is important, because as

we are getting state-of-theart health facilities, it now opens up the opportunity for tourism to actually reach its true potential,” he said.

The new hospital has been established by the Hospiten Group, which is based in Spain.

“I want to welcome this investment by the Hospiten Group in Jamaica. I am really proud of their work as seen in this first class facility, the first of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean,” the Minister said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

briefing on Thursday.

The decision to assist Dominica in this way followed a discussion between Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley and his Dominican counterpart Roosevelt Skerrit and held last week.

Dominica recorded major damage to communities and infrastructure as a result of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Erika in late August.

Homes, bridges and roads were destroyed and more than 30 people were killed. Skerrit said it would take about EC$1.2 billion

(US$444 million) to rebuild the country.

His Government on Thursday expressed sincere gratitude to all those who have partnered with Dominica during recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm, acknowledging that his administration could not have done it alone.

And it said that following an assessment of the situation and recovery strategy the critical needs included building materials, fixtures and fittings, and construction tools and equipment.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

British MP calls for representation at Westminster for overseas territories

T

he Conservative Member of Parliament for Romford in the UK Parliament has suggested there should be representation in Westminster for Britain’s overseas territories. Andrew Rosindell, who chairs the Parliamentary British Overseas Territories Committee, said that the onset of devolution meant it could now be argued that home countries such as Scotland have as much autonomy as some territories and dependencies, but they have the advantage of representation in Westminster.

Speaking at a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference this week, Rosindell said that the French, Dutch, and Danish overseas territories all had elected representation in the respective national parliaments but British territories do not.

He said that not only should representation in the House of Commons be looked at but there was room to consider having members in the House of Lords, which could be easier to bring

Andrew Rosindell chairs the Parliamentary British Overseas Territories Committee

about. With over 830 members, Rosindell told a panel discussion at the meeting, it was only fair to allow some BOT and crown dependency members of the House of Lords.

The fringe meeting was hosted by the Friends of the British Overseas Territories (FOTBOT), which was cre-

ated to bring together people from all 16 British overseas territories and to promote, support and increase awareness of them, according to Anthony Webber, a political analyst and independent commentator from the UK’s crown dependency of Guernsey who was at the meeting. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says attacks are coming UN says Haiti taking resolute steps towards from all directions

democracy and stability

W

ith the holding its first round of elections in August this year, to renew the Executive legislative and local leadership of the country, Haiti is taking “resolute” steps in renewing its democratic institutions, the top United Nations official for the country told the Security Council on Friday.

Presenting the Secretary General’s latest report on the work of the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which she heads, Sandra Honoré said the country is also moving resolutely towards the re-establishment of in-

Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Haiti, Sandra Honoré

stitutional balance.

After a prolonged period, the Electoral Council published the results on September 27, according to which there were 10 contenders who won an outright victory for Senate and lower chamber seats.

However, 25 electoral districts will require re-elections due to electoral violence.

“Notwithstanding the efforts of the Electoral Council, the Government and the Haitian National Police (HNP), severe acts of violence and some technical irregularities invalidated the August 9 vote in 13 per

cent of the country’s voting centres,” she added.

Honoré commended the actions taken by the Electoral Council to address the shortcomings, responding to recommendations from political parties and implement corrective measures.

“To recapitulate therefore, the October 25 polls will include the first round Presidential; second round legislative; as well as the municipal vote, together with the re-runs for the first round legislative vote in the constituencies affected on August 9,” she added. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

P

rime Minister Freundel Stuart says Barbados, as a small international financial centre, continues to face “unjustified attacks” from powerful nations.

And he has accused those countries of changing the rules at will to satisfy the demands of their own onshore interest groups and constituents.

Delivering the feature address at the opening of the two-day International Business Week Conference 2015 on Thursday Stuart said, however, that Barbados would continue to defend its reputation.

“Despite the constantly

shifting goal posts, we have held steadfastly to those principles that have brought us to this signal point in our country’s history. We must remain committed to the tried and tested standards for which Barbados is celebrated – that of being a transparent, well-regulated and globally competitive jurisdiction that offers political, social and economic stability, as well as an excellent quality of life,” he said.

Stuart said the international business sector was moving into new markets by developing and strengthening relations with its Latin American partners.(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

saturday, october 10, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Nobel Peace Prize for Tunisian India woman’s arm ‘cut off by employer’ National Dialogue Quartet in Saudi Arabia

The quartet is made up of mediators from four Tunisian organisations

T

he Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet for helping the country’s transition to democracy.

The Nobel committee said the group of civil society organisations had made

a “decisive contribution” to democracy after the 2011 revolution. It said the quartet helped establish a political process when the country “was on the brink of civil war”.

Tunisia’s uprising was the first and

most successful of the Arab Spring.

While other countries – Libya, Egypt, Yemen and Syria – either reverted to authoritarian rule or descended into violence and chaos, Tunisia managed a successful transition to democracy.

Houcine Abassi, head of Tunisia’s General Labour Union – one of the groups in the quartet – said the award was a “tribute to martyrs of a democratic Tunisia”. “This effort by our youth has allowed the country to turn the page on dictatorship,” he said.

Abdessattar Ben Moussa of the Human Rights League – another of the quartet – said the award “fills us with joy” at a time when Tunisia “is going through a period marked by political tensions and terrorist threats”.

He told the Associated Press he hoped it would encourage the winners to take a “larger responsibility” in solving Tunisia’s problems. Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi, said the award recognised the country’s decision to choose the “path of consensus”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia says kills 300 militants in Syria in most intense raids yet

R

ussia’s air force hit 60 Islamic State targets in Syria over the past 24 hours and killed around 300 militants, the Defence Ministry said on Friday, in Moscow’s most intense raids yet since it first launched strikes on Syria 10 days ago.

In the previous updates, the Moscow had been reporting hitting about 10 targets daily. The increased

pace of attacks was aimed at preventing militants from re-grouping and dispersing in populated areas, the Ministry said.

The Ministry said in a statement that air force jets used KAB-500 precision guided bombs to destroy a headquarters of the Liwa al-Haqq militant group in Syria’s Raqqa province. The Ministry, citing intercepted radio communications,

said the raid killed two senior Islamic State field commanders and some 200 militants there.

Liwa al-Haqq is not connected to Islamic State, so it was not clear what the two field commanders were doing at the group’s base.

The Ministry also said it destroyed an Islamic State base and munitions storage set up in a former prison near Aleppo, killing anoth-

Pre-election clash in Guinea capital kills two, wounds 15

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wo people were killed and at least 15 were wounded in Guinea on Friday in clashes between supporters of President Alpha Conde and his main rival before Sunday’s election, witnesses and a senior Police source said.

Shots were fired, security forces fired teargas and wielded batons outside rival Cellou Dalein Diallo’s house in the capital, while activists armed with stones and

clubs roamed the streets, reducing traffic to a minimum, they said.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the clashes, but Conde on Thursday rejected a demand

by Opposition candidates to postpone the vote to allow time to rectify what they said were irregularities in the process.

“They attacked us this morning [Friday], waking us up with volleys of stones.

The attackers were numerous,” said one of Diallo’s bodyguards, who declined to give his name. There was no immediate comment from the security forces.

The West African country has a history of election violence, and Conde earlier cancelled his last campaign rally due to security concerns, after clashes on Thursday that left at least one dead and 20 injured.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

One in three young Chinese men will die from smoking, study says

A

new study has warned that a third of all men currently under the age of 20 in China will eventually die prematurely if they do not give up smoking.

The research, published in The Lancet medical journal, says two-thirds of men in China now start to smoke before 20. Around half of those men will die from the habit, it concludes.

The scientists conducted

two nationwide studies, 15 years apart, covering hundreds of thousands of people. In 2010, around one million people in China died from tobacco usage. But researchers say that if current trends continue, that will double to two million people – mostly men – dying every year by 2030, making it a “growing epidemic of premature death”.

While more than half of Chinese men smoke, only 2.4

per cent of Chinese women do.

The study was conducted by scientists from Oxford University, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Chinese Center for Disease Control.

But co-author Richard Peto said there was hope – if people can be persuaded to quit. “The key to avoid this huge wave of deaths is cessation, and if you are a young man, don’t start,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

er 100 militants.

A monitoring group said on Friday Aleppo had seen intensified fighting as Islamic State seized villages close to the city from rival insurgents. Other targets identified by the Russian ministry as having been struck in the past 24 hours included militants’ training sites in the Latakia and Idlib provinces. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Kasturi Munirathinam says she was trying to escape the house when her Saudi employer “chopped off” her arm

I

ndia’s Foreign Ministry has complained to the Saudi Arabian authorities following an alleged “brutal” attack on a 58-yearold Indian woman in Riyadh.

Kasturi Munirathinam’s right arm was chopped off, allegedly by her employer, when she tried to escape from their house last week, reports say.

Ms Munirathinam was working as a domestic help.

She is recovering in hospital.

Her family has alleged that she was being tortured by her Saudi employers.

Saudi authorities have not commented on the incident yet. Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj wrote on Twitter: “This is unacceptable. We have tak-

en this up with Saudi authorities. Our embassy is in touch with the victim.”

“Chopping of [arm] of Indian lady – we are very much disturbed over the brutal manner in which Indian lady has been treated in Saudi Arabia,” Ms Swaraj added.

The family of Ms Munirathinam in the southern Indian city of Chennai said that her employers had been “angered” after she complained about the “harassment” she was facing at her employer’s home, where she had begun working three months ago.

They are asking the government to secure them compensation from the family, and also help pay Ms Munirathinam’s medical expenses. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 News

saturday, october 10, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Essequibo drivers reject recommended parking fee – say no consultation was done

S

Parking at Supenaam

cores of hire car and minibus drivers operating in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have said ‘No’ to the recommended parking fee suggested by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Parliamentarian Haimraj Rajkumar.

Rajkumar had suggested to the Anna Regina Town Council’s Interim

a “milking cow” and as such the Council needs to capitalised on garnering funds.

Following that news spreading, minibus drivers in Region Two convened a meeting with the United Mini Bus Union on Thursday at the Regional State House Boardroom to air their views. Present at the meeting was Eon Andrew from the United Mini Bus Union in Georgetown, who gave the drivers assurance that he would make necessary representation to the Minister of Public Security on the matter. Andrew also told the Management Committee drivers that no driver is pay(IMC) during a meeting of ing any fee in Georgetown to the Council, that drivers park on any car park and dewho use the Anna Regina scribed the situation as “uncar park should pay a park- reasonable”.

According to Chairman ing fee. He is of the view taxi of the Mini Bus and Hire Car drivers in Georgetown are subjected to paying parking Association of Region Two fees in the event they have Nazimool Mohamed, there to use City Council property. was no consultation from The member of parlia- the Council relating to drivment is of the view the car ers paying a fee. Mohamed park which is utilised by said drivers cannot afford car and minibus drivers is to pay for every trip or once

Berbician takes home Ricks and Sari ‘Keep the Pot Bubbling’ gas stove

A

Berbice woman is the beneficiary of GE six-burner gas stove worth over $100,000, compliments of Ricks and Sari.

Business giant Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Ltd, on Tuesday handed over the stove to the winner of its ‘Let Ricks & Sari Keep the Pot Bubbling’ promotion.

Chandra Gossai, a housewife of Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) was the first-place winner. She also received two hampers.

In order to win, customers had to drop three empty packets of 85 gram or 1 empty packet of 200 gram Sari Curry Powder, along with contact information, into one of the many collection boxes at leading supermarkets nationwide.

After receiving her prize, the mother of three was loud in praise for the Food Processing Company. She stated that the stove could not have come at a better time, since she uses a oneburner kerosene stove. The woman stated she usually uses products from Ricks and Sari because she loves the fragrance and taste and praised it among the best.

She is encouraging others who are not using the product to start doing so immediately.

Speaking at the presentation held at J’s Supermarket, Strand, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Rick and Sari Sales Executive Carlos Mendonca noted that there are two other drawings and presentations slated for October 12 and 26 at Nigel’s Supermarket, Georgetown and Bounty Supermarket at Grove respectively.

Mendonca stated that the promotion was part of the

Drivers at the meeting

a day for parking given the current economic situation.

He further explained that due to the current rice industry crisis less persons are traversing and as such paying a fee to use the park will not be profitable for transportation operators.

He said if the move is materialised\implemented then drivers will be conducting

a picketing exercise against the Anna Regina Town Council.

The chairman said Government is supposed to provide public transportation.

“Most of the car drivers and bus operators voted for change, 95% of us did, we have banks to pay as such we have to work, we hard-

ly getting work, this is hard, None of the IMC councillors have hire cars so they don’t know how it is” one driver explained.

Other drivers related that it is unfair to pay every trip and therefore the Council should find other ways of earning revenue.

Drivers are not pleased with the move by the council and said they would seek representation from relevant authorities. They have also related that due to the change of Government many of them lost their jobs so they had to invest in buying cars and buses to generate income toward their livelihood.

Other problems raised at the meeting by the drivers included private hire cars, tinted vehicles, animals on the roadways. Also at the meeting was a representative from the Police.

Bartician on bail for discharging loaded firearm

A

Bartician was on Friday placed on $200,000 bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with discharging a loaded firearm.

Thirty-seven-year-old Kentroy Cadogan, a shopkeeper of Lot 102 First Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Nazaruni) denied the charge which alleged that on September 17 at Black Water Landing, Konawaruk, Potaro, Region Seven with intent to disfigure, maim or cause grievous bodily harm, he dis-

charged a loaded firearm at the Virtual Complainant (VC), Joel Perreia D’andrade, a Brazilian national.

The accused was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who in a bail application told the court that his client does not know the VC. He told the court that his client was not placed on an identification parade nor did he confess to the offence.

The lawyer told the court that based on his interaction with the Police concerning the incident, it was revealed that the VC reported to the Police that there were several shoot-

ers however only one shot was fired. Additionally he told the court that his client is married and is a father of six minor children. He stated that the accused is willing to lodge his passport and cooperate with any conditions the court imposes in granting bail.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones made no objections to bail being granted. As such, the Magistrate placed Cadogan on $200,000 bail. The case was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court and will continue on October 21.

Region 10 Health Committee Chairman urges swift action into LHC management woes

R In picture sales Executive of the Ricks and Sari Company Carlos Mendonca presents the large GE six burner gas stove to Chandra Gossai

company’s way of giving back to its valued customers who has supported them over the years. He said the company has always treated its customers with respect because the customers are an important component of the company’s existence. The Salesman stated that the Rick’s and Sari’s policy is to give back to the community from where it garners its support.

Ricks and Sari is a nationwide company, as such it has promotion throughout the country. The company over the years has supported a number of youth, sport, education and community initiatives. It is big in supporting cycling in Guyana, being one of the leading sponsors in the country. It also sup-

ports Futsal football and kiddies cricket with the Berbice Cricket Board.

Since the start of the promotion there has been a marked increase in sales.

Customers still have two more chances of winning at the October 12 and 26 drawings at Nigel’s and Bounty Supermarkets.

Customers can make contact by calling 225-4030-1 for more details or visit the Company’s facebook page or mail their empty packets to 40 Station St Kitty, Georgetown before the drawing dates.

The company thanked the J’s Supermarket for facilitating the presentation ceremony.

egion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Health Committee Chairman Maurice Butters is urging the relevant authorities to swiftly look into a number of “irregularities” existing in the management structure of the state of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

He said despite a public announcement by the Government for reconstitution of all Boards, the LHC continues to exist without a legal body and is desperately awaiting word on the way forward. Butters has in the past indicated his dissatisfaction over what he termed an “illegal” Board which has been in existence at for years and which he indicated is responsible for many of its Administrative issues.

A question being asked by staff is when the Board is constituted, would it have some degree of legality, because since the present Board is not legal, the hospital is still treated as a department of the Ministry of Health.

“I would more or less request from a Union’s point of view that there be some level of legality given to the Board,

because in doing that you can then be able to make decisions and not await permission or fulfilment of requests from the Ministry of Health because policy decisions must get the Ministry of Health’s approval. It means therefore that the hand of the Board is tied. I’m only hoping that the Board is put in place early and that it be given some degree of legality”, he said.

The official emphasised that one of the major disadvantages of not having a legitimate Board in place is that management at the hospital cannot make decisions without the involvement of the Health Ministry. Butters noted that in the past employees were quite worried over late responses by that Ministry to situations affecting them.

“It has given the management more leverage to be more oppressive, vindictive or even allowing them to become involved in skulduggery because there are managers at the hospital who are suppliers of different items to the hospital. They are even in the position to determine the prices that these items are bought.”

Butters said “contracts

are being given to the maintenance department without being tendered, as such suspicions are arising over levels of collusion since employees are not supposed to be given such tasks at the institution.”

The Health Committee Chairman further stressed that even more disturbing is the fact that retirees are being rehired and are placed in positions which they once held, which he noted is against its stipulated policy. This matter, he noted, has been brought to the attention of the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, however no intervention has been made.

The administration he said provides little or no opportunity for employees to be promoted, and as such is stifling development.

“We were hoping that we receive a visit from the Ministry of Health. Employees said they would have made requests to the Ministry of Social Protection to visit because there are so many other matters affecting staff. All they get are promises; nobody is looking into the issues affecting the workers”, he reiterated.

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news

saturday, october 10, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Countries urged to create, Church service ushers in Guyana Fire Service’s improve value-added 41st Fire Prevention Week products from sugar – biotech industry to be established to support this

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

W

hile Guyana’s sugar industry continues to suffer devastating blows as years go by, it is not the only country being badly affected and suffering heavy losses as others in the Region are also experiencing similar problems.

As a result of this, sugar was an agenda item during deliberations of the recently concluded 59th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) held at the Caricom Secretariat, Liliendaal, Georgetown, Guyana.

According to St Kitts & Nevis Agriculture Minister Eugene Hamilton, who chaired this year’s COTED meeting, there was ‘full and extensive’ discussion on the topic of sugar at the special meeting.

During a media briefing on Friday, Hamilton told reporters there was agreement by all at the meeting that given the tenuous position of the Regional sugar industry it was imperative for the industry to be reformed.

Also, it was deemed necessary for all sugar-producing Caricom Member States to continue pursuing the creation and improvement of value-added products from sugar such as bagasse and molasses.

“Ministers agreed that

there should continue to be local production for the local markets in the Region, as well as the pursuit of linkages with other sectors, including tourism. A recommendation was also made for the creation of a biotech industry that would guide the production of value-added products of sugar. Given the importance of the fortunes of the Barbados-based CaneBreeding station, the meeting acknowledged that every effort needed to be expended to place it on a firm financial footing,” the Agriculture Minister emphasised.

He stated that all Ministers at the COTED meeting had agreed there should be the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee in order to ensure greater collaboration among Agriculture Ministers.

This, he said, can help to facilitate trade in agricultural products, achieve Regional food security objectives, and thus assist in driving the “Regional integrational process.”

With regards to other activities that took place at the Caricom Secretariat recently, the Agriculture Ministers also received a report on the Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) which is supported by the European Union (EU) through the 10th EDF.

“The overall programme of the Caribbean Action of the APP is to contribute to the Regional and inter-regional capabilities of the agriculture sector in addressing agricultural resilience and development eradicating poverty. The components are strengthening Regional agricultural development policy; improving the dissemination and adoption of applied research and appropriate technologies; and contributing to agricultural enterprise development through improved market linkages. The initial programme was revised because of a time constraint but it is on track to make an impact with the resources that are available to it”, Minister Hamilton noted.

As such, Member States have given the undertaking that they will continue to support the APP. Guyana Times was also told the Agriculture Ministers have been invited to attend the FAO Regional Conference in February and March next year to be held in Mexico.

Matters slated for discussion include South South cooperation on matters of agriculture; challenges and perspectives for food and nutrition security; family farming; risk management and climate change. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Venezuela accuses Guyana of “misleading international community”

O

ctober 9, 2015 (Xinhua) Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday accused Guyanese President David Granger of “falsely accusing” Venezuela of carrying out military operations in Guyana, calling for “respect” to her nation.

In a press conference, the official said Granger “lied” about the alleged presence of a Venezuelan military ship in Georgetown, capital of Guyana, which was shown in a book published by the Guyanese president and handed out massively at the recent General Assembly of the United Nations.

“The Guyanese president is misleading the international community because that picture of a Venezuelan ship was taken in 2011 in Spain and not in Georgetown as Granger affirms,” said the foreign minister.

Rodriguez added the book was also given to UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon at a recent meet-

ing both Granger and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro attended in New York.

“Granger has lied to the UN secretary general and accused Venezuela of intimidating Guyana’s peace with the alleged presence of this military ship in his country. It’s clear that he doesn’t want to settle this old dispute with dialogue and respect,” she added.

The Venezuelan minister said her country will send proper documentation to Ban and other delegations at the UN to deny these “misleading accusations” and will talk to other Caribbean governments to “confront a media campaign” regarding the Essequibo issue.

Rodriguez called on Georgetown to respect the 1966 Geneva agreement and cease its “defamation campaign” against Maduro’s government.

Venezuela and Guyana agreed to redeploy their respective ambassadors and be-

gin talks with the mediation of the United Nations after a meeting last month between Maduro and Granger along with the UN secretary general.

Earlier this year, Georgetown authorized U.S. oil giant Exxon Mobil to operate in the Essequibo region, which prompted an immediate response from Caracas which demanded a stop of such actions.

Maduro recalled his country’s ambassador to Guyana in July and halted accreditation for Guyana’s ambassador to Venezuela in September.

The controversy centers on the lands west of the Essequibo River of Guyana, covering about two thirds of the small English-speaking nation where the U.S. company made an offshore oil discovery.

The dispute stems from an 1899 court ruling that required Venezuela to relinquish an undeveloped but resource-rich jungle territory called the Essequibo.

A

Fire women doing the Marching of the Colour Party

church service was held at the Guyana Fire Service’s (GFS) Water Street Headquarters on Friday to ushering in the service’s 41st Fire Prevention Week of activities slated for the period October 09 to 15. The theme for the week is: “Building

of Police A Division, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security Angela Johnson, and members of the religious community.

Firewomen were given the opportunity to showcase their talent in the form

Messiah.

Citizens were encouraged to collaborate with the GFS and take preventive measures to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the hazards of fire, all in keeping with the theme.

The GFS is also celebrat-

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) band performing a musical interlude

a Safer Nation through Citizens’ Participation in Fire Prevention.”

Among those in attendance were Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, Director of Prisons Welton Trotz, Commander

of dance, song and scripture reading, and to lead the Marching of the Colour Party. There were also prayers by members of the religious communities, and a sermon by Pastor Raphael

ing its 58th Anniversary. A series of events including school lectures and exhibitions will be held as part of raising awareness on the dangers of fire and the importance of fire prevention.

Macorp unveils new fabrication press shop

M

a c h i n e r y Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) has unveiled its new Hose Fabrication Press.

Parts Manager Asif Zaheer speaking to the media on Friday said the aim of the company is to provide ‘clean and durable’ products for its customers.

The product manager also spoke of the recently opened branch in Port Kaituma, saying it is functioning well despite the current slow economic situation facing the economy.

In addition, Zaheer also alluded to the possibility that the Corporation is looking into expanding to Mahdia, Region 8.

Asif Zaheer demonstrates how the Fabrication Press operates

Leading the way in supplying top quality machinery, MACORP places

emphasis on making its customers receive the best possible product.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

ARCHIE

You should be concerned over improvements at work (March 21- or in your community. Join April 19) forces to formulate a plan to make others aware of what troubles you. A professional demeanor will ensure that you are taken seriously.

ARIES

Challenges or contests TAURUS with family or friends will (April 20- be fun. Include the younger May 20) generation for additional entertainment and in order to catch up on the latest trends.

dilbert

You will face some personGEMINI (May 21- al or professional setbacks.

June 20) Don’t give in to worry or depression. Deal with matters swiftly and move on with a positive attitude and an open mind.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Love is on the rise. Fill your social calendar with events that will allow you to show off your appealing personality. You will be hard to resist.

If it feels like you are getLEO ting nowhere, you have prob(July 23ably taken on too much.

Aug. 22) Organize and prepare to downsize your to-do list in order to make your goals more realistic.

Calvin and Hobbes

You will be impulsive toVIRGO day.

Slow down to avoid leav(Aug. 23ing out an important detail.

Sept. 22) Love and romance are on the horizon, and making simple plans for an evening of fun will pay off.

Lady Luck is in your corLIBRA (Sept. 23- ner. Reorganize, redecorate Oct. 23) or renovate your living space.

You will feel more comfortable, satisfied and secure with the changes you make if you don’t go over budget.

SUDOKU

Your genuine compassion SCORPIO and concern for others will (Oct. 24lead you to initiate a charity Nov. 22) event. Your popularity will grow, and others will contribute to your cause.

Overspending, overindulSAGITTARIUS gence or exaggeration will (Nov. 23lead to trouble. You will be Dec. 21) tempted to make unrealistic promises. Stick to the truth in order to avoid a misunderstanding.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Put your energy to good CAPRICORN use.

Take on a new project.

(Dec. 22Your impressive skills and Jan. 19) attention to detail will make it easy to outperform any competition you encounter.

AQUARIUS

You will be faced with added

(Jan. 20- duties. Assisting someone with monetary or legal issues will be Feb. 19) demanding. Don’t let other people’s problems consume you or jeopardize your personal or professional responsibilities.

Don’t be intimidated by PISCES (Feb. 20- unorthodox people. If you feel March 20) akin to someone, make your feelings known. There is no reward for standing on the sidelines, waiting for someone else to make the first move.

saturday, october 10, 2015

19

Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket…

Police ready to take back ISAC St Margaret’s Primary and Number title says Wilson Five Primary register wins

By Treiston Joseph

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be gunning to reclaim the Inter Services Athletics and Swimming Championships (ISASC) better known as Joint Service Sports when the event begins on Sunday with the road relay and the swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre, Greater Georgetown.

Coach of the Police squad who happens to be an Olympic Coach, Lyndon Wilson was confident in his team’s ability to pull off the win.

“We are confident we know our main opposition in the Guyana Defence Force (defending champions) but we are confident that we are going to go out there and produce our best and we are going to win… the army is good but the team that slackens up will lose and we don’t intend on slacking up,” Wilson told Guyana Times Sport.

In addition, Wilson highlighted that the GPF in their training focused on bettering their team holistically in order to be strong in all areas.

“We lost last year because we fell down in some of our string areas but we have strengthened back

Lyndon Wilson

those areas and we have put effort in those areas even more while strengthening our weaknesses.

“We looked at making every area our real strong area and for us to dominate the way we want to we have to be strong in every area so everything for us seems strong right now,” Wilson highlighted.

Meanwhile Wilson noted that the addition of the swimming championship was a good move and is key to GPF’s success in the championship bid, “I like the idea of bringing in the swimming component because we are military personnel and people expect us not to only save lives of fight crimes on the road but

in the water also because we have marine section in both the Police Force and the Army.

“To bring it in is a plus for the services but I think brining in swimming into the championship is a key factor for us to go and win this title,” Wilson stated.

Nevertheless Wilson noted that despite GDF having a strong sprint team, the police men and women have some surprises for the army squad.

“The Army always have a strong team especially in the male sprints, they are going to come hitting to get one, two, three but we have some surprises for them, in the female (sprints) they usually do good they tend to split us up but this time around as I said we worked on our weak areas and we are going out there with goals to get one, two, three as much as we can or stay in the top five as much as we can,” Wilson noted.

Sunday the competition will begin with the road relay from 06:00h while the swimming action will start from 10:00.

Action will then shift to the National Track and Field Centre, for the athletics championships from Monday. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Trophy Stall joins support for rugby ahead of 7s tourney Sunday

T

he Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is begging to garner support from corporate Guyana after the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) made the first step on Thursday.

Trophy Stall will now join the rugby family for the first time since being involved with various sports in Guyana.

At a simple handing over ceremony on Friday, proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich said he was proud to be associated with a sport that has continually made Guyana proud on the regional and international scene.

President of the GRFU Peter Green stated that it is a good sign to see established

S

The victorious Number Five Primary School team

t Margaret’s Primary and Number Five Primary recorded victories when play in the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket continued on Thursday.

At the Racquet Centre Ground, St Ambrose won the toss and decided to take first strike. They were restricted to a moderate score of 1118 in their allotted 14 overs.

Mark Orfford showed resistance with 19.

In reply, St Margaret’s found themselves in some early trouble at 25-3 in the third over, before Shameer

Haynes and Michael Morgan came to the rescue, scoring an unbeaten 29 and 17 not out respectively.

They eventually reached 116-5 in eight overs.

In the other match played in the West Berbice District between Number Five Primary and Number Eight Primary – Number Eight Primary won the toss and sent Number Five Primary to bat first.

Number Five Primary compiled 93-4 from their quota of 14 overs, with Travis Layne hitting 26, which in-

Rising Sun rodeo billed for October 25 T

Peter Green (right) receives the trophies from Trophy Stall

entities such as Trophy Stall joining the rugby family.

Trophy Stall’s sponsorship will be in the form of trophies and medals for the upcoming

GRFU sevens tournament set to start on Sunday at the University of Guyana (UG) ground, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

cluded five fours, and Michael Jupiter contributing with 18 not out. Four bowlers for Number Eight Primary took a wicket each.

In reply Number Eight Primary could only muster 88-6 off their allotted 14 overs, with Alwin Pile making 24, while Roy Bethune chipped in with 18. Number Five Primary won by six runs.

Matches continue on Friday in the North Georgetown zone at the Racquet Centre Ground with St Agnes primary taking on Al-ghazali Islamic Academy.

Part of the action during last year’s event

he Rising Sun Turf Club will be holding its second annual Arima Park Rodeo at the Club’s facility at Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice, on October 25.

Over $3 million in prize money will be awarded to event winners. The Rodeo events on the card includes wild cow milking, calf roping, bareback bronco, bull riding, saddle bronco, and barrel racing.

Arima Park Rodeo is currently the largest and best rodeo event in Guyana. With events which is of an international standard, attracts local and international professional Vaqueros and fans alike from several countries throughout South America such as Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela, Peru, and Chile, as well as patrons from our very own Rupununi, in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

Sponsors include the Tourism, Ministry, the Guyana Tourism Authority, Banks DIH, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Ishan Bacchus Trucking, Shariff Racing Stables, and Metro Office Supplies.ckets to the event are $1500 each.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

Gentle, Klautky take Mohamed leads Wellwoman titles in Bakewell to win over Karibee Strikers N Junior Open Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend softball…

aggression and at 5-5, raced away to 10 points to win the set and title.

In the Girls Under-12, the promising Sarah Klautky made light work of newcomer Nathalie Ramdyhan in straight sets 4-1, 4-0 to cop the title.

The Boys Under-14 semifinal featured the top four seeds with Mark McDonald defeating Keenan Persaud 2-4, 5-3, (10-6) and Heimraj Resaul getting past top seed Jordan Beaton in straight sets 5-3, 5-4 (7-5).

The competition will continue today from 11:00h at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, with Joshua Kalekyezi playing Viraj Sharma in the Boys Under-12 finals; Afruica Gentle tackling Shivani Persaud in the

A

Afruica Gentle

fruica Gentle capitalised on her chance to cop the Bakewell Junior Open Girls Under-18 title when she defeated Aretta Dey in three sets recently at the President’s College tennis court facility, East Coast Demerara.

Gentle won 4-6, 6-1, (10-5) to lift the title.

The match initially featured long rallies, much to the advantage of Dey, who was consistent and effective despite her long absence from training and competition.

In the first set, the girls maintained a tie up to 4-4 when Dey broke Gentle and held serve to close out the set. Having lost the first set, Gentle showed no mercy and easily raced to win the sec-

Haseena Mohamed

20 overs (John Sumir 55, Anil Beharry 34, Wayne Jones 24, I Mohamed 23, Falim Mohamed 3-31, Mahendra Arjune 3-26, S Seeraj 2-32 ) Regal 199-8 off 17.4 overs (Randolph Baker 84*, Mahase Chunilall 53, Eon Abel 46, Richard Kellawan 4-20).

Trophy Stall Angels defeated Blue Divas by seven wickets. Blue Divas 100-9 off 10 overs (Olena Roberts 33, Nicola Leacock 3-32, Alicia Allen 2-18) Trophy Stall 1023 off 7.4 overs (June Ogle 37, Roxanne Demonik 24*).

4R Lioness defeated

Karibee Strikers by 51 runs.

4R Lioness 137-6 off 10 overs (Matanna Cambridge 53, Tamoka Wilson 44) Karibee Strikers 86 all out off nine overs (S Vanderstoop 18, Matanna Cambridge 3-12, Nafiza Mohamed 2-14).

In other results, Young Guns defeated Farm and Floodlights Legends defeated Parika Defenders. The competition will continue on Sunday with another round of matches.

At the Carifesta Sports Complex: On Pitch One at 09:30h – United Brothers versus Wolf’s Warriors; and at 12:30h – Regal versus Brickery Super Stars; on Pitch Two at 09:30h – Fishermen Masters versus Park Rangers; at 12:30h – Wellwoman versus Blue Divas; and at 13:30h – 4R Lioness versus Trophy Stall Angels; on Pitch Three at 09:30h – Regal versus Princess Hotel; and at 12:30h – Wolf’s Warriors versus Herstelling Raiders.

At the GNIC ground: On Pitch One at 09:30h – Regal Masters versus Floodlights Legends; and at 12:30h – Savage Masters versus Parika Defenders.

Bakewell/Nasir Memorial 5-Overs Cricket Cup…

Several teams announced T Sarah Klautky

ond set, dropping only one game.

In the deciding super tie-break, Gentle being the more experienced, was able to successfully counter Dey’s

Girls Under-14 final and McDonald facing Resaul in the Boys Under-18 final.

After the finals, the closing ceremony will take place at 16:30h.

Rain, spin devastate Windies in practice match

T

he West Indies have been plagued by the rains and spin bowling in their tour of Sri Lanka so far.

Play was only possible in the evening session of a three-day practice match, against a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI at the SSC in Colombo, but that was plenty of time for the team to collapse to the spin of Suraj Randiv.

Randiv, a former Sri Lanka Test spinner, ended the day with figures of three for 33.

Windies, winning the toss and batting first, reached a promising 78-1 before collapsing to Randiv’s off-spin to end the day at 127-6.

Fast bowler, Suranga Lakmal, named in the squad for the Test series, was also among the wickets, finishing with two for 10 off 11 overs.

Lakmal’s new ball partner Vishwa Fernando also

ational cricketer Haseena Mohamed was outstanding with bat and ball as she led Wellwoman to a 26-run win over Karibee Strikers in the Ladies segment of the inaugural Petama Enterprise/ Motor Trend softball cricket competition.

Mohamed scored 42 not out and then returned to captured two wickets as Wellwoman posted 147-4 and then skittled out Karibee Strikers for 121. Also recording victories were Regal Masters, Young Guns, 4R Lioness, Trophy Stall Angels and Floodlights Legends.

Below are the summarised scores from the games played in the latest round.

Wellwoman defeated Karibee Strikers by 26 runs.

Wellwoman 147-4 off 10 overs (Haseena Mohamed 42*, L Smith 29, Z Telford 26, J Vansertima 22, S Campbelle 2-7) Karibee Strikers 121 all out (S Campbelle 28, E Giddings 28, T Parks 23, L Smith 2-7, H Mohamed 2-17, A Bobb-Semple 2-21).

Regal Masters defeated Floodlights Masters by two wickets. Floodlights 195-9 off

Kraigg Brathwaite

bowled a tight line to restrict the West Indies batting, ending with one wicket for 21 off 10 overs.

Top scorer for West Indies was opener Kraigg Brathwaite with a patient 46 off 102 balls (6 fours).

West Indies had arrived in Sri Lanka on October 1,

and had largely been forced to practice indoors, thanks to almost daily showers in Colombo.

The first Test is set to be played in Galle before the teams return to Colombo to play the second Test at the P Sara Oval. (Digicel Sportsmax)

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTY&SC) Cricket Development Committee is currently making final arrangements for the inaugural Bakewell/Nasir Memorial five-over knock-out tournament, billed for Sunday at the Area “H” ground.

The event which is sponsored by Bakewell is being organised in memory of the founder and late Chief Executive Officer, Naeem Nasir, who died three years ago.

Secretary/CEO of the Club Hilbert Foster stated that the Club was honoured to be associated with promoting the memory of Nasir, since he was an outstanding friend and supporter of sports and youth development across Berbice.

The teams expected to participate are Rose Hall Town Bakewell A, Rose Hall Town Bakewell B, Young Warriors, West Berbice, Kennard’s Memorial, Police, Courtland, Tamarind Root, All Stars Youth of West Demerara, Canal Number One of West Demerara and Belvedere United.

The winning team is set to received $100,000 and the Nasir memorial trophy. The runner-up $40,000, while the losing semifinalists will collect $25,000 each.

Meanwhile, several teams have joined the RHTY&SC in declaring their squads for the tournament.

Young Warriors squad reads Hubern Evans, Mortimer Fraser, Kassim Khan, Ishwar Singh, Balram Samaroo, Rudolph Baker, K Mangal, Jermaine Henry, Ameer Khan, Alex Algoo, Shawn Sattaur, Rondel Phil

Hilbert Foster

Naeem Nasir

and Kevin Sinclair.

West Berbice squad read Raffiel Estriado, Steffon Adams, Andrew Dutchin, Rennison Mitchell, Carlston Nurse, Randell Babb, Grisean Grant, Jamal Alfred, Colin Grant, Lawrence Sears, Chris Ramnarine, Arthley Bailey and Keyron Fraser.

Kennard’s Memorial squad reads Ravi Bassoo, Thomas George, Devendra Sydney, Dellon Hinds, Azam Hussain, Andrew Persaud, Junior Blair, Kalden Pernaloo, Kandchand Ramnarine, Farouk Drepaul, Chunalall Mankarran, Ravi Singh, Darren Ramasar and Mankarran Singh.

Canal Number One squad reads: West Demerara – Elroy Fernandes, Michael Richardson, Mervin Chung, Jevon Hector, Shakeel Bristolport, Lennox Andrews, Quincy Grimmond, Colin Benn, Colin Benjamin, Papi Clydon, Keoma Livan, Anand Bharrat, Cleon Brummel, Sherwayne Mc Pherson and Akeem Morris.

Tamarind Root squad reads: Adrian Singh, Kunal Mangal, Altaf Mohamed,

Avinash Looknauth, Dilip Rangasammy, Ajai Rangasammy, Ranga Rangasammy, Kevin Madramootoo, Ravi Ramdass, Vijai Singh, Mahendra Ramdihal, Prem Deonarine and Ray Singh.

Police: squad reads: Philbert Wilburg, Collis Cort, Jamal Jerricks, Quacy Mickle, Martin Singh, R. Joe, Eon Shuttle, Javon Thomas, Carl Campbelle, Clintin Lindee and Don Farley.

All Youths Sport Club squad reads: Rickey Persaud, Anthony Carrington, Jadesh Persaud, George Carrington, Sanjay Persaud, Travis White, Randy Ramroop, Dwain Scott. Abif Haniff, Jetindra Sookoo, Totaram Bishun, S. Narain, Deokarran Khemraj and Bobb James, Manager - Neil Persaud.

Courtland squad reads: John Percival, Eon Gibson, Troy Matheison, Leroy Bristol, Keon Sinclair, Leroy Thomas, Michael Cummings, Jamal Cort, Wesley Crandon, Oliver Giddings, Delon Crandon, Michael Phillips, Joel Johnson and Dwayne Crandon.

sports

YELLOW PAGES saturday, october 10, 2015

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21

GABA launches official website

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Junior Andrew Hercules (second right) along with ST Designs Web Developer Shelroy Thomas and the Vice President of the GABA Adrian Cooper at the launching

T

he Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) on Friday officially launched its own website during a press conference at Starr Computers on Brickdam, Georgetown.

President of the GABA, Junior Andrew Hercules was optimistic that the site –www.gabagy.com – will help to bring awareness to the clubs in Georgetown as

well as the sport of basketball.

The site is expected to provide player profiling, team profiling, player stats, updates as well as live scores for games in the near future.

While stats for players have been limited to simply points and rebounds over the course of the last couple of years, Hercules highlighted that GABA will be

partnering with the Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC) and the coaching association to help eliminate such problems with a workshop as well as a few test runs before the start of 2016.

The site is expected to have 10 pages and will also provide spaces for sponsors to advertise on the site. (josepht@guyanatimesgy. com)

RHTY&SC cricket teams honour outstanding head teachers

T

he cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Tuesday honoured outstanding head teachers drawn from schools in the Lower Corentyne area as part of the club’s World Teacher’s Day programme.

The teams since 2008 had been honouring the head

level headed individuals.

He urged the educators to uphold the high standards they have set themselves and to work harder to develop the education sector, noting that education is very important in the career of a sportsman.

Foster disclosed that the RHTY&SC would continue

Jonas – Courtland/Gibraltar Primary School and Paul LaCruz of Lower Corentyne Secondary School.

LaCruz, speaking on behalf of his counterparts, expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC and its cricket teams for recognising the contribution of the hardworking head teachers. He

The head teachers pose with RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and other members of the club

teachers under the ANSA McAL Tribute to Teachers, in recognition of their contribution to the educational sector and for the roles they have played on shaping the character of RHTY&SC members.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster saluted the contribution of the head teacher and praised them for their discipline, commitment and hard work.

The long-serving cricket official noted that running the RHTY&SC and its membership has been made easier because of the work the teacher who during the course of their duties has moulded the cricketers into

to invest heavily into the sector and in the development of every one of its membership.

The Club Secretary/CEO also disclosed that the club would be increasing its assistance to school in 2016 with the main aim of making sure that every child fulfils his/ her educational potential.

Those honoured by the club were Minerva Rodney – Rose Hall Town Nursery, Tayola Them – Port Mournant Nursery, Shaundelle Bourne – JC Chandisingh Secondary School, Sharon Durant – Tain Primary School, Somwaru Hussain – Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, Hirallal Goberdhan and Ray

reassured the gathering that the teachers would remain committed and would be positive role models to every one of their students.

The teams, who organised the programme, were the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Bakewell Under-17 and Second division, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

Special gratitude was extended to Beverly Harper and the management of Ansa McAl Trading for their sponsorship of the programme. Each of the teachers received an Ansa McAl hamper and a special gift.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, october 10, 2015

BCB officials pay Hetymer aims to strengthen courtesy call on 1st-class career Minister Henry

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Ronsford Beaton, Keon Joseph, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh, Javon Searles and Kandasammy Surujnarine.

However, with the new franchise system, those contracted players are not automatic selection.

Players commitment, attitude, fitness and of course performance, will determine the final squad.

However, apart from those contracted players, other players who have reached the selector’s criteria are also eligible for selection under the ‘Pay for Play’ criteria.

Meanwhile, the squad for the first round of the second edition of the League, which commences on November 6, will be selected after the two fourday practice games.

The first practice game is confirmed for October 12-15 at the Georgetown Cricket Club, while game two is scheduled for October 26-29 at a venue to be decided.

The second edition of the PCL begins on November 6. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

By Rajiv Bisnauth

O

S

Minister Nicolette Henry with Berbice cricket officials Hilbert Foster and Anil Beharry

enior Berbice cricket official Anil Beharry joined a delegation of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) in paying a courtesy call on Minister within the Education Ministry with responsibilities for sport, Nicolette Henry, at her Main Street Georgetown Office.

Beharry and Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, discussed with the Minister areas of cooperation to lift the standard of the game in the Ancient County.

Beharry informed the Minister of the work of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) over the years, its present activities and plans for the future.

The former Berbice Inter-county all-rounder discussed avenues of assistance from the Government of Guyana for the hosting of the 2016 edition of the BCB Independence Cup, a joint project it hosts with the Berbice Chamber of Commerce.

The BCB intends to make the tournament a memorable one in 2016, as it would be one of the main activities in Berbice for the historic 50th Independence anniversary.

Foster sought the cooperation of the Minister to assist less fortunate clubs in Berbice with cricket gear, especially cricket balls.

Foster informed the attentive Minister that apart from a handful of clubs, most others struggle to survive and this is affecting

their ability to properly prepare youths to fulfil their potential. Minister Henry expressed her interest in the project, stating that she likes the idea of assisting clubs in Berbice.

Among clubs that would benefit if the project comes through are Berbice River, Whim, Kildonan, Courtland, Rose Hall Canje, Mount Sanai, Kennard Memorial and Fyrish. Other areas of possible cooperation were also discussed, including support for a threeday cricket tournament in Berbice.

Foster stated that despite resigning from the BCB for personal reasons, he remains committed to the development of Berbice cricket and is quite passionate about assisting other clubs to develop.

pening batsman Shimron Hetmyer is considered one of the country’s brightest prospects, and with his place almost certain in the Guyana Jaguars squad, the left-hander is aiming to build a solid senior career, as he embarks on a crucial phase of his life as one of the promising cricketers of the region.

The 18-year-old who has ambitions of representing the West Indies in all formats at the senior level, has already appeared in four First-Class matches, but with little success.

He has managed 104 runs at an average of 14.85 with a highest score of 47.

However, the talented batsman is looking to build on those numbers once he gains the attention of the senior selectors for next month’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Four-day tournament.

The West Indies Under-19 player, however, told Guyana Times Sport on Friday that he was more focused and in better shape to strengthen his

Shimron Hetymer

First-Class career.

“I am determined to make it count.. If I make the final squad, I want to grab this opportunity with both hands; I just want to score runs and be as consistent as possible. I certainly want to improve on my record at the FirstClass level,” he revealed.

Hetymer is among the 15 contracted players signed by Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI).

The others are Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo,

Courts Pee Wee Football…

Action in Round 2 to kick off today

By Treiston Joseph

G

uyana’s best pee wee football tournament will continue today when action in the Courts Pee Wee Football Tournament continues from 10:00h at the Banks DIH Thirst Park ground.

Defending champions, Stella Maris Primary will be back in action taking on Enterprise Primary in the sixth game of the day.

After a one-nil win against St Gabriel’s Primary in their opening match on October 3, Stella Maris will have their hands full when they take on Enterprise Primary School which was

10/10/2015

impressive in their opening match, scoring seven goals against Winfer Gardens Primary.

South Ruimveldt Primary and West Ruimveldt Primary will meet in a game that might be very exciting with a lot of goals, since both teams opened their campaign with four-nil wins in their respective matches on October 3.

North Georgetown also had an impressive outing with a four-nil win in their opening match will go against St Pius Primary which had an easy walkover win when the tournament started.

Tucville Primary won

Round 2

10:00 hrs

St Sidwells

their opening encounter and will play against a School of the Nations side that seemed very organised in a 1-1 draw with Sophia Primary.

St Margaret’s Primary had a two-nil win against East La Penitence and will battle Comenius Primary School in a game that might be a walk over for the experienced Camp Street side.

Marian Academy lost their first encounter but seemed strategically sound will face St Agnes Primary in a game that’s should favour the private institution.

The full schedule of today’s matches is as follows:

Thirst Park v/s

Match #

Rama Krishna Primary

13

10:00 hrs

St. Stephens Primary

v/s

J.E Burnham Primary

14

10:45 hrs

St Angeles Primary

v/s

Sophia Primary

15

10:45 hrs

F.E Pollard Primary

v/s

Smith Memorial

16

11:30 hrs

Marian Academy

v/s

St Agnes Primary

17

11:30 hrs

Enterprise Primary

v/s

Stella Marris Primary

18

12:15 hrs

St. Gabriels

v/s

Winfer Garden Primary

19

12:15 hrs

Comenius Primary

v/s

St. Margarets Primary

20

13:00 hrs

East Lapentance Primary

v/s

St. Ambrose Primary

21

13:00 hrs

School of the Nations

v/s

Tucville Primary

22

13:45 hrs

South Ruimveldt Primary

v/s

West RVDLT Primary

23

13:45 hrs

North G / T Primary

v/s

St. Pius Primary

24

saturday, october 10, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Hand-in-Hand cycling at National Park today W

ith the cycling season drawing to a close, Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company has renewed its commitment to the annual 11-race programme, slated for today at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The 11th staging of the event will commence at 09:00h with the BMX age group races and conclude around 13:00h with the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race.

With the Kadir memorial ‘ounce of gold’ road race set for Sunday and the Tour of Guyana Five-

Stage billed for monthend, local riders would no doubt use today’s programme to gauge their state of readiness for the two mega events.

Last year’s main race in the Hand-in-Hand programme was won by Team Gillette Evolution’s Orville Hinds, who, incidentally, is the country’s leading cyclist in 2015.

However, he will be hard-pressed to maintain a hold on the trophy, as several seasoned riders have already started returning to the local circuit to get in shape for the upcoming Tour of Guyana.

North Georgetown InterSchools Championships…

Winfer Gardens Primary dominate track events

By Treiston Joseph

M

uch like their domination on the field events on Thursday, Winfer Gardens Primary School ruled the roost when the dust settled at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, in track action on Friday.

Winfer Gardens amassed 51 points to comfortably win the track championship and thus, the overall title. North Georgetown Primary finished second on 40 points while St Angela’s and St Margaret’s tied for third on 34 points. Finishing in fifth was St Agnes Primary School with 26 points.

Jada Shepherd was the standout athlete on the track in the girl’s under-12 category running for Winfer Gardens as she won a sprint triple in the 100, 200 and 400 metres.

Wesley Tindle who was a standout in the field events on Thursday, showed some versatility on the track by

winning the boy’s under-12 100 metres while finishing second in the 200 metres.

In under-8 action Althaleyha Hinckson of Winfer Gardens who won the cricket ball throw and the long jump one day ago, ran away with the girl’s 80, 150 and 400 metres.

Sherwin Griffith while not winning an event was consistent by finishing second in the boy’s under-8 80, 150 and 400 metres.

In the under-10 category, Jayna Hopkinson of Winfer Gardens won the female 100 and 200 metres while Malachi Austin of St Agnes displayed his sprinting power with wins in the boy’s 100 and 200 metres as well.

Meanwhile, as action in the primary school division has come to an end, the secondary school division will be the talk-of-the-town come next week when the schools in zone one take the track at the Eve Leary ground from 10:00h. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Flashback! In 2014, the beneficiaries of brand new BMX bicycles were (from left) Jeremiah Harrison, Nicholas D’Andrade and Esau Jaisingh

Among them is Alanzo Greaves of the USA-based Team Mengoni, while the likes of Geron Williams and Raynauth Jeffrey are expected to link up with local riders soon. Hinds had clocked one hour, 16 minutes, 35.93 seconds to win the race last year.

Other winners included Stephano Husbands in the Juveniles, Junior Niles in the Veterans Under-50, Damien Sookdeo in the Mountain Bikes, and Rakheem Blair in the 1214 Boys and Girls.

Apart from exclusively sponsoring the race, Hand-in-Hand Insurance will continue with its tradition of distributing three brand new bicycles and helmets to three promising young riders.

In 2014, the beneficiaries were Esau Jaisingh, Jeremiah Harrison and Nicholas D’Andrade. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy. com)

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

SATURday, october 10, 2015

Hetymer aims to strengthen 1st-class career

Pg 22

Shimron Hetymer aiming to build a solid senior career

Rising Sun Rodeo billed for October 25

Pg 19

Bull Riding will be among the events planned

Courts Pee Wee Football…

Action in Round 2 to kick off today

Part of the action in the opening round on October 3 at the Banks DIH ground

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Pg 22